Crisis, Catastrophe, & Spongebob

[@scoooooooooooooooooooooot]

The clip of SpongeBob saying “I’m… not… letting… go!!! With the piano in the background was where I broke down in tears while doing my dishes.

[@Squeeplish]

You’re not just a boulder, *sniff*, you’re a rock.

[@pyroAdapt]

It's Iraq!!

[@Wilson-obrien]

Level 1 rock

[@moejoesayson1933]

This made my day xD

[@IsaiahAmos017]

​@@pyroAdapt Iraq lobster Oooo waa

[@grandparagnar6709]

Patrick your snail is a rock Yeah thanks I know, he's got nerves of steel

[@eveofthewood]

I was here for a deep dive into Spongebob, did not realize I would be curing my midlife crisis

[@vau_st]

NEED FURNITUREEEEE

[@yourcordialvermillionchapw2398]

Curing is a tough word... But this works.

[@magicalnewsmaneditsbumpers4374]

Happens more often than you think; trust me.

[@FireByTrialMedia]

Wouldn't say it cured, but holy suds did this ever hit home for me right now! Awesome video, and I ended up here the exact same way, just was watching the top 150 episode video and this was next, just expecting a fun little video, not a deep thoughtful exploration 😅

[@Aly_2014]

Yo word

[@Mattmann97]

Dude the section explaining "Stability & Meaning" conceptualized a struggle I've felt for a long time, I've been described in the past as "bohemian" and "lazy" by family and it's really hurt my feelings. My motivation is different from a lot of the people in my life, and I need to remember and respect that and not compare myself to those chasing money and status. Both paths are valid, thank you for helping me see it this way.

[@MrGrass97]

Same here. And I internalized that and always believed myself to be lazy. When later I realized it was partly being a meaning-type and partly due to depression. I worked hard to get myself a full-time job as a teacher and couldn’t be more miserable. (Not the job itself but the numbing routine that dulls the soul).

[@llamascanbepurple6252]

As someone who has always struggled with anxiety and is currently going through my quarter life crisis, this video was exactly what I needed right now. Entertaining and thought provoking. I'll be subscribing!

[@masonschaefer9617]

God DAMN what an art piece, I can’t wait for your shit to blow up man

[@cattypat6]

there is no way you just made me cry from a spongebob clip compilation this video is incredible

[@zaneberry]

bro that "duh im stupid I like karate" edit was fuckin incredible

[@MERTYILMAZGAMES]

*green screen explosion effect*

[@mugensharp]

30:46 that's a interesting point. helping your body understand your surrounding through actions is honestly something i don't think ive ever thought of. i think you just get conditioned to "thug it out" when your genuinely uncomfortable and need to find away to ground yourself in a situation.

[@havenm6181]

It seems that a lot of my favorite philosophical analysis videos are about spongebob in some way. I've been in a very low point in my life, and I kind of needed this. Especially that reminder where getting better isn't linear, and how sometimes we have to be reminded of things over and over, due to how we can let fear make us spiral out of control. I suppose that's why I like spongebob is that it doesn't sugarcoat anything, while also trying to laugh in the wake of tragedy in order to keep persisting. It's truly a sentiment to the power comedy can have

[@nicolesong6199]

do you enjoy the video about envy by contrapoints? where spongebob was likenes to mozart and squidward to salieri, envious rival and admirer of mozart

[@havenm6181]

@@nicolesong6199 I haven't seen it but now I really need to check it out

[@colonthreee]

almost started tearing up at the end, this deserves so much more attention

[@chundychang]

Therapist: you're not supposed to wish anxiety away *I sleep* cartoon rock: *says the same thing* *R E A L S H I T* Good video please make more tyvm

[@magpiewillow]

one of my favorite spongebob quotes is spongebob saying "now that my horrific incident of terror is over, time for breakfast!" its really relatable as a a mere pawn in the large game of capitalism in america.

[@soup-not-edible]

I'm pretty sure this video found me just as I started experiencing quarter life crisis. Really a godsend, thanks Mr rock. You rock.

