I understand Danielle's determination, but knowing her reasoning for it and seeing her disregard for her own health because she wanted to get out of her situation back home that badly is heartbreaking.
I know your channel isn't exactly 'content optimised', but personally I find it refreshing, I really enjoy the variety of stuff you put out! The fact you run your channel like a human rather than an algorithmic content machine is attractive for a certain audience, and hopefully what that audience lacks in numbers they make up for in loyalty.
That part right there! The variety of topics is so appealing to me, I love when I realize a new common interest, and even when it’s something I don’t care about I enjoy it BC he’s so human
Comment for engagement and to say I love seeing what Willy has to say about just about anything, no matter how “late” the topic is (as if it’s feasible to keep up with internet topics)
It really is, and it's the biggest failing of RUclips (and almost all social platforms) that this kind of authentic human content is 'punished' by the algorhythm.
There’s nothing I love more than a grown man knitting while talking about americas next top model. This is exactly the reason I fell in love with you willie. Thank you so much. Yesterday was my birthday and this was the best gift I got.
Willie Muse is absolutely one of my favorite video essayists. He is so quirky and relatable, and his dry, understated humor vibes so well with the mildly unhinged topics he covers. Also, I'm so glad we're getting more Top Model content. I never watched it when it was on TV (my mom wouldn't let me), so it's all entirely fresh to me, and I've only ever consumed that content through the Muse filter, making it that much more entertaining.
As a Thai. Furonda's "Thai" dance session was an absolute gift 🤣🤣 She looks absolutely stunning in that dress, that's all matter to me Also the character based on that "head" is known for being mischievous, cunning & absolutely over-powered. So yeah, that's definitely Jade
Jesus, the show really decided to dramatize a horrible terrifying moment for Danielle, that clip of them taking her to the hospital was so uncomfortable
It has the same vibes as "this 9-year-old crowdfunded her teacher's cancer treatment!" Like, yes, that's impressive, but why the fuck was it necessary?!
@@emilyrln don't forget things such as "we spent twenty thousand dollars to publicize how we gave two thousand dollars to charity". I'm exaggerating a bit but that is such a sickeningly common thing
I don’t care if it’s top model related or not I just like hearing you talk and your perspective on various things. You may not think so but you have a certain charm!
The fact that they just let a model get dehydrated to that extent is pinnacle 2006 reality TV. Like, I know ANTM clearly didn't have safety crew onsite, but nobody was out there pushing them to drink water in Thailand in what was likely the middle of their dry season?
Dehydration prolly came from being sick. Fevers vomiting diarrhea etc can all dehydrate you really fast. It is really irresponsible to not actually care for their contestants though. While events are time sensitive like they really could have postponed panel a bit or genuinely follow-up on her well being by paying for private practice care at home or SOMETHING
This was a very emotional video. It made me feel my favourite emotion, “being-an-archer”. Jokes aside, that speech about “wanting it” was actually quite profound. Something we all could do to think about more, regardless of what our “it” might be.
I really appreciate your talk at the end. I had a job I was really excited about and had worked hard to get, but it stressed me out to the point of effecting my health. I quit at the beginning of January and started a new job that I like and pays well, but I've struggled with a lot of guilt. I needed your talk today.
Same. A while back I had to quit a job that should have been perfect for me after I started having panic attacks and being unable to sleep or remember basic things (did I lock the door? did I turn off the stove? yikes). Fortunately, my current job is a much better fit for me. I hope you're able to let go of that guilt and forgive yourself for taking care of yourself 💕
Your intro statements resonate with me so much, as an artist who sees no follower growth because I do what I want to do and what's important to me, meanwhile I get all jealous of artists blowing up in popularity because they give the people what they want. It encourages me to hear creators I admire have the same convo as I do in my mind. And my reason for not doing the same as those artists is the same as your reason: "i don't wanna." 😅
You know, Sara isn't ever anyone's favorite contestant, but in my head canon, she was sent to America's Next Top Model through a temp agency and will do what's required, but she's clocking out at six.
Honestly I LOVE your "worst movie" dissections and other series and one-offs; ANTM is great, sure, but I think you've got so many other series and movies you could rip apart I'm personally thrilled you wanna branch out. Whatever you enjoy, do it! I think this community will be entertained either way
hot tip from a fellow aspiring creator (this is my alt channel lol): don't put important images/text in the bottom right corner of the thumbnail because it gets covered by the time marker & it's mildly frustrating when looking through videos to not be able to see important parts of the thumbnail image that I know you worked hard on. love you, Willie!
This series is so much nostalgia for me. One of my best friends and I used to love watching ANTM when we were in college, and this season was right after we graduated. We loved it because Jade was absolutely nuts, and more importantly, we had two girls from Arkansas to root for as Arkansans ourselves. Also, I think you can consider it a knitting show if you have viewers who knit along while they watch. (It's me, I'm knitting. This video got me through a full lace repeat on the sock I'm working on.)
@@Goldenfur12698 Haha, glad to gift you a new bit of knowledge 😄 I wish you good fortune in creating your beekeeper's quilt! It's such a cool project, and I love seeing other people's since I'm not possessed of the proper temperament to make one myself.
