Podventures in Odyssey

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Elijah, Part 2,” in which Robyn and Jack continue their separate adventures through 2 Kings, culminating with the most famous scene in the book. But the drama doesn’t end there. Queen Jezebel is still out to get those kids! Will they survive the wrath of the queen? Good thing this is all taking place in the Imagination Station. Also, appropriate biblical...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Elijah, Part 1,” in which Robyn and Jack take the brand new two-seater Imagination Station for a spin before it’s ready, with unintended consequences. They’re dropped separately into the middle of 2 Kings, Robyn into the hands of the evil queen Jezebel, and Jack into the company of the prophet himself. Also, hilarious dungeon comedy, increasing ominosity...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Heat Wave,” in which Jack learns a lesson in not letting his imagination run away with him. When the days are hot and the kids are bored, super sleuth (or average gumshoe) Jack Davis sets his sights on the trail of a mysterious kid with an armload of lumber and a knapsack. Also, internal monologues, bias in artificial intelligence, and universe-breaking...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Good Business,” in which Robin attempts to make money without having to work for it. To that end, Robin hires Jack and Oscar as lawn mowing employees at her major corporation, Robin’s Rotors. But when her employees go on strike, Robin has to learn a hard lesson about the value of hard work. Also, labor unions, the value of administrative work, the differ...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Prisoner for Christ,” in which Nicholas Adamsworth tries to hide in the Imagination Station to avoid a confrontation with Eugene, one of the least threatening humans to ever exist. Whit offers to let Nicholas test the latest adventure, which turns out to be quite thematic given Nicholas’s current circumstances. Who would’ve guessed the second ever Imag...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Price of Freedom,” in which a new history teacher challenges twelve-year-old Kirk McGinty’s starry-eyed view of the Vietnam War. Thing is, Kirk’s father died in the war. Now Kirk is left to grapple with the conflict’s moral complexity and wonder about his father’s place in it. Yeah. On Odyssey’s silly-to-serious spectrum, it’s about as serious as it...

So a fun thing you can do at Whit's End in Colorado Springs is record your own Adventures in Odyssey episode. Today we come to you not as Tatjana and Emilee, but as Jamie and Casey. In this adventure, Jamie and Casey learn the importance of working together as a team. We hope you have as much fun on this adventure as we had recording it!

