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. 17 GIỜ TRƯỚC

    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 phút
  2. 12 THG 10

    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 00:00–00:01 — IntroSleepless reflection; sets up the intent to do a shorter, more focused review. 00:01–00:03 — Revisiting the Long ReviewMentions the previous, raw version recorded right after watching the film. 00:03–00:06 — “Is This for Christians?”Addresses the main audience question and states plainly: No, it’s not. 00:06–00:09 — The Millennial AppealBreaks down how the show attracts millennials with unresolved childhoods and “Peter Pan syndrome.” 00:09–00:15 — Core Theme: Guilt and ShameAnalyzes the show’s central emotional premise and reframes guilt and shame as God-designed mechanisms for repentance, not self-pity. 00:15–00:23 — No God, No RedemptionArgues the show’s cosmology removes God entirely—no salvation, no repentance, only self-absolution.Highlights the paradox: demons can feel remorse, but there’s no divine order to appeal to. 00:23–00:28 — False Resolution: Self-DeificationExplains how the characters “ascend” into goddess figures because there’s no higher authority left. Notes this is not Gnosticism, since there’s no God to rebel against. 00:28–00:36 — Christian Response and Media CurationDraws parallels to earlier eras of broadcast decency, the move to paywall media, and the error of Christianizing hostile platforms. 00:36–00:45 — The Netflix ProblemArgues that Christians keep supporting platforms that openly reject them. Uses homeschooling as a metaphor for consistent separation—“If you homeschool, you have no business putting your kids in front of Netflix.” 00:45–00:48 — Closing ThoughtsAcknowledges that the review evolved during the watch, emphasizing clarity and discernment over outrage. 00:48–00:50 — OutroInvites listeners to follow on Substack and ends with the signature sign-off: “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 phút
  3. 12 THG 10

    🎧 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 Timestamp Range Content Description Source Citation 00:00:02–00:00:07Introduction of Zero for Hire podcast and topic (K-pop demon hunters). 00:00:33–00:00:41Host recounts being asked directly to watch and review the movie. 00:01:07–00:01:24Host describes research into plot, synopsis, and actual Korean demon culture. 00:01:40–00:02:43Host critiques online discourse about the film, including comments about it being “Christian” or “gnostic.” 00:02:54–00:03:33Host explains decision not to make a critical or anti-woke review. 00:04:02–00:04:41Introduction of main characters (Rumi, Mira, Zoe) killing demons on a plane. 00:05:00–00:05:27Mention of the prologue and the Han Moon barrier that keeps demons out and prevents them from stealing souls. 00:05:33–00:05:52Host holds the film to the standard of Sailor Moon and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 00:06:50–00:07:22Host praises the film’s humor and fast pace. 00:07:33–00:08:24Detailed anecdote about the funny demon cat scene. 00:09:10–00:09:45Scene describing the fan loyalty joke involving Huntrix and Saja Boys shirts. 00:10:03–00:10:33Running gag about girls crying popcorn when seeing a guy’s abs. 00:11:13–00:11:36Description of the two types of demons (goofy parade demons and scary faceless hordes). 00:12:29–00:12:40The Demon King sends the Saja Boys to steal fans, weakening the Han Moon. 00:13:50–00:14:02Leader of Saja Boys is a “douchebag” who sold his soul and let his family die. 00:14:17–00:15:18Discussion of the excessive focus and foreshadowing on the theme of shame. 00:16:17–00:16:53Remy/Rima’s scene revealing the demon markings that affect her singing voice. 00:18:42–00:19:18Backstory: Remy is half-demon because her father was a demon. 00:20:04–00:20:34The girls immediately, without precedent, figure out the Saja Boys are there to steal their fans. 00:21:02–00:21:26Scene where the girls in black leathers go down a slide and fight water demons in a men’s bathhouse. 00:22:46–00:23:02Host breaks the fourth wall to assert the movie is fundamentally about seduction and compromise. 00:25:40–00:26:04Discussion of the Saja Boys’ “idol song” composition being good but the rap being poor. 00:27:01–00:27:36Description of the final battle where the girls sing and the Saja Boy leader sacrifices himself for a “bigger sword.” 00:27:54–00:28:11Host’s wife points out the Huntrix are doing the “exact same thing in reverse” (harvesting fan power). 00:29:26–00:30:54Detailed argument that the character Mira is clearly a man/dude. 00:31:32–00:33:10Critique of Netflix’s anti-Christian stance and use of shock content like a “Gay Jesus Christmas special” or “Trans kids drag show.” 00:36:19–00:37:40Personal anecdote about the host’s 11-year-old daughter feeling uncomfortable (being “awakened”) by the “Soda Pop song.” 00:38:51–00:39:14General assertion that millennials are “children” and “retarded” and need external moral guidance. 00:40:43–00:41:21Analysis that the fan support is an analogy for worship, leading the girls to ascend into “goddesses.” 00:43:04–00:44:28Critique of the show for lacking men bound by duty to make “hard decisions,” such as killing the half-demon child. 00:47:06–00:47:20Conclusion that Netflix culture is “not for us” (Christians). 00:49:36–00:50:01Assertion that shame should drive people to change and repent, contradicting the movie’s message. 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 phút
  4. 10 THG 10

