Cross Theory

In the twenty-second episode, Robert and guest Gabriel Santiago discuss abstract expressionism, a movement rooted in surrealism that emphasizes spontaneity and the rule-free process of artistic creation. The conversation moves fluidly from the technical abstractions of AI diffusion models and audio-slicing algorithms to the gritty reality of navigating the modern music industry. They examine the volatile nature of the business, from the struggles of post-iTunes era artists who have become the "weakest link" and "slaves" to social media trends, to the complex, trial-and-error process of coding software with artificial intelligence. Topics range from Gabriel’s painful experience of being cheated out of royalties for a Billboard hit at age seventeen to the innovative development of his VST plugin, "Sample Monsta" and they explore concepts like the shifting geographical hubs of global music and the profound resilience reflected in Latin American culinary traditions, shaped by a lack of resources.You can find Sample Monsta: HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the twenty-first episode, Robert Cross and guest Dr. Edi Bilimoria discuss his book Consciousness Came First alongside the theory of abstract art, exploring abstraction not just as a non-representational painting style, but as a stepping stone to understanding deeper universal truths. The conversation moves fluidly from the limitations of scientific materialism and "factory-fashion" research to the profound concepts of the perennial philosophy and consciousness existing beyond the physical brain. They examine the cyclical evolution of humanity through the epochs of Atlantis, the transformative nature of near-death experiences, and the universal mechanics of reincarnation and karma.Topics range from the grounded wisdom of Robert's late writing mentor, Harold Jaffe, on experiencing life before tackling complex theories, to esoteric subjects like the Akashic records, apparitions, and the shared "mystery teachings" of figures like Manly P. Hall. Ultimately, they explore concepts like quantum entanglement as a framework for shared consciousness, the necessity of transmuting personal ego into service—much like Beethoven's triumph over adversity—and conclude by contrasting the miserable pursuits of modern billionaires with the spiritual fulfillment of the "starving artist," urging listeners to seek "inner treasures" over outer riches.You can find Dr. Bilimoria's book Consciousness Came First: HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the twentieth episode, Robert and guest Ben Spak discuss the abstinence rule of psychology, a Freudian concept that encourages therapy clients to avoid external gratifications, such as smoking or idle conversation, to preserve emotional energy for the therapeutic process. The conversation moves fluidly from the technical abstractions of "vibe coding", web development, and Ben's project launchpad, builders.to, to the volatile reality of cryptocurrency rug-pulls and Robert's creation of a revenge token named "KASD" (Kill All scamming Devs). They examine the stark contrasts of their early lives, from Robert's impoverished childhood in Hollywood, dumpster diving for electronics, waiting in a line just to "see" the early internet, and a harsh encounter with Quincy Jones, to Ben outgrowing the mindset of a strongly conservative Florida town before moving to progressive Denver. Topics range from the technicalities of playing nine-string headless guitars and swapping memories of metal bands like Chiodos to the necessity of embracing AI tools like Cursor to avoid being "left behind" by impending technological shifts like AR glasses and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). They explore concepts like the inevitability of history repeating itself and the merits of radical governance, debating left-leaning libertarianism versus the idea of monarchism, through the lens of staying sober, surviving personal traumas, and adapting to a rapidly changing world.You can find Ben's project, builders.to: HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the nineteenth episode, Robert and guest Manuel Harari Blanco discuss absolutism, a philosophical and political concept regarding a government operating without constitutional restrictions. The conversation moves fluidly from the technical abstractions of artificial intelligence hallucinations, and quantum computing to the gritty reality of navigating oppressive bureaucracy and sudden IRS debt in Spain. They examine the iterative processes of engineering and manufacturing, from Toyota's post-war principles of Kaizen and Kaikaku to the frustrations of rote obedience in traditional education, and the necessity of adapting one's skill set in the face of inevitable technological shifts rather than playing the victim. Topics range from the restrictive nature of government overreach and Orwellian warnings to Manuel's harrowing experience dealing with bilateral wrist cysts that derailed his professional music career, and they explore concepts like the inevitability of radical innovation and overcoming personal trauma through the lens of developing "PickTwist," a specialized, highly ergonomic guitar pick born from physical limitations and the drive to help injured musicians.You can find and buy PickTwist on the official website: HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the eighteenth episode, Robert and his guest, Alexander Prestia a.k.a. airport, the creator of the literary periodical, miniMAG, discuss absolute zero, a physics concept defining the lowest possible temperature that is the same for all substances. The conversation moves fluidly from the physical extremes of freezing expatriate life in Harbin, China, to the modern realities of running an indie literary magazine and utilizing AI-generated artwork. They examine the evolving landscape of writing and literary communities, from Robert's "beef" with Bret