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Focus on the Family Announcer
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Jimmy Barkley
But everyone knows it's all in fun.
Mr. Whitaker
Fun?
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah. I mean, this isn't hurting anybody.
Mr. Whitaker
Not hurting anyone.
Jimmy Barkley
No. People have to learn to laugh at themselves. And if they can't take a joke, well, forget them.
Mr. Whitaker
I can't believe my ears.
Jimmy Barkley
Hmm.
John Fuller
Well, sometimes the joke goes too far, doesn't it? And it hurts more than it helps. Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Dailey, we're featuring another episode of our super popular Adv in Odyssey radio drama, which offers life lessons and faith insights for children and many adult listeners as well. Thanks for joining us. I'm John Fuller.
Jim Daly
I love Adventures in Odyssey. It's one of the best programs we do here at Focus on the Family, and it's having a huge impact on families. In fact, our research shows that an average of 9,000 children make a salvation decision for Christ every year because of Odyssey. And I can't think of a better endorsement than that. And one reason why we we're talking about Adventures in Odyssey right now is because we have a new animated film in the works called Journey into the Impossible. This fall, we plan to introduce millions of new families to the world of Odyssey and ultimately share the good news message of the Gospel through the movie.
John Fuller
And we need your help, frankly. We want you to help us spread the word on this project, both in the funding and promotion of it. So we invite you to learn more about how you can do that and how you can support Journey into the Impossible and Adventures in Odyssey. Just click the the links in the show notes.
Jim Daly
But right now, we want you to experience an Adventures in Odyssey episode for yourself with today's episode called A Tongue of Fire.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Hello, Odyssey. This is Jimmy Barkley and the Jimmy Barkley show on KYDS Kids Radio here at Woodson, asking the question, if a duck flies, fly is a chicken. Hello, Jimmy? Yes, you're on the air. I just wanted to say that I think your show is great. Is that G R a T e great or G R E a T great? Well, well. Huh. Let me guess. You're an Elish teacher. Right. I know what kind of people listen to this show. The kind who are a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter. What does your father do? He's a door to door salesman. Really? Does he sell like doors? No, he. Cause that would make him a door to door door salesman. And getting customers would be real easy. Cause all he has to do is walk up to a house knock, and if he doesn't hear anything, then he knows he's made a sal. You all have a couple of hens left out in the yard. We went to Washington. Really? Why? For vacation. We were tourists. Tourists? Ha. You mean people who traveled thousands of miles to take pictures of themselves standing beside their cars? You're the kind of people who take an IQ test and forget to write your names. And you're my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmyites. Listen to the Jimmy Barkley show on Kyds Kids radio.
Jimmy Barkley
Well, that's my demonstration team. What'd you think, guys?
Eugene Meltzner
I feel the technical quality is superb.
Jimmy Barkley
You ought to, Eugene. You produced it really well.
Mr. Whitaker
That was a very nice job, Eugene.
Eugene Meltzner
Thank you, Mr. Whitaker. But as I've mentioned before, there is an aspect that still mystifies me.
Mr. Whitaker
And what's that, Eugene?
Eugene Meltzner
Why do people want to call in just to be teased?
Jimmy Barkley
Cause it's entertaining. They're being noticed. All those callers can now say they were teased on my show. It's a sign of popularity, a status symbol.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Ah.
Mr. Whitaker
You understand now, Eugene?
Eugene Meltzner
Not at all.
Jimmy Barkley
What'd you think, Mr. Whittaker?
Mr. Whitaker
Well, I thought the tape was very amusing, Jimmy.
Jimmy Barkley
Amusing?
Mr. Whitaker
Well, pretty funny.
Jimmy Barkley
That's better.
Mr. Whitaker
I do have a bit of concern, though.
Jimmy Barkley
What do you mean, concern?
Mr. Whitaker
Well, I think sometimes you get a little close to the edge. Your banter comes awfully close to being insults. You gotta be careful what you say, Jimmy. You could hurt somebody's feelings. You understand?
Jimmy Barkley
Sure, Mr. Whitaker, I understand. Well, I better go.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, where are you going?
Jimmy Barkley
Oh, didn't I tell you? The reason I had the tape made is because I've got an appointment with crying Brian Dern.
