PODCAST · kids
Return to Gilead
by Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock
A review podcast for Down Gilead Lane, hosted by longtime audio drama fans Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock. We’re going episode by episode through this audio drama masterpiece to see what makes it the greatest.Return to Gilead is a review podcast based on episodes, logos and artwork, and music produced for and with permission from Keys for Kids Ministries.
Episodes
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“Missing Pieces, Part 4” in Review – The Sunday Special
A finale of underwhelming proportions! But is it still good? On this episode of the Return to Gilead Sunday Special, Ryan and Michael take a look at “Missing Pieces, Part 4” from Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries and compare it to the book by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, answering some…
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Ruined End – An Extended Review of “Foul Territory”
Michael and Ryan present the Ruined Series, Part 7. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett Return to Gilead is a…
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Ruined Story – An Extended Review of “Shadow Agent X” (ft. Austin Peachey)
Michael, Ryan, and Austin present the Ruined Series, Part 6. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver, Ryan Matlock, and Austin Peachey Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett...
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Ruined Past – An Extended Review of “Fairly Weathered Friends” (ft. Jack Cashion)
Michael, Ryan, and Jack present the Ruined Series, Part 5. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver, Ryan Matlock, and Jack Cashion Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett…
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Ruined Soul – An Extended Review of “What Should Be Will Be”
Michael and Ryan present the Ruined Series, Part 4. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett Return to Gilead is a…
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Ruined Truth – An Extended Review of “Lights, Camera, Inaction” (ft. Austin Peachey)
Michael, Ryan, and Austin present the Ruined Series, Part 3. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver, Ryan Matlock, and Austin Peachey Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett...
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Ruined Heart – An Extended Review of “Short Fuse or Short a Few Z’s”
Michael and Ryan present the Ruined Series, Part 2. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett Return to Gilead is a…
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Ruined Plot – An Extended Review of “Let Them Eat Cake”
Michael and Ryan present the Ruined Series, Part 1. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: “Ossuary 6 - Air” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett Return to Gilead is a…
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“Missing Pieces, Part 3” in Review – The Sunday Special
Well, it was good while it lasted. On this episode of the Return to Gilead Sunday Special, Ryan and Michael have mixed feelings on the next episode of Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries, “Missing Pieces, Part 3.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock...
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An Interview with Lori Twichell
Lori Twichell makes a long-awaited appearance on Return to Gilead! Michael and Ryan chat with the prolific Beyond Gilead writer to discuss her beginnings on Gilead, memories of working with Steve and John, her thoughts on audio drama criticism, stories of working in the secular film industry, and…
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“Missing Pieces, Part 2” in Review – The Sunday Special
Is this... excellent audio drama?? The Return to Gilead Sunday Special continues to bring many surprises for Michael and Ryan, continuing with a review of a fantastic episode of Red Rock Mysteries, “Missing Pieces, Part 2.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and...
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“Hold Lightly” in Review, Part 2 (ft. Hannah Matlock)
Hannah Matlock makes a long overdue return to the podcast to join Ryan and Michael for the second part of the review of the Beyond Gilead Season 10 finale. The hosts talk about the Bible story and its directing and integration into the rest of the episode, Hannah’s thoughts on John’s arc…
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“Missing Pieces, Part 1” in Review – The Sunday Special
The tides have changed! Michael and Ryan are back with a regular episode of the Return to Gilead Sunday Special and a glowing review of “Missing Pieces, Part 1”! Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver…
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“Hold Lightly” in Review, Part 1
As tensions rise on Gilead Lane and John Fornof brings Season 10 of Beyond Gilead to a close, Michael and Ryan reflect on yet another episode discussing God’s will: episodes 136 and 137 (10-11 and 10-12), “Hold Lightly, Parts 1 and 2.” In this first part, some healthy division leads to good...
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Hatred of Love – An Extended Review of “Love Is a Many-Splintered Thing”
An extended review is the only recourse for the one episode of Gilead that made a host angry. Ryan and Michael run a marathon of a podcast to determine just how broken is episode 135 (10-10) of Beyond Gilead, “Love Is a Many-Splintered Thing.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts:...
