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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mbula Enobong. She was a dear friend, fellow improviser and an all around amazing human. She brought true joy to so many in the role of Loria Berenice in season 2 of Alba Salix and as The Captain in Civilized.

I will always remember Mbula as the shining light that was my first week at Hamilton Improv. How she would cackle and hug me so ferociously as we attacked the status quo and delved into diversity and anti-racism in our sketches on stage together. I felt fearless when I was around Mbula. Her smile and kindness were unmatchable.

Eli and I put everything we had into Loria and Pearcey. This would be our coming out in an audio drama. This was our first same sex couple and we wanted them to be vivacious and alive and so human. Mbula was the first person we thought of as we created Loria and we were overjoyed when she agreed to take on the role.

I’ll never forget that weekend in studio. It was Mbula’s first time acting from a script and she was a little terrified. But there is such a strength in Mbula. She grabbed her script and marched into the booth. And we began recording one of the first scenes between Loria and Pearcey. It was just Mbula and Elaine in the room. 

I remember us doing a few takes and we could hear Mbula’s nerves. It wasn’t working. And it was up to me as co-Director to help get her comfortable. I was wracking my brain for how to help her feel like she was on an improv stage, but I also understood. To this day, I struggle when I’m handed a script. The fellow improviser in me was at a loss.

And that’s when Mbula asked us to wait and she turned to Elaine, who plays Pearcey. I heard her ask Elaine if they could turn and face each other as they did the scene. Elaine, who is one of the most unflappable and stunning actors I’ve ever worked with, nodded and they turned their music stands and said they were ready to go again. This time, Elaine played to Mbula and I watched as she gave Mbula the energy and prompts Mbula so craved. Suddenly, Mbula was improvising. 

That is the take that we ended up using. It was gold.

Mbula has never hidden from the fact that she struggled with her mental health. She was always an advocate for bringing our improv and community efforts to those who might not otherwise have access to improv theatre and the arts.

I know Mbula would want others to know that help is out there if you are in need. These are difficult times. Please reach out to your loved ones and friends. And if you are in need of help, please contact a local crisis line.

I will forever remember her smile, her infectious laughter and a hug that went on for days.

We will miss you, Mbula Enobong. May your laughter ring out on your next journey.

We are forever grateful for your support as it helps us pay our actors and devote more of our time every month to creating the shows you love.

One of the perks our patreon supporters receive is access to an exclusive feed of early releases, bonus episodes and more. In the past, it was super challenging to find your feed URL and then install it in a podcast app of your choosing.

We provide instructions below for doing this from your phone or tablet and also from a desktop computer.

The Short Version

For those familiar with podcast apps and Patreon. More detailed instructions with screenshots are below in The Step by Step Version.

  1. Use your phone, tablet or other device that you listen to podcasts on. You can also do this from your desktop computer, but the options are far more limited. 
  2. Go to this URL in your web browser on that device: albasalix.com/patreon
  3. You may be asked to log into Patreon. Do so.
  4. Then you will be asked to allow Acast for Patreon to access your account. Click Allow.
  5. You should then be taken to a screen that allows you to auto-subscribe in quite a few apps. Just click on your podcast app if you see it. It also gives you the RSS feed you can copy and paste into an app that isn’t listed.

The Step by Step Version — From your SmartPhone or Tablet

What follows are screenshots from an iPhone. But there should be similar options from an Android device.

Step 1: Open a web browser (of your choice) on your smart phone or tablet. Whatever device you have your preferred podcast app installed on.

Step 2: Go to this URL from your device: albasalix.com/patreon

Screenshot showing the Patreon Login screen.
Patreon login. You will only see this if not already logged in.

Step 3: If you aren’t logged into Patreon, you will be asked to. Log in with your Patreon credentials.

Screenshot of the Acast for Patreon authorization request.
Acast for Patreon authorization request.

Step 4: You will be taken to an authorization request from Acast for Patreon. This is simply allowing this service to access your unique RSS feed for you. Click Allow.

Selection screen for subscribing to your unique Patreon feed.

Step 5: The system will determine what device you are on and give you a list of possible apps that it can auto-subscribe to your unique Patreon podcast feed. Simply select the app that works best for you.

Note: You will also see the option for copying your unique RSS feed so you can install into an app not listed.

I clicked on Pocket Casts.

Step 6: You may be asked to open the app selected. In this case, I clicked on Pocket Casts. Click Open.

You will see the option to subscribe in the app you chose. 

Step 7: Don’t skip this step! Be sure to click Subscribe in your app. I’m using Pocket Casts here which used to be horrific to subscribe to a custom RSS in. It’s now SO easy!

If you get an error here, it may be that you are already subscribed. Unsubscribe in your app and then try again and it should work.

Step 8: That’s it! You should now see your unique Patreon feed in your podcast app and you can now access all the bonus episodes and early releases for your tier!

