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Professor Theo's Mystery Lab

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.
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123. Ghost House 2

Professor Theo's Mystery LabMay 21, 2021

00:00
08:01
Library Quest 2

Library Quest 2

An advocacy tale and another tribute to the library and its many valuable community services. A follow up to Library Quest #1, which was released in September 2023.

Mar 27, 202407:41
Time Warp to the Gold Mine

Time Warp to the Gold Mine

A father and son time travel from 2024 back to the Huntington Mall and its 1983 Gold Mine arcade.

Mar 14, 202409:34
The Dragonflies: What is a Wetland?

The Dragonflies: What is a Wetland?

When the construction of a Mega Mega Mega Mart threatens the Mysterious Moors, our young ecological superheroes stand up to Mr. Mega.

Mar 09, 202409:59
Poetry Corner

Poetry Corner

Five new poems and a Winter Break writing challenge for youngsters.

Dec 25, 202309:09
Santa in the Multiverse

Santa in the Multiverse

Blitz Jinglepot returns in the follow up and conclusion to last week's action packed holiday tale. It's time for Saint Nick Squad 8 (Part 2): Blitz Jinglepot in the Mad Multiverse.

Dec 15, 202309:02
An Elf Named Blitz Jinglepot

An Elf Named Blitz Jinglepot

When Santa is mistakenly blasted into an alternate universe, the Saint Nick Squad is called in for a rescue mission.

Blitz Jinglepot and the Mad Multiverse (Part 1 of 2) is included.

Dec 09, 202307:18
Turkey Bowl: A Splendid Thanksgiving Special

Turkey Bowl: A Splendid Thanksgiving Special

Poultry pals Turk and Pork Chop return in their 8th Thanksgiving special for kids.

Nov 12, 202310:45
The Wild Werewolves of Washington Avenue

The Wild Werewolves of Washington Avenue

A werewolf tale for your Halloween delight.

Oct 22, 202308:48
13 Days of Halloween

13 Days of Halloween

Professor Theo's ode to Halloween.

Oct 09, 202304:17
200. Cryptid Clash

200. Cryptid Clash

Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic for our 200th episode.

Quantum leaping whiz kids Tanner and Max return.

Mothman returns.

Bigfoot and The Flatwoods Monster make cameo appearances.

Sep 27, 202310:21
Library Quest 1

Library Quest 1

A tribute to the library and its many valuable community services.

Sep 25, 202307:53
500 Halloween Costume Ideas

500 Halloween Costume Ideas

Get in the Halloween spirit with Professor Theo's annual costume recommendations.

Sep 23, 202312:48
Back to School Special 2023

Back to School Special 2023

Professor Theo's annual Back to School special is here!

Aug 23, 202306:23
Barry, the Orange Dinosaur

Barry, the Orange Dinosaur

Professor Theo encourages listeners to follow their heart, using his friend Barry - a seven foot tall singing, dancing, and playing dinosaur - as an example.

Aug 09, 202309:48
On Boards and Butterflies

On Boards and Butterflies

Breaking news from the Splendid School Board and A Poem About a Butterfly.  Also, Professor Theo has homework for young listeners. 

Aug 05, 202307:38
GlitterBeard's Treasure Hunt

GlitterBeard's Treasure Hunt

If you like ghost pirates, treasure hunts, and Eastern Kentucky, this is the episode for you.

Jul 06, 202311:27
After The Fall: Week 2 Journal Entries

After The Fall: Week 2 Journal Entries

The conclusion to Professor Theo's apocalyptic After The Fall series.

Jul 01, 202311:53
Cletus Cavalier Finale

Cletus Cavalier Finale

A summary and conclusion to space ranger Cletus Cavalier's latest galactic adventure.

Jun 30, 202309:58
Pride Poem 2023

Pride Poem 2023

Professor Theo shares a poem and message of Pride, for Pride Month 2023.

Jun 30, 202304:43
After The Fall: Week One Journal Entries

After The Fall: Week One Journal Entries

Is this an apocalyptic tale of Splendid's future, or a glimpse into an alternative reality? Professor Theo sums up last year's After the Fall serial to both review and to set up its soon to be released continuation.

May 04, 202310:44
Librarian Superheroes

Librarian Superheroes

Professor Theo shares his National Library Week ode to the important work of librarians.

May 03, 202306:05
Super Mouse

Super Mouse

Professor Theo shares secrets of his own superhero youth.  

May 03, 202308:07
186. Saint Nick Squad 2022

186. Saint Nick Squad 2022

Jingle and Snowflake return for their annual holiday adventure.  

Dec 17, 202207:29
185. The Holidays Are...

185. The Holidays Are...

Professor Theo sends Happy Holiday wishes by way of a poem titled "The Holidays Are..."

Dec 15, 202205:57
Turk and Pork Chop Join the Circus

Turk and Pork Chop Join the Circus

America's favorite turkey and pig, Turk and Pork Chop, hide out from Thanksgiving horrors by joining the circus. 

