The Xero for Hire Podcast

J. K. Slaughter

**Welcome to the Xero Hour, where I explore news and culture from an irreverent Christian perspective with a focus on divergent thinking. The road less traveled is definitely more interesting. I promise to bring you interesting and thought provoking stories about God, history, science, politics, current events and the occasional random nonsense that my life presents us with. I wanted to start by saying thanks for joining me on this journey. It's going to be a lot of fun. xeroforhire.substack.com

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    Random Writing Tips and Ideas for Beginners

    Xero Hour Podcast — Episode Summary (October 18, 2025) In this reflective walking episode, Xero shares practical and philosophical advice for new authors while taking a rainy stroll. The discussion centers on lessons learned from his own writing journey, touching on worldbuilding, story structure, realism, and formatting discipline. 🧠 Writing Philosophy & Lessons for Beginners Xero begins by explaining that while he once told new writers to “build the world first,” he’s since seen how excessive worldbuilding can trap authors into endless lore dumps. He now advises setting context quickly—like the “a long time ago” intro in Star Wars—before zooming into the story’s human core (e.g., a character buying a burnt bagel). Info dumps, he says, should never exceed a page or two. He critiques the urge to make everything fantastical for its own sake—the “purple florbin problem,” where a writer renames a rabbit for novelty’s sake. Instead, speculative fiction should remain tethered to reality and truth. Breaking too many natural rules makes a story incoherent and unrelatable, while removing spiritual reality (as in K-Pop Demon Hunters, he notes) leaves characters without moral or divine context. 🛠️ Formatting & Technical Tips Drawing from a current formatting project, Xero emphasizes the importance of proper document structure: * Use real “Header” styles for chapters so digital tools can recognize them. * Remember that page count balloons when resizing from 8.5×11 to book dimensions like 6×9 or 5.5×8.5. * His personal preference: 5.5×8.5 for balance between readability and shelf presence. He also warns against writing without defined dimensions, as it can distort pacing and perceived length. ✍️ Storytelling Fundamentals Xero critiques beginner manuscripts that lack direction, urging writers to decide what their story is truly about before drafting.He encourages outlining at least a start and endpoint (A → B) and asking grounded questions along the way: “Why does this person do this? How did they do it? Is there a consequence?” Establishing a baseline of normalcy is key—even in fantasy. Without it, readers can’t discern when something extraordinary happens. He compares this to Patrick Stewart’s comment that “drama is the baseline for comedy.” ⚖️ Over-Complex Worlds & The Need for Grounding One example he cites involves a writer whose universe assigns contradictions to every moral action—a system so convoluted it “requires a manual to read the book.” For Xero, complexity should serve theme and emotion, not confuse the reader. He contrasts this with his own method: start small and hook with character-driven details (e.g., “Silas is a technopath who talks to machines”) to invite curiosity. Marketing hooks, he says, shouldn’t be abstract world summaries (“a future authoritarian world”) but concrete character snapshots that make readers ask questions. 📚 Closing & Project Updates Xero wraps up by inviting listener feedback and announcing updates across the Apocalyptiverse: * Support Our Savior: Claws and Courage (Arc 1) — The story of Valerie, a cat-girl striving to become a hero. * Harbinger (Arc 2) — A brutal reinterpretation of The Seven Chinese Brothers in wuxia style, now entering its intense battle phase. He plans to take a holiday season break (Halloween through New Year’s) and shift releases to a slower monthly schedule. 🎧 Key Timestamps * (00:00) Rainy walk intro & mindset reset * (00:02) Worldbuilding vs storytelling * (00:05) The “purple florbin” and realism in fiction * (00:08) Theological absence in modern fantasy * (00:10) Practical formatting lessons * (00:13) Story focus & outlining advice * (00:16) Defining normalcy and reader grounding * (00:18) Over-complex moral systems * (00:19) Character-driven marketing hooks * (00:22) Apocalyptiverse project updates & holiday sign-off Final Message: “Stay holy.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  2. 12 OCT

