In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Isaac the Courageous,” in which Isaac tries to join…the Bones of Rath??? That’s right, Rodney Rathbone has arrived on the cast list! Isaac, continuing to wrestle with his identity, longs to prove himself in the eyes of his peers. And what better way than by subjecting himself to Rodney’s horrible gang initiation rites? Thankfully, Whit is able to provide some insight into the true nature of courage, and you can bet Isaac will have an opportunity to exercise his newfound virtue before the day is done. If you thought “Ice Fishing” would be the episode to feature a crisis on a frozen body of water, you would be mistaken! Also, a cursed ‘ship, Odyssey geography, and unpredictable discussion questions.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Lincoln, Part 2,” in which Jimmy finishes his imagination station adventure, bearing witness to the events which led to the end of the Civil War. Also, sanctioned times for deception, the myth of Robert E Lee, dirty sarsparilla, and tonal whiplash.

We have lots of resources for you this time:

The Atlantic article about the myth of Robert E Lee - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/06/the-myth-of-the-kindly-general-lee/529038/

The Civil War, Part 1: Crash Course US History - https://youtu.be/rY9zHNOjGrs?si=k4H2I283f4XyFUgs

The Civil War, Part 2: Crash Course US History - https://youtu.be/GzTrKccmj_I?si=nb0seOiyj4UkGGIe

Brennan Lee Mulligan Civil War ghost sketch - https://youtu.be/FAZJVkelgcg?si=4NFmkoTmASba9izN

In this podventure, we discuss the episode "Lincoln, Part 1," in which Jimmy is cajoled into taking his first ever Imagination Station adventure through the annals of American History. Jimmy gets dropped into a forest, where he meets 'Abe' and they become fast friends through the time-honored pastime of squirrel hunting. After discovering that his friend Abe is in fact President Lincoln, Jimmy is whisked away on a grand adventure as one of the president's confidantes. Also, the greatness that is Zapazoids, a few suspicious fellows, and an episode cliffhanger that almost, but doesn't quite, hit the mark.

Additional Resources:

Sunn m'Cheaux, Harvard-based Gullah Teacha, can be found at https://www.sunnmcheaux.com/

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Front Page News,” in which we are introduced to Curt Stevens! Curt ropes Oscar into joining the school paper with him in order to skip Phys Ed. For their first assignment, they must interview their intimidating former coach. All goes exactly according to plan and they get away with it. Just kidding. Also, coach insults, a different F bomb, the two types of exercise: cardio and muscle stuff, and how to stand up for what’s right. Gloves come off. Tats is skewered.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Scattered Seeds,” in which Connie wants nothing more than to write stories like Whit, but laments that nothing interesting has happened in her life from which she can draw inspiration, unlike Whit, who is a font of endlessly interesting life experiences. Whit sets out to prove otherwise by having Connie recount the tale of her directorial debut. In the end, Connie learns that anything can be a good story, from the right point of view. Also, Eugene sings, literary advice, and Lord of the Rings fan fiction.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “Ice Fishing,” in which Whit’s grandson Monty is tired of being compared to his perfect sister. Meanwhile Tom is tired of Eugene being Eugene. Tom’s proposed solution: a stint in nature. Surely Eugene’s personality won’t survive the harsh winter elements. Eager to individuate, Monty convinces Whit that they should go too. Just four guys and a frozen lake. What could go wrong? Given a setup like that, the answer is surprisingly little. Regardless, the dialogue and actor chemistry make this episode worthy of its status as an AiO classic. Also, dueling insecurities, repetitive metaphors, how to be comforted by comforting truths, and an unfortunate pause. Sorry!

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “A Barclay Family Ski Vacation,” in which Donna develops a crush and George decides that he better Do Something about that. Also, Mary as the voice of reason, unprompted conversations with your dad in the dark, and writer self-insert characters.

Alternative verses that could have been attached to this episode: Psalm 45:10 or Colossians 3:21.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Visitors,” in which the Barclay family’s idyllic Christmas morning is interrupted by the advent (deliberate word choice) of an unhoused couple and their baby. The Spirit is at work, but by the time the Barlcays realize their role in this story, the mysterious family has vanished. But don’t worry. God’s plans can’t be thwarted, even when we miss the most obvious onramps. Also, Odyssey’s phantom neighborhood that only exists when the plot requires it, a little Les Mis discourse, and helping the poor: a discussion of Type 1 and Type 2 Errors (Tats got the terminology right!).

In this podventure, we discuss the episde “Monty’s Christmas,” in which Whit’s daughter and grandkids continue to enjoy Christmas in Odyssey. However, not everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit, and as tensions rise between Janna and Monty, it may take an outsider’s perspective to give Monty the clarity he needs over his mother’s behavior and his own feelings towards his absent father. Also, childhood trauma, a genderqueer snowperson, Emilee’s superpower, and Tatjana’s quotable wisdom.

Editor’s Note: Apologies for the occasional audio clicks and glitches. We don’t know what’s going on with our microphones.

In this podventure, we discuss the episode “The Reluctant Rival,” in which Whit’s daughter and grandkids come to Odyssey for Christmas. His granddaughter Jenny, a bit of a whiz kid, joins the Odyssey children’s orchestra just in time for the Christmas concert and accidentally snatches the violin solo from a local girl. Drama. Chaos. Semiconductors. Also, storybreaking orchestra conductor fanfiction, fixing an almost good episode, and the age old debate: hard work vs. innate talent, answered once and for all.