I think it’s all the memes, gotchas, and one-liners that make politics especially in the US so exhausting, one can’t escape it, it’s like quicksand. So much of it is theatre that ultimately amounts to very little beyond a dopamine hit.

Honestly your political content helped me claw my way out of the Republican rabbit hole, never joined the party but I inherited it from the family

You were one of my favorite "political" KZfaqrs due to how nuanced and blunt you continued to be. With 4 to 11 minutes you often said and addressed more than many do in 20 and that made me a fan. Regardless of where you go content wise I'll probably still be a fan, I like a lot of your newer content even though I was introduced to you in a much different way. Whatever you do I hope you enjoy it first and foremost

T1J, I only found you a few years ago, but you were my gateway to every one of those black creators you referred to (as currently making up the landscape), and (being a white woman from a conservative upbringing) it’s been profoundly important. Thank you for what you’ve done. I get it-politics toxify. Looking forward to what’s next for you!

I can't express enough how nice it was to hear other peoples similar experiences with politics. I had about a 3 year period where I nonstop lived and breathed politics. While it did teach me a lot and widened my perspective on the world, it was extremely unhealthy, especially when it was at a point in my life where I was already extremely depressed and unable to do much else. Stopping it all and allowing myself to take breaks was genuinely one of the best decisions of my life. Great video!

I had a similar trajectory. I used to think I cared a lot about politics, but I realized I really don't give a shit about politics. I care deeply about issues that have been politicized. I genuinely don't care anymore about what stupid political games Democrats are playing anymore because if they can't unequivocally take a hard stance on bigotry as a party, I know enough about their ability to bring about change. I'll still vote for the leftest candidates in every local election I can, but that's still usually a Democrat.

The video on not being a nice guy was how I found your channel as a teenager, and it really helped spin me in a positive direction in a time where I was coming off of some rejections and starting to come across like a mini-incel. I've been following you since then. I always appreciated what you had to say about politics, you were always coming from a place of reason and compassion in a way that I found really healthy and helpful, but I'm glad that you're stepping away from them if you don't feel like you have more positive contributions to make. That kind of honesty is what made you trustworthy in the first place. I'm down to hear you talk about movies and TV shows and whatever else you want, and I'm down to hear more about your views on the world at large when you want to share them. Stay HAKO.

I fully support your choice to make the content that makes you happy, but I’m very thankful for all of the effort you put forth to promote meaningful & engaging discourse on KZfaq. Your videos have definitely helped to inform my own framework for critical evaluation. Thank you for contributing responsibly to the platform.

yeah, I used to watch a lot of leftist political content but at some point i just need a break. I don’t need to constantly be reminded all the things you know are bad actually (i’m referring more to hard leaning communist/socialist content)

As much as I liked your commentary on political issues, I can't wait for you to become a D&D DM campaign channel. Right? RIGHT??? pls say yes.

You are great at making essays and speaking so im here for whatever !!!! Thanks for another great video ❤

I saw your tweet about it. I think its healthy for you personally. I love watching your videos about nostalgia. I think we're both Millennials.

It’s hard to incentivize this kind of humility if you’re not gaining something out of it as well. Social media is designed for outrage, and not really designed for discourse. Love your stuff

You made your mark and I’m glad! I have frequently used “Why do we tolerate poverty” with my college writing class to illustrate how video essays credit source material (really as an example of the video essay genre more broadly). Yes, as an educational resource! We are all just “some guy”/person. I’m not gonna use the Pew Research Center to illustrate how to connect with an audience, develop a thesis, and present a relatable point of view.

I enjoyed your political content, not just because I agreed with the vast majority of it but because it was presented so honestly, frankly and drama-free. You didn't overcomplicate that which was already complicated, nor oversimplify topics you didn't really know anything about. The laid-back "opinions from some guy" thing made you very easy to watch, compared to some other creators. I don't blame you for getting out though, political content can be exhausting. I don't even make KZfaq videos and that shit drains me. And doing pop culture stuff at the same time? Not everyone can be Steve Shives. I enjoy your regular content just as much though, I'm not going anywhere. Keep on truckin' Mr. 1J.

