Podventures in Odyssey

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Two Sides to Every Story,” in which Donna and Jimmy, after being left home alone during the Barclay parent date night, recount their own versions of the events which transpired leading to the fire truck parked in their driveway. Also, unreliable narrators, a satisfying sound effect, the importance of perspective-taking, and metaphorical frameworks for ra...

Welcome to another Album Art Review, in which we discuss the original cover art on the album we just finished. In this review, we cover art from many episodes in this album, but mostly Curious, Isn’t It?, The Winning Edge, and Castles & Cauldrons. You can follow along with photos from our reddit (sadly, Emilee misplaced the album and could not locate it in time to take pictures, so internet im...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “All’s Well With Boswell,” in which Robyn's first babysitting job turns out to be a catsitting job, and it all goes downhill from there. A broken figurine, a spilled food bag, an escaped cat, an accidental trip to Connellsville, a fortuitous return... yet it manages to be one of our least favorite episodes of all time! Also, soap opera analysis, too m...

We've got two updates for you! (Don't worry, it's not a hiatus announcement.) First, we're going to be guests on another Adventures in Odyssey podcast, called Your Fellow Odyssians! Second, Emilee is going to the Odyssey One Grand Show event, and wants to know what your questions are for the cast, as they will be pooling questions from the audience. Polls are very limited, so if yo...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "The Winning Edge," in which the Stingrays find a new coach in Bart Rathbone. What could possibly go wrong? Tracy and Robyn, best friends turned rivals, face off against one another in the girl's softball league, one the star pitcher and the other the star hitter. However, Tracy may have gotten a little too carried away with her sense of com...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 2,” in which Jimmy’s cousin Len continues to drag Jimmy down the dark path of dubiousness that is their shared fantasy “game.” Will Jimmy give up his scruples in order to appease his abusive cousin? Does Len have the demonic power to control cats? Will they summon a literal demon together using a blood ritual in the woods? Are...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1,” in which Jimmy’s cousin Len introduces Jimmy to the wonderful(?) world of Castles and Cauldrons, a game(?) loosely based on an idea of a concept of a rumor of what Dungeons and Dragons might be like in an alternate universe. (We’ll let the inaccuracies go eventually.) Len insists it’s just a game, but Whit senses that spir...

Content Warning: Discussions of child trafficking and abuse In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Missing Person,” in which Rodney Rathbone runs away from home, Isaac learns a lesson about loving your enemies, and we ask why this episode isn’t more entertaining. What, did you think this was going to be a prodigal son allegory? Incorrect. Also, all bad guys have R names and all good guys have...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Pranks for the Memories,” in which Odyssey is stricken by a rash of pranks. Who should be behind it but the self declared Prankster King, Curt Stevens. Curt boasts that he is above retaliation for his practical jokes. Ah, but heavy is the head that wears the prankster crown. Like many famous kings before him, Curt descends into paranoia, accepts wisdom f...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "An Act of Mercy," in which Rodney Rathbone reenacts the parable of the unmerciful servant from Matthew 18. While Rodney receives mercy for stealing apples from Tom Riley's farm, he shows no mercy to Pete, a child who owes him $2 in lunch money. But don't worry, Tom, Bart, and Officer O'Ryan have a scheme to set him straight. Also, k...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Suspicious Minds,” in which $100 mysteriously goes missing from the Whit’s End cash register. Connie and Eugene initially join forces to catch the culprit, but soon their suspicions turn toward one another. Can Whit convince them to stop acting like Looney Tunes characters before someone electrocutes someone with a car battery? Is Bernard having the time...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Curious, Isn’t It?,” in which Esther and Ben overhear a shocking conversation between Whit and a mystery woman. As Esther’s wild speculations spiral out of control, the rest of the town of Odyssey gets sucked into the whirlpool of her conjecture. Also, monkey suits, the idiot ballpit, and playing the part of the Fool. Editor’s Note: Apologies for the gli...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “First Love,” in which Connie meets the high school baseball star Jeff Lewis. They hit it off and start spending a lot of time together. But alas, Jeff is *gasp* not a Christian! How long can Connie convince herself that “missionary dating” is a good idea? We’ll find out in today’s Podventure in Odyssey! Also, the “not like other girls” trope, how to expl...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "A...is for Attitude," in which we take a tour of Connie's follies after she dishes out some misguided advice about the benefits of a positive attitude. Also, personal trainer Connie, mortal peril, and a discussion of the way women are taught the consequences of their actions.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bad Luck,” in which Robyn receives a chain letter asking for a dollar and promising grave consequences if refused. Believing the letter wholeheartedly, Jessie tries to persuade Robyn to comply. When she does not, the two friends spend the rest of the episode debating whether Robyn’s run-of-the-mill misfortunes are the cause of supernatural bad luck, or j...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “By Any Other Name,” in which Kurt Stevens, with the help of Lucy’s campaign management skills, runs for class rep so he can get a passing grade in social studies. Meanwhile, the town of Odyssey comes face-to-face with Phil Phillips, who is here to help those struggling small businesses rebrand—for a nominal fee, of course. Also, the Raw Metal Power Push...

