try

yt_chat.py

@@ -31,10 +31,17 @@ Keep your responses short, like two or three sentences, and be witty."""
         self.messages = [self.system_message]
         self.headers = {"Content-Type": "application/json", "x-api-key": api_key_unreal}
         VIDEO_ID = "xBVJIJQg1FY"
-        self.chat = pytchat.create(video_id=VIDEO_ID)
+        try:
+            self.chat = pytchat.create(video_id=VIDEO_ID)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Error creating pytchat object: {e}")
+            self.chat = None
 
     def chat_interaction_loop(self):
         """Checks if the Host is in lobby, then pulls chat messages from the Live Stream. The Host then replies to the message."""
+        if not self.chat:
+            time.sleep(5)
+            return
         while self.chat.is_alive():
             for c in self.chat.get().sync_items():
                 request = requests.get(