In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Homecoming,” in which the town of Odyssey is all stirred up over the rumor that Richard Maxwell has returned. Well, spoilers, he has. And further spoilers, no, he is not up to no good. He is actually here to apologize to everyone he hurt during album 5. It’s a surprisingly emotionally intimate episode about the importance of asking for forgiveness, whether it’s likely to be granted or not. It’s also our only Richard perspective episode, so buckle in because we have 2 hours worth of thoughts. Also, needing vs. wanting forgiveness, the Gospel for perpetrators vs the Gospel for victims, and the newly coined Richard Maxwell Checklist™.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Last in a Long Line,” in which Eugene discovers that he might not be the last in a long line, after all, when he discovers a grave in Odyssey with his father’s name on it. Also, the permanency of affections, getting poetic about family heritage, and Bernard’s worst nightmare.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Waylaid in the Windy City, Part 2,” in which Whit and Richard team up to enact a Richard scheme that will save Connie, get the government back their secrets, and buy Richard his sweet, sweet revenge. Everyone gets what they want. Also, playing fast and loose with the definition of crimes, Blackgaard’s mercurial nature vs. Whit’s steadiness, and what we learn from revenge plots.

Editor’s Notes:

- At one point, we reference chlorophyll instead of chloroform

- Some part of our discussion was recorded during album art review and copied into this episode

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Waylaid in the Windy City, Part 1,” in which a laptop mix-up throws Whit and Connie into the heart of a spy thriller adventure in the windy city of Chicago. Also, Whitipedia, every floor has a boy, and good use of stock dialogue.

Podcaster’s Note: Part two of Waylaid in the Windy City will be released next week.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Isaac the Procrastinator,” in which Isaac Morton faces a new adjective-based challenge: getting his work done on time. Also, emo Swan Lake, mad scientist Whit, impromptu musical numbers, and how to define laziness.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Emotional Baggage,” in which Connie is dismayed to learn that her Aunt Helen is coming to town. Connie refuses to stay under the same roof as Helen and therefore flees to Whit’s End, intending to hide there for the duration of the visit. But the dynamic between Connie and her aunt is a layered one, and Whit does his best to tease out the nuance. We have to be real with you all, this is a messy one. Come unpack it with us! Also, a child’s elaborate conspiracy web, and psychoanalyzing our juicy workplace grudges.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Second Coming,” in which Melanie does the math set out by a popular televangelist and has deduced the exact date when Jesus is returning: it’s Saturday! Also, Bible literacy, how to be a good witness, and Snow White of the sea creatures.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Someone to Watch Over Me,” in which Jimmy Barclay goes on a very different sort of adventure through his imagination. Also, the theology of spiritual beings, Kishōtenketsu (the four-act structure), and yet another harrowing event for the Barclay family to endure.

Note: It wasn’t covered much in our discussion, but Emilee finds Kishōtenketsu fascinating. Here is further reading, for the curious: kishotenketsu and non western story structures

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Melanie’s Diary,” in which Robyn is not on her best big sister behavior. First she snoops in her little sister Melanie’s diary, then she jokes about it with her friends at Whit’s End. Furious, Melanie decides to get even. Will Robyn learn a little empathy? Will Melanie enjoy her taste of revenge? You’ll have to listen to find out. Also, the Odyssey Trope Trove™, Wicked vs Evil, and healing relationships.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Back to Bethlehem, Part III,” in which Connie must contend with not one but two marriage proposals, one from the young zealot Judah, and one from none other than the Roman General himself! A swordfight between the jealous suitors lands the innocent bystanders Eugenius and Hezekaiah in jail, where Eugene is forced to confront his lack of faith yet again. Will God answer Hezekaiah’s lifelong prayer to see the messiah with his own eyes? Will witnessing the nativity stir Eugene’s heart? Will Connie ever catch a break from all these men? Also, the ancient vampires that no one ever thinks about.