I’d be more than happy to take over as Little Joel for a day or two to give you time to be Big Joel.

So wholesome how much Little Joel wants his cousin Big Joel to succeed. Hope he can one day surpass the hour long Click review, unquestionably the best video he's ever made.

It's ok joel you don't have to worry. I will never change, i will always be the same mediocre person forever and ever

Since Little Joel was born, I have been accepted to and begun medical school. This is 100% a case of correlation = causation

All jokes aside, I'm really sorry not that many people saw Fear of Death because it really is one of the best things I've ever watched on youtube!

I always felt like there was an energy in your videos that other channels don't have and I think it's truly because you've always given yourself space to just be free and not confine yourself to a specific format or video quality. If you're doing this because you want to, that's awesome, but I also admire that you've kind of just been a little gremlin that posts whatever he likes whenever he damn well pleases.

You're absolutely right that fear of death is your best video and its really one of a kind amongst video essayists in general. Nobody else on KZfaq experiments with the format of their essays quite like that its soooo good. Every part works together in such an interesting way that it feels almost like a poem you have to dissect over multiple viewings. Genius shit man, if your new stuff is gonna be like that it doesn't matter how long it takes between uploads

I absolutely loved "fear of death". The presentation, animations, the way the story was crafted, it was all so great. Every piece of the video fit together so well. If that's the style of video you plan to put out more of, I 100% will watch every single minute of it. My second favorite video is the one with the pixar fetuses and you zoom in and go "Mama no, please" that one gets me every time. Anyway, I mainline your videos. My fiance will often remark "you love this sweaty bearded man", because when she looks at my computer screen, 60% of the time it's just you talking lol

I dig the production value you have. You somehow elevate "sat in room with mic" into an art form. Its part of the brand. I like how you'll mess around with different rooms, angles and such. It just highlights that the writing is the key part. That's what gets the most effort and is your strongest feature.

Ive always loved the big joel production style. Its unique to you and not distracting or unprofessional. Just my two cents.

"Fear of Death" is an incredible and impactful piece of yours. I put off watching it for longer than I usually do since, as you said, it is heavy; it's not "fun," and usually that's what I'm looking for here. I like hearing your thoughts behind this and the shift in what you're making -- excited for those next four videos

he grunkled.

I just want to say that I was profoundly moved by “Fear of Death” and if that is the direction you want to take your channel then oh boy am I here for it!

"fear of death" punched me in the heart, and i felt it (no cap) on the other hand, each little joel video feels like a cheerful pinch on the cheek i secretly hope for the new joel format to slap me on my ass

Fear of death brought me to tears, and I’m not an extremely emotional person by any means. The feelings just kind of snuck up on me, and once I realized the connection between everything you were discussing, it just hit hard. Very excited for your new content but just know that your art means something. I love fun too though!!!

"Don't be a human being whose thoughts change over time and who occasionally takes breaks because they get sick or go on vacations. Just make the exact same video as last time, but make it better, and have it done in 2-7 days." -KZfaq Algorithm Go for it Joel. People love seeing other people do new stuff they're happy and excited about. I'm sure there's viewers for anything you want to make, hopefully KZfaq will put the videos on their home page.

Fear if Death is an amazing video, it shows that a video essay can be infused with poetry. Far closer to a short film than video essay. I am thankful for your desire to create.

I honestly like your more simple production style, especially when it comes to you making the best essays you can

John Green has also announced that he's dropping his commitment to weekly uploads. The world is changing.

I'm really glad to hear you say that Fear of Death is your best video yet. I've rewatched it a dozen times. Can't seem to get it out of my head. It feels profound in a way that very, very few pieces of media have made me feel. I guess I was worried for some reason that "low number" would make you feel like it was of lower quality. It's my favorite thing I've ever seen of yours.

As a lot of video essayists or whatever you want to call them have adopted an increasingly overproduced and distracting style, I appreciate the simplicity and humour of your videos. Of course I'm sure that what you go on to make will be great but I'm just saying, your video editing style is great as it is.

I, for one, thought this would be an update video on Jesus Christ. I'm sure whatever you're planning is filled with passion, creativity, and insight; that's more than enough for me Joelarino. Also what's Jesus up to?

Years from now, I'll look up toward the sky and spot a little guy being suspended from a helicopter, flying toward an ever-moving horizon. Someone will ask me who it is, and I'll say, "There goes the greatest goddamn KZfaqr to who ever lived."

You are my rock joel, my rock that is now shifting and changing

Yesterday I got halfway through Tom's video and got called away, then forgot to get back to it so it was shocking when you open the video explaining he gets grunkled onto some rope via helicopter (yes of course i paused right there and finished his vid out) I'm always up for whatever you're putting down Mr. Joel. Have loved your deeply thoughtful essays and relaxed video making from day one and looking forward to you trying whatever feels right next.

