Catastrotivity Ep. 2 - Creative Burnout and Getting Stuck

If you'd prefer, you can download the mp3 version here: / catastrotivity-2-creat...
The other episodes can be found here: • Catastrotivity Ep. 1...

[@aesthetic5956]

"Pain is manageable because it promises to be temporary" goddamn

[@wozing]

I need to write this down on a post-it

[@sonyaliinomebarlow100]

my philosophy while getting piercings:)

[@paulvincent8640]

This reminds me of Martin from Wintergatan, who is building the Marble Machine X. His mantra is almost the same: ”Pain is temporary. Glory is forever.“ You can see his process of constructing that machine here on KZbin. He started more than two years ago and still makes a video for every wednesday.

[@reedy_9619]

Not reassuring. That means im currently suffering from apathy loneliness and existence. Fuck And yes, existence is eternal as there s no conciousness before or after. So it’s not pain.

[@HenkJanBakker]

Yeah... also; The cake is a lie.

[@rarhura1603]

The existential turtle is alive

[@melloeatschocolate8339]

alleluia!!!!!!!!!!

[@mjolninja9358]

Kingdom Come hi

[@bruhzzleprojects5279]

There can only be one!

[@rarhura1603]

N-Nani!?!

[@gentlegingie]

The essential turtle

[@soyabean4121]

exurb1a could literally just sit there and talking about the quality of his morning shit and i’d listen on repeat

[@MyNamesChai]

You manage to take thoughts and feelings and parts of my subconscious that never see the light of day, and explain them to me. Thank you, truly.

[@blunttime1089]

Dearly

[@chebowes6278]

thats why i smoke 👍

[@abridged1291]

Sometimes it's scary how spot on he is amirite?

[@magade4206]

THIS!!!!

[@znardi]

Ikr

[@HistoryforThinkers]

I got high tonight. Which I normally don’t do on a weeknight, but my wife is out of the house right now with her sister on a bachelorette trip. So I’m feeling kind of lonely. I took some weed. A little bit more than I should have. And it gave me the courage to try watching a video that’s been in my watch later playlist for months. I’m too high to remember what that video was but it was from your channel. Your main one. And oh my GOD. I have been watching your videos all night. And then I finally came across these ones on creativity and it’s astonishing. I feel like I’ve been walking through the desert for 1000 years and finally came across an oasis. My soul was covered in shit and this is exactly what I needed to get back on my feet creatively. I literally didn’t know what to say when you mentioned that you tried learning to code. I literally work in tech, and even though I have a successful career, it’s just never felt right. I got into this to make money and that’s all it will ever be to me, but I know, for a fact that I was put on earth to create. Not to write obscure symbols for a bloody website. Thank you for making these videos and thank you for talking specifically about the creative process. This has helped me more than you can possibly imagine.

[@awkwardsilence430]

Whew, he's not dead. He's just been burnt out on giving us the best content on KZbin (by the way this was great and we've all been there, and are here for you)

[@TamDNB]

Best content on YT, confirmed. Turtle guy making us all feel like we're not the weirdos we sometimes feel we are, also confirmed.

[@plantsvs.zombies9814]

I think "he's been here for us" works better

[@vihaandoesthings6290]

Ah yes, turtle boy has had his quarantine breakdown.

[@doctorsmiles4530]

I wonder when we'll collectively decide that this joke isn't funny anymore.

[@pleasantlymixed5860]

Nah he's had his quarantine enlightenment

[@jimmyvanilla5285]

Doctor Smiles never

[@vihaandoesthings6290]

@@doctorsmiles4530 same

[@vihaandoesthings6290]

@@pleasantlymixed5860 perhaps

[@LannersTV]

Imagine the person that wrote The Fifth Science and The Prince Of Milk saying that they're not that good at writing.

[@JellieThePink]

Right? In the sea of modern works I struggle to find decent books... then this turtle breaks down my door and chucks a hunk of paper at my skull and I loved it.

[@camronthomas4140]

The Fifth Science is most likely the best book ive ever had the pleasure of reading

[@gregerlandson7193]

The Fifth Science is the only book that's caused to say out loud, "holy $#!+, this guy is a fantastic writer". I've given it as a random gift to two friends and they both loved it. If THAT guy struggles with creative burnout, maybe I've still got a shot.

[@jazzmane6171]

The horrible irony of you saying “please remember these words” and then having my computer black screen.

[@antonlarsen6568]

Guys does his voice sound suspiciously like the guy in the “exurb1a” channel or is it just me?

[@legorahma]

@@horker damnnn really?

