It’s a twice-monthly recorded show in an actual play format where a group of great role-players serve up their character's experiences in new and published Call of Cthulhu scenarios. Michael Diamond (@diamond_writing) is the Keeper of Arcane Lore and eagerly prepares each session for your listening enjoyment!
Listeners of The Old Ways Podcast that love the show mention: call of cthulhu, slow burn, investigators, masks, gm, actual play, drama, horror, players, cast, characters, game, feeling, production, audio, totally, series, top, review, worth.
The Old Ways Podcast is a top-notch actual play podcast that is perfect for fans of collaborative storytelling and horror. With a talented cast and skilled GM, this podcast delivers an immersive and engaging experience that will keep listeners hooked from start to finish. The production quality is outstanding, capturing the radio drama element of the audio medium. The Keeper's tone and mood set each scene perfectly, while the creative descriptions bring the horror to life in a truly chilling way. The cast embraces the horror and allows it to grow organically, resulting in a slow burn that is worth the wait. Both storylines are fantastic and well worth listening to, making this podcast one of the best actual play podcasts out there.
The best aspect of The Old Ways Podcast is undoubtedly the talent and dedication of both the Keeper and the cast. From their performances, it is clear that they have put a lot of effort into developing depth in each character and creating a truly immersive experience for listeners. The actors play their respective characters wonderfully, making you believe that you are actually listening to a radio drama rather than a game being played. Their interactions feel natural and engaging, with each player bringing something unique to the table. Additionally, the slow burn style of storytelling adds another layer of tension and intrigue to the podcast, keeping listeners on edge as they wait for each new episode.
While there aren't many negative aspects to mention about The Old Ways Podcast, some listeners may find that the slow burn nature of the storytelling can be a bit too slow at times. However, it is important to note that this style is intentional and adds depth to the overall narrative. Additionally, some listeners may prefer more humor or lighter moments throughout episodes, as this podcast leans more towards moody horror. However, these minor drawbacks should not deter anyone from giving this podcast a chance.
In conclusion, The Old Ways Podcast is an exceptional actual play podcast that stands out for its talented cast, immersive storytelling, and high production values. Whether you are a fan of Call of Cthulhu or simply enjoy horror and collaborative storytelling, this podcast is a must-listen. The dedication and skill of the Keeper and cast shine through in every episode, making it clear why this podcast has quickly become a favorite among listeners. Don't hesitate to give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

The coterie gathers at a local bar before plunging into the depths of the secret tunnels deep beneath Lower Wacker Drive where they hope to find the elusive Jax. This show is meant for mature audiences.

At the Book Club, the Dreadfuls are brought together for the first time as a terrifying new...or perhaps old...danger stalks London.

As a transplant from the south, John came to Chicago in hopes of starting over and making a new life, but his hidden past and the reality of the streets seems unbeatable.

Ophelia makes a new friend. Camila investigates a possible drug connection, while Mara and Agan find an opportunity in a nearby cafe. CW: Gore, Sexual Content, Mature scenes This show is meant for mature audiences

Talented painter Adelaide Greenwood ventures out in disguise to live her double life. An encounter with the supernatural brings her more than she bargained for. Adelaide is played by Nychelle Schneider Keeper: Mav Haenze

Exiled Doctor-turned-Mentalist Julian Valdes visits an old friend from Cuba who is in a troubling situation. A mysterious woman may hold the key to his friend's situation Julian is played by Danny Mendoza

Mara realizes she's suddenly missing something. Camila and Agan make an interesting discovery. Ophelia dances with a beast. CW: Mature scenes, captivity This show is meant for mature audiences

Librarian Lydia Darling enters the Restricted Section of the library to help a patron. A shadow follows her home. Lydia played by: Aubrey Vakarian

Red Number Five offers Ophelia and Mara the chance to trade information and something more with a fellow Toreador. Camila and Agan reach out to some local Gangrel in hopes of locating Jax. CW: Gore, Mature scenes This show is meant for mature audiences

Warren Stormwright, wealthy aristocrat, deals with an unsettling event as one of his ships comes into port several days late.

Pairing off for the night, Ophelia and Mara head over to the Succubus Club to look for answers, while Camila waits for Agan at her favorite local bar. The beast comes for one of our kindred at the worst time. CW: Gore, Mature scenes, sexual content

Herschel Forbes, an aspiring author, finds that the lore of his homeland may have followed him to London. A new patron for his work enters the scene.

Heading into the mountain top facility, our mages and their avatars come face to face with the power behind the drug supply. Will choices seal the fate of these young willworkers?

Freshly empowered by Annebelle, the group sorts out a meeting spot to form a plan to find Jax within three nights and deliver him unspoiled. CW: Mature scenes This show is meant for mature audiences

The struggle up the mountain tests each of the mages in different ways, sparking new ideas and methods for using their powers.

Choices are made, and with consequences in hand, words are spoken which cannot be taken back. It has become increasingly clear to our Agents that the only way out of this nightmare is through.

