Tag: Adventure Club
Celebrate Ground Hog's Day with Adventures in Odyssey!
February 2, 2021 February 2, 2021 Grace-Filled Writer
This is such a funny holiday to me, but one I enjoy. There was a pretty famous movie by the same title as well where a man relives the same day over and over. That day happens to be February 2! The idea of reliving the same day may sound great or awful depending on what that day was like. I watched a short portion of the video from Pennsylvania this morning. The gentleman speaking mentioned that this year has felt a lot like that movie in many ways, but there is hope. A new day is rising every day and we can look forward to what that day can bring. I loved that perspective as a Christian, knowing that the Lord consistently gives us new days!
I love that Adventures in Odyssey has a couple of fun episodes along this theme. Even if you don't really think about this silly little holiday very much, it is a great day to listen to them if you have never done so! You can find both on the Adventures in Odyssey Club.
From Album 56: The Grand Design
Groundhog Jay
After Jay pushes Priscilla into an unexpected trip in the Room of Consequence, the two of them experience the same event over and over again.
From Album 33: Virtual Realities
The Eternal Birthday
Liz experiences her birthday over and over again.
Is there a day you would like to experience again?
Tagged Adventure Club, Adventures in Odyssey, Adventures in Odyssey Club, Bible, family, Focus on the Family1 Comment
Passages: Adventures in Odyssey Club
December 9, 2020 Grace-Filled Writer
Are you looking for something new and engaging than the traditional episodes of Adventures in Odyssey?!? Some of my favorite and extremely different Adventures in Odyssey stories are the Passages episodes. They center around an alternative world, called Marus. Individuals from our world find themselves transported unexpectedly into a world they've never known, yet seems strangely familiar.
Passages: Fletcher's Rebellion, Part 1 of 2
A woman named Alice tells an incredible story about how she and Tom Riley's son, Timmy, traveled to another world called Marus.
We are first introduced to the Passages stories in the first two episodes of Album 34, In Your Wildest Dreams. Another extremely unique aspect of this episode is that we hear more about Tom Riley's son, Timmy, who drowned when he was young saving another young man's life. It is a sad story that is sometimes referenced, but until these episodes we have not really encountered Timmy.
As you listen to the story you will begin to recognized hints and shadows of stories you have heard before from Scripture. In many ways they are similar to the tales from Narnia in this. God is referred to as The Unseen One. Events, although not categorically exact, echo those from biblically historical accounts. It definitely gives a new perspective and appreciation for things you may have known for years.
Fletcher's Rebellion parallels the story of Gideon. As you listen with your kids encourage them to try and guess what Bible passage this reflects. Help them to pick out clues and see what they notice is different.
Enter a world where ancient history comes to life . . . and faith in God becomes the adventure of a lifetime! Introducing Passages, the legendary audio series from the creators of Adventures in Odyssey. One minute, Anna and Kyle are exploring a creepy old house outside Odyssey. The next, they're transported to the mysterious land of Marus–and caught in the middle of a dangerous conflict between a brave army general and a powerful king. Will their newfound powers be strong enough to save the rightful heir to the throne . . . and return them safely home?
The album Passages: Darien's Rise is our next encounter with this strange world of Marus. This episode opens with Jack Allen bringing an old manuscript he found in a trunk from an estate sale to Mr. Whitaker. He asks Whit to read it and to let him know what he thinks afterwards.
Kyle and Anna, two children not previously mentioned in Odyssey, are transported to Marus through an abandoned house. Once there they are immediately thrown into a perilous adventure, once again in parallel with biblical history. Darien is a parallel to David from the Old Testament. This is a longer storyline as it takes up an entire album of 9 episodes. I loved the characters and once again the ability to pick out little bits that helped to identify which story is being represented.
If these two sagas interest you, there are also 2 collections called Passages: The Marus Manuscripts, each containing 3 books about Marus. While these stories are not Odyssey-centric, they are true to the nature of Adventures in Odyssey and might be very appealing to middle schoolers and older.
You can listen to these and more through the Adventures in Odyssey Club! Try your 14-day trial today!
