Thanks to MAINGEAR for speeding up everything for us. Check out the VYBE line that’s making up the core of Matt’s new studio -- and use code CREATE for a free additional year of warranty on desktops: https://maingear.com/ref/656/

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This week, we kick things off with a story that almost feels too strange to be real. What do a Price Is Right model, a mountain-climbing husband and a CIA operation all have in common? You’re going to want to find out.

That story leads us straight into the bigger question on Kevin’s mind: why does so much modern storytelling feel stuck on identity? Naturally, that triggers a deep dive into what Kevin calls the “identity paradox.” Why is it that we’re culturally obsessed with identity on paper, yet identity-driven stories rarely break through in a meaningful way?

Along the way, we explore why films like Rocky and The Green Book succeed where others don’t, and how great storytelling can utilize identity in a way you wouldn’t expect.

Big thanks to all our listeners and patrons for supporting the show—we’ll be back soon!

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor

Executive Producer: Ben Webster

Editor: Spencer Vann

"Created in the Unknown" theme by Basswaite: https://linktr.ee/Basswaite

Theme by Mega Drive → http://megadrivemusic.com

Opening Animation: Kidmograph

City Animation: Eric Langlay

"The Create Unknown" is produced by Unknown Media.

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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 27, 2025)