Channel News and What's Next

I love Belle, and am happy you're finding your style. I do miss Beau. Hope he's doing OK. I'm not paying any attention to the news right now, sticking my head in the sand for a mental health break. I'm very interested in some sort of interaction with others on YouTube or elsewhere so we can support each other through the coming times.

Dorothy Frank

I became a yearly donor to the program for the Beau delievery and content. I feel like I have been baited and switched.

Laurie Reynolds

OK, I'll say it: I'm not a conspiracy-minded person, but the timing was the hardest part to accept. Those of us who dont' know you personally are not there "in the moment" to know the personal details of why this all took place. What we saw was a guy who we admired because he had a unique presentation, and then one day, he just ... left. He left at a time when everything else NOT related to him seemed to be headed into unknown territory, and that "hey, what does Beau have to say on this?" question ... was on our mind more than it had ever been. Someone else said it upthread: Beau was extemporaneous. That's a ten-cent word that means "he speaks from the hip"; but wow... what hips. Reading from a script is different. It's not that you're not great at that, Belle, but....we miss the extemporaneous delivery; a guy who was thinking it through as it's being said. We're getting essentially the same frame-of-reference, same overall information, but the personality of "that guy" - that unique, non-other guy - it's like he was kidnapped. Or "silenced". I know. I know... the team is the same. Just offering my perception. I mean - the guy - that guy - THE guy - - we tuned in every day to know how he saw the world. Now we can't ever see him again, and it feels like there is just too much surrealism in our current events for this to be solely, purely, coincidental. I should not have said what i have said here. But for the guy who is estranged from his wife in his own "war of the roses" because she's gone Q-Anon all-in for the Wrong Side of History.... coming here was sort of like peeking outside to see if the world has been destroyed without me. I Just miss that guy. I should take pictures of my basement so I can show you all the shelves I put up in 2020. They would look familiar in your shed. Without the YouTube plaque, of course.

Joseph Galatha

My home is in Yancey County and I was there during Helene. WNC got hit very hard.. the resiliance and capablilities of everyone was amazing and the help from everywhere and government agencys was immediate. That said.. this was a MAJOR disaster for the area and will take years of recovery. What would be a lovely donation from you would be for you to drive up to the area, visit the small towns and if a store, eatery or shop is open, be a customer.. Visit and be curious and kind.

sdsue

I, too, feel like Beau has died. Could he please come back for the DV shelter fundraising and the like? Or even a photo to let us know he is still alive.

CF Unloved

Glad you are making yourself comfortable at last. Not that I don't miss Beau, I hope we can get him to do something on here, maybe once a month or something. Even if it's just him telling us what he's been doing. That little of activity hopefully wouldn't bother him. It's hard to have him just disappear, it's almost like he died, even knowing he didn't but after years listening to him, it just feels wrong. You have been doing some great work, I've not been keeping up as much, due to mourning from the election results, but I still hit some of them up at nights like this when I can't sleep. I wish my brain had some suggestions or ideas, but I honestly have been so numb and just concerned about our country that there are few other thoughts. I'm trying to research and hopefully get me a new computer that will actually play newish games and that maybe I can slip into a new world as opposed to the real one for awhile. Anyhow thanks again for not just kicking the channels to the curb, and hope you all (horses included) have a great Christmas. Curious, don't think I asked this or seen anybody say anything about it, did Beau do any help to say the Asheville or Chimney Rock, since I know fan of the Smokies. I've been trying to convince myself to go there soon, even if for just a day and see what got damaged/destroyed. Hope not much since it's about 3.5 hours away, and pretty much our normal place to go as there isn't really anything else closer.

Freddy McCowan

Thanks for the head's up about what's coming next. This comment is mostly to say: I LOVE the new names for the channels. I'm enjoying how you're shifting things to make them reflect you, and I'm glad your name is there to reflect this change. (Also--maybe I'm not the only one, but I've had to step back my viewing for the past few weeks just because the election was rough and I've had to do a lot of emotional support for loved ones, but even when I haven't watched for a few days, I click over and see that you've still got new videos coming out and it's a bit of warmth and goodness when the world isn't feeling that way in general. And now I'm dipping my toes back into news, oh-so-slowly, as I find my footing in this new world.)

