How I became the Mariah Carey Christmas chord guy (and why I hate it)

Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video! The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/adamragusea12201
My original 2014 Slate article (republished in 2015), "All I Want for Christmas Is Diminished Chords: Why Mariah Carey’s immortal holiday classic sounds so darn Christmassy": slate.com/culture/2015/12/mar...
The 2016 video that Vox made, "The secret chord that makes Christmas music sound so Christmassy": www.vox.com/videos/2016/12/21...
Adam Neely's 2016 video responding to the Vox video (I've never brought myself to watch it all the way through, so don't ask me specifics about it): • What makes a song soun...

[@a.s.5268]

In an alternate universe, Adam would be a music review channel and Anthony Fantano would be a vegan cooking channel

[@9KITSUKI]

long live the empire

[@zaafarj]

I came for the oven fries and stayed for the personality

[@kanesmith8271]

Yeah, coy narcissism is a great personality

[@aaroncook5928]

Same, however it was another recipe.

[@timhlreh9594]

@@kanesmith8271 how?

[@thebigbarnfarm2540]

@@timhlreh9594 they were deceived for another recipe was made oh wait, wrong franchise, I guess

[@sundayandmonday]

You mean why I season my cutting board, not my steak?

[@AtomicShrimp]

I was blissfully unaware of this whole painful episode until this video, but I love the way you have dealt with all of it. You are, I think, the most intelligently balanced, reasonable and self-aware person on KZbin.

[@synonymous_]

Atomic Shrimp! I love your content so much, its so nice seeing you here!

[@thelingeringartist]

I would love to see a collab between you two,even if it’s over online or something!!

[@eumorpha876]

>the most intelligently balanced, reasonable, and self-aware person on KZbin that coming from the Shrimp himself, is an honor that cannot be understated

[@2wfit]

Has he glarded his funds though?!

[@beanman6684]

Hi mr shrimp

[@ratboygenius]

What a crazy story. As another music theory expert, I can totally relate. Because it is both a science and an art, people take it really seriously, and personally, because each person must use a big knowledge base to make aesthetic interpretations. A wise person once said, music theory opinions are like . . . everyone's got one.

[@audreymcknight]

Wow! I did not expect to see you here. Big fan.

[@matty_daddy]

Yo you’re videos are scuffed

[@williampacheco6163]

Holy shit the legend! Big fan! My friend showed you to me in middle school so it’s crazy seeing you in a comment section as a whole ass adult now

[@Hazztech]

If ratboy shows up it's legit

[@mandiblackwell4668]

lol ahhh I have no idea who this dude is (sry channel isn't too large I did look) but this was great. Scrolled down looking for someone to make the allusion about music theory and opinions.

[@izzy1221]

Anyone else didn’t even know Adam was the ‘Mariah Carey Christmas Chord’ guy? At least I didn’t until this video.

[@TheVeryAngryShrimp]

Me.

[@ThePribylProductions]

I’m pretty sure I saw the video but I didn’t realize it was the same guy lmaooo

[@happyundertaker6255]

Me

[@mugensamurai]

I didn't know this guy even knew how to sing or play. I've always known him as the white wine guy.

[@Solbashio]

never even knew who maria charey was until this

[@realkingofantarctica]

Adam could literally make a video about how he got involved with the Chinese Triads and I would probably watch and believe it.

[@Trainer_Ruffles]

I would too

[@dhiyaurrahman3550]

Lmao

[@user-en7dx1qp3k]

how did you write this comment 14 minutes before the video was released for me?

[@burnttoast2615]

He posted this comment 4 minutes before the video came out for me.

[@casey6556]

“Why I break the law, not my legs”

[@Levi_Allen]

Wow Adam. What incredible story telling skills implemented into this video. Really glad you made this

[@ellap6828]

Hi Adam. I really did appreciate you telling us about your personal struggles in college. It's my freshman year of college, and I'm stuck at home because of COVID. I can't make any friends because college is all online, and I feel like I'm losing out on the best years of my life. In addition, a very close friend of mine just recently attempted suicide, and I was closely involved throughout the issue... It definitely traumatized me, and my mental health has fallen to pieces since then. Anyway, it really helps to hear I'm NOT alone. And not only that, but that you overcame your issues and still ended up being successful and happy. I've just been having such a horribly rough time, and feeling so alone. But this made me feel less alone, so, thank you so much for sharing such a personal thing.

[@zaferalabbas]

Hey, it gets better👍

[@smallgalaxy7509]

Eh college isn't necessarily the best years of your life, don't buy into that. You've got an entire life ahead of you, and college or high school or whatever are only the best years of your life if you don't do anything with your life after. College is a stressful and chaotic time when you are still dealing with developing the skills to deal with said chaos and stress.

[@sonorasgirl]

I had an AWFUL time in college. I get that this is especially bad - I can’t imagine being in college during COVID and dealing with a suicidal friend is truly, deeply horrible (I’m really sorry you’ve been going through that and I hope you’re both as ok as possible considering) but my life has gotten much better since I’ve been out. I’m not saying it’ll get better for you, cause I can’t guarantee that, but I hope it does, and for whatever it’s worth, it got much better after for me. Stuff’s still hard for sure, but at least I don’t have a class paper due while needing to work, attend class, somehow feed myself, deal with an abusive relationship, an alcohol problem, and sleep. I hope it gets better and I hope this adds to the less alone-ness of it all

[@JarlBalgruff_]

Tell me about it.... Sometimes, it just feels like a struggle, I feel so disillusioned in what I do, and like Adam says, I like what I do, but I keep getting plagued by this impostor syndrome all the time...I've recently just got out of a major depressive episode where I'd just wake up, cry and go to college come back, cry some more, and then sleep...I never really understood why I did that...but I just never got to connect with anyone in college. Sometimes, it just feels like school all over again, me being so unmotivated in doing anything. Honestly, this video put a lot of things in perspective...I just wish college wasn't as soul-crushing about it, or, it's just me again. Sorry for this long ass rant lol. Ig I just wanted to vent out.

