I'M STILL HERE

Most of you have been wondering why I haven't posted in a while....well, there hasn't been much to post about, but I'm still here and will be updating my blog soon.  I've also posted a new Jason and Mitch segment.

Nathan Hoobler a Star Wars fan?

Recently this picture was found on the internet:

As soon as I saw that I just thought, "That's Nathan Hoobler!"

Does anyone else think it's Nathan?

Here's a pic of Nathan:

Remember

okay, this is non-AIO and I should have had it up like 5 days ago, but here it is anyway.  Never forget. 9-11-01.  I made it out of lego.

AIO is now on iTunes

Well, I've been waiting for 5 years for this.  A few Adventures in Odyssey albums are now on iTunes for around $18.  Not all albums are up yet, but should be soon.  I have also added a survey to my blog. Please take it since I would love to get feedback.

Solei Deo Gloria!
Until next time, see ya.

Interview with Garrett Vandenburg

1. What is it like doing the Ceiling Fan?

Well, it's really been a huge kick-starter on my life to get going on making stuff. Before The Ceiling Fan, I hadn't really worked on a lot of media, but because I started working on the show, I learned how to do so many things by necessity. I've now begun to be able to use those skills on other projects and they've been opening up a lot of doors in my life to do lots of new things.  Working on the show has been really great, and I consider it one of the best things to happen to me. I've met so many great people through the show, and have made some incredible friends. From a listening standpoint, it has taken away a little of the fun though. I can't enjoy the episodes the same way as I could before when they're released, because I'm generally too busy listening for mistakes and thinking of what we could have done better. We're constantly trying to improve the show, and we hope that the as we continue to do so, the fans can continue enjoy the show more and more.

2. What's your favourite episode that you wrote?

I actually haven't written that many episodes, but my favorite episode to write so far, was the one I wrote with Kevin recently "A Day in the Life of Phil Jinkus". I feel like it was a really funny episode, and because it was a story inside of another story, it gave us a lot of leeway to have a some fun with the plot. We did some really crazy stuff, and I got to play a new character! I also had a lot of fun writing the first episode of the Intern Aaron series. Originally, me and Loren were going to write the whole thing ourselves, but in the end, Kevin wanted to take it a little bit of a different direction, so me and him re-wrote a bunch of it. 3. What is the most fun part, easy part, and hard part of doing the Ceiling Fan?

I really love writing music for the show, and that can often be the hardest part too. Sometimes I get an idea for a song, or a background score, and I can spend hours trying to figure out what it needs to make it sound complete and actually work for the show. Sometimes I just have to trash the whole thing and start from scratch again. The easiest part it probably editing tracks. I never really found it to be a very hard job. It takes a lot of time, but it's not too hard once you know what you're doing. Or maybe I'm wrong, and I don't know what I'm doing at all, so I think i'ts easier than it is. haha.

4. Do you listen to any AIO fan podcasts or read any AIO fan blogs?

I used to follow the fan casts a little more closely than I do now, but that's only because I've gotten so much more busy recently. The WOD-FAM-OD-POD sounds pretty awesome though from what I've heard of it. The main blog I really like to read other than the Scoop is "The Changing Times". I love that guy's stuff.  He's always got the greatest articles.

5. Do you have any tips for podcasters?

I guess something for podcasters to keep in mind is that podcasts are supposed to be fun. Never let it become a chore to you. If you're just making stuff because you "have to", then you should take a break. You're not going to end up with a good podcast unless you're doing something you're actually passionate about. Sure, sometimes you need to just push through and get stuff done even when you're bored of working on it, but never let it come to the point where you don't like what you're doing anymore. If you're not enjoying yourself, your fans won't likely be enjoying themselves either.

6. Can you give us any top secret info about upcoming ceiling fan episodes?

I can tell you that the next episode (our "live" episode) will feature renegade Nathan Hoobler robots that have taken over the world under the rule of their evil leader Regis Blackbeard.

7. What was it like meeting up with Kevin McCreary to see the AIO Live Show?

It was one of the coolest experiences of my life. Kevin and I have been really close friends ever since we started working on the show together, so it was awesome to actually be able to hang out with him for a while. The fans were simply amazing. It felt so great to actually have people wanting to talk to me about the Ceiling Fan and the ScoopCast. I even got to give out a few autographs! It was fun fooling people into thinking I was famous enough to give them an autograph. Little do they know, I'm just a silly preachers kid! I'm not kidding though, we seriously have the best fans ever!  I also had the pleasure of meeting quite a few of the members from the Odyssey crew, and they were all really nice. I met up with Kimmy Robertson, who I already knew from out interview. It was really great to actually talk to her in real life. She's such a fun person! I only got to talk to Nathan a little bit, but I've concluded that he's the nicest person on the planet. I also got to meet Jonathan Crowe and his wife, who were really awesome too!  Man, there were so many great memories from that show... I can't wait to do something like that again. Well thank you for doing this interview, Garrett.  That's all folks.

