Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Episode Title: Have a Heart
Air Date: March 2, 2026
Hosts: Jim Daly & John Fuller
Featured Segment: “Adventures in Odyssey” episode: Have a Heart

Episode Overview

This episode of Focus on the Family centers on the power of forgiveness, transformation, and compassion as seen through a special Adventures in Odyssey audio drama, “Have a Heart.” The story explores how a life-altering experience—a heart transplant in a school bully—leads to unexpected changes not only in him but also in his classmates. The episode uses humor and heartfelt storytelling to tackle big questions: Can people truly change? What does it mean to receive a “new heart”? How do forgiveness and empathy transform relationships?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflections on Adventures in Odyssey

• [01:27 - 02:53]
  • John Fuller and Jim Daly introduce the segment, highlighting the enduring popularity and spiritual impact of Adventures in Odyssey, which has produced over 1,000 episodes and led thousands of children to Christ.
  • Jim Daly shares excitement about the upcoming animated film Journey into the Impossible, designed to reach even more families.

2. “Have a Heart” Storyline (Audio Drama)

A. The Return of Dion Farkas—The School Bully

• [03:12 - 06:14]
  • Zoe and Buddy react with dread to news that Dion Farkas is returning to school after months away.
  • Speculation runs wild on where Dion has been, with humorous guesses including juvenile detention and working for the CIA.
  • Mr. Whitaker, the wise mentor, knows but respects Dion’s privacy, prompting Buddy to seek an interview for the school paper.

B. Dion’s Revelation and Apology

• [08:07 - 09:40]
  • Dion explains he missed school due to severe myocarditis requiring a heart transplant.
  • He opens up about his fear and shows vulnerability, sharing hospital pictures for the article.
  • Unexpectedly, Dion apologizes to Buddy and Zoe for past bullying:

    “I used to be pretty mean to you...Will you forgive me?” — Dion Farkas [09:23]

  • Zoe is struck by this change, questioning if Dion can really have changed that much.

C. Humor and Theories about Heart Transplants

• [10:11 - 13:02]
  • In a witty science class scene, Zoe speculates that Dion’s personality change is because he got “the heart of a nice person.”
  • Buddy and Zoe embark on a mock-investigation to discover the heart donor’s identity, blending adventure with real questions about personality and change.

D. Discovering the Donor—Empathy Deepens

• [13:16 - 18:00]
  • The friends learn the donor was Jensen Dunlap, a boy who drowned in a boating accident.
  • Zoe wonders if personality traits are “transplanted” with organs.
  • They meet Jensen’s cousin, Eric, who offers a nuanced portrait of Jensen—not a perfect “saint,” just a quiet, ordinary boy.
  • Empathy grows as Buddy and Zoe reflect on the sacrifice and loss behind organ donation.

E. Biblical Reflection—What Is a Changed Heart?

• [19:28 - 22:22]
  • Zoe processes Dion’s transformation with Mr. Whitaker using Scripture, specifically Ezekiel 36:26:

    “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you...” — Zoe reading [19:49]

  • Mr. Whitaker clarifies the biblical symbolism of “the heart,” stressing that physical changes alone don’t alter our character—real transformation is spiritual, catalyzed by life-changing experiences and God’s love.

    "Changing physical hearts...can't change your personality, but God can absolutely change your symbolic heart..." — Mr. Whitaker [21:41]

  • Zoe has her own transformation, realizing the power of forgiveness and empathy.

F. Real-World Connection—Meeting the Donor’s Mother

• [23:33 - 26:08]
  • Dion nervously meets Mrs. Dunlap, Jensen’s mother.
  • In a powerful moment, Dion offers her a stethoscope so she can listen to her son's heart beating in his chest.

    “Would you like to listen to your son's heart? ...He's very strong.” — Dion and Mrs. Dunlap [25:27-25:47]

  • Both experience comfort, grief, and gratitude in this poignant encounter.

G. Zoe’s Final Realization

• [26:08 - 26:23]
  • Zoe reflects:

    “I think you were right, Mr. Whitaker... God. Changing hearts. I think He just changed mine.” — Zoe [26:10-26:23]

3. Hosts’ Reflections and Ministry Invitation

• [26:23 - End]
  • Jim and John discuss the story’s message: Redemption and spiritual change are possible for anyone—including bullies—with God.
  • They share feedback from listeners, like 14-year-old Victoria, whose faith was strengthened by Adventures in Odyssey.
  • They invite donations for the animated film project, with a special matching grant opportunity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “When we only think of a person as an enemy, we forget that they're also human beings. People with feelings, families. Favorite basketball teams.”
  — Mr. Whitaker [00:36 & 21:20] (A theme repeated twice, anchoring the episode’s message.)

• “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…”
  — Zoe (quoting Ezekiel 36:26) [19:49]

• “Changing physical hearts with someone can't change your personality. But God can absolutely change your symbolic heart.”
  — Mr. Whitaker [21:41]

• “Would you like to listen to your son's heart?... He's very strong.”
  — Dion & Mrs. Dunlap [25:27-25:47] (A deeply touching moment.)

• “God... changing hearts. I think He just changed mine.”
  — Zoe [26:10-26:23]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:27] – Introduction to Adventures in Odyssey and ministry update
• [03:12] – Start of “Have a Heart” story
• [08:07] – Dion reveals his heart transplant and apologizes
• [13:16] – Discovery about the heart donor
• [19:49] – Zoe reflects on Ezekiel 36:26 with Mr. Whitaker
• [21:41] – Mr. Whitaker explains symbolic vs. physical heart change
• [23:33] – Dion meets Jensen’s mother for the first time
• [25:27] – Mrs. Dunlap listens to her son’s heart in Dion’s chest
• [26:10] – Zoe’s spiritual realization
• [26:23] – Hosts’ reflections, feedback, and film fundraising invitation

Episode Tone & Style

The episode blends humor, warmth, childlike curiosity, and spiritual insight. The dialogue is natural, whimsical at times, with teachable moments that are gentle yet profound—true to Adventures in Odyssey’s signature style. Jim Daly and John Fuller’s segments are encouraging and uplifting while reminding listeners of this ministry’s greater purpose: to point families and children to Jesus Christ.

Takeaways for Listeners

• People really can change, but true transformation comes from spiritual renewal, not just physical circumstances.
• Even the least likely individuals—former bullies, the hurting, the skeptical—can become vessels of kindness and faith after encountering grace, suffering, or forgiveness.
• God redeems brokenness and uses it for greater purposes—sometimes in totally unexpected ways.
• Forgiveness is powerful, both for those who give it and those who receive it.
• Organ donation saves lives and provides comfort to grieving families.
• Scripture provides clarity on true inner change, reminding us to look beyond appearances to the heart.

For Resources, Adventures in Odyssey episodes, or to support Journey into the Impossible, visit the Focus on the Family website or see the show notes.