[@katekramer7679]

Hey Ella. Hope you're in a better place currently. Just chiming with other folks here to say I also had a crappy college experience and in no way consider it the "best years" of my life. I hope it's not even close, tbh.

[@mitchohriner3779]

I was a grad school classmate of Adam's who stayed on in music theory. As you can imagine, he was deeply impressive. My clearest memories of him were his abilities to demonstrate any music theory concept you wanted to name, at the keyboard, from a Madonna song, on the spot. I also remember this whole episode a decade after school, and it gives me so much joy to be another commenter among thousands wishing him well.

[@Exderius]

Thanks for your story, very interesting

[@theelectricant98]

Wholesome

[@baylinkdashyt]

"from a Madonna song". Take *That*, 12Tone.

[@lilbacon7777]

best comment

[@lucianoformisano2274]

Making the thing about you?

[@canorth]

“Man talks about why ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ causes him so much anxiety.” -Vox

[@respectfulplayer]

The one video that explains exactly what's wrong with Web Journalism

[@joaovitormatos8147]

"Here's the one wrong thing with journalism these days"

[@agomezjunco]

@@joaovitormatos8147 Web Journalism

[@sheem.2450]

😂😂😂

[@MikehMike01]

@@respectfulplayer this is why journalists should be convicted of treason and lawfully executed

[@OmicronGaming]

Lauren is a lucky woman to have you, you are a man of innumerable talents

[@R-H-B]

I misread this as “Lauren is lucky to have a woman like you” Fully agree tho. Adam is a solid guy

[@James-ot2ej]

@@R-H-B laughed my ass off

[@shikhar3281]

@@R-H-B what the

[@Bizarro69]

That's what she said!

[@megachadsixtynine5924]

@@Bizarro69 stfu!

[@Silverpicker]

Really great advice at the end. I've started getting asked for interviews on topics related to my channel (coin collecting, investing in precious metals, etc), and I think this will be super helpful!

[@tylervanness9584]

Now I'm waiting for Adam Neely to make a video about his previous career path of being a professional chef before he landed into music so he can be the other side of Adam Ragusea's coin

[@kongqianfu]

Why I Season My Bassline, NOT My Chord Progression

[@ulyssesno490]

Bass

[@lucianng4857]

search for his food channel- AdamNeelyeatsthings

[@GoScience123]

Thats how Neely learned to stop using the butter notes

[@linkinlinkinlinkin654]

Thats where he got his licc obsession

[@PracticalEngineeringChannel]

This is such a nice essay and an excellent perspective on so many different parts of the weird world of online content creation. Thanks for the tips!

[@lny8364]

Love it!

[@araylaurence6220]

you watch adam too?

[@Christian.h.]

I love it when seemingly unrelated creators pop up in each others comments

[@idontevenknow3707]

Hey! Happy to see you here!

[@Dominic-qn9om]

Your the best

[@aarontabuchi5693]

I remember watching the vox video. All I cared about was learning what this guy’s opinion was regarding the song and the Christmas feel in music. I found out that the sixth interval was played and then lowered a half step in the MC song and also in several classic Christmas songs. Done. I know that, Enharmonically, it could be voiced and played around with in many different ways. Most likely in the four chord or the half dim 2. I knew the device wasn’t exclusive to Christmas songs but my takeaway was that it must be common in classic holiday songs and thus feels iconic in context. I don’t understand why people choose to be enraged by such things. Nit picking about the inversion and chord naming is actually a much lower common denominator. So is treating the sacred art form of music like a specimen in a laboratory. Pick your battles, music theory Twitter!!!

[@oibruv3889]

It's quite important for actual theory discussions, but i agree his treatment for something he said in a vox vid was excessive. If he said this is a conference, it'd be right to laugh him out of the room, but come on guys, it's a vox video.

[@vigglewiggle5396]

Update: Adam Neely featured this article in his latest video, meaning that the two coolest Adams on KZbin have acknowledged each other.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Adam Savage is also on KZbin. He's definitely a contender:)

[@vigglewiggle5396]

@@WouldntULikeToKnow. he’s my number 3

[@romxxii]

Adam Neely's original response to the Vox article is linked in this video's description, so it's not like Adam Neely's a stranger.

[@superpcstation]

Which video did adam neely mentioned this?

[@Joshlama]

@@superpcstation this one I believe. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6HUipmqZpehjJY

[@nonowords7857]

"Dousing it in white wine" Such a good description

[@AxxLAfriku]

Let me get this straight: You comment something that is unrelated to the fact that I have two DANGEROUSLY DASHING girlfriends? Considering that I am the unprettiest KZbinr ever, having two hot girlfriends is really incredible. Yet you did not mention that at all. I am quite disappointed, dear nono

[@Noremax]

@@AxxLAfriku ffs he’s here

[@lemonke3774]

@@AxxLAfriku bro you’re scaring me.

[@probably_sam]

@@AxxLAfriku stfu

[@cr1sprarchives408]

Madman put white wine on mac and cheese

[@jamessawley213]

Man pours his heart out in a kitchen: a 10/10 video.

[@saijeetdogra9360]

That explains where the white wine came from.

