Unofficial Podcast Ep. 55

04.25.09. It's been a long time coming, but we finally did it! It's the long-awaited conclusion to our recap of the birthday bash in Colorado Springs! After a three month hiatus of her own, Sarah returns to the podcast with renewed vigor (like Mitch's flossing) as she recounts some of her most memorable experiences. And then I talk for a little bit, too. Lots of fun stories, some un-aired clips from our interviews at the podcast booth, and a whole lot more!


Celebrating 20 years of Adventures in Odyssey!


Inside Whit's End


Inside the recording studio


Chris Anthony and Aria Curzon


Hundreds of fans crowded into Focus' Chapelteria


Sarah with the 7-foot tall "Eugene"


Chris with Genni and Don Long


The amazing cast of Odyssey actors... and Eugene!

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Running Time: 1:01:47

AIO Live! Preview

Almost eight months to this day, I sat in the Focus auditorium with over a thousand Odyssey fans, cheering, laughing, and watching in sheer amazement as the actors performed BTV: Live! It truly was a once in a lifetime experience like never before. While I knew they were recording the episode, I didn't know that they would be producing a DVD product - and am I ever glad they chose to do so. Not only will it give me and the five thousand other fans who attended a chance to relive the moment, but it'll give the rest of you the opportunity to check out what you missed!

I recently received a preview copy of the DVD from Focus - here's a quick preview of what you should expect:



1. B-TV: Live! Motion Slideshow

This 45-minute presentation features numerous video clips and hundreds of photos from all three shows. What I particularly enojoyed about the slideshow were all the close-ups of the actors. You don't truly get an appreciation for what the actors do until you actually see them perform. I was somewhat disappointed the video quality wasn't consistent throughout the entire slideshow, but most of it is pretty good. The seventeen minutes of footage accounts for over one-third of the presentation and it's absolutely hilarious to watch. Check out a short clip from the show by clicking the play button below.



At the end of the show, there's also a 3-minute blooper segment with Chris Anthony desperately trying to pronounce, Rashonmyfeet, one of the characters in the show. Hilarious.

2. Event Slideshow

This 5-minute presentation features 43 photos recapping the everything from the live shows, podcast recordings, autograph session... and lots of cast and crew photos. Great stuff!



3. Fan on the Street Interviews

They aired this same 5-minute clip on the Official Podcast, but it's nice to have a high resolution version of the interviews. I'm definitely liking the new question menus!





4. Special Call-In Broadcast

Back in 2007, during Odyssey's official 20th anniversary, they had a special two-part tribute to the show on Focus' daily broadcast with John Fuller and Dr. James Dobson. Hearing from fans across the country (and even one caller from Australia!) express their appreciation for Odyssey is a huge treat and something you won't want to miss. I found it interesting that they included this segment on the DVD rather than the CD, especially considering this is something you might want to listen in your car rather than watch on your TV.



Overall, I was extremely impressed with the DVD. I'm glad it was edited and produced at 16:9 widescreen format rather than the standard 4:3 aspect ratio. It looks great on the HD television, that's for sure! Adventures in Odyssey: Live! will be available on May 1st. If you haven't already pre-ordered your copy, I highly recommend doing it now - the links are in the sidebar.

"AIO Live!" Photos!

Lots of artwork coming in - and it looks awesome. Check out these shots of the upcoming AIO Live! CD/DVD set. Complete with a die cut cover, this packaging really enhances the overall value of the product. I love how they've added complete artwork for the CD labels, something which they stopped doing with all the repacks. Available this May, you won't want to miss adding this amazing set to your Odyssey collection.

More Album Artwork!

Things have been rather slow on the Odyssey front lately, but thankfully we have some new artwork for all you news starved fans. This latest repack introduces a scene from Album 18: A Time of Discovery and is a vast improvement from the original cover. I absolutely love the feeling of dread evoked in this illustration, with Jimmy and Lawrence desperately pedaling away from an alleged alien attack.