Duuuude this 4:21 is such an important point. I’ve had to stop following KZfaqrs and creators elsewhere because they move outside their area of expertise. Several times it really becomes apparent because they move into my area with their takes and I am flabbergasted by how utterly uninformed they are on the topic while still maintaining that veneer of speaking with authority as an expert.

Man, you have perfectly captured how I've been feeling lately. I got rid of most social media from my life just over a year ago because I realised it wasn't making me happy. I was angry all the time. Don't get me wrong, there are issues out there to be angry about, but it can't be good for the human body to be that pissed off All. The. Time.

I’d love to see you and Beau of the Fifth Column do a collaboration video! T1J: “Das Jus Me Do” Beau: “It’s just a thought” ☮️🕊️🌎

I greatly respect your choice, and totally relate to the political fatigue. Dont get boxed into a creative corner, do what brings you joy!

I too feel like I just want peace. The fight goes on. But these days I think a lot more about how I can fight. Wondering if making myself miserable watching some infuriating political snippets everyday is really helping. I found that no, it doesn't. You make great vids. Make the things that keep you going. KZfaq seems to be one of those few jobs where you honestly can try to make your workplace as fulfilling as you want it to be. (As long as the algorithm is sated) I think it's good you're taking advantage of the ability to shape your own career.

It's wild how much my own experience toward the internet and social media mirrors yours and making videos. Getting off social media was the best thing I ever did for my mental health (I say on youtube, technically also social media lol). Best wishes toward your goals!

I enjoyed your political content but I totally get it. There’s occasional times where I genuinely enjoy politics but they don’t last very long and I eventually feel like I forced myself down a rabbit hole that just makes me feel down and anxious.

I love your content. Thank you for adding to the public discourse over the years. I feel like the world is a better place for it. I look forward to whatever you release on this channel in the future!

Oh yeah, you existed in my brain before left tube was a thing. Never forget, this is an art platform. Everything aside, it all should boil down to You and your Art.

I appreciate whatever content you make ❤

"Because politics is not that fun". Period.

This is a ridiculously good video with excellent insight. One of the best videos about KZfaq. Also a masterclass in humility. Wow.

This video appeared in my feed this morning, I’d never even heard of T1J before. Now I’ve spent all day binge watching his old videos.

I look forward to you having more fun with the channel!

Love your videos I’m happy to view whatever you put out 😊 it’s great that you can choose that and do so you can continue to make content that makes you feel fulfilled 😊

Thank you so much for making this video. I have been on a similar journey and have been really struggling with many of these same things. This has been super helpful.

wow I came across this video randomly, super well said

It was so great to hear from you and get an update on where you want to take the channel. I completely relate to and support your decision to focus on different topics/works/art here. I also got mired pretty deeply in the politics for a while there and it caused a lot of harm to my life. I still care but, like you said, it can't be everything we are or life really can suck. So glad you're following what you need and I'm sure your fan base will continue to support! Here's to change and growth!

A surprisingly thorough and open way for T1J to let us know he’s in the FGC.

Your social commentary over the years really spoke to me. I look forward to what you have to offer in the future. I'll be here when you're ready. Many thanks for your contributions over the years. I was enriched by your content.

I’ll be joining you on this journey. I enjoy your perspective and how thorough you are with things that interest you. Be well!

It's been awesome watching your journey, I remember those good ol' days quite well, oh the innocence of 2012 KZfaq. And then I'll never forget how incredible it was to see how much your channel popped off, but I truly don't blame you for wanting to switch gears. I always wondered if I should try out political content, but the few times I've even just dipped my toes into that world even with movie-related essays, the amount of hateful ignorant shit I got in the comments made me never want to do it again. Like, I made a video about Superbad basically saying that it was refreshing to see a teen comedy without so much of the date-rape vibes of the 90's teen comedies, and I got about 1,000 comments that made my brain hurt and my blood boil. So I can only imagine how bad it gets when you are properly discussing things in the current political landscape, certainly on a regular basis. So I think it's great you're doing whatever makes you happy. This platform is so weird and fickle and most of us just get caught in this endless loop of trying to consistently recapture whatever seemed to be working, but I think you've more than built to a point where you've earned some freedom to try new things. I can't necessarily speak for anyone else, but I'm here because of you, not just for the politics. Hell, one of my favorite videos you did was on Super Smash Bros., and I guarantee plenty others will feel the same. Also, kudos for actually having standards when it comes to getting information right. I feel that too few people realize the responsibility they have when a lot of people start watching, but I appreciate that that was never lost on you.

