Professor Theo's Mystery Lab
By Jonathan Joy
The town of Splendid, West Virginia has a higher than average number of kid superheroes, giant bugs, time travelling teens, and much more bizarre activity. Professor Theo's Mystery Lab on the campus of Splendid University is somehow at the heart of it all. Though he doesn't like to divulge all his secrets, the Professor does enjoy sharing his hometown bedtime stories, sure to delight the young, imaginative one in your life.
Written by Jonathan Joy, based on his newspaper column of stories for kids, this is a 10-15 minute podcast, updated weekly, rich in fun, playful tales.
Written by Jonathan Joy, based on his newspaper column of stories for kids, this is a 10-15 minute podcast, updated weekly, rich in fun, playful tales.
109. A Transformative Tale and Some Pokémon Poetry
Mel the Metamorph travels to Earth to observe its inhabitants and Professor Theo shares poems inspired by Pokémon.
10:50
January 16, 2021
108. Kid Space Force's New Year Special
Kid Space Force Chris shares a galactic adventure update while Theo reflects on the year that was and considers what lies ahead in 2021.
11:01
December 30, 2020
107. Kid Superheroes Vs. The Christmas Tree Army
Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic for this very special, action-packed episode.
07:28
December 23, 2020
106. To Catch an Elf, Part 2 (of 2)
Questions are answered in this, the shocking conclusion to yesterday's North Pole thriller.
11:23
December 21, 2020
105. To Catch an Elf, Part 1 (of 2)
The Saint Nick Squad investigates a break in at the North Pole that may just be an inside job.
11:45
December 20, 2020
104. Professor Theo's 3rd Annual Holiday Special
Splendid's excess holiday spirit catches Santa off guard, and the jolly dude crash lands into the Mystery Lab.
10:51
December 13, 2020
103. Ye Olde Toy Shop
A teddy bear defends his toy store home, fending off two dastardly burglars.
10:50
December 6, 2020
102. The Tackett Twins in The Don't Go There Forest
Superhero twins Don and Joey Tackett face dark haunts in the forbidden Don't Go There Forest.
11:12
November 27, 2020
101. Turkey Trot 2020 - Thanksgiving in the Gaming World
Turk and Pork Chop return for their fifth Thanksgiving adventure, and they run in to some computer whiz kids and kid superheroes along the way.
09:46
November 15, 2020
Professor Theo at 100
It's our one hundredth episode! Also the third annual Election Day special, the battle to be the next mayor of Splendid, West Virginia has reached a fever pitch.
13:19
November 2, 2020
99. A Zombie and an Etheree
A zombie with a strange obsession follows Sylvester Adams from his dream to the real world and Professor Theo shares an autumnal Etheree poem.
11:03
October 25, 2020
98. An Even More Spectacular Splendid Spooktacular Halloween Special
Professor Theo returns for a third round of Halloween fun. Includes a continuation of the tale of Kid Superhero Buck Travers and the Splendid Sea Creature, as well as a trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
10:16
October 18, 2020
97. A Splendid Spooktacular Halloween Special
Kid Detectives and Kid Superheroes return in this Halloween special.
10:17
October 11, 2020
96. Who Let the Monsters Out?
The first of three new Halloween episodes features a short play reading “Journey to the Center of a Video Game” and a short story “Who Let the Monsters Out?” perfectly suited to October fun.
10:50
October 4, 2020
95. X-Fest
The 2 year anniversary episode of this podcast!
Tanner and Max return with some Kid Superheroes in tow, as the missing pieces in the Theory X saga all fall into place.
16:10
September 23, 2020
94. Let's Climb a Tree
Professor Theo takes a ride atop one of Splendid University's famous walking trees. Included is a fun art/writing activity/exercise for young and old.
10:05
September 12, 2020
93. Moon Pie Lullaby
Professor Theo’s cure for insomnia is included in this tasty episode.
07:30
September 5, 2020
92. Out of this World
Professor Theo shares his UFO tale and the Kid Space Force returns.
14:00
August 29, 2020
91. Ordinary Man
When Superhero Steve loses his powers he becomes…Ordinary Man! Though his life is turned upside down, Steve learns that anybody can heroic.
10:20
August 10, 2020
90. Of Swords and Donuts...and Cows
Levi returns in a sequel to last week's Sword of Awesome Greatness adventure, and Theo shares a short tale for wee ones titled "Do Cows Wear Hats?"
10:00
August 4, 2020
89. Swords and Donuts and Masks, Oh My!
Professor Theo shares an adventure tale of a boy named Levi, on the hunt for a magical sword, and a poem about the importance of wearing masks.
