diff --git a/bot.py b/bot.py
index 09a4f61..a7cf2d5 100644
--- a/bot.py
+++ b/bot.py
@@ -41,13 +41,15 @@ def __init__(self):
         nick = os.getenv("BOT_NICK")
         prefix = os.getenv("COMMAND_PREFIX", "#")
         channels = os.getenv("TWITCH_CHANNELS", "").split(",")
-        channels = [channel.strip() for channel in channels]  # To remove leading/trailing whitespace
+        channels = [
+            channel.strip() for channel in channels if channel.strip()
+        ]  # To remove leading/trailing whitespace and filter empty strings
 
         # Check for missing critical environment variables
         self._check_env_variables()
 
         # Set initial_channels as an instance variable
-        self.initial_channels = [channel for channel in channels if isinstance(channel, str)]
+        self.initial_channels = channels
 
         super().__init__(
             token=self.token,
@@ -272,4 +274,4 @@ async def main():
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
-    asyncio.run(main())
\ No newline at end of file
+    asyncio.run(main())
diff --git a/cogs/remind.py b/cogs/remind.py
index 59ed15d..d78d66e 100644
--- a/cogs/remind.py
+++ b/cogs/remind.py
@@ -202,4 +202,4 @@ def row_to_reminder(self, row):
 
 
 def prepare(bot):
-    bot.add_cog(Remind(bot))
\ No newline at end of file
+    bot.add_cog(Remind(bot))