I fully support your decision to embrace your change and growth as a creator, but you also have an incredible responsibility as both a light house owner and operator and I hope your new commitments never detract from that important work. Lighthouses save lives.

Fear of death was great man, keep following your instincts and make what you want. Were here for you

Joel your videos have legitimate value to so many people. You've personally helped me out of a Shapiro-esque pipeline. Hasan and hbomberguy were also instrumental. The point is I think you're great. We all think you're great. Thank you for what you do!

The essay-writing seems like the central value. On the other hand, production values make the moneys. It’s good you openly acknowledge the priorities behind the shift.

i loved Fear of Death, i think you're taking the channel in very interesting directions and i'm super pumped to see what you make next

fear of death will stick with me much longer then Tom Scott helicopter stunt. hes just a little guy hanging there he has nothing on you dying

I really liked the filming for your Disney video where you kept relocating.

Watching your content evolve and see you do all these little things has been inspiring to see and your video about the fear of death was exceptionally well done. Love ya lil dude man

i really liked your Fear of Death video. i know it's not fun but sometimes we need those kinds of contemplative videos, even if they don't perform as well metrics wise. regardless i'm always excited to see what you do next and I know it will be great

I feel like high production value is a boon for people who are passionate for that kind production value... if that is not your thing, focus on the thing you're passionate about, the narrative of the video and the script. That's what people are coming for in the first place. Remember that HBomberguy is famous for going insanely out of his way to put way more work into a video than he intends to, and he still keeps the production value VERY low because that's not his focus. If doing things like going on location is not important to the core of what you want to make, you don't need to do it just because youtubers you admire do it. I'm sure you already have thought about stuff like that but I just want to back that up as a viewer. I watch your videos because of what you say during them.

Don't let this distract you from the fact that we still don't know the whereabouts of Medium Joel

I really liked your fear of death video it made me want to restart an incrementing exercise habit.

Lol when you mentioned your last big joel video I rembered I started it and had to go do something. Thanks for reminding me

Tom Scott's video's comment section has more KZfaqrs than ANY KZfaq rewind could do. It has been awesome to see this take place. Good luck with 2024, good to see so much change coming to KZfaq!

Hey joel I didn't watch that fear of death video because my fear of death makes me stop anything I'm doing and just shake in place and so I decided that even though I want to watch it it's not worth the crippling panic attack

I clicked over to the Fear of Death video since I hadn't checked it out yet -- It was beautiful. Thank you.

Now MatPat is leaving too. Crazy stuff.

idk i think the little animation stuff you do is really great. love that stuff.

Tom quitting is hitting me almost as hard as when the super best friends broke up, at least with Tom it was because he wants to, it was upbeat and optimistic and he's leaving the door open for coming back.

Hey Joel, I just want to say that these feelings of wanting to do more is relatable. I decided this year I am going to be more mindful with my time so that I am enjoying myself in my ebb and flow of life. I hope you find the find the direction you want

Why did I think this video was going to be about how everyone keeps changing the character of Jesus Christ

i personally don’t go to big joel to have fun. follow your impulse as an artist, but what i come to big joel for is insight. into your way of seeing things, the things that catch your eye, the exploration of important themes in unimportant places. that’s what i like about it.

fear of death is honestly your best. i loved it. (yes, it was intellectually fun.)

ive just had the fear of death vid saved in my watch later playlist for when im ready to watch it lol

That video is really good. Just beautiful work. Look forward to whatever you do Little and/or Big Joel.

The "Fear of Death" video honestly got me to start cycling. I lost a grandparent to CHF. When he was diagnosed, everyone in the family had to be checked. With everything else in life, finding that motivation to stay active (Especially in the winter) is hard. Something about that video and your approach to incrementally and easily increasing difficulty got to me.

Hard agree that Fear Of Death is your best video. That shit messed me up and I love you for it.

Those are the two most standout videos I've watched today! For Joel, I feel like it's a natural artistic progression to go to longer form content. I don't know if that will do as well on this platform. But, as long as he doesn't buy an expensive studio in LA, or something like that, I think he can do just fine for a while even if they don't pop off as much as the short form videos did!

Tom Scott - do you see what you have started!!! 🤣

Fear of Death is a fuckin masterpiece. Didn’t know what to expect going in and couldn’t expect what it was. Great.

I really like the videos you did with mothcubs drawings those are quite the visual treat

Any amount of Joel, Big or Little, is more than we deserve. Thank you for all of the laughs, brother. I look forward to seeing whatever projects you have cooking up

It's interesting to hear you say that your video which strays most into being a memoir is your best. I value that.

Personally i think there is a place for things that aren’t fun, just like everything else. If you have something worthile to say, and you want to say it, it’s much better than making something you think will get a lot of views but don’t care as much Maybe more people will see it, but less people will remember it You probably already think like this but i just want you to know it

Its really good that youre here to react to the exact things ive seen on a day

I always really look forward to hearing your thoughts and while I know that isn't what you are looking for to hear but I think you are a very insightful and engaging presenter. I think taking control of ones creative output is a very good thing in the long run. Heres to the start of a new year

it was a nice touch how you also got helicoptered off into the sunset at the end of this video

Hell yeah man lets mix it up a little i am excited to see what you do!