    K-pop Demon Hunters: Short Christian Commentary

    This is a shortened more concise commentary based on the original podcast that I made which was much longer and much more raw in form. In this commentary I focus on the three main issues with the show that I see for christians, and a fourth issue that needs to be consistently addressed in the church today. 🎧 K-Pop Demon Hunters (Condensed Review) — Xeroforhire Podcast The podcast begins at 00:00:02 with the Introduction and Purpose of Shortened Review. The speaker, XERO for Hire, explains that he was unable to sleep, which prompted him to create this shorter version of his review for K-pop Demon Hunters. He notes that his original, long-form review was “too long” and contained material he did not need to say. This shortened version will be quicker and likely contains spoilers. The first major topic is addressed starting at 00:01:08, titled Intended Audience and the Christian Question. The speaker addresses the common question of whether the show is intended for Christians, concluding that it is definitely not for Christians. He finds the intended audience “weird,” suggesting it is marketed as a children’s show but is actually intended for Millennials who have “Peter Pan syndrome” and a “broken life”. He states that he will use plot points and overall messages to explain why the show is unsuitable for Christians. At 00:02:36, the discussion transitions to the Core Theme: Guilt, Shame, and Responsibility. The speaker identifies guilt and shame as the core, in-your-face theme of the show. He argues that shame is supposed to draw a person to repentance and force change. He presents a duty-driven, responsibility-driven perspective, asserting that individuals have the agency to change their reactions to the past, their environment, or their relationships. If a person struggles with a sin, addiction, or bad habit, the solution is to “stop doing the thing that makes you feel guilty”. The speaker clarifies that this concept of duty and responsibility is not the message of the show. The next major point, beginning at 00:06:08, focuses on the Lack of God, Redemption, and the Cruel Paradox. The speaker argues the show is not Gnostic because there is no God in its universe—He is neither stated, referenced, nor appealed to. This absence creates a “weird, cruel paradox”. Characters like Rimu (half demon) and Genu (a trapped demon) feel shame and are repentant, but there is no salvation, hope, or forgiveness available to them. The only solution presented is to embrace brokenness (”so what if we’re broken?”) and “ascend” to become “feminist goddesses”. Repentance, hope, change, or becoming a better person are explicitly presented as neither viable nor possible options. The focus shifts back to the audience at 00:11:24 with the segment concerning The “Netflix Problem” and Christian Consistency. The speaker states that Christians do not know how to handle worldviews that are not built on their own. He references the historical practice of putting objectionable content behind paywalls (like HBO or Cinemax). He criticizes Christians for subscribing to Netflix, a platform that has consistently demonstrated hostility toward Christians and would prefer they not be customers. He points out the content on the platform keeps getting “worse and darker and weirder”. The critical point is the inconsistent behavior of paying for Netflix and simultaneously complaining about its content. Using the analogy of homeschooling to protest poor values, the speaker concludes that if parents curate their lives, they should be consistent and not put their children in front of Netflix. The podcast concludes at 00:17:39 with the Conclusion and Outro. The speaker notes that despite his attempts to shorten it, the review is still about 18 minutes long. He expresses hope that he was able to be “more clear and precise” in this version and provides his contact information: “Xero for hire at Substack”. The podcast ends at 00:18:28. STAY HOLY This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  3. 12 OCT