Mr. Whitaker
Who?
Jimmy Barkley
The most popular talk jock at Odyssey 105 radio. He's gonna give me an evaluation of my program.
Mr. Whitaker
Oh, well, that sounds exciting. Let us know how it turns out.
Jimmy Barkley
I will see you later.
Mr. Whitaker
Bye, Jimmy.
Brian Dern
Goodbye.
Eugene Meltzner
Very enterprising young man.
Mr. Whitaker
He certainly is. Oh, speaking of enterprising, Eugene, I have an errand I need you to run for me.
Eugene Meltzner
My bicycle and myself are at your disposal.
Mr. Whitaker
You won't be able to use your bike for this one. I need you to go to the Riley farm.
Eugene Meltzner
Oh, the Riley farm?
Mr. Whitaker
Yep. Tom has some watermelons for us. You can't carry them on your bike. You'll have to drive.
Eugene Meltzner
Drive?
Mr. Whitaker
Uh huh. You know how to get out there, don't you?
Eugene Meltzner
Oh yes sir.
Mr. Whitaker
Good. Well, here are the keys to the truck. Tom's expecting you. Well, what's the matter?
Eugene Meltzner
Mr. Whitaker, I'm afraid I cannot comply with your request.
Mr. Whitaker
You mean you won't do it?
Eugene Meltzner
No sir, I mean I can't do it. At least not legally.
Mr. Whitaker
Lega. Eugene, what are you talking about?
Eugene Meltzner
Well, this is rather embarrassing to admit, Mr. Whitaker, but I don't have a driver's license.
Mr. Whitaker
You don't have a Driver's license?
Eugene Meltzner
Please Mr. Whitaker, lower your vocal amplification. This is not information I wish to share with the world at large.
Mr. Whitaker
Oh, well, I'm sorry, Eugene, but you know, this is quite a surprise. I mean, you are in college after all.
Eugene Meltzner
Which is one of the reasons why I lack a license. My studies have always been so demanding. I simply haven't had the time to pursue many of the areas of daily convenience. Bicycling is also far more environmentally and physically advantageous.
Mr. Whitaker
You know, cars may cause a lot of pollution, but they're also something of a necessity these days.
Eugene Meltzner
Evidently.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, you should consider getting your license. Doesn't take long and you'd be helping me out.
Eugene Meltzner
Well, what's involved?
Mr. Whitaker
There's a brief written exam and a road test. There's really nothing to it. Should be a breeze for you.
Eugene Meltzner
Very well, then I shall pursue it. May I take the rest of the afternoon to do so?
Mr. Whitaker
Oh, well, I guess I can send Connie out to Tom's when she comes in. Sure. Eugene, go get em.
Eugene Meltzner
Thank you, Mr. Whitaker.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Names and you're my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmyites. Listen to the Jimmy barkley show on kyds kids radio.
Jimmy Barkley
Uh, that's it. Mr. Dern, what do you think? Well, it's all right. You should be brutal with me. Don't spare me. Cause I'm young, I can take it.
Brian Dern
Oh, I don't think you're gonna have to take anything. I liked it.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
You did?
Mr. Whitaker
Yeah.
Brian Dern
On the whole I thought it was pretty good, but.
Jimmy Barkley
But what?
Brian Dern
Well, there are a few technical problems. You know, the mic placement. You should try to put it so you're sort of talking past it instead of right into it.
Jimmy Barkley
Uh, past it? Okay, what else?
Brian Dern
Well, you might also want to take it easy on the effects. People want to hear you. Not a bunch of crazy sounds.
Jimmy Barkley
Take it easy on crazy sounds.
Brian Dern
Yeah. And?
Jimmy Barkley
And what?
Brian Dern
Well, in my opinion, your main problem is you're a little too conservative in places, you know.
Jimmy Barkley
Conservative?
Brian Dern
Yeah. I mean, you're funny, but, well, you don't move in for the kill often enough.
Jimmy Barkley
Move in for the kill? What do you mean?
Brian Dern
Well, for instance, that spelling thing you did with Great and Great. Did you do anything more after that?
Jimmy Barkley
Well, no, that was pretty much the end.