[@aaronlee6361]

I mean isnt that the actual reason we're subscribed? Sure the practical dry humor styled cooking videos are good but I thoroughly enjoy Adam's personality. Its refreshing compared to the bland, illogical parts of youtube

[@TononiaWorld]

@@saijeetdogra9360 turumtup ths

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

"Why I pour out my heart, not my white wine"

[@Joshwiththefries]

Owning up to your low points, learning from your mistakes, and always moving forward. A man of character. Always been a fan of your food videos and just came across this video and as 22 year old going through some tough times your story really hit home with me. Thank you Adam!

[@jfizzaldizzal4818]

I wanna give you a hug because I understand that feeling to my core and legit am so overjoyed you got out of that situation and moved on to be a healthy family man, congratulation yo you for making it out!

[@SixOhhGeeTeeOhh]

"why cooking man no do cooking" still cool to hear life stories every now and then

[@austinthrowsstuff]

He’s standing in the kitchen so I’m happy

[@SKyrim190]

Me too sad cooking man is no cooking. Cooking man should cook

[@saijeetdogra9360]

@@SKyrim190 this is how I threaten my meth cooks, while holding a tazer.

[@SKyrim190]

@@saijeetdogra9360I was going more for a caveman tone, sad the joke didn't land

[@saijeetdogra9360]

@@SKyrim190 No you got it. The talking like a caveman joke worked. You did good, keep it up.

[@kokomoman]

Holy shit Adam. This is the internet, I could never imagine disclosing that I had once been so stressed and isolated that I would pee in bottles to avoid other people, and I don't even have an audience or any real experience with the crazed mob that can sometimes be the internet. I admire your bravery and candor in sharing that in the hopes that it might help even one member of your audience. Kudos my guy...

[@jamesbenz3228]

Adam said so many absolute nuggets of gold in this video but I think him talking about that experience is the best one. He is a really well put together guy, and to hear that he went through such a difficult time... seldom do people have the strength to talk about those things, especially not to potentially an audience of a million people. When I saw my first Ragusea video I thought the content was good but the guy was a bit annoying. Now I think he's a treasure to the world. Anyway, I'm off to season my cutting board.

[@rickfeith6372]

I thought the same thing. First time watching him was like okay, this guy knows his shit. After watching literally every recipe video and then seeing some musical nuggets slip through, I realized this dude is like my ideal best friend...lol. From being a guitar player, to not cutting corners in the kitchen, to recording and production to being an all out theory nerd who loves the old Metallica records as much as me. I actually used his gravy technique for Thanksgiving and it was hands down the best gravy I've ever made. I've done it three times now since turkey day and it's spot on. I also made the sugar cookie cutout recipe, but that's still in the fridge waiting to meet the rolling pin. It looks great though!!

[@mastertrey4683]

Yeah its very brave

[@fingmoron]

Damn I used to do that for a bit bro. Only for a short while but yea live with five others had a bit of a breakdown but didnt want it to be public so just played video games all the time and ate crap went to the shop in the middle of the night and pissed in plastic bottles if I thought people were still up. Didn't last too long but was a low low point.

[@bennettthomas1071]

strangest thing. I had a pee in a bottle thing to for awhile. Drug/alcohol issues and declining mental health yadda yadda. Through recovery I've learned that it's not that uncommon for people who have descended into a dark place. I'm not saying it's common, but whenever I share with others about my own experience, someone approaches and can relate because they did the same thing.

[@pnunezaguila]

I discovered this channel a few days ago for the recipes, I stay for everything else. Seriously, Adam is a fantastic communicator, I've watched several dozen videos and none of them bored me. Thank you for your work.

[@wordofmouth7679]

You are one of the most effective communicators I’ve ever heard speak. Your inclusion of brief explanations for those that may not know what you are taking about makes it so that more of the audience can follow along with you. As a theory buff and an individual who always sort of felt on the outside myself, I appreciate you and everything you shared very much. May this year be filled with great things for you and your family.

[@deathtoallbuttmetal8148]

As a college student who also struggles with imposter syndrome, I really appreciate your vulnerability in this video.

[@Boom12]

I feel it too. I graduated from culinary school, but I still don't feel I'm a qualified chef. I'm nowhere near what my peers can do. It still hurts to this day.

[@SebisRandomTech]

I feel the same way in my school’s music program. A constant feeling of “I don’t belong here” despite music being one of my greatest passions...

[@4309chris]

all everyone does at my places of employment is fake it until they make it. most everyone rises to the level of their incompetence

[@MikehMike01]

College is a waste. Drop out.

[@PandaPanda-lm7vx]

@@MikehMike01 yikes

[@radiodevt]

This is a 30-minute advertisement for quitting social media.

[@frosiaburlakova7732]

I was thinking the same! Hahaha! I deleted my FB yesterday and I thought watching this video 'here's reassurance from Adam that I made a good decision".

[@hhiippiittyy]

Can I give that a "thumbs-up" unironically without hypocrisy? Cuz I did.

[@AngeloT2001]

Especially twitter That God forsaken site is just pure hell and misery.

[@withnail-and-i]

@@frosiaburlakova7732 I deleted all of that (except for anonymous KZbin of course) 6 years ago and have had no social life since

[@buddykroma4165]

you should work for vox

[@ErickC]

This one hits pretty hard, not only was undergrad experience a lot like yours in that I didn't feel like I belonged and it put me in a lot of bad places, but my master's thesis involves student belonging and how it affects outcomes as a component of the main subject matter. If you haven't read Davis et al. (2019), I recommend it - you probably won't be surprised that they found that belonging is a much stronger predictor of retention than GPA.