Welcome to another Album Art Review, in which we talk about the original cover art on the album we just finished. In this review, we actually cover two iterations of the album art - the art from the album that Tatjana owns, and the art from the original album release. You can follow along with photos on our reddit as we discuss classic vs. current Whit design, a suave gambler man, and deep Odyssey...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Battle, Part 2,” in which the tension between Dr. Blackgaard and Richard Maxwell finally reaches its breaking point. Will Richard take one of the many opportunities presented to him to confess his crimes before things escalate? Or will he opt for the loudest, showiest climactic comeuppance in Odyssey history? Give the man a silver dollar! Also, conse...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Battle, Part 1,” in which Blackgaard’s Castle is open for business. And what business is that? Why, crime of course! While kids run amok upstairs, the evil doctor and the computer-hacker-conman are downstairs committing cyber crimes against Whit’s End! Our two villains seem to be having a lovely time, until certain buttons are pressed, both metaphori...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Our Best Vacation Ever,” in which the Barclay family is disappointed to discover that a summer vacation just isn’t in the budget this year. At the encouragement of Mr. Whitaker, they reconsider their assumptions about what makes a vacation fun and set out to enjoy a wild staycation. Also, the introduction of the WodFamChocSod, a mudslide on Poprock Mount...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Nemesis, Part 2,” in which Richard Maxwell finds the line he won’t cross and sees his first glimpse of the kind of man Dr. Regis Blackgaard really is. Meanwhile, Lucy ignores her better judgment about lying, allowing Whit and Connie to finally have a conversation. Also, stories that are narratively flawed in a way that makes your bad guy correct, sti...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Nemesis, Part 1,” in which Dr. Regis Blackgaard attempts to secure a business license in Odyssey despite failing to pass the vibe check, Richard goes fishing (for information), and Connie tries and fails to reconnect with Whit after learning a lesson at Camp What-a-Nut. Also, villainous euphemisms for doing harm to people, June plays a bout of tennis...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Eugene’s Dilemma,” in which Eugene finds himself in the center of a conundrum at Campbell College involving a child genius, a secure computer room, and the world’s sketchiest student counselor. Our problematic fave is back! Will Eugene handle the situation any better than he did Applesauce? Also, Richard Maxwell’s actual introduction, Dickensian-level vi...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Connie Goes to Camp, Part 2,” in which Connie continues recounting her time as a Camp What-a-Nut counselor in a letter to her mom. The boys vs. girls competition heats up, the clothes vs. television competition escalates, and Lucy learns that rules are not made to be broken, no matter the circumstances. Also, praying for our enemies, good sportsmanship,...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Connie Goes to Camp, Part 1,” in which Connie recounts her time as a Camp What-a-Nut counselor and the lessons she learned in a letter to her mom. While at camp, Lucy succumbs to the temptation of secrets, Allison displays a disconcerting obsession with television, the girls face a ludicrous level of gender discrimination, and the boys attempt to learn s...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Bite of Applesauce,” in which Mr. Whitaker entrusts Eugene with the knowledge of a secret computer room in Whit’s End that houses a mysterious, off-limits program called Applesauce. This becomes the premise for a Biblical Fall allegory starring Eugene as Adam, Connie as Eve, and Whit as God. A cool metaphor in theory. Let’s discuss how it plays out in...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “An Encounter with Mrs. Hooper,” in which Donna Barclay has an encounter with an orderly named Richard Maxwell and then befriends an old woman named Mrs. Hooper who is living in a care home. Donna learns the importance of engaging lovingly with people even when they put up walls. Also, Whit’s greenhouse makes an appearance, Baby It’s Cold Outside discours...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Imagination Station, Part 2", in which Digger Digwillow has moved beyond thinking the Bible is boring and is actively trying to stop the crucifixion of Jesus in the first ever Imagination Station adventure. The experience may be simulated, but something real is happening in Digger’s heart. Also, good soundscaping, good storytelling, and how does the...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Imagination Station, Part 1," in which Digger Digwillow, a kid who thinks the Bible is boring, gets set straight by Mr. Whittaker’s titular invention! Whit pulls exactly zero punches as he sends Digger off to witness the climax of all history--the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Also, casually inventing ground-breaking technology, imagining th...

Welcome to another Album Art Review, in which we talk about the original cover art on the album we just finished. You can follow along with photos on our reddit as we compare galoshes to rain boots, discuss jewel heists, and attempt to accurately describe an ottoman. Galoshes (n.): A tall, waterproof shoe worn over other shoes to keep the foot dry in wet conditions. If you have any drawings of a b...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Go Ye Therefore,” in which Connie recounts her tales of woe to Whit after failing at many exploits in evangelism. In the end, though, she learns that evangelism isn’t just about giving out tracts and saying the right words, but about witnessing through her life. Also, creative evangelism, soapbox sermons, defining persecution, and the five steps to salva...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Choices,” in which Lucy’s science teacher grants/assigns her the honor of writing an article for a local journal on the topic of evolution. Lucy feels conflicted, as she doesn’t believe in evolution but also doesn’t want to disobey her teacher. In seeking the answer to this moral dilemma, Lucy learns that sometimes what’s right and wrong isn’t so cut and...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bad Company,” in which Donna learns just how bad her friend Rachel’s company can be and must make a difficult choice about their relationship after Rachel commits a petty crime. Meanwhile, Connie learns that not all Bible studies are created equal and faces her first doubts as a Christian. Also, hermeneutics, heresies, and Macho Headbanger, Private Eye (...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Greatest of These,” in which Robyn Jacobs is paired with her struggling classmate Oscar Peterson for the science fair, much to Robyn’s dismay. Whit suspects there may be a good reason why Oscar has a hard time in school. But should that matter when it comes to the way Robyn treats Oscar? That’s the real question, folks. Also, spelling sports, uncondi...