Content Creator Mental Health Epidemic

[@GRSRiverrider]

Your 5 day video is still the best bushcraft video on KZbin in my eyes. You did it first and you did it best. I also appreciated the serious teacher like presentation you used, and the silent demo's. This channel draws me to click because your conversations with the audience have an honest entertainment value. This video is case in point. Thanks!

[@t3br00k35]

I admire anyone who has the balls to put their image on the internet. I’ve always had the feeling that it’s not a good idea.

[@districtofcolumbia8659]

“ have you never seen a man before” killed me 😂😂

[@mainkman]

😂

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

I'd say she hadn't seen very many?

[@craftybynature3760]

I hardly ever comment on videos, but I feel like I have to on this.. I was there during the old bushcraft days. I admired you and your filming abilities, so much in fact, that it inspired me to start a channel myself." Which no longer is active" but life changes and I found myself building an off grid cabin . I moved over to your new channel and quickly loved the humorous person you are and have been here ever since. I also became an overlander when I bought my dream vehicle a year ago a 2016 jeep wrangler now equipped with many upgrades and a roof top tent. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that we both have such similar interests in life, it makes it so easy for me to watch all your content. Your a good lad, down to earth, knowledgeable and funny.. for me it checks all the boxes and I'm here to stay as long as you are... thanks for all you have shared and given us, Mike.. all the best from Canada 🇨🇦

[@oliverkrouwel8522]

Ditto. I Rarely comment but agree that you are a genuine chap, rare to see now a days on you tube. Very much appreciated the effort you put into the content. Thanks

[@naturebc]

Most really good thumbnail and really good title videos are garbage. You made really good content and that's why your bushcraft channel was popular. I think once people see through the thumbnails and titles, they don't care for it. There are many different reasons why people watch videos. Relaxation, to learn something, nothing better to do with their time etc. One has to find a niche. Once youtube started commercializing, everything went south for both the creators and the viewers. For me, now everybody and their grandma is making videos and I have to sift through lots of crap to find those good channels. For creators, once youtube became a business, they started stressing about it. It should have always remained something you do for fun. And if it's not fun, don't do it.

[@Robdutton91]

Creators sharing their passion make infinitely better content. It’s very easy to see when someone is chasing the money and it makes the content seem less genuine. I love this channel because you can tell that Mike puts everything into his projects and he’s only recording it so he can share something he loves with the world. If KZbin didn’t exist he’d still be out there doing the same stuff

[@paulslattery4908]

Great video Mike, illustrating what be could seen as a darker side to youtube, more so for the content creator. Love your videos and the slightly warped sense of humour 😂

[@esmondelliot4063]

Thanks Mike for your honesty, vulnerability and integrity - so refreshing to hear. Sending you all my best - from an old MCQ Bushcraft fan, Esmond

[@WACampingAdventures]

Wow this video gave me so much to think about. Mike have always had so much respect for you mate thanks for opening up. So true about being grateful for what you have

[@jon210478]

I followed you from the old bushcraft days, very much inspired me to get out there myself........ I'm no Ray Mears but I enjoy every time I get out, rain or shine it's always a blast. Thanks pal!

[@Crafty.Veteran.Survival]

You were one of my favorite bushcrafters back in the day (still are), and you inspired me. I agree with a lot of what you said about mental health for content creators, too. I've struggled a lot with burn out, and self-doubt/imposter syndrome. Thanks for all you've done, and for bringing this topic up. And congrats on the baby 🙏

[@jasonwagner5571]

MCQ was great and one of the first channels I ever subscribed to. Great content!

[@ClanGunnBushcraft]