@@emilyrln I haven't checked my gauge on this project, just been trying on as I go, but it was 10 rds of 60 sts in fingering weight, done at a leisurely pace. The lace runs across the 30 instep stitches, and I'm putting a little ribbing on the sole to keep the fit snug since I have narrow-ish feet and like my socks with negative ease.
The elephants themselves are very problematic too. These poor animals often get abused by the handlers and since I've seen Jessica Kobeisi's take on that, and I've seen the handlers using bullhooks on them...yeah they are being abused. Not that it's a surprise given ANTM is known for not caring about their human contestants and their health and safety. and ALL their animals photoshoots were problematic. I distinctly remember a corrida one, where they went to an ACTIVE bullfighting arena. And Mr. J was so excited and the girls were supposed to be too. Like "YAY this is a place where they still abuse and torture animals for the most vapid and primitve reason! Slow and agonizing death via spears is so fun!" and ofc they put girls in danger from a real bull(that I'm sure was mistreated to make it more agressive. Because that's how animal fighting rings like this work).
Not to mention there's the issue of people attacking those who help rescue those abused animals. So many people attack exotic animal rescues for not immediately releasing the animals they rescue, just not understanding the fact that if an animal was raised in captivity, it is so hard to get the animal to the point that they could survive in the wild, and in most cases in order to do so they need to start being prepared very young.
God, the number of times I've broken down over having untreated ADHD and just not being able to do something I supposedly "want" ... I think this video gave peace to my younger self, in ah way, that piece of myself who was left wondering if I didn't want it enough. If I didn't want to play piano badly enough. If I didn't want to transition my voice badly enough. This laid to rest the unease from those times. Thanks, Willie.
As a horror and James Wan fan I adore the connection you made between Saw and Top Model. Terrifying implications for sure, but a genius connection 🙌🏻 amazing video as always!!
You might like Jessica Kobeissi's ANTM reactions. She is constantly waiting for Jigsaw to show up when they describe photoshoots and challenges. (Jessica is a professional photographer so most of her ANTM content is reacting to photoshoots and final photos, but she's branched out to challenges and episode drama now and then, for some context.)
I'm sure a ton of us can relate to the shame and imposter syndrome of not fitting into hustle culture. Not "wanting it" enough to put career over our family, friends, or mental health. Work is important, but we can't let it define our worth.
I love everything you make, am probably least interested in the ANTM stuff, so I'm thrilled you listen to yourself and make what you want to make. You're hilarious and intelligent, I hope a bigger audience finds you so you can keep it up here. Somehow everything I just said sounds like a criticism when I meant it as a compliment [and gratitude for your work]. But yeah, thanks Willie, you're the best.
Please keep your channel just as it is. You have developed a loyal fan base of knitwit weirdos, and we all like your style & content choices. I like that there's all sorts of stuff here, I'd get bored if it was all one thing. My personal favourite vids are the best worst movie 😁.
The talk about how the challenges only really connect to being a model by way of having some indistinct 'it' just makes me realize that ANTM is a member of an entire era of reality shows that cargo-culted their whole structure from Survivor, but never considered for even the faintest second how their concept actually works with that. There's absolutely no logical reason why a modeling competition should involve weekly eliminations and esoteric absurd challenges, but in the early-mid 2000s it couldn't have been anything else, because that's just what every reality show WAS.
The talk at the end about 'wanting it' and feeling like you don't want 'it' enough was like going through therapy. I am a writer but I also have to suffer through having a day job, and that with a mix of ADHD means I never write as much as I want, miss deadlines to submit to publications etc and beat myself up about being burnt out after a shift and curse my lazy ass out for not sitting up and typing away. You talking about 'wanting it' from the point of a mentally ill person has altered my brain, thank you
That video angle in the car is so creepy. Was a camera person lying flat on the floor to film her while she was struggling to breathe? I can't imagine how exploited she must have felt.
Seeing the producers ignore these girls health (and even purposefully make it worse) is heartbreaking. This is one of the reasons why a lot of reality tv puts a sour taste in my mouth.
"That said though... I don't wanna." I feel like that should be my next tattoo. Of course I'm in a massive rut and probably shouldn't celebrate it with a tattoo.
I've been rewatching your videos as I go through a lot of health stuff- they're fun and hilarious, but this one just really hit home. Your commentary is so insightful and interesting and honestly, really helped me with the struggle that I've had to completely reframe my life lately. Your talent is insane, but so is your wisdom.
Okay, but your "it" talk is the most relatable thing I've ever come across and the exact thing my weird brain needed today. Thank you for that: I wish you contentment and a generally chill time of things :)
The conversation about "not wanting it enough" hit hard. I have those kind of thoughts all the time, and they can be so hard to silence. It bothers me that shows like this further that idea. It just makes people feel like they're not good enough or not working hard enough, as if "it" is more important than you and your health, happiness, and general well-being.
Audience comment. Engagement. Auto like. Oh also, it may be over and over and over to you but to us we've watched 1000 other things between your videos. So a lot of us are probably looking for continuity in the same way we watch or used to watch weekly serials. I still watch whatever you put out and still like the videos. I like your ANTM videos because when I was growing up I didn't approach them with a critical eye. I was naïve and always on production's side. Like when Cassandra won't cut her hair shorter it did NOT make sense to a younger me. Older me gets it. So I like seeing your take because it allows me to revisit ANTM without engaging with ANTM if that makes sense.
