Mage: The Podcast

Adam chats with longtime contributor Rachelle Udell. Rochelle shares her journey through Mage projects—from her early days to her favorite, The Fallen Tower: Las Vegas—and dives into her hefty chapter on the Ngoma in Forbidden and Forgotten Orders. With wit and warmth, she unpacks magical lore, quirky pronunciations, and rich traditions that keep the Mage universe alive. Enjoy this friendly ride through mystical realms!Show Notes Forbidden and Forgotten Orders. ⁠ Rachelle’s work⁠ on DriveThruRPG Chicago By Night (Vampire: the Masquerade 5th Edition) The Fallen Tower: Las Vegas Bitter Road Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Orphans Survival Guide Crusade Lore The Disparate Alliance

Josh Heath, host of Werewolf the Podcast, and Josh Hillrup, co-host of Changeling the Podcast, dive into the eerie depths of Tokyo in the World of Darkness. They explore themes of revenge and moral ambiguity in the dark narratives, while reflecting on personal experiences. The conversation shifts to Tokyo's tumultuous history and how it shapes supernatural elements, with insights into local mythologies and changeling folklore. They also critique art representation and discuss the unique concept of Tomorrow Gardens, all while weaving humor throughout the discussion.

Adam sits down with Kim Godwin to chat about about her chapter inForbidden and Forgotten Orders, an upcomingMage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition book. Kim shares her love for TTRPGs, her experience with Mage, and how she reworked the Kahu faction with a stronger cultural foundation. She highlights the importance of preserving traditions while adapting for survival. Kim also shares insights on her horror fiction, webcomics, and a pile of exciting TTRPG projects. Lots of fun, magic, and creativity in this one!Show Notes Kim’s writing credits How Kim reworked the Kahu to better reflect Polynesian culture and history Kim’s experience writing forScion,Trinity,Cursebourne, and other tabletop TTRPGs. Kim’s other projects, including her horror short stories, webcomicTouching the Abyss, and upcoming TTRPGs.

Today we’ve got something special—two deep dives into the world of magic and role-playing!We sit down with Douglas Rushkoff—media theorist, writer, and host of the Team Human podcast—to explore how RPGs, especially Mage: The Ascension, serve as tools for reality manipulation and self-discovery. We talk about the changing face of magic in society, its impact on public figures, and how Storytellers can weave magical sensibilities into their campaigns.Then, we chat with Richard Metzger, lifelong explorer of the occult and host of the Magic Show. He takes us on a journey through the cultural evolution of magic, its place in pop culture, and intriguing ideas like radionics that could bring a whole new layer to modern RPGs.Show Notes Douglas Rushkoff Vampire: The Masquerade, GURPS, and Magic: The Gathering. Genesis P-Orridge and Psychic TV. Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea and Taoist philosophy Douglas’s book,Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires Donald Trump, Norman Vincent Peale and The Power of Positive Thinking. Douglas’s Substack newsletter. Richard Metzger Bewitched and mythical figures like Merlin. Aleister Crowley’s magick as act of willpower Radionics: electronic devices believed to manipulate reality, as explored by figures like John W. Campbell and William Burroughs (search on Etsy). The Magick Show, featuring interviews with 55+ magicians, witches, and scholars! Arden Leigh, chaos magician and Grant Morrison’s magical heir Alan Moore’s The Great When Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles

In a captivating conversation, Bill Bridges, a key developer and author behind Mage: The Ascension and Werewolf, shares his journey through the realms of role-playing games. He reflects on the formative years at White Wolf, emphasizing the collaborative magic of game development. Bill dives into the thematic evolution of Mage, discussing the balance of darkness and hope while exploring character complexities. He also touches on the challenges faced when crafting the Revised Edition and shares insights about the rich narrative of Fading Suns, contrasting it with hard sci-fi elements.

We are sad to announce Terry Robinson is no longer with us.

A bonus episode featuring some wisdom from the Syndicate.

Dive into the ever-evolving lore of the Nine Traditions and explore their nuances in today's world. Discover the complexities within the Akashic Brotherhood and how modern influences shape its identity. Navigate tensions between the Ecstatics, Dream Speakers, and Euthanatos as they grapple with death and reincarnation. Unearth the historical depths of the Order of Hermes and its multitude of conflicts. Lastly, reflect on the balance of tradition and modernity, particularly for the Verbena and Virtual Adepts—ensuring magical practices stay relevant!

Jordan Ether, a Senior Unknown Armies correspondent, joins Frank and Tormsen from 33.3 FM to delve into the intriguing world of Unknown Armies' metaphysics. They explore the unique aspects of avatar and adept roles, detailing the complexities and rivalries embedded in these archetypes. The conversation highlights the paradoxes of magic and the competitive landscape among adept schools, particularly focusing on Cleomancy. Additionally, the enigmatic Comte de Saint Germain is examined, along with engaging topics like unconventional gameplay and character identities.

Sebastian Noh, an accomplished author known for 'In the Realm of Gods and Dreams' and 'Kindred of the East: The Relentless Age', dives deep into the fascinating world of hsien and their connections with mages. He unpacks the concept of Living Prayers, revealing how desires influence magic and society. The discussion further explores the merging of mages with their surroundings for richer character depth and the unique magic of little gods. Plus, listeners get a sneak peek at a new book on night folk, blending culture and gaming like never before.