Brian Dern
See, you should have kept going. Start ranting and raving about the lack of quality education and teachers in the public schools.
Mr. Whitaker
And that thing about Washington.
Brian Dern
A perfect opportunity to rip those bozos apart. People love it when you go crazy. What you got here are great beginnings, but you gotta follow through.
Jimmy Barkley
Oh, what else?
Brian Dern
I can't give away all my secrets.
Jimmy Barkley
Oh, please. I wanna learn just one more. Please.
Brian Dern
Well, all right. I'll give you a sure fire laugh getter. Whatever. You can record people without them knowing it.
Jimmy Barkley
I tried that, but I really didn't get anything all that good.
Brian Dern
No, no, no, you don't stop there. After you record them, you cut the tape into clips like you did on your demo. Now, that way, by asking the right questions, you can make them say whatever you want them to say.
Jimmy Barkley
Oh.
Brian Dern
What's the matter?
Jimmy Barkley
Well, I was just thinking that when you do that, won't people be insulted?
Brian Dern
Insulted? You see those bags over in the corner?
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah.
Brian Dern
That's mail from listeners I've insulted. They love it. That's why we're on the air.
Jimmy Barkley
Wow. But don't you get any bad mail?
Brian Dern
Yeah, for one or two people who are really uptight or who have no sense of humor. But I never worry about them. For one thing, there aren't many of them, thank goodness. And for another thing, we're only kidding around, right?
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah, yeah, right.
Brian Dern
Sure we are. This is all in fun, you know. I mean, if they can't take a joke, forget them.
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah, forget them. That's great, Mr. Dern. Thanks.
Brian Dern
Glad to be of service. Jimmy, I think you've got the makings of a first rate broadcaster if you keep practicing.
Jimmy Barkley
Really?
Brian Dern
Wow.
Jimmy Barkley
Would it be okay if I played you my new and improved demo once I make it?
Brian Dern
That is, Absolutely. You come in anytime.
Jimmy Barkley
Great. Well, I guess I better go. Thanks again.
Brian Dern
You're welcome. And hey, keep those ears tuned.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Right. Bye.
Brian Dern
Bye.
Eugene Meltzner
So much for public relations.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, hi there, Jimmy.
Jimmy Barkley
Hi, Mr. Whitaker.
Mr. Whitaker
See you got your tape deck with you again.
Jimmy Barkley
Yep.
Mr. Whitaker
You do realize it's running, don't you?
Jimmy Barkley
Oh, yeah. You never can tell when a good Sound bite will come up.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, that's true, but you may spend a fortune in batteries waiting for one.
Jimmy Barkley
Hmm, I never thought of that. Maybe I better turn it off.
Mr. Whitaker
Good idea. So how'd your meeting go yesterday?
Jimmy Barkley
Fantastic. Mr. Dern liked my tape. He said I have the makings of a first rate broadcaster. I've just got to keep on practicing.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, that's wonderful, Jimmy. Congratulations.
Jimmy Barkley
He even gave me some ideas on how to make my show better and funnier.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, did one of them include running your tape player all the time?
Jimmy Barkley
No, that was my own innovation. I'm gonna use his ideas, though.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, I can't wait to hear them.
Jimmy Barkley
You will. He also gave me some suggestions on how to improve the technical quality of the recording.
Mr. Whitaker
Oh, that was nice of him.
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah. So I need to talk to Eugene. Do you know where he is?
Mr. Whitaker
Well, Mr. Whitaker, I think that's him now.
Eugene Meltzner
Mr. Whitaker? Mr. Whitaker.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Hi, Eugene.
Eugene Meltzner
Oh, hello.
Jimmy Barkley
I need you to talk to you about.
Eugene Meltzner
Would you pardon me for just one moment, please? Mr. Whitaker, might I have a moment or two of your time?
Mr. Whitaker
Eugene, I think Jimmy has something he wants to talk to you about.
Eugene Meltzner
Oh, I'm sorry, young Barclay. Could it wait until I've talked with Mr. Whitaker? I have something rather, rather urgent to discuss with him.
Mr. Whitaker
Urgent?
Jimmy Barkley
Urgent.
Eugene Meltzner
Urgent.