Adventures in Connelsville instalment 7 preview

Here  is a preview of instalment 7 of Alex Jefferson's AIC:

Over the next couple of weeks, Maxwell spent a lot of time with Cameron Brooks, Brian Brooks, and, of course, Ed Washington. He grew to love Cameron as his own little brother, and Brian seemed to trust him more as well. He even told him about a phone call he made to his brother Hank. Ed Washington continued to counsel Maxwell on everything from The Brothers to Christianity to girls. He seemed to know a lot, and he could relate to kids like no adult Maxwell had ever met. He even acted like a kid himself sometimes.  Maxwell also spent more and more time at Whit’s End Connellsville and the Mulligan’s house than his own house, where he only had a hermit of a grandfather. One day, Maxwell was at band practice with Tony and Nick, discussing their band and other things. “How are we supposed to get a gig?” asked Tony. For the past 10 minutes, the band had been discussing gig options. “You know, Ed Washington’s son Marvin had a garage band that I heard about a while back,” said Nick. “He got a gig at a birthday party.” “Do you know anyone who’s having a birthday?” asked Maxwell. “Well, me,” Nick replied. “In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be 17! We could have a special concert in honor of me, Nick Mulligan, the hero of Connellsville. We could invite like - all of Connellsville. I’m sure the mindless city folk would come out to celebrate the most masculine teenager in town’s birthday, wouldn’t they?” Maxwell stared at Nick blankly, while Tony coughed sarcastically.

AIO Devotional Back Cover Revealed

The back cover for the new AIO devotional has been revealed.  Here is a picture:

YAY!

My new Jason and Mitch is out.  And congratulations to Freddie Jay for posting the 50th comment.  Freddie, your name has been mentioned in the latest instalment of Jason and Mitch.  Oh and congratulations to suzylou for posting such an in-depth review.

Episode Review: More Like Alicia

More Like Alicia: Through Thick and Thin 30#

 I stumbled across this episode again the other day whilst browsing through some older albums from (as The Old Judge likes to say-) "The Herlinger Era". Of course, I had to give it another listening since I hadn't listened to it in quite a long while. And now I've decided maybe I'd do a review...

  While More Like Alicia is definitely not one of what I would consider one of Marshal Younger's better writings- but it is still a good, wholesome episode. Hitting soundly and simply on the subject that nearly every being struggles with, at least in one point of life or another- Satisfaction With Who You Are; Choosing Good Influences 

  Heather finds herself lab partners with Alicia, the most popular girl in the school. Alicia is confident, sure of herself- always the center of attention. And, as Heather said when talking to Mr. Whittaker::

   "The newspaper staff did a poll a few weeks ago. Alicia won the awards for prettiest, most intelligent, most athletic and most likely to ride in a parade float."

   Seeking Alicia's friendship- Heather watches her every move and action- hoping to become more like her...even risking her relationship with Julie, her best friend, to become more like Alicia. But sometimes we discover that the people we find ourselves admiring and desiring to be like...aren't always quite what we want for ourselves afterall. Heather learns this after having the opportunity to be Alicia for an entire evening!

  Overall- I thoroughly enjoyed this episode...as I can somewhat relate it to my life at times.
 Anyways, in rating- I'll give this episode 3/5. As a side note, I must add that I was rather impressed with the actress portraying Alicia...she did a fabulous job at capturing the attitude and snobbish air of the character. The monotone voice of the biology teacher I found rather irritating though.  The episode seemed a little more childish, but could be focused to any age, really.

Hope you enjoyed my rather quick review- if you haven't listened to this episode yet- then go do so...and if you have, then please- share your thoughts.


Suzy-Lou♥

One more to go....

I've got 49 comments.  One more to go until 50.  You are all making this blog a huge success.  Whoever makes the 50th comment...well...lets just say I have something special in store for them.

Album 56 out for download

Album 56 is available for download.

http://family.christianbook.com/Christi ... vent=ESRCG

The names of the episodes are

The Perfect Church I The Perfect Church II Great Expectations For Three Dollars More The Bible Network Happy Hunting The Holy Hoopster The Lost Riddle Groundhog Jay Home Again I Home Again II Push the Red Button

Free Episode from Album 56

A free episode from album 56 has been released for a limited time only.  The title is Happy Hunting.  If you want to hear it click on the link below:

http://odysseyscoop.com/blog/2012/07/30/preview-the-grand-design/

The conspiracy has ended.

"I have hovered over this board for ages waiting to make my move.  I finally found a way in.  The board needed improvement and I love power!" said Jason, the new runner of the Campbell County MB.  That's what he said, but it's not true.  It turns out that the whole thing was set up.  Jason taking over the message board was all planned out by Bren himself.  Here is what Bren had to say,

"One unique thing about this board are the story arcs that take place.  Things happen on the board such as Regis Blackaard  coming back, R.M. taking over the board, etc.  Usually the bad guys are up to no good, and the members of CC are supposed to jump in and help foil their plans.  Often there are clues and codes to be found, and everyone works together to figure out what to do."

So I congratulate you Bren for coming up with such an awesomely planned scheme.  I'm glad Jason didn't really take over the board.

