In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Mayor for a Day," in which Curt Stevens daydreams his way into a life lesson about the importance of hard work in politics. Also, the semantic definition of "contest," a prototypical Room of Consequence, and an unhinged episode rewrite.

Editor's Note: Thank you for your patience as we took a break over the holiday. Episodes in the New Year will be released in their regularly scheduled bi-weekly slot.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Meaning of Sacrifice,” in which the Barclay family (mostly at the impetus of George) decide to give up TV for a month as a sacrifice to the Lord. This means no soap operas for Donna and no video games for Jimmy–the very things they cannot live without! Presented with loopholes, the kids feel guilty and conflicted. Time to learn the true meaning of fasting, I mean sacrifice! Also, family TV culture, fasting, Lent, and other spiritual disciplines.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Last Shall be First,” in which Connie tries to convince Uncle Joe that he isn’t too old for church, and Jimmy learns a lesson in fairness. Also, a real smoothie, soda discovery fountain emporium, and the stock market.

Editor's Note: Due to some water damage on my computer that necessitated a two week stint at the repair shop, this episode is posting a teensy bit late. Thank you for your patience!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Home is Where the Hurt Is,” in which it seems like we’re in for a typical sitcom-esque story about Curt and his schemes. But this time, we get a peek behind the scenes and learn that Curt’s home life isn’t very sitcom-esque at all. Curt tries to hide the messy truth from Lucy and Whit, but their concern for him pushes them to dig deeper. Does Curt need help? And more importantly, will he accept it? Also, a little nugget of phone lore, milk on tap, and how to communicate your level of seriousness.

TW: Alcoholism and Parentification

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Dawn’s Early Light,” in which Lucy and Kurt go on an Imagination Station adventure together but separately and Lucy learns a lesson in patriotism. Also, common Imagination Station tropes, harnessing the power of Kurt, and confirmation that Odyssey is not in Maryland.

Further Reading: Texas vs. Johnson case (1989)

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Where There’s A Will…,” in which the Barclay family is faced with a big decision: to stay in Odyssey, or to move to Washington D.C. so George can take a new position at his company. Jimmy and Donna try various methods of discerning God’s will, only to come to conflicting conclusions. What does it mean? Why is God’s will so tricky to figure out? The answers are simple and straightforward! (kidding). Also, personal experiences with discernment, and hosting your boss? At your house??

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Muckraker," in which Lucy gets a hard lesson in ethical journalism after she attempts to "rake muck" over a shampoo company. Also, a license to dive, the value of oral traditions, and the difference between pundits and journalists.

A chill zone where we talk about the original box album art, but also final thoughts on the album as a whole, and anything else about the episodes that occurred to us after recording. Tune in for an episode theme guessing game, further Eugene and Richard character analysis, and more!

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.