Jimmy Barkley
Urgent. Uh, sure, Eugene, go right ahead, Mr. Whitaker.
Mr. Whitaker
All right, come on in the kitchen, Eugene.
Eugene Meltzner
Thank you. If you'll excuse us, Jimmy.
Jimmy Barkley
No, no problem. Looks like a good opportunity to use the sure fire laugh getter. Well, little tape tech, it's time to go to work.
Eugene Meltzner
It's absolutely incredible, Mr. Whitaker. Unbelievable. I cannot believe that this thing occurred.
Mr. Whitaker
Just calm down and tell me what the problem is.
Eugene Meltzner
I. I have no driver's license.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, didn't you take the test?
Eugene Meltzner
Of course I took the test.
Mr. Whitaker
So what happened?
Eugene Meltzner
I. I failed it? I flunke?
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
You know what else I don't understand?
Jimmy Barkley
Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Huh? Huh.
Jimmy Barkley
And another thing, why do they call it a boxing ring when it's square?
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Huh? Huh.
Jimmy Barkley
Questions for you to ponder while we take a break. This is the Jimmy Barkley show here on Kyds Kids radio.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, Jimmy certainly sounds like he's in top form today.
Eugene Meltzner
Indeed, Mr. Whitaker. Everyone appears to be enjoying him greatly.
Mr. Whitaker
Yes, I have to admit I was kind of concerned when he went to see that Dern fellow.
Eugene Meltzner
I beg your pardon?
Mr. Whitaker
You know, crying Brian Dern, remember?
Eugene Meltzner
Oh, oh, yes, yes. Well, understandable. From what I gather, he doesn't exactly have a pristine reputation.
Mr. Whitaker
No, but it Seems he's helped, Jimmy. Just goes to show you that you shouldn't judge people, huh?
Eugene Meltzner
No, sir. Speaking of rendering assistant to those in need, I'd like to thank you for supporting me yesterday during my crisis.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, you're welcome, Eugene. Like I said, I really don't think it's anything to get upset about. It's. Well, it's happened to a lot of people.
Eugene Meltzner
But not to me. Not ever. That's why it was such a shock. Anyway, I want you to know that I appreciate your confidentiality.
Mr. Whitaker
Think nothing of it.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Or wherever you'd like to listen.
Eugene Meltzner
Well, it seems we are in need of some fresh glasses. I shall retrieve them post haste.
Mr. Whitaker
Thank you, Eugene. Oh, and you better bring some spoons out while you're at it.
Eugene Meltzner
As you wish.
Jimmy Barkley
We're back. This is Jimmy Barkley and the Jimmy Barkley show here on KYDS Kids Radio. And today I'm starting a brand new feature. It's called Secret, Secret, I've got a secret.
Mr. Whitaker
I wonder what this is all about.
Jimmy Barkley
And to kick off our first edition, our microphones caught up with one of the most popular persons here at Wit's End, that main tower of brain power, Eugene Meltzner.
Mr. Whitaker
Eugene.
Jimmy Barkley
So. So tell us, Eugene, what is your secret?
Eugene Meltzner
I. I have no driver's license.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
What?
Mr. Whitaker
Oh, no.
Jimmy Barkley
You have no license and you're in college. I'm sure we're all wondering the same thing as Mr. Whitaker.
Mr. Whitaker
Didn't you take the test?
Jimmy Barkley
Well, Eugene, how about it?
Eugene Meltzner
Of course I took the test.
Mr. Whitaker
So what happened?
Eugene Meltzner
I flunked it. Mr. Whitaker, what is going on?
Mr. Whitaker
I don't know, but I can tell you what's going off and right there. Now. Excuse me.
Jimmy Barkley
And encyclopedic knowledge, the keeper of facts and figures. In short, the smartest guy in Odyssey flunked your driver's test.
Eugene Meltzner
I flunked it.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Shocking. Shocking.
Jimmy Barkley
Shocking. Absolutely shocking. You know, it's amazing the things you hear when you. Oh, hey, it looks like we have a guest. Mr. John Avery. Hey.
Mr. Whitaker
Due to circumstances beyond his control, the rest of the Jimmy Barkley show will not be heard today.
Jimmy Barkley
Not be heard?
