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.

Catching Up on Odyssey

Unless you've been living under a rock the last couple weeks, you've probably already watched the most recent video podcast. It was a real treat to actually see the Odyssey crew in action and hard at work - proof that they've been keeping busy during the current hiatus. And they shared a lot of inside information. All this time I thought they were just lounging around eating fizzy cola, greasly chips, and jello pudding pops.

As we've known for the last month or so, Darien's Rise will be adapted for an epic 9-part radio dramatization. I'm a huge fan of Paul McCusker's work, so it'll be fun to see this Odyssey classic turned into an audio drama - much like Focus' Radio Theatre has already done with books like The Chronicles of Narnia. Like the beloved series by C.S. Lewis, Passages is built around this idea of normal kids visiting an alternate reality. But the similarities don't end there. Many Biblical parallels are drawn throughout the kids' journeys in the land of Marus. What's particularly special about Passages is that it offers a story simple enough for children and yet deep enough to be enjoyed by adults.

Something that hasn't been brought up much is the casting for Passages. Up until the video podcast was released, we didn't know who would be voicing the two main characters, Anna and Kyle. After hearing the short clip from Jonathan Crowe, we now know that these two roles will be filled by Rachel Fox and Shane Baumel. These two actors are better known for playing Kelly and Everett, so it'll be interesting to see if those two characters will be returning in Album 51. I've already made it clear that I wouldn't mind hearing more from Kelly now that she's a Christian, but what I'd really love is to hear episodes with Everett and his father, Leonard. Either way, I'm looking forward to hearing from both Rachel and Shane in Passages.

Most book adaptions will inevitably involve some sort of change to the script. Darien's Rise is no exception, as it appears Whit will be narrating at least part of the drama. With news leaking out that there will be a new Whit, it would definitely make for an interesting surprise if listeners tuned in on September 12 to hear part one of Darien's Rise and were greeted by a new John Avery.

Speaking of surprises, I really enjoyed getting a look inside the renowned Odyssey vault - otherwise known as Focus' audio library. Among the multitude of audio cases neatly arranged on the shelves sat some real gems, such as Bonhoeffer and Father Gilbert. With thousands of individual episodes and radio broadcast archives sitting on those shelves, it's no wonder they're all stored inside a locked room! Watching the guys recreate the scene from A New Hope was priceless, especially Rudy's "call" for C-3PO. Haha.

It was nice of Paul McCusker to invite the Official Podcast hosts to his home - it took me a moment before I realized that. We hadn't heard much about what's going to happen in Album 51 since the March 11th Q&A with the producers. And, sadly, Paul doesn't divulge too more information, other than the fact that the first episode of the March 2010 season is tentatively called The Inspiration Station and will probably be a two-parter.

Does this Inspiration Station have anything to do with the red button Connie pushed at the end of The Best Small Town? Quite possibly. Over at the Town of Odyssey, different theories have been floating around. All we know for sure is that it was part of Whit's new invention that looked like a radio. That immediately makes me think is has something to do with story-telling, although I'm not sure in what way. Does it alter the way Adventures in Odyssey is told? Or would that be breaking the third wall too much?

One thing we know with absolute certainty is that several new families will be introduced, including the Parkers. We also know a little bit about one of the Parker kids, Camilla - she's an eight year old athlete who reminds me of a young woman who helped raise seven kids in Austria (hint: she climbs a tree and scrapes her knee). According to the character description we heard from Carol Rusk, Camilla is also "prone to pranks and trouble." Between her boisterous and tomboy-ish personality, Camilla sounds like a cross between a Curt Stevens and Traci Needlemeyer.

While there's still ten months to go before Album 51 episodes air on the radio, there's only three months left until Passages: Darien's Rise hits the airwaves. But if you're the impatient sort, you can always pre-order your copy of the 9-part drama at Amazon.com or Amazon.ca. Then let me know your thoughts on the future of Odyssey!

What did you think of the latest video podcast? And which was the best moment?

(a) Jesse high-fiving Whit
(b) Jonathan asking for a sound of a guy being punched in the face
(c) Bob skipping out of Christopher Dehl's studio
(d) The recreation of the garbage compactor scene
(e) Carol Rusk inviting Tom Hanks and George Clooney to a party
(f) Andy Serkis

Updated Official Podcast Page

If in case you haven't seen it already, I wanted to quickly point out that the Official Podcast has made an exciting update to their webpage! They've reformatted it into more of a blog, allowing fans to post comments on each entry. It's definitely a major improvement to the website and I'm looking forward to hearing from the more 'casual' fan - those who might not have time for or interest in joining a message board. ;) Be sure to check out the blog and leave a question for the actors who play all four Washington family members!

A Response to the Latest Official Podcast

In case you haven't heard, the latest edition of the Official Podcast was just released. In it, Paul McCusker and Dave Arnold discuss some of the upcoming changes to the show. Click play to listen and then check out my commentary on the highlights.



1. Farewell to the Washingtons

This comes as no surprise, as the actors for Tamika (Courtney Brown) and Marvin (Kendre Barry) have reached the point-of-no-return age. I feel both could have remained for at least one more season, but I don't think most listeners will be shedding too many tears over their departure. It will, however, make for an awkward scenario if Kelly stays. Perhaps she will be returning to her mother? Paul and Dave did not address whether or not Kelly would remain, but at this point it doesn't look good.