The Step by Step Version — From your Desktop

What follows are screenshots from an Apple/Mac computer. But there should be similar options from a PC.

Step 1: Go to this URL: albasalix.com/patreon

Screenshot of the Patreon login screen.

Step 2: If you aren’t logged into Patreon, you will be asked to. Log in with your Patreon credentials.

Screenshot of the Acast for Patreon authorization request

Step 3: You will be see an authorization request from Acast for Patreon. This is simply allowing this service to access your unique RSS feed for you. Click Allow.

Screenshot of how you can now just click on the podcast app of choice.

Step 4: The above is what you would see if you are on a Mac computer. You can now just select the podcast app you use on your desktop. It will open that app and initiate an auto-subscribe.

Apple Podcasts on my Mac is now showing my special patreon feed of bonus content.

Step 5: In this case, I clicked on Apple Podcasts. It asked me if I wanted to subscribe to this new feed. I clicked Yes and now I can listen to all my bonus content for my tier from this special show that is just for me.

Note that if I used a different app on my desktop, I can grab the RSS feed from Step 4 and configure it manually in the app of my choosing.

What if none of this works for me?

You can always reach out to us and we will do our best to provide you support and guidance. Email info at fableandfolly.com

You can also find all of this content on Patreon.com or using the Patreon app on your phone or smart device. 

Image of some of the Special Offer perks for all $5 and up supporters.

A giant shout of thanks to everyone who became a supporter or upped their pledge. You truly surprised us and we are humbled by your continued support.

As of January 12, every active patron at the $5 or higher level will be receiving the Special Offer perks.

So what are the perks? We’ve got the Axe and Crown button, the Axe and Crown coaster and the Alba Salix sticker. But wait, that’s only three tiers and we reached tier 4. What’s up with that?

We never planned for a fourth tier, so we had to scramble. We considered creating another button or sticker, but then we realized we had something even better. Many months back, we brought the End of Time and Other Bothers table together to create a mini-episode, and it was probably one of the funniest things we ever recorded. But things went off the rails at the end and Sean ended up changing the storyverse so drastically that we shelved the episode, expecting to never release it.

But Eli came up with a way to record three additional lines at the end and save the episode. So this is now the tier 4 reward and it will be coming out in about two weeks for all $5 and up supporters. Right now, the working title for this strange little bonus episode is: Swamp Thing.

We are just waiting on new envelopes to arrive and we will get the physical goods from the special offer into the mail.

And we’re also sending out our mystery packages to our $10 and up supporters. These are a little bit less of a mystery this time because of the Special Offer. You’re going to get a few more of the Special Offer items and we also have a couple nice things just for our Benefactors and Nobility level patrons.

We want to close by saying again how much we value you and your support. It truly makes a difference and allows us to devote more time to creating these stories.

- Sean and Eli

Alba is back! Joins us 8pm EDT for a live AMA

Alba Salix, Royal Physician Returns with Volume 2 on November 2

And to celebrate the return of the long-awaited next season, Eli and Sean will be hosting a live AMA session on Instagram and via YouTube Live. This is a session where we answer your questions.

The AMA session will be on Friday, Nov 2 at 8pm New York City (EDT) / 1am London (GMT).

Link to the video stream: https://youtu.be/8Fzj9xqKTfw

Be sure to send any questions to us via our Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or any other of our channels. We look forward to answering your questions and celebrating the return of Alba Salix.

You can follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel and Instagram account.

We will also be posting links 5 minutes prior to the event to the following:

In Episode 1 of The End of Time and Other Bothers, Blat gets a call on the Speechifyer. Here’s what may have happened just prior to that call.

Floor D7, Room 392, Balgem HQ, Downtown Steadfast. Office of the Assistant Manager of Filing and Operations, Central Region.

MITCH

(on the Speechifyer)

Ha! Yeah, that was a great game last night!

CHERYL

(sticks her head into the room)

Mr. Heath? I’m sorry, sir, but there’s—

MITCH

Hold on, Bob.

(covers mouthpiece)

Cheryl, what did I tell you about interrupting me?

CHERYL

I’m sorry, Mr. Heath, but the—

MITCH

I’m sorry? I’M SORRY?! Cheryl, we’ll talk about this AFTER I get off this call.

CHERYL

Yes, sir.

(closes the door)

…continue reading “D7-392”

The main characters from Other Bothers go exploring

It’s here. It cannot be postponed any longer. It is The End of Time and Other Bothers, an improvised fantasy roleplaying audio drama set in the world of Alba Salix.

“You’ve never heard anything quite like this, I promise.”
- David Rheinstrom from Radio Drama Revival

“Funny and surprisingly captivating.”
- Zimbellina from promotethepodcasts.com

“It’s a genuine new story told using exciting roleplay techniques told with passion and enthusiasm”
- Gavin from The Pod Report

Want the goods?