I have to say, even though I love your analysis videos on ANTM, all content from you is a blessing that always manages to go deeper than I expect it to and it's always a delight to watch your videos! Be it ATNM or some obscure pseudo homoerotica horror movie, your videos are always incredibly interesting to watch and usually end up making me reflect on and sometimes have break throughs with something about myself. Keep up the good work and remember to be kind to yourself ❤
Willie, make whatever the hell males you happy. I know the "all consuming algorithm" hates that, and almost seems to punish free wheeling content, but I really like your stuff. I can't afford to support you financially (I'm currently in a bad brain/not having an "it" to pursue), but I mention your videos to friends, and I always feel delighted to see you, whether in a Drawfee vid, or right here. I think being happy making the stuff you like is far more fulfilling than making yourself the algorithm's bitch. Plenty of youtubers have fallen by the wayside and been consumed by the obsession, I don't want to see you succumb to that fate. That aside, if Knitcholas could drink, what would that teacup be filled with?
That elephant Doodle photo was absolutely fantastic. I appreciate you sacrificing your leg hair for the bit! And also the wisdom about "it" at the end.
your end bit about the future just being the present that hasnt happened yet really spoke to me- thats a really great way to be mindful (like in the meditation theraputic kinda way) especially as someone with anxiety. like ill be able to use that phrase to help me let go of things that are stressing me out so i can live in the present- so thank you Willie for your wisdom
The fact that the live audience, who presumably knows what they're looking at, find it hilarious, makes me think it's all the wrong in the exact right way..
i might just be a little too sensitive but your conclusion is making me cry. with that said, i watch your videos because of what *you* bring to them. thank you for still creating and sharing.
Holy shit, Willie, that ended up being deeply profound. I actually feel like I have a lot more clarity about a lot of things in my life, all of a sudden. You truly are a muse, and I now have to go sit and think about what it is I've been trying to accomplish. Thank you!!!
I used to be obsessed with ANTM when I was in middle school, and it's definitely very 😬 to come back to it almost 20 years later. I also really like your videos! All of them, not just ANTM! So I hope you don't feel toobad about having other stuff between the ANTM vids ❤
"I used to be with ‘it’, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it’ anymore and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary. It’ll happen to you!"
Always nice to spend an hour listening to you spin a yarn, and the photo shoot portion at the end keeps getting better! Thanks for the video. PS. I may be the only one who actually prefers the episodes that AREN'T about ANTM, but I do exist.
I remember watching this show as a teen and I'm blown away by how messed up it actually was. I don't understand how I could think it was just a normal reality show back then.
I've only seen the content warning and already have to comment because it made me laugh aloud. I know you've done it before, but it is still hilarious. Oh shoot. Now you're mentioning that people like when you give them the same thing over and over...
The IT you are talking about is absolutely something that I think all the time about lately. I'm chasing IT for so long, I don't even know what IT is but I have to chase IT right? Otherwise am I going to ever be successful? Thank you for your amazing healing work. Your videos bring me joy, new perspectives and they lower my feeling of loneliness, not in a weird par-asocial way, but in knowing, Im not alone thinking about these things, battling my mental health and being extremely oversharing. By the way, thank you for sharing the hospital story, we live in a society where talking about health issues or having to talk about uncomfortable body situations isn't as common. But all of us have stories about health that are normal, human and should be shared in order to lift the stigma. For me, ANTM is the content that brought me to your videos, but I'm definitely staying for all of the comfort content. 💕
Great episode!!! If you're not doing anymore ANTM maybe consider reacting to the other worst shows out there? What about the ultimatum or MILF manor? 😂 your commentary is priceless
the worst part about being severely dehydrated is that your brain will tell you over and over that its literally just you being dumb thats caused this, so you better be ready to face the consequences
As much as I enjoy the ANTM videos, I have enjoyed most of your other content more. Honestly, everyone just here for Top model, watch Willie's other videos- he truly is excellent, funny, thought-provoking and even moving on occasion.
Your observations at the end really resonate. The idea that treating ourselves in gruelling, punishing ways will necessarily make us deserving, and get us where we want to be is so prevalent. Working in progressive and activist spaces especially, people can (understandably) feel a lot of desperation for things to be better, but this can sometimes end up with people working themselves to death in ways that aren't even the most productive in helping the cause, and ultimately burning themselves out completely. We all need to remember to work smarter not harder, and that self-flagellation achieves nothing.
Please don't feel pressured to make videos you don't want to make or to work yourself so hard you burn out. I like that your channel feels like just thoughts you have been ruminating on. Keep being yourself, the right people will be drawn to your content. At least, that's what I say to myself with my own art.
WILLIE❤ I don't know how the RUclips algorithm eventually led me to your channel but man, I am glad I got here because the way you present information is right up my alley. You don't have to just make top model videos! Though I am enjoying them because I watched top model years ago and it was soo uncomfortable to see these girls torture themselves for reality tv and I felt like a crazy person because no one else saw how problematic it was, but anyway this is a long winded way of saying that I like your other videos too! Make what you want, live your life, speak your truths. It's good stuff, dude!
