Midst has a story to tell, or at least they found one to tell in the process of making it, and tells it in a very unique way. The way Midst is performed makes it feel like the narrators are organically telling you a story. It doesn’t feel like an audiobook where all the lines have been meticulously written, and it doesn’t feel like a RPG podcast where the players playing characters. Instead, it feels like hearing a grand story as a child.

The details are sometimes exaggerated to grand effect, or left extremely vague - whichever adds to the feeling and flow of the story. For example, the main mode of ground transportation in this universe are bocular vehicles. What does it mean for a vehicle to be bocular powered? Who knows, it doesn’t matter!

I am not going to give an summary of the story as a whole, but I will give a list of some highlights on my favorite concepts and moments from the story. Warning, spoilers ahead:

  • There is a force, or maybe things, known as terrors that happen in the fold, the “dark” part of this universe. The way the narrators explain what is happening during terrors is awesome. They keep a fast flow of crazy, cosmic horror descriptions coming at you for minutes at a time, making you feel overwhelmed and awed. Shot a gun in the fold? The light summons a swarm of pirañas in the muzzle flash. Trying to hide massive terror but it finds you? Your leg is now a man named Jacob, and your neighbors personality has been replaced by frogs.
  • Moc Weepe is such a cool character and I love him. His evolution from slimy business man into murderous cult leader feels natural despite how fast it happens. The evolution of his voice as the fold consumes him adds to the terror you feel when Weepe is present, especially once they have to start adding the pump sound effects in the background. It has the same vibes as a Darth Vader.
  • Lark trying to convince herself she doesn’t give a damn about anyone while constantly putting herself at risk every 10 minutes. A great tough on the outside, soft (but still badass) on the inside character.
  • Despite being unlikable on purpose (sometimes), I liked Phineas’ redemption story quite a lot. His flaws are well justified, but they shine through constantly. Phineas’ freezing when offered valor in exchange for Lark is a prime example. Of course we dislike that he even thought about betraying the other members of the breach, but it makes sense as the desire to become valorous has been burned into Phineas for his entire life.
  • The excitement with which they describe every creature in Midst. I would pay just to have them read off creatures they created for a few episodes. The fold whales and mirror hawks are some top examples.