- 13
- Episodes
- 2
- Ratings
- 2026
- First episode
About Curious & Inspired
The future deserves better questions. Curious & Inspired is a cultural commentary show exploring tech, culture, and society, hosted by Matt Vandrick. New episodes Bi-Weekly, Thursdays at 8PM.
- Publisher
- Matt Vandrick
- Category
- news · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 8 Jan 2026
- Latest episode
- 11 Jun 2026
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
11 Jun 2026
The End of Expertise Has Already Begun
The debate over Cheyenne Bryant's credentials sparked a bigger question: in the age of AI, social media, and manufactured expertise, how do we know who's actually qualified anymore? If impact matters more than credentials, where do we draw the line—and who gets to decide?
28 May 2026
Critiquing The System Doesn't Make You A Hypocrit
In Episode 11 of Curious & Inspired, Matt Vandrick explores the growing tension between humanity and artificial intelligence — from the controversy surrounding an AI-generated Val Kilmer performance to Chinese workers being asked to train the AI systems that could eventually replace them. He also highlights two inspiring AI initiatives focused on teaching empathy, social skills, and AI literacy in ways that center human connection instead of replacing it. Plus, Matt breaks down the Met Gala backlash, Jeff Bezos criticism, and why “you still shop on Amazon” misses the bigger conversation about power, complicity, and navigating systems we can’t fully escape. This is a deep dive into AI, culture, work, billionaires, authenticity, and what it means to stay human in 2026.
14 May 2026
Why Most Creators Quit Before It Works
As we celebrate our 10th podcast episode, I share some of the toughest and most eye-opening lessons of what I've learned thus far. ⚡️Join our newsletter, Deeply Curious: https://www.curiousinspired.com/newsletter Do you have a question or interesting experience for a story? Email us: curious@curiousinspired.com
30 Apr 2026
Why Some Celebrities Survive Cancellation (And Others Don't)
In this episode of Curious & Inspired, we unpack what happens when convenience quietly rewires control—from AI-generated identities to smart devices that stop working when the cloud does. As creators, consumers, and participants in these systems, we’re forced to confront a deeper question: what are we really trading away for ease? Because in a world where everything can be replicated, automated, or resold… the true cost might be ownership of your own identity. ⚡️Join our newsletter, Deeply Curious: https://www.curiousinspired.com/newsletter Do you have a question or interesting experience for a story? 💌Email us: curious@curiousinspired.com
16 Apr 2026
One Family Now Owns Almost All American Media
Brain chips are officially here, AI is being linked to real-world violence, and a powerful few are gaining unprecedented control over the media landscape. In this episode, we break down the stories everyone’s talking about—and the bigger patterns most people are missing. If you care about where technology, power, and truth are headed, this is a conversation you can’t afford to ignore.
3 Apr 2026
How Capitalism Plans Your Entire Year (Without You)
Meta told you their AI glasses were cutting edge technology - but they didn't tell you who was watching your most intimate moments. Make sure to check out our website: ⚡️What Does It Mean To Be Human Now? https://www.curiousinspired.com/essays/what-does-it-mean-to-be-human-now ⚡️Join our newsletter, Deeply Curious: https://www.curiousinspired.com/newsletter Do you have a question or interesting experience for a story? Email us: curious@curiousinspired.com
20 Mar 2026
What Does It Mean to Be Human in the AI Era?
The world just crossed a line…and most people didn’t even notice. In this episode, we discuss what may be the first real AI-assisted war involving the United States and Iran, and why this moment is bigger than headlines. This isn’t just about military strategy—it’s about a fundamental shift in power, control, and what it means to be human in an age where machines are no longer just tools… but decision-makers. We also unpack the “illusion of safety” using the Nancy Guthrie case as a backdrop. We go into the belief that systems, products, and technology are designed to protect us. But what happens when those same systems fail? And while the world moves forward at full speed with AI, something else is happening behind the scenes: Experts are walking away. Top minds from leading AI companies like Anthropic and Open AI are leaving their positions, raising quiet but serious concerns about ethics, control, and the future of this technology. What do they know that the public doesn’t? And why now? This episode connects the dots between: • AI and modern warfare • The psychological comfort of “safety” in at home systems • The growing unease inside the AI industry • And the deeper question we can’t avoid anymore: What does it mean to be human when machines can think, decide, and act? This isn’t fear-driven. It’s awareness. Because the biggest changes don’t always come with warnings. 👇🏽 Join the conversation in the comments: Do you think AI should ever be used in warfare? And do you still trust the systems designed to protect us? — 🔔 Subscribe for deeper conversations on culture, power, and truth Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com) website Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/) Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) #AIWar #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfHumanity #TechEthics #GlobalConflict #Awareness #techpodcast #culturepodcast #nancyguthrie #anthropic #openai
6 Mar 2026
How Your Feed Hijacks Your Mood (And What to Do)
In honor of Women’s History Month, Curious & Inspired explores the intersection of tech, gender, and digital overwhelm. Host Matt Vandrick breaks down how the algorithm is designed to destabilize — especially for women — and shares personal stories about joy, emotional survival, and what it means to guard your energy. Plus: the brilliance of Canva founder Melanie Perkins, the legacy behind The Official Black Wall Street App, and how AI is reshaping education, privacy, and even medical bias. Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com/) website Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/) 🔋 Real protection starts with awareness. Let’s talk about it. 👁️ Stay curious. Stay inspired.
