Professor Theo's Mystery Lab

Professor Theo shares secrets of his own superhero youth.  

The new teacher at Splendid Middle might just be a candy loving vampire.  

Jingle and Snowflake return for their annual holiday adventure.  

Professor Theo sends Happy Holiday wishes by way of a poem titled "The Holidays Are..."

America's favorite turkey and pig, Turk and Pork Chop, hide out from Thanksgiving horrors by joining the circus. 

A new Thankful Things writing prompt is included, and Professor Theo presents a remastered version of a Turk and Pork Chop classic. 

Professor Theo revisits the Turk and Pork Chop origin story from four years ago.   

A spooky story about a mysterious island and doppelgangers, with a possible tie to Professor Theo's recent After The Fall series. 

Professor Theo shares two poems perfect for the autumn and Halloween season. 

Professor Theo shares October thoughts and a story about monsters.  

Need a costume idea? Professor Theo has over 250 of them.

 Professor Theo's sports report goes terribly, or at least oddly, wrong...but maybe that's what he had planned all along.

Cletus Cavalier and friends travel to NEHI and SWOLE to complete recruitment for the Unlikely Alliance. 

It's already Halloween at Disney and the Dollar Tree, so why not Splendid, WV?  Included is the new "Martians Attack! On Halloween!" story.  

Professor Theo shares The Wizard's Test sequel, titled The Wizard's Best, and a big twist in the After the Fall series. 

A day at the library turns chaotic when a magic spell gone wrong forces literary characters out of their books and into the real world. It's Professor Theo's 2022 Back To School Special. 

Enjoy a night out at the theatre with our talented thespians. Also, Professor Theo shares the fourth chapter of After the Fall. 

A boy in nearby Super Duper Town shares suspicions about his father's potentially shadowy double life.

Professor Theo shares a cool winter tale in the middle of a sweltering summer. Also included:  hot dog poetry.    

Hear the fourth part of Cletus Cavalier's Unlikely Alliance of Really Bad Space Dudes AND chapter three of the After The Fall series on this week's episode. 

Two new tales this week:  a mummy inspired campfire story and the second part of our new After the Fall series.  

Professor Theo shares an Open To All Pride month poem, message. 

Two new tales this week: one poetry (The Wizard's Test) and one prose (After the Fall, Part 1).

Professor Theo foreshadows a school where he would train Splendid's best to combat upcoming calamity.  He also shares the third tale in Cletus Cavalier's Unlikely Alliance of Really Bad Space Dudes. 

The tale of Janine, her dragon friends, and Dude, the dragon hunter. 

Space ranger Cletus Cavalier is back.  Professor Theo shares the second chapter of the Cletus Cavalier's Alliance of Really Bad Space Dudes series. 

That Talented Travelling Theatrical Troupe returns, this time with three plays by William Shakespeare in rep.  

Professor Theo uncovers and shares a top secret case involving kid spies.  

Professor Theo celebrates World Theatre Day 2022 with the return of That Talented Travelling Theatrical Troupe. 

Gold, a leprechaun, and downtown adventures abound. 

When Barnum goes missing, it's Super Dork to the rescue...kind of.

Elementary activist Janet Jones returns to lead a school board revolt.  Also, Professor Theo shares the first chapter of a new Cletus Cavalier intergalactic adventure.  

Two short, poetic tales this week.  One follows the adventures of a travelling troupe of theatre artists.  The other is about a night out at the wrestling matches.

Professor Theo's spin on an Edward E. Hale fable from 1873.

When poetry is banned, Professor Theo protests by sharing a fresh new resistance rhyme.  

Things get wild and weird in the third and final tale in Manny's Wish Box trilogy.  

To avoid being put into storage with holiday decorations, some Christmas village characters plot a daring escape.  

Fallout from the science fair hits school, and an investigation is underway. 

Manny wants nothing more than to win the annual school science fair.  Will his invention, a box that he insists will grant wishes, make the grade? Part 1 of 3.

When the North Pole is under attack, Santa takes cover in a familiar place - a bunker in Splendid, West Virginia.  

