The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast
Get the latest news and go behind-the-scenes of the world's #1 family audio drama, 'Adventures in Odyssey'! In 'The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast', you'll hear fun stories straight from the show's actors -- and 'Adventures in Odyssey' producers regularly answer fan questions submitted at AdventuresinOdyssey.com/Podcast. New editions available every other Wednesday. Subscribe now to get each new edition right when it releases!
Episodes
From Disney to Odyssey
Animator John Pomeroy worked on some of the most beloved animated films of all time. Now he’s bringing that experience to Adventures in Odyssey. He shares how he got started, what he learned from animation legends, and how those lessons are shaping Journey to the Impossible. Plus: a preview of “The Great Yellowstone Heist”
Conner’s Story Behind the Score
Composer Conner Savoca talks about his path from the earliest music lessons to scoring recent episodes like “This Is My Story.” Conner honors the legacy of Odyssey’s music while adding his own voice. Plus: a preview of the upcoming episode “Accountability, Please”
Hello to the new Executive Producer of Adventures in Odyssey
After more than two decades as executive producer, Dave Arnold steps into a new role while Christopher Diehl takes the reins of the audio drama. What led to this transition and what does it mean for the future? Dave and Chris share the story behind the change.
What’s the weirdest sound you had to create?
How many people do sound design? How often do you change the background crowd at Whit’s End? How many sound effects do you have? Odyssey sound designers Christopher Diehl, Luke Guenot, Rudy Haerr, and Zach Schneider answer your questions.
Odyssey’s Season of Salvation
There have been more salvations in the last year than any other time in Odyssey history. Wyatt, Carla, Ron, Jules, Buck, and Renee all came to faith in Christ. Writers Marshal Younger, Phil Lollar, and Kathy Buchanan unpack the story behind the salvations.
Malachi Returns: The Voice Behind Odyssey’s Angelic Messenger
Philip Glassborow, the voice of Malachi, joins the podcast to look back at the unforgettable “Malachi’s Message,” his decades with Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, and what it was like to return for the “Face the Future” story arc. Plus: a preview of the final episodes of Album 80 and Club-exclusive episode “Word in the Hallway”
Robby Bruce on Buck’s Redemption
Buck Meltsner’s story reaches a pivotal moment in “Value of a Buck” and voice actor Robby Bruce is here to unpack it all. From Buck’s complicated history with Mr. Skint to the character’s relationships with Jules and Lexi, Robby dishes on Buck’s most important moments. Plus, Robby has personal news to share. Plus: A preview of “The Prodigal Twin, Part 2&rd
Darcy’s Big Moments: Comedy, Drama, and Life Outside the Booth
Mia Lynn Bangunan, voice of Darcy, shares her journey into acting, her first day recording the show, and how she balances Darcy’s goofy humor with heartfelt moments. Plus: Preview a two-part Bassett adventure!
Why Adventures in Odyssey Is Becoming a Movie
Focus on the Family Vice President Jennifer Arthur explains what her movie producer job actually looks like, what she brought from her years at Amazon, and why Focus chose to create an animated film. Hear more about the realities of moviemaking, the ministry behind the project, and what will make this movie different from anything else.
Finding the Edge: Shona on Jules’s Journey
Jules Kendall’s journey reaches a powerful crossroads in “Crossing the Line” and “On the Edge.” In this spoiler-filled conversation, Shona Rodman talks about portraying anger, desperation, fear, and faith in a huge step in Jules’s journey.
Shaping Jules’s Salvation with Sound
Sound designers Zach Schneider and Luke Guenot unpack how car sounds, smoke bombs, voices on the wind, and even silence itself shaped Jules Kendall’s journey in “Crossing the Line” and “On the Edge.” Plus, hear a preview of the upcoming adventure, “Now Hiring.”
When is the Chairman Coming Back? What’s Next After CDs?
