YouTube Channels Steph Follows
I’ve always believed that YouTube is one of the most underrated resources for continuous learning and inspiration. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge where you can deep-dive into niche subjects or just enjoy a brilliant bit of storytelling. Here are a few of my favourite channels that keep me curious, entertained, and often enlightened – across neuroscience, innovation, marketing, and beyond.
- Veritasium
Host: Derek Muller
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Why I Love It: Derek Muller does a fabulous job of making science engaging and approachable. His channel is a playground for the intellectually curious, offering a mix of physics, psychology, and fascinating real-world phenomena. I particularly enjoy his episodes that challenge our understanding of everyday concepts – they’re like a mental workout with a side of wonder.
- The Future of Storytelling
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Why I Love It: This channel explores how storytelling is evolving in the digital age. It’s a goldmine for anyone in marketing or brand strategy, offering insights into how to connect with audiences in innovative ways. I find it particularly valuable when thinking about how to craft narratives that resonate across different platforms.
- Big Think
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Why I Love It: Big Think brings together some of the most brilliant minds across fields, from neuroscience to economics to philosophy. The short, sharp videos are perfect for a quick dose of insight or when you need some brain food on the go. It’s like TED Talks but with a bit more bite.
- Impact Theory
Host: Tom Bilyeu
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Why I Love It: Tom Bilyeu has a knack for drawing out the essence of his guests’ expertise, from business titans to health gurus. The conversations are always raw, real, and often challenge conventional thinking. I turn to this channel whenever I’m looking for motivation or need a reminder of the power of mindset in driving success.
- CrashCourse
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Why I Love It: CrashCourse offers fantastic overviews of complex subjects, from world history to artificial intelligence, in a way that’s both comprehensive and digestible. If you’re looking to understand a topic quickly or need a refresh, this is the place to start. It’s the digital equivalent of a really great introductory book.
- BrainCraft
Host: Vanessa Hill
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Why I Love It: Vanessa Hill’s BrainCraft dives into psychology and neuroscience, exploring everything from the quirks of human behaviour to the intricacies of the mind. Her videos are clever, often playful, and always backed by science. It’s the perfect channel for anyone fascinated by what makes us tick.
- The RSA
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Why I Love It: The RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) channel offers some of the most thought-provoking discussions on innovation, societal change, and future trends. Their famous ‘RSA Animate’ series is brilliant for turning complex topics into something visually and intellectually stimulating.
- Nerdwriter1
Host: Evan Puschak
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Why I Love It: Nerdwriter1 dissects pop culture, art, and politics with an analytical eye and an artist’s touch. It’s like reading a really great essay that makes you see familiar things in a new light. The videos are always engaging and make for great conversation starters.
- A Life of Productivity
Host: Chris Bailey
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Why I Love It: Chris Bailey’s channel dives deep into productivity, offering insights that are backed by science and peppered with personal experiments. It’s ideal for anyone looking to work smarter, not harder, and makes the concept of productivity feel less rigid and more human.
- Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
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Why I Love It: This channel is perfect for when you want a complex concept explained in a visually stunning, easy-to-digest format. From space exploration to existential risks, Kurzgesagt covers it all with creativity and clarity. It’s the kind of content that makes you feel smarter, one animated video at a time.
These channels are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re the ones that keep me coming back, whether I’m looking for inspiration, a new perspective, or just a bit of escapism with a side of learning.