[@jamessawyer9816]

Damn

[@brawnstein]

@Jeremy Mavromatidis Look man, learn to get a joke. -Someone who gets the joke

[@glorytoarstotzka330]

I literally opened the replies just to see if someone actually took this literally, apparently that's literally the first reply, so that's a bit disappointing for the human kind

[@biteso2333]

Woahhh mind balown

[@mikahkilgore4972]

I’m not teary eyed. That’s just... a personal rain shower on my face.

[@c1majesty85]

“You are going to be fine.” That was so comforting to hear and I didn’t know that was what I needed

[@GreatBigPillock]

Similar quote from Martin Mollin (Wintergatan): "Pain is temporary. Glory is forever."

[@sodapop4949]

And Doom is Eternal

[@sujanbhetwal2451]

So turtle man was really just lonely when he spammed those text posts on KZbin

[@lunarsoul6560]

That's what i was thinking ):

[@jimshepherd6500]

Damn, we need more of this in our lives. To paraphrase: "Pain is Obligatory; Suffering is Optional. Fear not Pain; Do no Suffer."

[@billyw3468]

I love you

[@genocidedog5207]

I love you too

[@Fil_2k]

@@genocidedog5207 and i love you

[@mommyandmicah6069]

@@Fil_2k I love you

[@buddychumpalfriendhomiebud9242]

I love you all

[@Rewruio]

love you all bros

[@falo775]

If this whole series wasn't exactly what I needed I don't know what

[@D.M.S.]

I believe him when he says “You are going to be fine.“

[@milenamedeiros1066]

im not really a motivation person. i don’t like when people tell me to persevere when i’m hurting like shit. but this felt so real, raw, and.. artistic, for the lack of better words. we’re all artists and we have no choice. thanks for telling me that in a better way than anyone has ever tried to.

[@alikhalid4677]

Exurb1a with that 3 notification barrage

[@romankampelmacher4685]

For my entire life i've needed every gram of pressure of the hug that this video is. Thank you.

[@derektafoya1152]

I don't think I subscribed to secondary channel so fast in my life lol . I'm writing a book series and this turtle's musings are the only thing that helps makes things make sense again in my world

[@tamarbaas]

That ending... _You are going to be fine, promise._ That's beautiful.

[@joshrussell4021]

Why the f*** did his main channel get recommended to me for no reason. Never heard of him, and yet immediately recommended a video where he tells of this podcast and here we are half an hour later. I’ve had significant burnout and a resurgence of depression on and off for a month now, and these words are just what I needed.

[@waxmath1176]

Thank you very much for the encouraging words. I didn’t even start my path nor do I know witch one to take, but hearing what you have to say makes me want to do art. Its inspiring. Have a nice life. You definitely deserve a incredible future!

[@iwy8879]

The king has returned

[@kik8bg]

I came here with the intention of getting motivated, but now am I not only motivated but I remember that that's what I live for, creation. As weird as this sounds, this helped me push my EX away mentally, and to stop thinking that I lost the world, but now instead, I have more time for this world than before.

[@davidweng4712]

Now we know how Salieri felt in Amadeus. PS: (I know that film isn't really historically accurate at all regarding Mozart and Salieri's relationship but it's still a great film and everyone should watch it)

[@friedi_fx]

The most impressive art emerges from the fragments of our creativity.

[@KV94LV]

Mushrooms, or your creativity gave me another look on life. I have watched plenty of your videos, now started to listen your Catastrotivity. You gave me will to make stuff - in my case to write. You are legend in my eyes. You are doing great job, and if you read this, then remember you made someones life a little bit better. By the way because of you - I am getting a cat soon YOU LEGEND

[@Someone89a]

Never quit, never give up, but a short break can really help!

[@sigh7973]

I love what you do. You seem so "real" and your voice is so "listenable". Thank you very much.

[@chihabk1172]

Exurb1a is my only breath of oxygen in this life

[@HenkJanBakker]

Best advice I ever had was that that 1% inspiration is not a joke. 99% hard work is also the work you do before that 1% hits you. Just work without inspiration. Art is a craft, a skill. Just do it. The worst you can do is nothing. Everything else is a bonus.

[@aRandomGooglePlusAccount]

This made me really step back and look at everything. I sat down and started composing a musical piece for the first time in a few years. Thank you.

[@pulzewidth]

My god. This inspired me to do so much more things (actually doing my homework for once and paying attention in class). Thank you turtle lord.

