# Matthew Mercer on AI, Art, and Why Humans Still Win

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/string-and-tell-7746285/matthew-mercer-on-ai-art-and-why-humans-still-win
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/string-and-tell-7746285/matthew-mercer-on-ai-art-and-why-humans-still-win.md
Podcast: [String and Tell](https://stenobird.com/podcast/string-and-tell-7746285)
Published: 2026-04-23T22:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp4/traffic.megaphone.fm/SHML6599537904.mp3
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp4/traffic.megaphone.fm/SHML6599537904.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/string-and-tell-7746285/episodes/matthew-mercer-on-ai-art-and-why-humans-still-win
Duration seconds: 3181

## Resource

Voice actor and Critical Role Game Master Matthew Mercer joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while they talk about creativity, empathy, and the real purpose behind storytelling. Matthew also talks about: The early grind of voice acting, CD demos, long audition drives and anime background roles How working in QA, retail, and food service shaped his empathy and perspective Why storytelling is a fundamental human need, especially during difficult times His honest take on AI, creativity, and why replacing artists misses the point Balancing success, burnout, and the pressure of supporting others in the industry Using hobbies like gaming, gardening, and getting out into nature to stay grounded From dystopian sci-fi and horror to real-world fears about technology and creative industries, the conversation moves between big-picture ideas and everyday realities. It’s thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly personal, philosophical and goofy af. Matt and Tawny also get into it about their irrational fears, camping, and avoiding rabies at all costs. Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause. Tune in and enjoy the conversation! Follow Matthew Mercer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewmercervo/Web: https://www.matthewmerceronline.com/ Follow Tawny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatisWeb: https://tawnyvoice.com/

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## Transcript

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