Professor Theo shares holiday thoughts by way of a new poem and some recommended reading.

The conclusion to the epic seven-part series titled Cletus Cavalier's Space Run.  

Turk and Pork Chop spend the night in a haunted house, on the hunt for a magical amulet needed to save a dear friend.

Professor Theo's Mystery Lab creator Jonathan Joy shares his thoughts on the Covid vaccine.  

Beware the Middle School Mimics! Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic to explain what happened inside that dust cloud that surrounded McFly Middle School a couple months ago.

Tara begins one dangerous trek, while Cletus Cavalier nearly wraps up another. Stories include “The Hunt For Red” and “Cletus Cavalier’s Space Run: Part 6 (of 7).”

Have a splendid Halloween with the third and final tale in the Professor Theo's Mostly Harmless Halloween Haunts trilogy. 

A tribute to October fun and National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Three new poetry forms are explored, as well.

The Pep Up Monster returns, but will its appetite for destruction be big enough to consume The Trick’s candy army?

Professor Theo shares the fifth chapter of the seven part Cletus Cavalier's Space Run series. A Cryptid Campfire Story lesson plan is included, as well.  

When a strange smell envelops the town and Splendid Swamp Rangers fear the worst, Professor Theo is called in to investigate a stunning disturbance.

Professor Theo celebrates the show’s three year anniversary with thanks and the story of Halloween Hal.

A major update on the dust cloud situation at McFly Middle and Theo shares part four of the seven chapter Cletus Cavalier’s Space Run story.

Professor Theo brings many of Splendid's best together in the first part of an epic autumn trilogy.  (Parts 2 and 3 coming in October.)

Professor Theo shares an update on the dust cloud surrounding McFly Middle, as well as the next part of Cletus Cavalier's Space Run, and "a terrifying tale," according to Buck Travers, about The Toy Collector. 

You need Halloween costume ideas? More Cletus Cavalier? An update on the dust cloud that has engulfed McFly Middle School?   Professor Theo has you covered on all three counts in this brand new episode.  

Professor Theo kicks off a new series about space ranger delivery man named Cletus Cavalier.

Professor Theo shares a semi-spooky campfire tale, Back to School poetry, and advice for the upcoming academic year.

Professor Theo’s experiments sometimes go awry, as was the case when he first tried to leap in to the gaming world like computer whiz kids Tanner and Max.

This episode is devoted to the joys of summer, including beach trips, summer reading lists, podcast fun, and more.  

Math is the cause and solution to all of the Kid Superheroes' problems in this, the follow up to last week's Brandi Bermuda tale. 

When students from Ms. Bermuda's advanced math class keep disappearing, the Kid Superheroes of Splendid Elementary get involved.  Unfortunately, Buck Travers, Tracy Thompson, Nick Newton, and Mandy Magic may have finally met their match.  Part 1 of 2.  

Professor Theo attempts to recap nearly three years of podcasting adventures into one ten minute episode.  

Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic to complete his action-packed Ghost House trilogy.  

Fans of Those Time Travelling Teens take note.  This special bonus episode features a two minute Those Time Travelling Teens stage play, written by Jonathan Joy and read by Rissie Joy and Levi Joy. * This play is published by Drama Notebook in the "20 More Short Practice Scenes" collection.

Professor Theo looks ahead to summer fun while Dionte daydreams. 

A follow up to Episode 111 and another Kid Superheroes Mystery Lab entry.  Buck Travers takes over the mic once again, in an episode written by Levi Joy. 

Professor Theo tells the tale of an adventurous, bouncing bunny named Bernie.

A follow up to last summer’s episode #89 (Swords and Donuts and Masks, Oh My) and episode #90 (Of Swords and Donuts…and Cows), it’s the third tale in a series about a boy, his sword, and his dream donut superstore.

A cool crocodile takes listeners on an animal themed trip through the alphabet, and Professor Theo shares an Earth Day acrostic poem.