In episode 1, you’ll meet Blat, a half-demon who just wants to fit in with his fellow file clerks despite his penchant for sulphuric soup and hot coal massages. He was sure that he’d reached the pinnacle of satisfaction in life and had already filed his hopes and dreams under ‘A’ for Attained. Then along came that pesky end of time.

You’ll be tempted to sit down for fairycakes and buttercup tea with Eggerton, a flightless fairy who could chat the ears off a field of corn. He’s a pie chart lover who prefers to put the Personal in Public Relations Professional, and manages to put a positive spin on everything from not-quite-bright enough rainbows to the annihilation of all that is, was and could be.

Rounding out our intrepid trio is Darcy Kimble, a human who most definitely has not attained job satisfaction but would think twice before checking the “Heroic Saviour” box on her life goals list. She enjoys centaur clubs, the latest tunes from TekTrollTonic and NOT witnessing the end of life as she knows it.

We invite you to join us for The End of Time and Other Bothers as we navigate Game Master Sean Howard’s richly realized world… a world he apparently plans to destroy. But never fear. With wittery, whimsy and team-building exercises our adventurers will endeavour to save the universe!

This improvisation-first fantasy roleplaying audio drama can be heard every two weeks with each new episode released on Sundays.

Listen to Episode 1 today at OtherBothers.com, or search for The End of Time and Other Bothers in the podcast app of your choice.

If you don’t tune in, you’ll have no idea what pneumatic tubes, centaur pants and an uplifting slideshow about a devastating explosion have in common!! You don’t want to be THAT person, do you?

Listen on OtherBothers.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Play
Listen on Stitcher

The creators of Alba Salix, Royal Physician and The Axe & Crown are excited to announce a brand-new podcast set in the fairytale kingdom of Farloria. But this one’s got a twist. Nobody knows what’s going to happen… least of all the participants!

The End of Time and Other Bothers is an improvised fantasy roleplaying game set in the world of Alba Salix. Producer extraordinaire Sean Howard emerges from behind the scenes to head up this new adventure as the Game Master.

It’s a tale of minotaurs, fairy cakes and cafeteria line workers, dystopian empires, magical waterfalls and mysterious books. Oh, and the end of time—that’s in there somewhere too.

So join us on April 15th to hear how a half-demon, a flightless fairy and a lowly human negotiate the pitfalls and perils of a world gone mad. They have no idea what will be thrown at them and Sean has no idea what they’ll throw back.

This improvised fantasy roleplaying game can be heard every two weeks with each new episode released on Sundays.

If you don’t tune in, you’ll have no idea what pneumatic tubes, fae stones and centaur pants have in common! You don’t want to be THAT person, do you?

Subscribe to The End of Time and Other Bothers wherever you listen to podcasts.

Listen on OtherBothers.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Play
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Stitcher

Every Monday, Sean and Eli host a Twitter chat where we interview and highlight a comedy writer and their work. As comedy writers, it is easy to think of our work as beneath the other great forms, but it is not. It is an art form that plays a critical role in our society.

(W)e’ve been led to believe that drama is the truth, and comedy is just silliness and gags.

But drama actually tells a lie. It’s a beautiful lie, but it leaves out the messy parts of being human.

— Steve Kaplan

Here are all our #ComedyScribeMonday chats, neatly compiled for your reading convenience!

  • Steve Kaplan – Writer, teacher and a leading expert on comedy for more than 15 years, and author of the book, The Hidden Tools of Comedy.
  • The Axe & Crown – Follow the development of a big scene from the pilot episode, from first draft to final recording script.
  • Alexander Danner – Author, playwright, and co-creator of the ensemble drama podcast Greater Boston.
  • David K. Barnes – Writer, playwright, coach and the creator and head writer of the lauded podcast sitcom Wooden Overcoats.
  • Maxamillian John – accomplished writer, one quarter of Definitely Human (makers of sci-fi comedy MarsCorp) and a player on the actual-play podcast The Infinite Bad.
  • Eric Silver – Dungeon Master of the actual-play Dungeons & Dragons podcast Join the Party.
  • Thoreau Smiley – Creator and producer of the supernaturally satirical serial Attention HellMart Shoppers!
  • Jake Song – Creator of horror-comedy Misadventure by Death and actor / writer on Jim Robbie and the Wanderers.
  • Orlando Segarra and Gabe Templin – Founders of Just Press Playhouse and writers of Flushed With Love and Time Trip!
  • Tom Crowley – Playwright and podcaster, actor on Wooden Overcoats and Victoriocity, and presenter/producer of Story Etc.
  • Jen and Chris Sugden – Creators of the steampunk comedy-mystery Victoriocity.
  • Hari Rai Khalsa – Writer and co-creator of the post-apocalyptic romp Radiation World.