The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast

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. 

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”

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”

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!

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.

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.

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.”

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? Plus, don’t miss the reveal of the fan-voted title for Album 81. See what's Coming Soon on the Club, including a new episode on January 15! Listen to Album 79: Eleventh Hour or Album 80: Rewritten in the Club. Check out Album 79 on CD or download.

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

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.

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”

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 mystery of Mike Fowler’s father is finally resolved.  

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.

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.

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.

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, please give us your feedback.

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.

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!

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!

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 answers and more—straight from the writing team.

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”!

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.  

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.

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 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!”

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.

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 questions about the transition.

It’s Opposite Day as hosts become guests and Bob and Jesse tackle more than a dozen TRQs from our listeners!

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.

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: Learn the titles of Album 78 and 79.

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. 

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!

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!

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!  

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.”

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.”

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.

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! 

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 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.

Composer Martie Echito worked on the very first Adventures in Odyssey theme song in 1987 and created the background music for dozens of episodes.

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.  

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.

Writer/director Kathy Buchanan and sound designer Zach Schneider discuss Buck’s first (but not last!) adventure in Baltimore – “Making an Honest Buck.”

“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!

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”)

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.

Brian Cummings has played dozens of Odyssey characters from Christopher Columbus to the local soccer coach to Emperor Nero to even Jesus Christ.

Actress Keely Marshal looks back at (spoiler!) singing in “Right Notes, Wrong Key” and ahead to the three-part “Running the Race.” 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 cousins learn that having a giant faith is more important than having a giant on your side.

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, showrunner Marshal Younger, writer/director Phil Lollar, writer/director Kathy Buchanan, and line producer Nathan Hoobler answer the biggest questions about Eugene’s departure.

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, voice of Connie, remembers the recording sessions for the Meltsner four-parter and working with Townsend Coleman as Eugene

Writing discipline, bringing back Dr. Trask, and choosing characters who scare her are all topics on writer Abigail Geiger’s mind.

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.

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.

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 bumpy ride.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chris Anthony does more than host Adventures in Odyssey. She’s also Mrs. Randolph, who gets a backstory (and some songs!) in "Mile 151."

Odyssey artist Gary Locke tells an incredible story about beginning to draw, digital art, death, life, and heaven - in that order.

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.

Robby Bruce (voice of Buck) and Shona Rodman (voice of Jules) react to the bombshell that ended Album 74: Buckle Up!

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"

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

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

Hear the story of the hilarious episode "Game Night" from writer/director Marshal Younger, sound designer Luke Guenot, and a surprise guest

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.

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.

Follow the links in the chain, plot the path on the map, and meet the unsung heroes of Odyssey as we follow an episode from a sound designer's computer to your ears. Along the way we'll meet mastering engineer Rudy Haerr, satellite operator Ray Morgan, media syndication manager Brian Krause, digital support specialist Steve Christakis, and senior marketing director Debbie Smith. Join us!

Jesse Kellum IV grew up listening to Odyssey and now he's writing (and directing!) for the show. Hear the story of how he got to Odyssey, his first show "Legally Wooton," and traveling to California to record.

Content creator Evan David and showrunner Marshal Younger unpack the mysterious concept of "canon" and why the comics are considered canon, but the video series is not.

Writer/director Kathy Buchanan, executive producer Dave Arnold, showrunner Marshal Younger, and line producer Nathan Hoobler answer your questions about Album 73, Eugene, Katrina’s brothers, and more.

Discussion about "28 Hours" continues with sound designers Luke Guenot and Zach Schneider (and a few more comments from writer/director Kathy Buchanan), including creating a squishy brain sound (yes), how sometimes "more is more" and the whole team's influence on this series.

The spoiler train continues with an in-depth discussion with "28 Hours" writer/director Kathy Buchanan and sound designers Luke Guenot and Zach Schneider.

It’s time to talk about the spoilers of “28 Hours” with Townsend Coleman (voice of Jason) and Monica Padilla (voice of Jillian). Get ready for some juicy revelations about this exciting six-parter, but make sure you’ve listened before you hear the podcast!

Actor Clint Howard voices Nick Smouse, Jay's dad, for the second time in this month’s Club adventure: "A Friend in Need." Clint has a lengthy Hollywood résumé that spans nearly sixty years.