[@bryangolnick8663]

right there with you, some of the things he said really hit hard

[@venxs6188]

same bro shitgot me feeling introspective

[@t0Ni]

I've never seen a video that held so many new perspectives to the problems of feeling "broken" and the nuances that are caused and that come with it. It's unimaginable that a video can just show up on my screen and mention the poor mental health days, the work time ruminations with the panic, unwanted, and the self pity and defeatism that comes afterwards. your mentioning of the build up of burden the longer you don't try to help yourself resonated with me and underlines my perceived importance of existing in spite of failure for the possibility of a better life. All that being said, I couldn't help but recommend Disco Elysium as it resonates a familiar subtext.

[@levithebandTV]

Glad I found your channel, your commentaries on I Think You Should Leave drew me in and it's interesting to see a well-researched and presented video on serious topics being explained through something as accessible as SpongeBob

[@Cardboard_Bot]

I can’t believe I came for SpongeBob and left with more constructive mental health advice than I’ve probably ever gotten. I don’t know how you did that, but thanks. I already subbed to you when I saw your Bo Burnham video, so all I can give is a like.

[@zaneberry]

ok hearing you breakdown the errands episode is actually wild bc tbh Im pretty sure this is triggering my memory of my childhood pov on it, and I think I thought the point was that squidward HAS to worry about those things, bc theres no way to be sure/relax if he doesnt. And that is the consequence of him not being good/doing the right thing. and to this day I worry about worst case scenarios constantly, and feel like I gotta be perfect to relax

[@malachiatkinson7245]

So this is a late reply, and I haven't finished the video yet so maybe he says something similar, but the way I deal with the urge to micromanage all of my worries is by realizing that I have to stop somewhere. I can't control everything, and it's not any more logical to worry about some specific thing than to worry about everything.

[@TokumBeatbox]

Holy *dolphin and boat sounds* yes!!

[@duLuded]

wtf, severely under viewed video. this was an awesome deep dive into each topic and relating it to spongebob. loved this, id watch another one

[@lvl1rock]

thanks so much :) more deep dives on more great art are coming!

[@duLuded]

@@lvl1rock i watched your bo burnham and smiling friends one as well. you always find perfect B roll which is really hard. Im going to be turning 30 and watched spongebob growing up so this one was special, as well as your episode tier list

[@snowrobbins3117]

Not only was this entertaining with your film school background, it was very educational. As someone with a struggling mental health and a thriving interest in psychology this was a masterpiece. Not only did you reinforce pervious concepts I’ve learned while teaching me new ones, you did all with one of my favorite childhood tv shows. And it bettered me for it too. (Shoutout to meaning people with no stability, they just like me fr)

[@colinllatham]

Chapter 3 and 4 resonated with me heavily considering I’m actively working on overcoming intrusive thoughts and managing stress. Getting a better understanding of how the amygdala actually functions and how one’s actions towards experiences is the core influence of how stress is emitted is ironically mind blowing. Ironic because it seems so obvious but only actually works if you believe and know you are in control. This entire breakdown gave me more insight than I thought I had on my mental state. Thank you!

[@Skry2764]

Wow. This really changed my perspective on my own life and the accomplishments I keep chasing, and truely helped me find a way to get rid of my intrusive and negative thoughts. But I don’t know I’m just a lvl 1 rock enjoyer

[@Aflay1]

19:25 One thing I like about starting the video with the midlife crisis, is that the quarterlife crisis is often intrinsically linked to the midlife crisis. By the time we're adolescents, we are witnessing our own parents, our own family members, dying, talking about death, talking about the time they've wasted with working or living in one house.... And I think it's clever to start with where it ends for one generation, which inadvertently starts the crisis of the next. I think a movie like The Incredibles, a show like Breaking Bad, and a game like GTA V depicts the midlife crisis surprisingly well. That sense of taking everything you've earned for granted when you get to an older age, yearning for that meaning.

