Transmissions From the Void Podcast

@Thanks to mr. A . Your work inspires and amazes. In this live episode of Transmissions from the Void, Christopher Gulledge and Dr. Morton sit down with Mr. A, creator of Mr. A Comics, for a conversation about neurodivergence, comics, institutional failure, digital creativity, and what it means to build work outside traditional systems. The discussion begins with Mr. A’s autobiographical comic work, including stories about job loss, disability benefits, family support, and navigating a world that often is not built for autistic and neurodivergent people.The episode also explores why Mr. A restarted his Substack from scratch, what he learned from chasing subscribers, and how his new approach is more grounded, sustainable, and honest to the work he actually wants to make. It is a sharp look at the tension between creative integrity and platform incentives, with some excellent chaos-goblin honesty mixed in.From there, the conversation turns to a bigger idea: whether today’s Substack writers and artists resemble the Lost Generation of the 1920s. Mr. A draws a line between disillusionment with institutions then and disillusionment now, arguing that creators today are using digital platforms to reconcile with broken systems, form smaller communities, and make meaning in public. Christopher and Dr. Morton build on that idea, discussing decentralization, creative collaboration, shifting identity online, and the possibility that this moment is the beginning of a larger cultural realignment.The episode closes with a look at Mr. A’s comic-making process, including storyboarding with his wife, shaping real-life experiences into visual narratives, and using AI as part of the illustration workflow without surrendering authorship. It is a fascinating conversation about what tools are for, how art gets made now, and how creators can stay human while working with new systems.In this episode* Mr. A on restarting his Substack from zero* autism, neurodivergence, and systems that do not fit* why autobiographical comics hit so hard* chasing subscribers versus protecting the work* the Lost Generation and modern Substack creators* creative communities outside gatekeepers* social media as a new cultural institution* AI-assisted comic creation and artistic controlGuestMr. AAuthor of Think Mr. AHostsChristopher Gulledge of Dear Future OverlordsDr. Morton of Seeker’s Scoop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tftvoid.substack.com

In this live episode of Transmissions from the Void, Christopher Gulledge and Dr. Morton welcome Nick Middaugh, author of Character is Destiny, for a searching conversation about trauma, recovery, agency, and the lifelong work of shaping character. Together, they explore Nick’s essay “The Myth of an Easy Life: Building on Nietzsche’s Self-Overcoming & The Drowning Man” and unpack the emotional and philosophical currents beneath it.This conversation moves through childhood trauma, isolation, vulnerability, healing, sobriety, self-worth, and the tension between receiving help and doing the work yourself. Nick reflects on writing as both outlet and inquiry, on why agency matters, and on the difference between being defined by what happened to you and choosing who you become next.The episode also digs into the meaning behind Character is Destiny, the philosophical roots of the project, and the idea that growth is not a neat ending but an ongoing process. This is a thoughtful, emotionally grounded discussion about suffering, accountability, character, and what it means to keep rebuilding your vessel from the wreckage.In this episode* Nick Middaugh on writing trauma and vulnerability in public* The essay: “The Myth of an Easy Life”* Recovery, sobriety, and self-worth* Agency versus circumstance* Nietzsche, Heraclitus, and self-overcoming* Character as a lifelong practice* Why healing is not linear* Writing for the “reformed monsters” and the ones still trying to becomeGuestNick MiddaughAuthor of Character is Destiny and Welcome to the FallHostsChristopher Gulledge of Dear Future OverlordsDr. Morton of Seeker’s Scoop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tftvoid.substack.com

Episode OverviewThe debut episode of Transmissions from the Void introduces the show’s core mission: to surface and celebrate creators operating outside traditional algorithmic reach. Instead of chasing virality, this show acts as a “human algorithm,” curating meaningful work from the edges of the internet.Key Themes The rise of “underground” digital ecosystems Identity vs. metrics in creator spaces Tribalism and language in online communities Existential dread and human purpose The evolution of art, poetry, and multimedia storytellingFeatured Creators Mr. A — Reinvention and identity reset on Substack Kelly Cortez — Simplifying complex emotional and philosophical ideas Sam Oldman — Multimedia storytelling, dystopian poetry, and immersive soundscapesNotable Ideas “Be the human version of the algorithm” Digital identity is shaping modern tribalism Creativity is expanding beyond traditional artistic constraints AI is empowering non-traditional creators to innovateAbout the ShowTransmissions from the Void is a live Substack-first podcast exploring overlooked creators and emerging ideas from the edges of the internet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tftvoid.substack.com