Easton Ellis over book titles to the structural genius of Mark Z. Danielewski, and the necessity of rooting fictional inspiration in the gritty realities of human behavior rather than pure abstraction. Topics range from the enduring legacy of Robert’s writing mentor, docufiction creator Harold Jaffe, to bizarre personal escapades involving eating pig brains and a half-lion, half-gazelle "Hunter/Hunted" burger. They explore concepts like the performative nature of political movements such as Occupy Wall Street, the hidden wealth of the global elite, and the surprising merits of monarchism, viewing societal power structures and the creative process through the lens of history, real-life trauma, and survival.miniMAG can be found: ⁠HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the seventeenth episode, Robert and guest Adil Kabbaj, Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (INSEA), Rabat, Morocco, discuss the illusory character of matter, exploring the core thesis of Kabbaj's book Science Declares the Death of Materialism: From Substantialism to Non-Substantialism. The conversation moves fluidly from the technical abstractions of Newtonian absolute space and time to the mind-bending reality that physical objects are merely a mirage of ceaseless, dynamic systems. They examine the profound historical consequences of the materialist worldview, tracing how a "dead and mechanical" perspective of the universe laid the foundation for the interconnected crises of capitalism, consumerism, and our current ecological destruction. Topics range from the plausibility of ghosts as distinct agents and the metaphysical implications of Jack Parsons's ceremonial magic to the mind's ability to survive death, and they explore concepts like the quantum vacuum acting as a cosmic dynamic memory, the urgent necessity for a global spiritual evolution of consciousness, and the potentially terrible consequences of merging quantum computing with artificial intelligence.

In the sixteenth episode, Robert and guest Lewis Woolston discuss the theory of absolute retention rates, a chemistry concept detailing the potential energy required for reactant molecules to attain a critical transition state. The conversation moves fluidly from the quasi-alchemical abstractions of molecular transformation to the gritty reality of Lewis’s harrowing past, escaping a Jehovah's Witness cult and navigating a subsequent heroin addiction. They examine the roots of Australian literature, from early pioneers like Banjo Patterson to modern debates over cultural appropriation, alongside the dark history of the segregation of Aboriginal communities. Topics range from Lewis’s liberating, solitary years working at remote roadhouses on the desolate Nullarbor Plain to Robert’s intense personal anecdotes regarding his parents' fatal battles with addiction and an aborted suicide trip to Egypt, and they explore the shared cultural touchstones between America and Australia by swapping memorable stories about an early AC/DC pub riot and an enraged Mel Gibson storming out of a Hollywood AA meeting.Woolston's books can be found: HEREWoolston's Substack can be found: HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the fifteenth episode, Robert and guest F. Gardner (Frank) discuss absolute pitch theory, the ability to recognize and define the pitch of a tone without the use of a reference tone. The conversation moves fluidly from Gardner's controversial horror novels—such as Kaballah of the Crocodile predicting the synagogue tunnel news events—to deep dives into geopolitical prophecies, conspiracy theories, and Zionism. They examine the historical origins and overlap of religious mysticism, tracing concepts from Canaanite rituals and the Epic of Gilgamesh to Gardner's own spiritual transition from a Catholic seminarian to a Buddhist. Topics range from the esoteric lore of Tartaria, the flat earth, and the "Samson option" to personal anecdotes of encountering shape-shifting reptilian entities at a YMCA and a college campus. They also explore the performative nature of mainstream media as a tool for distraction and "predictive programming"—discussing video games like Shadowrun and the 1990s Super Mario Bros. movie—while examining the necessity of separating the art from the artist through the lens of authors like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling.Gardner's Horror's Call Novels can be found: HEREGardner's Rumble Show "F. Gardner's Penthouse" can be found: HEREIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In this episode, Robert and guest Austin Train (a stand-up comedian and longtime friend) discuss Absolute Advantage, an economic theory concerning the superior productivity of individuals or nations in specific industries. The conversation shifts rapidly from Adam Smith’s "invisible hand" to the "mortal jealousy" inherent in the comedy world, exploring the dynamics of "fairy godmother" mentors and the struggle of the "door guy" hierarchy at The Comedy Store. They traverse the "grimy" underbelly of Los Angeles, recounting visceral memories ranging from Robert’s childhood walk past the scene of River Phoenix’s overdose to the surreal isolation of Austin’s pandemic lockdown, where he watched a homeless neighbor smoke meth in a recliner on Christmas Day. Topics range from the "performative" nature of Oscar-bait films like The Post and the decline of Joe Rogan from a supportive peer to a "gullible" cog in the "propaganda machine", to the personal toll of addiction, highlighted by Robert’s "sombrero" phase of cocaine use. They conclude by examining the "diminishing returns" of drug use and the tension between the "solitary" nature of the creative process and the demands of parenthood.