Book · 2027 · Business & Economics
The Creativity Con
How Innovation Became America's Biggest Racket
The Creativity Con by Thomas Frank has been mentioned in 2 episodes across 1 podcast (1 episode recommends it and 1 episode discusses it), through . Most frequently brought up by Krystal Ball (2 episodes) and Thomas Frank (1 episode) on Breaking Points (2 episodes).
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Thomas Frank, an extraordinary author of many books, including The People Know, Listen Liberal, What's the Matter with Kansas, and his new book, The Creativity Con, which we're going to speak with him about.
Krystal Ball · Breaking Points · Nov 2026 Why people recommend it
The Creativity Con by Thomas Frank is a critical examination of how the modern emphasis on innovation and creativity has been co-opted to serve corporate interests and neoliberal agendas. On Breaking Points, Krystal Ball frequently recommended the book to listeners, noting that its unique perspective challenges conventional views on the tech industry and modern work culture. Ball also introduced Frank on the show, using the title to transition into a broader conversation about tech oligarchs and how the industry of creativity has left society paradoxically less innovative. Thomas Frank joined the discussion to explain how elites increasingly describe themselves as creatives and innovators, pointing to events like South by Southwest as prime examples of this phenomenon. The host and author explored how the promise of a meritocratic creative economy often acts as a front for powerful economic forces. Throughout the episode, the book was framed as an essential read for anyone looking to understand the intersection of modern labor, culture, and economic ideology in contemporary American society.
Every mention
Krystal Ball But my last question for you here, and people should really read the book because it definitely shifts your… 2
“Thomas Frank, an extraordinary author of many books, including The People Know, Listen Liberal, What's the Matter with Kansas, and his new book, The Creativity Con, which we're going to speak with him about.”
“That's actually a good, talking to someone about the tech oligarchs, that's actually a good transition to talk about your book. The book is The Creativity Con, How Innovation Became America's Biggest Racket.”
“But my last question for you here, and people should really read the book because it definitely shifts your perspective on things. I hadn't thought about it quite the way that you lay it out at all.”
“He also has a new book out called The Creativity Con, talking about how the industry of creativity has left us both less creative and was a sort of front for pushing forward a neoliberal agenda.”
Thomas Frank They don't use the word meritocracy, of course, but they do talk about themselves as creatives and as innov… 1
“They don't use the word meritocracy, of course, but they do talk about themselves as creatives and as innovators. You go to something like South by Southwest, which is, I think, the part of the book that I'm proudest of.”
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“The book is The Creativity Con. Thomas Frank, great to see you. Thank you so much for coming in.”