Writer/director Kathy Buchanan, art director Evan David, co-creator Phil Lollar, showrunner Marshal Younger, and line producer Nathan Hoobler tackle listener questions, including: Why did so many kid characters change when Whit’s voice changed? Did the wind really speak to Jules in “On the Edge?” How short is Jay Smouse? And will the Odyssey movie be available on the Club? P
FREE EPISODE: “Value of a Buck, Part 1”
In this first episode of Album 80: “Rewritten,” Buck visits Odyssey and Jules braces to tell him her life-changing news. Meanwhile, a nursing-home “ministry” has an unsettling similarity to a dark detail from Buck’s past. (Theme: Choosing the right path) Plus: Vote on the title of Album 81
Top 10 Episode Countdown
Five hundred podcasts, thirty-eight years of Adventures in Odyssey, and one epic countdown! Bob and Jesse celebrate by revealing the ten most-listened-to episodes in the Club, complete with never-before-heard audio and behind-the-scenes stories from the cast and crew.
Visit to the Texas State Fair in Young Whit and the Shell Game
Executive producer and author Dave Arnold previews Young Whit and the Shell Game, the sixth book in the Young Whit series. Hear how this stand-alone adventure expands Whit’s world, connects to lessons he’ll carry into adulthood, and offers a glimpse of what’s ahead for the series. Plus: A preview of “Value of a Buck, Part 1”
Solving the Final Mystery: The Legacy of the Last Chance Detectives
The Last Chance Detectives have been solving mysteries for more than thirty years—on screen, on audio, and now in books. As Book 8: The Curse of Calamity Wells releases, hear from creator and author Bob Vernon and editor Thomas Jeffries about bringing the beloved franchise full circle. Discover how the series began, what kept it alive through decades and formats, and how the long-awaited mys
Into the Spotlight: Shining Light on Jonathan’s Story
Writer Bob Smithouser, collaborator Abigail Geiger, and sound designer Nathan Jones take listeners “Out of the Spotlight” and explain why the name turned out to be such an appropriate title for both Jonathan’s journey and the production itself.
Wayback Wednesday: Say hello to Lucy… again.
Genni Long (Lucy Cunningham-Schultz) reflects on more than 70 episodes, falling in love with Jack Davis (Donald Long), and what life has looked like since her last Odyssey appearance. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast, please give us your feedback.
Chess Moves with Dr. Blackgaard
Phil Lollar dishes on Bishop’s Block, the latest Blackgaard Chronicles novel. Hear how he balances faith, villains, and spy-thriller intrigue—plus a glimpse at what’s ahead in the rest of the series. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast, please give us your feedback.
Odyssey’s Real-Life Working Genius
Jesse Kellum IV doesn’t just write for Odyssey—he also works at the real-life Whit’s End! Hear how a workplace personality quiz inspired his latest episode, how a slide thermometer sparked a memorable story, and how he tackled the tricky dynamics between Jay and his dad in “Put to the Test.” If you enjoyed listening to The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast, pleas
A Very Whittaker Podcast: Totally Random Questions for Andre Stojka
Andre Stojka (voice of Mr. Whittaker) reveals his hobbies, his favorite quote, his least favorite chore, and his most unusual possession. Plus, vote in the Avery Awards and nominate a real-life Whit in your life.
Wayback Wednesday: From Stand-Up to Whit’s End with Ed Washington
Mark Christopher Lawrence revisits his journey as Ed Washington — from landing the role to bringing humor, heart, and faith to one of Odyssey’s most beloved dads. Hear reflections on his personal faith and how he continues to encounter Odyssey fans. Plus: Check out a brand-new Washington family comic adventure!
Sisters On and Off the Mic: Katie and Shona Preview Album 79
Katie Leigh (Connie) and Shona Rodman (Jules) preview Album 79: Eleventh Hour. They share what it’s like playing sisters, how they keep their characters fresh, and how they prepare for recordings. Get a sneak peek at the heart, humor, and surprises ahead—without any spoilers!
