The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast

After years of searching, hundreds of auditions, and much prayer, Adventures in Odyssey has a new voice for John Avery Whittaker. Phil Crowley joins executive producer Christopher Diehl and showrunner Marshal Younger to talk about stepping into Odyssey’s important role.

Colby Rummell introduces Paxton D. Kleinhauser III and shares the long road that finally brought him to Adventures in Odyssey. Plus, Bob and Jesse reveal every episode title in Album 83: “Phase One” and preview “Teambuilding University.”

With retirement just days away, Bob takes on one last case when a mysterious tip claims this year’s Avery Awards are fixed! Follow Bob and Jesse as they chase shady informants, dodge foam darts, and drink root beer floats… all while discovering which episodes, actors, and scenes Adventures in Odyssey fans chose as the year’s best.

Emerson Dorre talks about playing Sophie, from her first appearance in “Now Hiring” to stand-up comedy at Whit’s End in “You’re in Good Hands.” Emerson shares how she balances school and acting, the challenges of recording emotional scenes, and what it’s like bringing Sophie’s bold, spunky personality to life. Plus: hear a preview of “Babysitting Bassetts”

Would Jess Harnell eat an old jelly bean off the floor of his car? What’s his favorite extension cord color? And has he ever touched a dolphin? The voice of Wooton tackles totally random questions from fans about strange sounds, long hair, world travel, childhood dreams, and whether he actually likes licorice. Plus, hear a preview of “Suggestion Box.”

From the Washington family’s trip to the nation’s capital to an unlikely football team, a brand-new Odyssey family, and Edwin Blackgaard falling in love (!), Evan David takes us behind the stories of Elsewhere in Odyssey. 

What’s Katie Leigh’s favorite tooth? Has she ever done a backflip? And what color is her water bottle? Katie tackles totally random listener questions and somehow manages to be hilarious and profound. Plus, Bob and Jesse finally reveal the schedule for new episodes for the rest of 2026, announce the title of Album 83, and preview “You’re in Good Hands.

Dave Arnold shares the long road to Adventures in Odyssey: The Movie, from earlier animated ideas to the new theatrical film coming next year. He talks about writing the screenplay, bringing familiar Odyssey locations and characters to animation, and how the movie will welcome both longtime fans and brand-new audiences.

Writer Abigail Geiger and sound designer Zach Schneider explore the making of “The Measure of a Patriot,” and how Odyssey brought the founding era to life with gratitude and perspective.

Senior Director of Marketing Debbie Smith and Production Manager Megan Rolofson take us inside the creation of Adventures in Odyssey: Journey Into the Impossible. From crafting the elevator pitch to coordinating countless moving pieces, they explain how to keep a movie on track. Plus: a preview of the upcoming two-part adventure celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Animator John Pomeroy worked on some of the most beloved animated films of all time. Now he’s bringing that experience to Adventures in Odyssey. He shares how he got started, what he learned from animation legends, and how those lessons are shaping Journey to the Impossible. Plus: a preview of “The Great Yellowstone Heist”

Composer Conner Savoca talks about his path from the earliest music lessons to scoring recent episodes like “This Is My Story.” Conner honors the legacy of Odyssey’s music while adding his own voice. Plus: a preview of the upcoming episode “Accountability, Please”

After more than two decades as executive producer, Dave Arnold steps into a new role while Christopher Diehl takes the reins of the audio drama. What led to this transition and what does it mean for the future? Dave and Chris share the story behind the change.

How many people do sound design? How often do you change the background crowd at Whit’s End? How many sound effects do you have? Odyssey sound designers Christopher Diehl, Luke Guenot, Rudy Haerr, and Zach Schneider answer your questions.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.