I couldn't say running a KZbin channel would be negative for everyone, but I hated running mine! The negatives far outweighed the positives! Like yourself, Mike... You started a channel because their wasn't any other British people showing it. I started a Bushcraft channel after loving you're content, but had my own style... thorght I'd share it. Never interested in making money from it. Enjoyed the teaching side of it, but where tuition comes, ridicule. There's always a hundred random YT commenter that think they know better! I've never suffered with any mental issues, but with all channels, comes trolls, threats and nasty comments. People talk and treat others worst on platforms like this, than they would face to face. Found them amusing myself and I'd just delete and bar them, but most peeps now are snowflakes! I can imagine the bullying and upset that's caused in the comment section could cause depression with those with less grit than myself. People don't realise how much work and time goes into producing entertaining videos. Instead of just going out into the woods, doing my thing and enjoying it, always trying to film everything just took from my experience. When you talk about period of time travelling around with the missus in the truck as you're happiest... That's because you were free! Living freely!! It's the only way to find true happiness! Living consumed by the fake world around us is toxic for the mind, body and soul! I sold up, the business, UK house, car, the lot... Retired at 39 and have lived on the ocean in my yacht for over three years travelling the would. Trying to stay away from civilisation as much as I can. Me and the dog lol All those decades of solo camping paid off! There's no ones company I enjoy more than my own! It's the only way you find out who you are!! Take care brother - Peace and love to you and yours 💙

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Well said !!

[@metinali2642]

Thank you for your video and your thoughts mental health in men and on social media is so important

[@garylgoldberg]

Long time watcher from bushcraft days, also into Jeep maintenance, learned a ton from you, but truthfully mostly live vicariously through your adventures, love your humor, glad you do what you do. Just wanted to say that.

[@platforma1974]

Been following you from the beginning (on KZbin obviously) you inspired me and my outdoor life started right after that solo 5 days. I honestly so much more appreciate you speaking like this .. and yes so wonderful your humor , please keep the normal daily language going and don't give a f.

[@GlazedLemon]

Thanks for the video and sharing. In the world of KZbin now, there seems like a lack of genuine and down to earth people but channels like yours are GOLD! No fancy clickbait or bull****, just a guy making videos about stuff he likes doing and sharing his experiences, good or bad. I loved your previous Bushcraft channel and have re-watched them again and again since I was 16 (I'm 27 now) so I was hesitant when you started this channel a few years back, but I've LOVED this channel and really enjoyed your more relaxed and fun vibe you have brought to Workshop to Wilderness along with all the knowledge in mechanics. It's great to know you are enjoying making these videos on this channel as it means its a win win for everyone and it shows! Thanks again and hope you have a good weekend mate and congrats on the baby!! Much love from cloudy Hampshire.

[@vcg507]

Mike, your original channel got me into two things..KZbin and EDC. I loved your videos, every one. Thanks so much.

[@royjonker110]

I remember your mate Hazey said on 1 of his videos, ' MCQ is the goat of bushcraft '

[@Bigroomboy]

I laughed out loud about 5 times on the train out of London watching this! Great work, I watched all through the old channel, the overlanding and dip into this one. I even had an XJ I loved very much once!

[@yorkshirepudlian]

Mike, that last 5 mins with you talking about Steven Segal, Hulk Hogan , Jean Claude van dam and BF with a semi was so funny! 😂

[@philipwilkinson636]

Yeah we got a glimpse into an illustrators mind there 😂

[@ztechrepairs]

I really enjoyed your content all the way from the Bushcraft days even now with the mix between the automotive content / outdoor videos. Your personality goes a long way to make the content enjoyable regardless what it is. Keep up the good work

[@thetinkerist]

About condensation, you already know this. Cold air in, warm air out. You are the moisture.

[@Juli-g4d]

bushcraft means something quite different on alternate channels.

[@kosfireandbushcraft]

you mean constant shelter building and cooking and drone shots?

[@LoneWolfExplorer]

Really good video mate, lots of good advise. As a new content creator I needed to hear some of those things to reinforce my own thoughts. When I first started, I did a video every week for 9 months then one day then started to struggle. I released I wasn’t enjoying it but only going out to make a video for KZbin. So I stopped putting that pressure on myself & reevaluated things. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I did crack up when you said about giving Bigfoot a reach around 😂

[@ragoutdoors7702]

Bloody love you mike . Always kept it real from day 1 . Before you said your first swear word . Keep up the great work .PMA . . I still watch your old channel on a regular basis.

[@mtate02]

Thanks for the insight Mike 💛 Take it easy mate 🙂

[@danielebortoluzzi]

Mike, you're a wise, competent and humble person. Hard to find nowadays.

