"Thank God It’s Doomsday": Mage Hand High Five and Kobold Press Unleash Apocalyptic Workplace Comedy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA – [Date of Publication, e.g., October 15, 2024] – Prepare for a unique blend of high fantasy and corporate satire as multi-award winning, queer-led actual play podcast, Mage Hand High Five (MHH5), announces its new three-episode limited series, Thank God It’s Doomsday (TGID). Produced in collaboration with renowned tabletop RPG publisher Kobold Press, this highly anticipated series promises to take listeners on a hilarious, behind-the-scenes journey with the unsung heroes of the apocalypse: the support staff of a world-ending cult.

Set to premiere on October 22, 2025, Thank God It’s Doomsday flips the epic fantasy script, focusing not on valiant heroes or terrifying villains, but on the mundane, bureaucratic efforts required to bring about the irrevocable end of the world. While Void Mother Boslara the Sweet stands as the formidable face of the Great Chantry, it’s the HR department, the accounting clerks, and the facilities management crew who truly keep the wheels of oblivion turning. This innovative mockumentary-style actual play podcast explores the relatable struggles of middle management, albeit with universe-shattering stakes, as these lowly functionaries strive to herald the apocalypse and, perhaps more importantly, claw their way out of their corporate quagmire.

The Dawn of Doomsday: A New Narrative Horizon

Mage Hand High Five has carved a niche in the audio drama landscape through its commitment to immersive storytelling, rich sound design, and a fearless approach to genre blending. With Thank God It’s Doomsday, the production house ventures into uncharted territory, marrying the grandeur of high fantasy with the biting wit of workplace comedy. This audacious concept challenges conventional fantasy narratives, positing that even the most cataclysmic events require meticulous planning, budget approvals, and perhaps, more than a few inter-departmental memos.

Unveiling Thank God It’s Doomsday

The core premise of TGID is disarmingly simple yet profoundly clever: the apocalypse is a team effort, and someone has to handle the paperwork. Listeners are introduced to the Great Chantry, an organization dedicated to ushering in the end times, led by the enigmatic Void Mother Boslara. However, the narrative lens is deliberately shifted away from cosmic battles and heroic quests, instead focusing on the labyrinthine bureaucracy that underpins such a monumental undertaking. Imagine a corporate office, complete with petty rivalries, tedious meetings, and the relentless pursuit of career advancement, now overlayed with ritual sacrifices, arcane accounting, and facility repairs that involve more than just a leaky faucet.

The podcast delves into the lives of four "corporate lackeys" whose daily grind involves ensuring the smooth operation of the world-ending machinery. From HR onboarding new scribes and cult sisters, to the accounting department tracking expenditures (because, as the series humorously notes, "no one said the apocalypse would be cheap"), to facilities management keeping ancient, magical infrastructure from crumbling, TGID highlights the absurd realities of mundane tasks within an extraordinary context. The characters’ motivations are deeply human and hilariously relatable: they want to bring about the apocalypse, yes, but they also desperately want promotions, recognition, and an escape from their purgatorial middle-management roles. This blend of the cosmic and the commonplace creates a fertile ground for both dramatic tension and comedic gold, promising an experience that is both thought-provoking and uproariously entertaining.

A Symphony of Collaboration: Mage Hand High Five and Kobold Press

The creation of Thank God It’s Doomsday is a testament to the power of synergistic collaboration, bringing together the narrative ingenuity of Mage Hand High Five with the extensive world-building expertise of Kobold Press. This partnership is a cornerstone of the series’ unique appeal, grounding its fantastical elements in a rich, established lore while allowing for MHH5’s signature creative freedom.

Forging Worlds: The Kobold Creates Partnership

The series is produced as part of the 2025 Kobold Creates program, an initiative by Kobold Press designed to foster innovative projects within the tabletop RPG community. Kobold Press, a highly respected name in the TTRPG world, is renowned for its meticulously crafted settings, imaginative monsters, and diverse publications that have enriched countless gaming tables. Their involvement in TGID signifies a strategic move to expand their narrative reach into the burgeoning actual play podcast sphere, leveraging the immersive audio format to showcase their intellectual property in new and exciting ways.

This collaboration is particularly significant as Thank God It’s Doomsday features the Tales of the Valiant system, Kobold Press’s new flagship tabletop roleplaying game. Tales of the Valiant is known for its robust mechanics and flexible framework, providing a strong foundation for the improvisational nature of an actual play podcast. Furthermore, the series draws extensively on the lore and worldbuilding from Kobold Press’s Labyrinth Worldbook. This worldbook is celebrated for its intricate details, evocative descriptions, and deep mythological underpinnings, offering a rich tapestry against which the absurdities of TGID can play out. The integration of established lore provides a depth and authenticity to the fantastical elements, making the juxtaposition with mundane workplace dynamics all the more potent and humorous. The synergy between MHH5’s flair for dynamic storytelling and Kobold Press’s rich, imaginative content promises a truly unique and engaging auditory experience for listeners.