10:39
July 25, 2020
88. Kid Space Force 8 & Canine Independence Day
Professor Theo shares an update on the most recent Kid Space Force mission and tells the tale of the time dogs worked together to rid Splendid of all fireworks.
10:00
July 12, 2020
87. Breaker
The third in a trilogy about the Tween Superheroes at McFly Middle School. Meet Chris Martinez, a break dancing superhero. Breakout is back, too.
11:45
July 3, 2020
86. Three Wishes
Jonathan Joy and Levi Joy both take the mic to share a tale/poem about imagination and fun.
08:10
June 26, 2020
85. Meet The Breakfast Express/Breakout Returns
A follow up to Introducing Breakout, this is the second episode in a trilogy about the new Tween Superheroes at McFly Middle School.
14:30
June 20, 2020
84. Introducing Breakout
If you've ever dreamed of being three inches tall or of being a character in a well read book or of being a tween superhero at McFly Middle School, this episode is for you. The first in a trilogy of episodes that introduce listeners to five new kid superheroes from McFly, West Virginia, nearby Splendid.
10:40
June 13, 2020
83. A Wall Around Bottomsville
Professor Theo shares a tale of love, equality, standing up to bullies, and tearing down walls.
10:00
June 6, 2020
82. Burt The Monster vs. The Fire Cloud
Things get heated when a monster named Burt, who is actually a pretty cool dude, comes face to face with a villainous cloud made of fire.
09:29
May 25, 2020
81. The Great Splendid Prison Escape
Dozens of the Mystery Lab’s favorite characters converge on this episode, as the heroic friends of Splendid must band together when a load of super-villains break out of Splendid Prison. It’s a tale years in the making.
12:10
May 17, 2020
80. Back to the 80s
Professor Theo travels back to the 1980s with Those Time Travelling Teens to help them rescue a friend in need, stuck in the past.
10:15
May 9, 2020
79. Legend of the Hidden Toby
On a late night search through his father’s antique toys, Austin uncovers an ancient sarcophagus and a big mystery.
13:59
May 2, 2020
78. Go Go Green Machine
The Earth Power Team returns for adventure and to share a variety of Earth Day activities and inspiration with Mystery Lab listeners.
16:37
April 22, 2020
77. Hoppy Easter!
Wyatt the Easter Wolf returns for a second straight year, teaming up with the Easter Bunny in this action-packed episode. Beware the jelly bean pirates.
10:00
April 11, 2020
76. I Can't Grow On
Tune in for an update on Lazlo Bluebox and his true love, Lucy, and enjoy a story about a little girl who transforms into a giant. Be careful what you wish for.
11:33
April 4, 2020
75. Play Ball
Professor Theo ushers in a new baseball and softball season with tales of some successful student athletes, as they navigate the ups and down (literally and figuratively) of competitive sports.
12:13
March 29, 2020
74. Return to Super Duper Town
Tiny Mike, Big Sheila, and El Truco have Super Duper Dude and Super Duper Dudette in a tight spot. Who will prevail? Good battles evil and the future of Super Duper Town is at stake in this exciting conclusion to last week’s episode.
12:30
March 22, 2020
73. Welcome to Super Duper Town
Professor Theo takes a road trip to nearby Super Duper Town, home of Super Duper Dude, Super Duper Dudette, and Tiny Mike’s Villains ‘R Us superstore. Part 1 of a 2 parter.
12:05
March 15, 2020
72. Pot of Gold
Kid Explorers Donnie and Teresa return, on the hunt for gold at the end of a rainbow.
13:00
March 8, 2020
71. Spring Special
Professor Theo welcomes Spring with two alliterative tales, of Skedaddling Steve and Little LeBron. Lovers of the outdoors and art will take particular interest in this week’s stories.
12:11
March 1, 2020
70. On Haiku Poems and American History
Professor Theo has lined up some short lessons on poetry and American Presidents in this episode. Those time travelling teens return.
11:30
February 17, 2020
69. Thank You For Being a Friend
Two tales of friendship and love are at the heart of this Valentine's Day episode.
10:00
February 9, 2020
68. Professor Theo and the No Good, Horrible, Really Weird Groundhog Day
Giant groundhogs compel Theo to record a special Groundhog Day episode on the spot.
07:41
February 2, 2020
67. The Big Game
Splendid, West Virginia is host to The Big Game for the first, and likely final, time. Zombies, aliens, panicked crowds, Kid Superheroes and Kid Astronauts abound!
10:41
January 31, 2020
66. Snow Much Fun, Part 2 - To Everest
The Kid Superheroes fly to Mt. Everest in search of The Blizz and to take away the source of his evil power. Kid Superhero Buck Travers narrates this episode, which picks up where Episode #65: Snow Much Fun left off.