My only disappointment with the artwork is the inconsistency between Lawrence in the repack for Album 16. Aside from what his character is wearing, there is very little about this latest drawing of Lawrence that resembles the other one.

But I'm really nitpicking here... overall, the cover is great. Thoughts?

In the meanwhile, we finally have our hands on the back cover of the Adventures in Odyssey Live! CD/DVD set. It definitely looks like it's going to be one jam-packed set. Only two more months until it is released!

Adventures in Odyssey Live!

Discovered over at Christian Book, this appears to be the cover for the Adventures in Odyssey Live! CD/DVD set. What we do know for sure is that the product is set to be released in May and will contain nearly 3 hours of audio footage. For more details, check out the info page at the Odyssey Scoop. I don't know about the rest of you all, but I'm definitely getting excited.

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 48

10.25.08. Just when you thought we had abandoned the podcast scene forever, we finally have a new episode! In this podcast, Sarah and I reminisce about our first day in Colorado Springs, as we talk about our time recording in studio and meeting the actors for the very first time.


Hi, this is Chris!


Dave Madden as Bernard Walton


Genni and Donald Long as Lucy-Cunningham Schultz and Jack Davis


Will Ryan wearing a giant Mr. Whittaker head

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Running Time: 61:16-

Reliving the Moments

It's now been a full month since the birthday bash took place and yet the memories still linger. I recall being incredibly excited when Paul McCusker came into the studio to record his segment with us for the Official Podcast. It was such an amazing experience meeting someone who has played such an instrumental role in Odyssey's development over the past two decades. I was left speechless... of course, who wouldn't be when Phillip Glossman is talking to you? ;o)


Recording with Paul McCusker in studio

As released on WhitsEnd.org last week, you can now stream the fifty-first Official podcast by clicking the play button below!

Running Time: 11:14

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 47

09.10.08. We're finally back! Although not in a way that you might expect. This podcast is loaded with fan interviews as well as thoughts on favorite moments from the live show. You won't want to miss this one!

I'd also like to take the opportunity to mention that we hit the 300 subscribers plateau yesterday. In addition, we made the iTunes top podcast list for the kids and family category! Our podcast is currently ranked 58th in Canada. We really appreciate all the support we've been getting and hope to continue providing more riveting discussion on Odyssey. ;)


Bob and Jesse from the Official Podcast

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Running Time: 20:13

The Unofficial and Official Podcast... United!

In case you haven't seen it already, the Official Podcast has uploaded their 50th episode. Check it out by going to WhitsEnd.org/podcast or stream it by hitting the play button below. You'll get a chance to hear fan reaction and even clips from the live show! And don't confuse those two new voices for vagabonds... it's really us.


Photographed by April B.

Running Time: 15:52

An Adventure of a Lifetime

What an incredible experience. It is difficult to put into words the sheer excitement that I felt as I sat down to watch a live recording of an Adventures in Odyssey episode. Having literally grown up with the show, it all felt like seeing a long lost relative for the first time. What a joy it was to see long-time cast members like Chuck Bolte, Will Ryan, Katie Leigh, Dave Madden, and Chris Anthony. Along for the ride were Jess Harnell and Aria Curzon, two of my favorite actors ever.


Actors during the rehearsal

They also had four surprise guests at the live show, with Donald and Genni Long, Dave Griffin, and Sage Bolte all getting brief cameo appearances. It was a real treat seeing all of the actors and getting an opportunity to talk with them as much as we did! They were all incredibly gracious with their time and they even hung out with us for a couple hours in the hotel lobby at the conclusion of Saturday's crazy day.


Chuck Bolte, Will Ryan, and Katie Leigh

Sarah and I also had the opportunity to collaborate with Bob and Jesse, hosts of the Official Podcast, on a few episodes. Over the next several weeks, you'll hear more of went what down over the weekend and what we thought of the event. You won't want to miss the next editions of the Official and Unofficial Podcasts!


Bob and Jesse talk with a fan

One Week!

The end is near. The time has come.