[@juanfedericobaer698]

I'm in love with your work, what ever you do, please don't stop. You help so many people you wouldn't believe. Lo siguiente te lo digo en español porque es mi lengua madre y de dónde nace la expresión que hábito. Voy a estar eternamente agradecido con vos por el aliento y apoyo que me estás dando. Me siento muy emocionado y con ganas de volver al camino que yo siempre supe era el mío, ser un escritor; no seré el mejor, ojala tampoco me toque ser el peor, pero voy a ser yo y eso es lo que vale. Gracias, gracias y gracias. Si algún día escribo un libro, que es mi deseo y lo voy a hacer, tu nombre va a estar en las dedicatorias. Un abrazo enorme desde Argentina.

[@melontreat0308]

I’m currently experiencing a burnout and you don’t know how much this vid has helped me relax and take a step back. I know you love being sarcastic but your work is really helping people. I’ve been feeling so damn hopeless but I can finally just chill and sleep with a clearer mind.

[@karammelkon]

Goddammit! I needed this right now and probably will need it in a few months from now. Been going through a huge self doubt dip as a creative and I’m listening to this on a run and I started crying. Thank you!

[@tanya-789]

Last 15 seconds were like a punch to the gut. Sometimes it's all I really need to hear. So thank you! Thank you.

[@cherylcarlson3315]

So powerful, so timely hitting my ears 2 years after posted.

[@jaydeefilms]

I can't emphasize enough my appreciation for these videos, I also think their brevity is extremely refreshing! Great watch

[@hazel2302]

I got into writing when I was eight or so. For years I didn’t care what I wrote or what anyone thought - I just did it all the time, and I loved it. I’m 18 in a few months. I haven’t written anything noteworthy beyond a few desperate pages over the course of four years, yet I’ve still been calling myself a writer while feeling like I’ll never write again. After sinking for so long, and after listening to this, I’m inspired to keep going. No being up myself, talking the talk without walking the walk. No talking the damn talk PERIOD. Just write. That’s my goal. Thank you Exurbia.

[@eugeneyesledge]

I have been listening to you for about two years now, and honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever replied to you. I’m going through a hard time in life and these words rang true to me, more than you can ever imagine. Thank you, I will push on.

[@nimishanarayan7048]

Just recived a horrible news about something this morning and honestly I've been feeling like shit and crying and everything. Your video was about creative burnout which is completely unrelated to what I'm going through but somehow it reminded me that I can get through this and that however horrible and agonizing this is, it's not permanant. Thank you for reminding me that.

[@Selverna]

I haven't written a new chapter of my story in almost 4 months now, so this hits a little hard.

[@lunarsoul6560]

I believe in you ! Push hard and go for it give it all you got

[@jdskjddnksoxwkdmxm3861]

no dont, take a break then read your story again. after that think how you would like it to be continued

[@rattb0i482]

I believe in you. Whenever you get back to it, you'll have new eyes and new ideas to bring to it.

[@Aaron-xv5qt]

You can do it ヽ(•‿•)ノ

[@imadlebiar1546]

I haven't finished my story (didn't add anything to it in two years) but am still so excited about it and will definitely finish it, oh and in these two years am writing songs and poems, which helps to go back to writing novels, best of luck pal! Just never surrender and shine on

[@antebp98]

This sounds very much like what I did to get out of my depression a few years back. One day I realised that the pain simply could not last forever (though it very much felt like it) and decieded that I would do everyting in my power in order to get better,. And I did, eventually. This wasn't exactly creative burnout that I was feeling, but it sounded very similiar, and I'm so happy you made this video to helo those who might be stuck in a similiar situation, not seeing a way out. Great stuff as always, Exurb1a.

[@kf1559]

Absolutely love this series. Thank you very much. ❤️ The warmth and caring in your message and voice is truly uplifting to me personally. Best wishes sent your way. 😀👍

[@angie5656]

Hey man I just wanna say ilysfm and ty for inspiring me you did a lot for my life by being your creative and existential self. Sincerely, thank you -a random, and, by you, inspired dreamer girl

[@domrado]

you speak straight to my soul. like you do to so many of us here. truly thank you

[@daryadremlyuga5794]

Thank you so much for existing and doing all the things you do. It feels almost unbelievable how much your thoughts resonate with my mind. I'm a "nobody" painter, as it could be called, and I'm fucking terrified of my future fate in life, yet somehow your words encourage me and reverse panic into "that's what is amazing about life". You're helping immensely. I've never in my life thought about writing a comment to a youtube video, but now I feel like it's important. Thank you

[@sallijunttila3006]

This actually works surprisingly well for a depressive episode.. anxiety for 5 months feels actually awful

[@gobtheglob7449]

the content in exurbias videos is so compressed, a 10 minute video containing a 1 hour lecture

[@ethanmundt]

This came out at the perfect time for me, I’ve recently been in the deepest creative rut I’ve ever been. Thank you Exurb2a!