08:04
January 25, 2020
65. Snow Much Fun?
Children of Splendid rejoice when snow closes school one Tuesday in January. Their celebration is cut short, though, when The Blizz comes to town. The Kid Superheroes return in this icy, action-packed adventure.
15:39
January 11, 2020
64. Hit Reset. Play Again.
Computer Whiz Kids Tanner and Max return to the gaming world to catch Mr. X. This time they have a little help from Tanner’s sister, Kid Superhero Tracy Thompson.
13:27
January 5, 2020
63. Professor Theo’s 2nd Annual New Year Special
Theo introduces the listener to his wife’s Pretties Emporium in downtown Splendid, shares a tale of the villainous Time Bandit, and brings together many of the town’s favorite animal characters in this supersized episode. Happy New Year!
18:47
December 29, 2019
62. A Splendid Christmas
Not a creature was stirring…except for the villainous Mr. January. The Saint Nick Squad returns to face their biggest challenge yet, and the future of Christmas hangs in the balance.
11:12
December 20, 2019
61. A Splendid Holiday
Professor Theo shares a Saint Nick Squad poem, and a tale of giving at this most wonderful time of year.
13:15
December 8, 2019
60. Call Me Mr. Sssss
The new 4th grade reading and writing substitute teacher at Splendid Elementary, Mr. S, has a menacing command over his classroom. When the regular teacher, Mr. Young, doesn’t return after several days, Kid Superheroes Buck Travers, Mandy Magic, and Robert Robertson decide to investigate. What they find will shock you.
15:01
December 1, 2019
59. Turkey Trot 3
The Turk and Pork Chop series of Thanksgiving misadventures continues with a surprise, all new, fourth edition in their series – Turk and Pork Chop 4-Ever!
12:25
November 23, 2019
58. Turkey Trot 2
The further adventures of Turk and Pork Chop. While Episode 9 featured the first two tales in the Turk and Pork Chop trilogy, this year’s update includes the third and final story in their series.
Professor Theo shares his list of thankful things, as well, just in time for Thanksgiving.
14:01
November 16, 2019
57. Be What You Are
Professor Theo introduces listeners to the Giggliputz, a yellow blob with an important lesson about self-confidence and appreciating the things that make us different from one another.
12:00
November 10, 2019
56. Breaking News! Another Splendid Election
After a successful year as second grade class President, Janet Jones had no desire to run for another term in third grade. That all changed when a scandal broke out regarding third grade President David Payne. Stay tuned to Professor Theo for all the breaking news surrounding Splendid Elementary politics.
This week's episode also features an update on the ever changing Theory X series.
12:00
November 3, 2019
55. The 13 Days of Halloween
Professor Theo shares his 13 Days of Halloween gifts in this special bonus episode.
07:49
October 26, 2019
54. Another Splendid Halloween
Professor Theo shares Halloween editions of the Kid Detectives and Those Time Travelling Teens. The former group build a Monster Catch to help solve a case, while the latter foursome travels back in time to grab special items to enhance their Halloween costumes.
14:14
October 19, 2019
53. Dreamscape
The lines between the dream world and reality are blurred when things from your sleeping hours follow you into the waking ones.
11:38
October 12, 2019
52. Trick or Trick
Halloween is near, which means the Splendid Candy Shop is hopping with business. This fall season is different, though, for this year the store’s candy treats decide to rebel. Also, Professor Theo shares a bit of Mr. X’s background.
13:53
October 5, 2019
51. Return from Pangea
Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic on this week’s episode to finish Theo’s Pangea tale from Episode #50.
05:30
September 28, 2019
50. The Crossover Episodes, Part 3: The Seven Stones of Pangea
Children of Splendid unite for adventure in this, the one year anniversary episode of the Mystery Lab.
15:05
September 22, 2019
49. A Path Less Traveled
Donnie and Teresa explore the woods nearby Splendid University only to discover a mysterious substance that may spell doom for our Kid Explorers.
12:26
September 7, 2019
48. The Crossover Episodes, Part 2: It Came From The Splendid Swamplands
Something dangerous lurks in the wetland between Splendid Elementary and the old, abandoned uranium enrichment plant. Many Mystery Lab favorites band together in a crossover episode full of twists and turns.
15:38
August 31, 2019
47. For All You Cucumber and Pizza Lovers Out There
Young veggie lover, Luke, needs help from his friends to eat his way out of a cucumber house. And Kid Detectives Ben and Red are stumped when their fearless leader Jen goes missing.