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
You're turning me off.
Jimmy Barkley
But, Mr. Whitaker,
Mr. Whitaker
I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. But, Mr. Whitaker, I can't believe that you would do such a thing. Especially after I expressly told you to be careful about what you say. Do you remember me telling you that? Do you?
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Yes.
Mr. Whitaker
Then why'd you go ahead with this?
Jimmy Barkley
I'm trying to entertain people.
Mr. Whitaker
What you were doing is not entertainment.
Jimmy Barkley
Sure it is. People were laughing, weren't they? Well, that's all I'm trying to do, is make people laugh.
Mr. Whitaker
Just because people laugh at something doesn't automatically make it entertaining. Besides, that kind of laughter isn't desired at wit's end.
Jimmy Barkley
But everyone knows it's all in fun.
Mr. Whitaker
Fun?
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah. I mean, this isn't hurting anybody.
Mr. Whitaker
Not hurting anyone?
Jimmy Barkley
No. People have to learn to laugh at themselves. And if they can't take a joke, well. Forget him.
Mr. Whitaker
I can't believe my ears. Did you learn this nonsense from Brian Dern?
Jimmy Barkley
Well, yeah.
Mr. Whitaker
Figures. Let me tell you something, Jimmy. Dern is 100% dead wrong. Flippant remarks and jokes of this sort do hurt people badly. Eugene was very upset about what you did.
Jimmy Barkley
But I'm just fooling around.
Mr. Whitaker
Not on this station you're not. As of now, you are off the air.
Jimmy Barkley
But Mr. Whitaker.
Mr. Whitaker
I'm sorry, Jimmy, but you've proven you can't be trusted. This radio station is here to build people up, not tear them down. Until you can learn to do that, you're off.
Jimmy Barkley
I'm off? I've got the most popular show on the station and I'm off. People really can't take a joke.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Hey, Jimmy.
Jimmy Barkley
Oh, hi, Charlie. Hey, Van.
Focus on the Family Announcer
Listen, you're on the radio.
Jimmy Barkley
You mean I was on the radio. My show just got cancelled. I'm not talking about your show. I'm talking about the Crying Brian Dern Show. What?
Brian Dern
Oh, yeah. So anyway, this local kid, Jimmy Barkley is his name, he comes into my office with his so called demo tape.
Jimmy Barkley
So called.
Brian Dern
And he says he wants me to evaluate it for him. Well, I thought it would be a good idea to record this whole conversation.
Jimmy Barkley
What?
Brian Dern
So I say, are you sure you want me to do this? And this is what he says.
Jimmy Barkley
Oh, please don't spare me because I'm young, I can take it, please. But I didn't say that.
Brian Dern
Now I'm beginning to think this kid is a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter, you know?
Jimmy Barkley
Hey, that's my lord.
Brian Dern
Tell him. Okay, this takes is a joke, right?
Jimmy Barkley
A joke.
Brian Dern
A complete and total joke.
Jimmy Barkley
But he said he liked.
Brian Dern
Then I say, you want me to go on?
Jimmy Barkley
And he says, it's all right, you should be brutal with me.
Brian Dern
So now I'm thinking that this kid really does have a few hens left out in the yard, you know what I'm saying? I mean, he's the type of guy who takes an IQ test and forgets to write his name. But I tell him all right. You really shouldn't give up your paper route. Well, he looks at me for a second and I say, you want more? And I kid you not. This is what he says, just one more.
Jimmy Barkley
Move in for the kill.
Brian Dern
Can you believe that? So I told him flat out, you just don't have what it takes, kid. Your voice isn't very good, your jokes are stale, and you have no timing. So, Jimmy, pal, if you're listening, I'm doing you a favor. I mean, it's better that you find out now from me that you have no talent than for you to keep trying year after year and never make it. You know? I mean, sure, you may be humiliated now, but trust me, one of these days you'll thank me. All right, we gotta go to a sponsor. This is crying. Brian Dern on Odyssey 105
Eugene Meltzner
wow. Did you really say all those things, Jimmy?
Mr. Whitaker
Jimmy.
Jimmy Barkley
No talent. Great. Just great.
Eugene Meltzner
Salutations, Master Barclay.
