Academy Days: Christian Fiction for Teen Girls
Academy Days is a fiction serial podcast for teenage girls set in a Christian high school. It follows four girls—Carmen, London, Nora, and Lacey—as they navigate school, family, friends, and the choices each day brings. Despite their different personalities, life in a small Christian school brings them together as each one grows closer to God.
Episodes
Twin Sister, Big Sister
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey is struggling with the changes in her home life. Today's Bible Verse: John 16:13Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Midnight Sleuths
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen, her mom, and London go on a late-night investigation. Today's Bible Verses: Proverbs 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:5Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
God of All Comfort
(Episode Character: London Pella) London finds herself in the dark basement of the Easton Hotel again, and makes an important discovery--or two. Today's Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Christmas in Spring
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey finally finds out what has been going on in Grey and Forest's lives and a way to help them. Today's Bible Verses: Luke 2:1 - 20 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Thankful
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora Argine fears her brother will get mixed up in something he shouldn't and learns new information that could help in the search for Geraud Dalton's artwork. Today's Discussion Question: What personal growth in your own life or in those you care about can you thank God for this year? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Mu
The Weight of the World
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Once again, Lacey feels like an unsuccessful babysitter, and once again, she overhears something she wished she hadn't. Bible Verse: 1 Peter 5:7-10Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Bredehoft Smith / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Sleepover
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Two in the morning isn't too late--or early--to talk and eat a snack. Today's Bible Verses: Proverbs 18:24, Psalm 27:10, Luke 21:16-18Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Breaking News
(Episode Character - Lacey Winters) Discussion Question: One way to become discouraged as a Christian is to allow what others have done to create a jaded or bitter spirit in our hearts and attitudes. What can you do to guard your heart in this area while continuing to admire good Christian examples around you? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoS
Art Heist
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen finds her long weekend home disturbed by a theft. Today's Bible Verse: Ephesians 6:16, Psalm 3Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Bredehoft Smith / Music: Michael DeStefano Website: judithdestefano.comEmail: academydayspodcast@gmail.com Support the show
Courtroom
(Episode Character: London Pella) London is forced to think about the scariest day of her life. Today's Bible Verse: Psalm 3Author: Judith DeStefano / Music: Michael DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Bredehoft Smith Support the show
Relationship Status
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora wonders about how Winston classifies their friendship, and she also navigates yet another situation involving Ramsey. Discussion Question: Have you ever felt rushed into a decision by the opinions of friends or peers? What helps you think clearly about important decisions? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Bredehoft Smith / Music: Michael DeStefano
Home Sweet Home
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen and Zepher face something unexpected on the way home for Christmas break. Today's Discussion Question: What are some key ingredients of a close friendship? Beyond feelings, what makes a friendship long-lasting? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Sweet Sixteen
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey prepares for her sixteenth birthday party. Today's Bible Verse: Genesis 16:13 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Friends to More?
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora finds herself disgruntled at the idea that Winston might like Sophie. Discussion Question: In what area are you tempted to be jealous? How does jealousy cause you to behave? How does jealousy keep you from trusting God? Can you surrender that thing/person/issue to Him? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefano Webs
The Easton Hotel
(Episode Character: London Pella) London works as a receptionist at the Easton Hotel and deals with a fussy boss, an unfriendly co-worker, and a unique guest. Today's Bible Verse: Titus 3:1Discussion Question: How can you respect an authority figure even when his/her personality differs from your own? Listener Survey: judithdestefano.com Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bred
Babysitter
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey babysits for the first time. Today's Discussion Question: Have you ever felt as if something went wrong--and it was your fault? How should you face that situation the next time? Do you give up? Try again? (Author : Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music : Michael DeStefano) Website: judithdestefano.com Support the show
Tutor
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora is frustrated in her new job. Today's Bible Verse: James 1:5Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Priorities
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen hits a low point in her freshman year of college. Today's Bible Verse: John 3:17 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Back to Normal
(Episode Character: London Pella) London returns to school for the first time after missing part of the semester. Today's Discussion Question: Is there anything you have been taking for granted? Think of one positive way to own your age and help your family. Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
In Its Normal Place
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey Winters' parents are still gone, someone new moves onto her street, and Grey is acting a bit off. Today's Discussion Question: When you are overwhelmed, what negative tendency do you need to guard against? Do you have a healthy solution for easing those overwhelmed feelings? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Pamela Smith Bredehoft / Music: Mic
Something New
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen's life isn't exactly all smooth-sailing at the moment. Discussion Question: When new, exciting things enter your life, how can you find balance in your world? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
An Open Book
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey and Sophie try to solve the bookstore mystery. Today's Bible Verses: Psalm 103:2 - 4, Matthew 6:14 - 15 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
With Every Morning
(Episode Character: London Pella) When London sets out to go fishing with her dad, she has no idea what the day will hold. Today's Bible Verse: Lamentations 3:22 - 23 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Nothing to Fear
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey's parents finally leave on their trip. Today's Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8 , 2 Timothy 1:7Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
A Classic Case