15:20
August 24, 2019
46. The Crossover Episodes, Part 1: Dinos in Splendid!
Professor Theo shares a tale of friendship and a kid superheroes/time travelling teens mashup. Dinosaurs are on the loose in modern day Splendid!
18:46
August 17, 2019
45. The Back To School Special
It’s time to begin a new school year, but first a bedtime story and some words of advice from Professor Theo. Big news regarding some upcoming crossover episodes is revealed, as well.
12:55
August 10, 2019
44. Missions in Outer Space & Far Underground
When Chris goes missing in space, it's Natalie and Marsha to the rescue in Professor Theo's 7th Kid Space Force tale. Also, the 3rd chapter of the Underground Kid Explorers saga has a surprise in store for listeners.
14:42
August 3, 2019
43. Of Pez and Pirates and Parrots
Professor Theo promotes Pezamania poetry and shares a tale of pirates and parrots.
12:00
July 19, 2019
42. A Not So Splendid Summer Meltdown
A wild and wonderfully weird week sees the Kid Detectives take on a sizzling hot summer case, and all the monkeys break out of the Splendid Zoo.
13:14
July 14, 2019
41. Freedom Lost and Found
The toys of one man’s childhood come back to haunt him in a somewhat spooky campfire story, and Lady Liberty makes a visit to the Mystery Lab.
12:43
July 7, 2019
The Big 4-0
The 40th episode of The Mystery Lab is here, and it’s also the 7th episode to feature everybody’s favorite techies – Tanner and Max. These quantum leaping computer whiz kids are suddenly trapped in the games that make up the mini-arcade at the Mega Mega Mart. At least they are far from the grips of the villainous Mr. X. Or are they?
12:08
June 29, 2019
39. Are You Afraid of The Dark?
Professor Theo shares an update on those Underground Kid Explorers. Listeners will also be introduced to Ted, a hatchling sea turtle, who is caught up in an adventurous moonlit tale.
17:30
June 16, 2019
38. Super Secret Surprise Episode
Professor Theo is out of town at a conference and his son, Kid Superhero Buck Travers, has been warned to stay away from dad’s podcasting equipment. So how is there a new episode this week?
09:09
June 9, 2019
37. School's Out For Summer
Professor Theo welcomes summer by sharing tales of Darby’s adventures in the library and one exciting bike race.
12:50
June 2, 2019
36. Barnum, the Detective Dog, and the Case of the Missing Hot Rod
Not many towns boast a race car driving cat and a detective dog, but as you’ve learned by now…Splendid isn’t just any ordinary town.
12:07
May 26, 2019
35. Holding Out For A Hero
When a giant Pep Up! soda monster forms, the town of Pepville needs a hero. And Splendid Elementary student, Lexi Barnes, has to answer the question “What is a Hero?” for a class essay.
13:02
May 19, 2019
34. Kid Explorers Here and There, Kid Explorers Everywhere!
Meet the Kid Explorers, as they traverse mysterious underground tunnels, and make their way through the forest near Splendid University. Beware The Dark, and a giant on the hunt for a lost magical staff.
19:05
May 12, 2019
33. A Not So Splendid Science Fair
Mr. Brains shows his true colors and Kid Superheroes abound at the annual Splendid Elementary Science Fair.
11:22
May 5, 2019
32. Every Day Is Earth Day
Fourth grade Splendid Elementary teacher Mrs. Lyon leads her Earth Power Team pupils in a variety of Earth Day activities and a battle with The Litterbug.
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12:15
April 28, 2019
31. Easter Egg-Stravaganza, Part 2
Kid Detectives are on the Case of the Endangered Easter, and a three part Kid Space Force series concludes.
19:40
April 21, 2019
30. Easter Egg-Stravaganza, Part 1
When the Easter Bunny is in need, Wyatt the Easter Wolf comes to the rescue. Part 2 of a Kid Space Force trilogy takes shape, as well.
15:03
April 14, 2019
29. Blast Off! with the Kid Space Force
Fans of the Kid Space Force will rejoice at this episode, chock full of galactic escapades.
12:41
April 7, 2019
28. I Can. I Must. I Will.
Professor Theo shares tales of Splendid youth facing their fears and following their dreams.
13:45
March 31, 2019
27. Tanner and Max in the Gaming World
Computer whiz kids Tanner and Max have been located. Catch up on their adventures inside the gaming world, as they leap from one video game to another, intent on saving all technology from the villainous Mr. X.
15:52
March 24, 2019
26. The Splendid Zoo & The T4 Crew
Professor Theo takes the listener on a trip to the Splendid Zoo for something quite special and then wraps up the Those Time Travelling Teens Return trilogy.
