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/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

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 is flying SOLO this week as he explains our brief podcast hiatus, touches on our work with Popular Science, and why Tabor isn’t “with him as always” this time around.After some general housekeeping, we dive into Kevin’s book Sleep Warrior and the astonishing progress he’s made after finishing up his first draft. Then, we take a deep dive into Nirvana’s smash hit “In Utero”, with a special focus on “Francis Farmer Will Have Revenge on Seattle.” Kevin unpacks a particularly haunting lyric, and we pick apart the surprising psychological implications that come along with it.From there, we zoom out to a broader discussion on the paradoxical comfort that sadness can bring, connecting it to everything from weight loss struggles to the challenges of personal transformation. We also take a detour into 80s cinema with Teen Wolf, breaking down how the film serves as an unexpected metaphor for the very same complexities.Thanks for tuning in—we’re excited to be back, and we’ll see you all again 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/thecreateunknownWe’re back at long last! Where have we been, you ask? Find out in today’s episode.Have you missed us? We kick off a return with the only way we know how: talking about… fruitcake. We compare America’s indulgent pastry culture to international traditions as we try to figure out whether or not bigger and sweeter really means better.Next, we break down a viral tweet claiming meal prep is a “hyper-individualistic capitalist construct.” If you couldn’t already guess, we certainly have some thoughts.Then, Kevin takes us behind the scenes of the Polavision documentary project we did over on Popular Science. He shares how we stumbled upon Doc Caps in Vienna and the wild challenges of working with outdated tech. From logistical nightmares to unexpected roadblocks, he breaks down how we overcame it all.After that, we lay it all out on the table. We come clean about the struggles of keeping up with our regular podcast recordings while juggling the documentary, reflecting on the impact of equipment failures, tight schedules, and other setbacks that disrupted our usual routine.Last but certainly not least, we share our plans for getting back on track, including long-awaited interviews with special guests.Big thanks to everyone for tuning in, we’re happy to be back! 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/thecreateunknownThis week’s episode kicks off with Matt sharing his recent trip to Vegas, where he had a run-in with COVID. From there, we take a trip down memory lane and touch on the fascinating evolution of slot machines.Next, we dive into Rick Beato’s latest video, where he makes a bold claim about kids today and their interests. With Google Trends showing some surprising data, we can’t help but wonder if he’s onto something.But can we trust Google Trends as an accurate measure of interest? We discuss whether our online behavior is skewing the data, thanks to platforms and algorithms tailoring content for us.We also discuss the lost art of small talk and how it feels like we’ve lost common ground for casual conversations. Could looking to the past help us find more meaningful connections today?After that, we shift our attention to some troubling trends about reading comprehension and memory among the youth. This ties into a broader discussion about Dunbar’s number and our cognitive limits – how much can we really keep track of?Kevin jumps in with some practical advice about the importance of picking something to get interested in. Sometimes, diving into a niche might yield more reward than you realize.We wrap things up with an inspiring story from the UFC world. We focus on Alex Pereira’s journey, and how the power of things like passion and dedication can really help in our day to day lives.Thanks to everyone who joined us live, and a special shoutout to our amazing patrons. 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