Splendid Elementary’s Kid Superheroes return to battle villains born of soup - The Great Chili Monster, Sinister Spud, the Broccoli Cheeze Whiz-ard, and the Spicy Tortilla Tormentor – in this all new action packed episode.

Wyatt the Easter Wolf returns to save Splendid from a mob of goodie grabbers that has run completely amok.

Professor Theo waxes poetic about wrestling, toys, and the days of his youth in this special tribute to World Poetry Day and National Poetry Month. 

Wannabe superhero Walt Waggoner places a classified ad in search of a nemesis. The Dung Beetle responds.

Professor Theo welcomes a new pizza loving sponsor to the show and tells the tale of a boy trapped in a video game.

Professor Theo shares thoughts on a hopeful spring day and a tale of the superhero cats that protect his neighborhood streets. 

This is where it all started.   Jon Joy reimagines the 2016 tale that kicked off his family's Read Me A Bedtime Story column in the Greater Ashland Beacon newspaper five years ago and the Professor Theo's Mystery Lab podcast two and a half years ago.  

Professor Theo sends a shout out to sponsors, shares thoughts on Presidents Day, and debuts a new short story.  

Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the microphone to tell a story of computer whiz kids Tanner and Max, who are trapped in a Ghost House video game.

Theo shares an alliterative tale and gives listeners a sneak peek at stories to come in the near future.  

Mel the Metamorph travels to Earth to observe its inhabitants and Professor Theo shares poems inspired by Pokémon.  

Kid Space Force Chris shares a galactic adventure update while Theo reflects on the year that was and considers what lies ahead in 2021.

Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic for this very special, action-packed episode. 

Questions are answered in this, the shocking conclusion to yesterday's North Pole thriller.  

The Saint Nick Squad investigates a break in at the North Pole that may just be an inside job.  

Splendid's excess holiday spirit catches Santa off guard, and the jolly dude crash lands into the Mystery Lab.  

A teddy bear defends his toy store home, fending off two dastardly burglars.

Superhero twins Don and Joey Tackett face dark haunts in the forbidden Don't Go There Forest.  

Turk and Pork Chop return for their fifth Thanksgiving adventure, and they run in to some computer whiz kids and kid superheroes along the way.  

It's our one hundredth episode!  Also the third annual Election Day special, the battle to be the next mayor of Splendid, West Virginia has reached a fever pitch.   

A zombie with a strange obsession follows Sylvester Adams from his dream to the real world and Professor Theo shares an autumnal Etheree poem.

Professor Theo returns for a third round of Halloween fun.  Includes a continuation of the tale of Kid Superhero Buck Travers and the Splendid Sea Creature, as well as a trip to the Pumpkin Patch.  

Kid Detectives and Kid Superheroes return in this Halloween special.  

The first of three new Halloween episodes features a short play reading “Journey to the Center of a Video Game” and a short story “Who Let the Monsters Out?” perfectly suited to October fun.

The 2 year anniversary episode of this podcast! Tanner and Max return with some Kid Superheroes in tow, as the missing pieces in the Theory X saga all fall into place.

Professor Theo takes a ride atop one of Splendid University's famous walking trees.  Included is a fun art/writing activity/exercise for young and old.  

Professor Theo’s cure for insomnia is included in this tasty episode.

Professor Theo shares his UFO tale and the Kid Space Force returns.  

When Superhero Steve loses his powers he becomes…Ordinary Man! Though his life is turned upside down, Steve learns that anybody can heroic.

Levi returns in a sequel to last week's Sword of Awesome Greatness adventure, and Theo shares a short tale for wee ones titled "Do Cows Wear Hats?"

Professor Theo shares an adventure tale of a boy named Levi, on the hunt for a magical sword, and a poem about the importance of wearing masks.  

Professor Theo shares an update on the most recent Kid Space Force mission and tells the tale of the time dogs worked together to rid Splendid of  all fireworks.    

The third in a trilogy about the Tween Superheroes at McFly Middle School.  Meet Chris Martinez, a break dancing superhero.  Breakout is back, too.    

Jonathan Joy and Levi Joy both take the mic to share a tale/poem about imagination and fun.  