Ok stay with me here, but ANTM really seems to encapsulate this core set of moral values that aligns perfectly with Capitalism (as it pertains to the 99%). It's this idea that the ultimate virtue is working yourself into an early grave, forgoing all comforts, enduring as much pain as possible, putting your health and even your life in danger for your work, stepping on the backs of others when necessary, and never, ever complaining. All with the goal of 'winning'. Any other good qualities a person may have are entirely unimportant compared to those 'virtues'. And if you're the winner at the end of the massive reality show we're all participating in, maybe you'll get a chance to become the boss and make decisions about who gets chosen next. I feel like this 'virtue' is pushed in a huge amount of media, in schools, and of course in workplaces. Not as some kind of top-down grand conspiracy, but certainly not without influence from the 1% who actually benefit from that system. I know we're just talking about a silly reality show here and you could easily say "it's not that deep," but there's something there, right?
dang dude, this channel is criminally underrated. even though i work in abstract & with watercolors/paint markers mostly, this is deeply inspiring me to get back into my craft!!!
Your bit about "It" was really relatable to me, and made perfect sense. I did not expect this to turn into a genuine moment! (Also your thumbnail posing is one of the best parts of the video, I'd never miss it)
"every single path leads to the same place - and that's just more It." 52:02 Loved your musings about "Wanting It" because, as someone who was raised on Top Model, American Idol and everything else in the 2000s, I can conjure the voice of any judge on any competition show asking me "but do you really want it?" and it's scary that that inner monologue is louder than ACTUAL words of affirmation that don't give me anxiety.
These ANTM videos are how I found your channel, but they're not really the reason I've stayed. If you keep making them I'll keep watching, but if it's becoming more of a chore than being a fun thing to do then do what keeps you engaged while making it.
I came to your channel bc you were the only youtuber that had an in-depth breakdown of one of the greatest movies of all time - Max Keebles Big Move , but I'll watch & listen to you talk about literally anything Willie. You keep doing you!😊
I’ve never watched Top Model. I’m not a fan of reality shows for all the reasons Willie mentions. They use the ambition, desperation, or desire to win as weapons to control the models for the entertainment of the audience and financial gain and narcissistic supply of the show runners. It’s a disgusting example of narcissists and abusive types delighting in forcing others to play by their rules. Cutthroat competition, self sacrifice, and willingness to obey instructions regardless of how ridiculous or harmful they are is a game that abusers love to play. Most normal people would never treat others that way.
I actually don't care about ANTM (I have seen a a few episodes but not this season I don't think.) I just appreciate your insights on it and enjoy listening to you talk about it. Or anything really. Mostly I'm here for you and your general vibes and I hope you're able to keep pursuing your passion projects! I'm very glad I found your channel. (Thanks Drawfee haha.)
I’ve been binging a lot of your videos this last week and I haven’t regretted any of it. I enjoy your humor and commentary no matter what the topic is.
I like when content creators create series because I binge them. HOWEVER, making a variety of content, specifically the kind that the creators want to make. Even if it’s on a subject I don’t enjoy or know much about because peoples personal enjoyment is so infectious a genuinely bleeds into their work.
I understand Danielle's determination, but knowing her reasoning for it and seeing her disregard for her own health because she wanted to get out of her situation back home that badly is heartbreaking.
Yeah for her top model is survival. I don’t think she really cared about the show but it was her ticket out
I know your channel isn't exactly 'content optimised', but personally I find it refreshing, I really enjoy the variety of stuff you put out! The fact you run your channel like a human rather than an algorithmic content machine is attractive for a certain audience, and hopefully what that audience lacks in numbers they make up for in loyalty.
Also here is another comment, for engagement.
Also also, I know Knitcholas is slightly less talkative these days, but I still very much appreciate his commentary.
That part right there! The variety of topics is so appealing to me, I love when I realize a new common interest, and even when it’s something I don’t care about I enjoy it BC he’s so human
Comment for engagement and to say I love seeing what Willy has to say about just about anything, no matter how “late” the topic is (as if it’s feasible to keep up with internet topics)
It really is, and it's the biggest failing of RUclips (and almost all social platforms) that this kind of authentic human content is 'punished' by the algorhythm.
There’s nothing I love more than a grown man knitting while talking about americas next top model. This is exactly the reason I fell in love with you willie. Thank you so much. Yesterday was my birthday and this was the best gift I got.
Happy birthday!!!
Same tho(right down to the bday) 🎉🎉🎉
@@LeBeerCat happy birthday to you too!
Willie Muse is absolutely one of my favorite video essayists. He is so quirky and relatable, and his dry, understated humor vibes so well with the mildly unhinged topics he covers.
Also, I'm so glad we're getting more Top Model content. I never watched it when it was on TV (my mom wouldn't let me), so it's all entirely fresh to me, and I've only ever consumed that content through the Muse filter, making it that much more entertaining.
As a Thai. Furonda's "Thai" dance session was an absolute gift 🤣🤣
She looks absolutely stunning in that dress, that's all matter to me
Also the character based on that "head" is known for being mischievous, cunning & absolutely over-powered. So yeah, that's definitely Jade
Jesus, the show really decided to dramatize a horrible terrifying moment for Danielle, that clip of them taking her to the hospital was so uncomfortable
It has the same vibes as "this 9-year-old crowdfunded her teacher's cancer treatment!" Like, yes, that's impressive, but why the fuck was it necessary?!