I loved the fear of death video. It was a great story and I think you made some very insightful points. I totally relate to the perfectionistic drive for your work to always do more. I hope your pursuit of grander videos is fulfilling, but know that whatever you do, you’re starting from a rock-solid foundation of great writing and analysis.

Absolutely agreed on Fear of Death being one of your best, such an incredible video but also one that left me feeling dread - and yet still it was very powerful, and one of the best video essays I think I've ever watched

Fear of Death was a great video. Motivated me to start jogging lol so thank you for that

I agree that Fear of Death is the best Big Joel video, I showed it to my mom today.

I agree with you, Little Joel, Fear of Death was your best video so far. It really spoke to me in deep ways and it was artfully put together. Keep doing what brings you joy, and if that means experimenting, go for it!

Honestly I'd read your essays if they were published as text instead of video, your writing is truly top tier, nothing else matters to me personally

Fear of Death was probably the most moving video I’ve ever seen on KZfaq, thank you for making it.

Been watching you for years, I for one am excited to see how your art is going to change moving forward lil Joel ❤️

I'm excited for a shift in direction and I'm interested to see your skills in video making and film develop! I've always thought your essay writing to be in the top tier of essayists on the site, so if equal passion and attention is applied to any other aspect of your work then your four videos will be killer.

I really enjoy the feel of you looking disgruntled in front of some wacky paintings talking about heavy topics with an amazing script. I have never wished for more production value in your content.

Fuck yeah, Joel. I'll love whatever you put out because you always put out great stuff.

I'm glad you think the last video was the best you have made - it was genuinely meaningful, I can't even compare it to typical 'content' on youtube, it meant more than that. But also glad you want to make fun videos because I have always found you hilarious and I know the videos will be better if you enjoy doing them. Looking forward to it

I can confirm, I glance at the "Fear of Death" thumbnail about once a week and mumble to myself 'no... not today'.

The nice thing about KZfaq is that there are many different metas for each niche. You are in the best niche with the most comfortable meta... the kind of place where people kind of like your personality and voice more than anything else, and you can deviate from your norm more often.

I love your essays. I admire the way you set goals for your projects and actually complete them. I don’t always agree with your conclusions but I chalk it up to a difference in perspective. I loved that 3 part series you did recently and your last video on big joel was spectacular and moving. You seem to admire channels like mrbeast for their reach and high effort. I don’t like that kind of content but I can see why youtubers take notes from mega channels. I just like listening to your essays. You could film them like little joel videos and I wouldn’t mind at all, especially if it meant you could make more. I need my slop. I admire your efforts and you’re probably making the right move as a youtuber and artist, but i’m gonna miss you! Good luck on these 4 videos, I will be watching them as soon as they come out.

Even little Joel falls into the New Year’s resolution bs XD

I love your videos how they are i want to hear every single thing you have to say.

Grunkled

Counterargument Joel, It is January 1st, And as a wise Irishman once said, "Nothing Changes on New Year's Day".

I've got a really warm and fuzzy feeling... inside.

you should make a second channel where you post loads of small videos about whatever you are thinking in the moment, you could call it something like "Hbomberguy" or something

The fear of death video was so good

very excited to see those vids

I absolutely loved fear of death so I’m looking forward to what you put out in 2024

Thanks

The Fear of Death video was a fantastic video even if the subject matter is uncomfortable for people in one way or another. Excited to see what you come up with this year and let Big Joel post to his channel. So great of you to keep helping him out.

Loved fear of death, excited for the new videos!

Oooh I'm looking forward to the cinematic Big Joel era! Exciting prospect!

I love videos that ride the line between fun and dread

i think it would be awesome to have some big joel videos in a similar style to contrapoints ngl

I haven't watched Fear of Death yet because I've not quite been in the right mindset for it yet, but I definitely intend to when I can.

fear of death really is amazing big joel

fear of death is absolutely one of my favorites from you, i rewatch it all the time! not to try and persuade you to do something you don't want to, but just wanted to say that i personally enjoyed it a lot

Be as high or as low as you want! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with, who knows, maube you will go so far as to get a mikestand....

Fear of death is definitely my favourite video of yours, just wanted to let you know

Big Joel... You were there when I needed your particular gift. Dont try to be or do anything or anyone else. You were one of the first people to do Breadtube. My brother and I were just talking the other day about how your videos snatch a lot of people out of "manosphere" spaces and put them back in the real world where being jaded is crap and being manipulative not only sucks on a philosophical level, but also just a real one. You and your mad beard have brought some really jaded people back to reality.

I’m so excited, I’ll be waiting for them