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Adventures in Odyssey Club: History of Whit's End
September 30, 2020 September 30, 2020 Grace-Filled Writer
The central setting within Odyssey for all of the Adventures in Odyssey episodes is Whit's End. John Avery Whitaker calls it an ice cream shop and discovery emporium. It's filled with delicious confections (like the Wod-Fam-Choc-Sod or Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream) as well as numerous inventions.
I could recount the amazingly rich history of Whit's End, but it's more fun to listen! Here is a list of Whit's End centered episodes in historical order. If I missed one comment so I can add it in!
Episode # 5-7
The Underground Railroad, Part 1-3
A stranger tells Jack the story of the Ross family, and their courageous run for freedom to escape slavery.
Album 1, Episode # 11
Whit's best friend, Tom Riley, tells Connie the story of how Whit's End was created amid tragic circumstances.
Adventure Club Season 7: Episodes 1 & 3
It's all hands on deck when a series of clues appears to connect Whit's End with a survivor of the Titanic.
Album 2, Episode # 9-10
The Case of the Secret Room, Part 1 & 2
The discovery of a secret room in Whit's End leads Mr. Whittaker to a baffling case of robbery and murder.
Album 20, Episode # 5 -6
It Began with a Rabbit's Foot
It Ended with a Handshake
Whit tells Lucy Cunningham-Schultz about the creation of the Bible Room, and the discussion leads Katrina Shanks to a very important decision.
The Blackgaard Chronicles, Episodes #1-6
When Dr. Regis Blackgaard arrives in Odyssey with plans to build an amusement house for kids, chaos and danger aren't far behind. What is this schemer really up to?
The Treasure of LeMonde!
Robyn and Connie find a hidden attic at Whit's End and stumble upon a forgotten mystery involving an old pipe organ, a greedy professor and "the greatest treasure."
Album 12, Episode # 2
An "Indian Medicine Man" puts an ancient curse on Whit – and it seems to come true!
Album 18, Episode # 7 & 8
The Mysterious Stranger, Part 1 & 2
Whit is pulled into a perplexing mystery when a strange man arrives at Whit's End and claims to have lived there as a small boy.
A Victim of Circumstance
When Rodney steps through a skylight at Whit's End and breaks his leg, the Rathbones take Jason Whittaker to court.
The Blackgaard Chronicles, Episodes #17-28
Episode # 12
The Treasure Room
Aubrey and Lisa are determined to find out what Whit keeps in a new secret room at Whit's End.
Album 33, Episode # 3-4
Blackgaard's Revenge, Part 1 & 2
A virus implanted in the Imagination Station with Dr. Blackgaard's personality surfaces and must be destroyed before it takes hold over Aubrey.
Idol Minds
When Whit leaves town for a while, Eugene creates a Whit robot to keep the kids happy.
The W.E.
To compete with the new Novacom Kids' Center, Whit experiments with a massive overhaul to Whit's End and its attractions.
Tales of a Small-Town Thug
Everyone at Whit's End is in an uproar when a former Bones of Rath gang member writes a scathing book about Odyssey.
Episode # 1
A Capsule Comes to Town
Connie narrates a documentary about the people and places in Odyssey against the backdrop of a search for a missing time capsule.
The Forgotten Deed
The plan to bury the new time capsule in the basement of Whit's End causes a "separation of church and state" conflict that jeopardizes the future of the shop.
Tagged Adventure Club, Adventures in Odyssey, Adventures in Odyssey Club, Bible, Whit's EndLeave a comment
Adventures inOdyssey: Jay Smouse bringing Smiles!
July 31, 2020 Grace-Filled Writer
We are often introduced to new characters in Odyssey. One of our family's new favorites is Jay Smouse! Here is a descriptoin of Jay directly from the Adventures in Odyssey website…
"Jay might call himself a bully, but it's only in his own mind. He likes to torment kids with his nicknames and attitudes, but most others don't take him seriously. He is often his own worst enemy—getting himself into crazy situations of own his own doing. He sometimes hangs out with Vance King, though even their relationship can be adversarial."