[@robertkrasa9316]

Thank you for reminding me how important it is to listen more closely to what I want to do, than what the others want me to do. Very appreciated. I admire your ability to not sell out and do your thing. It just feels so ...human.

[@yahoodlums]

For a serious-ish topic I loved the fact you left all of the humorous bits in! Loving your dry humour. The Hulk Hogan vs Big Foot story was epic! 😆

[@50.CALIBERROUND]

LOVED YOUR OLD CHANNEL CONTENT !!!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@prophotos365]

I still go back and watch some of your older videos for example the cooking of crawdads and food on your coast. Then I found your new channel. For me do it your way as life is short and you need to enjoy your work. Good luck!!

[@MaryK4242]

Edit: Congrats on the new Baby!! Huzzah! - I really did enjoy your Bushcraft channel and I learned a lot. I do miss watching it, and I miss Nagualero's channel. He was doing bushcraft videos in Sweden at that time. Anywho, I enjoy watching the real you and your humor on this channel even more. Even though I'm not into Jeeps, I watch and learn anyway. You are a good teacher. Thank you for all your work here. I appreciate all of it.

[@PapaBearOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Mike for sharing your journey with both ups and downs. The MCQBushcraft meant so much to me when I found myself in the woods after a long break in my youth. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication were outstanding. But above all, it was your educational narration and practical handling of everything you need to know to stay in the wilderness that really captured my interest. I also followed your videos when you and your wife traveled through Europe and finally landed in Sweden - and now I'm here. Thank you so much for everything you have contributed to my life. Greetings from Malmo Sweden 🇸🇪 😍

[@deansmallwood4652]

All I can say to you Mike, is that your videos, both past and present have helped me endlessly in my own work as a part time bushcraft instructor. I'm working with young people with problems that have meant they've missed significant levels of education. Rest assured that the demonstrations and advice are still being used to help others. Cheers mate.

[@EphemeralRage]

Can't wait to see the decals on the back window!

[@theeomix]

I wasn’t expecting that hair at 1:49 😮 love your videos and I’m glad you’re here for us!

[@christof705]

Mike, I've been following since the early days of MCQ, and had never really considered starting a channel but this advice is invaluable to people who are. Thanks for sharing it, you can't put a price on the kind of experience you have. I'm sorry some of the bushcraft community made things so weird for you, but that niche can attract some really... unstable people, sadly. Thanks for giving such a real perspective. Give Bigfoot a kiss from me, and enjoy fatherhood! Kids are a whole new challenge but they bring so much sunshine into your life also. Take it one day at a time.

[@jannepallari4697]

Your channels is a oasis in this world, I’m always glad to se an update. It’s amazing to see you do the stuff you do and the inspiration it gives. 🙌 Hope we meet again IRL sometime again. 😊

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

I saw somewhere where a guy was using rain gutter guards as vents on the back door windows ! I believe I'd go that route first? It actually worked very well, fit on the window nicely!

[@henrikjoden4016]

I'm so happy you quit bushcraft and have found your way back to KZbin in a manner that you find fulfilling! Your videos got me interested in the outdoors and you quitting actually got me to get out there myself haha

[@lukebrsm6210]

Thanks Mike. I enjoy your mix of outdoors and workshop. It’s a good balance. It inspires me to get out in the garage (get off my ass) and work on my own Jeep. I also appreciate your honest feedback on the equipment you use. The channel isn’t too big, and therefore I find you interact with your subscribers quite well.

[@jeffkatzer]

Congratulations on the new baby.

[@Ayns.L14A]

Hey Mike, I still sit on a sunday and visit the MCQBushcraft archive, I've watched all of your bushcraft videos more times than I can count, they are great, relaxing, informative no better way for me to chill out..... thank you.

[@benny6302]

the content you create is great because of you and your humor. i dont have a cherokee, i cant even change a tyre on my yaris but i watch all your stuff because you crack me up everytime! thanks for doing that, thanks for being you! loved the bushcraft too!

[@rb30athorn]

I love your channel! I love your struggles, I love your dry wit. I like your mistakes, I don’t have a fraction of your skills, and I live in south Mississippi USA! Please don’t stop.