[@BonelessPopcorn]

You really outdid yourself on this one rock. Edits during the chapter transitions were sick. I love how you talk about how anxiety can be used for good rather than more stress. This is an absolute masterpiece and my favorite spongebob video essay ive seen

[@HamBone49er]

THIS IS WHAT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FORRRRR!!!

[@IHaveManyRegrets]

I have to say, I don't think I've ever watched a video essay that made me cry, but the end of this one absolutely did and they were happy tears. This made me feel a kind of hope for myself and humanity that no other piece of media ever has. This was a beautifully existential video and I'm so grateful that you made this, Lvl. 1 Rock. Instant subscribe. Thank you.

[@wolfram0225]

i've never considered subscribing to someone's patreon until now bc i don't have a job to earn money from, but the video was so good i seriously considered it for a split second. love the small sarcastic & funny details in the editing and script. best video essay i've ever watched, really relatable & enjoyable

[@spintt]

I love the spongebob style bleeping you do, not just in this video but in all of them

[@BobDeLaBob]

Bro how does this only have 73k views, this is a masterpiece

[@Yora21]

"The enjoyment of your day to day experiences. That is your life." So much truth in that. I just now reached stability at 40 (and still going to quit my job at the end of the year with no idea what I want to do after that), but I've never really had any true regrets. All the time that went unused to reach the modest life I have now, and in which I made no real progress on my art, still doesn't really feel wasted. Probably precisely because I enjoyed all the time in which I wasn't doing anything useful that would take me forward.

[@Jkl66710]

I adore this video! I'm so glad I subbed after your smiling friends vid. There's nowhere for this channel to go but up!

[@sparerations6879]

This video is so good i forgot it was an hour long, more people need to see this

[@hippothehippo]

I felt so happy to hear that discussion on the office. I have always, even when I was in high school been so weirded out by my peers thinking work would be like the office. Granted; I started working very young, and worked with all kinds of people, so I already knew the desk grind sounded like hell. However, especially in the later seasons the office took on this identity of not satirizing the awkward and sterile office environment, but rather acting as a form of wish fulfillment for young people not yet in the work force. It transformed from “doesn’t it suck having to work for a boss who’s an idiot?” To “imagine if you could have dance parties at work all day! Fun!” Really distorted and destroyed a lot of expectations of the work place, and especially dangerously, made a joke of a lot of very serious workplace issues, making it out to be no worse of an issue than one might have in a high school setting, because that’s who the writing was for, without the very real attitudes held in the workplace about what is and is not appropriate.

[@Heb_N]

The office as a whole sucks, but the actors made it good. To this day I condemn Jim-Pam arc. I'm not against love in unlikely places, but DEFINITELY not at work, and not the way they handled it.

[@manwhoismissingtwotoenails4811]

Work is like the office but the British one. No one knows how people get the jobs they have, there's a good chance you'll end up like Stanley, and you have to constantly make people think you're doing something to keep your job that is nothing.

[@hippothehippo]

@@Heb_N Their relationship was especially a huge work no-no. They make a small point to have Toby request they sign paperwork for HR, but, when Roy tries to punch Jim and Dwight pepper sprays him? In real life, have fun sitting through WEEKS of HR meetings, and that's without even having to then appear in court for the next few MONTHS to grant testimonies, etc, so the company can avoid liability for the entire situation.

[@rimut230]

critique of capitalism tends to be absorbed by capitalism if it is profitable, unfortunately. that's what happened with the office

[@TheBoniestTony]