[@dafttassia1960]

Where can i find that?

[@orionma5425]

files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1205217.pdf

[@jmp_fr]

what I love about Adam's essay videos is that you could very easily turn them into a worded article with often very little changes. it really just displays his writing prowess

[@WAF74]

Albert Einstein: "Make things as simple as possible, but no simpler." Adam Ragusea: "Vox gunna Vox."

[@ApexGladiator]

What can I say, Adam has outdone me.

[@MikehMike01]

this is why journalists should be convicted of treason and executed

[@wright96d]

@@MikehMike01 You forgetting that Adam was a journalist for many years?

[@erim6035]

@@MikehMike01 that's how you get third world democracies... don't worry tho you wouldn't get a high ranking role anyway

[@Xeper-I-Set]

An Adam Ragusea video where he admits to heavy drug use and pissing in bottles before the five minute mark is an early christmas present

[@skimaskalx]

tru

[@Safouan0]

Wait heavy drug use? I missed something.

[@KiroZero15]

@@Safouan0 He didn't directly say drugs, but substances.

[@UBvtuber]

@@KiroZero15 He probably didn't wanna anger Montizon (the YT Monetization bot)

[@sahilarora558]

Ugly Bastard he has a sponsor...and there’s like no midroll ads. I kinda doubt he got mixed up with “heavy drugs” like heroin, more likely he took too much alcohol and weed.

[@izirriadi]

wow, that's explain why your audio is so good in my ears, and combine with your exp in journalism, your story telling get me watching your video continuously. Thanks, Adam. you got a new subcriber

[@robina.9402]

I loved the original Vox video, and it was the first time I was ever intrigued by music theory! From my point of view, you were a great teacher who introduced me to a new world - bridging the gap between different industries is so important. I was looking for the Vox video to share with a friend when i found this. It's so heartbreaking that something which brought me so joy was an awful experience for you! It's been several years since you posted this, and I hope that since the vox video is now blocked by copywrite claims, you have much more peaceful holiday seasons!

[@SquirmyandGrubs]

I greatly admire your eloquence.

[@joshuapunkt9533]

U gud wif wurds too

[@squipsquap7052]

I greatly admire *your* eloquence with short sentences.

[@linkinlinkinlinkin654]

@Daniel Kintigh I think you're conflating his reasoning with relatable narratives and buzzwords. He hasn't completely divulged all the details of him quitting journalism in any video yet. Attributing lack of diversity (or even affirmatively forced diversity) is a very common reason to feel inadequate in a work place. I am from what some might call a 'marginalized minority' in the USA and I have felt inadequate or just a token in many workplaces. Ultimately we don't know the details of his working environment, thus pulling conclusions of him leaving because of some racial guilt and wanting to be a savior seems a bit far fetched. Suppose a case that he already had an opportunity to work at the university, and he took it because of many reasons, one of them being lack of diversity at his previous position. Seems a lot less 'absurd' doesnt it?

[@FizzyCape]

I greatly admire the scam you’ve been pulling off for years

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

Eloquence Djents

[@colinyang5991]

Hey Adam, hearing your story about your experience in college and feeling like you didn't belong really resonated with me. I was pressured by my parents at age 15 to get a GED and get out of high school because they thought that I would fail to be successful otherwise, and I also locked myself in my room and collapse upon arrival to college because I felt like I didn't belong. It brings me comfort that even someone who is so successful now had their own rough patches and you were able to overcome it. Love your content, keep up the awesome work.

[@SirWussiePants]

Unfortunately, that feeling never goes away. I make wine as an amateur and have won 12 medals (bronze to gold) but when I go to conventions and are surrounded by people who obviously know WAY more about the craft than I do I feel like an interloper. Hopefully, many years from now when I gain at least some of that knowledge I can use my power to bring more people into the fold in a friendly, welcoming way. I am 57 years old and sometimes that high school "not part of the in crowd" feeling still haunts the edges of my soul.

[@nilan3294]

I think that you having a anime profile pic might be the reason you didn't fit in

[@gingerale1591]

@@nilan3294 pepe is probably worse tho some anime is sick

[@nilan3294]

@@gingerale1591 if you genuinely think pepe is worse than anime you don't deserve an opinion

[@PandaXs1]

@@nilan3294 "if you genuinely think pepe is worse than anime you don't deserve an opinion " oh hey an example of why people with a pepe pfp don't deserve opinions

[@EastonBit]

Adam, I found this video to be one of your most interesting ones. Thank you for sharing so much about the journalism world, truly fascinating, and of course keep up the great work!

[@musicworldnow365]

I respect Adam Ragusea even for acknowledging Mariah Carey's songwriting and highlighting a big problem in both the music education and music industry field, and that is elitism.

[@christophert8419]

Music theory is an academic subculture where the battles are intense but the stakes are so small.

[@tissuepaper9962]

Academia in general is tainted by a vocal minority of people who are desperate to be right about everything and refuse to forgive the honest mistakes of others, at least not without making triple-extra-sure that the perpetrator of the error knows they're stupid and wrong. I used to be (and sometimes still am) that guy. Don't be that guy.

[@agbook2007]

Well put. A concise and witty construction of putting the critique in its place. Thank you for your comment! 👍

[@romxxii]

@@tissuepaper9962 Sounds like Academia is just The Internet.

[@stevenhaas9622]

This is essentially the Henry Kissinger quote. "Why are academic politics so contentious? because the stakes are so low"

[@andybaldman]

Those are the battles worth fighting. Because you fight them for yourself.