The Campbell County MB Conspiracy

Just a few nights ago Jason took over the Campbell County Message Boards.  He demoted everyone from their admin or mod status (even Bren) and only promoted EPPD.  Jason states he will make the CC "a better place".  Nobody knows how he got this admin status, but know he is getting revenge.  I'll keep you posted.  Jason's changed the whole board.  The color and the logo. He even has evil smiley faces all over the place.  And he has banned brownies.  We must fight back for our message board.  FIGHT BACK!!  this is not a joke.  Jason has seriously taken over the CC MB.  Here is the new logo:

Jason, if you are reading this then stop this treachery.  Give the message board back.  You will be stopped.  I thought you liked AIO.  A real AIO lover would never do anything as evil as this.  So Jason, I mean it STOP

Another thank you.

I just wanted to say thank you again for everyone who reads my blog, comments on it, and follows it.  Here's a chart showing how much my blog has grown.

The chart starts on February 2nd - the day I started my blog.  The chart ends where we are today.  That's how much my blog has gone up in popularity.  I hope you all enjoy reading my blog.

Top 5 Reasons why I do NOT like Emily

Well you can probably tell that Suzy likes Emily.  Well I don't like Emily so here is my counter-post to her post - The top 5 reasons why I do NOT like Emily.

5. She is nosy.  She never minds her own business and has to know everything.

4. She boasts and tries to impress people with her intelligence.

3.  She always wants to be in charge (such as in her detective agency) and doesn't listen to other peoples opinions.  (such as in When you're right, you're right")

2. She blackmails Matthew.  That is not setting a good example for kids listening to the show.

1. She has an annoying voice.

Top 10 Reason Why I Love Emily

Hello to you all, Suzy Lou here- the one Wooton introduced in the previous post. 

I'll be doing my first post on the rather largely debated character around Odyssey- Emily Jones. Either you love her or hate her. In my case, I am a big fan. I have enjoyed her character from the very beginning and find her very interesting, as well as quite amusing. I knocked heads together with a well known Odyssey fan you may all know from the Soda Shop message board- Pound Foolish, who also possesses the same admiration for Emily that I hold...and here is a collaboration of our top ten reason for why we love the character, Emily Jones::

1. Emily is bold and isn't afraid to stand for what she believes.

2. She posses a strong, fiery will.

3. She's caring and friendly to those around her, and as Pound Foolish said- "People accuse her of doing things for her own benefit, yet we never see her doing a deed that only she benefits from."

4. She possesses a unique amount of intelligence for a girl of her age and is very observant.
 

5. Her mysteries bring a fun new aspect to Adventures In Odyssey.

6. She strives to do better when it seems that she's failing, and doesn't give up easy.

7. She's funny.

8. She has a positive outlook on life.

9. She'd be good as a teacher of the sorts, what with her willingness of giving direction to those around her and all.

10. There is never a dull moment with her around.

And for an added touch, a drawing for my sidekick- Mr. Basset, who may find Emily a bit distasteful at times- but still holds a bit of a wonder for her as well...

Introducing Suzy Lou

This blog has a new author.  Introducing  Suzy Lou.  Her google profile name is Mary.  She has some very strong opinions about AIO so she will be posting every once in a while.

The Creation of the Campbell County Message Boards

Here's a little chat with Bren about the creation of the Campbell County Message Boards:

"To start off, I've been doing admin work for 4 years.  It started beck in September, 2008.  I had just joined the Town of Odyssey and they were getting ready to have their elections.  I was really pumped to run, but I had no previous experience which is when I stumbled onto ForumMotion.  I talked to some friends I had on the ToO at the time and the Electric Palace was born.  Now, my rise to ToO power is a different story, but suffice it to say,  the TEP was a hit for about a year.  In that time we had our ups and downs of activity.  People joined, but it was either a small amount of people or they didn't post much.  That pattern has continued until now.  After a year to TEP, those of us who were active at that time moved to the Campbell County MB.  We have had several "relaunches" in attempt to get the board active again.  The pattern seems to be that I run out of ideas and people lose interest and stop posting and visiting which was the situation we were in when I took over the SS.  That's why I shut it down and opened it back up again"

That's all.  I encourage all of you who is reading this to join Bren's Message Boards.

http://www.campbellcountymb.com/

A Short, but Very Important Post

I've been emailing around, trying to find out as much as I can about Album 56 and this is what I gathered.  Katie Leigh said "I finally feel like Connie has a growth spurt in this album." I will keep emailing and find out more.  In other news, Old Judge (from the Twists and Turns website says that he has a rare Odyssey item to show us if he gets 5 comments on his latest post.  So head over there and comment on it.  That's all for now.

Interview with Jesse Florea

I hate to post an interview a day after I posted my last one, but I couldn't wait to get this posted.  Here's my interview with Jesse Florea.

1: What's it like working for AIO?

Clubhouse magazine and Adventures in Odyssey are the two longest running children’s programs here at Focus on the Family. Both are celebrating 25 years of ministry this year. I’ve been the editor of Clubhouse magazine for the last 16 years and worked directly with Odyssey on the podcast for five. Before that, I always edited Adventures in Odyssey stories for Clubhouse, because Clubhouse is the official magazine of Adventures in Odyssey. All that to say, I love working with Odyssey. The staff is so creative, funny and talented. And they all have a heart for kids to better understand what it means to live for God.