Don't blame u, better things to do than have all that vitriol and nonsense in your energy/space, especially with so many ppl that arent even well informed about topics or even read, but want to be onna soapbox

Ayyy new T1J ❤

I'm really glad I found you in the gamer gate era. Your political videos helped me through that and so much of what's happened since. I've been tuned out of politics about as long as you right now, so I understand. Personally I'd like to think I'm just recharging for future battles, but I also feel old. Thanks for everything so far. Look forward to seeing other sides of you. Stay HAKO.

I think your content this year has been great, as a recently onboarded person who's also gone back through a lot of your backlog. You seem way happier, and your interest in these topics has been infectious

Good for you bro, hope you enjoy the next step of the journey!

I'm still new here. I've been enjoying your videos. I'm so freaking thankful that you made this one! For several reasons. Follow your heart and dreams 💯✌🏻😎☮️

I've been a subscriber for years (way before the pandemic). I've never commented before but I do want to say how much I have appreciated your channel and am looking forward to what comes next. It's great to see you taking care of yourself. Love your hair.

I always enjoyed your humble take on issues and that humility is really clear here. I hope you keep enjoying life!

really cool and interesting video, thanks :)

I hope you do more sitcom videos!

Thank you for all your work throughout the years!

I am new to your video channel. This is the first and only that I’ve seen. You come across as an honest and rational person. Refreshing on line for sure!

Another great vid. Looking forward to future vids! Felt like you were speaking from my own mind for a lot if it 😂

I hope you can be chilled out and enjoy a bit of a break, regardless of whether you come back, I'm just happy upu can get a time out!

That video clip at the end is literally so wholesome

With all that’s going on in the world nowadays it’s nice to just enjoy some content that doesn’t send you into doomer mode. A big fan of the videos about the friends being paid actors and alphabet aerobics

Love you bro. Make whatever brings you joy and im sure ill keep watching

I honestly never even realized your content changed until a month ago, just thought you weren’t uploading. I would absolutely LOVE whatever D&D content you made though! Assuming you still play :)

Really good video that I relate to deeply. Thank you so much!

hadn't seen you in a minute good to see you back and enjoy what ever content you make man ill keep supporting

This was a very brave video and I applaud you for producing it👍🏿

As always, very honest and modest. I have found your content always thought provoking and an insight into a bigger world than my own experience. Thank you for all of your videos.

I just realized that I probably have been following you since that 2012 video, I remember watching it. Crazy!

Still watching. 👍 You've managed to entertain and engage me on a variety of tv shows that I never watched when they were airing, and I don't even know how exactly, so you're still doing something right. We all have to do what's healthiest for our personal peace of mind sometimes.

Just fun watching the hair grow longer and longer

Do what you will!! You have a fascinating pensive mind and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on pretty much any topic. That’s just me though 😊

Love your content regardless!!!🖖🏽❤️❤️🖖🏽 thank you for all you do and represent! 🙃

i completely understand and respect your decision. also could you please do a video about malcom in the middle? 👉👈

Bruv glad to see you enjoying yourself more now with making videos you're genuinely interested in, wherever that may take you. I can tell how more centered and relaxed you are after disengaging from all of that. More power to you man. Wish you all the best

I think your measured, compassionate, and responsible approach makes you just the person I want having a platform. I’m so glad you’re doing what it takes to make it sustainable for you, and I can’t wait to see where you take it next. :)

this video is great. I resonate completely. Making videos about the same length of time, and abandoned politics a year ago. Feels better

Bruv, you do you, and I look forward to your next videos. :)

Happy for you, looks like you have found a reasonable balance that will lead to much greater peace. Big love!

Awesome. Thumbs up. Yeah, I watch a lot of political content. I get burned out in the comment sections and have to stay off them for a bit. I watch your videos because I think you have a neat brain. I like the way you think. It could be about something trivial, or something intensely deep.. but it comes down to liking how you think. You also have a real knack for entertaining editing and a sense of flow. And you have a great heart, and it shows. So yeah, do what you like. People will stick around or not. No worries :)

Glad I found this. The video resonates with me some.