[@soundninja99]

Thank you for sharing the "peeing in bottles" story. I've been in a similar place this semester and have struggled with depression and anxiety for a bit longer. People only see the result of this (crappy grades, failed classes... etc) and atack me for being lazy/not having my shit together. Seing someone that i respect and look up to (as much as one can look up to someone he doesn't know) having been through similar experiences but ultimately succeeding really helps. Merry Christmas!

[@scottrainey2375]

Hey just letting you know things get better even though it absolutely sucks ass while you're going through it. Be good to yourself, relax where you can, and do something good for yourself each day. You'll get through. Merry Christmas to you, and I hope you start feeling better soon!

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

From now on, whenever I feel burnout, I will remember the story of peeing in a bottle.

[@zachmills4648]

Did anyone else click thing video thinking Adam was going to confess to being one of the background musicians in the Mariah Carey song?

[@mateoheitner]

I love how these videos start on one topic and always end on something completely different. It’s so interesting

[@BrownNomura]

Adam talking about his personal life and being this honest with us is really calming. The moral of his stories are amazing and really do help me get by. Thank you so much!

[@0y0chang0]

This is like the final convergence of my KZbin Algorithm. It covers politics, journalism, the bane of social media, music theory, content creation and how all of it can drive us to social anxiety. It is kinda both awesome and scary that I found that on a "Cooking" channel.

[@gigigggigi]

literally every interest combined in a strange perfect way. i didn't even recognize adam was the one in that infamous vox video

[@iota-09]

There ws even a mention to d&d, now the only thing missing is anime, but you know what? There was enough drama in it that the video itself was anime.

[@ringsystemmusic]

SAME.

[@snarfbot]

Lol same thing this guy is great

[@ALAPINO]

I mean, you Voxed the title of this video but the content recovered that. You were pretty vulnerable in this video. I watch your videos with my finite time because I enjoy your videos: Your personality, delivery, and rigour in conveying information.

[@sofiapagen]

You have no idea how hard "many of the best things in the world are made by people who are able to bridge world" this hit. I'm currently at a professional crossroads and this video helped a ton. You're awesome, Adam!

[@Haedox]

I love this channel and you

[@rashkasolomon1519]

Weird Haedox cameo

[@A.M.A-Attarch]

Wassup

[@mrplumpkin_x3c]

Arent you the one who hates triple a companies

[@mrplumpkin_x3c]

Cause I agree with you

[@o0Avalon0o]

This comment really made me happy & I'm absorbing your affection by osmosis, lol.

[@Carcosahead]

Imagine the next Babish videos where he describes how left the yakuza life behind and started a cooking youtube channel.

[@seauqis]

chef john makes a video where he talks about his expiriences in the past with a rich nigerian prince who he cut ties with in order to start a yt channel

[@iwannaseehowlongyoucanmakethis]

@@seauqis gordon ramsay used to be a football player. True story

[@isthatbraised]

@@iwannaseehowlongyoucanmakethis Not the most surprising ngl

[@jeniferjoseph9200]

Joshua Weissman former bounty hunter now doing everything cheaper

[@markpeam8549]

OMIGOD! It's /that/ time of year again, so I Googled and found this video. Almost clicked away at the beginning but glad I stayed til the end. An excellent explanation of the compromises that are involved with journalism, and the potential pitfalls for any 'talking head' that is just trying to help. I may just hang around and look for recipes now that I'm here. Keep up the good work! :)

[@cygnus4232]

I could listen to you talk about anything, your intelligence in delivery and thoughtfulness you give to each subject is fantastic. Thank you for the great content and I look forward to more!

[@johnmanno9701]

Dear Mr Ragusea: I know Christopher Rouse. I went to Eastman. He taught there. I played a bunch of his pieces in orchestra. LOTS of people collapse at Eastman. Nearly everyone feels like they don't belong there. Tons of students break down there. Most people leave. Glad you found a better path! Yeah. You're definitely that nerdy punk music guy. Like your videos. Like your style. Great job.

[@MingJianYap]

I like his work. RIP Rouse

[@Propane_Acccessories]

@Austin Han That's how I felt when the band instructor in 9th grade had us play Symphonic movement by Vaclav Nelhybel. Not the same thing at all, but it was so different and seemed to go against the grain

[@fireflyserenity31]

Having to rebrand yourself as a food youtuber because you were branded as "the Mariah Carey chord guy" is a very Adam kind of problem to have

[@inorrbotten1]

How sweet of you to share some of your hardest moments to let others know they're not alone. 💚 Such an open, intelligent and humble person.

[@calebjankola8728]

Thank you so much for the honesty and a bit more detail of your background. So cool and gives me hope!

[@frgwyn3760]

My god, Adam really went deep into his life here.

[@DrRiq]

It's not that he went deeper than others; it's that others don't go as far as him

[@luxither7354]

His pronunciation of "mentions" sounds like "mansions" so each time he brings up his mentions getting filled, I just imagine Adam getting harass in 1 of his many estates by people telling him he's wrong.

[@Ravie1]

Please tell me they're wearing top hats and riding in coaches in your imagination.

[@SirWussiePants]

Me too!

[@troydavis5210]

Lmao’

[@KrypXern]

@Adam Ragusea Try consulting an expert before pronouncing the word "mentions" incorrectly

[@scotthannan8669]

I thought that as well and was puzzled thinking “wow, is his cooking channel really doing THAT well??“

[@illjet1414]

So glad you're doing better! Thanks for the lovely info pieces, and great tips.

[@chefp0l065]

You are great Adam! I could listen to you speak for days! Your commentary is always real, and informative.