2: What's it like having your own podcast?

The podcast is really a team. There’s no way it could ever be done without the genius and hard work of Nathan Hoobler. He’s really the creative force behind the podcast, and I just do sort of what I’m told.

3: What's your favourite episode?

Podcast? It’d probably be one of our first video podcasts where we chased Brock all over Focus on the Family.
AIO episode? I love the Green Ring Conspiracy. OK, I know that’s a lot more than one episode. But those were the first episodes that I saw recorded live in Hollywood, California. It was so cool to meet the actors, do some interviews and see the behind-the-scenes workings of how the show is recorded.

4: If you could write an AIO episode, what would it be about?

I’m not a great fiction or dialogue writer, but I do love history. So I’d probably write a historical story. Maybe something from World War II. I’m also really into Hawaii. So maybe the characters could go to Hawaii (like the Barclays did way back in the beginning of Odyssey—that was a funny episode!). Maybe Eugene and Katrina could go whale watching. It’d be cool for Emily and Matthew to solve a mystery at the volcano.

5: What's it like working with Bob and Brock?

Bob’s amazing. I real pro. We’d been friends before, but have grown even closer as podcast co-hosts. We’ve even written a devotional book together for fathers and daughters that comes out in Sept. 2012. Brock has more energy than anybody on the planet. I can’t keep up with him. He loves Odyssey fans and always wants to give them stuff.

6: Do you have any top secret info about Album 56 that you would like to share?

You’ll have to ask Brock about that. He’s the one who always has the top-secret information. I just know it’s going to be a great album.

7: What is your favourite thing about working with AIO.

Seeing how creative everybody is and how committed they are to share God’s truth around the world.

8: Do you have any advice on podcasting?

We have a huge advantage, because our fans are awesome and we’ve had relationships with some of the actors for 25 years. I make a good podcast you have to have interesting people—and there are tons of those around Adventures in Odyssey.

9: Do you enjoy reading fan blogs?

I don’t get to read them as much as I’d like. My main job at Focus on the Family is as editor of our two children’s magazines: Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. We also have websites for the magazines and Facebook pages. So that and the Adventures in Odyssey podcast takes up most of my time. But whenever, I get the chance to read a blog or talk with another AIO podcast creator, I’m amazed at the passion and knowledge they bring. It’s so cool to be part of the Odyssey family!


I hope you enjoyed my interview with Jesse Florea!

My sister's blog

I asked my sister if she wanted to help run my blog, but she said she wanted a blog of her own.  It's called A Place Called Odyssey. The link is aplacecalledodyssey.blogspot.ca/  She will try and update it as much as she can.

Interview with Katie Leigh

Hey guys.  Here's an interview with Katie Leigh the voice of Connie.

1: What is your least favourite part of recording? 
It is never doing AIO.  We're just dying to get back into the studio. 


2: What is your favourite album?

 I like them all a lot.

3: What's it like working with Will Ryan, Jess Harnell, and Andre Stojka?
 They are my best buddies, esp Will and Jess.. because I've known them longer

  4: Who is your favourite character (other than Connie) on AIO?
 Probably, Jay right now 

 5: What are some of the difficulties of voice acting?  Do you find it hard?
 I think it's just fun period. 

 6: Do your children enjoy hearing you on AIO?
 They used to, maybe when they are older they will miss it and me and want to hear it again.

 7: What is your favourite episode from after the hiatus?
Umm..we just recorded it and you haven't heard it yet.


8: How was it like having Mitch return?  Did you know Mitch was returning or did you find out
 when you read the script?
 I found out when I got to the studio!

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Katie Leigh!

A New Devotional and a New Podcast

Lets start with the new devotional.  This picture was released on the Odyssey Facebook page.  It is called "Mealtime Moments" meaning probably that it's meant for families to read at dinnertime.  There will be 90 devotions in it.

Next we have a new podcast that has come out called "The Wod Fam Od Pod".  It is hosted by Ryan Matlock and his siblings.  The link is: http://wodfamodpod.com/

Just Another AIO Blog Contest

Alex Jefferson has released a contest for to find out the best AIO website, blog, podcast, etc.  I will list the nominees below.  To vote you can PM on the Soda Shop or email him at creativethinker101@gmail.com.  I actually thought that my interview with Paul McCusker would be one of the nominees for best blog post, but my "top 5 AIO Blogs" post was a good one too.  Anyway, here are the nominees:

Best Website Nominees: This category includes the best active AIO websites. No blogs.

The Odyssey Scoop

Twists and Turns

The AIO Update

The Changing Times

Best Blog Nominees: This category is similar to the best website category, except it deals only with blogs.

The Unofficial AIO Blog

Just Another AIO Blog

The Voice of Odyssey

Out of Control In Odyssey

Down Odyssey Lane

The AIO Fan’s Life

The Adventures in Odyssey Blog

Best Feature Nominees: This category includes all pages and extra features on websites/blogs.