[@dfnkhff4jbg7]

You are a quality man ,and anyone that would take the time to put you or or your content down is lacking as a human being

[@Mansfield_Motors]

I couldn't handle the ups and downs of KZbinland. Good on you to keep it going especially after the demonitization, didn't know about that. Looking forward to the 4.0 build. Would love to see a very mild build but with some surprise trick mods.

[@screamingpig1]

When you said 'I got my ass ripped apart' I thought the Gary story had took a sinister turn 🤣

[@cameronniven4656]

You're a legend bro; we all appreciate and love you lots.

[@t3br00k35]

You got me into ‘bushcraft’ mate. Learnt a lot from you. Much appreciated!

[@frankcavill2206]

Mike, You are the real deal, no BS just good honest content, being a fellow Brit I enjoy your humour, keep on keeping on.

[@WiltshireMan]

Your spot on Mike, enjoyment has to be a big factor in making a good video. I have my battles too, I think most people do. I do have the ability to keep going though, not just in making videos but just in general life, to slog things out sometimes. Secretly I think I get something from "The Struggle". I'm getting older now and have problems with my shoulders and elbows probably arthritis from all the manual work I have done over the years but the pain goes when I move, so I move a lot :) I have always enjoyed the process of video making, working with cameras and drones, getting the first hand experiences especially like camping and I love the interactions via the comments with my watchers. I've made many friends now thanks to KZbin and I've also learned a lot and still learning today:) Your a great person Mike, you have a rare talent and skill and people love your sincerity and honesty. Keep throwing the tools around, I've done it to, I even embedded a knife in a concrete floor once when I messed up up the grind, when I pulled it out of the concrete the tip wasn't even damaged, so I ended up pleased knowing the HT was good:)

[@williammoorcroft4027]

Hi Mike. I started watching MCQ back in 2015 and I’m still here now watching this channel. I also attended a course with you in September 2017 at Dodd wood in the lakes with Trektipi ( I had a green disco 2 ). Hope you and the family are keeping well.

[@vango20]

Mike you are brilliant friend- I found you on the original channel and quickly followed, I still pop in there time to time to relearn something… keep up the great work!

[@Jellooze]

Thank you for sharing such a intimate and vulnerable side of yourself, having to draw Garrys massive dong at that age can not have been a easy.

[@atch_n_sons]

Mike, I have been subscribed since September of 2018 and have enjoyed you and your content since. So much can be said about this video and what you have talked about, and I can respect it all. From the south shore of Shlong Island, NY, USA I hope you can keep it like Gary…

[@jb-hw9if]

I got into KZbin about 2018 and found MCQ. Brilliant channel. Only discovered W2W when you did the 'last ever' video on MCQ. Gutted I originally missed early W2W videos but all your videos are brilliant, pleased to be here on W2W now.

[@wtforce5512]

You’re the fuckin man Mike. I always appreciate your HONEST and thoroughly interesting content. We all grow differently and some people just grow but never really “mature” which I think you are explaining in good manner. Your humor is priceless and needs to be protected at all costs. Thank you for sharing!!

[@andreasweber7828]

Quite possibly the greatest achievement in life is to not give af about negative feedback but to gain energy from it ( like from getting roasted for paintings ). Could do with that kind of wisdom at work. I’m into nursing but reacently it feels like being amongst hyenas battling for crumbles. Cheers mate

[@11BGARAGE]

Just wanna say that your channel is FLIPPING AWESOME. A breath of fresh comedic realistic lifestyle content. Keep it bud reaching out from Alaska. Your videos are giving me the inspiration to start my chaneel on my day to day.

[@MikeCgaz]

Thanks for all you share, been watching ya forever!

[@4RingsRetro]

I've not subscribed to you long, a few months? I don't partake in any bushcraft nor overlanding, and I've given green laning a go once, but I love your channel. Your dialogue is unpretentious, to the point and informative. Your shots are clear, well composed and visually satisfying. You also have an immense skillset. That should be enough for your channel to explode. But the whacky thumbnail and stupid primate poses prevail all over the platform. I have a car obsession. Namely 90s and early 2000s Audi and VW cars. I have a background in film and video too. Filming and editing for TV and documentary. I often imagine myself with a channel about cars and restoration, but I don't think I could handle all the baggage that comes with social media. I don't use Instagram or any other platform because of that. It's toxic and soul destroying. Thank you for your channel, the content you make and please keep that dry humour thread, certainly keeps me coming back!!! Cheers mate, Rich

[@emonty62]

We love you mate!