truly, one of the best videos ive seen, ever. i felt too much relatability during this video. one of the best moments, was at the start. the characters being shown having mental breakdowns, loosing themselves in panic, until the clip with the brain snapping in half. as a person with anger issues, i went through an unhealthy cycle of loosing my mind because of other students in school being otherworldly annoying. it was tearing away at patience to the point of affecting my personal life and mental stability. it went to the point that i kept saying that i was going to kill myself just so i didn't have to deal with them. i felt a lack of purpose. i felt like squidward in a world of spongebob and patrick. everytime i ask them angerly or politly to stop, they would refuse, continuing to be a reason to end it all. at that point, i only had two reasons to live. my family, and my art/dreams. the entire thing took a toll on my behavior. i felt a lack of a reason to continue, i would just suffer more. everytime i got over one annoying student, i would notice how annoying another one is. i would stay up at night to live what i missed because of school. i would ask for a pretty big amount of days off. i had a math class that i would almost always struggle in, so i just drew, and drew, and drew. i draw most of the time now. it's a way to ignore my lack of patience, my life, my bad luck, etc. this video hit me on a new level i wasn't aware of before. i loved spongebob, but now, it has helped my in a way, thanks to this video. make more content like this, you are helping more people than i could, including me. -Bony Tony

[@TheBoniestTony]

there is so much i left out, but i hope you can understand

[@nathanbenson2875]

Literally tears up at the end you’re this channel is going to skyrocket

[@dropatrain]

When you realize worrying won't help in a situation, that you've already done whatever you could have, it sets you free.

[@possibledictators2047]

This was so freaking good. The amount of effort put in to this video is so obvious. You deserve so many more views and subs my dude. Keep up the amazing work

[@jamesdizon5133]

i had this in my watch later from since early this morning (1-2 AM) and it is 8:30 PM now that i have finished it and i really do wish i had done it sooner. excellent video, will definitely be returning for more in future

[@Genevieve0880]

I just wanted to say thank you for researching, scripting, editing, and publishing this video. For over a year, I've been dealing with an issue that has now changed my life and forced me to change in the worst ways. I saw multiple professionals about it, and they basically said I was fine, that everything was fine. Despite this, I didn't feel fine. I was worried, and honestly, there were days I thought I wouldn't make it to see the next day. And I was always happy to be wrong, of course, but it was a tiring cycle. I wanted to "go back to normal". Yet, it felt like I was straying further and further away from that normal. I'm only 19, I shouldn't be thinking this way. I know it, my family knows it, and yet nothing could get me to stop this thinking for more than a day. And then I came across this video. I thought it was solely a Spongebob video. (I've been watching plenty of Spongebob theories today.) And I was wrong. I'm glad I was wrong. This video came to me when I needed it the most, when I needed someone to tell me something besides "You're fine." That's what I got. With your video, and the resources you utilized, I might be able to get back to "normal" or at least get better. So, thank you.

[@carloszultner993]

Listening to you feels like accompanying an adventurer on his travels Please continue

[@Pyromaniax]

I also miss the real life stuff in SpongeBob, like king Neptune's castle being a literal photo of a greek building

[@TokumBeatbox]

Excellent, well researched and entertaining video

[@carythesnail]

Dude this is such an incredible angle to rewatch and discuss this show with. I’ve been trying to figure out how to make a video about SpongeBob as interesting as EmpLemons but you beat me to it! I appreciate the psychological legwork you put in and this video deserves far far more views. Great work

[@SalokinQuagsire]

In a time where everyone my age is going through some level of anxiety, I am really grateful I found this video that helps cut through the fat on our response to stress and anxiety, and even life itself. Thank you for making this video, truly, it's a great one.

[@TheRealBBC]

This video is ridiculously well made, your chapter intro transitions are incredible. Great job, keep being you!

[@da3m0nic_79]

So fantastic, I’ll never view these episodes the same way again, and all these things you talked about - you explained so much that I never knew but make so much sense the moment I hear it. You’re also so brilliant at presenting it in an understandable and engaging manner. You deserve all the subscribers (:

[@nathanielbartholomew5091]

great video, love both your short and long form vids

[@gunnasintern]

incredible video. ive gone through my share of mental health issues ever since i was a minor and parts of adulthood, but for the past few years such as in recent months it’s gotten a lot better especially knowing healing isn’t linear so the best thing to do is just live in your own timeline and pace while keep doing your own thing i don’t give any labels to life crises, just saying you’re having one instead of trying to put a label on it as it’ll shift focus onto the personal issues themselves. true success comes from inner peace and self acceptance for me, so the best thing to do is to attract and not chase. cultivating an inner garden did wonders also yeah neuroplasticity is legit cause we always learn and grow throughout life, that’s one of the main reasons why we’re alive in the first place

[@Nockue_1]

This hits me in the feels...Damn Rock...Your something.

