PCA Podcasts

Heartfelt Reflections on Christmas: A Student-led Discussion

In this special pre-Christmas episode, we gather around the table with three amazing elementary students, Ellie from Dover, Jameson from Newfields, and Sarah from Strafford, who share their personal insights into the meaning of Christmas. These young voices offer powerful reflections on the holiday as a celebration of Jesus' birth and the importance of being kind and grateful.
Ellie, Jameson, and Sarah discuss their treasured family traditions, such as gatherings with loved ones, making gingerbread houses, and enjoying festive music and delicious food. Their heartfelt stories emphasize the joy, love, and blessings that Christmas brings to their lives.
The children also reflect on how their school, PCA, celebrates the season with meaningful activities like decorating a Christmas tree, setting up a nativity scene, and holding a special chapel. They share how these experiences deepen their understanding of the holiday's significance and express the warmth and unity that the season inspires.
Join us as we explore the thoughts and feelings of these thoughtful students, and discover how Christmas shines brightly through their experiences, touching hearts with the true spirit of the season.

Voices of Christmas: Middle School Reflections

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we sit down with middle school students Elijah, Elias, and Angie from PCA to explore the significance of Christmas in their lives and community. Elijah from Brentwood, Elias from Northampton, and Angie from Exeter each share their unique perspectives on what Christmas means to them, emphasizing themes of family, faith, and gratitude.
Through engaging conversations, the students reminisce about family traditions, from singing Christmas hymns with large family gatherings to creating teddy bear pastries and watching holiday classics like "White Christmas" and "The Grinch." Their stories reveal a common joy and excitement associated with the festive season, underlining the importance of coming together and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
The episode further delves into the vibrant Christmas celebrations at PCA, where the students participate in concerts and share the spirit of Christmas through music and outreach. Through heartfelt music performances and thoughtful reflections, these young voices bring a fresh perspective to the cherished traditions of the season.
As this episode wraps up, listeners are encouraged to embrace the joy and love of Christmas, deepening their understanding of its profound meanings and reaching out to share this joy with loved ones and the wider community. Let this episode be a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, inspiring us to connect with God and others as we celebrate with gratitude and warmth.

Musical Journeys of PCA Students: From Auditions to Allstate

Join us as we delve into the inspiring musical journeys of PCA students who have recently made it to the New Hampshire Allstate auditions. These talented young musicians share their stories, revealing the years of practice, dedication, and passion that have led them to this prestigious selection.
In this episode, Simeon, Mason, Anna, Chloe Ts, and Chloe D. introduce themselves and their musical talents, discussing the excitement and challenges they face as they prepare for Allstate. Discover the influences and role models that have guided them, such as Mr. Stevens, a beloved choral director.
Listen as these students discuss the audition process and how they overcome self-imposed pressures and perfectionism. They candidly share experiences of teamwork, encouragement, and faith that play a vital role in their musical journey.
Each student reveals how their faith shapes their music, offering insights into the spiritual aspect of performing. Discover how they strive to glorify God through their art and the profound lessons they learn about confidence and trust in their abilities.
Gain valuable advice for young musicians aiming for excellence and learn how perseverance, trust, and community support can lead to success in music.
Whether you're an aspiring musician or a music enthusiast, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration from young talents who are setting out on a remarkable path in music.

Meet Our Unsung Heroes: The Volunteers Who Make PCA Shine!

Welcome back to school after a festive Thanksgiving break! As we dive into the holiday season, bask in the glow of Christmas joy illuminating our school and community here in New England. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the lifeblood of our institution – our incredible volunteers. Join us as we spotlight the stories of these dedicated individuals who generously give their time, making a significant impact on the school community.
Meet Summer Heath, our dedicated volunteer coordinator, who shares her journey from a parent to an invaluable leader at PCA. Alongside her are three remarkable volunteers: Melissa Spaulding, Enid Band, and Jennifer O'Donnell, each sharing their unique stories and the transformative role volunteering plays in their lives. From coordinating events to lending a helping hand in classrooms and school activities, their contributions span far and wide.
Discover the multifaceted roles volunteers play, from art and sports support to handling logistics for school events and enhancing student experiences. These narratives unfold how volunteering fosters deeper connections between the school, students, and the broader community, reinforcing the values of service and togetherness.
Explore the heartfelt gratitude from students and staff alike, as volunteers share moments of joy and memorable experiences, embodying the spirit of community service. Their stories highlight how these acts of kindness resonate beyond the school walls, impacting lives and strengthening ties within our community.
Join the conversation and consider being part of this vibrant network that shapes the future of our children. Every act of volunteerism, big or small, enriches our collective journey, turning our school into a beacon of hope and a tapestry of shared memories.

