We live in a world defined by invisible rules. From the behavior of crowds to the structure of a joke, there is always a framework operating in the background. Join host Robert James Cross as he cracks open the Dictionary of Theories to deconstruct the world around us. In each episode, we take one theory off the shelf and use it as a lens to examine culture, art, and the chaos of everyday life. It’s not a lecture, it’s an investigation. Welcome to the intersection of academic rigor and raw conversation. Welcome to Cross Theory.
0022 - abstract expressionism (Art) - Gabriel Santiago (Music Producer/Software Developer)
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: HERE (https://www.samplemonsta.com/)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL crosstheorypod@gmail.com.
ALL ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.
13 Jun 2026
0021 - abstract art (Art) - Dr. Edi Bilimoria (Author/Philosopher)
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: HERE (https://www.amazon.com/Consciousness-Came-First-Revealing-Intelligence-ebook/dp/B0GM1GZZ5G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MHLKUSV64QL9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Q0ziYxWDY7ypsSOSnai2mkeZCAmyixJMjYucNTjbmXCAujs0di_7b-wLgyYT2i0o70T7bYWGEu9EDUTpJzxfjv1_sTavmHw8gl0JEZFXSuS8E9KEKfdsFjCNPEGVADvBZHtildmSBtl9yu_oZfuI_A.ocRjB3S3Og5d15gzjXdNzMSByjF3tx0zsX9chjzLsSs&dib_tag=se&keywords=consciousness+came+first&qid=1780874939&sprefix=Consciousness+Came+First%2Caps%2C445&sr=8-1)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL crosstheorypod@gmail.com.
ALL ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.
23 May 2026
0020 - abstinence rule (Psychology) - Ben Spak (builders.to Creator)
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: HERE (https://builders.to/)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON CROSS THEORY, EMAIL crosstheorypod@gmail.com.
ALL ARE WELCOME. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU’RE SELLING.
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