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Local A Cappella Singer Confused by Antics of Avid Gilead Fans
Ellie Hope was a fantastic guest to have on the podcast, and we didn’t want to make it sound like she was left out. Here are some parts of the recording of the review of “Going Through the Motions” that mostly involved banter between Michael and Ryan. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits...
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“Stolen Secrets” Version Differences – The Sunday Special
Welcome back to the Return to Gilead Sunday Special Stolen Secrets Version Differences Bonus Episode Book Club! Michael and Ryan are back to talk about some key takeaways from the differences between the original book version, the Oasis Audio version, and the Keys for Kids version of the second...
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“Going Through the Motions” in Review (ft. Ellie Hope)
Another guest episode! Ellie Hope, a friend from Liberty, joins Michael and Ryan to break down Anna Townsend’s solo outing, episode 134 (10-9) of Beyond Gilead, “Going Through the Motions.” The two avid fans and the one new fan talk about the loose connections between the two halves of the story,...
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“Ranch Blessing” in Review (ft. Daniel Roth)
Odyssey veteran Daniel Roth joins Ryan and Michael for Return to Gilead’s first guest episode since Season 9! The three audio drama fans discuss John Fornof’s return in episode 133 (10-8) of Beyond Gilead, “Ranch Blessing.” Is this episode a great event-driven character study for Michael…
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Responding to “Ease On Down Gilead Lane” from The Worst of All Possible Worlds, Part 1
Warning: The following episode of Return to Gilead, a response to episode 81 of the Worst of All Possible Worlds Podcast, “Ease On Down Gilead Lane,” contains profuse albeit censored swearing, immaculately constructed strawmen, and massive amounts of cringe. Listen at your own risk as Michael and...
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The Flaming Arminian and the Reluctant Calvinist – An Extended Discussion of “Mudpies and Blind Eyes”
Who caused Grace’s blindness? Why does this matter? And how does it affect how she answers Hope? Listen to hear Ryan’s and Michael’s stances on who is responsible for evil and suffering in this extended discussion of topics referenced in “Mudpies and Blind Eyes.” Our site:...
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“Mudpies and Blind Eyes” in Review
It’s another Bible story on Gilead that’s also a mixed bag for discussion! In this review of episode 132 (10-7) of Beyond Gilead, “Mudpies and Blind Eyes,” Ryan and Michael talk about the accuracy of Grace’s Bible story but question its relevance to Hope’s concerns. Comparisons to Odyssey, an...
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The Pittsburgh Duology in Review, Part 2
Hope’s journey in Pittsburgh comes to a close, and Michael and Ryan ponder what might have been in this second-part review of Lori Twichell’s Pittsburgh Duology. This part centers on how to construct a meaningful leadup to an emotional payoff that, when taken by itself, this episode pulls off…
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The Pittsburgh Duology in Review, Part 1
Another two-parter has arrived, and Ryan and Michael have much to say about Lori Twichell’s next installment of Hope’s story in this review of episodes 130 and 131 (10-5 and 10-6) of Beyond Gilead, “Sandcastles in Storms” and “Is God in Pittsburgh?” The two hosts start the review by addressing…
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Ryan Singing Happy Birthday to Return to Gilead for 25 Minutes
hee hee belated anniversary go brrrrrrrrr Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett Return to Gilead is a review podcast based on episodes, logos and artwork, and music produced…
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10-4, “Good Buddy” in Review
Out of nowhere comes a great episode from Lori Twichell! Michael and Ryan sing the praises of good storytelling in this review of episode 129 of Beyond Gilead, 10-4, “Good Buddy.” In addition to a genius title, this episode’s comparisons to Season 9 epsiodes, themes of snitching and gossip, and...
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“Coleropolis” in Review
Ryan and Michael’s second journey into Beyond Gilead’s old time radio parodies is a bit rocky as the two co-hosts break down episode 128 (10-3), “Coleropolis.” The review of this relatively inconsequential episode touches on its lesson and whether it was warranted, the story structure of the real...