Leading with Purpose: Student Leaders Share Insights on Small Group Dynamics

Join us for a special Thanksgiving episode where we sit down with four upper school spiritual leaders from PCA. As small group leaders, Charlie, Linnie, Jeremiah, and Mackenzie share their unique journeys and insights into the role of guiding their peers in faith and community. Discover how these students balance leadership with personal growth and the creative ways they foster connection within their groups.
Charlie, known for his kind attitude, aspires to own a business and discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a small group. Linnie, the writer of the group, dreams of a career in publishing and shares how her introverted group surprises her with deep insights. Jeremiah, a budding filmmaker, highlights the importance of genuine interest in others to build trust and community. Mackenzie, a singer, reflects on the impact of stepping into leadership for the first time and how it has enriched her faith journey.
The episode delves into the dynamics of small group meetings, from sharing weekly highs and lows to engaging in thoughtful discussions and prayer. The leaders also emphasize the importance of humility, active listening, and recognizing the diverse gifts each member brings to the table. They share personal stories of growth, the challenges of silence, and the joy of seeing their peers open up and connect.
As the conversation wraps up, the student leaders offer words of encouragement to future small group leaders, highlighting the significance of being faithful, trusting God, and embracing the unexpected. This episode is a testament to the power of student-led spiritual growth and the impact of community at PCA.
Wishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving and looking forward to the Advent season ahead!

Behind the Curtain: Meet the Cast of PCA's Fall Productions

Welcome to a special edition of "Mondays with Mike," where we dive into the exciting world of PCA's fall theater productions. Join us as we meet the talented cast behind two highly anticipated shows: "Charlotte's Web" and "The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong." Recorded on the day of their final dress rehearsal, this episode gives you an insider's view into the lives of these young actors and actresses as they prepare for their sold-out performances.
In this episode, you'll hear from Jonah, Josiah, Grace, Emma, Lily, and Adam, who share their experiences and challenges in bringing their characters to life. From the complexities of performing a play within a play to managing the demands of schoolwork, sports, and theater, these students reveal the dedication and passion that drives them.
Discover what inspired them to step onto the stage and how theater has impacted their personal growth and faith journeys. You'll also learn about the hilarious and memorable moments they've shared during rehearsals and the valuable life lessons they've gained through their performances.
Whether you're an aspiring actor or simply a theater enthusiast, this episode offers a glimpse into the vibrant and supportive community at PCA. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and find out why theater is a powerful tool for building connections and showcasing creativity. Don't miss this chance to meet the stars of PCA's fall productions and hear their stories of courage, camaraderie, and artistic expression.
Join us in celebrating the talent and hard work of these young performers, and as always, we look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Balancing Academics and Passion: Insights from Young Scholars

Welcome back to another inspiring episode where we sit down with three remarkable young scholars from PCA's upper school: Sophia, Mia, and Kennedy. These students, two juniors and one senior, share their experiences and insights on balancing academics, faith, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.
Meet Sophia, a junior who has been part of PCA since seventh grade and has a keen interest in AP Government. She shares her strategies for managing time effectively, juggling her responsibilities as a student and an athlete, and the importance of maintaining a routine that includes personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Next, Mia, a senior with a passion for science, talks about her journey from homeschooling to tackling a diverse range of science subjects, including marine science and sports medicine. She opens up about the challenges of balancing a busy schedule filled with soccer and dance, and how her faith provides the strength and motivation to excel academically and personally.
Kennedy, also a junior, discusses his love for math and how he navigates the pressures of academic excellence. He emphasizes the importance of communication with teachers, friends, and family, and shares his perspective on handling stress and maintaining a balanced life.
The episode delves into the pressures these students face, both self-imposed and external, and how they manage to stay focused and motivated. These PCA scholars share their personal stories and the role of faith in their lives, offering valuable advice on prioritizing sleep, nurturing relationships, and finding one's purpose.
Listen in as these young scholars provide encouragement to their peers and those following in their footsteps, emphasizing the importance of asking for help, avoiding comparisons, and understanding that grades do not define one's worth. This episode is a testament to the resilience and dedication of these students and their commitment to pursuing excellence while embracing grace.

