Podventures in Odyssey

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Melanie’s Diary,” in which Robyn is not on her best big sister behavior. First she snoops in her little sister Melanie’s diary, then she jokes about it with her friends at Whit’s End. Furious, Melanie decides to get even. Will Robyn learn a little empathy? Will Melanie enjoy her taste of revenge? You’ll have to listen to find out. Also, the Odyssey Trope Trove™, Wicked vs Evil, and healing relationships.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Back to Bethlehem, Part III,” in which Connie must contend with not one but two marriage proposals, one from the young zealot Judah, and one from none other than the Roman General himself! A swordfight between the jealous suitors lands the innocent bystanders Eugenius and Hezekaiah in jail, where Eugene is forced to confront his lack of faith yet again. Will God answer Hezekaiah’s lifelong prayer to see the messiah with his own eyes? Will witnessing the nativity stir Eugene’s heart? Will Connie ever catch a break from all these men? Also, the ancient vampires that no one ever thinks about.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Back to Bethlehem, Part II,” in which the cast of the nativity expands to include the shepherds and the expecting couple themselves, Mary and Joseph. Hezekiah challenges Eugenius to engage his heart in his search for truth. Mary’s labor begins, and Connie is called upon to assist. Judah approaches Connie with a marriage proposal. Also, a quick look at the discussion questions, some character appreciation, and a daily mantra we hope nobody adopts.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Back to Bethlehem, Part I,” in which Connie and Eugene(ius) are off to experience the Nativity for themselves in the Imagination Station. Will Eugene’s heart be opened to the true meaning of Christmas, or will he remain trapped in his doubts? Will Connie’s eyes be opened to the gritty reality of life in the first century, or will she get caught up in a brewing love triangle that serves no purpose other than being extremely entertaining? Also, a baffling Chris Corner (or should we say, Christmas Corner?), selectively leaning into the realism of patriarchy, and Imagination Station theories! Everyone say Roman Census!

Just giving you all a heads up that there will be no episode this week! Rest assured, we are both excited to cover Album Ten. In the meantime, why not check out Your Fellow Odyssians?

Listen along for our descriptions of: adorable sheep, a calculator-microphone, and brothers, so many brothers.

!!!SPECIAL GUEST ALERT!!! Welcome Daniel, host of the marvelous podcast Your Fellow Odyssians! Thank you for joining us on today’s Podventure in Odyssey!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Over the Airwaves,” in which a Bible Study about the parables of Jesus takes the form of a Kid’s Radio broadcast. There are several delightful segments, the chief of which is a Western retelling of the Parable of the Tenants. What will become of the Southspoon Ranch when its benevolent owner, Matt Cartwood, leaves the property in the care of three tenants with epithets in front of their names? And what role will his beloved son Jerems–er–Jeremy play in the unfolding drama? Also, a smorgasbord of metaphors for episode structure, a sidekick rescued from the sidekick pound, and final thoughts out loud. It’s a whole kitchen of an episode!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Vow,” in which Jessie sets Donna down the path of anxiety over her parents’ relationship after they take the ‘first step’ towards divorce. When Donna walks in on her parents arguing, she and Jimmy decide to join forces in convincing their parents to sign a contract stating that they will never separate while Donna is in D.C. with her dad and Jimmy is at home with his mom. But what they don’t know is that, in a way, her parents already have signed a contract. A contract before God. Also, romantically charged arguments, leaning on the fourth wall, and correlation does not equal causation.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Cousin Albert,” in which Lucy interviews her cousin and premiere basketball jock Albert for the Odyssey Owl. Much to her chagrin, however, Albert is giving her absolutely nothing to work with. Could Albert have something to hide? Also, Marvin Corner, relationship misunderstandings, and Lucy’s life mission.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bernard and Joseph, Part 2,” in which we hear the exciting conclusion to the Joseph story. Dreams interpreted and fulfilled, hearts broken and changed, vengeance offered and refused. Typical Bible stuff! Also, sibling antics, and lessons to learn from Potiphar’s wife (primarily, don’t be like her). Be careful out there, everyone. It’s a cow-eat-cow world.

Oh brother(s)! In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bernard and Joseph, Part 1,” in which Bernard sits Arty down to tell him the first half of the Joseph story from Genesis. Arty, having never heard it before, is a fount of colorful commentary. It’s a fun dramatization with fleshed out characters and great dialogue. Also, our own dream interpretations, a call to elevate the Potiphar numbers, and a natural skit that evolves naturally and naturally fits right in with the Joseph theme. Naturally.

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 mining barons.

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, Scihtes, and Snoitcnupmocs. Also, a discussion about holding wisdom graciously, and a few ethical conundrums of our own.

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 control conspire to keep her from the game, and she must fight the clock to prove she has changed her tardy ways. Also, thesaurus fun, tips for building your time management skills, lateness nightmare anecdotes, and a brief discussion of time culture.

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 caboose, the private eyeball, and sociopathy.

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, and a lot of fun with sound effects.

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 ranking Odyssey episodes.

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 images shall have to suffice until such a time as album 8 reappears).

Tatjana if you are reading this don’t think I didn’t notice on my editing pass what you slipped in there about Bernard. I may have missed it during actual recording but I did not miss it the second time around. You know what you said.