Tanya Lopez

Souls should be dearly bought and judgement unearned.

E Mihm

Teachers are priceless. Judges are cheap.

E Mihm

Belle - I’m just plumb grateful for you and the entire team. Of course we miss Beau, BUT I had always wondered how on earth he was having a life and keeping up with the channel schedule - now we know it wasn’t working so well. Regardless, you courageously stepped in, and with a big gulp, and a smile put the mantle on your shoulders, but this time spreading out the weight across the entire team. The hard work that you and everyone has put into trying to maintain the viewer base that Beau had established, as well as finding your own voice and programming has been a delicate balance that you have managed to traverse with the skill of a Walenda. I personally am looking forward to seeing what you and the team can whip up to keep us critically thinking and well informed. Happy holidays to you and the entire team and a very happy new year to us all. At least until January 20. 🤓

Crystal Eiswert

My wife and I watched every episode before Beau left but haven't watched much since and I wasn't sure why. We had a conversation about our lack of interest in the content and we agreed the reason is not because Beau is gone. To be honest and constructive, we wanted to see Belle develop her own style and delivery. We lost interest because the vibe has been a mimic of Beau and not genuine Belle. I think we want to see Belle as herself and not Belle playing Beau if that makes any sense. When the primary identity of the show changes it's expected and healthy for the style and delivery to change. Hopefully, this comment not taken as a negative but positive reinforcement to continue making changes until it fits :)

Malachi Witt

Glad you're finally putting your mark on things after all the hard work over the last (only?!) four months. Glad Beau is doing well! We miss him!

IcyMidnight

I miss Beau a lot!! Sending him lots of good vibes and virtual hugs. But YOU! I’m giving you as many likes as I can to bump up your algorithm and your vibes, too! I’m excited to see the changes coming. My only comment is that I don’ have time to watch the longer “roads” videos, an given that I’m now doing a news fast (rarely check in to MSN or NPR now that it’s mostly all grim, celebrity-laced news), I really count on your 3 videos a day to catch me up. Cheers, Belle!!! <3

Karen Kungie-Torres

I miss the unscripted stuff. It feels too sterile just reading from a script. Part of the appeal of watching Beau was watching him express things not just through words, but pausing to find the words and the expression on his face. I also think it will help you show your personality a bit more. The content is great as always but I do struggle paying attention and occasionally miss stuff, which I then have to rewind to pick up what you were talking about. The 'intro, body, conclusion' format Beau talked about a lot really helps here.

Samwise

You’re going absolutely great! I appreciate your own, very definite views in various topics. I also appreciate your very firm support of women, you know, with our little lady brain, lol! Anyway, I’m with you, as is my husband, (also a veteran and also leftist), for the long haul. Please let us know what ever you may need to Christmas or aid projects, ok? Thank you again! 💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙

Barbara Tysell

Belle - thanks for stepping up. A while back, the channel did a series of videos on questions about relationships. I’d love to hear the answers from a woman’s perspective. Maybe the week before Valentine’s Day.

Flo

Howdy! Beau is the first channel that I ever followed on YouTube and the only one I followed for a long time. Although, I completely understand his stepping aside, I thought I was going to go through some serious withdrawals. Well, I didn't. It has been a flawless transition and I still love the content. As you read thoughts and ideas from your viewers, I absolutely trust you'll continue to put out great, helpful, and honest content. I'm all in on any decisions you make with the team. MaryBrown

Merry

Hi Belle, I've been appreciating your content very much, so glad you're getting a chance to tailor the channel Belle-way! I just discovered the Interstate channel and really thought it was great. Living in Washington State in a small blue city, my #1 priority would be ongoing updates on how blue states are mobilizing to fight the new administration's agenda and how to connect with mutual aid groups. Thanks and take care!

Tina Simcich

I love the little changes. Like you have terrific hair when it's not different by a hart btw and Belle from the Ranch is a great name. I hope you might snare some of these lady Trump voters into watching your content, since so many white women voted for him.

