エピソード

  • Should You Eat Grandpa Slop?

    Should You Eat Grandpa Slop?
    2026/09/04
    Today we dive into the decline of the Western, starting with Seven Samurai and its influence on The Magnificent Seven. We compare the 1960 original with the 2016 remake, praising the remake's casting while arguing that it leaves out some of the original's most meaningful scenes. Are modern stories losing the lessons of heroism that people like Bernardo O'Reilly's worked so hard to craft? From there, we explore how Westerns evolved from simple good-vs.-evil morality tales into the morally ambiguous films of the Clint Eastwood era, and why Unforgiven may have marked the end of the genre's cultural dominance. Along the way, we also discuss what classic Westerns reveal about courage, masculinity, self-defense, and changing cultural values. Could the Western's irrelevance actually make it more interesting to watch today? We close by recommending several classics, including The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Yojimbo, A Fistful of Dollars, and Once Upon a Time in the West. We’ll be back next week, thanks to our patrons! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 48 分
  • Frieren is Rewriting Masculinity. What?

    Frieren is Rewriting Masculinity. What?
    2026/08/28
    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 Today we tackle one of the more uncomfortable questions in modern entertainment: what happened to masculinity in storytelling? The conversation begins with a YouTube essay arguing that anime like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is "rewriting" masculinity. We go on to question that premise, pointing out that traits like chivalry, courage, self-sacrifice, and respect are hardly new inventions. This leads us to ultimately ask, why can genuinely positive masculine characters feel so unusual in modern Western media? Next we discuss Frieren and its portrayal of Himmel the Hero, contrasting its emphasis on kindness, relationships, and small human moments with the battle-focused storytelling common in anime. From there, Kevin talks about the idea of "millennial writing" and the tendency for modern stories to constantly joke about themselves, undercut serious moments, and make sure the audience knows the creators understand how ridiculous everything is. The discussion expands into why contemporary entertainment seems so afraid of sincerity, the differences between Western and Japanese storytelling, and the unusual success of characters like Reacher. That finally leads us to debate whether online criticism actually represents what audiences want, and whether people are increasingly hungry for stories that simply take themselves seriously. Big thanks to our 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 18 分
  • One Game Stink. One Rules.

    One Game Stink. One Rules.
    2026/08/21
    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 This week Kevin goes solo for a gaming-heavy episode, revisiting his early YouTube history as Jerry Bloop before diving into three recent games and what makes them succeed or completely fall apart. He starts with Beast of Reincarnation, the new action RPG from Pokémon developer Game Freak. Kevin explains why pre-ordering the game for $60 became a mistake, criticizing its tiny enemy roster, endlessly recycled bosses and so much more. Can you actually consider a game to have a 20 hour runtime when you’ve seen all the content by hour 10? In contrast, Kevin also dives into Mortal Shell 2. Is it one of the best gaming sequels ever made? Kevin might think so. That begs the question, what does a sequel need to do to take a flawed original and turn it into something genuinely great? Afterwards Kevin revisits Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and The First Berserker: Khazan, two of his favorite recent Soulslike games, before moving on to Metroid Prime 4...the good, the bad and the tedious. Why do developers keep adding mechanics to established franchises that don't actually make the experience better? Along the way, Kevin reflects on his lifelong relationship with video games, the origins of Jerry Bloop and Vsauce, and the difference between games that are packed with meaningful systems and games that simply stretch a small amount of content into a longer experience. Big thanks to our 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 15 分
  • Project Hail Mary Is... Actually Good?

    Project Hail Mary Is... Actually Good?
    2026/08/14
    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 This week we dive into the difference between having a great idea and actually knowing how to execute it. Kevin talks about his decision to step away from directly writing Sleep Warrior and instead use short stories to practice the craft of writing itself. Can separating yourself from something you care about be the hidden key to actually get better at it? That leads into a broader discussion about AI, creativity, and why execution still matters when anyone can generate an idea in seconds. We also break down Project Hail Mary and why its relentless escalation makes it such an effective story, comparing its structure to The Godfather and the classic Lester Dent formula. Along the way, we talk about the importance of mundane details, character development, Brandon Sanderson, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and the surprising value of writing about characters who barely exist in a story. Big thanks to our patrons, we'll see you next time! 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 41 分
  • Does The Godfather Hold Up?

