Podventures in Odyssey

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Good and Faithful Servant,” in which the Barclays go on a family budget and Whit has a scheme to end Connie and Eugene’s constant bickering. Also, we are all stewards of God, money is a great motivator (and a universal reward), and bowling is more than a one-dollar injury. This whole episode just puts one in a millennial mood.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Let This Mind be in You,” in which Whit leaves Connie and Eugene alone for a weekend with the instruction to run the shop as he would. Both employees take this to heart in their own ways. Naturally, everything goes smoothly without any bickering or mishaps! Haha, couldn’t say that with a straight face! Also, friendship origins, burning down Whit’s End, t...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Boy Who Didn’t Go To Church,” in which Jack fills in as the lead during the Little Theatre’s dress rehearsal. The play tells the story of B.O.D.Y., an organization full of body-themed characters dedicated to helping people. However, LaFeet is tired of doing the same job for the B.O.D.Y. every day and decides to strike out on his own. We learn just wh...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “And When You Pray,” in which Donna Barclay tries to understand prayer after her brother Jimmy gets the bike he prayed for. She experiments by making a prayer request of her own. If prayer really works, surely God will make it rain on gym class, right? Also, God’s Corner™, mustard jar faith, biblical deep cuts, and the 8th deadly sin.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Worker Approved,” in which Robyn Jacobs learns how to explain God. Whit and Connie teach Robyn the value of scripture reading, scripture-based evangelism, and studying scripture in community. Also, Chris lore, driver’s tests, spiritual rhythms, and the cost of spiritual freedom. Have you learned the one way that you interact with scripture? Good. Now t...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Matter of Obedience,” in which Tom Riley subs in as a Sunday school teacher and regales the class with a tale from his youth to illustrate the importance of obedience. Once upon a time, young Tom and his sister Becky were given very specific instructions by their father about delivering medicine to a woman on the other side of the Gloomy Woods. But did...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Prodigal Jimmy,” in which Jimmy learns a hard lesson about obedience after falling in with a bad crowd at the arcade and getting conned out of all his savings. Thankfully, Jimmy has a good father whose love for his son is unconditional. Also, becoming Scrooge, modeling healthy Christian family life, and the importance of unstructured time (never not...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “By Faith, Noah,” in which Jack and Lucy come to Mr. Whitaker with some questions about faith. This leads naturally to the Bible Room where we are in for a classic story told with a modern twist. Also, exhaustion-fueled giggles, unintentional social commentary, and sharing your faith with your community. CW: A brief discussion of disregard for human life...

It's that time again, folks! Today's podventure is an Album Art Review, in which we oh-so elegantly bridge the gap between albums by discussing original cover art. Follow along with photos on our reddit as we discuss title differences, blond Eugene, and tree branches that look like hair. Do you like consuming visual media in an audio format? Let us know your thoughts! We'll be back next week with...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Peace on Earth,” in which the titular blessing seems absent as Whit and the gang struggle through a chaotic Christmas Eve at the shop. While obligations and errands pile up like snow drifts, Tom encourages Whit to slow down and appreciate the actual snow drifts. Later, an unpleasant surprise on Christmas morning helps the Barclay family recenter their ho...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Sacred Trust,” in which Lucy plans to enter a pact of unconditional mutual secrecy with another eleven-year-old. Whit, like the rest of us, has questions and concerns. Meanwhile, Connie and Eugene’s relationship is quickly establishing itself on the firm foundations of competition and mutual disdain. This is the Adventures in Odyssey we know and love...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Connie, Part 2,” in which many Christians in Connie’s life play spiritual tag in pursuit of saving Connie’s eternal soul. Meanwhile, our resident mad scientist Eugene has made some changes around Whit’s End, most of them not for the better. Also, foghorn bells, copious flashbacks, foreshadowing, and the importance of church history.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Connie, Part 1,” in which Connie finally gets to visit California, but she is no longer the same person who bought the bus ticket almost a year ago. Will Connie discover the truth behind her restless spirit? Will Whit find peace? Will anyone ever understand what Eugene is saying? Oh yeah. Also, Eugene is here.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Karen,” in which Donna Barclay’s best friend Karen is diagnosed with a serious illness. Through it all, Karen overflows with the kind of joy that can only come from knowing and trusting Jesus. Fair warning: this episode is SAD. But like Karen, we find humor in the midst of difficult circumstances. Also, Manila cake, faith during tragedy, and using storie...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Thank You, God,” in which Whit recounts a tale from his childhood involving his stepmother, Fiona Donneral, to demonstrate how we can be thankful to God in all circumstances. Also, thanksgiving traditions, community responsibility, and having an eternal perspective. CW: Some brief discussion of body horror

In this podventure outtake, Emilee loses her dang mind (outros are difficult, okay). Also, the dot com heresy. Recorded during the episode "Three Single Votes." This is how the sausage gets made, people. Happy I Slap Floor day.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Heroes,” in which Bimmy Jarkley’s basketball hero, Lightning Livingston, retires to Odyssey and starts a sports camp. Is Lightning “the greatest,” as Jimmy believes? Or is he a flawed human being like the rest of us? Also, sports names, parasocial relationships, the people’s right to know, and accountability in community.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Single Vote,” in which Whit’s End hosts a night of campaign speeches by kids running for class president. Connie doesn’t buy into the whole thing, but Whit’s got a story from US history that illustrates the importance of participating in the democratic process. Also, talking statues, civic-mindedness, argument metaphors, ranked choice voting, and the t...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Shepherd and the Giant,” in which Connie reluctantly agrees to be Whit’s guinea pig for his new Bible room invention. No, it isn’t the Imagination Station. Also, aphantasia (the inability to visualize mental images), Bartok from Anastasia, and the importance of good Christian art.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Back to School,” in which serial exaggerator Leslie tells Mr. Whitaker about her awful first week of school. Whit wonders whether something else is really bothering Leslie, like maybe the fact that she’s lost touch with her best friend? Also, irrelevant hyperbolic shenanigans, cackling school staff, and feelings vs facts.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Rumor Has It,” in which the Kirban family is subjected to a series of small town rumors, and Jack and Lucy learn the importance of the words we choose to listen to, act on, and share about other people. Also, American ideologies, police procedural dramas, and how to change someone’s mind. We don’t explicitly mention anything that wasn’t also explicitly m...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Mike Makes Right,” in which Mike Caldwell becomes a hero among his peers after taking on the school bully. What will this sudden rise to power do to his young, impressionable psyche? And what lesson will he do everything in his power not to learn before it’s too late? Also, the school bully trope, school discipline, and the importance of fostering humili...

We're doing something a little different this week, something perfectly suited to the audio medium: Album Art Review! Follow along with photos of the albums on our reddit as we discuss Whit's End architecture, schadenfreude, and floating eyebrows. Do you love consuming visual media in an audio format? Let us know your thoughts! We'll be back next week with the first episode of album three, "Mike M...

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Last Great Adventure of the Summer,” in which Terry discovers that there’s a lot about his dad he doesn’t know. Also, waiting in the trash, stock spy dialogue, and hiding your grief. What’s your animal-based spy name? We don’t use real names in the podcasting business.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Return to the Bible Room,” in which Jack and Lucy shirk their church clean-up day duties to explore the Bible Room at Whit’s End. Mr. Whitaker takes the opportunity to tell them the story of Jonah. Also, Bible Alexa, imaginary characters gaining sentience, and why we run from God. Hey everyone, remember Jimma and Donny? How about Lack and Jucy? CW: Menti...