@@emilyrln don't forget things such as "we spent twenty thousand dollars to publicize how we gave two thousand dollars to charity". I'm exaggerating a bit but that is such a sickeningly common thing
@@CodaBlair Not an exaggeration. In 2018, Budweiser spent $5 million to advertise donating $100K (50 to 1 ratio there).
I don’t care if it’s top model related or not I just like hearing you talk and your perspective on various things. You may not think so but you have a certain charm!
100% agree with this 😊
Absolutely
Yeah, I like Willie's musings on Top Model, but I've liked his musings on every other topic too.
The fact that they just let a model get dehydrated to that extent is pinnacle 2006 reality TV. Like, I know ANTM clearly didn't have safety crew onsite, but nobody was out there pushing them to drink water in Thailand in what was likely the middle of their dry season?
Dehydration prolly came from being sick. Fevers vomiting diarrhea etc can all dehydrate you really fast. It is really irresponsible to not actually care for their contestants though. While events are time sensitive like they really could have postponed panel a bit or genuinely follow-up on her well being by paying for private practice care at home or SOMETHING
This was a very emotional video. It made me feel my favourite emotion, “being-an-archer”.
Jokes aside, that speech about “wanting it” was actually quite profound. Something we all could do to think about more, regardless of what our “it” might be.
I really appreciate your talk at the end.
I had a job I was really excited about and had worked hard to get, but it stressed me out to the point of effecting my health. I quit at the beginning of January and started a new job that I like and pays well, but I've struggled with a lot of guilt.
I needed your talk today.
He got impressively deep. Seriously the things he said truly resonated with me
Same. A while back I had to quit a job that should have been perfect for me after I started having panic attacks and being unable to sleep or remember basic things (did I lock the door? did I turn off the stove? yikes). Fortunately, my current job is a much better fit for me. I hope you're able to let go of that guilt and forgive yourself for taking care of yourself 💕
Your intro statements resonate with me so much, as an artist who sees no follower growth because I do what I want to do and what's important to me, meanwhile I get all jealous of artists blowing up in popularity because they give the people what they want. It encourages me to hear creators I admire have the same convo as I do in my mind. And my reason for not doing the same as those artists is the same as your reason: "i don't wanna." 😅
You know, Sara isn't ever anyone's favorite contestant, but in my head canon, she was sent to America's Next Top Model through a temp agency and will do what's required, but she's clocking out at six.
Honestly I LOVE your "worst movie" dissections and other series and one-offs; ANTM is great, sure, but I think you've got so many other series and movies you could rip apart I'm personally thrilled you wanna branch out. Whatever you enjoy, do it! I think this community will be entertained either way
I want a calendar of Willie's top model photos. I would pay good money for a weird ass Willie calendar.
I second this. I would love a calendar of his season 6 antm photoshoot recreations 😂
hot tip from a fellow aspiring creator (this is my alt channel lol): don't put important images/text in the bottom right corner of the thumbnail because it gets covered by the time marker & it's mildly frustrating when looking through videos to not be able to see important parts of the thumbnail image that I know you worked hard on. love you, Willie!
Good note!!!
Gonna go out in a limb and guess your other channel is called Undel Tale *nods sagely*
This series is so much nostalgia for me. One of my best friends and I used to love watching ANTM when we were in college, and this season was right after we graduated. We loved it because Jade was absolutely nuts, and more importantly, we had two girls from Arkansas to root for as Arkansans ourselves. Also, I think you can consider it a knitting show if you have viewers who knit along while they watch. (It's me, I'm knitting. This video got me through a full lace repeat on the sock I'm working on.)
Congrats. :)
today i learned the word for people from arkansas is arkansans! also i'm knitting too! hexagonal puffs for a beekeeper's quilt 😌
@@Goldenfur12698 Haha, glad to gift you a new bit of knowledge 😄 I wish you good fortune in creating your beekeeper's quilt! It's such a cool project, and I love seeing other people's since I'm not possessed of the proper temperament to make one myself.
Okay, I'm deeply curious: how many rows, how many stitches each, and what gauge??
@@emilyrln I haven't checked my gauge on this project, just been trying on as I go, but it was 10 rds of 60 sts in fingering weight, done at a leisurely pace. The lace runs across the 30 instep stitches, and I'm putting a little ribbing on the sole to keep the fit snug since I have narrow-ish feet and like my socks with negative ease.
The elephants themselves are very problematic too. These poor animals often get abused by the handlers and since I've seen Jessica Kobeisi's take on that, and I've seen the handlers using bullhooks on them...yeah they are being abused. Not that it's a surprise given ANTM is known for not caring about their human contestants and their health and safety. and ALL their animals photoshoots were problematic. I distinctly remember a corrida one, where they went to an ACTIVE bullfighting arena. And Mr. J was so excited and the girls were supposed to be too. Like "YAY this is a place where they still abuse and torture animals for the most vapid and primitve reason! Slow and agonizing death via spears is so fun!" and ofc they put girls in danger from a real bull(that I'm sure was mistreated to make it more agressive. Because that's how animal fighting rings like this work).
Not to mention there's the issue of people attacking those who help rescue those abused animals. So many people attack exotic animal rescues for not immediately releasing the animals they rescue, just not understanding the fact that if an animal was raised in captivity, it is so hard to get the animal to the point that they could survive in the wild, and in most cases in order to do so they need to start being prepared very young.
