Podventures in Odyssey

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "A Thanksgiving Carol," in which KYDS Radio retells the Christmas Carol with a Thanksgiving twist (and several budget cuts). Also, categorizing holidays by their meal type, rated T for Turkey, and holiday mascots. It's a Thanksgiving episode, Carol.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Cross of Cortes, Part 2,” in which our heroes face betrayal, yet still manage to beat our villains to the treasure. Deep in a mountain cave, they reach the Cross of Cortes! But the villains aren’t far behind. Will our heroes escape with the treasure? Or will we all learn a greater lesson about greed, superstition, and misplaced hope? Also, preserving...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Cross of Cortes, Part 1,” in which the arrival of a mysterious package sends Whit and Eugene on an amateur archaeological expedition to, where else, Mexico City! There they become embroiled in a classic treasure hunt rife with allies, enemies, and intrigue. And elementary level Spanish. And an angry bull. Also, the cultural influence on our perceptio...

Don't worry, we're not going away! Life's just a bit busy right now. This is a courtesy notice to let you know the Cross of Cortes two-part episode will be delayed.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "A Test for Robyn," in which Robyn Jacobs learns a hard lesson about studying for tests. Also, DJ Eugene, the bar for children, and the curtains of Dale.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Hold Up!” in which the closing routine at Whit’s End is interrupted by an affable robber who wants Connie and Eugene to just, yaknow, hand over the money before someone gets hurt :) What a perfect case study for the debate about the basic nature of humankind! It’s the episode that’s mostly comedy gold with a quick dip into the horror genre right at the e...

In this bonus episode, we sit down with our friend Pacomio to discuss indigenous stereotypes in media, with a focus on how this stereotype shows up in the Adventures in Odyssey episode, "The Curse." Along the way, we learn some eye-opening facts about indigenous history within the United States, talk about what it looks like to run before you can walk, and consider what it means to engag...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Curse,” in which Connie, Lucy, and Eugene learn a hard lesson about the nature of curses. Also, native stereotypes, flagpole sitting, and succulent cherries. During this episode, we referenced the podcast series “The Place We Find Ourselves." It is an excellent therapy podcast that has a series about spiritual warfare and curses. Give it a liste...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Model Child,” in which Melanie Jacobs is disappointed when her parents bar her from entering a local beauty pageant for kids. Melanie admires Monica Winters, who looks very grown up for an 11-year-old and is allowed to enter the pageant. But as Melanie and Monica start to make friends, the question arises: is Monica as happy as Melanie had always assum...

It's that time of podcast again. Join us for an Album Art Review, which includes a surprising amount of ship discourse (the literal kind). Also, all our leftover thoughts on Album 11 that didn't make it into the episodes!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bernard & Esther, Part Two,” in which Bernard finishes recounting the tale of Esther to Robin and Melanie. Also, goatskins and peacock feathers, circumstances controlled by God, and girl power.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bernard & Esther, Part One,” in which Bernard recounts the first half of the tale of Esther to bored sisters, Robin and Melanie. Also, Oh, Susanna, ad-libbed lines, and assassins with backstory. Editor's Note: Apologies for the intermittent quiet audio. Emilee's microphone was not turned all the way up during these recording sessions.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Rathbone of Contention,” in which a new business called The Electric Palace is being built on the old site of Blackgaard’s Castle, and who should be the franchisee but Bart Rathbone? He’s eager to get the store up and running, and he’s willing to cut metaphorical corners to do it. He’d cut literal corners if it would help. But will unethical business p...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Day in the Life,” in which Whit recounts a tale of when a tale he wrote about Odyssey was turned into a film. Along the way, we learn how anything can happen in the world of make-believe. Also, Hollywood stereotypes, sabotage, and the Odyssey that lives within us all. Note: This episode was recorded before Focus on the Family announced they were making...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Coming of Age,” in which Jimmy Barclay tells his journal all about the weird things that have been happening to him lately, including such delights as facial hair and emotional instability. It’s time for that adventure from which there is no return–adolescence! Also, the best and worst parts of growing up and broaching taboo topics with kids. A note for...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Mayor for a Day," in which Curt Stevens daydreams his way into a life lesson about the importance of hard work in politics. Also, the semantic definition of "contest," a prototypical Room of Consequence, and an unhinged episode rewrite. Editor's Note: Thank you for your patience as we took a break over the holiday. Episodes in the...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Meaning of Sacrifice,” in which the Barclay family (mostly at the impetus of George) decide to give up TV for a month as a sacrifice to the Lord. This means no soap operas for Donna and no video games for Jimmy–the very things they cannot live without! Presented with loopholes, the kids feel guilty and conflicted. Time to learn the true meaning of fa...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Last Shall be First,” in which Connie tries to convince Uncle Joe that he isn’t too old for church, and Jimmy learns a lesson in fairness. Also, a real smoothie, soda discovery fountain emporium, and the stock market. Editor's Note: Due to some water damage on my computer that necessitated a two week stint at the repair shop, this episode is post...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Home is Where the Hurt Is,” in which it seems like we’re in for a typical sitcom-esque story about Curt and his schemes. But this time, we get a peek behind the scenes and learn that Curt’s home life isn’t very sitcom-esque at all. Curt tries to hide the messy truth from Lucy and Whit, but their concern for him pushes them to dig deeper. Does Curt need h...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Dawn’s Early Light,” in which Lucy and Kurt go on an Imagination Station adventure together but separately and Lucy learns a lesson in patriotism. Also, common Imagination Station tropes, harnessing the power of Kurt, and confirmation that Odyssey is not in Maryland. Further Reading: Texas vs. Johnson case (1989)

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Where There’s A Will…,” in which the Barclay family is faced with a big decision: to stay in Odyssey, or to move to Washington D.C. so George can take a new position at his company. Jimmy and Donna try various methods of discerning God’s will, only to come to conflicting conclusions. What does it mean? Why is God’s will so tricky to figure out? The answe...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Muckraker," in which Lucy gets a hard lesson in ethical journalism after she attempts to "rake muck" over a shampoo company. Also, a license to dive, the value of oral traditions, and the difference between pundits and journalists.

A chill zone where we talk about the original box album art, but also final thoughts on the album as a whole, and anything else about the episodes that occurred to us after recording. Tune in for an episode theme guessing game, further Eugene and Richard character analysis, and more!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Homecoming,” in which the town of Odyssey is all stirred up over the rumor that Richard Maxwell has returned. Well, spoilers, he has. And further spoilers, no, he is not up to no good. He is actually here to apologize to everyone he hurt during album 5. It’s a surprisingly emotionally intimate episode about the importance of asking for forgiveness, w...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Last in a Long Line,” in which Eugene discovers that he might not be the last in a long line, after all, when he discovers a grave in Odyssey with his father’s name on it. Also, the permanency of affections, getting poetic about family heritage, and Bernard’s worst nightmare.