[@matsvikan4106]

Keep up the great work! Love the videos, working on the jeeps, trips, bushcraft etc.. You’re one of the few that make me laugh out loud while watching a video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@simplylifeau]

Well said Mike! It can be hard to see the impact on creators who put so much of themselves into their channels and feel the analytics are a reflection of the quality of their work, which it is not. So much is outside a creators control. Your advice seems grounded to me. Glad you have perspective and can prioritise family time. Enjoy catching up with big foot, may bring back more memories of Carl….😧👍

[@Simonicusmaximus]

For what it's worth, I love your videos. I've watched all of them from back in the MCQ bushcraft days. MCQ bushcraft helped me to relax after a stressful day and made me want to escape the un-natural way I have to work to earn money. I do not have a 4x4 or go out adventuring or have the skills tool or equipment to do what you do. I think you make fantastic videos to an excellent standard. I think you have a great humour that I really connect with being a British bloke. You are extremely skilled and can turn your hand to most things and do them brilliantly. Being the way KZbin is these days and if I was you, I would upload all my videos to all the available platforms to maximise the reach. It would be impossible to respond to comments from all unless you used a single platform for all comments like insta but it might help you financially and stop KZbin taking over and controlling the content creators. Anyway keep up the fantastic work I really enjoy it keep it real keep it fun 😊

[@supertr3mp]

Glad you shared youre Story With us. Im battling with mental health issues myself, so i can Kind of Understand youre feelings. Youre Videos help me a lot, when my Head is way stronger than my Heart. Thank you so much for youre videos.

[@jasongeorgeson8551]

Good chat man. Enjoyed it. Cheers dude

[@Sir-Bobby-Brown]

I thought you were a little too serious till you told Hazy to F off. it was like nearing a teacher swear. Bloody fantastic 🤣

[@wyrdwulf]

Actually that was great advice Mike! Weirdly pertinent timing too, been feeling a bit down of late and just like that this lands in my feed, you’re one sentence there..focus on the small wins made watching this long video worthwhile!! 😉 Like others here I’ve followed you from the bushcraft stuff and it’s great to see and hear more of who you are and what makes you tick and fills in some details which we’d only imagined before. Glad your happier here though and still making videos , and glad the health is better mate, what you’ve been through sounded pretty rough. Congrats on the family growth, the mental well being and channel. I still re-watch your MCQ videos and always enjoy them. Say hi to Bigfoot for us. 👋

[@guillaumeauclair8]

Always good, hilarious, I don't ever thought your videos are/were too long.... Simply great content, nothing to add.🤙

[@roachwerks3043]

love these longer form conversations and origin stories, for lack of a better term. if you ever want to come to america youd be right at home with the jeep/overland lifestyle here

[@RealMJSr]

I used to create Mountain Biking videos but KZbin made monetization harder and then decided they would put ads on small channels regardless of monetization status. I removed my videos from public as I wasn't going to annoy my subs with ads that didn't benefit them or the channel. (while giving KZbin ad exposure and more money)

[@evanlyons6868]

Enjoy your camp. Thanks for the video

[@JasonGrace1]

MCQ was a favorite of mine, no fluff or dramatized content. I started wondering what had happened to you which led me here. Happy all is well.

[@neilmartinsr4610]

Great content. You exposed your humanity and life as a content creator. I enjoyed this video as much as all of the others.

[@oliverkrouwel8522]

Thanks for your channel Mike. Appreciate all your content.

[@Norbullitt1978]

Thank you for sharing. I like how you are so open and honest about everything. As for humidity while sleeping in the car; I have dogs with me, so humidity is a major challenge. I have tried those bags to no effect. I think they absorb very slowly and air circulation is too low. My best advice is window deflectors and having a few windows open about 1 cm.