A follow up to Introducing Breakout, this is the second episode in a trilogy about the new Tween Superheroes at McFly Middle School.

If you've ever dreamed of being three inches tall or of being a character in a well read book or of being a tween superhero at McFly Middle School, this episode is for you.  The first in a trilogy of episodes that introduce listeners to five new kid superheroes from McFly, West Virginia, nearby Splendid.  

Professor Theo shares a tale of love, equality, standing up to bullies, and tearing down walls.   

Things get heated when a monster named Burt, who is actually a pretty cool dude, comes face to face with a villainous cloud made of fire.

Dozens of the Mystery Lab’s favorite characters converge on this episode, as the heroic friends of Splendid must band together when a load of super-villains break out of Splendid Prison. It’s a tale years in the making.

Professor Theo travels back to the 1980s with Those Time Travelling Teens to help them rescue a friend in need, stuck in the past.

On a late night search through his father’s antique toys, Austin uncovers an ancient sarcophagus and a big mystery.

The Earth Power Team returns for adventure and to share a variety of Earth Day activities and inspiration with Mystery Lab listeners.

Wyatt the Easter Wolf returns for a second straight year, teaming up with the Easter Bunny in this action-packed episode. Beware the jelly bean pirates.

Tune in for an update on Lazlo Bluebox and his true love, Lucy, and enjoy a story about a little girl who transforms into a giant. Be careful what you wish for.

Professor Theo ushers in a new baseball and softball season with tales of some successful student athletes, as they navigate the ups and down (literally and figuratively) of competitive sports.

Tiny Mike, Big Sheila, and El Truco have Super Duper Dude and Super Duper Dudette in a tight spot. Who will prevail? Good battles evil and the future of Super Duper Town is at stake in this exciting conclusion to last week’s episode.

Professor Theo takes a road trip to nearby Super Duper Town, home of Super Duper Dude, Super Duper Dudette, and Tiny Mike’s Villains ‘R Us superstore. Part 1 of a 2 parter.

Kid Explorers Donnie and Teresa return, on the hunt for gold at the end of a rainbow.

Professor Theo welcomes Spring with two alliterative tales, of Skedaddling Steve and Little LeBron. Lovers of the outdoors and art will take particular interest in this week’s stories.

Professor Theo has lined up some short lessons on poetry and American Presidents in this episode.  Those time travelling teens return.  

Two tales of friendship and love are at the heart of this Valentine's Day episode.

Giant groundhogs compel Theo to record a special Groundhog Day episode on the spot.

Splendid, West Virginia is host to The Big Game for the first, and likely final, time. Zombies, aliens, panicked crowds, Kid Superheroes and Kid Astronauts abound!

The Kid Superheroes fly to Mt. Everest in search of The Blizz and to take away the source of his evil power. Kid Superhero Buck Travers narrates this episode, which picks up where Episode #65: Snow Much Fun left off.

Children of Splendid rejoice when snow closes school one Tuesday in January. Their celebration is cut short, though, when The Blizz comes to town. The Kid Superheroes return in this icy, action-packed adventure.

Computer Whiz Kids Tanner and Max return to the gaming world to catch Mr. X. This time they have a little help from Tanner’s sister, Kid Superhero Tracy Thompson.

Theo introduces the listener to his wife’s Pretties Emporium in downtown Splendid, shares a tale of the villainous Time Bandit, and brings together many of the town’s favorite animal characters in this supersized episode. Happy New Year!

Not a creature was stirring…except for the villainous Mr. January. The Saint Nick Squad returns to face their biggest challenge yet, and the future of Christmas hangs in the balance.

Professor Theo shares a Saint Nick Squad poem, and a tale of giving at this most wonderful time of year.

The new 4th grade reading and writing substitute teacher at Splendid Elementary, Mr. S, has a menacing command over his classroom. When the regular teacher, Mr. Young, doesn’t return after several days, Kid Superheroes Buck Travers, Mandy Magic, and Robert Robertson decide to investigate. What they find will shock you.

