EPISODE 7: This Is Why We’re Like This - The Origin Stories Nobody Asked For

EPISODE 7: This Is Why We’re Like This - The Origin Stories Nobody Asked For

In this episode of Cross-Eyed Bear, Tristan and Chris dive into the movies and music that quietly (and sometimes violently) shaped who they are. What starts as a simple top-five list quickly spirals into a nostalgia-heavy ride through Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, horror movie trauma, and the soundtracks that rewired their brains. Along the way, they connect oddly specific dots—Zemeckis and Silvestri collaborations, childhood movie moments that hit way too hard, and the albums that opened doors (or kicked them down entirely). It’s part pop culture breakdown, part origin story, and part realization that your personality might just be a collection of whatever stuck with you at age 12. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602431/fan_mail/new]

EPISODE 6: Three Weeks to Live… and You Haven’t Seen Maverick?

In this episode, Chris learns that Tristan commits the ultimate cinematic sin—never having seen Top Gun: Maverick—and is immediately put on trial for “hating joy.” From sneaking a suspicious amount of booze into movie theaters (including a teriyaki bottle of rum… yes, really) to debating the purity of popcorn toppings like it’s a moral issue, things spiral quickly. Then, naturally, the conversation pivots to the end of the world. Would you road trip to safety, bunker down with your family, or accidentally just… go to work anyway? Along the way: doomsday cult billboards, apocalyptic survival strategies, Olive Garden roast sessions, and a shocking amount of passion about pizza toppings. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602431/fan_mail/new]

EPISODE 5: May the Score Be With You

This episode of Cross‑Eyed Bear starts with a questionable Kathleen Turner impression and somehow rockets straight into a galaxy far, far away. Chris and Tristan celebrate May the 4th by unpacking Star Wars obsession, parenting mistakes (taking infants to Return of the Jedi), and why movie scores matter way more than we admit. From John Williams’ iconic fanfares to heated debates over the greatest film composer of all time (spoiler: Alan Silvestri gets a passionate defense), the conversation veers through nostalgia, film nerdery, and hot takes on Spielberg, Lucas, JJ Abrams, and the tragedy of the missing “original” Star Wars cuts. Along the way: Rogue One redemption arcs, prequel-era disappointments, Hayden Christensen justice, Kurosawa shout-outs, and the realization that one perfect musical cue can emotionally destroy you faster than any plot twist. May the score be with you—always. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602431/fan_mail/new]

EPISODE 4: Encore or Exit - Go Out on Top (Or Don’t Go Out at All)

Episode four of Cross‑Eyed Bear starts awkwardly (as it should) and quickly spirals into a wide‑ranging debate about artists, bands, filmmakers, and TV shows that either quit too soon—or stubbornly refused to quit at all. Tristan and Chris bounce from Nine Inch Nails to Duran Duran, Donnie Darko, The Office, and everything in between, dissecting reinvention, burnout, legacy, and the fine line between artistic integrity and chasing the paycheck. Hot takes, cult favorites, mild heresy, and the eternal question: do great artists know when to walk away, or does someone need to pull the plug for them? Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602431/fan_mail/new]

EPISODE 3: Casting the Tower: Gunslingers, Flanagan, and the McConaissance

In Episode 3 of Cross‑Eyed Bear, Tristan and Chris finally turn their squinty eyes toward Stephen King’s The Dark Tower—the sprawling, genre‑bending epic that dares to ask, “What if a western, fantasy saga, and existential nightmare all shared the same universe?” They break down what the series is, why it’s so beloved (and occasionally exhausting), and why shoving 4,500 pages into a single movie was maybe… not the best idea. From debating Stephen King adaptations (The Shining, Doctor Sleep, and why Mike Flanagan is basically King’s chosen one) to obsessively fantasy‑casting Roland Deschain and his ka‑tet, the conversation spirals into pop‑culture nerdery, bold opinions, and more A‑list actors than the budget could ever afford. Expect strong takes, questionable confidence, and at least one perfectly serious discussion about casting a sentient, homicidal monorail. It’s guerrilla‑style podcasting, fueled by ’80s and ’90s pop culture, bad movie decisions, and the belief that with enough points on the back end, Spielberg will eventually return your texts. Long days and pleasant nights—and stay classy, San Diego? Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602431/fan_mail/new]