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey continues investigating the mystery at Turn the Page bookshop. Discussion Question: Miss Paige likes to share books. What is something you love that you can share with others? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Another Day in Paradise
(Episode Character: London Pella) London's "normal" day is interrupted. Today's Discussion Question: What do you do to distract yourself when you are worried? Have you made prayer a part of dealing with worry? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Sophie and Socrates
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora faces the idea of mercy replacing justice. Today's Bible Verses: John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 5:14 - 15Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Books, Flakes, and Thieves
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora skips debate club a second time. Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 18:15 - 16Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support Link: Click on the "Support the Show" link below to navigate to my support page. Thanks so much for considering this way to show your appreciation! Support the show
Flowers on Main
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey asks two friends to join her for Iona Davies' garden club. Today's Discussion Question: What are your three main interests? With whom do you share those interests? Could you teach someone else to appreciate or to do the things you enjoy? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Just Due
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora is upset by the topic in debate club. Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 1:3Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Lunchroom Dilemma
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey can't just follow London and Carmen anymore. She may need to step up and make a difference herself. Discussion Question: What are 3 simple ways you could make someone feel welcome? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Homeschool
(Episode Character: London Pella) London starts her senior year with an unexpected classmate. Today's Bible Verse: Micah 7:18 - 19, Author : Judith DeStefano / Cover Art : Ashley Plank / Theme : Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
NYC Adventure
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey finds out why Flora isn't going back to her college campus. Today's Bible Verse: Jeremiah 17:14 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Sisters at Large
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey goes on a trip with her sister Flora. Today's Discussion Question: With whom do you need to communicate more effectively? What is one thing you could do to improve your understanding? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme: Michael DeStefano Note: The painting admired by Lacey in the story is "Young Woman Peeling Apples"
Should I Be Worried?
(Episode Character: London Pella) London wonders about God answering prayer. Today's Bible Verses: 1 Kings 18:25 - 39Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
When It Rains
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey's life is about to change. Today's Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:8 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Novelty and Change
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey tries to write a book. Discussion Question: Lacey prays a couple very short prayers in the episode. Do you remember to breathe out prayers over the things that concern you? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Rest
Website: judithdestefano.com (Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora doesn't understand how her dad can just trust God about Xavior. Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28 - 29Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Blue Moon
Website: judithdestefano.com (Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora hears words that are long overdue. Today's Bible Verse: Proverbs 10:9, Colossians 3:13, 1 Peter 4:8 - 11 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Reconnaissance
Website: judithdestefano.com (Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora helps Lacey do a little investigating, but it looks like she's not the only one on the watch. Discussion Question: What's the best way to deal with scary secrets? Author : Judith DeStefano / Cover Art : Ashley Plank / Theme Music : Michael DeStefano Support the show
Grace
Website : judithdestefano.com (Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen believes she knows why Mrs. Sawyer is so generous to her. Discussion Question: Where should you draw the line when it comes to receiving what you don't deserve? What is the difference between "grace" and "taking advantage?" Today's Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8 - 9Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art
Island Paradise
(Episode Character: London Pella) London feels isolated. Today's Bible Verses: Matthew 6:23, Psalm 46:10Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Hideaway
(Episode Character: London Pella) London's summer vacation is hi-jacked. Discussion Question: How do you handle life when it's interrupted and totally out of your control? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music Theme: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Who You Are
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey asks the question: Who am I? Today's Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:1, Jeremiah 1:5Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Cooking Lessons
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey Winters and her friends spend a Saturday morning cooking.Discussion Question: What should you do when you're turning in mental circles? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Mountain Resort
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen is not sure about the life she is currently living or what she should do in the future. Discussion Question: Ask a few steady adults in your life about how God directed them in some of their big life choices. Did they find a particular verse encouraging during those choice-making times? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael De
Unpacking
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen makes a connection between herself and Mrs. Sawyer's past. Today's Bible Verses: Romans 5:8, 1 John 1:9Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Kayak Trip
(Episode Character: Nora Argine)Nora spends time with friends, and her brother is his old self-if only for a few moments. Today's Bible Verses: Matthew 6:15; Proverbs 17:22Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
The Innkeeper's Daughter
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey puts her art into action. Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 25:35 - 40Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Poise and Perfection
(Episode Character - London Pella)London finds herself slightly disconcerted. Discussion Question: Think about your friends. What makes each one different from another? What are the unique ways each one shows her friendship? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
The Beginning of a Story
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey loses the glimmer off a childhood dream and desires inspiration. Today's Discussion Question: Sometimes growing up means a cold dose of reality. How can you keep from becoming jaded and critical afterwards? Author : Judith DeStefano / Cover Art : Ashley Plank / Music : Michael DeStefano Support the show
Horse Farm