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the thirteenth episode, Robert and guest Matthew Simmons discuss Immanuel Kant’s philosophical theory of absolut, which is a theory regarding the limits of reality and the necessity of looking at the world through specific frameworks like substance and cause. The conversation moves fluidly from the "terror and beauty" of the Kantian sublime to the gritty reality of Robert’s "eating disorder" and the anxiety-inducing guilt of wasting food instilled by his mother. They examine the complex nature of empathy as a form of "double consciousness," questioning whether true understanding of another is possible or if it merely leads to a "pathway to relativism". Topics range from the "waste of time" glory of World of Warcraft and Counter-Strike to the "mundane bullshit" of AI replacing creative arts instead of household chores, and they explore concepts like the "benality of evil" in nature and the "violence" of digital surveillance where the "objective" data profile usurps the subjective self.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In this special 9+ hour twelfth episode, Robert is joined by fimmakers Matthew Rocca (Bullets, Fangs and Dinner at 8) and Brian Patrick Butler (Friend of the World & Hemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink Tea) for a discussion on the absence paradox, a concept that explores the tension between the existence and non-existence of objects. They delve into the philosophical implications of this paradox and its relevance to our understanding of reality. And after the discussion, they share their lists of the 20 best movies of the 21st century.You can find Matthew's IMDB HERE and Brian's IMDB HERE.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the eleventh episode, Robert and guest Brad Kelly (author of the book The Earthen Dark and host of the Method and Madness Podcast) discuss absence, a literary theory by French Marxist critic Pierre Macherey regarding the "significant absences" or unspoken voids within a text that expose its contradictory relationship to ideology. The conversation moves from the psychoanalytic implications of the "dead parent" trope in Disney films to the visceral, sensory reality of Brad’s tenure as a sewer engineer in Detroit. They examine the volatile shifting of political goalposts, where formerly leftist stances on anti-interventionism and pharmaceutical skepticism have migrated to the right, anchored by Robert’s personal trauma regarding the AIDS crisis and the medical establishment. Topics range from the "fatbergs" and slaughterhouse runoff encountered in city sewers to the "cosmic horror" of H.P. Lovecraft’s xenophobia and the frontier philosophy of Cormac McCarthy’s The Crossing. Ultimately, they explore the performative nature of literary realism, the emotional volatility of creative writing workshops, and the necessity of independent publishing in the face of institutional gatekeeping.You can find Brad's book, The Earthen Dark, HERE. You can find his Podcast, Method and Madness, HERE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the tenth episode, Robert and guest Yusef Boulanouar (ZAYD) discuss Abney’s Law, a physics concept describing how adding white light to a spectral color shifts its perceived hue. The conversation moves fluidly from the "dangerous" informality of their past student-teacher dynamic to the modern cat-and-mouse game of detecting AI plagiarism in essays. They examine the "snaky" economics of the music industry, contrasting Yusef’s optimistic "synthy jazz fusion" ambitions with Robert’s gritty memory of a death metal bandmate’s wife fleeing to Las Vegas with their earnings. Topics range from the aesthetic influence of directors like Wes Anderson and Akira Kurosawa to the racial performativity of Robert’s grandfather playing the "bad guy of the week" in classic westerns, and they explore the existential threat of the "infinite slop machine" of generative AI and the cyclical theory that society is drifting into a new "Middle Ages".You can find Yusef's music on SPOTIFY.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the ninth episode, Robert and guest Ryan Hartley (Kenneth Ryan Hartley) discuss Abney’s effect, a phenomenon regarding the perceived expansion of light from the center of an illuminated area. The conversation moves fluidly from the technical abstractions of ray tracing and holograms to the gritty reality of the "starving artist" lifestyle. They examine the volatile origins of the online /lit/ community, from 4chan boards to the "incel angst" of young writers, and the necessity of transmuting that rage into mature art. Topics range from the "pissing in the wind" perseverance of writing mentors like Harold Jaffe to Ryan’s harrowing past dealing drugs to pipeline roughnecks in the "no man's land" of rural British Columbia, and they explore concepts like the "slow boiling frog" of societal collapse and the performative nature of political extremism through the lens of personal trauma and survival. Ryan's writing endevours can be found ⁠HERE⁠.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the eighth episode, Robert and his uncle, three-time Super Bowl champion and broadcaster Randy Cross, discuss the Ability to Pay Principle, an economic theory asserting that taxation should be levied according to an individual's means. The conversation bridges academic definitions with the "crazy" realities of modern economics, moving from the theory of tax burdens to the practical shifts of the film industry from Hollywood to Atlanta. Topics range from Randy’s storied tenure with the San Francisco 49ers and his background as a UCLA political science major to the family's deep roots in acting, recalling a father who was frequently typecast as villains in the golden age of television. They examine the surreal contrast between athletic glory and the gritty intensity of a war zone, featuring Randy’s harrowing experience running a 10K at Bagram Air Force Base on the "most mined real estate in the world". And explore concepts like Robert's "weird obsession" with Alexander the Great and the Iliad alongside the visceral terror of the Northridge earthquake and the existential threat of the Yellowstone volcano.