Florissant, MO, March 9, 2026— As parents increasingly search for wholesome entertainment rooted in a Christian worldview, the Augustine Institute announces the release of Welcome to Hope Springs, a new audio drama series for children and families.
Written by Peabody Award-winning author Paul McCusker and produced by the award-winning Augustine Institute creative team, the 10-episode first season brings to life the characters of the fictional mountain town of Hope Springs, Colorado, through immersive storytelling grounded in faith, family, and everyday adventures.
“Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a renewed appreciation for audio dramas,” said Augustine Institute Associate Producer Madison Van Frank. “Families are hungry for uplifting stories from trusted sources– stories that spark imagination without requiring screentime. When I first read Paul’s script for Welcome to Hope Springs, I was captivated by the story and couldn’t wait to bring it to life for young listeners.”
Produced for middle-grade listeners but engaging for the whole family, Welcome to Hope Springs explores themes of friendship, virtue, mystery, and courage. The story follows a tight-knit group of young friends who gather at a restored train station that becomes a community hub. As they pursue new adventures, they solve unexpected mysteries and encounter unexplainable events. The kids gradually learn that their choices and relationships shape who they are becoming, offering meaningful moral lessons that give parents easy openings for conversations about character and faith.
“Hope Springs is a universe I’ve been developing over the past ten years through novels and short stories, and this audio drama series is really a culmination of that work,” said McCusker. “Audio uniquely invites listeners to participate through their imaginations — with voice, music, and sound creating a world that comes alive in the mind. Through everyday adventures, we encounter deeper truths. That’s why we say Hope Springs is a place to find both everyday wonders and eternal mysteries.”
Each episode runs 20–30 minutes, making it ideal for after-school drives, family evenings, or road trips. Season 1 of Welcome to Hope Springs is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, with Season 2 arriving May 18.
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