Welcome to Hope Springs

Allison Auth reviews a new audio series for kids, available on Formed.org and all major podcast platforms.

I grew up listening to “Adventures in Odyssey” on long car rides and my children did their Sacramental prep with the help of “The Adventures of Nick and Sam,” put out by the Augustine Institute. The common thread between those stories is that they were written and produced by Paul McCusker.

So when I saw that McCusker had a new audio series called “Welcome to Hope Springs,” I immediately downloaded it on my podcast app. The next day, I was in the car with all my kids and told them we were going to listen to a new podcast. They all groaned and despite their protests, I hit play. Immediately the musical score quieted them all down, and the hilarious antics of Art Jameson drew plenty of chuckles.

View the Trailer for "Welcome to Hope Springs" 

From then on, we were hooked. Stolen artifacts create a classic whodunit, and while suspects are interviewed, mysterious subplots evolve in the background. You are introduced to a whole town of colorful characters each with their own history and personality. Many of the main characters are kids who my children could relate to, comprising various degrees of virtue and vice. And since the fictional town of Hope Springs is located in Colorado, our Denver family could relate to that as well.

At the end of every episode, the kids would yell, “Cliffhanger!” and beg to listen to the next one. Despite the agreement that we would all listen together, the kids went off to their bedrooms and binged the remaining episodes on their own. When I walk past their rooms at night, they are listening to the first season again for the 8^th or 9^th time, picking up on new details and enjoying the clever humor. Season 2 can’t come soon enough.

Religious Themes in a Well-Produced Audio Drama

Season 1 ends with a touching scene on prayer that I was not expecting. While the storyline is not explicitly spiritual, religious themes are present as characters wrestle with good and bad choices. Gossip, honesty, teamwork, obedience, friendship, and bravery are themes highlighted in this riveting tale of life in the small town of Hope Springs.

This well-produced audio drama features professional sound effects, voice actors, and an excellent musical score reminiscent of Western adventure. If you are looking for something to listen to as a family, “Welcome to Hope Springs” will delight kids of all ages (as well as adults). You can find it on Formed.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Copyright 2026 Allison Auth
Images: (top) Augustine Institute.com