Jimmy Barkley
Eugene.
Eugene Meltzner
Partaking of the park's natural beauty?
Jimmy Barkley
Something like that.
Eugene Meltzner
Young Charles came into Wit's End and told us of your experience. Mr. Whitaker suggested that I find you to talk.
Jimmy Barkley
Look, if you want to yell at me, Eugene, go ahead. I deserve it.
Eugene Meltzner
Actually, Mr. Whitaker had something different in mind. He felt that I would be uniquely qualified to comfort you, seeing as how I recently suffered through a similar experience.
Jimmy Barkley
Yeah, but I caused your similar experience.
Eugene Meltzner
Indeed you did. And it gave me no small amount of embarrassment, I might add.
Jimmy Barkley
I didn't mean for it to. Eugene, I'm. Well, I'm sorry. I just. I just wanted to make him laugh, that's all. I guess there's a fat chance of that now.
Eugene Meltzner
Why?
Jimmy Barkley
Didn't Charlie tell you what Dern said? I have no talent. Besides, I've been pulled off the air.
Eugene Meltzner
Well, I believe that if you show Mr. Whitaker you can be responsible, he'll put you back on the air. And for what it's worth, I think Mr. Dern is wrong.
Jimmy Barkley
You do?
Eugene Meltzner
Yes. You have talent, Jimmy. It's raw. Rather immature. Certainly untamed. Occasionally. I'm principled, but definitely there.
Jimmy Barkley
Thanks, Eugene. I guess. But do you really think Mr. Whitaker will give me another chance?
Eugene Meltzner
Well, we could make another demo tape and find out.
Jimmy Barkley
Could we? I mean, you'd do that for me?
Eugene Meltzner
On one condition.
Jimmy Barkley
What?
Eugene Meltzner
This time? Keep me behind the microphone.
Jimmy Barkley
You got it, Eugene.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
And so he turns to me and says, never wrestle with the pig. You both just get dirty and the pig likes it. Well, this is Jimmy Barkley on Kids Radio here at Wits End.
Brian Dern
I'll be back. I just Gotta go get some lunch.
Mr. Whitaker
Well, it's about time you came out, Mr. Dern.
Brian Dern
Ah. Oh, y. Yeah. What can I do for you, old timer?
Mr. Whitaker
My name is John Whitaker. I'm a friend of Jimmy Barkley.
Jimmy Barkley (on-air persona)
Who?
Mr. Whitaker
The youngster you made fun of on your program a couple of days ago. Oh.
Brian Dern
Oh, yeah, that kid. Well, look, if you want to rake me over the coals or scream at me, let's get it over with. I got a lot of things to do.
Mr. Whitaker
I didn't come here to scream or wreck you over the coals. I came to thank you.
Brian Dern
Well, you. You came to thank me? For what?
Mr. Whitaker
For teaching a young man a very important lesson.
Brian Dern
What do you mean, Jimmy?
Mr. Whitaker
That's right. You see, a couple of days ago, he really wanted to be like you, Mr. Dern. But by doing no more than being yourself, you made him realize what a horrible prospect that really is. And for that, you have my undying gratitude.
Brian Dern
Oh, well. Well, you're welcome.
Mr. Whitaker
Good day, Mr. Dern.
Brian Dern
Yeah, right. Good morning. Glad I was able to be of service. Uh, I think.
John Fuller
Well, it sounds like crying. Brian Dern has nothing to say for once. And in case you're wondering, today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we've presented an episode of Adventures in Odyssey. It's our very popular radio drama for kids and families.
Jim Daly
Odyssey is such a wonderful program, so well produced. I think you can hear that. And it's fun and creative and thought provoking all at the same time, which is our aim. And the faith application in today's program, I hope, is obvious. In the book of James, chapter three, there are warnings about the tongue, how it's like a fire that runs out of control, burning everything in its path. Or the tongue is like a rudder of a ship, very small, but powerful, and if you steer it in the wrong direction, you're going to crash. Our words matter. That's the point. God wants us to speak with kindness and encouragement to one another rather than insults. Those are the kind of faith lessons you can find in each episode of Adventures in Odyssey. We want to help supplement what you're already doing to teach and disciple your children as followers of Jesus.