God, the number of times I've broken down over having untreated ADHD and just not being able to do something I supposedly "want" ... I think this video gave peace to my younger self, in ah way, that piece of myself who was left wondering if I didn't want it enough. If I didn't want to play piano badly enough. If I didn't want to transition my voice badly enough. This laid to rest the unease from those times. Thanks, Willie.
I'd like to see a 'knitting tour' like showing off things you've made!
That would be super cool
As a horror and James Wan fan I adore the connection you made between Saw and Top Model. Terrifying implications for sure, but a genius connection 🙌🏻 amazing video as always!!
You might like Jessica Kobeissi's ANTM reactions. She is constantly waiting for Jigsaw to show up when they describe photoshoots and challenges. (Jessica is a professional photographer so most of her ANTM content is reacting to photoshoots and final photos, but she's branched out to challenges and episode drama now and then, for some context.)
I'm sure a ton of us can relate to the shame and imposter syndrome of not fitting into hustle culture. Not "wanting it" enough to put career over our family, friends, or mental health. Work is important, but we can't let it define our worth.
I love everything you make, am probably least interested in the ANTM stuff, so I'm thrilled you listen to yourself and make what you want to make. You're hilarious and intelligent, I hope a bigger audience finds you so you can keep it up here. Somehow everything I just said sounds like a criticism when I meant it as a compliment [and gratitude for your work]. But yeah, thanks Willie, you're the best.
Please keep your channel just as it is. You have developed a loyal fan base of knitwit weirdos, and we all like your style & content choices. I like that there's all sorts of stuff here, I'd get bored if it was all one thing. My personal favourite vids are the best worst movie 😁.
The talk about how the challenges only really connect to being a model by way of having some indistinct 'it' just makes me realize that ANTM is a member of an entire era of reality shows that cargo-culted their whole structure from Survivor, but never considered for even the faintest second how their concept actually works with that.
There's absolutely no logical reason why a modeling competition should involve weekly eliminations and esoteric absurd challenges, but in the early-mid 2000s it couldn't have been anything else, because that's just what every reality show WAS.
I haven't started watching yet, but I do want to say that Jade calling Elephants 'Dinosaurs' in this episode lives forever, rent free in my head.
The talk at the end about 'wanting it' and feeling like you don't want 'it' enough was like going through therapy. I am a writer but I also have to suffer through having a day job, and that with a mix of ADHD means I never write as much as I want, miss deadlines to submit to publications etc and beat myself up about being burnt out after a shift and curse my lazy ass out for not sitting up and typing away. You talking about 'wanting it' from the point of a mentally ill person has altered my brain, thank you
YAAAAS WILLIE BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH SOME ANTM!!!! 🎉🎉🎉
I love alllll your content but I have been (im)patiently waiting for more ANTM 😅
I hadn't thought about it in years and now thanks to you it's stuck in my head.
"At it again with the white Vans!"
And when I needed Willie the most, he returned. ( I have been up for almost 24 hours)
That video angle in the car is so creepy. Was a camera person lying flat on the floor to film her while she was struggling to breathe? I can't imagine how exploited she must have felt.
Seeing the producers ignore these girls health (and even purposefully make it worse) is heartbreaking. This is one of the reasons why a lot of reality tv puts a sour taste in my mouth.
"That said though... I don't wanna." I feel like that should be my next tattoo. Of course I'm in a massive rut and probably shouldn't celebrate it with a tattoo.
Maybe not a tattoo, but definitely a t-shirt
I've been reading "Laziness does not exist." I don't wanna is a good enough reason.
Willie, your picture with your cat is legit one of the cutest things I've seen in a while.
I agree that was a great shot
I've been rewatching your videos as I go through a lot of health stuff- they're fun and hilarious, but this one just really hit home. Your commentary is so insightful and interesting and honestly, really helped me with the struggle that I've had to completely reframe my life lately. Your talent is insane, but so is your wisdom.
Okay, but your "it" talk is the most relatable thing I've ever come across and the exact thing my weird brain needed today. Thank you for that: I wish you contentment and a generally chill time of things :)
Chances are, the things you have the most fun making are gonna also be the things we will have the most fun watching!
I'm absolutely using "Deus-it-Machina" in my life whenever the intrusive thoughts creep in
The conversation about "not wanting it enough" hit hard. I have those kind of thoughts all the time, and they can be so hard to silence. It bothers me that shows like this further that idea. It just makes people feel like they're not good enough or not working hard enough, as if "it" is more important than you and your health, happiness, and general well-being.
Jade is Jade. The undiscovered supermodel/biracial butterfly.
Audience comment. Engagement. Auto like.
Oh also, it may be over and over and over to you but to us we've watched 1000 other things between your videos. So a lot of us are probably looking for continuity in the same way we watch or used to watch weekly serials. I still watch whatever you put out and still like the videos.
I like your ANTM videos because when I was growing up I didn't approach them with a critical eye. I was naïve and always on production's side. Like when Cassandra won't cut her hair shorter it did NOT make sense to a younger me. Older me gets it. So I like seeing your take because it allows me to revisit ANTM without engaging with ANTM if that makes sense.