Adventures in Connellsville (Just Another AIO Blog)

The Imagination Station (TNT and UAIOB)

The U.S.S. Response (Just Another AIO Blog and UAIOB)

The Courtroom (TNT)

Odyssey Addict (The Odyssey Scoop)

The AIO Search Engine (The AIO Blog)

Editorials (The AIO Update)

Best Post Nominees: This category narrows down the best posts of many AIO websites/blogs. 

One Month Anniversary!… And I’m Celebrating with Orbs (TNT)

Nothing New, Nothing Old (The Voice of Odyssey)

Weekly Feature 7/1/12 (Interview with Wooton Basset and The Old Judge) (Just Another AIO Blog)

The Top 5 All-Time Best AIO Blogs and Websites (The Unofficial AIO Blog)

Celebrating Ten Year Since Novacom (The Changing Times)

Best Podcast Nominees: This category picks the best podcast from quite a wide selection.

The Boredom Buster Podcast

The Whit’s End Podcast

The Ceiling Fan Podcast

Abby and Mandie’s AIO Podcast

The AIO Blogcast

The Odyssey ScoopCast

Best Podcast Episode Nominees: The Podcast Episode category will choose the best episode out of all the notable recent ones.

BBP Interview with David Griffin Pt. 1 - 4

AIO Blogcast Sibling Spies Audio Drama

The Ceiling Fan Podcast To Survive and Protect

The Odyssey ScoopCast Interview with Kimmy Robertson Pt. 1 - 3

Best Message Board Nominees: This category will pick the best of the best when it comes to AIO forums.

The Town of Odyssey

Campbell County

The Soda Shop Message Boards

Exclusive AIO Forum

Best New Site/Blog/Podcast Nominees: This category acknowledges new websites that aren't incredibly popular but still just as good.

Just Another AIO Blog

Twists and Turns

The Unofficial AIO Blog

The Boredom Buster Podcast

Down Odyssey Lane

Out of Control in Odyssey

Abby and Mandie’s AIO Podcast

Adventures in Connelsville preview

Hello everyone.  Alex Jefferson has given me an exclusive preview of his next AIC instalment.  Enjoy!

“Nick?” Maxwell said, bewildered that his friend was wearing a hockey mask and disguising his voice. “Nick who?” Nick asked. “Never mind,” Maxwell retorted with a smirk. “Who are you?” interjected Mugshot. “Oh, I’m just here for the kid. Catch ya’ later!” Nick forgot to disguise his voice when he said this, so The Brothers knew he was one of their sworn enemies. “Hey, hey Mulligan!” shouted Bobby with a British accent. “Come back here!” But it was too late. Maxwell and Nick were already well on their way. Maxwell checked his watch again. 4:32. They would be late. “Maxwell, let’s go! We’re gonna be late! Tony’s probably waiting. You got your maracas?” “Yeah. You got your tambourine?” “Yeah. Have you ever noticed that Tony’s the only one with a legitimate band instrument?” “Yeah,” Maxwell said with a chuckle. But before they could go any further, because, standing in front of them, in the alley, was Detective Don Polehouse, looking as if he had stumbled upon Jesse James after he committed a robbery.

The Top 5 All-Time Best AIO Blogs and Websites

5: The Boredom Buster Podcast Blog

The BBP is a great podcast, but when I heard that fodo14 was coming out with a blog on his website I just went crazy.  I check it out all the time, and although it isn't that big of a blog (yet) I love it.

4: The Adventures in Odyssey Blog

The Adventures in Odyssey Blog is sorta like the BBP Blog.  It has a podcast (which is VERY well done) and a very detailed blog.  It updates whenever there is AIO news.  It's been going for 4 years now which is very good.  Stay tuned on my blog for a more detailed review coming soon.

3: The AIO Update

This blog posts news the second it comes out.  This blog has editorials which are pretty neat.  Anyway, if you are looking for AIO news then this is the blog for it.

2: Twists and Turns

This website is just so unique.  The courtroom feature is so original.  Old Judge updates a lot.  It's a nice small website with Official AND unofficial news.  Fun fact: Did you know that the Imagination Station link page was Old Judge's idea.  He asked me if I wanted to be a part of it and I agreed.

1: Just Another AIO Blog

It was so hard to decide between Twists and Turns and Just Another AIO Blog.  They are both very unique in their own way.  But I've decided to pick JAAIOB for #1.  His features are spectacular.  Who else in the world would have thought of Adventures in Connelsville?  Also, I like his contest and quiz page.  Keep up the good work everyone!

I've got good news and I've got bad news

Lets get the bad news over with.  Some of you might have noticed that the AIO 24-7 radio had not shut down after all.  Some people think it's because NovaCom had taken over Focus on the Family's mind and made them decide to not shut it down after all, but their theories were proved wrong in this twitter post:

The good news is that a shortened version of the live show will be in Album 56.





Some more good news is that Abby and Mandie from the Abby and Mandie AIO Podcast now has their own website. The link is:  http://theabbyandmandieshow.webnode.com/

That's all for now.

Finally! *VERY IMPORTANT POST*

Finally after waiting soooo long Odyssey is coming to iTunes!  It was recently announced on Twitter.

