While many users interact with Kubernetes using abstractions like YAML files, the intricate interactions between Kubernetes components often remain hidden. This technical session takes you on a live journey through the "hard way" of setting up Kubernetes, peeling back the layers of abstraction to reveal how its core components—such as the API Server, etcd, Controller Manager, Scheduler, and kubelet—interact to orchestrate workloads. By tracing the lifecycle of a Pod from kubectl create to running container, we'll explore how often-overlooked components like the cloud controller manager and kube-proxy play critical roles in cluster operations. Through this live demonstration, attendees will gain a deep understanding of Kubernetes' internal mechanics, empowering them to troubleshoot more effectively, make informed architectural decisions, and unlock the true potential of Kubernetes in production environments.