Explore the critical physics governing the universe's first billion years in this 53-minute Blackboard Talk presented by Brant Robertson from UC Santa Cruz. Delve into the Cosmic Origins program, focusing on the early universe and its formation. Gain insights into cross-disciplinary theoretical physics as Robertson explains complex concepts to a diverse audience of KITP program participants. Discover how these talks foster communication between different physics disciplines, promoting a unified understanding of theoretical physics. Access additional information about the Cosmic Origins program and view related recordings through the provided links. Remember to properly cite this scholarly material in any academic references.