I don't know if I can wait 'til fall.  I'm so excited!  How about you?

Thank you everyone!

Over the past weeks my blog has really grown.  It has been reviewed and i have been interviewed.  It is up to 4 followers.  It even has an AIO wiki page.  In a recent interview Alex Jefferson (creator of Just Another AIO Blog) said that he wanted a behind the scenes look at how I create logos. So Alex, I updated my logo page with a behind the scenes look.  That's all for now everyone.  I just wanted to say thank you for making my blog such a success.

Interview with.....Paul McCusker!

I know a lot of you have been waiting patiently for this review.  Just a few minutes ago Paul McCusker emailed me back the answers to the questions I sent him.  Enjoy!

1. What is your favourite show that you have written?

That's impossible for me to answer, since there have been so many over the past 25 years. And every script presents its own challenges and enjoyments. Many I've completely forgotten. But I suppose The Green Ring Conspiracy was particularly enjoyable for me, over the more recent episodes.

2. What is your favourite book that you have written?

I suppose the answers to this question is the same as the previous. Every book is unique - and there are things about writing one that I may enjoy and other things that can be hard-going. But I have affection for the various novels, both in the Odyssey series and the Passages series.

3. What is the most challenging show that you have written?

I think the most challenging shows tend to be the ones where a lot of research is needed. The historical shows come immediately to mind. But some of the mysteries present their own difficulties. The "glass" mystery needed quite a bit of research to try to get it right. As did The Green Ring Conspiracy" and "The Labyrinth."

4. How did you start working on AIO?

I was working at another ministry with Chuck Bolte, who later became the Executive Producer for Odyssey. He had been consulting with Focus on the Family on some "new" audio dramas they wanted to produce. It was the predecessor to Odyssey called "Family Portraits." He said they were looking for writers and wanted to know if I was interested in that at all. I said I didn't know anything about audio dramas, but thought it would be a good experience to try. I wound up writing "My Brother's Keeper" - and that's where it started.

5. If you could have anything happen in the Odyssey universe, what would it be?

That's a really hard question. Right now I wish we had more time to spend with all the characters and to explore that various inventions Whit has created.

6. What is the most fun part  of working for AIO?

The writing process is hard work, but fun. All in all, I'd have to say it's working with the actors in the studio when we record the scripts.

7. Are you planning on making any more Passages books?

We occasionally talk about doing more Passages novels, but nothing has materialized yet. We're really busy with a lot of other projects at the moment.

8. What was your inspiration for the Passages books.

I don't remember where the original inspiration came from. It might have been something I'd read or seen - where someone had created a modern version of a classic story, or an alternative reality of some sort. But, like Whit, I had the desire to make the Bible more accessible to more people and thought re-telling the stories in an alternative universe would be a good way to do it.

9. How was it like playing Phillip Glossman? 

I'm not an actor, so I'm not happy with any of the voice-work I've done on the show. I always think that there are a lot of other people who could do the job so much better than I could.

10.  How are you like or unlike Phillip Glossman?

Since I don't have a variety of voices, the Philip Glossman voice is mine, but with a weaselly, sniveling, sarcastic attitude. Other than that, I don't think I'm like Philip Glossman at all. I can't imagine thinking, behaving nor making the kinds of bad moral choices he made.

11. Are you currently working on something?  A new book perhaps?

I've recently finished a screenplay. And I've written an annotated version of "The Screwtape Letters" for HarperOne.

12. Is it hard to agree on different ideas for Odyssey?

Most ideas aren't hard to agree on, if they fit the world of Odyssey, have compelling storylines and a solid theme. Any disagreements are usually over those issues. Occasionally we might argue over something a character may or may not do.

13. Will Philip Glossman ever be coming back?

No. We last heard from him in a small cameo part in Album 50 - and I think that's more than enough.


All the best,
Paul McCusker

Secrets and Interviews

Alex Jefferson from Just Another AIO Blog has finally released the "Something Big"  he has been talking about for the past week.  Well, the big secret is.......2 new pages on his blog.  The first one, Adventures in Connelsville, is probably the most original feature on an AIO blog that I've ever seen.  It is just like AIO only it takes place in Connelsville.  The second page is Contests and Quizzes.  I can't wait for some of those to get started.  Alex also interviewed me and the Old Judge (creator of the Twists and Turns website).  Check it out.  Oh...and Alex....keep up the great work.

And The Winner is.....

First of all, I'm sorry for not posting much for the last couple of days.  About 4 or 5 people have been emailing me asking me when my next post will be.  (I didn't even know my blog was that popular).  Anyway, the reason I haven't been posting is because there hasn't been any news and Paul McCusker hasn't emailed me back yet, but last night the Summer 2012 Avery Awards came out so I am going to post the winners, what I picked, and my notes.  Here we go:

Best Actor

The nominees:
John Curry as Alvin York in Sergeant York 1-4
Townsend Coleman as Jason in The Labyrinth 1-3
Phil Loller as Dale in The Labyrinth 1-3
Whit Hertford as Jay Smouse in Mistaken for Good
Will Ryan as Eugene in Child's Play

And the winner is......Townsend Coleman as Jason

My comments:
When I was voting on the Averys I picked Jason too.  I'm so glad he came back and I can't wait to hear from him again in Album 56.  In The Labyrinth, Townsend did a spectacular job voicing Jason.


