# Things to Watch (YouTube Channels & etc) to Keep Your Mind... Off Things (Whatever) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 6, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808 "2024-11-06T19:37:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/1 "2024-11-06T19:37:40Z")
Springing off a comment from [This Thread in the Pit, the Title of Which I Have Intentionally Redacted Precisely to Avoid Thinking About the Issue, and It Could Just as Well Be Any Thread About a Current Event Taking Over the News Cycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-trump-and-his-followers/1009749/111): > [@](#): > > GAHHH trying to avoid all current event media right now (other than the SDMB) and I turn my TV to the streaming channels on my Firestick to watch something completely… […unrelated to current events] (that is of course my redacted paraphrase of @solost’s comments after the ellipses. In the past, when I’ve wanted something to watch to take my mind off… whatever is all over the media (social or otherwise) at a given moment, and especially when I can’t handle even the superficial or farcical resemblance to our current world found in popular streaming shows (like, I don’t think I could even handle season 3 of _The Righteous Gemstones_ right now), I have found these YouTube channels to be helpful: > **[University of California Television (UCTV)](https://www.youtube.com/@uctv)** > > University of California Television (UCTV) showcases the latest health and science research and groundbreaking discoveries of the nation's premier research university. Our programs inform, educate and enrich the lives of people around the... ^They cover a range of health and science topics, but I particularly like the videos on their [human origins playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_Hq0YYNGI&list=PL1B24EADC01219B23&pp=iAQB). > **[The Royal Institution](https://www.youtube.com/@TheRoyalInstitution)** > > Explosive short films, full length talks from the world’s leading scientists and writers, and videos to challenge the way you look at the world. > > The Royal Institution is a 200 year old independent charity creating opportunities for the public and... ^Lots of physics/biology/medicine/chemistry/etc-related videos. > **[YaleCourses](https://www.youtube.com/@YaleCourses)** > > Yale's philosophy of teaching and learning begins with the aim of training a broadly based, highly disciplined intellect without specifying in advance how that intellect will be used. The Yale Courses channel provides entry into the core of the... ^It is exactly what it says it is: videos of complete courses… from Yale. Some of them might be a bit too close to home for comfort, but the course titles are descriptive enough you should be able to avoid anything too relevant to… whatever it is you want to avoid thinking about. I’d be interested to see other people’s ideas, now and in the future, but carefully keeping the comments focused to the suggested streaming content, not… whatever current event happens to have provoked the media-holiday (this is posted in Cafe Society for a reason). ---
**Author:** ![Push\_You\_Down](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/push_you_down/32/9095_2.png) [@Push\_You\_Down](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Push_You_Down)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/2 "2024-11-06T20:30:48Z")
I spent a lot of last night watching episodes of Bluey and old Muppel Shows. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/3 "2024-11-06T20:33:13Z")
There are (at least) two YouTube channels that just have 24/7 live streams of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 going. I was taking advantage of them to keep my nose off the news sites. I’d link but it’s a pain on my phone and they should be easy to search for. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/4 "2024-11-06T20:36:37Z")
I second Bluey. It’s a kids show but also for adults. 8min episodes. Extremely well-made and thoughtful. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/5 "2024-11-06T21:41:38Z")
_MST3K_ is also on Pluto TV, streaming for free (with ads). I’ve been watching a lot of cozy mysteries on TubiTV (also free with ads). If you need a laught the Candian comic institution _Corner Gas_ is on Freevee, Amazon’s free streaming service. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/6 "2024-11-06T21:59:56Z")
A third for Bluey, some of the topics they cover are very heavy indeed. Example: “Mom, why doesn’t Aunt Trixie have any children?” ---
**Author:** ![Hoops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoops/32/6408_2.png) [@Hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoops)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/7 "2024-11-06T22:00:40Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/G9A8PFlqM4U/hqdefault.jpg "Hanging bats filmed upside-down look like a Goth nightclub") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9A8PFlqM4U) What this really is: black and white footage of bats hanging upside down from a ceiling grate, swaying and jostling in the breeze. What the video is: the camera footage has been turned upside down so it looks like the bats are standing upright and moving rhythmically, while goth music plays in the background. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/8 "2024-11-06T22:09:47Z")
Their water/food bowls also look like lamps or little nightclub tables. ---