    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 phút
  5. 28 THG 9

    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 phút
  6. 27 THG 9

    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 phút
  7. 24 THG 9

    My Worldbuilding Story about Building a Worldbuilding Machine for Stories

    Episode Summary Shae shares his creative process and current projects. He explains how he almost recorded a video but instead sat down to talk about Support Our Savior (SOS), his new serialized fiction about an Uber-style app for superheroes set in The Last Day universetranscript_2025-09-24T00_27_03.…. He dives into how he uses ChatGPT for worldbuilding—dictating long notes, creating character dossiers, and refining ideas in Canvas mode—before transferring them into Google’s Notebook LM for large-scale indexing. This workflow has allowed him to build hundreds of thousands of words of backstory and character detail without yet publishing the story. The episode introduces Valerie, a half-lion cub, half-human mutant girl who will star in the first eight episodes of SOS. Shae describes building her backstory in a mutant outskirt town, fleshing her out with ChatGPT, and his excitement over how naturally the story started to write itselftranscript_2025-09-24T00_27_03.…. He reflects on his struggles with marketing and “publisher’s block”—not writer’s block, but the difficulty of crafting the right pitch and presentation to hook readers. He expresses a desire for more interaction with his Substack audience, help with marketing, and eventually fan art, but recognizes the “chicken-and-egg” nature of needing fans before fan art can exist. Shae closes by announcing upcoming releases on Apocalyptiverse Substack: * The first drops of Support Our Savior (SOS) in October. * The second arc of Harbinger. * The Heroes of the Alley storyline. He emphasizes that nothing is behind a paywall—he writes because he wants people to read it. Timestamps * 00:00 – 00:30 · Opening thoughts, almost recording a video * 00:30 – 02:00 · Introducing Support Our Savior (SOS) and its premise * 02:00 – 05:00 · Using ChatGPT for worldbuilding and creative indexing * 05:00 – 07:30 · Dream inspiration and the creation of Valerie (mutant protagonist) * 07:30 – 09:00 · Building character dossiers with GPT and refining in Canvas mode * 09:00 – 11:30 · Copying conversations into Notebook LM for large-scale organization * 11:30 – 13:30 · Writer’s block vs. “publisher’s block” and the struggle with pitches * 13:30 – 15:30 · Frustrations with marketing and lack of fan interaction * 15:30 – 16:30 · Desire for marketing help, conversation, and fan art * 16:30 – 17:10 · Announcements: SOS drops, Harbinger arc 2, Heroes of the Alley 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

    17 phút

Giới Thiệu

**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