Captains' Corner: Faith, Sports, and Leadership at Portsmouth Christian Academy

Join us for a special episode as we sit down with the captains of Portsmouth Christian Academy's varsity sports teams. As the fall sports season comes to a close, these young leaders share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs from the past months.
Meet Avery, Bennett, Caterina, Shanelle, and Quinn as they introduce themselves and discuss how their faith has influenced their approach to sports and competition. Discover how they integrate their beliefs into their roles as captains, inspiring their teams to play for a higher purpose.
Listen to personal stories of growth, from overcoming team challenges to individual achievements. Shanelle and Bennett recount the highs and lows of their volleyball and soccer seasons, highlighting the importance of team bonding and perseverance. Avery shares the journey of leading a young soccer team to the playoffs, while Caterina talks about the unique dynamics of cross-country running and the power of prayer.
The captains also reflect on the influence of their coaches and the valuable lessons learned about identity and character beyond the scoreboard. As they look back on the season, they share memories that they will carry with them, emphasizing the significance of camaraderie, encouragement, and the lasting impact of their high school sports experiences.
Tune in to hear the wisdom these scholar-athletes have gained and their advice for younger athletes balancing faith and sports. This episode is a testament to the powerful role sports can play in shaping character and building lifelong friendships. As we wrap up, we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable student-athletes and look forward to what lies ahead for them and the PCA Eagles.

Faith, Friendship, and Fortitude: A Journey Through PCA's Fall Sports Season

Welcome to an inspiring episode of our PCA community podcast, where we delve into the remarkable experiences of our young student-athlete leaders. Join us as we celebrate the achievements and challenges of their recent fall sports season, gaining insights into how their faith and camaraderie have shaped their journeys both on and off the field.

Meet Eve, Juliana, Ryan, and Ezra, middle school athletes from PCA, as they share personal stories from their respective sports—soccer, volleyball, and cross-country. Discover how these dedicated students have seen God’s presence on their teams and playing fields, enriching their athletic pursuits with spiritual growth and resilience.

Our guests reflect on pivotal moments, including the honor of being named team captains, overcoming formidable opponents like Oyster River, and the personal triumphs and challenges they faced during competitions. They also discuss the crucial role of their coaches in fostering both skill and character, highlighting the unique mentorship they received.

In addition to sharing their personal experiences, these young leaders offer valuable advice to aspiring athletes, emphasizing the importance of faith, teamwork, and maintaining a positive attitude amidst the pressures of competition.

Tune in to hear how these young Eagles are not only excelling in sports but are also setting an example of Christian character and leadership for their peers. This episode is a testament to the power of sports in building strong, faith-driven communities.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of PCA athletics, and let’s cheer for our Eagles as they continue to soar to new heights!

Celebrating Legacy: 4 Grandparents' Reflections

Welcome back to another heartwarming episode of our podcast, where we dive into the cherished role of grandparents within our community. In this special post-Grandparents Day episode, we extend our gratitude to all the families, staff, and faculty who made the day memorable. Join us as we sit down with two wonderful couples, Doug and Kathy Deame, and Peter and Nancy Cicolini, who share their reflections on grandparenting and the legacy they wish to leave.
The Deames and Cicolinis open up about their family histories and the joy of seeing their grandchildren grow and thrive at PCA. They reminisce about their own grandparents, sharing fond memories that have shaped their approach to grandparenting. From holiday visits to weekly family gatherings, these stories highlight the importance of connection across generations.
As the conversation deepens, our guests discuss the values they hope to pass on to their grandchildren. From instilling faith and gratitude to nurturing a love for learning and creativity, they emphasize the power of prayer and leading by example. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in today’s world, offering insights on maintaining meaningful interactions.
Tune in as these grandparents reflect on the evolving dynamics of multi-generational families, sharing wisdom on how to support their adult children while enjoying the special bond with their grandchildren. Whether near or far, they offer encouragement to fellow grandparents and parents alike, emphasizing the importance of being present and intentional in nurturing future generations.
This episode is a testament to the enduring impact of grandparents in shaping family legacies, as they share their love, faith, and life experiences with the younger generation. We hope you find inspiration and encouragement in their stories, and we invite you to reflect on the vital role grandparents play in our lives. Join us in celebrating the beautiful legacy of love and wisdom that transcends generations.