7 YouTube channels to watch to broaden your horizons

If you're hungry for knowledge, nuance, and discourse, try watching these YouTubers

Kidology

Dear hopeful reader,

I used to think being surrounded by like-minded people and points of views was a positive thing. Coming together for the same purpose engendered a sense of belonging and validation.

But as a consequence, being exposed to different perspectives made me more intolerant and closed off. I also felt that if I had a thought that deviated slightly or I knew something else about a certain fact I couldn’t express it openly. All because I witnessed people being intolerant towards others for expressing a differing thought, who only wanted to have a sincere discourse. Regrettably, I was one of those people being intolerant once!

I eventually broke away from the collective mindset. There’s no discussion to be had anyways in 280 characters on Twitter. Words always get misinterpreted and people aren’t seen as people through the screen, online. I began challenging my own worldview, opening myself up to information, knowledge, and viewpoints that went against the grain, that communities resonated with in the real world, not what was popular on TikTok.

One of the ways I challenged myself was watching insightful videos done by thoughtful individuals from all kinds of backgrounds. I learned to respect others’ perspectives even when I didn’t necessarily agree with them. I learned to be more introspective and see two sides of the coin, a virtue I held dear before social media was more prevalent in our lives. I started thinking critically and for myself and appreciating learning about new facts, insight, and experiences.

So today I’m sharing a few of my favorite YouTube creators to broaden your horizons. You don’t have to agree with what they share; they actually welcome diverse opinions by others in their comments section. At the very least, they’ll make you think.

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#1: Film Courage

Film Courage is a channel sharing insight and experiences by professionals in the film industry. New videos are shared daily. Talking points range from creating an audience-focused story to writing a screenplay within a week to raising money for your film. The interviews are candid, real, and compelling.

#2: SWOOP

Spankie Valentine makes thoughtful, informative documentaries and films. She does thorough research and puts in a lot of love and hard work into her videos. I especially appreciate her take on the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial. SWOOP did her utmost to be as diligent and objective as possible during this series.

#3: Pierre XO

Pierre Tran does social commentary on psychology, identity, and social media. A versatile artist, he also makes dark wave music, satire films, and courses to help aspiring creators. His dystopic, cyberpunk series “FLiPTOPIA” delves into the impact of the wild world web in a hilarious, witty, lively manner.

#4: Abbey Sharp

Thanks to Abbey Sharp I learned how to eat more intuitively. I love her educational, playful reactions on on what each celebrity eats in a day. She also recommends what can be added to each dish, instead of taken away, for a balanced meal. She takes into consideration accessibility and time management in her recommendations.

#5: Actual Justice Warrior

On his channel, Sean Fitzgerald discusses inconvenient truths that multinational news channels overlook or skew the facts. Topics include current public education and criminal justice failings in the US. He backs his arguments with logic, evidence, and statistics.

#6: Kidology

Zandile shares analytical video essays about humans being nuanced, complex, and layered. Sometimes she speaks about her personal experiences. She wants to understand people, and inspires that openness and curiosity in others. Watching her is like having a thought-provoking conversation with a friend.

#7: Russell Brand

Russell Brand, an actor and comedian turned activist and thinker, explores world stories that often go untold or retold in the mainstream. Russell inspires others to ask questions, think freely, and connect with ourselves, others, and our higher consciousness. His delivery is lighthearted, dynamic, empathetic, and genuine.

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Being one with a community has its positivities. There can be support, healing, empowerment, and unity—that’s beautiful. But a community devoid of open-mindedness, compassion, inquisitiveness and acceptance can be a toxic space for one’s individuality, and ultimately for us all. Be free and yourself.

Do you have any beloved stimulating YouTube channels you watch? How do they challenge your mindset?

Yours hopefully,

Nadia

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