A New Road

[audio log / update] The Xeroforhire Podcast returns with a candid update on where things stand creatively, financially, and personally. In this episode, I talk about why I’m stepping back from trying to force Substack into something it was never really working as for me, while also explaining why the podcast itself is staying alive.This episode is part reflection, part course correction, and part behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening with The Last Day universe, AI discourse, independent publishing, and the realities of trying to create art while surviving real life. I talk about burnout, leaving my job, starting a new one, reevaluating my relationship with politics online, and why I’m rebuilding my infrastructure around Gumroad, physical comics, direct support, and the Facebook community instead of chasing algorithms or trying to appease hostile online spaces.I also open up about the ongoing friction surrounding AI art and creativity, why I’ve stopped trying to win approval from people who fundamentally reject the tools I use, and how that tension has shaped both my workflow and my audience.Most importantly, this episode is about keeping the signal alive. The podcast remains. The stories remain. The mission remains. I’m just trying to build it on stronger foundations this time.Timestamps:00:00 – Why I’m addressing the Substack changes01:20 – Almost shutting down the podcast entirely02:33 – My struggle with political commentary and reactivity03:37 – Why I don’t want the podcast turning into sermons04:14 – The real role Substack plays moving forward05:02 – Why Substack culture stopped making sense for me06:23 – The two things I still care about online07:21 – Thoughts on joining a more formal podcast again08:05 – Separating the podcast from my creative business09:35 – AI culture wars and why I’m done appeasing anti-AI spaces11:32 – The endless conflict between artists and AI users13:16 – Leaving my old job and starting a new one14:05 – Pausing comic production and rethinking funding14:48 – Why I’m shifting from Kickstarter to Gumroad15:22 – Physical comics, deluxe editions, and direct support15:42 – Facebook groups, Gumroad, and rebuilding the infrastructure16:23 – The plan to fund the next comic through direct sales16:54 – Final thoughts and gratitude 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