Best Actress

The nominees:
Georgia Dolenz as Sue in the Labyrinth 1-3
Renee Dorian as Miss Gracie in Sergeant York 1-4
Katie Leigh as Connie in Something Old, Something New 1-2
Audrey Wasilewski in To Mend or Repair
Linda Porter as Helen in Mistaken for Good

And the winner is......Georgia Dolenz as Sue

My comments:
I picked Sue too.  I hope to hear from Sue in the future.  Maybe someone in Odyssey could adopt her.  I just love to hear British accents.

I'll be back right after this word from our sponsors.

IN A WORLD WERE CONNIE AND MITCH ARE MARRIED, ONE ICE CREAM SHOP AND DISCOVERY EMPORIUM WILL PLUMMET INTO A FIERY TOWNS END AS ONE OF THE CHILDREN'S CLOSEST MENTORS AND FRIENDS FINDS HERSELF TO BUSY TO WORK AT WHIT'S END ANYMORE

Kid: I sure do miss the old Whit's End.  Ever since Connie and Mitch left to live in Cazerbajanistan things just haven't been the same.

Other Kid: Ya.  If only there was a young woman to ask meaningful questions and cheer this place up.

Kid: Who still knew what it feels like to be a kid.

Other Kid: And who had experience being a kid because she was a teenager for like...30 years.

Kid *sigh* But there's no one at Whit's End like that anymore.

LIFE WITH OUT CONNIE: COMING SOON




Okay, we're back.

Best Minor Character

The nominees:
Joy and Kyle in Child's Play
Red Hollard in Sergeant York
Jacques Henri in Something Old, Something New
Mrs. Kramer in To Mend or Repair
Mycroft Thugg in The Labyrinth 1-3

And the winner is......Mycroft Thugg in The Labyrinth 1-3

My comments:
I had picked Joy and Kyle. They were really cute and I hope they come back, but now that I think of it I wish I had picked Mycroft.  He was hilarious.


Best Sound Design

The nominees:
Every episode in the album

And the winner is......Sergeant York 1-4

My comments:
It was pretty obvious that these episodes were going to win.  The sound quality in Sergeant York is superb.  If you would like to here an interview with the sound designers then go to whitsend.org


I'll be right back after this message from our sponsors.

Welcome to 60 seconds, I'm Sheyenne Sonjer.  Today we are taking an in-depth look at the life of a super spy's family.

*phone ring*

Connie: Hello

Mitch: Hi honey.

Connie: Why are you calling?  Aren't you upstairs?

Mitch: Yes, but I have a busy day.  I have a meeting with MI-6 this morning, then I have to infiltrate a terrorist cell this afternoon.  Would you mind making me a sandwich to go.

*Music cuts to next scene*

Constance: Mom, make Mitch Jr. stop boobytrapping my dollhouse!  Miss Pretty needs to get inside so she can deliver a secret package to end the hostage crisis.

*Music cuts to next scene*

Mitch Jr.: Hey dad, when I was emptying my pockets I found the pen-shaped micro detonator you gave me.  I thought it would make a great toy for the baby to play with.  What do you think?

*Music cuts back to Sheyenne Sonjer*

What's it like raising 11 kids that are all accident prone like their mother and super spies like their father? Don't miss out on this weeks 60 seconds - Espionage and Apple juice .


I'm back.

Best Line

The nominees:
100 things I hate.  By Mrs. Kramer
Jay Smouse's morning announcements
Mycroft Thugg's explanation of his name
Red Hollard's description of Sergeant York
Joy's questions

The winner is......100 things I hate by Mrs. Kramer.

My comments:
These were all good lines.  I had picked Joy's questions, though.


Best Villain

The nominees:
Vance in Mistaken for Good
Jay in Mistaken for Good
Mr. Grote in The Labyrinth 1-3
Reggie Fingers in The Labyrinth 1-3
Maureen in Something Old, Something New

And the winner is......Mr. Grote in The Labyrinth.

My comments:
Exactly what I picked.  Mr. Grote may not be better than Dr. Blackgaard, but he was definitely the best villain in this album.


And now a word from our sponsors.

Coming soon on a reality channel.  What would it be like if Connie married a secret agent?  Would it be a normal everyday family?

Mitch (through a walkie-talkie): Target sighted.  Operation nap time is a go.

Connie: Mitch, honey, couldn't you just put little Constance to bed the normal way?

Mitch (through a walkie-talkie): Roger that.

*Music cuts to next scene*

*phone ringing*

Connie: Hello.

Mitch: Hey.  I just called to tell you that I love you and I'm almost home.

Connie: Oh.  Well thanks, dearest.

Mitch: Uh oh.  Abrams tank just pulled into the cul-de-sac.  You might want to brace yourself.

Connie: What?

*BANG*

Connie: Mitch, what now?

Mitch: Sorry.  These guys followed me home after work.  They don't exactly quit coming after me just because I punched out my time card.