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 many ethics questions to choose from, and 10,000 different rewrites.

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 you have specific question ideas, please email us at podventuresinodyssey@gmail.com.

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 competition. Also, Eau de Bart, compliment toast, and winning the trolley problem.

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 these questions you ever thought you would have to ask yourself about an episode of Adventures in Odyssey? Tune in to find out! Also, RPG escapades, setting boundaries, and some sincere life affirmations.

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 spiritual warfare is afoot as Len constantly pushes Jimmy beyond his comfort zone and into darker and more uncomfortable imaginative territory. Also, a little education on the subject of actual TTRPGs (Table Top Role-Playing Games), discussions of cults, bullying, nerd culture, and our own lengthy experiences with roleplaying games.

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 from dubious advisors, and becomes the author of his own demise. Whit and Tom are here. Tar and feathers are involved. Also, the slowest roll a punchline can have, a discussion of risk-reward re: pranking strangers, and the hardest left turn in Discussion Question history.

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, kid/borrowing cultures, the long arm of the law, and how to start your very own detective business.

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 of his life? The answers are no and yes. Also, tonal inconsistency, further thoughts before final thoughts, and the real question: why didn’t this episode come before Applesauce?

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 glitches! Some of the audio near the beginning got corrupted during recording.

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 explain why Christians should date other Christians, and two important questions: Which Odyssey character are you, and what kind of plant? Potato?

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 just a normal part of life. Also, the invention of a fun new mail-related game, a Christianese word study, and an open invitation to confess (podfess?) at our confessional (i.e. podfessional).

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 Starcade, Lucy’s weakness to compliments, and the introduction of a very fun main cast member.

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 as we discuss the classic children’s story book style art, whether we’re guessing the depicted characters correctly, and how often gym class features in this album.

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 “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 some insight into the true nature of courage, and you can bet Isaac will have an opportunity to exercise his newfound virtue before the day is done. If you thought “Ice Fishing” would be the episode to feature a crisis on a frozen body of water, you would be mistaken! Also, a cursed ‘ship, Odyssey geography, and unpredictable discussion questions.

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 of exercise: cardio and muscle stuff, and how to stand up for what’s right. Gloves come off. Tats is skewered.

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 end, Connie learns that anything can be a good story, from the right point of view. Also, Eugene sings, literary advice, and Lord of the Rings fan fiction.

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. What could go wrong? Given a setup like that, the answer is surprisingly little. Regardless, the dialogue and actor chemistry make this episode worthy of its status as an AiO classic. Also, dueling insecurities, repetitive metaphors, how to be comforted by comforting truths, and an unfortunate pause. Sorry!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Barclay Family Ski Vacation,” in which Donna develops a crush and George decides that he better Do Something about that. Also, Mary as the voice of reason, unprompted conversations with your dad in the dark, and writer self-insert characters.

Alternative verses that could have been attached to this episode: Psalm 45:10 or Colossians 3:21.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Visitors,” in which the Barclay family’s idyllic Christmas morning is interrupted by the advent (deliberate word choice) of an unhoused couple and their baby. The Spirit is at work, but by the time the Barlcays realize their role in this story, the mysterious family has vanished. But don’t worry. God’s plans can’t be thwarted, even when we miss the most obvious onramps. Also, Odyssey’s phantom neighborhood that only exists when the plot requires it, a little Les Mis discourse, and helping the poor: a discussion of Type 1 and Type 2 Errors (Tats got the terminology right!).

In this podventure, we discuss the episde “Monty’s Christmas,” in which Whit’s daughter and grandkids continue to enjoy Christmas in Odyssey. However, not everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit, and as tensions rise between Janna and Monty, it may take an outsider’s perspective to give Monty the clarity he needs over his mother’s behavior and his own feelings towards his absent father. Also, childhood trauma, a genderqueer snowperson, Emilee’s superpower, and Tatjana’s quotable wisdom.

Editor’s Note: Apologies for the occasional audio clicks and glitches. We don’t know what’s going on with our microphones.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Reluctant Rival,” in which Whit’s daughter and grandkids come to Odyssey for Christmas. His granddaughter Jenny, a bit of a whiz kid, joins the Odyssey children’s orchestra just in time for the Christmas concert and accidentally snatches the violin solo from a local girl. Drama. Chaos. Semiconductors. Also, storybreaking orchestra conductor fanfiction, fixing an almost good episode, and the age old debate: hard work vs. innate talent, answered once and for all.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Very Best of Friends,” in which Donna is forced to face her grief over Karen’s passing as the fall festival draws nearer and Jimmy puts on a silly little play with Oscar. Also, British culture in American schools, gender in the theater, and some hard-hitting discussion questions about death. There were kids playing Shakespeare in this episode.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Isaac the Insecure,” in which Isaac, a self-identified "boring" kid, idolizes fellow middle schooler Jack Davis for being “cool.” A group project forces them together, sowing seeds of miscommunication, disappointment, and… friendship? Also, the weirdest character comparison, the least dramatic mid-episode break, and a deep dive into dealing with heavy emotions. We didn’t think we’d go there, but we did.