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the seventh episode, Robert and guest Michael "Mikey" Duffy discuss Abel’s Summation, a mathematical concept suggesting that truth is found in the "running total" rather than the "jagged edges" of isolated mistakes, while sharing candid stories of addiction and redemption. Topics range from Robert’s upbringing in Hollywood by heroin-addicted parents to Mikey’s paradoxical life as a 40-year-old resident of The Villages, a Florida retirement community. They examine the devastating "vortex" of the methamphetamine crisis in San Diego and Florida, the shift from free-market economics to the politics of empathy, and the art of hip-hop production, referencing artists from Nipsy Hussle to Kanye West, and concepts like statistical significance versus anecdotal evidence through the lens of sobriety and the influence of fathers who rose from poverty.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In this sixth episode, Robert and guest Justin "JD" Combs, a professor of religious studies and musician, discuss Abegg’s Rule of Eight. Though rooted in the chemistry of valency, they translate this mathematical need for stability into a philosophical meditation on tension, arguing that a perfectly stable person, like a perfectly stable atom, stops reacting and essentially disappears from a dynamic world. They examine the "deep and dark" realities of generational trauma and addiction recovery, sharing raw stories of growing up with fathers who struggled with heroin, alcohol, and methamphetamines, JD’s research into Paganism, Druidism, and nature-based spirituality as a response to a scientific Western mindset. They navigate the shifting resonance of music, from the technical mastery of Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughan to the visceral energy of a Rage Against the Machine pit, and explores concepts like Zen Buddhism, quantum entanglement, and the liberation theology of the Black and Latino church through the lens of personal grit and the struggle to remain "spiritually mature" in a world of uncertainty. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In this special fifth episode, Robert and guest Kevan Nichols (who also goes by the names Ken Savage and KDOH The Dope Rapper) discuss Abegg’s rule, a chemistry theory regarding the fixed economy of personality, while sharing raw stories of identity, survival, and sobriety, Kevan’s life as a comedian, rapper, and father navigating the complexities of co-parenting. They examine the indoctrination of systemic poverty, the "deep and dark pit" of addiction recovery, and the shifting resonance of personal responsibility.Kevan's podcast Let's Gettem Talkin' can be found on YOUTUBE, his music can be found on SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC, and AMAZON.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In this fourth episode, Robert and guest Max (Maximilian de Rozieres Gentilhomme de Laveline) discuss the ABC Model of Psychology, a theory of behavior based on operant conditioning, while sharing insights on individuation and the internal "map" of human behavior, and Max’s life as a chemical engineer, material scientist, and next-generation lithium-ion battery builder. They examine the Jungian archetypes and the "veil" of schizophrenia, the stigmatized potential of nuclear energy, and the shifting resonance of energy from electromagnetic waves to the "energy vampirism" of narcissism. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

In the third episode, Robert and guest Theo (Theodore Niekras) discuss the abc conjecture, a mathematical theory of entanglement, while sharing raw stories of identity and survival. They examine the indoctrination machine of the military, the "deep and dark pit" of addiction recovery, and the shifting resonance of music from punk and yacht rock to jungle and gospel. They explore concepts like Zen Buddhism and the mathematical archetypes of nature through the lens of personal grit and the struggle to find mentors in a "crazy world." IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL [email protected] ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. Examples of analysis performed within this show are only anecotal examples. They should not be utilized in real-world analytics as they are based only on anacdotal information.In this installment of Cross Theory, host Robert James Cross and guest Diego Rodriguez (musician and composer) dismantle the theory of abandonment. This central concept of atheistic existentialism posits that in a universe without a divine guide, humanity is "abandoned" and must forge its own morality and code of values. Their conversation moves between raw personal history and cultural critique. They examine the subjectivity of "good and evil," the merits of various Batman film aesthetics, and the "completionist" psychology behind gaming franchises like Final Fantasy and Resident Evil. The dialogue takes a critical turn toward generative AI, where Diego argues that trading human effort for AI convenience is a "deal with the devil" that carves away pieces of the human soul.Diego's band, Sweet Myths, can be found on YOUTUBE, SPOTIFY, and APPLE MUSIC.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. Examples of analysis performed within this show are only anecotal examples. They should not be utilized in real-world analytics as they are based only on anacdotal information.In the inaugural episode, Robert and guest Lionel Hernandez (Chief Lion/Fetti Dredd) discuss A Priori Theories, deductive systems for valuing the world, while sharing raw stories of accountability and survival. Topics range from Robert’s career as a credentialed teacher and doctoral student in literacy to Lionel’s near-death experience from a fentanyl overdose. They examine the "clerical work" of the brain, addiction recovery, and mystical experiences at the pyramids of Giza.