Upcoming Interview with Paul McCusker!

Over the last couple years, we've been extremely privileged to speak with the likes of writers Nathan Hoobler and Marshal Younger, as well as actors Dave Griffin, Lauren Schaffel, Genni Long, and Katie Leigh. (Check out the sidebar to listen to those interviews!) It's been a long time coming since we've spoken with a member of the Odyssey team, but today we're pleased and proud to announce our next interview will be with writer Paul McCusker.

As the creator of the Passages series, Paul recently directed the radio adaptation of Darien's Rise and is currently working on the shows for Album 51. If there's anything you've been dying to know about Passages or Darien's Rise, don't delay!

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Album 51 Details!

Well, I know a lot of the focus lately has been on Passages, but I couldn't pass up on this bit of news. In their product page for Album 51, Tyndale now includes a brief description of what we can expect for this March 2010 release.

It’s back to the basics in Take It from the Top, the long-anticipated 51st album of Adventures in Odyssey! Enter Whit’s new invention, the Inspiration Station, and find out why Connie wants to spend so much time in it. Solve mysteries with local sleuth Emily Jones, and learn why 10-year-old Matthew Parker doesn’t think being “target of the week” is such a good thing. Catch up with Whit, Connie, Eugene, and Wooton, and meet two new families, as they learn lessons about responsibility, revenge, and God-given inspiration. Whether on a baseball field, at home, or at Whit’s End, there’s never a dull moment in the town of Odyssey!

We've known for a while about the Parker family, which includes the brother-sister tandem in Matthew and Camilla. I'm always intrigued whenever new kids are introduced, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of personalities they'll bring to the show. After the first hiatus ended in 1997, there was a complete turnover for their kid actors, and listeners were introduced to characters like Jared DeWhite, Sarah Pratchett, Dwayne Oswald, and Lisa Mulligan. With the presumed departure of Tamika, Marvin, Mandy, and Trent, it seems like the end of this hiatus will see a whole host of of new kids brought to Odyssey. I'm hoping that Matthew, Camilla, and Emily will be able to interact with existing kids, such as Grady or Kelly, but we'll see what happens. Only six months to go until the new season begins!

For those of you keeping track, Darien's Rise airs in only nine days. To celebrate the release of this highly anticipated radio drama, we'll be announcing a very special surprise sometime tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 57

09.05.09. We're finally back after an extended hiatus, just in time to see Odyssey's hiatus come to a close. In this podcast, we address some of the biggest news since sliced bread! Included in our list of topics are Passages: Darien's Rise, Andre Stojka, and Album 51. Leave a comment or email us at aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.

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Running Time: 23:48

So You Think You're An Odyssey Actor?

Ever wanted to be an actor for Adventures in Odyssey? Well, here's your chance to have your voice heard on an upcoming episode! The good folks over at the Official Site are holding open auditions to anyone interested. All you need to do is record a brief response to the question question, "How am I inspired by Connie Kendall?" Whichever entries the Odyssey team like the most will be included in the season premiere, tentatively called The Inspiration Station, which will air in March 2010. But don't delay! This contest is only open until Friday, September 11th.

Contest Winners Announced Tomorrow!

For those of you who entered in the Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt, we have some exciting news to share. Tomorrow, on the Odyssey Scoop, we will be announcing the contest winners, in addition to their stories! Be sure to keep any eye on your inbox, as we will be emailing our winners within the next few days.

More Album Artwork!

Over the last couple weeks, a lot of new and exciting stuff has been coming out, the most significant of which was the first episode of Darien's Rise. If you haven't had the opportunity to have a listen, be sure to check it out soon! I'd love to hear your thoughts on Andre Stojka, Shane Baumel, and Rachel Fox.

Also making headlines this past week was the release of the album artwork for Album 51: Take It From the Top. It features a very stylish, green-sweater-deprived Connie with Eugene getting what appears to be a buzz cut. I'm thinking Eugene loses a bet, or maybe does this to raise money for Hand Up. I like how the album title has both a literal interpretation - as seen in the illustration - as well as a figurative meaning, which will probably be made more clear once we hear the episodes. I get the feeling that Odyssey is returning to the style of the more "classic" shows from its earlier years. In many ways, Odyssey will be going back to the beginning... or taking it from the top. ;)



The repackaging project continues its gradual march towards completion, as Album 43: Along for the Ride recently received its re-framed cover. Once again, as is the case with much of Gary Locke's designs, the colors are fresh and vibrant. I probably sound like a broke record by now, but it's true - this new cover is a definite improvement over the original cover.



