A Bittersweet MIRTH QUAKE Goodbye

And so I face ... the final curtain ...

Friends, MIRTH QUAKE will not be continuing.

With that out of the way, let me briefly explain why and communicate my gratitude. I’ll keep this short-ish, I promise.

Goodnight, Sweet Prince

First, gratitude.

MIRTH QUAKE has been awesome. I’ve had the opportunity to platform some of my favorite people in the creative spaces. I’ve interviewed authors and creatives and have had brilliant times online with many of them. We definitely learned how many (wrong) people are on Team Hot Air Balloon, and we definitely had some hilarious moments with Pitch Storm. I’m extremely grateful to (almost, you know who you are) everyone who’s been a guest, and I believe this show - while small - provided a much needed space in the author community specifically.

MIRTH QUAKE was here to break the mold of boring shows talking about magic systems and characters. Snoozefests, all of them. So, thank you. For the support, kindness, and engagement you’ve provided. It mattered to the guests, and that was all I was trying to accomplish this whole time.

But … WHY!?

As you know (as I’ve stated) MIRTH QUAKE was a non-revenue show. All expenses in the initial equipment purchase and multiple rolling subscription fees were all out of my personal bank account. From October 2024 through the end of 2025 that means monthly fees for Discord management (had to hire a bot!), monthly fees for ReStream, and content licensing.

This show, while small, was indeed a “production” in every sense. I refused advertising, many sponsorship offers and monetization to keep the show true to purpose - a platform for YOU, the creative, pure and without the underlying motivation of monetizing a show on the back of your appearances.

A Critique, If I May

Now I’m going to be a little critical of some members of the writing community because it is well earned, and it’s a teachable moment for those of you conducting yourselves the right way. Being enthusiastic about a show in the week leading up to your appearance, then having your moment as a guest, and immediately ghosting all engagement on the show and the community is not a good look. It’s unprofessional, and beyond that it hurts the actual supporters of the show and future guests.

All it takes is 10 seconds to do a re-post once in awhile. Do your best. Instead of spending hours arguing politics on Facebook, you could actually … I don’t know … be a decent resource to your fellow creatives out there?

Food for thought.

All this to say, professionalism in these spaces is critical to your reputation, and as supporters and fans of the show, it’s a lesson to always keep in mind because you have peers out there that are giving communities a bad name because they exist only as parasites within the community.

Maybe that sounds harsh, but it is undeniable fact.

Be authentic, help others, and amplify support. There are many of you out there starting your own podcasts and shows. I love to see it, and I want to make sure you are practicing discernment in terms of guests and who you amplify. Learn from MIRTH QUAKE’s authentic voice.

Be real. Have fun. Teach others.

I’m Not Riding Into The Sunset …

Finally, I spent a long time building this platform and trying to get it to grow - fighting algorithms, hunting for an audience, and curating guests. But for the last six months I’ve been working tirelessly clearing space for my 2026 calendar.

I have a rapidly growing fan base for my music production under XXXII. I am creating new and massive IP, showrunning, and in 2026 I’m launching an entire cyberpunk universe, complete with my 2nd concept album. My focus is being the multi-faceted storyteller: written word, music, cinematics.

I’ve become a fast study in audio engineering, music arrangement, sound design, songwriting, storyboarding, scriptwriting, advanced video editing techniques and much much more, and I’m loving every second of the process.

Yes, I even have a planned blu-ray in my Alyte universe (think Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” but cyberpunk and … less acid).

Will I Still Be Online?

Please. I’ve got a Kickstarter to launch, and I’m starting a pre-recorded 30 minute solo show that will still allow me a segment to highlight some of the amazing storytellers out there while focusing primarily on my own lens of being a prolific and original creator.

Experience. Teaching. Hot takes. Humor. And nuke-from-orbit opinions. And if you’re interested in that, I have the link to that channel below ...

I’m not going anywhere, but I am 100% guarding my creative energy and obligations for the foreseeable future.

In Closing …

This is what it looks like when you decide to prioritize your creativity, and set appropriate boundaries so you can have the best chance at success. I can no longer remain a resource at the expense of my own creativity. It’s my time now, and I’m set to create incredible worlds as the enigmatic storyteller I’ve become.

Thank you, for your support, engagement, friendships and showing the MIRTH QUAKE crew such love. The channel will stay up, the Discord will be closed up in a couple weeks, the lights will be turned off, and I wish all of you the very best in everything you do, I truly pray for your successes every day.

The world needs your art, friends. Give it to them, and never apologize or ask permission.

Stay in touch with me:

On X: https://x.com/DavidBadurina

FOLLOW on Spotify:

SUBSCRIBE to my Official Artist Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuillfireSound

SUBSCRIBE to Quill It With Fire on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuillItWithFire (SOLO SHOW will go here)

Substack: https://www.quillitwithfire.com/

Oooh, a new website! http://www.davidbadurina.com

Closing time, folks. You don’t have to go home, but ya can’t stay here!

Much <3

-David