Nov 18, 202210:11
Turkey Trot 2022 Too

Turkey Trot 2022 Too

A new Thankful Things writing prompt is included, and Professor Theo presents a remastered version of a Turk and Pork Chop classic. 

Nov 04, 202210:01
Turkey Trot 2022

Turkey Trot 2022

Professor Theo revisits the Turk and Pork Chop origin story from four years ago.   

Nov 04, 202210:30
181. Down With Doppelgangers

181. Down With Doppelgangers

A spooky story about a mysterious island and doppelgangers, with a possible tie to Professor Theo's recent After The Fall series. 

Oct 30, 202210:11
The 13 Days of Halloween

The 13 Days of Halloween

Professor Theo shares two poems perfect for the autumn and Halloween season. 

Oct 23, 202207:04
179. Monsters Over (and Under) The Bed

179. Monsters Over (and Under) The Bed

Professor Theo shares October thoughts and a story about monsters.  

Oct 16, 202208:15
250+ Halloween Costume Ideas

250+ Halloween Costume Ideas

Need a costume idea? Professor Theo has over 250 of them.

Oct 01, 202210:02
177. Friday Night Frights

177. Friday Night Frights

 Professor Theo's sports report goes terribly, or at least oddly, wrong...but maybe that's what he had planned all along.

Sep 11, 202209:02
176. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

176. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Cletus Cavalier and friends travel to NEHI and SWOLE to complete recruitment for the Unlikely Alliance. 

Sep 04, 202210:11
175. Martians Attack! On Halloween!

175. Martians Attack! On Halloween!

It's already Halloween at Disney and the Dollar Tree, so why not Splendid, WV?  Included is the new "Martians Attack! On Halloween!" story.  

Aug 27, 202208:46
174. Wizards and Twists

174. Wizards and Twists

Professor Theo shares The Wizard's Test sequel, titled The Wizard's Best, and a big twist in the After the Fall series. 

Aug 20, 202210:36
173. Love Your Library

173. Love Your Library

A day at the library turns chaotic when a magic spell gone wrong forces literary characters out of their books and into the real world. It's Professor Theo's 2022 Back To School Special. 

Aug 14, 202209:51
172. Actors and Automatons

172. Actors and Automatons

Enjoy a night out at the theatre with our talented thespians. Also, Professor Theo shares the fourth chapter of After the Fall. 

Aug 05, 202210:01
171. Is My Dad A Super-villain?

171. Is My Dad A Super-villain?

A boy in nearby Super Duper Town shares suspicions about his father's potentially shadowy double life.

Jul 30, 202211:01
170. Winter Trek in Summer

170. Winter Trek in Summer

Professor Theo shares a cool winter tale in the middle of a sweltering summer. Also included:  hot dog poetry.    

Jul 24, 202208:16
169. Space Dudettes and Zombie Distractions

169. Space Dudettes and Zombie Distractions

Hear the fourth part of Cletus Cavalier's Unlikely Alliance of Really Bad Space Dudes AND chapter three of the After The Fall series on this week's episode. 

Jul 03, 202212:11
168. The Mummy

168. The Mummy

Two new tales this week:  a mummy inspired campfire story and the second part of our new After the Fall series.  

Jun 24, 202210:01
167. PRIDE poem

167. PRIDE poem

Professor Theo shares an Open To All Pride month poem, message. 

Jun 24, 202205:26
166. The Wizard's Test

166. The Wizard's Test

Two new tales this week: one poetry (The Wizard's Test) and one prose (After the Fall, Part 1).

Jun 06, 202209:10
165. Cletus Cavalier - Space Ranger

165. Cletus Cavalier - Space Ranger

Professor Theo foreshadows a school where he would train Splendid's best to combat upcoming calamity.  He also shares the third tale in Cletus Cavalier's Unlikely Alliance of Really Bad Space Dudes. 

Jun 02, 202210:09
164. Beware the Dragons

164. Beware the Dragons

The tale of Janine, her dragon friends, and Dude, the dragon hunter. 

May 04, 202209:11
163. Cletus Cavalier Returns Again

163. Cletus Cavalier Returns Again

Space ranger Cletus Cavalier is back. Professor Theo shares the second chapter of the Cletus Cavalier's Alliance of Really Bad Space Dudes series.
Apr 29, 202209:01
162. The Shakespearean Episode

162. The Shakespearean Episode

That Talented Travelling Theatrical Troupe returns, this time with three plays by William Shakespeare in rep.
Apr 21, 202206:31
161. Secret Agent Kids Society

161. Secret Agent Kids Society

Professor Theo uncovers and shares a top secret case involving kid spies.
Apr 15, 202211:49
160. World Theatre Day Special

160. World Theatre Day Special

Professor Theo celebrates World Theatre Day 2022 with the return of That Talented Travelling Theatrical Troupe. 

Mar 20, 202205:58
159. Pot of Gold

159. Pot of Gold

Gold, a leprechaun, and downtown adventures abound.
Mar 17, 202209:45