    🎧 K-Pop Demon Hunters: Funny, Fast… and Framed as Worship

    The podcast episode, hosted by Xeroforhire, is a review and analysis of the movie/show K-pop Demon Hunters. The host initially found the concept “dumb” but agreed to watch it and provide a review after a direct request. The host explicitly states that the review will not be a typical “pearl clutching” or anti-woke critique focused on what the movie “is not,” distinguishing their approach from others like the “Critical Drinker” or “Nerd-rotic”. Summary of the Movie/Show The film centers on K-pop singers Rumi, Mira, and Zoe, who are also demon hunters called Huntrix. A prologue establishes that these hunters maintain a magical barrier called the Han Moon to keep demons out and prevent them from stealing people’s souls. Plot and Conflict: * The three girls are introduced killing demons disguised as their staff on an airplane to make it to their concert. * The Han Moon is created by the girls’ singing, which inspires their fans and causes their souls (”power of the human spirit”) to light up, generating the barrier. * The Demon King attempts to weaken the Han Moon by sending a rival demon boy band, the Saja Boys, led by a man who sold his soul to be rich and left his family to die. The Saja Boys aim to steal the Huntrix’s fans, thereby weakening the barrier. * The main character (referred to variously as Rumi, Rima, or Remy) is compromised when she discovers she has demon markings (tiger stripes) because her father was a demon. These markings cause her voice to fail when she attempts high notes. * Remy falls for the leader of the Saja Boys, despite her initial mission to kill him, a situation the host defines as being about seduction and compromise. * The movie heavily emphasizes the theme of shame, which the Demon King uses to keep his demons in check. Remy struggles with the shame of being part-demon and attempts to hide her markings, though the host finds the foreshadowing on this topic excessive. * In the climax, Remy is betrayed on stage (by what are implied to be demon doubles of her friends) and exposed as a demon. The Saja Boys turn creepy, revealing their intent to eat the fans. Remy and the other girls sing acapella, and the leader of the Saja Boys sacrifices himself. With the collected souls of the fans and the sacrifice, the girls defeat the Demon King. Thematic Analysis and Critique: * The host found the movie’s comedy “extremely funny” (10 out of 10), noting the fast pace and self-aware, deadpan humor. Specific examples of humor include a persistent demon cat that repeatedly knocks over a plant and a running gag where a girl cries popcorn when a muscular character reveals his abs. * The movie ends with the girls ascending into what the host interprets as “godhood”. They are powered by the “worship” (fan souls) of the people, reinforcing the pagan concept that a god gains power from worshippers, fitting the K-pop terminology of being an “idol”. * The host criticizes the world-building, noting that key plot points like Remy’s markings felt “shoehorned” or “tacked on”. * A major critique is that the movie lacks strong male presence and duty-bound decisions, instead favoring emotional choices, exemplified by the decision not to kill the dangerous half-demon child Remy out of duty. * The host strongly asserts that the character Mira is “clearly a dude,” noting her height, deep voice, and mannerisms, and predicts that this will be the central plot twist of a sequel. * The podcast concludes with a broad warning against Netflix, characterizing the platform as anti-Christian and pedophilic (”pedophile central”) and advising parents to exercise extreme vigilance due to the tendency of Netflix shows to include “poison pills” that implant detrimental worldviews in children. The host encourages the audience to embrace shame as a tool for repentance, contrary to the film’s message. Timestamps (00:00:02)Introduction to the Zero for Hire podcast and the topic: K-pop Demon Hunters. (00:00:16)Initial reluctance to review the movie, overcome by a direct request. (00:01:30)Setting the review’s goal: Moving beyond “pearl clutching” and avoiding typical anti-woke conservative criticisms found online. (00:04:02)Synopsis begins: Introducing the K-pop singers (Rumi, Mira, Zoe) as demon hunters (Huntrix) and their initial fight with demons on an airplane. (00:05:00)Explaining the core plot: The hunters maintain the Han Moon barrier to keep demons out and protect people’s souls. (00:05:33)The speaker sets the critical standard for the review by comparing the film to Sailor Moon and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. (00:06:36)Praise for the film’s execution and humor, highlighting specific examples of deadpan and self-aware comedy (e.g., the dumb demon cat). (00:12:27)The central conflict: The Demon King sends a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, to steal fans and weaken the Han Moon. (00:14:10)Analyzing the movie’s heavy-handed theme of shame and how the Demon King uses it to control his followers. (00:16:18)Discussing the subplot of Rima’s demon markings/tattoos and critiquing it as a “shoehorned in” and awkward plot point reminiscent of Frozen. (00:22:46)The speaker identifies the true, underlying theme of the movie as seduction and compromise, not just shame. (00:25:39)The final confrontation: The Saja Boys’ greedy consolation concert is interrupted, leading to the use of an acapella song powered by the fans’ souls to defeat the Demon King. (00:29:26)Speculation for the sequel: The theory that the character Mira is clearly coded as a male character (a “dude”) and this will be the focus of a future installment. (00:40:21)Deep philosophical analysis: The movie’s reliance on fan power is an analogy for worship and pagan concepts, resulting in the girls’ “ascension into godhood.” (00:46:06)Final critique and warning: Netflix content, including this show, is viewed as having a “poison pill” embedded, cautioning parents against unsupervised viewing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min
  4. 10 OCT