The Architects of Annihilation: Meet the Creative Team

The success of any actual play podcast hinges on the chemistry and talent of its creative team, and Thank God It’s Doomsday boasts an impressive roster of voices and minds dedicated to bringing this darkly comedic vision to life. The ensemble cast, led by an experienced Game Master, is poised to deliver a performance that is both hilarious and genuinely engaging.

Orchestrating the Apocalypse: Max Weinberg at the Helm

Guiding the narrative and adjudicating the chaotic brilliance of the players is Max Weinberg, a seasoned Game Master from Mage Hand High Five. As GM, Weinberg is responsible for shaping the world, portraying non-player characters, and reacting to the players’ often unpredictable choices, all while maintaining the delicate balance between comedic timing and narrative progression. Mage Hand High Five is known for its dedication to immersive storytelling, a quality largely attributed to the skillful guidance of its GMs. Weinberg’s ability to weave compelling narratives, adapt on the fly, and elicit memorable character moments is crucial to the mockumentary format of TGID, where the lines between player character and in-world "interviewee" are deliberately blurred. His experience ensures that while the premise is absurd, the storytelling remains compelling and the world feels lived-in, even as it teeters on the brink of destruction.

A Stellar Ensemble: Guest and Core Cast

The core of Thank God It’s Doomsday‘s comedic and dramatic potential lies within its diverse and talented cast. The series features special guest players Robin Ekberg, known for his work on podcasts like Dorkspawn and Frequencies, and Shenuque Tissera of Many Sided Media. Ekberg brings a wealth of experience in improvisational storytelling and character work, promising dynamic and unexpected contributions to the Chantry’s bureaucratic chaos. Tissera, with her background in media production and narrative performance, adds another layer of comedic timing and emotional depth to the ensemble. Their guest appearances are highly anticipated, bringing fresh perspectives and comedic sensibilities to the established MHH5 dynamic.

Joining these acclaimed guests are Mage Hand High Five cast members Rowan McStay and Casey Papas. Both McStay and Papas are integral to the MHH5 family, known for their strong character portrayals and ability to contribute to the podcast’s signature immersive soundscapes. Their familiarity with the actual play format, combined with their established chemistry, will provide a solid foundation for the new series, ensuring seamless interaction and genuine comedic moments. The collaborative nature of an actual play podcast thrives on quick thinking, character commitment, and the willingness to lean into improvisation, all qualities that this stellar ensemble is expected to deliver in spades. The combined talents of the cast promise a vibrant and unforgettable portrayal of the office drones tasked with ending the world.

Chronology of the Cataclysm: Release Schedule and Accessibility

For those eager to dive into the hilariously bleak world of Thank God It’s Doomsday, Mage Hand High Five has outlined a clear release schedule, ensuring listeners won’t have to wait long between episodes of this limited series.

Marking Your Calendars: Episode Rollout

The premiere episode of Thank God It’s Doomsday is slated for October 22, 2025, marking the beginning of a concise yet impactful narrative arc. Following this highly anticipated debut, the second episode will drop a week later on October 29, 2025, building momentum and deepening the comedic and narrative stakes. The series will then conclude with its third and final episode on November 5, 2025. This tight, three-episode format is designed to deliver a complete, satisfying story arc, perfect for binge-listening or enjoying week-by-week as the Chantry’s support staff navigate their apocalyptic ambitions. The strategic release dates, spanning late October and early November, perfectly align with the series’ darkly humorous and slightly macabre themes, making it an ideal listen for the spooky season and beyond.

Where to Tune In: A Multiverse of Platforms

Accessibility is key for modern audio content, and Mage Hand High Five ensures that Thank God It’s Doomsday will be readily available to a global audience. The limited series will be distributed across all major podcast platforms, including but not limited to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. This widespread availability ensures that regardless of a listener’s preferred platform, they will be able to easily find and subscribe to the series.

Listeners who are new to Mage Hand High Five’s work are encouraged to explore their flagship season, The Badlands, which is also available on these same platforms. The Badlands offers a comprehensive introduction to MHH5’s distinctive style, showcasing their prowess in crafting compelling narratives with exceptional sound design. For existing fans, Thank God It’s Doomsday represents an exciting new chapter, demonstrating the collective’s versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the actual play genre. The simultaneous availability of both series on a multitude of platforms underscores MHH5’s dedication to making their high-quality audio adventures as accessible as possible to a broad and diverse audience.