Mark Jent, direct of MAGI at Healing Hands International, shares the true stories that inspired "Showdown in San Poco." Plus: A preview of "Dead of Night"!

Writer/director Phil Lollar shares how "Showdown in San Poco" started as a completely different episode in a completely different part of the world. Then sound designer Nathan Jones tells how the sound of motorcycles was created without... motorcycles. (Plus: Emerson Collins talks about this year's Bring Your Bible to School Day!)

It's time for the "Slippery Slope" and "The Long Road Home" Avery Awards! We’ll reveal the Actor, Actress, Sound Design, Script, Scene, Episode, and more that you, the listeners, voted as winners! Also this year, you’ll get a look behind the curtain of the REAL Adventures in Odyssey Headquarters that has long been kept secret from the public. Our hosts Bob and Jesse will be your tour guides. However an accident may just change the course of this episode - and the very names of hosts - forever!

Ivan Chambers has coached football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, track, and more. He tells us about the emotions, the drama, and the lessons behind the scenes of sports stories like "The 18-Yard Line."

Lexie nominated her coach and teacher Andrew Nedimyer for the Whit Award, sharing how he cares for his students, faithfully teaches God's word, and takes the extra time to help any kids who are stuck. Mr. Nedimyer also grew up listening to Odyssey and even dreamed of opening his own version of Whit's End. Hear their stories and learn how to find Godly mentors of your own.

Executive producer Dave Arnold plucks an obscure character from 2 Samuel 6 to star in a "Book of Speculations" adventure.

The voices behind best friends Molly and Allison talk about Odyssey, singing on The Voice, healthy social media, and connecting with others.

Comic creators Evan David and Brian Dawson take us Elsewhere in Odyssey.

The Adventures in Odyssey cast and crew remembers Will Ryan (the actor behind Eugene Meltsner, Harlow Doyle, and others) who passed away on November 19, 2021. Voices include executive producer Dave Arnold, executive producer Chuck Bolte, writer/director Kathy Buchanan, actor Robby Bruce (voice of Buck), actor Townsend Coleman (voice of Jason), Focus on the Family president Jim Daly, sound designer Mark Drury, actor Jess Harnell (voice of Wooton), Focus on the Family Guest Relations director Diane Ingolia, co-creator Steve Harris, writer/director Nathan Hoobler, sound designer Rob Jorgensen, host Chris Anthony Lansdowne, actor Katie Leigh (voice of Connie), co-creator Phil Lollar, sound designer Bob Luttrell, executive producer Paul McCusker, actor Phil Proctor (voice of Detective Polehaus), actor Shona Rodman (voice of Jules), actor Andre Stojka (voice of Whit), and actor Audrey Wasilewski (voice of Katrina).

Trey finds that he has something not just to teach but to learn on this month's Club adventure: "Results May Vary." It's not just medical professionals like Dr. Joseph who make connections with Global Health Outreach. Find out more from Trish Burgess and Alicia Trivett.

Showrunner Marshal Younger, writer/director Phil Lollar, writer/director Kathy Buchanan, and line producer Nathan Hoobler answer your questions about recent episodes (including the Olivia arc and "As Buck Would Have It") and look ahead to stories in Album 73 and 74.

Andre Stojka recently set a record -- he's played the role of John Avery Whittaker longer than either of his predecessors. Andre looks back on his time as Whit -- and forward to more adventures.

Robby Bruce (voice of Buck) and Shona Rodman (voice of Jules) share the latest developments in their characters and their own lives. Plus, what they think of the idea of Jules and Buck getting together.

If you haven’t heard “As Buck Would Have It,” don't listen to this podcast and go hear Album 72. If you have listened, join writer/director Kathy Buchanan and sound designer Luke Guenot to hear how this adventure was created. Note: This podcast includes both touching moments and morgue freezers.

Spoiler warning! Showrunner Marshal Younger looks back at the beginnings - and the ending - of the Olivia faith story arc.

Writer Bob Hoose and sound designer apprentice Zach Schneider (a newcomer to the podcast and team!) discover Drake’s softer side in this month’s Club adventure: "Drake and the Aberrant Automaton."