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey Winters goes on an adventure with the Pella family. Today's Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:12 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Goals
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey avoids a journalist and starts a list of goals. Today's Bible Verse: Proverbs 16:3Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Parting Ways
(Episode Character: London Pella)London realizes that saying "no" may mean saying "goodbye." Discussion Question: When you choose Jesus, you choose differently than a lot of other people. What if one of those people is a long-time, close friend? Will the friendship stay the same? Can it stay the same? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano
Summertime
(Episode Character: London Pella)It's time to celebrate, but London's parents are acting a bit odd. Discussion Question: What should you do when memories of bad but forgiven choices come to mind? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Moving Forward
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver)Carmen and her mom finally know where they are going to live this summer, and Carmen looks forward to the summer with excitement. Discussion Question: As you think about the main characters throughout season one, what do you think each one has learned about faith, family, and friends? In what ways do you expect each character to keep growing as they influence each
Unknowns
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen doesn't know where she'll be living this summer or if her friendship with Ira Winters will ever become something more. Today's Bible Verse: Psalm 145:15-16 ; Lamentations 3:24 - 26Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
An Open Door
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver)Carmen and her mom are suddenly offered a new opportunity. Discussion Question: When you pray about a decision, what are some ways God shows you the answer? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Inside a Story
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey feels so different lately. Discussion Questions: Why do you think some people enjoy laughing at others? How does being laughed at affect the way an individual views himself or herself? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Not Alone
(Episode Character: Nora Argine)Nora Argine joins her friends and begins to open her heart again.Today's Bible Verse: Genesis 3:9Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Left Alone
(Episode Character: Nora Argine)Nora is finally left alone. Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28 - 30Author : Judith DeStefano / Cover Art : Ashley Plank / Music : Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Alone Space
(Episode Character: Nora Argine)Nora Argine looks for some uninterrupted alone space. Today's Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:31Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Theme Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
It's Time
(Episode Character: London Pella)London makes a decision.Today's Bible Verse: 1 Kings 18:21Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Friends
(Episode Character: London Pella)London can't delay declaring her faith much longer. Today's Bible Verse: Luke 9:26Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Sisters
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey finally begins to reconnect with her older sister, Flora. Think About It: Who should you take the time to talk to and listen to today? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
The Christmas Drama
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey Winters braves the stage. Today's Bible Verse: Philippians 2:5-11Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Fall Break, Flora, and a Full House
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters)Lacey starts Thanksgiving break on the wrong foot. Discussion Question: When a day seems to become more and more negative, is there anything you can do to stop the train?Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
The New Student
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora finds out something startling about the newest student at Easton Christian Academy.Discussion Question: What makes the difference for good or bad in the way someone handles a hurtful situation? Author: Judith DeStefanp / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Locked Doors
(Episode Character: Nora Argine)Nora remembers one scary day back in the Bronx, and yet, she longs to return to her old life. Episode Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:11 Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
The Librarian
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey believes God is calling her to be Easton Christian Academy's future librarian. Discussion Question: In general, how do you think Lacey views the idea of God having a calling for her life? What advice would you give Lacey on God's purpose for her life?Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Displaced Persons
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver)Carmen and her mom are displaced after their neighborhood floods. Episode Bible Verse: Matthew 10:29 - 31Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefano Support the show
Rainfall
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen can't see the light in her "storm." Today's Bible Reference: Psalm 139Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Villette Hill
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen and Ira continue to work on their history project, but for some reason, Carmen isn't very happy. Discussion Question: Why do you think Carmen struggled to share hope with Mrs. Hope Sawyer?Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Back to the Attic
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen and Ira return to ECA's attic for research. Discussion Question: In the first segment, Carmen allows one frustrating moment to springboard her emotions into something else she is upset about. Are you ever tempted to react the same way to frustration? Would you have anything to say to Carmen about how she handled the situation? Author: Judith DeStefano
Drama Meter
(Episode Character: Lacey Winters) Lacey's drama meter runs a little high. Today's Discussion Question: What spiritual advice would you give Lacey if she were your friend? What practical, put-into-action advice would you give her? Be nice! Don't just tell her to "chill." How could you help her? Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSu
Interior Decorating
(Episode Character: London Pella) London gets a break from her problems when she goes on a work trip with her mom. Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 25:14 - 30Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Palm Trees and Limousines
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen wants answers about the school attic, but Miss Mallory isn't very forthcoming. Today's Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
The Attic
(Episode Character: Carmen Oliver) Carmen braves another old elevator and discovers a strange message. Today's Bible Verse: Isaiah 55:8 - 9Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Just Can't Find The Words
(Episode Character: London Pella) London finds it hard to speak up about her new faith. Today's Bible Verse: Revelation 12:11Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
Public Image
(Episode Character: Nora Argine) Nora wonders why her brother Xavior had a seizure months after his concussion. Today's Bible Verse: Hebrew 4:15Author: Judith DeStefano / Cover Art: Ashley Plank / Music: Michael DeStefanoSupport the show