The factor that gives us delight is the comedic nature of this character. The actor (Whit Hertford) brings a likability to a character with a bad reputation. My husband especially really likes this character. When we are traveling and we ask what everyone wants to listen to, he will frequently respond with, "Anything with Jay!"
Here are some of our favorite Jay Smouse episodes.
1. Stage FrightBarrett is excited about getting the lead role in the school play. But when his first practice is interrupted by a mysterious booming voice, Emily must investigate the "phantom of the school play.
2. How to Sink a Sub
When Katrina becomes their substitute teacher, Jay and Valerie rouse the class to revolt, even persuading Olivia to help with a plan to get Katrina fired.
3. Unbecoming JayJay schemes a way to ditch his cousin Cindy by leaving her with Barrett, but Priscilla grows jealous of the new friendship.
4. Mistaken for Good
Jay's visit to a nursing home takes an unexpected turn when an old woman mistakes him for her grandson — and offers him money as a birthday present.
5. Groundhog Jay
6. The Friend Formula
Riley is new to town and hoping to find some new friends. For advice, he turns to an unlikely (and unreliable) source – Jay Smouse!
7. Walk Worthy
Buddy and Jay explore what it means to live with integrity as members of a wilderness troop for boys.
There are many others, and honestly anything with Jay Smouse is good for a laugh and a lesson! Explore some of these stories and more with an Adventures in Odyssey Club membership!
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The Romance Episodes: Adventures in Odyssey
July 24, 2020 September 27, 2020 Grace-Filled Writer
As my daughters are growing it is so important to me to help them learn about love from godly perspectives. The Bible of course is our first resource for this. Modern media is rarely a good source. The writers and producers at Adventures in Odyssey have done a beautiful job of dealing with the topic of romance in a way that I feel edifies my daughters.
Here are some of our favorite romantic episodes.
Crushes and Attraction
Album 19: Passport to Adventure
Episode # 5 Truth, Trivia & 'Trina
Bart Rathbone's TV trivia contest pits Eugene and Connie against a college student named Katrina Shanks, who seems to have captured Eugene's heart.
Album 36: Danger Signals
Episode # 2 Green Eyes & Yellow Tulips
Connie falls for a Novacom employee named Robert Mitchell. Bart Rathbone protests that Novacom's programming is immoral.
Album 49: The Sky's The Limit
Episode # 6 Wooing Wooton
Wooton Bassett's father comes to town to get his son's help on a business deal. Meanwhile, Grady must make a decision that could cost his mom her job.
Dating and Courtship
Album 29: Signed, Sealed, & Committed
Episode # 1-3 For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll, Parts 1-3
Someone is getting married in Odyssey … but who? Is it John Whittaker and Margaret Faye, Eugene Meltsner and Katrina Shanks, or Jack Allen and Joanne Woodston?
Album 48: Moment of Truth
Episode # 3 Prequels of Love
From chicken costumes to phone scams, we hear the stories of how Bart Rathbone, Whit, and Bernard Walton met, or proposed to, their wives.
Album 50: The Best Small Town
Episode # 8-9 The Triangled Web, Parts 1-2
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz becomes the center of attention when Jimmy Barclay, Curt Stevens, and Jack Davis return to Odyssey for a reunion–each young man determined to win her heart at last.
Album 8: Beyond Expectations
Episode # 4 First Love
Connie falls in love for the first time with a guy named Jeff Lewis, who turns out to be a non-Christian.
Album 24: Risks and Rewards
Episode # 12 The Turning Point
Eugene and Katrina's relationship takes a surprising turn after Eugene meets Katrina's father, Armitage Shanks.
Album 27: The Search for Whit
Episode # 8 A Question About Tasha
Jason Whittaker and Tasha Forbes announce that they're getting married . . . tomorrow!
Episode # 3-4 The Triangle, Parts 1-2
Jack Allen and Whit tell Connie the story of how Whit met his wife in college.
Album 41: In Hot Pursuit
Episode # 10-11 Something Blue, Parts 1 and 2
When Connie gets the news that Mitch might leave for Europe in a few days, the two of them decide to get married immediately.
A few of the previous episodes also include weddings!