[@joshstaples]

im 8 minutes in this is so fucking good okay imma keep watching now

[@aidomiya3401]

This video means so much to me. I can’t word it, but it really does.

[@MrInsdor]

I cannot say this video resonated with me on a personal level since I acutely *lack* stress responses The few times where I actually felt stressed in the last couple of years were when I was nearly bankrupt and evicted and almost wasn't able to get my BA diploma Both of those were purely paperwork deadline related and I didn't manage to be stressed about them despite knowing my livelihood depended on it Back to the video, I never realized how crisis and catastrophe was a recurring theme of the show The two episodes you mention both show the subject of catastrophic thoughts succumbing to them without any solution to it within the episode I'm wondering whether there's an episode where the character succeeds in overcoming it, would've been a cool addition to this video

[@HeavenLeahSky]

Interesting. I just found out birth control (the pill) make women's brain unreactive to cortisol, a chemical hormone that is related to stress. The brains of people who take it look like long ptsd patients. I had no idea.

[@Emmittdupree]

This is literally brilliant & a much needed video for me

[@Eeeemomo]

This is actually the deepest SpongeBob video essay I’ve ever seen, and believe me I’ve seen a lot

[@stef-ruvx]

Underrated video, should have a million views!!

[@stanner601]

Love the video. I hope it's not too late for it to blow up.

[@limm_ee]

It's when youtube randomly recommends me stuff like this, that becomes one of those small joys in life. Love finding another channel to enjoy. Not to mention... it was so nice to be able to geek out over Spongebob. I have so many quotes from seasons 1-3 floating around in my head and at least one pops out every day 🥲

[@astrobeef8231]

I’ve been waiting so long for this 🙏🏻🙏🏻🔥

[@sleepy9102]

Geez I wasn’t expecting to tear up by the end. You earned a subscriber.

[@compencemusic]

Procrastination in LAST???? I loved that episode even as a kid, would watch it on repeat through the disk set

[@HAMR13]

Worth the wait

[@coryisabsent]

Best video I’ve seen on KZbin in a long time and I watch A LOT OF KZbin xD This is a work of art and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next Mr.Rock ❤

[@compencemusic]

Absolute masterpiece of a video holy

[@connorblythe5554]

This rock is wise far beyond his level. Chef’s kisses all around

[@wyattturner3375]

incredible video dude, extremely well researched and I loved the long form content. keep it up rock

[@Darthvincur]

That was so Deep... I felt it in my brain and in my heart

[@MAYOFORCE]

Recently I noticed that I had been getting more anxious over things than I used to, thanks for giving an approach to help curb that feeling.

[@The21to19]

that intro sequence is absolutely fire

[@notnullptr]

mark my words, this channel is going to blow up and be revered in the same way channels like ahoy are

[@DCMdrummer]

Thank you lvl 1 rock, I too feel like I’ve been going through a quarter life crisis. I’ve touched on a handful of these themes in my own reflection, but watching a video like this with a sequential breakdown that builds out the themes, cited and sourced by professionals as well as the greatest cartoon show of all time really hit these ideas home for me. Man life is complicated and nuanced, and wow isn’t it incredible how much entertainment and value has been packed into SpongeBob that we can still look back at and use to help us out in all parts of our life. I will continue to reject cynicism and look to build a fulfilling life alongside others we get to share life with. Again thank you & looking forward to your future videos ❤

[@watercolournight]

The ending made me extremely emotional. This video is beautiful and very insightful. I almost feel better about living life and growing

[@gezz5904]

This is an absolutely amazing video, well done man. This genuinely helped me begin my journey to become better at dealing with nerves.