The Turk and Pork Chop series of Thanksgiving misadventures continues with a surprise, all new, fourth edition in their series – Turk and Pork Chop 4-Ever!

The further adventures of Turk and Pork Chop. While Episode 9 featured the first two tales in the Turk and Pork Chop trilogy, this year’s update includes the third and final story in their series. Professor Theo shares his list of thankful things, as well, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Professor Theo introduces listeners to the Giggliputz, a yellow blob with an important lesson about self-confidence and appreciating the things that make us different from one another.

After a successful year as second grade class President, Janet Jones had no desire to run for another term in third grade. That all changed when a scandal broke out regarding third grade President David Payne. Stay tuned to Professor Theo for all the breaking news surrounding Splendid Elementary politics. This week's episode also features an update on the ever changing Theory X series.  

Professor Theo shares his 13 Days of Halloween gifts in this special bonus episode.

Professor Theo shares Halloween editions of the Kid Detectives and Those Time Travelling Teens. The former group build a Monster Catch to help solve a case, while the latter foursome travels back in time to grab special items to enhance their Halloween costumes.

The lines between the dream world and reality are blurred when things from your sleeping hours follow you into the waking ones.

Halloween is near, which means the Splendid Candy Shop is hopping with business. This fall season is different, though, for this year the store’s candy treats decide to rebel. Also, Professor Theo shares a bit of Mr. X’s background.

Kid Superhero Buck Travers takes over the mic on this week’s episode to finish Theo’s Pangea tale from Episode #50.

Children of Splendid unite for adventure in this, the one year anniversary episode of the Mystery Lab.

Donnie and Teresa explore the woods nearby Splendid University only to discover a mysterious substance that may spell doom for our Kid Explorers.

Something dangerous lurks in the wetland between Splendid Elementary and the old, abandoned uranium enrichment plant.  Many Mystery Lab favorites band together in a crossover episode full of twists and turns.  

Young veggie lover, Luke, needs help from his friends to eat his way out of a cucumber house. And Kid Detectives Ben and Red are stumped when their fearless leader Jen goes missing.

Professor Theo shares a tale of friendship and a kid superheroes/time travelling teens mashup. Dinosaurs are on the loose in modern day Splendid! 

It’s time to begin a new school year, but first a bedtime story and some words of advice from Professor Theo.  Big news regarding some upcoming crossover episodes is revealed, as well.  

When Chris goes missing in space, it's Natalie and Marsha to the rescue in Professor Theo's 7th Kid Space Force tale.  Also, the 3rd chapter of the Underground Kid Explorers saga has a surprise in store for listeners.

Professor Theo promotes Pezamania poetry and shares a tale of pirates and parrots. 

A wild and wonderfully weird week sees the Kid Detectives take on a sizzling hot summer case, and all the monkeys break out of the Splendid Zoo. 

The toys of one man’s childhood come back to haunt him in a somewhat spooky campfire story, and Lady Liberty makes a visit to the Mystery Lab. 

The 40th episode of The Mystery Lab is here, and it’s also the 7th episode to feature everybody’s favorite techies – Tanner and Max. These quantum leaping computer whiz kids are suddenly trapped in the games that make up the mini-arcade at the Mega Mega Mart. At least they are far from the grips of the villainous Mr. X. Or are they? 

Professor Theo shares an update on those Underground Kid Explorers. Listeners will also be introduced to Ted, a hatchling sea turtle, who is caught up in an adventurous moonlit tale.  

Professor Theo is out of town at a conference and his son, Kid Superhero Buck Travers, has been warned to stay away from dad’s podcasting equipment. So how is there a new episode this week?

Professor Theo welcomes summer by sharing tales of Darby’s adventures in the library and one exciting bike race. 

Not many towns boast a race car driving cat and a detective dog, but as you’ve learned by now…Splendid isn’t just any ordinary town.  

When a giant Pep Up! soda monster forms, the town of Pepville needs a hero. And Splendid Elementary student, Lexi Barnes, has to answer the question “What is a Hero?” for a class essay.