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The Season 10 Premiere in Review, Part 2
The review of the Season 10 premiere continues as Michael and Ryan discuss the overarching themes of these two episodes. Pointless eminent domain, John’s reaction to the bulldozer, emphasizing plot and forgetting character, and the sanctity of Gilead Lane all factor into part two of this...
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The Season 10 Premiere in Review, Part 1
Drama on Gilead Lane! Dreams! Premonitions! Bulldozers! And... a discussion once again on how to write appropriate messages from God. Ryan and Michael get into the nitty-gritty of the discussion on the theology of the Season 10 premiere of Beyond Gilead, episodes 126 and 127 (10-1 and 10-2), “An...
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“The Greatest of These” in Review
It’s Gilead’s only split episode! Michael and Ryan return to Return to Gilead for a review of episode 125 (S-15) of Beyond Gilead, “The Greatest of These.” The first split, “Sir Plungealot,” serves as a source of laughs and surface-level themes, while the second split, “Flower Day,” prompts some...
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An Interview with Phil Ayres, Voice of Zach
Zach is here! Return to Gilead welcomes Phil Ayres, the voice of Gilead’s prolific host Zach, to talk about how he got started on the show, his experiences working with Steve O’Dell, recording everything three times, interacting with fans of Gilead, his job as a pastor and thoughts on modern…
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“Putting the Christmas Back in Hope” in Review
Is this the best Christmas episode? Ryan and Michael take some time at the start of this review to rehash their objective standards for episode reviews before diving into the great character development in episode 124 (S-14) of Beyond Gilead, “Putting the Christmas Back in Hope.” The two hosts...
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“Table Talk” in Review
The fourth longest episode of Gilead sparked a little bit of controversy between Michael and Ryan... but we’ve edited down the highlights for an insightful review of episode 123 (S-13) of Beyond Gilead, “Table Talk.” Up for debate in this review of Gilead’s third Thanksgiving special are the…
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“Letting Go” in Review
The season finale is here, bringing a character-driven episode for Tim to shine. Ryan and Michael pick apart episode 122 (9-12) of Beyond Gilead, “Letting Go,” John Fornof’s poignant conclusion to Season 9. The two returned hosts discuss the episode’s short length, Hope’s inconsistencies, Tim’s...
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An Interview with John Fornof
John Fornof finally joins Return to Gilead for a long-awaited end-of-Season 8 interview! The prolific audio drama master chats with Michael and Ryan about his experience working with Steve O’Dell and the Gilead team, how he respects Beth Culp’s source material, good ways to write salvation…
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“Stolen Secrets, Part 4” in Review – The Sunday Special
We’ve reached the conclusion of John Fornof’s take on “Stolen Secrets”... so how was it? On this episode of the Return to Gilead Sunday Special, Ryan and Michael are here to analyze the decisions taken by the audio drama and how they compare to what could have been done. Our site:...
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“It’s a Richterful Life” in Review
Michael has a new top episode of Beyond Gilead! ...Ryan not so much. The two avid Gilead fans break down the Morrison-lacking penultimate episode of Season 9, episode 121 (9-11), “It’s a Richterful Life,” and its compelling theme, strange story structure, genuine characters, and iffy dialogue.…
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“Knock Knock, Who’s There?” in Review
It’s back to Michael and Ryan and normal episodes of Gilead in this review of episode 120 (9-10) of Beyond Gilead, “Knock Knock, Who’s There?” Mary’s possible hypocrisy, uncontrollable characteristics, differences between praying for and against, a two-act structure, Bill Mincer, and how houses…
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“Stolen Secrets, Part 3” in Review – The Sunday Special
It’s a bit of a shorter episode of the Return to Gilead Sunday Special, but still a thorough one! Michael and Ryan are back to break down the continuing storylines, character arcs, and shoddy cliffhangers in Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries episode 7, “Stolen Secrets, Part 3.” Our site:...