What was once a passing thought is slowly turning into reality. It all begins in exactly one week. I can't believe I'm going to be a part of such an exciting event. To see the faces behind all the voices of my all time favorite show--radio or otherwise--and witness a live recording with hundreds upon hundreds of fans... it's going to be an incredible weekend.

Sarah and I will be on site at the event, so be sure to introduce yourself if you see (or hear) us there. ;o) For those of you who can't make it to the live show, we'll have a few surprises that you won't want to miss!

Keep listening? :D

Live Show Flyer

Only 25 days until the live event! I don't know about you, but I love this new promotional flyer. Check back this Saturday for a new podcast. :D!

The Countdown is On!

I've been waiting for this event for five long months, but at long last I can finally say we're only one month away from the live show! In a mere thirty days, thousands of fans will assemble at the Focus campus to partake in this exhilarating opportunity. Actually getting to watch some of our favorite actors and actresses do their thing on stage will be a breathtaking experience. There are few words to describe my excitement and anticipation for this event. For me, it will undoubtedly be the highlight of the year.

Don't worry, I'll be bringing along my camera for the ride... no guarantees of photos from the actual live recording, but hopefully something from the meet and greet!

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 45

07.12.08. Exactly one month until I leave for Colorado Springs and the excitement continues to escalate! In this podcast, I speak with producer Marshal Younger to talk about Kidsboro, the future of Odyssey, and the live show. Only five weeks to go until the birthday bash, so guarantee your seats now while they're still available! In other news, our brand new logo makes it debut today... if you'd like to update the artwork for the rest of our podcasts, you can do so by downloading the newest logo here.

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Running Time: 32:20

Keepin' Odyssey Alive

It seems like it's been months already, but it hasn't even been two weeks since the last Kidsbor episode aired. What perfect timing, too, since my full-time summer position started on June 2. That's certainly been keeping me busy for the last little while. But I haven't forgotten about Odyssey! Since it officially went on hiatus, I've already gone through a couple dozen of the older episodes. Hearing episodes from the 90s really puts into perspective how long the show has been running. Remember the days when Eugene and Katrina weren't married? Or how about the time when the Barclay's still lived in Odyssey? Ah, the nostalgia!

I'm sure there will be ample opportunity to discuss the future of Odyssey, so let's put that on hold for the present. With fifteen months until the next new episode airs, what are some of the things you plan on doing in the meanwhile? If you're like me, you'll go back to some of the old favorites, such as the days of Hal Smith, or you might relive the Blackgaard Saga or Novacom Arc. On the other hand, if you're as much of a fanatic as the people of the ToO, you might endeavor to rank every episode! Either way, I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Thankfully, the folks over at Focus haven't left us completely stranded. During the summer, they'll be airing some of their favorite shows from the past twenty years... including special testimonials on each episode from listeners. There's also the live birthday bash event, where they'll be recording a live episode in Colorado Springs. You can find out more details by clicking here. Plus, there's also the new Official Guide which will hit stores this August!

So... what will you do to keep Odyssey alive?

Full Details on Live Event

Last week I mentioned the live event in Colorado Springs, which will be held on August 16th. Full details are now available on WhitsEnd.org.

Adventures in Odyssey Birthday Bash!

What: A show featuring Adventures in Odyssey actors performing the audio drama for a live crowd, with sound effects also being created live. Actors and producers will also answer questions from the crowd.
Why: To celebrate 20 years of Adventures in Odyssey! It’s also a launch party for Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide, an exciting new book releasing this summer.
Where: Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Get travel information at this link.)
When: Saturday, August 16, 2008. There are currently two shows to choose from on that date: a 10:30am Show and a 3pm Show.
How to Get Tickets: Please call Focus on the Family at 1-800-A-FAMILY (that’s 1-800-232-6459). Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 6am—10pm, and on Saturday 7:30am—4pm. All times are Mountain Time.

How exciting! Further details will be posted on WhitsEnd.org next week. Sarah and I both plan on attending this exciting, once-in-a-lifetime event and would love to meet ya'll!