Album 44: Eugene Returns
Episode # 11-12 For Better or for Worse, Parts 1-2
Eugene and Katrina finally plan to have a proper wedding. But the two wedding coordinators (Connie and Porcelain Shanks) engage in an epic battle of decision making.
Album 61: Without A Hitch
Episode # 5-6 A Very Bassett Wedding, Parts 1-2
The Bassett and Wise families have arrived in town for Wooton and Penny's big day, but a damaged dress, stomach pains, and an investigation into a missing ring mean that the couple's walk to the altar will be anything but simple.
Album 67: More than Meets the Eye
Episode # 6-7 Nightmares by Constance, Parts 1-2
Two days before a "Dreams by Constance" wedding, the grandmother of the bride approaches Connie with a proposal: she'll pay her double if she breaks up the ceremony.
Tagged Adventure Club, Adventures in Odyssey, Adventures in Odyssey Club, Bible, dating, love, romance, weddingsLeave a comment
Adventures in Odyssey Free Trial and Activity Pack!
July 8, 2020 Grace-Filled Writer
Summer is looking very, very different than any of us expected at the start of the year. One of the bright spots has continued to be The Adventures in Odyssey Club! We are excited for a new album to drop first in the club soon and have had themed listening parties for our favorite characters.
You can also click on the picture above got a fantastically fun summer activity pack! We've really enjoyed these resources over the last few years!
Comment below with your favorite Adventures in Odyssey character!
Tagged Adventure Club, Adventures in Odyssey, Adventures in Odyssey Club, Bible, Focus on the Family2 Comments
Adventures in Odyssey Club: The Essential John Avery Whitaker
November 20, 2019 Grace-Filled Writer
Without John Avery Whitaker, Whit's End wouldn't exist! Knowing who Whit is and how he came to Odyssey is a complex story which has unfolded in bits and pieces throughout the history of Adventures in Odyssey. The Adventures in Odyssey Club makes is easy to find all the episodes in order! To truly know Whit, listening to the entire series is a must, but here is a listing of episodes in order from the time Whit was a child to give you the essential John Avery Whitaker.
Whit's Past
1. Thank You God (Volume 3)
At Thanksgiving dinner, Whit tells the story of how his stepmother changed his life.
2. The Journal of John Avery (Adventure Club Season 3)
Discover which people and events shaped Whit's character as a boy, inspiring him to become an imitator of Christ.
3. Blackbeard's Treasure (Volume 22)
Two young boys, John Whittaker and Jack Allen, venture into a secret cave and fight off pirates in their quest to find Blackbeard's buried treasure.
4. No Friend Like an Old Friend (Volume 62)
On a bus ride home, Connie meets Wilson Knox, who recalls a tale from his childhood about a science competition and two boys named Av and Al.
5. Great Expectations (Volume 56)
*This one is a little harder to place because it covers several points in Whit's life*
As Emily pursues her hopes and dreams, she journeys in the Imagination Station to see Whit as a young boy.
6. Rescue from Manatugo Point (Volume 6)
A mysterious letter reminds Whit of a remarkable adventure he had in the South Pacific during World War II.
7. Operation: Dig Out (Volume 6)
An elderly British gentleman named Reginald Duffield arrives in Odyssey to keep a promise he made to Whit many years ago after a World War II battle.
8. The Triangle Parts 1 & 2 (Volume 36)
9. Prequels of Love (Volume 48)
10. Charlotte (Adventure Club Season 5)
A friendly game of chess ends abruptly when painful memories put Whit and Wilson's friendship to the test.
11. Memories of Jerry (Volume 27)
An old postcard triggers Jason Whittaker's memories about the last weekend he spent with his older brother, Jerry.
12. Recollections (Volume 1)
13. Clara (Volume 28)
*This takes place in the middle of the Recollections story*
Jack Allen tells Eugene about a shocking incident from his past. Whit gets angry and says that he never wants to see Jack again.
Whit's Life in Odyssey
14. A Member of the Family 1 & 2 (Volume 1)
When Whit's grandson, Monty, arrives for a summer in Odyssey, the family finds they are in for more trouble–and more healing–than they expected.