Many thanks to all of you who participated in the Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt. We received an overwhelming number of responses, with lots of great story ideas. Judging is currently underway, so stay tuned to the Odyssey Scoop to see if you're our grand prize winner!

Last, but not least, Sarah and I will be making our return to the podcast airwaves! There's certainly no lack of news to discuss, so be prepared for an onslaught of Odyssey discussion this weekend. As always, feel free to send us your comments or questions to aiofanpodcast@hotmail.com.

Another Recording Session Video of "Darien's Rise!"

Almost a couple months ago, Rachel Fox, voice of Anna in Darien's Rise, posted a video of herself in studio with Shane Baumel (Kyle) and Pete Reneday (Old Judge). Over at the Town of Odyssey, one fan has made another fantastic discovery - a ten minute video clip of Shane Baumel recording a scene with the actors who play Darien and Michelle. What's particularly interesting about the video is getting to hear Paul McCusker direct the two actors. Take a look and let me know what you think!

The Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt

So you think you're the biggest Passages fan? Well, here's your chance to prove it and win a fabulous prize!

How do I enter?

1. Answer each of the 5 questions posted on The Odyssey Scoop, AIO Wiki, and The Unofficial Podcast. You must answer at least 10 of the 15 questions correctly in order to move on with the contest. It may be wise to answer all 15 questions.

2. Next, come up with your very own Passages episode! Of course, we don't expect a full novel. Simply write a 300-500 word plot summary of a hypothetical story involving Marus. You may use characters from the existing books or you may come up with your own characters. Plot summaries will be judged by their creativity, originality, and Biblical integration. Please pay attention to correct grammar usage, though we will make grammatical corrections before publishing the winners' entries.

3. Submit your answers and plot summary by visiting The Ultimate Passages Fan Scavenger Hunt Submission Page.

When is the deadline?

You have until August 31st at 11:59pm eastern time to complete the contest. Winners will be announced Saturday, September 5 at The Odyssey Scoop.

What if I have never read Darien's Rise from the Passages series?

There's no need! This contest was created for anyone to enter, regardless of having read the books or not. Don't tell anyone, but you may want to start at the Passages Website for clues.

What do I win?

The participants who answers at least ten questions correctly and offers what we deem to be the best plot summary will win a free copy of the upcoming radio adaptation of Darien's Rise. We will also choose four runner ups, all of whom will win a poster of the cover artwork signed by the crew! All of these fabulous prizes are compliments of Focus on the Family and the creators of Adventures in Odyssey!

Let's Get Started...

The Odyssey Scoop, AIO Wiki, and The Unofficial Podcast are looking for answers! It may be a good idea to keep your answers in a safe place until you have them all. Any questions you may have throughout the course of this contest should be directed to passagescontest@odysseyscoop.com.

6. Which city is an ally of Marus?
7. What's the name of Kyle and Anna's uncle?
8. Who rescues Anna from being sold as a slave?
9. In which city did Darien's defeat Commander Soren?
10. Who is the author of Passages?

Watch the Trailer!

It's coming.

New Update

Sorry I haven't updated in a while! Things have been crazy busy on my end, and I'm currently enjoying my final few days on vacation. However, after the latest news released on the Official Site earlier today, I couldn't keep silent any longer.

But first, allow me to quickly get this out of the way. As many of our loyal listeners have astutely pointed out, the cover art for Darien's Rise has been updated to a much more original and artistic design. I love how they kept the castle theme in the artwork, while using the evening setting to highlight the two moons of Marus. A vast improvement, in my opinion, from the original design.



Now to the biggest news we've heard since Walker Edmiston's passing. John Avery Whittaker, perhaps the most beloved character to grace the show, will no longer be voiced by Paul Herlinger. After fourteen years of dedicated service, Paul will be handing the reigns over to Andre Stojka, a talented actor who has reprised the role of several characters played by Hal Smith (including Owl from Winnie the Pooh). You can find out all the details by checking out the Official Podcast's latest episode. Have a listen and let me know what you think! I'll be posting my full thoughts on it later this month.