From “At Face Value” to the “Eleventh Hour”: What’s Behind and What’s Ahead
Showrunner Marshal Younger, co-creator Phil Lollar, writer/director Kathy Buchanan, and line producer Nathan Hoobler return to answer your questions. Why were the names of the early albums changed? Will marshmallow and pear ice cream ever be available? Is Kandy becoming a regular character? Will we hear from Marla, Chase, Lexi, or Micah again? Will Jason and Jillian appear in the next album? These
Mapping the Perkins Family Story Arc
Showrunner Marshal Younger unpacks the five-episode journey that transformed the Perkins family. How did real-life experiences shape Ron’s path? And why is Bridget’s story still unfinished? Plus: a preview of “The Picture Day Plot”!
Finding Ron Perkins
Before voicing Ron, Eric Martsolf was singing at theme parks, performing on cruise ships, and even touring with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Eric shares how his eclectic career prepared him to play a Marine returning home — and what he’s learned from Ron’s emotional journey.
Totally Random Edition with Chris Anthony Landsdowne
Fans submitted thousands of off-the-wall, anything-goes questions, and Chris is ready to answer. From her favorite childhood book to the one food she’d eat forever, get to know the voice of Adventures in Odyssey like never before.
Buck, Baltimore, and Batting Cages: Exploring “Better Buck Next Time”
Writer/director Kathy Buchanan and sound designers Luke Guenot and Zach Schneider dive into the making of “Better Buck Next Time.” Hear how Buck’s story evolved after his breakup with Jules, how football and faith collide in this three-parter, and why the team recorded at a real-life batting cage to get just the right sound.
Morrie’s Next Move: Atticus Shaffer and Phil Lollar on “Kris-Crossed”
Morrie Rydell is changing from manipulative villain to surprising hero. Actor Atticus Shaffer and writer/director Phil Lollar take us inside “Kris-Crossed,” discussing Morrie’s changes, behind-the-scenes stories, and insight into the Christian underpinnings of the character. Plus, hear a preview of “Better Buck Next Time, Part 2!”
Bringing Military Authenticity to Odyssey: A Marine’s Story
Marine Josh Hosler shares how his real-life experiences shaped the Adventures in Odyssey episode “Ambush” and more. From military communication to a surprising sheep encounter, hear how he brought authenticity to the story of Ron Perkins—and even landed multiple speaking roles.
Taking Adventures in Odyssey to the next level
We’re saying goodbye to CDs in the spring of 2026 and going fully digital. That means longer storylines for your favorite characters. Less waiting between multi-part stories. More flexibility for fun, one-off episodes. But what about downloads? Will there still be 24 new episodes a year? Executive producer Dave Arnold and showrunner Marshal Younger join producer Bob Smithouser to answer ques
Totally Random Edition
It’s Opposite Day as hosts become guests and Bob and Jesse tackle more than a dozen TRQs from our listeners!
Building “School of Hard Knocks”: Friendship, Sound Design, and New Faces
Writer Evan David and sound designer Zach Schneider reveal how they brought “School of Hard Knocks” to life. Evan shares the challenge of transforming Clubhouse Magazine’s Tori Mori into an Odyssey character and weaving her into Olivia and Zoe’s storylines. Meanwhile, Zach pulls back the curtain on crafting the polished, dynamic sound of Mapleton Prep.
Why did Buck and Jules break up? Will Jules stay in the band? Where is the live show in the timeline?
Showrunner Marshal Younger, writer/director Kathy Buchanan, writer/director Phil Lollar, and line producer Nathan Hoobler answer your questions about Adventures in Odyssey past, present and future! From Bridget’s job changes and Wyatt’s new voice to hints about Album 78 and beyond, the team answers your most curious inquiries about Odyssey’s past, present, and future. Plus:
Rocking Manic Ravioli: The Sound of Jules’s Band
Sound designer Nathan Jones and composer John Campbell reveal how they turned “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” into a rock anthem, balanced professionalism with a touch of amateur fun, and tackled the challenges of bringing a fictional band to life.