"Really all [the future] is is just the present that hasn't happened yet" is really incitefull. Quality quote
I have to say, even though I love your analysis videos on ANTM, all content from you is a blessing that always manages to go deeper than I expect it to and it's always a delight to watch your videos! Be it ATNM or some obscure pseudo homoerotica horror movie, your videos are always incredibly interesting to watch and usually end up making me reflect on and sometimes have break throughs with something about myself. Keep up the good work and remember to be kind to yourself ❤
Willie, make whatever the hell males you happy. I know the "all consuming algorithm" hates that, and almost seems to punish free wheeling content, but I really like your stuff. I can't afford to support you financially (I'm currently in a bad brain/not having an "it" to pursue), but I mention your videos to friends, and I always feel delighted to see you, whether in a Drawfee vid, or right here. I think being happy making the stuff you like is far more fulfilling than making yourself the algorithm's bitch. Plenty of youtubers have fallen by the wayside and been consumed by the obsession, I don't want to see you succumb to that fate.
That aside, if Knitcholas could drink, what would that teacup be filled with?
ok honestly i'm obsessed with your posing with your cat. i know it's a joke but your expression is pretty spot on!!
That elephant Doodle photo was absolutely fantastic. I appreciate you sacrificing your leg hair for the bit!
And also the wisdom about "it" at the end.
your end bit about the future just being the present that hasnt happened yet really spoke to me- thats a really great way to be mindful (like in the meditation theraputic kinda way) especially as someone with anxiety. like ill be able to use that phrase to help me let go of things that are stressing me out so i can live in the present- so thank you Willie for your wisdom
That syringe was almost definitely zofran! It’s a gamechanger
Willie I love your ANTM commentary and I hope one day Jade sees this and recognizes a true poet in her own image.
I honestly thought we had finished the series for some reason lol but I'm happy that we're back at it
The fact that the live audience, who presumably knows what they're looking at, find it hilarious, makes me think it's all the wrong in the exact right way..
willie, i have adhd and for some reason i can watch your two hour videos without even speeding up to 2x, i love how you say things or something
I think the archer move Faranda did was intended to express her "shooting for the stars"
Jade's preposterous elephants has lived rent-free in my head since 2006.
i might just be a little too sensitive but your conclusion is making me cry. with that said, i watch your videos because of what *you* bring to them. thank you for still creating and sharing.
Holy shit, Willie, that ended up being deeply profound. I actually feel like I have a lot more clarity about a lot of things in my life, all of a sudden. You truly are a muse, and I now have to go sit and think about what it is I've been trying to accomplish. Thank you!!!
"That said... I don't wanna" I felt that deep in my bones
I used to be obsessed with ANTM when I was in middle school, and it's definitely very 😬 to come back to it almost 20 years later. I also really like your videos! All of them, not just ANTM! So I hope you don't feel toobad about having other stuff between the ANTM vids ❤
"I used to be with ‘it’, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it’ anymore and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary. It’ll happen to you!"
Always nice to spend an hour listening to you spin a yarn, and the photo shoot portion at the end keeps getting better! Thanks for the video.
PS. I may be the only one who actually prefers the episodes that AREN'T about ANTM, but I do exist.
I remember watching this show as a teen and I'm blown away by how messed up it actually was. I don't understand how I could think it was just a normal reality show back then.
I've only seen the content warning and already have to comment because it made me laugh aloud. I know you've done it before, but it is still hilarious.
Oh shoot. Now you're mentioning that people like when you give them the same thing over and over...
Willie I want you (and mostly the algorithm) to know I enjoy your content ❤
My eyes stopped before the parentheses and for a split second I thought you were propositioning him. Lol
You do you Willie, I’m here for it all ☺️💛
The IT you are talking about is absolutely something that I think all the time about lately. I'm chasing IT for so long, I don't even know what IT is but I have to chase IT right? Otherwise am I going to ever be successful? Thank you for your amazing healing work. Your videos bring me joy, new perspectives and they lower my feeling of loneliness, not in a weird par-asocial way, but in knowing, Im not alone thinking about these things, battling my mental health and being extremely oversharing.
By the way, thank you for sharing the hospital story, we live in a society where talking about health issues or having to talk about uncomfortable body situations isn't as common. But all of us have stories about health that are normal, human and should be shared in order to lift the stigma.
For me, ANTM is the content that brought me to your videos, but I'm definitely staying for all of the comfort content. 💕
“That said, I don’t wanna..?…” fuck I adore you, truly. Make whatever you wanna make, I’m here.
I came to this channel for the ANTM, but I stay for all of Willie's content. Not being 'optimized' makes it so much more refreshing and engaging.
Great episode!!! If you're not doing anymore ANTM maybe consider reacting to the other worst shows out there? What about the ultimatum or MILF manor? 😂 your commentary is priceless
As someone who has fainted while at work and vomited during a school gym class due to dehydration, FUCK MAN...
the worst part about being severely dehydrated is that your brain will tell you over and over that its literally just you being dumb thats caused this, so you better be ready to face the consequences
Your talk about "it" really helped me. The means don't really justify the end sometimes! Ty! ❤
As much as I enjoy the ANTM videos, I have enjoyed most of your other content more. Honestly, everyone just here for Top model, watch Willie's other videos- he truly is excellent, funny, thought-provoking and even moving on occasion.