20 Feb 2026
The Real Cost of Being a Black Creator in 2026
In this special Black History Month episode of Curious & Inspired, we explore the painful but familiar cycle of stolen ideas — and what it means to be a Black creator in the age of algorithms and AI. From Chuck Berry to Dapper Dan, to viral posts repackaged by louder platforms, host Matt Vandrick shares a powerful monologue on why to be great is to be stolen from — and how to turn that frustration into fuel. Featuring stories on ChatBlackGPT, the Spill app, and Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy domination, this episode connects history, culture, and technology in a way only Curious & Inspired can. Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com/) website Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/) ✊ Stay curious. Stay inspired.
6 Feb 2026
AI Relationships, Digital Clones & the Loneliness Economy
In a world where you can generate a partner, clone a voice, and simulate intimacy on demand… why are so many people lonelier than ever? This Valentine’s episode, “AI Relationships, Digital Clones & the Loneliness Economy,” dives into the fast-rising culture of AI girlfriends, chatbot companions, and algorithmic intimacy. As technology makes connection more convenient, customizable, and frictionless, more people are quietly outsourcing emotional needs to machines. The result? Instant attention, zero conflict… and a deeper kind of isolation. Our host, Matt Vandrick, breaks down the psychology behind why AI relationships feel easier than real ones — and why that ease might be costing us presence, depth, and true human connection. From digital clones to parasocial bonds to the business of engineered loneliness, this episode explores how the internet is monetizing our desire to be seen, heard, and loved. But this isn’t an anti-tech rant. It’s a call back to reality. A reminder that real connection requires friction. Presence requires effort. Depth requires vulnerability. If we’re not careful, we’ll build perfect digital partners while becoming more absent in our real lives. This conversation urges listeners to log off emotionally, show up physically, and choose depth over reach. To stop performing connection and start practicing it. And most importantly — to be honest with yourself first about what you’re using technology to avoid. Because in the loneliness economy, attention is easy. But presence is rare. Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com/) website Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/) #aigirlfriends #loneliness #valentinesday #airelationships #newpodcast #aichatbots #relationshipadvice
23 Jan 2026
What Killed the Internet (And Why It Feels Off)
In this episode of Curious & Inspired, we discuss stories involving Disney and their customers, iShowSpeed's athletic prowess, Bitchat - a new messaging app, Tik Tok's changeover, Wikipedia's interesting relationship with big tech companies, the cost of data centers and why that matters. This episode covers: Disney's awkward call and response to their viewers. iShowSpeed's impressive athleticism and what it could mean for those destined for professional sports. Matthew McConaughey protecting his image and likeness from AI. TikTok and its ownership changing hands. What does this mean for users in America? Bitchat and the rise of new communication platforms. Could there be a new secure app that works even when the internet is down? Wikimedia has an interesting relationship with big tech companies who are their new customers and how that may rub some of its Wikipedia users the wrong way. The true cost of building data centers in the U.S. and why that matters to us. Curious & Inspired asks better questions about the future—exploring how technology shapes culture, power, creativity, and society in real time. 🎙️ Hosted by Matt Vandrick 📅 New episodes bi-weekly | Thursdays at 8PM 👉 Subscribe for conversations that go beyond the headlines 💬 Join the discussion in the comments. What story stood out to you? Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com/) website Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/) #CuriousAndInspired #TechPodcast #AINews #CreatorEconomy #DigitalCulture #TikTokNews #FutureOfTech #DataCenters #SocialMedia #tiktok #bytedance #wikimedia #wikipedia #ishowspeed #matthewmcconaughey
9 Jan 2026
Stop Calling Yourself A Content Creator
The internet is eating itself—and we're all just watching it happen. In this first episode of Curious & Inspired, we're digging into the cultural wreckage of platforms we once loved: MTV's slow fade into irrelevance, Instagram's engagement apocalypse, and why your feed feels more like a graveyard than a gathering place. Plus: Joe Rogan's AI Jesus theories, Australia's attempt to ban social media for kids, and the bot invasion on Threads that's forcing us all to manually curate our digital lives. But the real conversation? It's about identity. Why are you calling yourself a "content creator"? That label is a trap. A corporate euphemism that reduces human expression to algorithmic outputs. If you're making something meaningful it's up to you to DEFINE who you truly are: a storyteller, artist, journalist, educator, or entrepreneur. Words shape reality, and "content creator" shapes you into nothing. This episode is for anyone who feels the existential weight of performing online, who senses something's broken but can't quite name it. We're asking better questions about technology, culture, and what we're actually building here. In This Episode: ⚡️Why MTV's death signals the end of an era ⚡️Instagram's engagement collapse and what it means for us ⚡️Joe Rogan, AI, and the blasphemous connection to Mary & Jesus ⚡️Australia's controversial social media age ban and what it reveals about control ⚡️Bot-infested feeds and the exhausting labor of digital curation ⚡️The "content creator" trap: Why your title is killing your creativity and intention The future deserves better questions. Let's start asking them. Subscribe for bi-weekly deep dives into the chaos where technology meets humanity. This isn't tech news—it's cultural archaeology for the digital age. Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com/) website Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/)
8 Jan 2026
Curious & Inspired | A New Podcast Asking Better Questions About Tech, Culture & Society
The future deserves better questions. Curious & Inspired is a cultural commentary podcast exploring the intersection of technology, culture, and society; and how it’s shaping the world we’re living in right now. Hosted by Matt Vandrick, this show goes beyond headlines to ask why things are changing, who it impacts, and what comes next. 🎧 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Thursdays at 8PM 📍 Available on YouTube & podcast platforms If you’re curious about the future and inspired by deeper conversations...this podcast is for you. 👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode. Visit the Curious Inspired (https://www.curiousinspired.com/) website Visit the Curious Inspired on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousInspired/featured) Follow Curious Inspired on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/curiousinspired/) Follow Curious Inspired on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/curiousinspired/)
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- 2 ratings
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