Wynter

Right now the only new channel planned is a fictional short story channel. It just doesn't fit. Highly recommend adding the channel 'impartial points' to your subscriptions though.

Beau of The Fifth Column

I have been a viewer of channel for several years and love the growth .Please send my best wishes to Beau and all staff

Douglas Burk

I love the new look and feel of the channels, and couldn't be happier with Belle, Dana and Dee. Also, I look forward to seeing others on the Beau of the Fifth Column team.

Heidi Tryon

Thank you.

Lisa H Wood

I loved the stories. Short stories read aloud are so cool.

Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)

Please keep the two channels. I know you said you may do new thungs but can you include them wothin the two channels you have? Its easier to watch and your playlists are great too!

Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)

Can beau make a guest appearance to read us a holiday story or could you both give us a tour if the animals or decorations etc?

Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)

Search it up in your YouTube app. It's a YouTube channel

NotSure

Are you going to have a Christmas gift fundraiser to buy tablets for teens living in DV safe houses, like you have in the past? Thanks!

Sue Dohl

Thanks, Belle, for picking up where Beau left off. Right now I haven't the courage to follow the news, but I'll resume my civic duties at the new year.

Susan B Peckitt

Keep up the good work! One of the things that I like about this channel is the videos are usually less than 5 minutes long and you present a lot of good, easy-to-understand, detail in that time.

Bob

Great! Looking forward to watching and thanks for the update on Beau.

Katb

Thanks for keeping us informed. It's really appreciated. 🤗

Jaquenta Jackie

Great to hear all this. If I could make one suggestion... More of a request really... Is there any way to tag or differentiate videos that are not about current trumpian politics? I honestly can't handle that stuff going forward but I do want to watch as much of the videos as I can. If I could tell them apart that would speed things up for me

Joe Auerbach

Yep. I would really like that. I need to start watching Beau from the beginning, so that might scratch the itch of not seeing him several times a day. Belle, Dana, Dee and those behind the scenes are doing great. I enjoy them all.

dcy665 .

I remember Belle telling us in one of her earliest videos “I know stuff. I’ve done stuff.” The lady did not lie. It’s rare when an understudy turns out to be a star-in-waiting, but that’s precisely what has happened here. Thank goodness!

Moira Hartwell

Well, we all love you folks and your calm, rational take on the news. I know part of your mission is to tell the truth to those who are living in "low-information silos" but, personally I am sick of hearing about drumpf. I want to know about personal and community resiliency (we are working on this in my neighborhood) and effecting things in local and state politics. Also I like to hear about Ukraine, because that has fallen off the radar.

Bel-Ami Margoles

How do I get to Impartial Points?

Lisa H Wood

Hello! Thank you very much for taking up the mantle and continuing the much-needed work. Something I've been missing of late is the calling out of poor legislative/administrative priorities Re: reproductive rights and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Is that an intentional design shift, or has the excremental spewing been so profound that it is difficult to keep up?

Wage

Reading the comments, I just got an idea. Considering the large number of non-US viewers, what about creating a network of international commentators/reporters, giving their views of current affairs?

Annika Nilsson

I have so much enjoyed how the channel has fleshed out since Belle. The addition of Dana & Dee with their contributions has given a new & fresh energy to the channel. Beau is missed but not because of the new cast but, like one would miss an esteemed acquaintance. Belle is awesome. Look forward to the exciting turns!

MaggieG

Greetings from Sweden; I’ve been following for 3-4 years now, the channels being my main source of fact-based news. Being a science geek, I’m really enjoying the new formats. Keep it up, please.

Annika Nilsson

To be honest- all episodes. I have other Patreon channels that do that and you get to see/hear them well before posting to Youtube. I understand if it's more work for you but perhaps there is some kind of automation you could add to the work flow? ty

Mike Burns

Thank you so very much! Like the new Bell symbol. I certainly appreciate the work all of you on the team do. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the content - keeps me somewhat sane in a strange 'new world.'

Jackie Brown

Thank you, Belle and Beau!