    Shipping Feels Good

    🎙 Xeroforhire Podcast — Episode Summary (October 2025) In this episode, Shae reflects on creative discipline, new book releases, and the rhythm of independent publishing. Broadcasting from his morning commute, he talks about learning to “ship” projects consistently — from finished novels to serialized stories on his Substack, Apocalyptiverse. Read it all at apocalyptiverse.com 1. Publishing Momentum & Life Updates Shae shares that City Voices, Shadow of the Knight, and Utopia are officially published via KDP. He’s now re-releasing Heroes of the Alley on Gumroad with a pay-what-you-want model — a move that’s already generated positive feedback and small sales. Financial turbulence from a car breakdown temporarily slowed his magazine plans, but Apocalyptiverse Issue #2 is scheduled for a small-run print release later this month.(00:00:00–00:03:30) 2. Technical Hurdles & KDP Lessons He opens up about the frustrating delay between KDP submissions and rejection emails for margin errors, joking that “AI should be faster than a day and a half.” The episode turns into a quick mini-rant about the lack of good book-formatting tools outside Adobe Acrobat, inviting listeners to share alternatives.(00:03:30–00:04:30) 3. New Bookstore Partnership & Local Exposure A pair of friends are launching a coffee-shop/bookstore hybrid and requested his author one-sheet with QR codes and sample books for display. Shae notes the importance of keeping several printed copies of each title on hand and expresses optimism about reaching new readers through this grassroots partnership.(00:04:30–00:05:25) 4. Serializing Harbinger & Restructuring Substack He confirms Harbinger Arc 1 and 2 are now live on Apocalyptiverse (formerly The Last Day Comics Substack). As he transitions everything under the new banner, Shae debates whether to continue serializing Harbinger or release it later as a full novella.(00:05:25–00:06:45) 5. Support Our Savior (S.O.S.) Schedule The Valorcat storyline — centered on a lioness-themed heroine named Valerie — is running every Monday and Wednesday. Eight “drops” complete her arc this month, after which Shae will shift focus to finishing Harbinger and releasing S.O.S. Arc 3 next month. He’s proud to be building rhythm with side characters before tackling flagship heroes.(00:07:00–00:08:40) 6. Iron Knight & The Birth of Kokutetsuki Shae introduces his flagship hero’s Japanese codename — Kokutetsuki (黒鉄騎) — and discusses future stories exploring darker cyberpunk themes. He outlines a thrilling new concept: a drug called “Stardust” made from pieces of the captured Sandman, used to erase memories and manipulate soldiers. On the streets, the drug is personified as “Prince Nemo,” blending mythology with sci-fi noir.(00:09:10–00:13:40) 7. Story Development & Creative Process He describes brainstorming with ChatGPT to merge supernatural and scientific ideas, then pitching them to his wife — who jokingly asks if she should be worried about how detailed his lore has become. The exchange reveals his process: rapid ideation, deep world-building, and an unfiltered look at how his imagination runs wild during commutes.(00:13:40–00:15:10) 8. Closing Thoughts The episode wraps with updates on Harbinger’s final arc, hints at a possible new series, and lighthearted teasing toward his collaborator Hannah for writing “too much Batman fan fiction.” Shae signs off optimistic, energized, and ready to keep creating.(00:15:10–00:16:04) 🕒 Timestamps Summary:00:00 – Intro & productivity reflections00:52 – KDP frustrations and Adobe Acrobat talk04:36 – Bookstore collaboration05:25 – Harbinger serialization07:36 – Support Our Savior updates09:15 – Kokutetsuki and the Stardust concept13:40 – Brainstorming with ChatGPT15:20 – Outro & shoutouts Thanks for reading The Xeroforhire Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  5. 28 SEP