T1J! Feel like I haven't seen ur content for awhile, glad to see you again!

I’ve always enjoyed your analysis and opinions on whatever topic you’re presenting, whether it’s politics or the character arcs of characters on Boy Meets World. Whatever you decide to present, I am here for it.

Leaving a supportive comment for engagement. Keep on keeping on! 🙃

I can't wait to see what's next!

I saw you playing d&d with MCDM and realized I haven’t seen your videos in my feed for a while. I see why now. I found you in your political time and KZfaq thought it was the politics I was watching for. They were half right. I’m looking forward to catching up on what you have made. I’m glad you stayed.

Keep on keeping on 👍🏼

Blacalicious Blazing Arrow is a jam. Haven't listened to that in years. Thanks T1J 😊

Your honesty is refreshing!

Thank you for what you’ve posted and I can’t wait for you to share more about yourself and to feel proud and at peace.

You're one of the best of all time here on KZfaq. Do what you want and love your life. Wishing you well

I am here for any kind of video. Just big fan of your content.

For a guy who doesn't make political content anymore, this was the best political content yet! I love your non-political videos as well! As long as you're making whatever is interesting to you, it'll probably be interesting to the rest of us! Added bonus: it's a rare man who gets older, wiser, and has MORE hair. 😁

Wow. This video is very serendipitous for me. I’ve spent the last hour thinking just about how the media I’ve consumed shaped my world view (good and bad). Good stuff all around.

I'm slowly growing my own youtube channel at the moment and you definitely are bringing up some stuff that I want to be careful of as I keep making content. I very much respect you taking a step back from making videos about things you didn't feel was your place to as well as just needing to be less engaged. Keep being awesome

5:50 in all fairness, the guy beating me up did have a one frame jab

As a fan of your channel through your political content, I definitely still appreciate this. I think there’s a lot to be said for just getting a feel for what other regular dudes think. I appreciate your time and your insights, and I look forward to watching some of the other content.😊

Your coolheaded honesty is why you are in my top YTers of all time.

Never heard of you until just now… still loved the video

Have watched a few of your videos here and there and always enjoyed them. But i really enjoyed this video as well as your humility so I'm subscribing. On one note though the fact you have this humility and the desire to be truthful as well as continuing to learn about the subjects you cover is awesome.

Engagement for the engagement god! Watched this on Nebula! Hooray!

I have never loved a video more. Thank you for this video. You are so humble. And surprise - you Are smart, intelligent, and self aware. Keep making videos. You give me hope that there are REAL people behind the screen. Too many influencers online are inauthentic and panderers.

I am so happy that you keep making videos, I really enjoy how you approach topics political or non political.

My first video of yours was the one about the weird S thing everyone (I) drew on their (my) Trapper Keepers in the 90s. I knew I was going to be a fan forever after that - anyone wilking to put that much time, energy, and effort into trying to track down the origins of that thing is and always will be a legend in my book. Can't wait to see what you have down the pipeline, my dude.

T1J is going through the whole Life of Brian "I am NOT YOUR MESSIAH!" arc 😆

I know I found you waaaaay back in the day, honestly I think on tumblr? I can’t remember when I officially hit the follow button on YT but you’ve always been one of my fave channels, and one of the first I remember religiously listening to. ❤❤❤ You rock, T1J!!

All the support to you, T1J! You're a stand up guy

I just stumbled on your channel via the Seinfeld video and subscribed just on the merit of that one video. I prefer apolitical content. I love that you’re being honest with your audience. I honestly left social media (KZfaq is different imo). I left not because of other people but because I don’t like the way I behave on social media. I don’t like that I’m a different person on sm. I went back over my posts and was embarrassed by my behavior. Most of that was political in nature. I felt like I lost my humanity. Anyway, glad I subbed. Good stuff 👍

I’m with you man. I personally believe politics is hella consequential, but I’m checked out of politics as well for many reasons. I just don’t have the energy to cover it in depth anymore. Thanks for this video!