[@wilsonliang5141]

This is honestly such a masterfully crafted video and I think the way and style in which you delivered the message was really well done. From the clip choices and witty jokes sprinkled throughout, to the music and your well articulated writing, everything about this video was very enjoyable to watch and despite the one hour runtime, it never felt boring. I’m looking forward to seeing your next project!

[@RPWhitworth]

This is the kind of video essay I want. Beautiful

[@richardpatnaude2484]

I can’t wait to see your channel explode! This video is incredible. I’m going through a quarter life crisis as well, and this video has given me a whole new perspective. More people in our generation need to see this.

[@DendriticWolf]

Can I just say how much I love the fact that you used the Hoopla guy to personify the amygdala.

[@ss4clubdj]

This video is probably one of the most genuinely helpful things ive ever seen. I broke down multiple times watching especially at the end. Im left with a lot to think about. Thank you for making this

[@Toadlynotstraight]

I have watched a lot of video essays from a lot of people. This is genuinely the most impactful video essay that I have ever watched. Thank you.

[@gabrielbooth7987]

Idk Mr rocks videos are so good and have really impacted my life for the better. thank you for the amazing content

[@adornethegraverobber]

This was fantastic. I hope you do more of these ambitious videos.

[@HeidiLigouri]

Brilliant! What a contribution to open a conversation about mental health and how to take care of your brain and being.

[@spineshock1]

I needed this, currently 26, a dad, married and a recent homeowner. I was losing motivation and currently on my own journey but this video surely sped things up.

[@Usalas56]

That episode where squidward moved into that HOA and kept doing the same thing everyday hit hard when I moved 2 years ago and thought I finally had a good job and nice place. Came to realize after 6 months I got really bored of doing the same things over and over and got really jaded. I was over it and missed living with other people and the noise and company it brought even though I wasn’t feeling it at the time.

[@faresayman9831]

Thank you for this vido❤

[@blackwidowbrigade5042]

That last chapter was genuinely beautiful omg

[@marmizunaka5478]

as someone who never liked spongebob but has many friends who do... this helped me understand why and want to give it another chance. what a killer of an essay!

[@mentalpopcorn2304]

What an incredible articulate video, this deserves so much more attention

[@TheR6R6R]

I haven't finished but you weren't kidding when you said you have a background in filmmaking. Great editing so far!

[@TotallyNotKinger]

This has to be by far the best Spongebob video essay I've seen! I was looking to watch something Spongebob related before this (because it's just one of those comfort shows i can't get enough of) and I'm so glad i found you! I appreciate how much research and time you've spent on this You have introduced me to concepts that i probably would've never heard of without it (and explaining the concepts with examples from the show was amazing), it's quite eye opening So thank you for making this! :) I really hope more people find this video (seriously, why's the view count so low???) (Ps. I just subscribed)

[@melynnwater]

I know I am not the first to express this sentiment, but this has very quickly become my favorite video on youtube. a term which i know can be taken lightly and i assure you that i mean it in the moment im writing this.

[@somebodyintheworld6690]

Dude i've watched almost every video you made and still can't understand how you didn't blow up yet, but i'm still here and i did followed you on ig but i don't know if it was really you. Waiting for the next video man, keep up the PERFECT work!!

[@scumshine2351]

bro changed my whole perspective n then threw a spongebob hopecore edit in for good measure

[@SuperGizmo64]

I never thought of it that way

[@asianturtle6427]

5:10 that whole intro sequence was insane 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thepinkythepink]

Thanks for such a moving video.

[@MoTheFeral]

This is fantastic. So well spoken and thoughtfully put together. Bravo, Rock.

[@weggesaurusrex6007]

I can’t believe this video isn’t more popular. What an incredible and well-researched introspective about one of the leading epidemics among young people. And it takes prime examples from SpongeBob?! Thank you for this video

[@iwannabethekid34xc]

26. Pre-Pharm Student. Full time Pharm tech, uncle. I feel this so much. What a glorious video. Thanks for keeping me going, in your own small way.

[@VerySoftBadger]

god this makes me want to make my own essays. this is the kind of quality every creator should strive to