Podventures in Odyssey

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Not One of Us,” in which Lucy learns the meaning of prejudice and bigotry firsthand so she can finish her article for the Odyssey Owl. Also, equal opportunity offenders, a horrible Brigadoon, dismissal, distrust, disdain, disregard, and a selpurcless man to the rescue. If there’s one thing we learned this episode, it’s that anyone can be exploited by min...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Have You No Selpurcs?” in which Curt and Lucy’s bickering over hypothetical ethical dilemmas inspires Whit to create a game on the same theme. The game, “Selpurcs,” is essentially a mediocre scavenger hunt. But by the end, Curt and Lucy know what selpurcs are, and they are, perhaps, better off for it. Alternative titles could have included: Slaroms, Scih...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Wishful Thinking,” in which Jimmy is exceptionally annoying and Donna harbors a directionless anger towards her brother and his brotherly antics. When Donna wishes that Jimmy had never been born, she gets exactly what she wished for. This probably won’t happen to you. Also, prophet Jimmy, bad jokes, and Tatjana and Emilee’s sibling dynamics.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Better Late Than Never,” in which Robyn, characteristically late to a youth group event, is now in danger of being kicked off the volleyball team if she is late to one more game. A stint in the Twilife Zone ought to teach her the importance of respecting other people’s time. But the true test comes when a myriad of circumstances outside of Robyn’s contro...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Silver Streak,” in which Tracy’s prized model train car goes missing. Lucky for us, Curt is on the case! The prime suspect is Michelle, the new girl at Whit’s End and Tracy’s rival for the state fair train competition. Did she really sabotage Tracy’s chances to have her train displayed at the fair, or was it an unfortunate accident? Also, a blue cabo...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Big Broadcast,” in which Tom (for some reason?) rediscovers the old Kids’ Radio equipment and leads the charge to get the station back on the air. The first broadcast has a vintage flare that isn’t shared by future Kids’ Radio episodes, but we enjoy it while it lasts. Also, a general blessing upon creativity, a discussion about The Good SamMaritan, a...

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...