**Author:** ![cieskokid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cieskokid/32/5374_2.png) [@cieskokid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cieskokid)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/9 "2024-11-06T22:19:44Z")
Episodes of “Community”, the great ensemble w/Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Allison Brie, et al. 🤓 ☮ > **[Community](https://www.youtube.com/@CommunityOfficialChannel)** > > All seasons streaming on @Peacock. > > Welcome to the official Community YouTube Channel! Enjoy popular clips from the series, the funniest moments, pranks and fails. > > Think we should feature your favorite episode? Let us know in the comments! > > Watch... ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/10 "2024-11-06T22:55:16Z")
I watched **Endurance** on Disney+ last night. Part documentary on the infamous expedition and part documentary on the search for the ship. On YouTube I watch a bunch of board game playthroughs mostly **Gaming Rules!** lately but there are several I watch on occasion. Brian ---
**Author:** ![superwombat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superwombat/32/16616_2.png) [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/11 "2024-11-06T23:12:28Z")
I enjoy our very own @Mangetout’s channel, especially the walks and slow TV. Gentle positivity and great for a relaxing detox. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/pWFp3McT1Bc/maxresdefault.jpg "The Daymark - Another Coastal Walk in Devon") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWFp3McT1Bc) ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/12 "2024-11-06T23:24:12Z")
The missus and I have become addicted to Max Miller’s Tasting History channel on YouTube. He meticulously researches historical recipes and recreates them, and includes all sorts of facts related to those recipes. We recently picked up his recipe book, and it’s gotten us into making mead. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/13 "2024-11-07T00:05:21Z")
> [@superwombat](#): > > I enjoy our very own @Mangetout’s channel Thank you. Very kind 😃 > [@Lightnin](#): > > Max Miller’s Tasting History channel He’s such a lovely guy and so meticulous. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/14 "2024-11-07T08:11:34Z")
Here are a few of my favourite YouTube channels - specifically, the kind that make you feel better: [Florian Gadsby](https://www.youtube.com/@floriangadsby) - Ostensibly just a guy making pottery, but he has such a chill and mindful approach to it, and to his video production, that each episode feels really meditative. [James Hoffman](https://www.youtube.com/@jameshoffmann) - Weird Coffee Person (in his own words) - award-winning barista, explores the world of coffee with calm, understated wit. [LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER](https://www.youtube.com/@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER) - Madcap tinkering with analogue musical, telephony and audiovisual equipment. [Mudlarking with Kit and Caboodlers](https://www.youtube.com/c/MudlarkingWithKitCaboodlers) - A mother and daughter duo, scratching around on beaches and in the woods, looking for treasures that were once trash. In particular, their endless excitement and joy over some of their finds, can really rub off and change your mood. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/15 "2024-11-07T10:17:11Z")
If you like soccer, you’ll be interested in the award-winning\* documentary series about Ryan Reynolds and Rob Macklehenney buying Wrexham football club. There are 3 current series and another one in production. It has humour from our famous stars, action clips, clear explanations of the promotion and relegation system in the English football League, interviews with supporters, club staff and locals. available on FX or Disney+ [Welcome to Wrexham | Disney+](https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-db296d85-fe97-4a1d-8dd1-4db698aa533f) - 8 Emmy awards so far 😀 ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/16 "2024-11-07T11:33:03Z")
[All episodes of _Taskmaster_](https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster) are free to watch on YouTube. There are few things more distracting than very funny British comedians performing very silly tasks. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/17 "2024-11-07T12:23:33Z")
[Steve1989MREInfo](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2I6Et1JkidnnbWgJFiMeHA) He of cast iron stomach and “Nice hiss”. Reviews military rations/MREs from around the world and decades back, even [a piece of hardtack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga5JrN9DrVI) from the Civil War. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/18 "2024-11-08T10:45:51Z")
I like [Let’s Game It Out](https://www.youtube.com/@LetsGameItOut). The host does “Let’s Plays” of various computer games, with the twist that he does so in the most absurd, inefficient and gamebreaking way he can while making amusing commentary. I got into his channel when someone on another forum posted one of his videos on the game _Satisfactory_ (his “conveyor-belt tornado” is actually one of the images used on its Steam storefront). ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/19 "2024-11-08T10:58:24Z")
Well - first I need to figure out to set up a firestick lol. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808/20 "2024-11-08T12:12:11Z")
Ocean Conservation Namibia You will NOT be disappointed. Saving seals from netting wrapped round them. On a huge beach filled with hundreds/thousands of seals. It’s an amazing thing to watch. Much more athletic than most sports. It’s a wild ride, check it out. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808.md?page=2)