2. The Return of ... Clara?

Many listeners, myself included, quickly became fans of actress Aria Curzon when she made her Odyssey debut in the episode, Clara. It's understandable why the writers haven't brought back Clara to this point, since Aria also played Mandy Straussberg. Having both characters existing concurrently would only confuse the audience. But if the Straussberg family is written off as we are expecting, then this would be an excellent way of retaining a talented voice actor in Aria while re-introducing a beloved character.

3. Video Footage on AIO Live! DVD

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Nathan Hoobler mentions an added incentive to purchase this incredibly jam-packed set. Seventeen minutes of live video footage from the live show will be included on the DVD, which will come as a pleasant surprise to those who were not able to attend the show last August. As one who had the privilege of attending all three shows, I'm anxious to see which takes they used for the final cut. Trust me - this is something you won't want to miss.

4. The Return of ... Malachi?

Those who have read the Official Guide already know that Philip Glassborow played the voice of Malachi in Album 32. In many ways, Malachi's Message kick-started a number of changes in Odyssey, not the least of which was the Timothy Center. Of course, the inspiration for the retreat center was Tom's son, Timmy - the co-discoverer of the alternate reality, Marus, in Passages. With all this news about Passages returning to the airwaves, it makes me wonder if Malachi is somehow connected to it all. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part. And maybe Philip Glassborow just randomly happened to be visiting when they recorded the Official Podcast. Hmm.

5. Passages

Paul McCusker confirmed Passages will be the newest installment of Odyssey to hit the radio this fall. This time, however, it will be an adaption of his novel, Darien's Rise. No word yet on the length of the dramatization or whether it will be contained within Album 51. I would like to think it'd be included in the next album, but that may not be the case since Dave Arnold stated that episodes for Album 51 won't be out until next year.

6. Album 51 Releases March 2010

In an earlier podcast, the producers had alluded to the possibility of putting the the albums out earlier. It appears they've made their decision as Album 51 is slated to release one year from now and will be available while the episodes are airing. Obviously, the upside to this format is that we won't have to wait for each new weekly show. We can simply order the album and hear them all at once. But the downside is evident - we have to wait six months longer than what was previously announced before we can hear any episodes for the new season.

Assuming Passages ends up being a 3-part series airing at the beginning of September, it means listeners will have to wait an additional five months before getting to hear any new episodes. I'm disappointed it's going to take that long, especially since it'll be nearly two full years between Album 50 and Album 51. But if it provides the writers with the opportunity to fine tune their scripts and the producers a chance to create a better product overall, then I'm all for it.

Latest News

I heard a rumor that today was a U.S. national holiday?

Not too much to report on the Odyssey news front except for the latest Official Podcast which aired last week. Definitely check it out if you haven't seen it yet. It includes interviews with families who attend the birthday bash in August, a scene from an Indian adaption of "Mike Makes Right," and a clip from the live show! I was thrilled that they used the Powerboy scene with Wooton since that was one of the funniest moment in the entire show... who knew Nate Jones was so talented?

As we inch closer towards Christmas, one item in which you might be interested is Answer That! Adventures in Odyssey Edition, the DVD trivia game that originally released in late 2007. You can read my review or Sarah's review... or you can play two sample rounds of the game here.

In response to those of you who have asked us about our next podcast, I regret to inform you all that there will not be a podcast this month. Other priorities such as school and work have consumed most of our time, so we haven't been able to record as frequently as we would've preferred. However, we'll be making up for our negligence with two podcasts in December. We hope you'll stay tuned! In the meanwhile, go check out another totally awesome podcast.

Free Odyssey Episode Giveaway

In the latest edition of the Official Podcast, hosts Bob and Jesse announced they will be giving away a free Odyssey episode in an upcoming podcast. Normally, I'm not terribly excited by their giveaways since I already own the episode, but this one is particularly special since it's going to be an unreleased episode... and you get to vote on which one they release! Already, over one thousand votes have been tabulated, so go cast yours if you haven't already had a chance to do so.

I find it rather incredibly amusing that Light's Out at Whit's End has received 28% percent of the vote thus far, which is likely a response to the short clip they played in an earlier podcast. I'm not suggesting listeners actually enjoyed hearing Whit, Tom, and the kids attempt to create their own rap song, but there is something incredibly fascinating about seeing or hearing a disaster. I suppose it's not unlike drivers who slow down when passing by an accident.

Gotcha! is presently in second place with 29% of the vote. This is one that needs to be put in an album since it's connected to and referenced in It Began with a Rabbit's Foot. Not surprisingly, the episode currently leading the polls with 30% of the vote is You Go To School Where? Although perhaps no longer relevant in today's day and age, this show has probably drawn a lot of interest from Odyssey's vast contingent of homeschooled listeners.

Pulling up the rear with 8% and 4% of the vote are Addictions Can Be Habit Forming and BTV: Grace, respectively.

Which one would you like to hear and why?

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

Right-click and save here to download.

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