An interloper throws the Gala's atmosphere into a chaotic spin. Ophelia dances with dynamite. Agan completes his delivery, as Camila plots the best way out of a bad situation. CW: Gore, Mature scenes This show is meant for mature audiences

A labyrinth surrounds our agents, as they wander searching for the Author's bottle. In one alcove, a precious family member is found only to be unleashed. Consequences arrive for Agent Hart.

Kindred from all around Chicago descend upon a gala hosted by Clan Toreador, where fresh faces mix with the powerful among decadent and devilish art exhibits. CW: Gore, Mature scenes This show is meant for mature audiences

As the group makes final preparations for a climb into the mountains, Heather and Dante work to understand her power more, while Oliver snags a new ride from John Crescent.

Mara is a sharp and crafty corporate climber who has the Ministry's best interests in mind. But when a strange letter arrives targeting her and a past she hoped was long buried.

The trio delves deep into the ruins to locate the dig team. What awaits them is something no one expects, as a powerful spirit plots to unravel their plans.

The Hotel shows agents the past and future all at once, as memories and marionettes come into focus. A basement below whispers one possible truth.

After leaving her world behind in Los Angeles, Camila focuses on working to improve relations between the Camarilla and Clan Lasombra, but when key assets are put in danger, Camila must act to protect them or risk a loss of reputation. This show is meant for mature audiences

Heather walks in the great beyond. Oliver delivers on his promise to John. Kayleigh and Dante work on the next steps in their journey with an unlikely ally.

With the soulforge hammer at the center of the Legion's power in Morgantown, the wraiths fight back, as forces far more sinister look to pull their focus away.

Ophelia Cupid might be Chicago's most talented Kindred dancer, but when a chance performance at the Succubus Club includes a powerful patron, there's more than just money on the line.

On a small island north of the Crossing, the trio continues their hunt for a missing girl after being ambushed. In the growing silence, the heroes forge a path forward into darkness.

Agent Hart finds a pool in the basement. Winters tries to sort out the process of finding the Author with an old friend. Webber and Hawking play games with the hotel marionettes.

As a Caitiff, Agan's journey through unlife is a mixed bag at the best of times. When a local contact puts him in line for a lucrative delivery, the job requires more than a new suit. CW: Traumatic childhood flashbacks and strong sexual content This show is meant for mature audiences

When a gamble goes wrong for the crew, Heather is put in a terrible position, as Dante tries to save her from an unexpected addition to the festivities.

Jackie and Una work to align their desires to fight the oppressive Morgantown Legions, while Leah investigates her own passions. Connor chases his last hope for happiness.

With a voyage by sea ahead, the trio make careful preparations before leaving their city behind to hunt down the source of the evil.

Our Agents continue to search the Hotel, trying to understand how this strange place works. Webber and Hawking meet a very friendly elevator operator, Charlie. Agent Hart decides to pay him a visit for dinner.

Oliver makes a play to save the Crescent Library at an exclusive poker tournament, while Dante and Heather provide cover. Kayleigh and Mr B find something they wish they hadn't.

Souls wander the Shadowlands battling their former lives and often the orders of their factions. As our wraiths come to find out, sometimes these two passions pull them in disparate directions.

Damon, Jin, and Ryland return with a vibrating tome to the city and Father Gregory who needs some much needed healing before plotting their next steps.

The hotel holds many secrets for our Agents. Friends, foes, and those who exist only to serve the King and his plan.

As newly deceased, our Wraiths learn that not only does work persist after death, but so do love and hate.

Dante and Heather head back to Derrick's apartment to recover her possessions, only to find an unwanted surprise waiting for them. Kayleigh and Oliver prepare for a night out at the casino.

Delving even deeper below ground our heroes locate a vault door. What mysteries and treasures rest behind it?

Our Agents make a dash to Hotel Broadalbin hoping to survive more than just New York City traffic as STATIC protocol engages.

Even in death wraiths have duties, which these four souls learn include the transmutation of other souls into all manner of shapes and objects, to their surprise.

Dante and Kayleigh meet up to setup new communications after the apartment fallout. Heather and Oliver stop by the library to meet with John Crescent and decide what comes next.

Delving deeper into an abandoned building, the trio gets more than they bargained for from the entities within.

With our agents on the run, we pick up the pace and their heartrates as New York City folds in against them.

Our souls have washed ashore together and the Shadowlands await. There is but one road to Morgantown and beyond that Oblivion's embrace. Guest Starring: Darius McCaskey as The Shadowguide

Oliver does his best to teach a freshly awakened willworker about how magick works. Dante has a tough phone call before an equally tough family conversation.

Jin, Ryland, and Damon begin to hunt for answers to their missing girl when it becomes clear that all methods are at their disposal. Including force.

Clues swirl around the possibilities of what road might lead them to their next stop, but before they can figure that out, a news report arrives to the shock of everyone.

Human lives are a collection of memories. Some of these memories lift us up while some tear us down. Even after death some souls are tied to memories which are unresolved. Wraith is a story which explores this within the World of Darkness. CW: Death, Law Enforcement, Immigration, Alcohol abuse, and traumatic situations