Your observations at the end really resonate. The idea that treating ourselves in gruelling, punishing ways will necessarily make us deserving, and get us where we want to be is so prevalent. Working in progressive and activist spaces especially, people can (understandably) feel a lot of desperation for things to be better, but this can sometimes end up with people working themselves to death in ways that aren't even the most productive in helping the cause, and ultimately burning themselves out completely. We all need to remember to work smarter not harder, and that self-flagellation achieves nothing.
Top Model put you in my algorithm, but I stayed for all the other content so do whatever makes you happy! I'm here for all of it!
A new Willie video to get me to the end of my work day😊
I have been waiting years for more top model lol
Please don't feel pressured to make videos you don't want to make or to work yourself so hard you burn out. I like that your channel feels like just thoughts you have been ruminating on. Keep being yourself, the right people will be drawn to your content. At least, that's what I say to myself with my own art.
Willie, you’re preposterous.
This video made my day better ❤
Praise for this photo shoot. Very nice.
WILLIE❤ I don't know how the RUclips algorithm eventually led me to your channel but man, I am glad I got here because the way you present information is right up my alley. You don't have to just make top model videos! Though I am enjoying them because I watched top model years ago and it was soo uncomfortable to see these girls torture themselves for reality tv and I felt like a crazy person because no one else saw how problematic it was, but anyway this is a long winded way of saying that I like your other videos too! Make what you want, live your life, speak your truths. It's good stuff, dude!
Ok stay with me here, but ANTM really seems to encapsulate this core set of moral values that aligns perfectly with Capitalism (as it pertains to the 99%). It's this idea that the ultimate virtue is working yourself into an early grave, forgoing all comforts, enduring as much pain as possible, putting your health and even your life in danger for your work, stepping on the backs of others when necessary, and never, ever complaining. All with the goal of 'winning'. Any other good qualities a person may have are entirely unimportant compared to those 'virtues'. And if you're the winner at the end of the massive reality show we're all participating in, maybe you'll get a chance to become the boss and make decisions about who gets chosen next. I feel like this 'virtue' is pushed in a huge amount of media, in schools, and of course in workplaces. Not as some kind of top-down grand conspiracy, but certainly not without influence from the 1% who actually benefit from that system.
I know we're just talking about a silly reality show here and you could easily say "it's not that deep," but there's something there, right?
Yay! Don’t overhaul your channel, I love it all ❤
not the video starting with "content warning: 2006" 😂😂
❤😊I love you Willie!!!
dang dude, this channel is criminally underrated. even though i work in abstract & with watercolors/paint markers mostly, this is deeply inspiring me to get back into my craft!!!
I love that you deconstruct RUclips the way you do, down to your thumbnail photo shoots.
Your bit about "It" was really relatable to me, and made perfect sense. I did not expect this to turn into a genuine moment! (Also your thumbnail posing is one of the best parts of the video, I'd never miss it)
I saw the notif.... that's all I needed
"every single path leads to the same place - and that's just more It." 52:02
Loved your musings about "Wanting It" because, as someone who was raised on Top Model, American Idol and everything else in the 2000s, I can conjure the voice of any judge on any competition show asking me "but do you really want it?" and it's scary that that inner monologue is louder than ACTUAL words of affirmation that don't give me anxiety.
These ANTM videos are how I found your channel, but they're not really the reason I've stayed. If you keep making them I'll keep watching, but if it's becoming more of a chore than being a fun thing to do then do what keeps you engaged while making it.
I came to your channel bc you were the only youtuber that had an in-depth breakdown of one of the greatest movies of all time - Max Keebles Big Move , but I'll watch & listen to you talk about literally anything Willie. You keep doing you!😊
I’ve never watched Top Model. I’m not a fan of reality shows for all the reasons Willie mentions.
They use the ambition, desperation, or desire to win as weapons to control the models for the entertainment of the audience and financial gain and narcissistic supply of the show runners.
It’s a disgusting example of narcissists and abusive types delighting in forcing others to play by their rules. Cutthroat competition, self sacrifice, and willingness to obey instructions regardless of how ridiculous or harmful they are is a game that abusers love to play. Most normal people would never treat others that way.
Willie this is your channel. You do you. I love your ANTM content but quality of life is a thing and you deserve to enjoy your work.
Love the humanity that you bring to ANTM. And the Jade stanning 😂
Whatever topics you discuss are what I'm here for. Keep being you, Willie
I actually don't care about ANTM (I have seen a a few episodes but not this season I don't think.) I just appreciate your insights on it and enjoy listening to you talk about it. Or anything really. Mostly I'm here for you and your general vibes and I hope you're able to keep pursuing your passion projects! I'm very glad I found your channel. (Thanks Drawfee haha.)
"They're in the dinosaur family" omg......💀🤣
Hey Willie. Don't give up; you found your way into my feed somehow. And I've now learned more about ANTM than I ever thought I would.
I’ve been binging a lot of your videos this last week and I haven’t regretted any of it. I enjoy your humor and commentary no matter what the topic is.
most underrated youtuber. i love your stuff, your humor, your self reflection. keep doing you
Wow... Look at that background. It looks cool.
I like when content creators create series because I binge them. HOWEVER, making a variety of content, specifically the kind that the creators want to make. Even if it’s on a subject I don’t enjoy or know much about because peoples personal enjoyment is so infectious a genuinely bleeds into their work.