Meet the Kid Explorers, as they traverse mysterious underground tunnels, and make their way through the forest near Splendid University. Beware The Dark, and a giant on the hunt for a lost magical staff.

Mr. Brains shows his true colors and Kid Superheroes abound at the annual Splendid Elementary Science Fair. 

Fourth grade Splendid Elementary teacher Mrs. Lyon leads her Earth Power Team pupils in a variety of Earth Day activities and a battle with The Litterbug.  Now available on Podcoin.

Kid Detectives are on the Case of the Endangered Easter, and a three part Kid Space Force series concludes. 

When the Easter Bunny is in need, Wyatt the Easter Wolf comes to the rescue. Part 2 of a Kid Space Force trilogy takes shape, as well.  

Fans of the Kid Space Force will rejoice at this episode, chock full of galactic escapades. 

Professor Theo shares tales of Splendid youth facing their fears and following their dreams.  

Computer whiz kids Tanner and Max have been located. Catch up on their adventures inside the gaming world, as they leap from one video game to another, intent on saving all technology from the villainous Mr. X. 

Professor Theo takes the listener on a trip to the Splendid Zoo for something quite special and then wraps up the Those Time Travelling Teens Return trilogy.  

A super-sized episode overflowing with kid superheroes and time travelling teens. 

Help bring Lazlo and Lucy Bluebox back together again. Also, the McFly Middle School Science Club is at it again, its time travelling teenage members hopping all through the past. Part one of a new three part T4 series is the anchor of this week’s episode.  

Professor Theodore Travers has a confession to make, and it involves his secret lab, his superhero son Buck Travers, and a gigantic Bug Beast accidentally set loose on Splendid. 

The Bat Band wants to rock and roll all night, and a big blue blob teaches everyone an important lesson. 

First, travel with the Kids Space Force on a journey through the galaxy. Then, tag along on an outing through Splendid to help solve the case of the Ice Cream Bandit.  

Superhero kids Buck and Tracy return. Also, a new kid superhero – Mandy Magic – is introduced. 

The Kid Space Force blasts off, and a dastardly band of nocturnal pizza thieves are on the loose.  

Theo introduces his friend The Terror and surprises await, as kid superhero Buck Travers takes over the second half of the show to reveal a big secret.   

What has magical dancing shoes and adventurous kids trapped in video games? This episode!

Escape is the theme for this week’s stories which follow (1) a runaway animatronic rock band, and (2) a Christmas village character not so keen on going back in the box. 

Our biggest episode yet! Say goodbye to 2018 and kick off the New Year in style: trapped in a video game with whiz kid Tanner or running from dinosaurs with those time travelling teens.

 Off to bed now, but not before a Saint Nick Squad adventure and some more teenage time travelling fun. 

A little girl joins the circus and the 3rd chapter of those time travelling teens’ adventures takes shape.

Santa’s secret agent task force sets off on a mission, while Professor Theo continues the tale of time travelling teens.

Kid Superheroes take on Miss Shockey and Professor Theo introduces those time travelling teens.

The tenth episode focuses on the joys of holiday giving and the further adventures of whiz-kid-trapped-in-a-video-game Tanner.

Turk and Pork Chop escape the Meat Jackpot Restaurant and set off on wild adventures together.

The biannual book fair comes to Splendid Elementary and kid superheroes Buck and Tracy return to face the Book Fair Burglar.

The first story covers Election Day at Splendid Elementary, while the second follows a boy computer whiz trapped inside a video game.

A special Halloween episode of the Mystery Lab features poetry and the Pumpkin Thief. Trick or treat.

A mystery tale for dogs and kid superheroes team up with kid super-villain Kid Popsicle in an attempt to outwit Zero-man.

Kid superheroes battle a trio of enemies on pizza day and Professor Theo tells the tale of one boy's magical trip to a Pez convention.

Future kid superheroes are introduced and Professor Theo is impressed by a boy named Axel and his giant bug friends.

What's more amazing? A couple kid superheroes or a cat that can drive a race car? This week's episode has both.

Professor Theo shares tales of kid superheroes and a runaway pumpkin patch on this very first episode.