by Charis Marshal, Student Public Relations Writer
For nearly 40 years since the series’ 1987 debut, “Adventures in Odyssey,” the beloved radio drama from Focus on the Family, has captivated families around the world — blending faith, imagination and storytelling for millions of listeners. For two decades, Rudy Haerr, a Cedarville University alumnus, has worked behind the scenes as master engineer and helped bring more than 1,000 episodes to life.
Cedarville University Alumnus Brings Faith-Based Audio Storytelling to Life
A 2005 Cedarville graduate, Haerr took an unconventional path to professional audio production. After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, he spent eight years working in computer chip manufacturing and agriculture before sensing a call to pursue creative audio production.
“Initially, I wasn’t thinking about another degree,” said Haerr. “But then I visited Cedarville and met communication professor Jim Leightenheimer. He helped me see how Cedarville’s program could connect my background and previous experience with my newfound calling toward audio production. At that point, I knew God had provided the right person to help me understand how my career path would fit together.”
From Engineering to Broadcasting: A Nontraditional Career Path
While studying broadcasting at Cedarville, Haerr juggled classes and family life. He and his young family moved to Ohio, and during his time as a student, they welcomed a second child. With a stroller in tow, he became a familiar figure on campus — a reminder that college doesn’t always follow a traditional script.
Leightenheimer, now retired, connected Haerr with Focus on the Family, an international Christian nonprofit based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Haerr completed his degree with an internship in the organization’s broadcast production department, but the future was uncertain.
“At the conclusion of the internship, I was pretty much out of money, and we were living in an extended-stay hotel,” said Haerr. “I remember thinking, ‘If this internship doesn’t pan out, I absolutely don’t know the next step.’”
Focus on the Family Internship Leads to Unexpected Opportunity
That uncertainty gave way to an unexpected opportunity.
“I was walking out to my car on the last day of the internship, when my boss during the internship came running across the parking lot,” said Haerr. “He was waving paperwork as he said, ‘We got you hired!’ Looking back, I think the reason I didn’t need to know more at the time was because there wasn’t more. Focus on the Family was exactly where God needed me to be.”
Two decades later, Haerr continues to serve in audio production at Focus on the Family. He began as an editor in the broadcasting department before transitioning to the audio team, where he now works on one of the most widely distributed Christian radio dramas in the world.
Adventures in Odyssey Continues to Reach Generations Worldwide
“It chokes me up to think about how involved God was in all the details,” said Haerr. “God loves us and wants to have us on the path to heaven. But there is a whole lot more than that that God is interested in in the meantime. Whether it feels like it or not, God cares how you spend your time and talents here on earth.”
Through its storytelling, “Adventures in Odyssey” reaches listeners across generations and geographic boundaries, reinforcing themes of faith, character, and hope.
“I love being part of a team that tells stories that show that God is active in every part of our lives,” said Haerr. “There are many ways to address the brokenness of this world, but stories and entertainment play a powerful role when they point people toward hope in Christ.”
Episodes of “Adventures in Odyssey” are available at adventuresinodyssey.com
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