Voicing and Writing "Express Salvation"
Dive into the making of the latest story arc with showrunner Marshal Younger and actor Dawson Griffin, the new voice of Wyatt Perkins. Why has this story been five years in the making? How did Dawson’s journey to Odyssey begin? What’s coming up for the Perkins family in the days ahead? Find out!
From Odyssey to Hollywood and back again
Writer Charlie Richards returns to Adventures in Odyssey after 24 years. Discover how his journey from Focus on the Family to a Hollywood sitcom to “The Pond” led to the latest Club adventure, “You Dirty Rat.” Plus hear a preview of the final episodes of Album 77!
Celebrating Whits everywhere with Award Winner Richard Moore
Bob and Jesse celebrate Richard Moore, this year’s Whit Award winner, with his son Chris and grandson Campbell, who nominated him! Hear how Richard’s mentorship was impacted by Whit himself and how his own mentorship has impacted others. Plus, get the latest on new Adventures in Odyssey merch and a preview of the next episode from Album 77!
The Avery Awards 2024, courtesy of AI-Oh
All the ideas for the Avery Awards have been done until Bob and Jesse employ their new digital assistant AI-Oh. From daring escapes to singing in spooky mansions, our hosts reveal the fan-voted winners from Album 75: “The Best is Yet to Come” and Album 76: “Keep it Together.”
From England to Odyssey: The Voice Behind Renee D. Carter
Caitlin Thorburn, the voice of Renee D. Carter, shares her journey from old England to New England (and back again!), mastering Renee's Scottish accent, and what fans can expect from “The Heavens Declare.”
An update with Andre Stojka
Andre Stojka had to miss One Grand Party and had a lot of people praying for him. He gives us an in-depth update on what happened and how he’s feeling now.
FREE EPISODE: “500” (plus bonus interviews!)
Relive the milestone that is halfway to 1000 as you join the folks in Odyssey for a fun behind-the-scenes look. Exclusive interviews, bloopers, a fun-filled tour of our first 500 episodes, and much more!
Rewind from 1000 to 0001 with Steve Harris and Phil Lollar
Odyssey co-creators Phil Lollar and Steve Harris talk about the creation of Odyssey in 1986 and God’s hand on the show (Plus: We reveal the name of episode #1000!)
Focus president Jim Daly on 1000 episodes
Focus on the Family President Jim Daly travels the halls of the United States Congress, university campuses, and the State Department and finds Adventures in Odyssey fans everywhere he goes.
New notes about the first Odyssey theme song
Composer Martie Echito worked on the very first Adventures in Odyssey theme song in 1987 and created the background music for dozens of episodes.
Who is Molly's dad? When will Seymore be back? What's going to happen in Album 77?
Showrunner Marshal Younger, co-creator Phil Lollar, and line producer Nathan Hoobler answer your questions about Album 76: Keep it Together, future books and episodes, and look forward to Album 77.
Who played six different parts in “Running the Race”?
In the Eric Liddell three-parter, Greg Jbara plays a Headmaster at a school in England, a Scottish track coach, a Manchester reporter, a Japanese officer, an elderly man at a concentration camp…and of course Pastor Wilson! Plus, he’ll be joining us for One Grand Party in Colorado Springs. Greg talks about all of this and more.
Why and how did Buck fall down the stairs?
Writer/director Kathy Buchanan and sound designer Zach Schneider discuss Buck’s first (but not last!) adventure in Baltimore – “Making an Honest Buck.”
Unpack all three parts of “The Rydell Realizations”
“The Rydell Realizations” is a turning point for Emily and especially for Morrie. Get into the spoiler-y details of the story and production with writer/director Phil Lollar and sound designer Luke Guento … but only after you’ve heard all three parts!