    Does The Godfather Hold Up?
    2026/07/31
    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 This week we kick things off by correcting a mistake from last week's episode. We talk about why getting the facts right matters, even when nobody notices. That leads us into a surprising discussion about people watching movies at 1.5x or even 2x speed. Can art survive if we consume it as quickly as possible? Or are we sacrificing the very thing that makes it meaningful? From there, we revisit the new Masters of the Universe film, discussing its incredible visuals, frustrating reliance on constant quips, and why so many modern movies seem afraid to take themselves seriously. The conversation then shifts to The Godfather and, in turn, to a much bigger question: why do classic stories about families resonate so deeply? We explore how films built around parents, siblings, and generational conflict create emotional stakes that surrogate families often can't match, and whether changing family structures and modern social life have fundamentally altered the kinds of stories audiences connect with today. Along the way, we discuss everything from speeding through books and music to the decline of civic life, the rise of chosen families in entertainment, and a handful of modern films that still manage to capture what makes great storytelling timeless. Big thanks to our patrons, we'll 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 46 分
  • No One Likes Anything. Now What?

    No One Likes Anything. Now What?
    2026/07/24
    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 This week we tackle a question that feels impossible to ignore: why does the internet seem to hate everything? Is online negativity just more visible than ever, or have our expectations fundamentally changed? We explore how sports fandom has become more hostile in the age of fantasy leagues and social media, why algorithms may be training us to expect perfectly curated experiences, and what happens when real life inevitably falls short. Are we becoming less tolerant of disappointment...or just louder about it? Along the way, we discuss the Boston Red Sox's dramatic season, the surprisingly low rate of positive engagement online, and why criticism often comes so much easier than praise. We also examine whether it's become "uncool" to genuinely enjoy things, and what that means for creators trying to make work people love. Big thanks to our patrons, we'll 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    2 時間 18 分
  • Saving Physical Media w/ Justin Sevakis

    Saving Physical Media w/ Justin Sevakis
    2026/07/17
    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 This week we’re joined by Justin Sevakis, founder of Anime News Network and MediaOCD, to talk about the surprising resurgence of physical media. As companies move toward an all-digital future, are we putting decades of art, games, and films at risk? And if corporations won't preserve media...who will? We explore Sony's decision to phase out physical games, why Blu-ray may be having its own "vinyl moment," and how private collectors have quietly become some of the most important archivists in entertainment history. We also dive into anime's journey from niche hobby to mainstream phenomenon, the rise and fall of Right Stuf, and why younger fans are embracing physical media from an era they never experienced. Justin also shares stories from restoring obscure films, explains what it's really like running a boutique distribution company, and gives us a glimpse into the future of anime preservation. Big thanks to our 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 14 分
  • Reshaping Sports Journalism w/ Grant Cohn

    Reshaping Sports Journalism w/ Grant Cohn
    2026/07/10
    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 This week we’re joined by longtime 49ers reporter Grant Cohn to talk about the changing world of sports media. We dive into how he went from traditional newspapers to building a thriving YouTube career, why independent journalism is reshaping the industry, and what it takes to cover one of the NFL’s biggest teams. This leaves us wondering, is the future of sports reporting with newspapers...or with individual creators? Along the way, we break down the bizarre saga of Brandon Aiyuk, discuss the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity over insider access, and hear Grant’s perspective on covering both players and coaches, as well as the pressures that come with having a large audience. We also get into the realities of modern sports reporting, what aspiring journalists should focus on today, and what exactly changed in the media landscape over the last decade. Plus, we settle an important debate about Bay Area burritos, swap stories about NFL stadiums, and hear some behind-the-scenes moments from Grant himself. Big thanks to our 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: discord.gg/vnRnr3rCzt 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
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 5 分