Robin Fontana

Do you mean the longer roads episodes or the ones on the main channel? Sometimes the main channel videos are go out within minutes of being reviewed, so probably not on those, but we might be able to do something with the roads episodes. I'll look into it.

Beau of The Fifth Column

Hello Belle! You ALL are doing great! Love the snarky :) Love the sci-fi! Cameos by Beau would be fun! My wife and her daughter are from out of country on K-1 visa's since last year. You are the best for her to view to make sense of many topics good and bad here in the USA. Thank you and May The Force Be With You All - TI-19045 - MoonBurn

EDWARD SADZEWICZ

I continue to love the channel but one request- can you put audio only clips on Patreon first? It makes it easier to listen to them in downloadable form. You can't get that on Youtube without ads and/or paying for it. Thank you and best to all!

Mike Burns

Make whatever changes you feel will be necessary for quality, content or fun. I’m here because I trust your judgment🤘 And that’s a very very short list you guys are on🤣

Sean Lantis

Isn't it kinda risky to commit to commit to youtube as a community platform? I mean I'm sure it'll work great at first, maybe for a long time, but But Tech platforms always tend to enshitify (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSeBelDVrgE) in the long run. And being tied to a community makes us kinda dependet on one thing. It's not like I have a viable alternative, I just wanted to put that out there.

Tom

Correct questionforbelle

Beau of The Fifth Column

Thank you for this update, including that the new email address is “questionforbelle” (not “beau”) at gmail. And its question not questions, right? My request is to balance reporting on MAGA’s efforts (which have the overall aim IMHO of burning down the system) with reporting on efforts - including at the grass roots - to build something new. As a former civil engineer, I know how to recognize when something has “fallen down”. And that’s what has happened …. democracy being voted out (not just the Democrats) in favor of fascism. This proves George Washington’s Farewell Address warning against creating separate political parties was correct. Dividing America into “parties” has finally knocked down the Constitution. Here’s to seeing what we can “design and build” to replace what has collapsed (what I’m working on through the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum in Stroud, OK just fyi). Looking forward to seeing the evolution of the great work you all are already doing! 😀❤️

Steve Brant

Thank you for picking up the baton. And thank Beau for doing what he needs to do take care of himself. As a few have mentioned above: 1) I'm happy with one or two videos a day. There will be a lot going on in the next years that you could do one every hour. 2) Would love to see Beau pop up a couple of times a year, even if just for a minute in one of the other videos to say "hi", this is the charity project/recovery work I am currently focused on and how you can support it. Nothing that would add to his stress- just a head poke in type thing. Having said that: Beau and you know what is best for him to take care of his health, so if that doesn't work for him, I understand. 3) If there aren't plans for Beau to come back on a regular basis, continue to transition this into your own. The rest you'll learn "on the job".

Deb Kunkel

i just want to express my appreciation. I've never commented here or sent in a question, but I have found that you are one of a very few sources I can stand due to the deliberation you put into making sure it isn't inflammatory. While I appreciate what the Brian Tyler Cohen's of the world are trying to do, I can't deal with the fact that everything is THE BIGGEST STORY EVER. If it makes me feel manipulated because they are trying to stir up emotion, I just can't get into it regardless of how compelling the information may be. Thank you for your commitment to calm, well-triaged, thoughtful content. I'm very excited to see what you guys come up with next, and the shortened Roads style ideas for breaking news/heavy news cycles seems like a great idea. I would love to see content about deescalation strategies for various contexts (online, in person, captive audience, etc) so that we can learn how to bring the temperature down and appeal to responsible, well-reasoned discussion. You already integrate this routinely, but I'm wondering if there's a place for it as a standalone type of thing. In any case, thank you so much for being a source of hope and sanity.

Joel Miller

I worried, after the election I wouldn't be able to continue listening, but you've done a great job of continuing to present the news in a way that is helpful. Thank you so very much.

Kier Salmon

Well, personally, I would be just as happy with only 2 videos a day on weekdays and one per day on weekends. Making quality content is hard work and don't want the team getting burned out. And like others have mentioned, it would be nice to see Beau's face again - perhaps a quick cameo where he comes into frame and gives you a kiss on the cheek!

Bryan C Edwards

Thanks belle, keep up the good work!

alexander gaitan

One of the big differences between Beau and I is that I have no problem with breaks. If I need to, I'll take a weekend off or cut a video or whatever I need to. What he was doing is now divided among 4 people, so it's easier.

Beau of The Fifth Column

That's a smorgasbord of content, so I hope Belle takes time off when necessary. Also, Beau must be PISSED, with all this Category 6 shit being floated, smh.😉

Jason Smith

Thank you, Belle (and Beau). You already do so much. A nagging fear of mine is that you'll overextend and have to step back, too. I'm not doing nearly as much personally this go round as I did last time and I'm depending more (almost exclusively) on smaller, and more trustworthy resources, like you, for information. Thank you for linking us up with others doing work we can depend on and believe in. My only request is that you continue to model radical self-care so we can all recognize how and when to let others take over when we need to catch our breath. Also, I'm super good with videos NOT on the prez or his minions. :) Love your work and the collective sassiness of the team.

LuAnn Collins

Change and engagement are so important. I'm glad we're getting both from the team at the channel. I agree with other commenters; you've grown into your presence and do appear much more comfortable. I am (and was) always impressed when the extra "passion" comes out in some of the videos. It shows that you are engaged and rightfully offended, but retain the required professionalism to address the asked question or offered commend from a position of knowledge and strength. You, Beau, and the team, continue to be a bright spot in the information and analysis space.

Michael Linder

Thanks for the update, Belle! You are all doing great and I feel this community has a lot of potential. I look forward to seeing what happens here next.

Devan England

https://youtube.com/@impartialpoints

Beau of The Fifth Column

You can search for iton youtube (when i post the link here it doesn't actually create a link) but I'll start dropping links in the next few videos.

Beau of The Fifth Column

Belle, I’m so glad for both the news on Beau doing well, and in you making changes that are more you! I’m excited to see further developments. You are amazing ❤️

Cynthia Jones

All of the planned changes sound good. The especially the idea of a short "the roads not taken". Perhaps at the end of it, tell people to go watch the longer version in the other channel. Also I love how you are so much more comfortable now. And it is great news that Beau is doing well and focusing on things that make him feel good and that he did not get to do before. Keep up the good work.

estelle4565

I just want to say how much I appreciate all the work that goes into the daily videos. I've dropped the two major news"papers" that I relied on for decades, and instead have been relying on this channel and a few others in print and video to filter out the clickbait and deliver important news and necessary interpretation thereof.

Sharon Foster

so i'm here in florida in a deep red area if and when the economy goes south how do i politely convince the trump supporters here (there is apx 100 i have to deal with in a weekly basis) that it is trumps policies and not the evil libs that is causing it. so good to here beau is doing well you and the team are doing a amassing job thank you

Ken Edwards

Thanks so much for everything you do. I especially appreciate you doing the 9pm video for all of us evening internet people. I'd love to see an episode (maybe 2-4 times a year) on environmental conservation issues, success stories as well as threats. I imagine the threats will be legion in the next 4 years. Also some videos talking about the agencies each cabinet secretary represents (what the agency actually does in brief, how they work, upcoming issues, who has input, which outside experts are used, if any now). I second the civics lessons, as well. Thanks again, Belle and happy holidays!

Sherri Reneau

Along the line of interviews and community networking—it would be great if there was a way for folks to share what they are up to… so that we can all see the many islands of sanity being created, maintained, and expanded.

K B Murphy

Having been born in Newark, NJ, I had my doubts about the change from Beau to Belle, but—HUZZAH!—s'all good. Hope you & Beau have a terrific whatever-you-call-it season. You two are super...

Charlie Newman

Belle, so, so happy you and the rest of the team stepped up when Beau needed to step back. I love the new content and Belle’s presentations. Hug Beau for us! How do I find Impartial Points?

Kate Trabue

Aaaaaaaah! Chaaaaaange! Think about the chil.... conser.....me! I'm worried. Serious mode on: Sure. It would be nice to see some changes. BTW on Discord we're cooking some... "new" description for Discord... since a lot of people are a bit afraid of people thinking that... it's a place where you can come and discuss and defend yourself that you're "just asking questions". And while personally I haven't seen a big uptick in anything to worry about, people are tad... nervous... since the elections. Sincerely yours - Jan Negrey aka Funny Punch(ed).

Jan Negrey

We've seen apps like this but most aren't user friendly and that limits their use. There's definitely a market and opening.

Beau of The Fifth Column

First of all, I love you, Belle. You're doing an amazing job. Secondly- any chance Beau could do a video once in a while? Even just one every couple of months just to say hello. We really miss him and it would be nice to hear from him once in a while.

Selma Filali

Would like to see a Beau update about once a month, either hosted by him of you to update his status. No more than 10 minutes. Sound good?

Crab Donkey

Howdy Beau and Belle, I’m focusing on making Mr. Rogers proud by being a helper as we move into the new year. I am donating money to a charity for women and trans folks needing to cross state lines to get healthcare. That’s a start, but I want to do more. It seems there is a lot of opportunity to take a leadership and facilitator role in moving like-minded folks to a decentralized, cooperative-based post-capitalist future—providing IT infrastructure for folks to have a modern online/app interface but to small businesses and cooperatives providing the goods and services. My answer to the billionaires and fascists is just not to engage them and work with my neighbors and my community. Do you know anyone doing this? Any advice? Thanks!

Henry Warner

Definitely check it out. It goes article and section and after each section it has a plain language explanation of the key parts. Here's a link, but I don't think you'll be able to click it. The last one didn't work. https://youtu.be/-lCR8-zDHxQ

Beau of The Fifth Column

I like any and all tips about how to break through someone's silo. It feels impossible.

Angie

Any chance of getting a video of Beau once in a while? You're doing a great job. Just saying it would be nice to hear from Beau from time to time. Keep up the awesome work Belle.

Michael Leone

Glad to hear about the reading/summary of the Constitution. I have downloaded a copy and read it in small bites, but I'm not sure that I'm getting everything out of it.

Donald Wert

Have you or Beau looked at the National Constitutional Center channel content? If not, I suggest you give it a look. You, Belle, have done an excellent job stepping into this series. Happy Holidays to all.

Nancy Lawyer

I'm very appreciative of everything you and the team do. I'm also glad to hear Beau is doing well.

Drew Lackovic

We have a bunch of that footage set aside to see what we can do. It was on the back burner until after the election. Now it's going to start moving up the list.

Beau of The Fifth Column

We try to get through them weekly. But it doesn't always happen. If we missed one, resend it.

Beau of The Fifth Column

The book is written, We're trying to figure out how to release it best. Y'all will be the first to know and should be able to order first. There will be an audio version. As far as Impartial Points, you know how big news agencies are supposed to have a wall between straight news and their commentary and opinion divisions. It's kind of like that.

Beau of The Fifth Column

How often to you all check messages here in Patreon? Messages, not comments

Lynn Shepard

You are all such great folks love you.

Trifton Dolbier

With all the worry about food insecurity if the tariffs against Mexico are put in place, are y'all thinking about doing some gardening content, food preservation, or stuff like that? I remember something about that on the Roads with Beau channel before the greenhouse was destroyed in the tornado.

Amber Lucas

Impartial Points is putting those out. There's already one on the Department of Education, What it takes to change the Constitution, and an entire reading and summary of the Constitution (It's an hour long). We'll do breakdowns on the main channel, too. But the Impartial Points videos don't contain commentary that might be off putting to people who view us as evil liberals/leftists.

Beau of The Fifth Column

Hi Belle, keep up the good work! Is Impartial Points you guys, or someone else? Glad to hear Beau is doing ok. A while back there was talks about a book coming out. Did that ever happen? If so, is there an audiobook of it?

Brian Myers

Is there still plans for a series of videos on civics? After this last election it's very apparent we need this more now than ever. I appreciate all the work y'all do and look forward to the new content and channels.

justin wood

I really expected that to be a clickable link.

Beau of The Fifth Column

https://youtube.com/@impartialpoints

Beau of The Fifth Column

Wanda Schwerer