The five-year journey to “Running the Race”
Executive producer Dave Arnold starting outlining a story about Eric Liddell in 2019 — but the episode wasn’t written and directed by Phil Lollar until 2023 and not released until 2024. Follow the marathon production of the three-part epic. (Plus: A preview of “The Rydell Realizations, Part 3”)
The epic production of “Running the Race”
Sound designer Nathan Jones looks back on all the jogging and Olympic sprints in the first two parts of “Running the Race,” previews the final episode in a prison camp…and tells us the one thing he would save from his home.
The Chairman emerges from the shadows
Brian Cummings has played dozens of Odyssey characters from Christopher Columbus to the local soccer coach to Emperor Nero to even Jesus Christ.
Bridget runs the race and hits the right notes
Actress Keely Marshal looks back at (spoiler!) singing in “Right Notes, Wrong Key” and ahead to the three-part “Running the Race.”
Stories about Will Ryan from his wife Nancy
In our final podcast looking back at the life of Will Ryan and the creation of “The Best is Yet to Come,” Will’s wife Nancy Niparko Ryan shares stories from their time together, Will’s similarity to Eugene, and the reach of Adventures in Odyssey.
Who is Molly's mom?
Dana Powers, voice of Molly’s curiously unnamed mom, remembers auditioning, talks about voicing KitKat commercials, and shares why “One Last Treasure Hunt” is her favorite episode.
Eugene’s voice came from war-torn Ukraine
Vitalii Knya, Head of Delivery at Respeecher, tells us how they created Eugene’s line for “The Best is Yet to Come,” the technology behind their company, and what’s going on in Ukraine.
Join us to celebrate One Grand Party in Colorado Springs!
Calling all Odyssey fans! The 1,000th episode airs this year! We’re inviting fans from all over the country to join us at One Grand Party on August 2-3, 2024, in Colorado Springs. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, January 11. Get more details on today's podcast.
FREE AUDIOBOOK: "Showdown with the Shepherd"
As a special gift, hear an entire Imagination Station audiobook! More are available in the Adventures in Odyssey Club. In this adventure, Cousins Patrick and Beth go to the Holy Land in the tenth century BC. Troubles await them as soon as they step out of the Imagination Station. First they meet an angry bear and later an angry giant. Set against the backdrop of the David and Goliath story, the co
All your questions about "The Best is Yet to Come" answered
Why not let Eugene stay in Odyssey? Are you going to use the same technology to bring back old characters? Where did you get Bernard’s lines? Why did the whole family Meltsner family move? Why didn’t we hear Wooton in Eugene’s goodbye party?Are we going to get any episodes with the Meltsners in Baltimore? And most importantly, how old are all of the kids in Odyssey?! Executive producer Dave Arnold
Producing a milestone: “The Best is Yet to Come”
Sound designers Luke Guenot and Zach Schneider talk about working on such a significant series of episodes and how it was the most collaborative production in Odyssey history
Katie Leigh on “The Best is Yet to Come”
Katie Leigh, voice of Connie, remembers the recording sessions for the Meltsner four-parter and working with Townsend Coleman as Eugene
What do the latest episodes in Album 75 and this month’s Club adventure have in common?
Writing discipline, bringing back Dr. Trask, and choosing characters who scare her are all topics on writer Abigail Geiger’s mind.
Penny and Kimmy remember their past
In "As Far As It Depends on Me," both Penny Bassett and actress Kimmy Robertson dealt with emotions and memories from their pasts. Kimmy shares how she conveyed the range of feelings in the story, how she practiced her comedic timing, and the lessons she took from the episode.
Odyssey Strikes Again! An episode sequel
In “A Day in the Life,” Hollywood came to Odyssey to make a movie about the town. Writer Evan David tells why this episode from 1991 gets a sequel in the October Club adventure “Extended Cut.” Plus: Hear a deleted scene with Connie and Eugene on the phone.