Connie: Well handle them like you usually do.  Can you go by the school and pick up Mitch Jr. from soccer practice?

Mitch: On my way now.  Okay, fire in the hole.

Connie:  WAAAAAAAA!!

*BANG*

Mitch: You alright?

Connie: Never better.  Don't forget to grab diapers on the way home, dear.

Mitch: Will do.

Don't miss this new series: Guess What - I Married a Spy  starring Connie and Robert Mitchell.  Coming soon on the reality channel.


I'm back (again).
Here is the last Avery Award.

Best Overall Episode

And the winner is.......The Labyrinth 1-3

My comments:
I picked the Labyrinth.  After I listened to the Labyrinth it became my favourite AIO episode ever.  I'm so glad it won.

That's all for now.  If you would like to see my review for album 55 then read it here: http://unofficialaioblog.blogspot.ca/2012/06/album-review-album-55.html

Website Review: Just Another AIO Blog

Just another AIO blog is a terrific blog.  I just found out about it not to long ago.  The articles are sometimes long, but Alex Jefferson (the creator of the blog) makes the articles so interesting that you won't get bored.  He updates the blog a lot.  This blog is definitely one of my top 5 favourite AIO blogs so check it out at http://justanotheraioblog.blogspot.com/  His next article will be the Top 5 AIO Albums of all time.  Until next time, I'm Wooton Bassett.  Signing off.

Court's in Session!

The long awaited (at least by me) Courtroom feature has come out on the Twists and Turns website.  The Old Judge shares his opinion on anything and everything Odyssey.  His first post was made last night.  He talked about my blog.  I want to thank him for everything he said.  Thank you for giving constructive criticism, Old Judge.  I have noticed all those "bad points" on my blog lately and I have been trying to fix them.  I can't wait for his next post on Saturday which is debating whether Penny and Wooton should get married. So go check out the courtroom at http://twistsandturns-aio.weebly.com/the-courtroom.html

In other news check out the Odyssey Scoop for a description of the AIO Birthday Bash (http://odysseyscoop.com/articles/article40.htm).  In other other news, get your AIO comics in for the comic contest.  Either email them to me at noahrobertson111@gmail.com or post them in the comic contest topic at the Soda Shop Message Boards.

Interview with Noah from the Boredom Buster Podcast

I emailed Noah from the Boredom Buster Podcast recently and he has gotten back to me.   I have my question, Noah's answer, than my comments on his answer.  Here is the interview.  Enjoy!

1. What is your favourite AIO episode (Hallie's too)?  

Noah's Answer:

Well for me I think part of loving an episode is not only how the episode was, but also what I was doing while I was listening to that particular episode. So with that statement, If I was listening to a great episode then something bad happened ( like something tragic in my family ) while I was listening to that great episode. I might hate that episode cause It brings a lot of bad memories, the same thing goes for good memories. So I have a hard time picking my favorite episode, so I will name a few. The Spy Who Bugged Me, The Imagination Station Part 1 & 2, Life Trials of the Rich and Famous, and The Mailman Cometh. Just to name a few ( which means there is a lot more, these are the only ones that come to mind right now ).

Haillie's Answer:

Mine would have to be Thanksgiving at Home, and Two Sides to Every Story.

My comments:

Noah and Hallie, those are great episodes and that is a great description on how to figure out what your favourite episode is.

  2. What's it like having a podcast?  Is it hard?

Well I'm a huge AIO fan, and I really didn't have anyone to talk or share my opinions about AIO with( hailllie wasn't a huge AIO fan back then). So now with BBP I can finally share my opinion with other AIO fans. Sure making a podcast is hard, but It's all worth it in the end. Now the question is What's it like having a podcast. It's awesome, and a lot of hard work. But like I said in the beginning, It's worth it.  

My comments:

Making an AIO podcast is something I've always wanted to do too and I might, but if I do it won't be out for a while.

3. Do your podcast episodes have a certain schedule or do you just post them whenever?

We do have a schedule for recording, but sadly I really don't have one for posting. It's mostly posted whenever I finish editing and putting it all together.

4.  How many episodes will one season have.

I have no clue. Maybe when the year is up.

5. Who is your favorite character (Hallie's too)?

Noah's Answer 
I would have to say Eugene Meltsner for my favorite adult character. Then my favorite kid character would be Dwayne. Then my favorite new kid character would be Olivia Parker, then Jay. 

Haillie's Answer 
Whit of course! Jimmy and Jared for my favorite kid characters.

Those are some of my favourite characters too except for Olivia.  I also like Matthew.

6. What's the most challenging part about having a podcast and the most easy part?

Well for me editing. It's time consuming and not fun at all. The worst part about editing is that if you spent like two hours editing a episode, then suddenly the editing program shuts down. It's a nightmare! Cause you lose every thing you've been working on for like 2 hours! The best part is writing a review for the episode then recording.

My comments:

Y'now what you should do to make editing more fun?  Make everything that Hallie says really high pitched.  (Just joking)

That's all for now everybody.  Keep posted because I recently email interviewed Paul McCusker and he said that he would be getting back to me this week.  Bye.