The Create Unknown

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/ Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknown Kevin opens this week’s episode with a challenge – one that came straight from a listener. Stephen, the author of a manga called Handyman Quincy, sent a fantastic TWO PAGE EMAIL our way about Kevin’s perspective on storytelling. Thanks for the email Stephen, we love the input. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Handyman Quincy here: https://starfruitbooks.com/products/handyman-quincy In that email, Stephen also provided some pointed feedback that pushes Kevin to rethink how he talks about certain stories. Is Kevin missing the point, or is there something deeper at play here? After that, we open up a broader conversation about the value of bold, sweeping statements, and the surprising pitfalls that hyper-specificity can sometimes provide. How do we wrestle with the tension between saying something provocative and acknowledging the messy, complicated exceptions? Along the way, we dig into a rule of thumb that might explain why so much creative work just doesn’t land… and why that might actually be okay. From there, Kevin unpacks what makes certain shows stick in your brain long after the credits roll. Through examples you might not expect, he explores how great storytelling can work on multiple levels at once, while lesser stories just skate by on surface thrills. To wrap it up, things take a turn toward the delightfully strange as we share our fascination with oddly specific passions. From vintage milk bottles to…hot dog rollers. We also talk about how “boner pills” can teach us about being curious in a distracted world. Thanks for tuning in, see you next week! You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/ Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/ Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcu Apple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownApple Spotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotify Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcasts 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownMatt is finally BACK, and he’s here to explain his long podcasting absence. He tells us about all the life detours that kept him away from the mic – from unexpected responsibilities to the emotional weight of figuring out one of life’s hardest challenges on the fly, things have been WILD.Kevin also reflects on his somewhat short-lived journey as a solo podcaster, cluing us in to what he learned without having his usual partner-in-crime “with him as always.”After that, we dive right into the key to EVERYTHING, and it is astonishingly simple: you just have to SHOW UP. We talk extensively about how doing something as simple as just consistently being present, even when it’s hard, can open doors in the most unexpected ways.We wrap with a dive into the world of auctions, exploring the strange psychology of bidding, the weird value we assign to things, and what it all says about human nature.Thanks for sticking with us—we’re back, baby.You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownKevin kicks things off by opening up about his recent absence from Vsauce2. What started in December as a break from YouTube turned into something much bigger: a full-fledged writing project that has pushed him into new creative territory.He walks us through the highs and lows of crafting a book from scratch, and the weird balance between structured outlining and letting ideas unfold on their own. Kevin dives into discovering his own writing process and what he believes actually makes a story work.Reflecting leads Kevin into a passionate takedown of some of today’s most overused narrative tropes, especially in superhero movies and serialized television. What makes these stories fall flat? And why does it seem like audiences are settling for less?From there we dig into character, exploring what makes a person feel real on the page, and how quirks, contradictions, and specificity breathe life into fiction. Kevin points to the masters of this art and explores how he's trying to capture a similar authenticity in his own work.Finally, Kevin teases a few details about Sleep Warrior, a project that blends the worlds of reality and dreams, and how it’s unlike anything he’s tackled before. But what it actually is… well, that’s something you’ll have to discover over time.Thanks for tuning in, we’ll be back next week!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownThis week, Kevin takes a look back at the backlash against Glengarry Glen Ross, and how it stirred up a deep memory from his college days. What does a play about shady salesmen have in common with the chaotic antics of a student writer? A lot more than you’d think.We learn about Kevin’s alter ego “Muffer Van Awesome,” and how one controversial article nearly sank the school paper and angered the church. You know, normal college stuff.This all spirals into a larger discussion about how audiences often misread flawed characters and satire, mistaking critique for endorsement, and why that misunderstanding matters more than ever today.To wrap things up, Kevin lays out a kind of creative manifesto: when it comes to bold ideas and risky writing, is the real danger in offending—or in backing down?Thanks for listening, and stick around—there’s plenty more on the way.You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownAI-generated art is evolving fast—but what does that really mean for all of us? Kevin dives into the latest breakthroughs in image generation, uncovering how AI can now replicate beloved artistic styles with eerie precision. But beneath the excitement, one question remains: is this innovation, or just imitation?Next, he shares his own hands-on experience using AI tools for Sleep Warrior. The technology has come a long way, but something still feels… off. Can AI ever truly capture an artist’s vision, or is it destined to fall short every time?From there, Kevin takes a pretty strong stand – maybe art isn’t for everyone. AI is making creation more accessible than ever, but do things like raw talent, dedication, and even temperament still matter? Or are we entering a world where anyone can call themselves an “artist” with the push of a button?To close things out, Kevin explores the one thing AI can’t seem to replicate: true artistic value. If a machine can churn out a flawless painting in seconds, is it still worth the same as one done by a master of their craft? Or is there something deeper that makes art matter altogether?Big thanks for tuning in—more to come soon!