[@GT4viper]

Somehow Exurbia saying “your going to be fine” several times helps. More than it should.

[@ih271]

This burnout might've directed me to losing all of my emotions, but i certainly know that i love you, you described my case deeply even the "friends suggestions" thing, i hope I'll get through this with the hope that you just gave me. I'm a new sub, thank you

[@cemreyasar5642]

I'm not joking, I started crying at the last seven seconds. I really needed to be told this and honestly it felt genuine. Once again thank you for making this.

[@legorahma]

this motivated me to carry on with my novel

[@james-xx2yg]

Awesome 👍

[@itchydez]

I've already a read a book God suggested. Happy.

[@TheBradszone]

Hey, thank you. Been going through a rough patch artistically with my journey and I just needed a reminder that what I do is just as much artistic as it is physical, and the shit areas are just like everyone else's. I'm not alone in my struggle, and I'll be seeing the light shortly.

[@firstlast2094]

Your voice relieves so much of my stress and what you say makes me feel safe. Thank you so much

[@LokiBeckonswow]

Hey Exurb1a, sorry to hear you had a rougher-than-usual patch, glad to see you're back at it brother - for what it's worth, your crazy videos about cats and intelligence, and the future wheel of fortune, (as well as, of course, how to quit drugs etc)... pretty much every video you've ever made... they've helped me through my rough patches. Your humour is so on point man, and it warms my soul to hear that someone else's mind is as fucked up and zaney as mine. It's purely joyous to explode with laughter thanks to your videos. Of course, a lot of people would agree with what I just wrote. I'm sure you've got a very connected and loyal/grateful core audience. We appreciate you and your work, so, thank you! Thank you for your already rich body of excellently tasteful videos, and also, thank you for this series! It's fucking incredible! thx thx thx

[@lindaliu8910]

You cannot give up on transforming the world around you and making it more similar to your ideal. *After all, the world is the home of our love.*

[@dukex123]

For those stuck in Creative Burnout. Be proud! You have arrived on the highest plane of creative artists. You are now one with the likes of [fill list of names of the every artist that inspires you]. For we remember them for their works. While they see themselves through the Creative Burnout they overcame or that destroyed them.

[@sunnydanisummers]

If you see this, as someone on medical leave for burnout, thank you for sharing your thoughts and exo

[@Mjolkmaestro]

God damn, this is amazing! Had me go out in the forest and play guitar and think for a couple hours, and wow, did I need that

[@aneonyx]

I just so happen to be having a really bad shit right now and this has been a real blessing to listen to. Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement. It was hard, but I made it through it.

[@warcam2592]

As a lad, struggling with research in my Ph.D program, I really appreciate you and your insight on burnout and perseverance

[@1293ST]

Not one dislike. This is beyond based, as a writer, I can agree and just agree. Some days you think you're an utter idiot, not able to even write a page of comprehensible words, and on another, you go on a brief walk to buy some drinks and come back four hours later with five pages of material, twenty ideas and blistered feet.

[@phylliida]

This was honestly what I really needed right now, thanks

[@matthewbaughman8112]

After being on youtube for round about a decade, this is the first video i've ever clicked the like button on.

[@nicolepeters5778]

I have been going through a lot recently, and it has felt like my creativity moved out as my stress moved in. I have been so depressed because I couldn't seem to write, or draw, or paint anything decent. I needed to hear this today. Thank you.

[@Pouk3D]

I love how exurb1a combined two things he knows well: creativity and inspiration.

[@BrandG.]

Got to say, this is useful not only for artist. I am a service person, I work as a coordinator for an adult ed program. I love my job, I work to creat classes and programs for adults to find their paths and better their futures. I had a lot of stress in life outside of work, lockdown, masters program, parent death, love ones attempting suicide, and I have felt a bit crushed in all joy. Your channel has been breathing some life in to my hope and joy. I feel like your essay voice is kendred with my inner cheerleader. Thanks for these videos! Time and finding fellow belivers of chaseing joy is worthwhile even if the face of the void, or because of it, has been helping.

[@4shotpastas]

Just found the series, really enjoying it so far

[@boraozyenice6617]

i just started smiling and that smile didnt went away through the whole video. this is fantastastic.

[@michaelaustein5892]

Y’know it’s a little concerning how spot on he is with the nine in the morning thing

[@wiaf8937]

pain and suffering expained by you makes me dwell up, you sir are the motivitional mayhem. thanks for being such a marvellous being of kindness

[@gregerlandson7193]

The Fifth Science is the only book that's caused me to say out loud, "holy $#!+, this guy is a fantastic writer". I've given it as a random gift to two friends and they both loved it. If THAT guy struggles with creative burnout, maybe I've still got a shot.

[@nikolabosnic3022]

Dude, I've been watching your channel for like 2 years now, and I just want to say that your videos helped me a lot, but also gave me a good dose of optimistic nihilism I didn't know I needed until I stumbled upon one of your videos. Love the second channel btw. Lots of love. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@dayswillburn777]

After 15 years of doing art/music it still helps to hear this. I've managed to find my own way through getting stuck, but it's still tough. Thank you little blue turtle

[@alpha9775]

Thank you exurb1a! These videos are really doing great at offering a new and different way if thinking, and personally, it is helping me quite a lot.

[@hanbieryu8390]

This might not be directly related to creative burnouts, but I've been struggling with motivating myself to push through the limits of my academic capabilities for the exam that's coming in just 4 days. I guess this could also apply here. Thanks for the video, Exurb1a. I needed it.

[@quincievans1281]

Why is it that nearly every single thought or idea ive ever had comes out in each of these videos. I sit here crying with laughter that someone else seems to know my own head better than i do

[@taro1441]

I was much more creative a year ago when I was much more depressed than I am now - as I've got happier I feel like I have lost my creativity - does anyone else have this?

[@taro1441]

@don't click on recommended videos I think you might be right

[@atcha10]

I guess it is because we get used to be creative?

[@Guilopes99]

'How I built this' is absolutely amazing

[@TehGabosh]

Dear Turtle Man, There are few artists who can hit my string. What I mean by that is making me fully feel and embrace their vibration, being on the same wavelength. When using this term, the first two artists I think of are Charlie Kaufman and you. It's late. I've listened to the first two episodes of your podcast, and both of them made me cry. It wasn't a sad cry, though. It was the type you get when you feel understood, when someone hits your string. That was a truly heartwarming moment and I thought I'd thank you personally for it. So thank you. Gabriel PS: I wanted to refer to you in a more personal manner, but I realised I don't even know your name, so I opted for something more descriptive PS2: Is it Alex? You sound like an Alex

[@foreveruseless1292]

This is so well put together. Serious quality that I could listen to forever

[@kiwibiird]

holy fucking shit this series or podcast or whatever this is THIS is exactly what i have been looking for thank you so much man i love it

[@aRaskyl]

Thanks for this audio series Exurbia, I've been recovering from burnout in my photography for quite a while now, though depression has kept it lingering. I regularly go back to the main channel video, "thoughts about writing," for inspiration, I'm glad I now have several more videos to get that creativity stim-shot from. After I finish episode three I'm going to head out and try to get some photos. Keep up the good work; I'm always excited to get push notifications from your channels. Cheers

[@yeremycuevas3064]

Loved how much love and passion you put on this mini tiny podcast.

[@user-yj3gz1yr3k]

I love those videos and I could listen to them forever, it's very motivational for me

[@foozy550]

So nice to learn from this human once again.

[@groundstargaming6145]

Perseverance and Endurance... an interesting touch given current cosmic affairs

[@TToxicom]

Here i am, not having a purpose and all, then existential turtle busts down my door and throws this into my face... thank you

[@Eline_Meijer]

Thank you for this series.

[@AV-ws2rz]

I certainly fantasise about going off to Tibet in order to join a Buddhist monastery on a regular basis. By golly, this passage spoke to me so much! I'm pursuing a Master's degree in mathematics, and everything described in this video inevitably happens every time I'm trying to put out some sort of writing in this field. A passion for teaching maths is the only thing that keeps me going through the darkest of days.

[@AV-ws2rz]

F*ck my life, man, you just keep spitting facts... Trying new hobbies, running far more than usual... jeez, this is me working on my thesis.

[@unusuallylargecrab9297]

Hello I am a DM for my brother and a group of close friends i love it I adore it it’s my favorite thing and recently I’ve fucking hated it. I had nothing I felt like nothing was right that everything I made was bad and my creativity had shriveled up and went to die in a dark lonely corner of my brain. so I quit. I stoped playing D&D I stoped writing modules and I thought it was all over. Then I found your videos on creativity and been out and I found the spark again. I’m having my first D&D session in 3 months next week. From the deepest bowels of my heart thank you.

[@natasakami6739]

Going off to Tibet to join a Buddhist monastery.. Right in the feels.

[@sabbbado3025]

I'm really thankful I discovered your channel