[@192mait]

this anime is taking deep turns - imagine creating a food channel to gain notoriety on the inderwebs in order to backpedal a music critic video

[@theflyingcrud]

Haha got a genuine laugh out of this comment, I'm sure if Adam had seen this he probably would get a laugh as well. Good since of humor 👍

[@CurtisTerranova]

meta

[@TheShamiester]

Bruh

[@Qbgarden]

The manga is way way ahead

[@zp944]

So much effort for such little reward

[@Boroda4Gaming]

Im so glad that you made that video about seasoning the steak, because through it I found you and your channel. It is kinda funny, how many life lessons cooking channel can give you, if youre patient enough

[@bastardbambi]

Блять, бородач, серьёзно?

[@nerdzilla1355]

What video about seasoning steak? He’s only made one about seasoning a cutting board.

[@lawrence-yx1ew]

I've learned so much from this channel. Love this guy

[@user-yj3ti9rg7n]

Борода, правда ты?

[@keynage6693]

Ok

[@geganerd3]

This was incredibly vulnerable, but by far one of the best constructed expose episodes I've seen in quite a while. This was a delight to watch!

[@notfunny3397]

Thanks for the closed captions.

[@johnnyharris]

I loved that video. Music theory pedants be damned.

[@451asians]

JOHNNY

[@Bloupyblooper]

Yo yo yo

[@richard-ki6xn]

real Johnny Haris?

[@AquaWeiner]

Yooo, Infinity War is greatest cross over my azz!

[@majesticseeotter_45]

Yooooooo Johnny

[@drakedbz]

When you've watched a lot of Adam Neely's videos, including the one about Christmas chords, and later watched a lot of Adam Ragusea's videos, and didn't realize the two were linked...

[@thehardboy45]

The adam expanded universe.

[@tonatiuhornelas1472]

Blew my mind tbh

[@iota-09]

The world truly is small

[@abram7547]

lol same

[@ultimategotea]

That was my first Adam Neely video

[@MrAilsaAng]

I’ve been following you for a while & just managed to watch this today, what a gem!! Thank you so much for sharing from your experience!

[@spawnofmelkor]

What an open and generous introspective long-form anecdote. Thank you very much Adam. I appreciate your candor and kindness.

[@swampy7139]

This adds so much to the adam ragusea lore

[@judahr03]

As a current Music Education major at the University of South Carolina, this video is giving me life

[@austinmccombs5606]

I found myself resonating with so much of this story. I was a classical music outsider who picked up classical music in college. I wanted to be a conductor or professor, but life and the expense of grad school had other plans. Now I work in Criminal Justice but still do music part time. College was rough for me, too. Long way from home, first experience in the world and not sure where I wanted to go. Keep pushing forward and follow your dreams. They may not lead you where you intended, but they make the journey bearable.

[@vinnytube1001]

@@austinmccombs5606 Don't feel bad. My father is one of those academic music types, so we (as a family) know a lot of musicians. The ones who can afford to work full time in music are incredibly lucky. Most people do music on the side out of pure passion. For example, my Dad plays in a band on the side and he usually gets $150. Per week. Generally the venues are set up like this because they only do live music on Friday or Saturday, so there's only one event per week in which to get paid. You can try to make some extra on the side teaching, but... point is, having a full-time gig that puts a roof over your head and food on the table is nothing to sneeze at. Just enjoy music whenever you can, and relax knowing that you're not starving or dying.

[@PaulyinParis619]

You can’t find the video on KZbin anymore. It’s how I discovered Adam. Noticed a food video and thought, “it’s that Mariah Carey song guy”. It’s a really good watch. Very insightful look at the song.

[@jdrew500]

WOW! That was a lot of words. This was a great vid and points out the dangers people experience when they put themselves out there. I commend all contributors and caution also to rethink/review what you create to insure accuracy, thoroughness, and attitude. Thanks Adam for putting yourself out there.

[@EdRadley]

The internet tends to bring out the worst in people, especially when the parties involved don't actually know each other in person and can getting away with saying hurtful things, especially when they can fall back on the anonymity the internet provides by default. Thanks for taking the time to address this topic and explain what went wrong. Hopefully it helps prevent future issues like this from arising.

[@CallanElliott]

I think this is also an issue with the Twitter format. It encourages the hot take. When you have to compile your thoughts into 280 or so characters or less (even worse in the dark days of the 140 limit), you invariably end up reducing what you want to say down to what feels snappiest. Twitter encourages people to be catty, sharp and just generally bitchy because articulation complex thoughts often requires more than a short sentence.

[@hidarling641]

@@CallanElliott It is quite literally the worst elements of the internet compressed and concentrated

[@CallanElliott]

@@hidarling641 No, what makes it bad is that people want to use Twitter as the main public forum, which it is really bad at (honestly, 4chan would be better). If it were just for random shitposting and memes and stuff it would be fine.

[@hidarling641]

@@CallanElliott It's clearly more than that, even though 4Chan is better for it: you don't see people trying to ruin others constantly on 4Chan for dumb reasons (besides Pol I guess). And usually when they do, it's because some a-hole at a protest hit someone trying to calm people down.

[@CallanElliott]

@@hidarling641 Pol occasionally comes up with a decent protest idea, but yeah, most of the other boards hate them. What makes 4chan better is quite simple: you can write an essay or a sentence. You can say why you want to say without having to chop it up or condense it.

[@lizzyred3677]

Your story is very interesting, you're a really talented dude. I like your channel a lot, I often find myself watching your stuff without the actual intent to cook. And then stuff like this that is even more interesting. You're a cool dude Ragusea, love your personality

[@DrRiq]

He's the type of guy people wanna be friends with. God bless you, Adam

[@raynefelix]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I was looking for the vox video, and found this instead. Its so nice to see what actually happened! I'm so sorry all this happened.