The 2023 Avery Awards: Trapped in Jesse’s New Mansion
Buckle up - in more ways than one! It's time for the Album 73 and 74 Avery Award, where the winners of Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Sound Design, Best Script, Best Scene, and Best Episode will be finally and dramatically revealed. Journey through the many rooms of Jesse’s new house as Bob announces all of the Avery Awards, with cameos from many Odyssey cast and crew members. It’s going to be a b
2023's Whit Award Winner
Multiple generations of Odyssey listeners connect as this year’s Whit Award Winner Alaina and her nominator Emma share how mentors affect kids - and how kids affect mentors!
The incredible journey of "Precious Lord"
God took the real Thomas Dorsey on quite the journey to the composition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” For sound designer Nathan Jones and singer Jamal Sarikoki, the production of the audio dramas felt almost as epic.
How did Whit become Whit?
With the release of "Young Whit and the Phantasmic Confabulator" and "Young Whit and the Cloth of Contention," the series is complete. Hear from authors Dave Arnold and Phil Lollar about the story of what shaped John Avery Whittaker as a boy.
Meet Thomas Dorsey, the father of gospel music
Thomas Dorsey wrote more than 3000 gospel songs including "Precious Lord." Actor Leilani Barrett, voice of Thomas in this month's Club adventure, said more than 3,000 words while creating the character for "Precious Lord." He shares the joys and challenges of creating a historical figure.
Honoring the Legacy of Will Ryan and Continuing on with Eugene Meltsner
Executive producer Dave Arnold, showrunner Marshal Younger, and actor Townsend Coleman share about the way forward with Eugene Meltsner after Will Ryan passed away in 2021. Plus, hear from the girls who ran a 5k in Will’s honor.
There’s more to Mrs. Randolph
Chris Anthony does more than host Adventures in Odyssey. She’s also Mrs. Randolph, who gets a backstory (and some songs!) in "Mile 151."
Death and life with Gary Locke
Odyssey artist Gary Locke tells an incredible story about beginning to draw, digital art, death, life, and heaven - in that order.
Was Buckle Up referring to Buckles? Why did Renee change? Why is Eugene on the cover of album 75?
Showrunner Marshal Younger, co-creator Phil Lollar, writer/director Kathy Buchanan, and line producer Nathan Hoobler answer your questions about Album 73: 28 Hours, Album 74: Buckle Up, and the upcoming Album 75: The Best is Yet to Come.
It’s official! Robby Bruce and Shona Rodman talk Buckles
Robby Bruce (voice of Buck) and Shona Rodman (voice of Jules) react to the bombshell that ended Album 74: Buckle Up!
Go behind the wheel with Jesse and Zach
Writer/director Jesse Kellum IV and sound designer Zach Schneider reveal how dog bags, hoopties, air compressors, wrist twist steering, and a fear of staplers figured into the creation of "The Fast and the Ridiculous"
Alkaio Thiele talks about the red carpet, modeling, and (yes) beatboxing
The voice behind Andy Rome in "Value in the Process" shares his experience working as an actor, singer, model, and beatboxer. Plus: hear his original audition
Alkaio Thiele talks about the red carpet, modeling, and (yes) beatboxing
The voice behind Andy Rome in "Value in the Process" shares his experience working as an actor, singer, model, and beatboxer. Plus: hear his original audition
How "Starring Eugene and Connie" became "Featuring Jason and Jillian"
Hear the story of the hilarious episode "Game Night" from writer/director Marshal Younger, sound designer Luke Guenot, and a surprise guest
Remembering Earl Boen
Actor Earl Boen passed away January 5, 2023. In this vintage interview from 2002, Earl remembers the creation of Odyssey supervillain - the nefarious Dr. Regis Blackgaard - and his twin brother - Shakespearean actor Edwin Blackgaard. Plus, never-before-heard recordings of classic Blackgaard scenes.
Take a Sled Run for Survival!
The latest Imagination Station book "Sled Run for Survival" features all sorts of animal action in the snow, including sled dogs, wolves, walruses, and even a polar bear! But the greatest enemy is one so tiny that no one can see it. Author Marianne Hering and editor Vance Fry unpack this and other exciting historical adventures.
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