15. The Blackguard Chronicles episodes 1-12
16. A Day in the Life (Volume 11)
A Hollywood film company comes to Odyssey to make a movie about the town.
17. The Mortal Coil 1 & 2 (Volume 16)
Whit programs the Imagination Station to show what life after death might be like. Against the advice of Tom Riley, he tries the program on himself . . . with dangerous results.
18. The Jesus Cloth (Volume 18)
The appearance of a piece of cloth supposedly from Jesus' robe creates great hubbub in Odyssey.
19. Gone… (Volume 21)
Bernard and Eugene return from their long road trip to Odyssey, where things always stay the same. Or so they think.
21. …But Not Forgotten (Volume 21)
Tom Riley, Connie, and Eugene find that running Whit's End takes more time than they thought. Tom asks an old friend of Whit's, Jack Allen, to help out.
22. The Search for Whit 1-3 (Volume 27)
Jason and Eugene get a cryptic message from Whit in the Middle East, which leads them on a wild investigation that could change Christian history as we know it.
23. Home Sweet Home (Volume 28)
Whit finally returns to Odyssey–but Connie can't seem to meet up with him.
24. The Decision (Volume 28)
Whit must decide whether or not to accept an offer to return to the mission field, and so Connie sets out to prove that he is needed in Odyssey.
25. It's a Wrap! (Volume 28)
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz and the Kids' Radio team take an in-depth look at Whit's End and the return of John Avery Whittaker.
26. For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls 1-3 (Volume 29)
Someone is getting married in Odyssey . . . but who? Is it John Whittaker and Margaret Faye, Eugene Meltsner and Katrina Shanks, or Jack Allen and Joanne Woodston?
27. Faster than a Speeding Ticket (Volume 30)
Whit gets a speeding ticket, and Dwayne Oswald gets a D on a history test. Both believe they were the victims of mistakes.
28. Blackgaard's Revenge 1 &2 (Volume 33)
A virus implanted in the Imagination Station with Dr. Blackgaard's personality surfaces and must be destroyed before it takes hold over Aubrey
29. Novacom Saga*Entire Album*
30. No Way Out 1 & 2 (Volume 42)
Whit finds himself trapped in a room with no doors or windows. Meanwhile, "Marvelous" Marvin Washington investigates strange happenings around his house.
31. Silent Night (Volume 45)
*Flashback Episode*
At home alone on Christmas Eve, Whit remembers holidays past that were difficult–but still made for treasured family memories.
32. The Poor Rich Guy (Volume 46)
Grady McKay decides that the Bible "makes no sense" after Marvin Washington and his sister, Tamika, conclude that Whit can't go to heaven because he's rich.
33. The Ties That Bind (Volume 58)
*Entire Album*
34. Between the Lines 1 & 2 (Volume 60)
When Connie seems to have a connection with a handyman, Wooton and Penny get the idea to set them up on a blind date. Meanwhile, Whit and Lilly Graham try to get to the bottom of his health issues and Whit's daughter Jana announces that she's moving to Odyssey.
35. The Feud of Mason County (Volume 61)
Whit takes a much-needed prayer retreat to the mountains and lands in the middle of a decades-old family feud.
36. There and Back Again 1-3 (Adventure Club Season 4)
The Whittakers' New Zealand vacation takes a dramatic turn after they bump into a friend from Odyssey.
37. Met His Match (Adventure Club Season 5)
Convinced that Whit is lonely, Penny and Olivia play Cupid in hopes of introducing him to the next Mrs. Whittaker.
Tagged Adventure Club, Adventures in Odyssey, Adventures in Odyssey Club, Focus on the Family, kids radio, radio dramaLeave a comment
Celebrate Valentines Day with Adventures in Odyssey!
I love it when we have opportunity to share our joy of Adventures in Odyssey with our friends! Valentines Day is tomorrow and a great opportunity to share some sweet Valentines with others and even a free episode available for them to enjoy.
