Here are a couple of my favorite YouTube videos I find engaging, thought-provoking, and just a good watch overall!
Keith Chen: Could your language affect your ability to save money?
This Ted Talk examines how the structure of language may influence our ability to save money. Keith Chen argues that languages that grammatically separate the future from the present (like English) subtly make the future feel more distant, leading to lower savings rates and riskier health behaviors. It’s a very interesting topic that I will bring up in conversation whenever I feel it’s relevant!
A.I. ‐ Humanity's Final Invention?
I see AI as the defining breakthrough of our generation — the same way fire was for early humans. Just like fire, it has the potential to push civilization forward in unimaginable ways, but it also carries risks we are not ready for. This video dives into that duality, showing how AI has grown from simple tools into systems that could evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). It asks the big question: will AGI become the force that solves our greatest challenges, or the invention that ultimately outpaces us?
Ed Sheeran Breakfast Club Interview
I mean, how could you not like Ed Sheeran? He’s incredibly talented, effortlessly personable, and always seems to have a smile on his face. This interview captures all of that and more. I’ve also always been a fan of The Breakfast Club (especially the older interviews), and whenever I need something on in the background, this one is an easy go-to.
Brown Video Portfolio (Class of 2026)
A little self-promotion never hurt anybody. Back in senior year of high school - full of hopes, dreams, and naivety - I went all out on my Brown application video. I made my own cover of Empire State of Mind, rewriting the lyrics to prove how cool and awesome I was and why Brown absolutely needed me. Spoiler alert: they disagreed.
Inter vs. Barcelona: Extended Highlights | UCL Semi-final Leg 2 | CBS Sports Golazo
Whenever football matches fall flat, I have a few classics I rewatch to remind myself why I love this game so much. Lately, this match has been at the top of that list — pure drama, energy, and brilliance on display #YamalIsistheGOAT. Other go-to rewatches for me: Barcelona vs. PSG (2017 Champions League Round of 16), Netherlands vs. Argentina (2022 World Cup), and Ajax vs. Tottenham (2019 Champions League).
Trump vs. Truth: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
I’ll say it outright: John Oliver is hands down the best late-night host. He covers topics that are not only relevant in the moment but also stand the test of time — this video is a perfect example. What I love most is his unique brand of humor: a mix of sharp intellect, rapid-fire delivery, precise enunciation, and just the right amount of awkwardness. It’s a style that makes serious issues engaging, and it’s daunting just how necessary that has become.
Turning Pokémon Cards Into a Six-Figure Income | Side Hustles - VICE
I grew up loving Pokémon and proudly built up a pretty solid card collection of my own. That’s why it blows my mind to see how the same pieces of cardboard I once traded with friends at recess have turned into a full-blown industry, with some treated as assets worth thousands of dollars. Beyond the nostalgia, I think VICE nails it with videos like this — short-form documentaries on niche topics we never knew we wanted to learn about.
Nike Football - Winner Stays
Back when Nike Football ads were peak entertainment. The sheer amount of star power is incredible — Ronaldo, Neymar, Rooney, Ibrahimović, and so many others packed into a single ad — and the way it blends street football with larger-than-life fantasy is genius. This was the first ad that truly captivated me and made me realize the power of marketing. It didn’t just stay on the screen; it became part of my culture, with me and my friends constantly quoting “winner stays on, lads” anywhere we could. Ads like this are a big reason I was inspired to pursue marketing in the first place.
Mac Miller: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Rest in peace to Mac Miller. NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are such a brilliant concept — intimate performances that strip away the spectacle and let an artist’s personality and love for music shine through. This one is by far my favorite. I love the setlist, the way the melodies differ from the polished versions on Spotify, and how Mac’s charm and sweetness come through in every break between songs. He just seemed like such a lovable guy, and this performance captures that perfectly.
The Ugly Truth Of Fast Fashion | Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj
It’s true — good things never last. Why Netflix had to cancel Patriot Act is beyond me. Hasan Minhaj’s show was one of the smartest, funniest, and most engaging deep dives into the issues shaping our world, blending comedy with real investigative reporting. This episode on fast fashion is one of my favorites — it’s eye-opening, entertaining, and makes you rethink the clothes on your back. But honestly, you can pick any episode from the series and come away smarter, laughing, and a little more aware of the world we live in.