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownKevin kicks off this episode with a challenge: Can you name five truly great movies from the last five years? It might be harder than you think. As a former film major, he’s got some strong thoughts on Hollywood today, and where they’re going WRONG.Then we step into a deeper issue lurking beneath modern storytelling, one that’s quietly reshaping the way movies are made. Kevin dissects the recent blockbuster “Snow White” and exposes the fundamental flaw that turns its entire premise upside down.That leads us to a bigger conversation about TRUTH, and its place in storytelling overall. Some films resonate because they tap into something real, while others feel oddly hollow – but what’s the difference? And why do some classics hold up while new releases struggle to make an impact?After that, we explore the shift that’s taken over modern films – one that might be robbing audiences even realizing it. Kevin breaks down how subtlety and complexity are fading, replaced by a new trend that’s changing the way stories are told.To wrap things up, we step back and look at what makes a story truly great. Is there still room for nuance in today’s Hollywood? Or are we rapidly approaching an era where movies forget how to make us feel?Big thanks for tuning in—we’ll be back with more!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownIf you think that life is truly short, there’s probably a good reason why – your life is BORING. This week, Kevin explains that his 41 years on earth have actually felt pretty long, and he thinks he’s figured out why.He takes us through the winding journey of his life story, from briefly studying computer science to diving headfirst into comics, filming, bartending, to the creation of a bizarre internet character that, strangely enough, played a role in his eventual connection with Vsauce. That takes us right into an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his time with Vsauce, where his role evolved in ways nobody had expected.After that, we get a glimpse of the next “chapter” of Kevin’s life… literally. He takes us through the process of writing his most recent project, his forthcoming novel “Sleep Warrior,” and clues us in as to why, after months of work, he had to go back to square one.So, what’s the secret to making life feel fuller? Well, to round things out, Kevin unpacks the eclectic mix of his own life experiences, the unexpected turns in his career, and what he’s learned from constantly jumping into the UNKNOWN.Thanks for tuning in - Matt will be back soon!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownAfter Conan O’Brien’s universally praised Oscar hosting, Kevin reflects on the magic that makes Conan one of the greats. Kevin even takes us back to a few personal stories from his time as an intern at “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” But what’s the secret to his comedic genius?From working on Conan’s “personal vault” to an unexpected (and slightly threatening) first encounter, Kevin recounts his front-row seat to Conan’s comedic brilliance. Kevin even shares a story that proves Conan never forgets a joke—especially one at an intern’s expense.All the stories lead us back to one central question – what is that actually makes Conan such a unicorn these days? Kevin breaks down his synopsis on what he thinks makes Conan tick, why comedians like him are becoming increasingly rare, and why the Sandworm from Dune playing ragtime piano is not only hilarious but a breath of fresh air.Thanks for tuning in—see you again next week!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownThis week we dive into Technology Connections’ latest video, “Algorithms Are Breaking How We Think.” Kevin breaks down the concept of algorithmic complacency—a term Alec (aka Technology Connections) coined to describe how our internet habits have drastically changed.We explore how times have changed from the active searches of days gone by to the passive algorithmic consumption of today. Kevin unpacks how platforms like YouTube have evolved, with users increasingly relying on recommendations instead of subscriptions, and what that means for content discovery.Then, we get into the bigger picture, how does this shift impact things like attention span, learning behaviors, and cognitive processing? Kevin dives into the psychology of decision-making and probability, drawing upon knowledge from an old Vsauce2 video on the Monty Hall problem as a prime example.Finally, we look ahead to the future of AI and its growing influence on human thought. Will algorithmic complacency make us less capable of independent decision-making? What happens when AI dictates not just what we watch, but how we think? How can we stay curious and engaged in an era of algorithm-driven content, and how are kids even supposed to focus anymore?Thanks for tuning in, we’ll be back next week!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknownKevin’s back again to talk about curiosity…and how nobody seems to have any these days.We jump right into the bizarre Mirror Video, a viral clip of a woman struggling to grasp the complexity of her bathroom mirror. We use that anomaly as a springboard to discuss a bigger question: why are so many people uninterested in understanding how things WORK?That leads Kevin to reflect on his old pitch for a TV show, Your Impossible Life, which would uncover the surprising, intricate histories behind everyday objects. From the tech we use to the food we eat – everything has a story.We take this a level deeper by touching on examples from technology, economics, and daily life. Why do we take so much for granted? And more importantly, what are we missing out on by not being curious?To wrap things up, Kevin reflects on a real life example where his curiosity of the ordinary caused friction in the workplace, and viewing the world through a slightly different lens can make a BIG difference.Big thanks for tuning in—we’ll be back next week!You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcuApple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownAppleSpotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotifyGoogle Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcastsCREDITS: Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor Executive Producer: Ben WebsterEditor: 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. CONNECT WITH US: » Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw » Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown » Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown » Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown » View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices