This is a bit of a random frivolous post but as I’ve heard from one or two others, “random” YouTube channels have been a bit of a comfort or relief during the more intense moments during the rolling lockdowns that have been necessary during the last few months.

I’m amazed at how some have managed to continue to create content during these tricky times and others have understandably been a bit quiet while (I hope and assume) the content creators focus on more important things in life than indulging strangers.

Channels where I watch Everything

Audiology Associates UK – This is one of the few channels that I watch every video posted. It’s a channel from a practice in South Wales; an area I am quite fond of between work and Motorcycling – Off Road Skills have been based there for years and are a group of thoroughly good people. And yes, it’s a bit of an indulgence being that it is almost entirely videos of ear wax removal (which raises an ewww yuck from Mrs L).

Matt’s Off Road Recovery – This is a video channel of a family Off Road Recovery business based in Southern Utah. Like Audiology Associates I watch every video they post from the engineering work on their new recovery truck (an old corvair) to a lot of tourists and Razer drivers stuck in various types of sand or sometimes snow. Although we get a decent amount of snow in the UK and Scotland we don’t have snow apart from on a few beaches – certainly no desert conditions. As with most of the other channels I like, Matt and the rest of the team are informal and down to earth but are continually problem solving in their specialist area. It’s got quite a charm and in a way reminded me of the ensemble cast in an American Sit Com – it doesn’t play for laughs but holds together really well around Matt.

Regular Watches

These are channels where I watch regularly but perhaps not everything. For instance the depth of material or length may need more attention or focus, meaning that I can’t multitask or my attention span needs to be longer.

Bjørn Nyland – Bjørn is a “YouTuber” from Norway who has a channel that focusses on Electric Vehicles but isn’t afraid of straying on to sustainable transportation and basically following his curiosity. He is very productive so I dip in from time to time to see what he has reviewed (he and Norway seem to get every new EV going) and to see how Volkswagen are doing against the other manufacturers and whether it is time for me to commit to an EV. He is very methodical which means his content can be quite detailed which is a good thing.

Misha Charoudin – Misha used to work at Rimac Automobili and followed his passion to work at apex nürburg doing a bunch of “stuff”. With the owner at apex he delivers a spectrum of content around the Nordschleife and I particularly like the mix of material which is delivered in an open and informal way. I particularly like the way that they share the basics of running a rental and experience business and how they balance operations with giving a good experience for customers.

The Hoof GP – A chap based in Dumfries and Galloway that trims cow hooves and does his bit to share cattle husbandry. A compelling watch like the ear wax removal videos – and another cheerful but serious presentation style.

Corridor Crew – A production crew based out of California, I particularly like their Stuntmen React videos. This is quite unusual for me as I generally don’t like the reaction format but they manage to balance the dynamic and more importantly get practitioners that are eloquent and passionate about their profession. The amount of effort and work involved in “entertainment” is amazing. Their content has a great amount of depth and I dip in to this when I have the mental bandwidth.

Occasional Watches

These are channels I subscribe to and check regularly but don’t necessarily watch everything.

Robert Mitchell – Robert is the owner at “Apex” and although I don’t watch his material as much as Misha above, for completeness include it here.

James Hoffman – If you like or are interested in Coffee then subscribe to James Hoffman. In a way my viewing habits are a victim of James’ success. The coffee brewer, grinder and anti-static grinding “hack” I use almost every day are straight from his videos. Unfortunately now that I have a process that works for me and with coffee from a local, Scottish roaster I find myself watching less as it is all working!

I don’t subscribe but…

Artisan Electrics – I stumbled across this because it featured a number of installs of electric charging. As well as the EV Charging posts I really enjoy the problem solving videos which show the benefit of having a sound methodology.

Bigclivedotcom – what’s there not to like about a channel featuring a Scottish Chap with a goatie beard ? This is a highly detailed and educational channel about electronics, which generally involves pulling cheap electronics apart and uncovering the odd horror or pleasant surprise. Oh and trimming tips with funnels.

post 10 – not a lot to say about this channel but it includes a number of fascinating videos of drains being cleared of leaves and other debris with a rake. Strangely compelling at times.