Psyche (John Bates / Trix)

Psyche (John Bates, also known as Trix) is the primary host of the Cult of Psyche archive and IRL News Time Live. He anchors the show's explorations of consciousness, tarot, mythology, and occult philosophy, and serves as the connective presence across the archive's investigations and conversations. His role extends beyond moderator to active participant—synthesizing guest contributions, guiding thematic inquiry, and situating personal and interpersonal dynamics within broader philosophical and esoteric contexts.

Psyche's presence on stream is characterized by a methodical, documentation-oriented approach to conflict resolution and truth-telling. In his primary documented appearance, he responds to direct accusations by assembling evidence: playing audio from the accuser, laying out a chronological timeline, presenting historical social media records, and sharing recordings of prior friendly interaction. This pattern suggests his working philosophy privileges transparency, verifiable record, and the presentation of multiple perspectives over rhetorical dominance. He does not appear to dismiss or minimize the concerns raised against him; instead, he contextualizes them within a documented history of relationship dynamics.

His engagement with guests—particularly Guy and Clumsy in the same episode—indicates he maintains collaborative energy even during personal difficulty. The shift from addressing accusations to discussions on aliens, tarot, and personal dynamics suggests Psyche operates with a capacity to compartmentalize or to view personal friction as one thread among many in the larger tapestry of his work. His hosting style appears oriented toward drawing out nuance rather than foreclosing interpretation.

Psyche's documented relationships within the archive center on collaborative intellectual work. He co-hosts with guests Guy and Clumsy, who appear alongside him during the response episode, suggesting ongoing creative partnership and the ability to maintain collegial presence through periods of external conflict. His relationship with Alexandra, the primary figure in the controversy, appears to have shifted from friendly to adversarial, though the archive records sufficient prior cordiality to suggest the rupture was specific rather than foundational. Psyche's approach to the conflict—documentation, timeline-building, evidence presentation—indicates a framework of accountability and transparency that he extends to his own conduct.