In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Back to School,” in which serial exaggerator Leslie tells Mr. Whitaker about her awful first week of school. Whit wonders whether something else is really bothering Leslie, like maybe the fact that she’s lost touch with her best friend? Also, irrelevant hyperbolic shenanigans, cackling school staff, and feelings vs facts.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Rumor Has It,” in which the Kirban family is subjected to a series of small town rumors, and Jack and Lucy learn the importance of the words we choose to listen to, act on, and share about other people. Also, American ideologies, police procedural dramas, and how to change someone’s mind.

We don’t explicitly mention anything that wasn’t also explicitly mentioned in the episode. With that said--

CW: Reference to violent groups and illicit substances

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Mike Makes Right,” in which Mike Caldwell becomes a hero among his peers after taking on the school bully. What will this sudden rise to power do to his young, impressionable psyche? And what lesson will he do everything in his power not to learn before it’s too late? Also, the school bully trope, school discipline, and the importance of fostering humility. We know, it’s a milkshake, not a sundae. Please don’t call us.

We're doing something a little different this week, something perfectly suited to the audio medium: Album Art Review!

Follow along with photos of the albums on our reddit as we discuss Whit's End architecture, schadenfreude, and floating eyebrows.

Do you love consuming visual media in an audio format? Let us know your thoughts! We'll be back next week with the first episode of album three, "Mike Makes Right."

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Last Great Adventure of the Summer,” in which Terry discovers that there’s a lot about his dad he doesn’t know. Also, waiting in the trash, stock spy dialogue, and hiding your grief. What’s your animal-based spy name? We don’t use real names in the podcasting business.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Return to the Bible Room,” in which Jack and Lucy shirk their church clean-up day duties to explore the Bible Room at Whit’s End. Mr. Whitaker takes the opportunity to tell them the story of Jonah. Also, Bible Alexa, imaginary characters gaining sentience, and why we run from God. Hey everyone, remember Jimma and Donny? How about Lack and Jucy?

CW: Mention of Assyrian torture and Cannanite human sacrifice

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Case of the Secret Room, Part 2,” in which Whit and a small child crack the case and solve the crime! Also, the importance of evidence, commodified cultural memorabilia, dramatic scene introductions, and Whit’s utter lack of danger sense.

You know, it’s hard to imagine all of this happening in Odyssey.

CW: spooky, scary skeletons, discussion of death, discussion of police

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Case of the Secret Room, Part 1,” in which Whit and a small child are on the case! Also, Whit is pro-library, anti-TV.

CW: spooky, scary skeletons, discussion of death and body decomposition, scary music stings

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Camp What-A-Nut, Part 2,” in which each camp narrative finds its resolution, some more satisfying than others. Spoilers: everyone lives! Also, animal facts, camp crushes, and hard-hitting discussion questions. *Apologies for minor audio skipping-recording bug*

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Camp What-A-Nut, Part 1,” in which Donnie McCoy documents a week full of classic summer camp antics: crushes, pranks, wildlife encounters, and more. Also, translation irritations, sharing feelings, playacting mortal peril, and a new podcast tradition is born. Guess what: we figured out what State Odyssey is in. Wake up sheeple!