[@Wildernessoutside]

first time in years ive seen one of your videos pop up on my feed ,like an old friends reappeared ,learnt a lot from your mcq days

[@basilroland]

Just so you know: I am following you for quite a long time now. I was not even on bushcraft, nor 4x4, hunting or anything like that. But i think you are funny , smart and methodic. I love your energy, you are never mad and even if you are you kinda low key. i like that and i consume you like a relaxing funny and knowledgable content creator.

[@jamesdarby3991]

Brave content Mike… and humour as dry as always. Wishing you the best. Have followed from the early MCQ days

[@Zook500]

Awesome as allways mike. Love it

[@colbypearce7478]

Thanks, Mike. Really good video and timely in my own KZbin journey.

[@WCWilderness]

Thank you Mike for being an inspiration and talking about stuff that really needs to be talked about! I’ve started my channel this year and just when you get into that stuff you realise how much work there is, and if you get traction and invest too much time in it you can get disappointed quickly. Your last words on this video were really helpful, if it’s fun and enjoyable it’s all good, decompression is important and not to stress abut your hobby actually..

[@ptouchpaul]

Hey Mike, followed you for ever as your content is so great and you're a flippin great bloke !!. (Prn Hub - you and you're innuendos 😂😂- wonder what Gary is doing now 😂). We/I forget about the massive amount of work that you put into creating this content which we are genuinely grateful for! Your knowledge of bushcraft/mechanics/engineering is incredible. You could present anything with your communication skills !! - You have lived and are living your life Mike as an adventure/adventurer, you're writing your own story. You are an amazing person (ob's cause you're from Warwickshire, reckon I beat you at Wedgnock years ago 😀) Thank you for making this video 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@dawnfirephotography]

Bro. You are seriously hilarious. Great video!

[@jandr72]

Thank you for the video and the humor 😂. You’re awesome thanks!

[@jimfrattaroli6222]

Love your attention to detail Mike, well thought out video

[@rsvp6]

Do you know I’ve been watching your channel for years. I have not seen the Bush crafting one. But I do follow with interest the bush crafting stuff you do on this channel. I don’t know what to say. I want to complement you. I can’t complimenting you on every video would be ridiculous. I’ve enjoyed every single one and I have to commend you and really, give you the highest praise for what you’ve done it’s very creative. You’ve done much more than I can do and it’s very interesting so I hope you just keep enjoying it enjoying your family. If you ever decide that it’s too much and decide to quit just let us know, and we all left understand.

[@Wallis-Family-ADV]

Some really wise words. Your a good dude and it really shows.

[@operativethisistheway6384]

I miss the MCQBushcraft channel. Been following Mike since that channel

[@defatube5171]

Mike, I watch your videos since the early days of MCQBushcraft and I love all of them. For me it is what KZbin is all about. Thanks!

[@saltygravy6928]

Thanks for the videos. Love the humor and the great content. Thanks again.

[@ivandedov]

Hey Mike! Thank for this sincere and thoughtful message. I wish all the best to you, your family and the jeep. Your friend from Russia (now Argentina 😅) Ivan.

[@kyotokid]

Great stuff Mike, I'm a long time follower of your work. Thanks for continuing to make insightful, funny and informative videos.

[@jcricket-vr5xr]

Thanks Mike for sharing this mental health is so important I love all your content

[@beancampingpodcast7926]

Early on, your curls were as epic as you content!! I learnt a huge amount from your 'teaching' then and very good it was too. I agree, the bushcraft side of things seem to attracts alot of negatiity now, which is sad. I'm not an overlanding enthusiast, but it interests me & I come here for the creator too, not just the content. 👍

[@TOPHOLM04]

Thanks for sharing Mike. I have really enjoyed your videos through the years, and I've learned so much from you Bushcraft videos and I really appreciate it. All the best to you and your family going forward

[@gschwendinger]

Thanks very much for the hard work and all the time and effort you have pit into your videos over the years. They have brought a lot of joy and I have learned a lot. Huge respect for your openness and your perspective and your overall outlook. Huge respect. All the best with your family and your new baby.

[@Jimbandz]

I always make sure to watch on all my accounts so your watch time goes up. Anything for you Mike

[@klaaspieterrook4532]

Take care Mike, still. And if the channel supports you enough, then that's good enough I think. Sort of sad you never got the same kind of satisfaction from the MCQ channel, but a good thing it's gotten you where you are!