[@kevinkempt]

It is crazy how many talents you’ve dabbled in

[@iKhanKing]

I really appreciate how honest Adam was about his past in this video. College is rough for a lot of people, and it's helpful to know that you are not alone, just as he says.

[@MikehMike01]

Most people shouldn’t go to college. We need to stop making people do something that is bad for them.

[@OGDonaldEngel]

@@MikehMike01 We need to start telling people that it’s 1) okay to not go to college as long as you’re being a productive member of society and 2) not go to uni right away. 17/18 seems old when you’re that age, but many kids are not mature enough to go away without a support system at that age.

[@MikehMike01]

@@OGDonaldEngel people shouldn’t go at all unless it’s STEM

[@OGDonaldEngel]

@@MikehMike01 medicine is important, religion is important, economics are important; there are MANY things outside of the STEM realm that are important and essential to society.

[@MikehMike01]

@@OGDonaldEngel you know that medicine is part of STEM genius? religion and economics have some value but do not require a college degree program

[@lilybeejones]

I knew the video touched a nerve with you, but I didn't know how deep. I'm sorry you have had this experience. As a musician and music teacher, I want you to know that you are completely valid as a musician regardless of what other people do with it. I'm sure you know that, imposter syndrome really hits sometimes. I am thankful that you ended up teaching cooking, it's really helped me a lot and I'm glad that it is what you are known for now.

[@joshuarupp]

Such an outstanding video! I highly commend this on so many levels: Honest, insightful and encouraging for all people. Thank you so much Adam, thank you! 🙏

[@colemitchell7468]

I have really enjoyed every video you have produced. I think this is the strongest message you have presented. Thank you for it and making yourself vulnerable. T'was cheapened with the ad, but get that money. I still think you are great.

[@colemitchell7468]

If you ever want to see an organic crinum farm... In Beech Island, SC

[@rach2.2]

Me analyzing music: It’s got a beat and you can dance to it.

[@naritruwireve1381]

lol relatable

[@ericamancini5838]

I also ended up hiding in my room in first year university, only leaving to eat alone at the dining hall or use the washroom. I dropped out before the year was over too and spent a couple months at my parents’ house in bed. Back on the horse and just finished my first semester of third year. If you’re going through this, don’t give up hope for your future!! Everyone has rough patches in life.

[@nebula1oftheseven488]

Hey, I did the same thing, got into my dream university and dropped out in my second semester. Now in 5th sem in another uni and doing much better. I was living like a zombie and I think I was in my bed more than 20 hours a day some of the worst weeks.

[@earthygoku]

Holy shit im doing the exact sane thing right now

[@pattifeit4354]

Good on you, mate!

[@StoneCold141]

That happened to me too. :-)

[@henneh9437]

Respect dude. Thank you for the honesty you seem like a well rounded guy who has it all together inspiring to know you suffered and overcome, congrats I hope to change from my currently unhealthy mind set

[@tdbla98]

Hey Adam, I really appreciate you going over your struggles with addiction/substance abuse and depression. I just hit 11 months clean from opiates, fentanyl & heroin, and cocaine + Xanax. It's nice to hear someone I look up to tell me they came from a background of substance abuse and depression/social anxiety. It makes a difference, successful people telling their audience that they, too, went through problems with drugs and anxiety. You're an amazing person and I love your videos. Also seeing your background is music, not cooking! You're a great man and I look up to you, Adam. Thank you for showing those of us with past issues that we too, can make it in the area we love and are passionate about

[@chefmark1751]

I love this guy. He’s a great mix of pedantic curiosity and profound empathy.

[@gogogooner]

Well put!

[@richardcarson3596]

1) "low point of my life" 2) "my appearance in a vox video" Checks out.

[@SAM-zn3ct]

Whilst his son was badly injured in the hospital needing constant supervision

[@linkinlinkinlinkin654]

ik vox goes for pretty over accuracy sometimes, but in the realm of social media news they have a decent track record

[@tissuepaper9962]

@@linkinlinkinlinkin654 It's not just a "sometimes" thing. It's a "pretty much every video they've ever made" kind of thing. Clicks count for more than facts, that's just the state of news at this point.

[@tissuepaper9962]

@@SAM-zn3ct It's called a joke, maybe you've heard of them.

[@MikehMike01]

@@linkinlinkinlinkin654 if you think vox has a decent track record, you needed higher standards...

[@lucaskuyl823]

Thanks Adam, I really do learn a lot from your personal stories! Keep up the good work.

[@liceous]

Appreciate your vulnerability and wisdom as always Adam. Happy Holidays 💕

[@McMaster1471]

dude’s so multitalented that in about 2 years, we’ll learn that he once guest rapped in a Lil B track

[@LegitParchment]

What

[@LegitParchment]

@@YORUKSON who’s lil b bro

[@brocabe]

No f**kin way! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@ThreadBomb]

I really hope not.

[@soup7776]

@@brocabe Holy shit! insane to think that he actually did this, adam truly is multitalented

[@AnyBodyWannaPeanut]

That "Gorgon" piece sounded like boss music in a horror game! So cool!

[@Samael767]

It needs to be in Elden Ring or Bloodborne II.

[@maxnovakovics2568]

Hellblade 2 would be fitting But that's probably gonna be all Heilung again

[@KentuckyFriedDoge]

Because he djents

[@daleicious1528]

Like old Final Fantasy

[@Jvk1166z]

gorgon just outright sounds like the name of a fantasy RPG game.

