Podventures in Odyssey

It's that time of podcast again. Join us for an Album Art Review, which includes a surprising amount of ship discourse (the literal kind). Also, all our leftover thoughts on Album 11 that didn't make it into the episodes!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bernard & Esther, Part Two,” in which Bernard finishes recounting the tale of Esther to Robin and Melanie. Also, goatskins and peacock feathers, circumstances controlled by God, and girl power.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Bernard & Esther, Part One,” in which Bernard recounts the first half of the tale of Esther to bored sisters, Robin and Melanie. Also, Oh, Susanna, ad-libbed lines, and assassins with backstory.Editor's Note: Apologies for the intermittent quiet audio. Emilee's microphone was not turned all the way up during these recording sessions.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Rathbone of Contention,” in which a new business called The Electric Palace is being built on the old site of Blackgaard’s Castle, and who should be the franchisee but Bart Rathbone? He’s eager to get the store up and running, and he’s willing to cut metaphorical corners to do it. He’d cut literal corners if it would help. But will unethical business practices really get him everything he wants? Or is there a reason to do things "the right way" the first time? Also, the platonic form of Rodney, manifesting electrician skills, Blackgaard’s business sense, and the follow-up to the Richard Maxwell checklist: the Rathbone Litmus Test. Just ask yourself, are you the Bart in this situation?***Doris, not Dolores

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Day in the Life,” in which Whit recounts a tale of when a tale he wrote about Odyssey was turned into a film. Along the way, we learn how anything can happen in the world of make-believe. Also, Hollywood stereotypes, sabotage, and the Odyssey that lives within us all.Note: This episode was recorded before Focus on the Family announced they were making an Adventures in Odyssey film! You can check out details about this theatrical animated film on Youtube.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Coming of Age,” in which Jimmy Barclay tells his journal all about the weird things that have been happening to him lately, including such delights as facial hair and emotional instability. It’s time for that adventure from which there is no return–adolescence! Also, the best and worst parts of growing up and broaching taboo topics with kids.A note for those listening with kids: we acknowledge the existence of sex-ed but do not discuss its educational contents in this episode.Fun fact, this was our first ever episode recorded remotely!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Mayor for a Day," in which Curt Stevens daydreams his way into a life lesson about the importance of hard work in politics. Also, the semantic definition of "contest," a prototypical Room of Consequence, and an unhinged episode rewrite.Editor's Note: Thank you for your patience as we took a break over the holiday. Episodes in the New Year will be released in their regularly scheduled bi-weekly slot.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Meaning of Sacrifice,” in which the Barclay family (mostly at the impetus of George) decide to give up TV for a month as a sacrifice to the Lord. This means no soap operas for Donna and no video games for Jimmy–the very things they cannot live without! Presented with loopholes, the kids feel guilty and conflicted. Time to learn the true meaning of fasting, I mean sacrifice! Also, family TV culture, fasting, Lent, and other spiritual disciplines.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Last Shall be First,” in which Connie tries to convince Uncle Joe that he isn’t too old for church, and Jimmy learns a lesson in fairness. Also, a real smoothie, soda discovery fountain emporium, and the stock market.Editor's Note: Due to some water damage on my computer that necessitated a two week stint at the repair shop, this episode is posting a teensy bit late. Thank you for your patience!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Home is Where the Hurt Is,” in which it seems like we’re in for a typical sitcom-esque story about Curt and his schemes. But this time, we get a peek behind the scenes and learn that Curt’s home life isn’t very sitcom-esque at all. Curt tries to hide the messy truth from Lucy and Whit, but their concern for him pushes them to dig deeper. Does Curt need help? And more importantly, will he accept it? Also, a little nugget of phone lore, milk on tap, and how to communicate your level of seriousness.TW: Alcoholism and Parentification