    Art Subscription

    SoS Arc 1 - Claw and Courage https://open.substack.com/pub/apocalyptiverse/p/support-our-savior-arc-1 Episode Notes – Xeroforhire Podcast In this episode, Shae (Xero for Hire) lays out a practical strategy for illustrators—and other adaptable creatives—on how to generate steady monthly income while building relationships with patrons. The core idea: launch a Substack-based subscription where supporters pay $25 per month in exchange for a simple, personalized illustration. Shae emphasizes that this is not about high-end, fully polished paintings, but consistent, manageable work that strengthens brand recognition and creates upsell opportunities. Patrons hooked by smaller commissions often request add-ons (color, backgrounds, detail), turning a $25 sketch into an $85+ piece. He addresses skepticism from fellow artists about burnout, reframing the model as sustainable: a handful of patrons = guaranteed baseline income, while more patrons = larger opportunities with predictable workflow. Beyond the financials, the approach encourages social engagement and long-term relationships that lead to repeat commissions. Shae also draws parallels with business models that rely on giving customers a “hook” or entry point product, and closes with encouragement for artists to stop fearing failure and try the model out. Finally, he plugs his upcoming serialized fiction project, Support Our Savior, launching October 6th on Apocalyptiverse, beginning with the Claws and Courage arc featuring Valerie, a half-girl, half-lioness superhero. Timestamps * 00:00 – Opening riff & intro * 00:06 – Explaining the idea: Substack as a creative platform * 01:00 – $25 monthly commission model outlined * 02:20 – Example use case: writers & illustrators collaborating * 03:10 – Addressing critiques of lowball pricing * 04:30 – Breaking down income potential with 5–6 patrons * 05:30 – Branding, style, and discounted commissions for subscribers * 06:02 – Substack as a social engine for artists * 07:00 – Debunking burnout fears & workflow balance * 08:10 – Scaling income with 10–20 patrons * 09:10 – Relationship-building and upsell opportunities * 10:00 – The “hook” analogy (freebies & business strategy) * 11:01 – Who this service works for (writers, comic creators) * 12:00 – Shae’s offer to collaborate with illustrators on story writing * 13:00 – Encouragement: failure is part of the process * 13:25 – Closing: “Stay holy” + Support Our Savior promo (launch Oct. 6, Claws and Courage) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min
  6. 27 SEP

    Dear Conservatives, it's Too Late to Be Brave

    Originally recorded Sept 27, 2025 ✍️ Episode Summary:In this unscripted firestarter, I dig into the weird cultural lag happening in conservative spaces — where everyone suddenly wants to be edgy, rebellious, and “based”... now that it’s safe. We’re seeing late Biden jokes. Vax memes in 2025. People acting like liberty is a personality trait.But where were these voices when it actually mattered? I break down the difference between conviction and cosplay, why true satire requires risk, and why being a loudmouth after the fight is over doesn’t make you a warrior. It just makes you late. Oh, and yes — we talk cat videos, Apocalyptiverse updates, and what’s coming next for Support Our Savior and Harbinger Arc 2. 📍 Timestamps * 0:00 – Opening banter + cultural vibe check * 0:25 – The Biden joke window has closed * 1:20 – Vaccine humor ≠ bravery * 2:30 – Comedy has to cost something * 4:00 – You missed the moment: social distancing satire was for 2020 * 5:00 – “That’s gay” and “retarded” aren’t brave if they’re safe * 6:10 – Liberty ≠ personality. Be a normal dude. * 7:05 – You weren’t brave then. Don’t peacock now. * 8:55 – Publishing news: Apocalyptiverse is taking over * 10:00 – New series incoming: Support Our Savior (Oct 5) * 11:00 – Cat videos, trap guitar, and peace out 📚 Publishing Announcements * 🔥 Support Our Savior drops Oct 5A weekly superhero series following teenage heroes caught between clout, control, and real courage.Eight arcs. One drop per week. Don’t miss it. * ⚔️ Harbinger Arc 2 resumes after SoS finishes(Catch up on Arc 1 now!) * 📖 Apocalyptiverse Magazine Issue #2 is in productionHannah’s bringing the heat. Stay tuned. Everything is moving from The Last Day Comic to Apocalyptiverse for a more streamlined publishing experience.If you're already subscribed — no worries. You'll get transferred over October 1st. SoS releases October 6th - https://open.substack.com/pub/apocalyptiverse/p/support-our-savior-arc-1 💬 Closing ThoughtsYou can’t show up at 1:58am and act like you’re the life of the party.Be real. Be early. Or at least be honest about being late. —ShaeStay holy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min

Acerca de

**Welcome to the Xero Hour, where I explore news and culture from an irreverent Christian perspective with a focus on divergent thinking. The road less traveled is definitely more interesting. I promise to bring you interesting and thought provoking stories about God, history, science, politics, current events and the occasional random nonsense that my life presents us with. I wanted to start by saying thanks for joining me on this journey. It's going to be a lot of fun. xeroforhire.substack.com