[@bsenger4446]

Big respect for sharing your story and journey to where you are now. I really appreciate you including the messy bits. Many of us have been there and are not comfortable admitting it. I'm sure it will help many people feel less alone.

[@pangeaforever]

I hope that all of these positive comments regarding your work and overall method serve to overwrite some of the pain and troubled times that you went through to get here. We need more content like this on the platform and adopt your openness in the world overall. Great videos Adam!

[@wittwer427]

Alternate title: "Why I stewed my emotions instead of my tomatoes and why I DONT anymore."

[@ammarstarcevic9464]

Dude just shared some of the most personal moments of his life and you make a meme about it in the comments. Good job

[@burntchickennugget8142]

Hahaha

[@wittwer427]

Ammar Starcevic you got butt hurt over a joke. Good job.

[@perry7688]

@@wittwer427 you said butt hurt unironically in 2020. Good job.

[@mohammedjawahri5726]

@@ammarstarcevic9464 I don't know man, if he posted something personal and genuinely expected all comments to go soft and "aw adam thank you for this" then that's pretty pathetic and kind of lame. I'm sure that was not his intent at all. he is brave for doing this but that was not even nearly the point of the video. He is making a video about music theory and his experience in that world, and wanted to give a side comment for people struggling, which is cute. but he is not fishing for compliments and condolences lmao. I don't get the outrage

[@jessicahaywood971]

You have had such an involved life. It's actually amazing.

[@itsthevoiceman]

You'd be surprised how every ordinary person has an interesting and fascinating life. Often, however, people don't think they're interesting, so they speak nothing of themselves in that way.

[@linkinlinkinlinkin654]

@@itsthevoiceman completely agree. We don't inherently assume that other people have spent years in their own bodies same as us. Reducing other people's lived experience and thinking of myself as the protagonist is how I wasted most of my college life

[@143685753ton22y]

absolutely hooked me all the way through! super clear and efficient with every idea

[@mojog.4779]

Really great video Adam. Your story actually helps me deal with some difficulties of impostersyndrome in academia that i have personally. Thank you for sharing your experience. Ive always found your simultaneous humility honesty and confidence very inspiring. I wish you well and hope that this will eventually blow over for you.

[@Fillyann11]

I have to admit that I was one of those dreaded MUSIC THEORY TWITTER people. I didn’t have twitter, but I saw your video and laughed. I was subject to a lot of the elitism in the classical music theory world and felt that the only way to stay out of the crossfire was to feel elitist myself. It breaks my heart to see how much people like who I used to be continue to tear you apart and how much that probably affects you when it was a genuine mistake. So for that, I am really sorry.

[@andrew20146]

That temptation is there for anyone who has expertise in some field.

[@ryanchungus8972]

I was taught from a simple guitar teacher all my theory. I know the things that count: I III V make up a chord A flat third makes it a minor A flat 7 is a seventh chord A dominant seven is a seventh major Adding II in the next octave makes it a ninth ( I think?) And so on He taught me about bossa nova jazz(despite me being a blue grass, blues, folk, and rock singer) And actually get me to enjoy it(I don't make my own, but it taught me chords and it sounds pretty One thing I was always taught: NEVER become a twittertard music theory elitist.

[@vinnytube1001]

It's a problem in many academic fields. Neal Stephenson has a great article floating out there how he was at some social event hob-knobbing with authors, most of which were in academia, and after sharing that he made a living from his novels they didn't want to associate with him anymore. The idea that if your novel is popular enough to make a living off of, it can't possibly be as good as the work that comes out of the halls of University English departments. The sad thing, as this pertains to music, is that classical comp and jazz used to be mainstream, popular endeavors. That academic composers have gotten so out of touch with music that people care about, is a problem. Even in the diminishing current classical market, like city symphony orchestras, you will rarely find anything newer than 1940 or so being played.

[@fredjones5698]

a tiny bit of knowledge is kind of a bad thing. most people believe they are experts in a field they haven't even begun to scratch. or lord forbid children correcting people who know more :/

[@fallenmercury]

Tryhards exist in everything. Usually people with mediocre skill in the subject as well.

[@patrickselley2518]

"I didn't think theory nerds would stay up all night arguing over the function of a single chord" oh Adam...you poor naive fool

[@headmltr6247]

it took me a long time to get around to this video, but i think this is my favorite thing youve uploaded. very very helpful for me

[@willrobinson5097]

This is such a wonderful video, through and through. Thanks, man

[@zypher6018]

I never would’ve expected Adam to be in Adam...Raguseas videos...

[@niklaspilot]

That Adam Neely video was the first thing I thought of when I saw this video 😂

[@paridhidandwate4348]

@Zypher you could not have sentenced it better

[@zypher6018]

The peak of English I am.

[@noname-vp6vf]

when adam first got into my recommended, i didn't even realised that adam is the same guy on the adam neely's video. i have to go back and forth to make sure that its the same guy

[@yolobathsalts]

"you're not the only one and it does get better" really hit me. I thought I was done crying for the night. Jokes on me I guess.

[@Xanthelei]

I hope it's gotten better for you over the last year, pandemic notwithstanding.

[@yolobathsalts]

@@Xanthelei yes and no. Thank you for caring 🙂

[@evil_bnuuy666]

не надо, папочка

[@Neen365]

❤️

[@GENCALAMITY]

Thanks for sharing this story & for all of your great content. Keep up the good work!

[@prosegold]

I had no idea . I just like your programs ! Didn’t even know you were a music guy ! Good stuff man, nice to hear about your personal history a little more . Even if the circumstances were mildly unfortunate.