Crisis, Catastrophe, & Spongebob

Started growing up watching Spongebob, finished growing up becoming depressed.
Chapters:
0:00 Sponge Through Life
5:39 Chapter 1: Midlife Crisis
15:27 Chapter 2: Quarterlife Crisis
26:00 Chapter 3: Actual Catastrophe & The lil guy in your head
32:39 Chapter 4: Worry, Catastrophizing, & Intrusive Thoughts
50:04 Relaxation Response (Interlude)
52:04 Chapter 5: Squid's Search for Meaning
57:32 Credits
Patreon:
/ lvl1rock
Videos Reference in this Video IN ORDER:
Satya Doyle Byock Career Contessa Podcast
• A New Approach To The ...
Satya Doyle Byock Quarterlife Lex Podcast
• Interview with Satya D...
Rainn Wilson Rich Roll Podcast
• We Need A SPIRITUAL RE...
Vlogbrothers Hank Green rough advice video:
• Some Rough Advice for ...
Satya Doyle Byock Quarterlife Human Design Podcast
• Quarter Life: Beyond T...
Satya Doyle Byock Quarterlife Paul Svitek Podcast
• Examining Quarterlife ...
Rewire Your Anxious Brain Reprogramming Mind Podcast
• How to Get Rid of Anxi...
Headspace Video
• Headspace | Meditation...
Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts Podcast Interview
• Overcoming Unwanted In...
The Relaxation Response Dr. Herbert Benson Video
• HerbertBensonRelaxatio...
Fads Gen Z Quietly Gave up Doomer Video
• Gen Z Quietly Gave Up,...
Contrapoints quote from this video
• Canceling | ContraPoints
End clip from this Joel Haver video
• What The SpongeBob Squ...
Thank you so much for watching, subscribe for more rock video essays :D

[@Squeeplish]

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

[@pyroAdapt]

It's Iraq!!

[@WahRizz]

Level 1 rock

[@moejoesayson1933]

This made my day xD

[@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.

[@jellyforjelly4609]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@mystic8704]

It's always the channels with 10-20k subs with the best videos

[@zaneberry]

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

[@MERTYILMAZGAMES]

*green screen explosion effect*

[@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)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Mrfallouthero]

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.

[@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

[@joshstaples]

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

[@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.

[@jackkelley912]

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

[@seangraham3696]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@masonschaefer9617]

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

[@TokumBeatbox]

Holy *dolphin and boat sounds* yes!!

[@cattypat6]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@HamBone49er]

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

[@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.

[@connorblythe5554]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@talus9663]

Currently in the midst of a quarter life crisis and now I’m gonna cry after watching a SpongeBob essay.

[@user-kf1lg5ix4o]

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

[@spintt]

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

[@TheR6R6R]

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

[@watercolournight]

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

[@TokumBeatbox]

Excellent, well researched and entertaining video

[@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

[@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

[@invexes]

kind of insane how much this video genuinely helped me get through my anxieties, my crisis and catastrophies. truly inspiring work, man

[@Nockue_1]

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

[@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

[@VerySoftBadger]

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

[@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

[@blackwidowbrigade5042]

That last chapter was genuinely beautiful omg

[@sparerations6879]

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

[@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 ❤

[@wyattturner3375]

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

[@roondar6141]

I don't think I have any points I can add, I just want to say that that ending was fucking beautiful, one of the most gut-wrenching tearjerker endings to a video I've seen

[@gezz5904]

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

[@cjtheclaimed6757]

This is hands down one of the best video's I have even seen. I have bought the Quaterlife book and I am lookign forward to buying the other two book once I am done with the first one. I shared it with my loved ones. You rock dude!

[@derekmatzek9551]

I’ve been going through a lot recently, this video really hit me at the right time, thank you so much

[@fossilmasterleviathan6977]

This video honestly... It was what i needed at this point... I hadn't really understood how i was feeling lately and *why* I've been feeling this way. Thanks, Rock (Also, your production, voicing, scripting? All phenomenal. Keep it up, man)

[@stanner601]

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

[@HAMR13]

Worth the wait

[@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.

[@astrobeef8231]

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

[@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.

[@palacsintakat]

Jesus this video went hard. Above and beyond stuff my guy thank you

[@MoTheFeral]

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

[@Emmittdupree]

This is literally brilliant & a much needed video for me

[@almightycamelot]

one of the best video essays i've seen in awhile! keep up the good work!

[@ADAMNATOR]

Found your Bo Burnham video, then saw the SpongeBob tier list, and now this. Loving your stuff dude, the vibes and insight are really enjoyable!

[@lvl1rock]

Thanks so much for watching!! I appreciate it

[@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 ❤

[@faresayman9831]

Thank you for this vido❤

[@aidomiya3401]

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

[@malachioom]

Checked out this video from the episode ranking one and I just have to say this is phenomenal and excellent work!

[@horsedude5000]

Great video and study on your research. I have been watching some of your videos and I’m glad I found your channel.

[@mrshelly1582]

Wow this video made me cry and really think about things that I’ve gone through in life how does this not have more views

[@anntan-anntan]

instant subscribe - so glad this video found me. Excellent work!

[@adornethegraverobber]

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

[@declanc3912]

This is a really incredible video man, thanks for making this. As a lifelong sponge fan, I found this entertaining, informative, and moving. Keep creating.

[@dolphinman92]

30:14 this is so real. On a smaller scale, when I was about to have a panic attack before a choir concert one of the seniors came up to me and told me to fake laugh. It was kind of like telling my brain that everything was fine, which it was, and it helped me calm down a lot.

[@tomsparrow1823]

Cool. I'm crying. Thank you, this was beautiful

[@matstarz8544]

How the hell does this not have way more views!? Great work Rock, this was incredible

[@pablogonzalezruiz3322]

Great video, i loved it

[@soobinofshampoo]

im shocked that even after 9 months, this video still doesnt have like... hundreds of thousands of views minimum. this was so good.

[@gabrielbooth7987]

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

[@4D00R-RNC]

dude 55 minutes in, after already loving this, ya just hit me deep in the fuckin soul. excellent work. great editing, writing, and VO, Seriously pro-level.

[@prod.hxrford3896]

Good work with this video man, probabaly your best yet

[@jessdrawz5661]

Thank you for making this!!! instant sub

[@SuperGizmo64]

I never thought of it that way

[@existentialcrisisactor]

This was a monumental video to watch. I can't imagine what it took to make. Thank you for sharing your wonderful and amazing knowledge and insight. I'm gonna be sending this to friends and my therapist.

[@stef-ruvx]

Underrated video, should have a million views!!

[@Merimarxdraws]

Was going through a anxiety ridden couple of weeks Didnt expect that to be helped by a spongebob video Thx rock

[@meanyteabeanie]

Dude. This video is so important. You did such a good fucking job on this and the message about the little dude is explained so perfectly for my anxiety addled mind. Thank you for creating this ❤❤❤

[@wannabe12g68]

This is one of the most legitimately insightful and informative videos I’ve watched. And for being based around SpongeBob SquarePants, that gets bonus points.

[@1223AM]

This video was so good, man. ❤

[@schnuffed]

this was amazing :) thankyou for sharing this

[@DroppedMyMarbles]

33:33 I feel so vindicated that I am not alone in being upset about a marathon from 18 fucking years ago off and on until this very day, please know that you are not alone and I have never felt more fucking seen

[@massiveidiot77]

23:10 being a doctor sounds rough, making a one hour spongebob episode on the other hand :D