Welcome to another Album Art Review, in which we discuss the original cover art on the album we just finished. In this review, we cover art from many episodes in this album, but mostly Isaac the Coureagous and The Very Best of Friends. Once again, we got a couple bonus episodes from the Odyssey app that were not present in the original physical album. You can follow along with photos on our reddit...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Thanksgiving At Home,” in which Jimmy and Donna take it upon themselves to cook Thanksgiving dinner while their parents languish in bed with the flu. WhAt cOuLd gO wRoNg?? A lot, and yet, at the same time, not very much. Also, hyperspecific Bible advice, the origin of the First Thanksgiving myth, and the invention of a brand new, much-needed holiday.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "One Bad Apple," in which some poisoned apples send Tom, Whit, and Curt on an after hours sleuthing mission to Edgebiter's upstream Odyssey office. Also, bad security guards, bureaucracy montages, individual vs. collective responsibility, and Tom as the Mandalorian. Here are further resources on some of the topics we covered: Amazon Deforest...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Isaac the Courageous,” in which Isaac tries to join…the Bones of Rath??? That’s right, Rodney Rathbone has arrived on the cast list! Isaac, continuing to wrestle with his identity, longs to prove himself in the eyes of his peers. And what better way than by subjecting himself to Rodney’s horrible gang initiation rites? Thankfully, Whit is able to provide...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Lincoln, Part 2,” in which Jimmy finishes his imagination station adventure, bearing witness to the events which led to the end of the Civil War. Also, sanctioned times for deception, the myth of Robert E Lee, dirty sarsparilla, and tonal whiplash. We have lots of resources for you this time: The Atlantic article about the myth of Robert E Lee - https://...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Lincoln, Part 1," in which Jimmy is cajoled into taking his first ever Imagination Station adventure through the annals of American History. Jimmy gets dropped into a forest, where he meets 'Abe' and they become fast friends through the time-honored pastime of squirrel hunting. After discovering that his friend Abe is in fact President...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Front Page News,” in which we are introduced to Curt Stevens! Curt ropes Oscar into joining the school paper with him in order to skip Phys Ed. For their first assignment, they must interview their intimidating former coach. All goes exactly according to plan and they get away with it. Just kidding. Also, coach insults, a different F bomb, the two types...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Scattered Seeds,” in which Connie wants nothing more than to write stories like Whit, but laments that nothing interesting has happened in her life from which she can draw inspiration, unlike Whit, who is a font of endlessly interesting life experiences. Whit sets out to prove otherwise by having Connie recount the tale of her directorial debut. In the e...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Ice Fishing,” in which Whit’s grandson Monty is tired of being compared to his perfect sister. Meanwhile Tom is tired of Eugene being Eugene. Tom’s proposed solution: a stint in nature. Surely Eugene’s personality won’t survive the harsh winter elements. Eager to individuate, Monty convinces Whit that they should go too. Just four guys and a frozen lake....