John Fuller
And we have more than 1,000 episodes of adventures in Odyssey. And that library grows all the time. So you and your children can listen to these dramas on the radio or purchase them from our website or sign up for the Adventures in Odyssey club, where, for a small monthly fee, you can access the entire library of episodes and special members only content.
Jim Daly
Man, that's a lot of hours of listening. And the really big news is our new animated movie coming out this fall called Journey into the Impossible. This is a prequel or origin story about the young Mr. Whitaker, or wit as we call him, that features lots of action and mystery and fun for the whole family. You can get a sneak peek by going to the website. But the most important goal of course is spreading the gospel. We're hoping this movie will help us reach 7 million children and their families with the good news of Jesus Christ. That is a huge goal and bold, but we're inviting you to step in and help us reach it.
John Fuller
Yeah, Consider a generous donation to Focus on the Family today to help us get this film out. Make a monthly pledge if you can, or a one time gift, whatever you can afford.
Jim Daly
And John, here's the impact Adventures in Odyssey is having on families. Our target audience is children, of course, but many adults love it as well. Like Hallie, who said this, I faithfully listen to and through thoroughly enjoy all the Odyssey episodes. I may be a woman in my mid-50s, but these stories are as meaningful and spiritually enriching as any that I listen to while giving some wonderful light heartedness to an otherwise challenging and wearying world.
Mr. Whitaker
Wow.
Jim Daly
I mean that is a great note from Hallie and I hope this inspires you to donate and help us share these wonderful faith stories and lessons with millions of of more people. Call today.
John Fuller
Our number is 800, the letter A in the word Family 800-232-6459 or donate and get all the details about Adventures in Odyssey and watch that sneak peek of the new movie Journey into the Impossible when you click the links in the show notes. Well, thanks for listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I'm John Fuller inviting you back next time as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.
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Episode Title: A Tongue of Fire
Date: May 22, 2026
Hosts: Jim Daly, John Fuller
Feature: Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama – “A Tongue of Fire”
In this special episode of Focus on the Family, Jim Daly and John Fuller present a full adventure from the beloved family radio drama series Adventures in Odyssey titled "A Tongue of Fire." The episode explores the profound impact of words—both for good and harm—through the story of aspiring young broadcaster Jimmy Barkley. Key themes focus on responsible communication, the power of humor, consequences of insults, and learning to use speech as encouragement rather than for ridicule. The hosts frame the drama with faith-based insight, referencing James chapter 3’s biblical warnings about the tongue.
“Your banter comes awfully close to being insults. You gotta be careful what you say, Jimmy. You could hurt somebody's feelings.” — Mr. Whitaker [04:24]
“You’re funny, but, well, you don’t move in for the kill often enough.” — Brian Dern [08:03]
“After you record them, you cut the tape into clips…By asking the right questions, you can make them say whatever you want.” — Brian Dern [09:10]
“People love it when you go crazy...If they can’t take a joke, forget them.” — Brian Dern [09:34]
“Just because people laugh at something doesn't automatically make it entertaining. Besides, that kind of laughter isn’t desired at Wit's End...This radio station is here to build people up, not tear them down.” — Mr. Whitaker [16:31, 17:14]
“I think Mr. Dern is wrong. You have talent, Jimmy. It’s raw. Rather immature...occasionally unprincipled, but definitely there.” — Eugene [21:32]
“...By doing no more than being yourself, you made him realize what a horrible prospect that really is. And for that, you have my undying gratitude.” — Mr. Whitaker [23:02]
“Our words matter. That’s the point. God wants us to speak with kindness and encouragement to one another rather than insults.” — Jim Daly [23:50]
The episode is lighthearted but carries a serious core lesson about integrity, kindness, and Christian responsibility in how we use our words. It blends humor (including classic “dad joke” banter and Eugene’s academic awkwardness) with heartfelt moments of discipline, repentance, and forgiveness.
This episode serves as a valuable teaching tool for families:
“A Tongue of Fire” offers a memorable, relatable lesson on the power of words—and the necessity of grace, humility, and wisdom in using them. The Focus on the Family hosts encourage families to leverage these stories for deeper faith conversations and nurture a home culture where everyone can truly thrive in Christ.