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“The Showdown” in Review (ft. Austin Peachey and Jack Cashion)
Austin Peachey and Jack Cashion jump back on the podcast to join Michael and Ryan in reviewing episode 119 (9-9) of Beyond Gilead, “The Showdown.” While Austin loves the old-time radio spoof from John Fornof, the other hosts aren’t too keen on Tim’s persistent eisegesis, how Tim learns his…
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“Shades of Chartreuse” in Review
Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Listen now to find out! The two co-hosts discuss whether the gimmick really works and how the theme is or isn’t properly shown through character decisions. Plus, a voice message from…
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“The Locked Door” in Review
We’ve reached another crossroads. John Fornof’s next episode of Beyond Gilead, 117 (9-7), “The Locked Door,” sparks a fair bit of controversy between Michael and Ryan in how Grace Andrews deals with a memory of her parents, considering how Beth Culp created, wrote, and intended for her to be. Our...
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“Much Ado About Something” in Review
Anna Townsend is back... and Michael’s opinions on her return may have changed. As Ryan and Michael explore the plot and characters of episode 116 (9-6) of Beyond Gilead, “Much Ado About Something,” the two reviewers discuss the conflict between Maya and Anna, Lori Twichell’s depiction of the...
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“School Graze” in Review
The negativity unfortunately continues with Michael and Ryan’s review of Lori Twichell’s next episode in Season 9 of Beyond Gilead, 115 (9-5), “School Graze.” Why has Hope started a clique? Why didn’t John stand up to Monica right away? Why doesn’t Hope’s school give her any boundaries? How…
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Train Wreck – An Extended Review of “The Heart of the Treasure”
No words. In this review, Ryan and Michael utterly obliterate episode 114 (9-4) of Beyond Gilead, “The Heart of the Treasure.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing: Michael LaFaver Music: John Lewis Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany...
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“A Story of Grace and Hope” in Review
John Fornof’s debut in Season 9 of Beyond Gilead is... a little shaky at best, and Michael and Ryan are here to break down exactly why in this review of episode 113 (9-3), “A Story of Grace and Hope.” The two analytical audio drama enthusiasts talk about the issue with writing a theme into a…
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“Misrudderstandings” in Review
The series continues as Ryan and Michael discuss the next episode of the new season of Beyond Gilead, episode 112 (9-2), “Misrudderstandings.” What do model ships, classic Gilead, hearing-impaired five-year-olds, guinea pigs, Audacity, Elizabeth, and LYNDI have to do with each other? Listen to…
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“Memories and Milestones” in Review
A new season is here! Michael and Ryan kick off Return to Gilead’s review series of Season 9 of Beyond Gilead with the “split” episode 111 (9-1), “Memories and Milestones.” The two reviewers talk about clip shows in audio drama and the returning questions of where trials come from... along with...
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We Are Allie Barrett
There’s a reason why Return to Gilead has only two regular hosts. We present, for your consideration, a bonus episode of outtakes from the five-person recording of our review of “The Hope That Heals.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver, Ryan Matlock, Jack Cashion,...
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“Stolen Secrets, Part 2” in Review – The Sunday Special
The next episode covered on the Return to Gilead Sunday Special brings a little controversy! Ryan and Michael go back and forth quite a bit on John Fornof’s loose adaptation for Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries episode 6, “Stolen Secrets, Part 2.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A review podcast for Down Gilead Lane, hosted by longtime audio drama fans Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock. We’re going episode by episode through this audio drama masterpiece to see what makes it the greatest.Return to Gilead is a review podcast based on episodes, logos and artwork, and music produced for and with permission from Keys for Kids Ministries.
HOSTED BY
Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Return to Gilead have?
Return to Gilead currently has 195 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Return to Gilead about?
A review podcast for Down Gilead Lane, hosted by longtime audio drama fans Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock. We’re going episode by episode through this audio drama masterpiece to see what makes it the greatest.Return to Gilead is a review podcast based on episodes, logos and artwork, and music...
How often does Return to Gilead release new episodes?
Return to Gilead publishes regularly with 195 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Return to Gilead?
You can listen to Return to Gilead on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Return to Gilead?
Return to Gilead is created and hosted by Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock.
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