Mage Hand High Five: Pioneers of Immersive Audio Storytelling

Beyond the individual merits of Thank God It’s Doomsday, the series stands as another testament to the innovative spirit and artistic excellence of Mage Hand High Five. The production company has steadily built a reputation as a vanguard in the actual play podcast space, consistently delivering content that is both groundbreaking and deeply engaging.

A Legacy of Innovation and Inclusivity

Mage Hand High Five is not merely a podcast producer; it is a multi-award winning, queer-led collective that champions diversity and inclusivity in its storytelling and its team. This commitment translates into narratives that resonate with a wider audience, exploring themes and characters often overlooked in mainstream fantasy. Their queer-led identity is not just a demographic fact but a driving force behind their innovative approach, fostering a creative environment that encourages fresh perspectives and challenges traditional tropes. This ethos is palpable in their productions, which consistently demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of narrative depth and character complexity.

At the heart of MHH5’s appeal is their unwavering focus on immersive storytelling and meticulous sound design. They transform the inherently auditory medium of podcasts into vivid, cinematic experiences, where every creak, spell, and environmental detail is carefully crafted to transport the listener directly into the fictional world. This commitment to sonic immersion elevates their actual play sessions beyond simple recordings of game nights, turning them into high-fidelity audio dramas. Furthermore, Mage Hand High Five is renowned for its fearless genre blending. While rooted in fantasy, their work frequently transcends traditional boundaries, weaving in elements from genres less commonly explored in tabletop roleplaying. From the gritty realism of westerns to the tense suspense of summer camp slashers, and everything in between, MHH5 consistently proves that the actual play format is a versatile canvas for any story. This genre-bending expertise makes them uniquely suited to tackle the unconventional premise of Thank God It’s Doomsday, where the collision of high fantasy and workplace mockumentary is not just a gimmick, but a meticulously executed narrative strategy.

Implications and the Future of Actual Play

The announcement of Thank God It’s Doomsday holds significant implications not just for Mage Hand High Five and Kobold Press, but for the broader landscape of actual play podcasts and fantasy entertainment. It signals a continued evolution in how tabletop roleplaying games are presented and consumed, pushing creative boundaries and attracting new audiences.

Redefining Fantasy Narratives

Thank God It’s Doomsday is a prime example of how actual play podcasts are redefining fantasy narratives. By deliberately subverting the grand, epic scale typically associated with world-ending events and instead focusing on the mundane, the series offers a fresh, comedic perspective. This approach taps into the universal appeal of workplace satire, demonstrating that even the most fantastical settings can serve as a backdrop for relatable human (or humanoid) struggles with bureaucracy, corporate ladder climbing, and the existential dread of a nine-to-five. It highlights the versatility of the TTRPG medium, proving that it can be a vehicle for more than just traditional hero’s journeys. This innovation has the potential to attract listeners who might not typically engage with fantasy or actual play content, drawing them in with its humor and unique premise before exposing them to the rich storytelling capabilities of the genre.

The Growing Influence of Actual Play Podcasts

The collaboration between Mage Hand High Five and Kobold Press also underscores the growing influence and legitimacy of actual play podcasts within the entertainment industry. Once a niche hobby, actual play has blossomed into a significant form of audio entertainment, commanding large, dedicated audiences and attracting partnerships with established publishers. This trend signifies a broader shift in media consumption, where authentic, improvisational storytelling, combined with high production values, can compete with traditional scripted narratives. Such collaborations open doors for further cross-media initiatives, allowing TTRPG systems and lore to reach wider audiences through engaging audio experiences. It also validates the actual play format as a powerful platform for showcasing new game systems like Tales of the Valiant and expanding the lore of existing worldbooks like Labyrinth, bridging the gap between playing the game and experiencing its stories.

Conclusion

As Mage Hand High Five and Kobold Press prepare to unleash Thank God It’s Doomsday, the excitement is palpable. This three-episode limited series promises to be a standout entry in the actual play genre, offering a refreshing, comedic, and deeply immersive take on the apocalypse. With its innovative blend of high fantasy and workplace mockumentary, a stellar cast, and the robust foundation of Kobold Press’s Tales of the Valiant system and Labyrinth Worldbook lore, Thank God It’s Doomsday is poised to deliver a truly unforgettable auditory experience. Mark your calendars for October 22, 2025, and prepare to laugh, commiserate, and perhaps even root for the bureaucratic end of the world.

For more information, please visit https://www.magehandhighfive.com/ and follow Mage Hand High Five on social media.