Odyssey FAQs
Odyssey FAQs
How do I listen to Adventures in Odyssey episodes online? What happened to OnePlace.com?
You can listen to Adventures in Odyssey episodes for free on the Focus on the Family Media Center
For more about how to listen to our recent shows, check out "How to Listen Online"
Where can I purchase Adventures in Odyssey episodes online?
Many Adventures in Odyssey episodes are available through Audible.com* and the iTunes Store. If an episode is available on iTunes, you'll find a link on the bottom of the episode page in our vault. An example can be found on the Best Intentions page.
*Please note that referral to Web sites not produced by Focus on the Family is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content in its entirety."
Why does Mr. Whittaker sound different in the new episodes? What happened to Paul Herlinger?
Paul Herlinger, who played the voice of Whit for more than thirteen years, had been taking the train from Seattle to Los Angeles to work with us. That was a two-day journey each way, sometimes longer. But Paul did it—delayed his retirement and even came when he was having some health problems—out of his love for the show and the fans. But during our production break, Paul had the chance to finally enjoy time with his wife, and decided it was time to retire. He gave us many wonderful years as John Avery Whittaker and will always be Whit—along with Hal.
And now our new voice for Whit
In the new Adventures in Odyssey shows, Mr. Whittaker is played by Andre Stojka. Andre has a similar vocal personality to both Hal Smith and Paul Herlinger. We feel that he captures Whit's warmth and humor just as the two previous actors. Andre took over several parts from Hal Smith, including the Owl on Winnie the Pooh. We hope you'll enjoy what Andre brings to the part.
If you'd like more information about the "Whit transition," feel free to check out our Adventures in Odyssey podcast on the subject.
Why does Bart Rathbone's voice sound different in the Adventures in Odyssey album, The Best Small Town? I heard Tom Riley (who is played by the same voice actor) in these episodes, so I was confused why Bart wasn't the same.
You're right — Mr. Walker Edmiston provided the voices for both Bart and Tom Riley. So, why does Tom's voice sound the same in one particular episode, while Bart's voice is different in this same program? Tom Riley's voice is the same because we used a previously recorded segment featuring Mr. Edmiston. Our producers were able to reuse his actual words in this new show.
However, we regret to have to tell you that Walker Edmiston passed away on February 15, 2007. He was a versatile voice actor, and his talent and friendship are deeply missed.
The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast features a tribute to Walker Edmiston
The last album in which he was involved, Adventures in Odyssey: The Best Small Town, contains audio and a photo gallery in memory of Mr. Edmiston.
You can also learn more about Walker Edmiston in Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide, a 584-page book that details what goes on behind the scenes of Adventures in Odyssey.
Where can I listen to Adventures in Odyssey in my area?
You can search for local stations in your area. Or you can hear dozens of episodes online by clicking "Listen Online" on our On the Radio page.
Is Adventures in Odyssey real? Does the town actually exist, or Whit's End, or any of the characters?
As much as we'd like to tell you that Whit's End and Odyssey are real places, we're sorry to say they're not. You see, they, along with Whit, Connie, and everyone else, began in the imagination of the writers and producers on staff here at Focus on the Family. As you may have guessed, these guys and gals are a very fun, creative group!
If you'd like to learn more about how the show is created, check out Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide, a 584-page book that details what goes on behind the scenes of the show.
How can I become a voice actor for Adventures in Odyssey?
All of our shows are now recorded under a union contract, which requires that our entire cast be members in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
If you're not a member of AFTRA and are hoping to break into the voice talent world, we'd urge you to contact your local radio or television stations and ask about the possibility of an internship. Once you "get your foot in the door," try to find an experienced individual who would be willing to mentor you in all aspects of radio and television acting. You might also find it helpful to get involved in a local theater group; it's possible they could teach you some "tricks of the trade" that would be useful in the voice world.
If you are a member of AFTRA and live near Burbank, please feel free to send a voice sample, headshot and bio to our Audio Resources Department. Our staff would be happy to consider your portfolio as a future prospect. To get the mailing address for this department, you may contact us by phone at 1-800-A-FAMILY or e-mail questions@whitsend.org.
Do Adventures in Odyssey actors perform in other TV shows or movies?
Almost all of the Adventures in Odyssey cast are professionals, and many of them are involved in other work outside our program. In fact, you may recognize an Adventures in Odyssey actor's voice while watching a favorite cartoon, movie, or television show!
To learn more about the actors and their work, we encourage you to tune in often to The Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast — an online show that features interviews with the actors. You might also be interested in picking up a copy of Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide, a 584-page book that details what goes on behind the scenes of the program.
Where exactly is the town of Odyssey?
Odyssey does not have a geographical location, but our writers envision this community as being somewhere in the midwestern United States.