These beautiful Valentines feature a variety of characters and fun sentiments which would be typical to each character. The girls had a great time preparing these cards for their friends from their Wednesday Science class. Beth and Grace each prepared 12 cards and were so very excited to take them to class this morning!
These are a great addition to any Valentines celebration and you can get yours for free! Just click the picture below!
Don't forget to enjoy any episode anytime you wish through the Adventures in Odyssey Club!
Tagged Adventure Club, Adventures in Odyssey, Adventures in Odyssey Club, Focus on the FamilyLeave a comment
Adventures in Odyssey: Meaningful for Adults Too
October 30, 2018 Grace-Filled Writer
While Adventures in Odyssey is great entertainment for the entire family and is geared towards children, it isn't for children only. There are some audio dramas that my kids love and I do enjoy, but they do not hold as much meaning for me as an adult. Adventures in Odyssey helped me discover a most meaningful verse of Scripture that has seen me through many difficult times when it feels like the Lord isn't listening.
This album is one of my favorites because of the themes of the stories, but specifically the episode A Glass Darkly has special meaning. In this show Trent DeWhite prays for God to help him with an opportunity he has to try out for a special children's orchestra playing his cello. Everything seems to fall into place, until it doesn't. Despite Trent's good choices and prayer, he continues to be blocked from a good thing because of misunderstandings and false accusations. Even at the end of the episode Trent has no idea why the bad things happened to him that prevented him from being a part of the orchestra. In his discouragement he approaches Mr. Whitaker who reminds Trent that we can't always see the full picture here on earth and we must trust the Lord is at work even when it feels like He isn't listening. He reminds him of 1 Corinthians 13:12…
For now we <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28678V" data-link="(V)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">see in a mirror dimly, but then <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28678W" data-link="(W)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28678X" data-link="(X)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">have been fully known. (NASB)
The most wonderful part of this episode is the closing scene. The listeners get a glimpse of events happening which Trent never learns. We see the hand of God even though he doesn't. It is tempting to feel difficult circumstances are unfair, but who are we to question God's ways? There are somethings things happening behind the scenes we will never know, and if He does show us, it is only by His goodness that it is revealed.
Christmas Day 2012 – I had surgery 3 days before Christmas to remove a benign tumor discovered in my intestine. This is one of the moments the Lord reminded me of this verse to encourage me.
This particular episode has encouraged me through surgeries, loss, and just all around bad days that seem to be no fault of my own. While I had read this verse over and over, the deeper truth was revealed to me through this episode. I've had the opportunity to remind my kids of this truth when they are having rough days and trials. Most importantly, this verse has become a part of my testimony I share whenever I have the opportunity.
If you would like to hear this and more, join the Adventure Club! It is worth every cent!
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Adventures in Odyssey: Monthly Joy!
September 1, 2018 Grace-Filled Writer
This month's exclusive Adventure Club episode featured Trail Life! My girls loved this episode, but they love every episode with Jay Smouse! He's one of my husband's favorites as well. After their third time hearing the episode Rose said, "That sounds like such a neat thing! I wish Trail Life was for girls too." I was really excited to tell her all about American Heritage Girls! Not only that, one of our good friends leads a local group! We have plans to try it out in September and the girls are completely excited. I am too, especially since I know the girls will already have friends there and they can do this all together. What a fun adventure we are beginning all thanks to The Adventures in Odyssey Club!
This is the next big news our crew can not wait to get their hands on! We adore all things Odyssey and this new series about Whit as a kid has us completely on the edge of our seats! We can't wait to get our hands on this. I would like to say we will read this aloud together, but I'm pretty sure it's going to get snagged and read within a few days for each person. They really can't wait to give it a try!
We finished listening to all the episodes in the newest album thanks to the Adventures in Odyssey Club! We enjoyed them all and especially the episode with Morrie Rydell! We are fans of Atticus Shaffer, the actor who voices Morrie, and we have been anxiously awaiting more information about him and what he is up to exactly! We all have our theories because we don't really know very much about this character.
The first day of each month is always a day of great anticipation because of the new monthly episode! I expect that will be the first thing I'm asked in the morning…"Can we listen to the new episode?!?!?" And of course, I will say, "Yes!"