12:35
March 17, 2019
25. A Supersized Episode XXV
A super-sized episode overflowing with kid superheroes and time travelling teens.
19:49
March 10, 2019
24. A Love Story and An Adventure
Help bring Lazlo and Lucy Bluebox back together again. Also, the McFly Middle School Science Club is at it again, its time travelling teenage members hopping all through the past. Part one of a new three part T4 series is the anchor of this week’s episode.
12:31
March 3, 2019
23. Professor Theo's Confession
Professor Theodore Travers has a confession to make, and it involves his secret lab, his superhero son Buck Travers, and a gigantic Bug Beast accidentally set loose on Splendid.
13:25
February 24, 2019
22. Of Bats and Blobs
The Bat Band wants to rock and roll all night, and a big blue blob teaches everyone an important lesson.
11:03
February 17, 2019
21. A Couple Cool Trips
First, travel with the Kids Space Force on a journey through the galaxy. Then, tag along on an outing through Splendid to help solve the case of the Ice Cream Bandit.
15:52
February 10, 2019
20. Kid Superheroes X
Superhero kids Buck and Tracy return. Also, a new kid superhero – Mandy Magic – is introduced.
15:35
February 3, 2019
19. Splendid, We Have a Problem
The Kid Space Force blasts off, and a dastardly band of nocturnal pizza thieves are on the loose.
13:34
January 27, 2019
18. Ready Plot Point One
Theo introduces his friend The Terror and surprises await, as kid superhero Buck Travers takes over the second half of the show to reveal a big secret.
16:28
January 20, 2019
17. Dance and Leap, Then To Sleep
What has magical dancing shoes and adventurous kids trapped in video games? This episode!
15:18
January 13, 2019
16. Rock On, Rock-afire!
Escape is the theme for this week’s stories which follow (1) a runaway animatronic rock band, and (2) a Christmas village character not so keen on going back in the box.
14:31
January 6, 2019
15. A Supersized New Year Special
Our biggest episode yet! Say goodbye to 2018 and kick off the New Year in style: trapped in a video game with whiz kid Tanner or running from dinosaurs with those time travelling teens.
20:49
December 30, 2018
14. And To All a Good Night – A Splendid Christmas Special
Off to bed now, but not before a Saint Nick Squad adventure and some more teenage time travelling fun.
18:10
December 23, 2018
13. Lions and Clowns and Time Travel, Oh My!
A little girl joins the circus and the 3rd chapter of those time travelling teens’ adventures takes shape.
12:50
December 16, 2018
12. Travels Through Space and Time…and Snow
Santa’s secret agent task force sets off on a mission, while Professor Theo continues the tale of time travelling teens.
15:14
December 9, 2018
11. Holiday Shock & Time Travel Talk
Kid Superheroes take on Miss Shockey and Professor Theo introduces those time travelling teens.
17:32
December 2, 2018
And Then There Were 10
The tenth episode focuses on the joys of holiday giving and the further adventures of whiz-kid-trapped-in-a-video-game Tanner.
14:21
November 25, 2018
9. Turkey Trot
Turk and Pork Chop escape the Meat Jackpot Restaurant and set off on wild adventures together.
15:55
November 18, 2018
8. From the Book Fair with Love
The biannual book fair comes to Splendid Elementary and kid superheroes Buck and Tracy return to face the Book Fair Burglar.
10:43
November 11, 2018
7. A Splendid Election
The first story covers Election Day at Splendid Elementary, while the second follows a boy computer whiz trapped inside a video game.
12:44
November 4, 2018
6. A Splendid Halloween
A special Halloween episode of the Mystery Lab features poetry and the Pumpkin Thief. Trick or treat.
11:31
October 28, 2018
5. Barnum’s Bone and a Dangerous Deal
A mystery tale for dogs and kid superheroes team up with kid super-villain Kid Popsicle in an attempt to outwit Zero-man.
12:23
October 21, 2018
4. Pizza Day and Pezamania
Kid superheroes battle a trio of enemies on pizza day and Professor Theo tells the tale of one boy's magical trip to a Pez convention.
14:23
October 14, 2018
3. Science Fair Standouts
Future kid superheroes are introduced and Professor Theo is impressed by a boy named Axel and his giant bug friends.
11:30
October 7, 2018
2. Kid Superheroes Unite and a Race Car Driving Cat
What's more amazing? A couple kid superheroes or a cat that can drive a race car? This week's episode has both.
11:01
September 30, 2018
1. Kid Superheroes and Runaway Pumpkin Patches
Professor Theo shares tales of kid superheroes and a runaway pumpkin patch on this very first episode.
12:52
September 23, 2018