PCA Podcasts

In this episode of Mondays with Mike, we pay tribute to the remarkable Class of 2025 as they prepare to graduate from PCA. Host Mike reflects on the unique attributes of this senior class, highlighting their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Each year, Mike conducts exit interviews and surveys with the graduating class to understand their experiences and perceptions about their education j...

Join us in a special Memorial Day episode as we connect with two inspiring PCA graduates, Ivan Sturgis and Connor Hickey, as they share their remarkable journeys in leadership and service. Both belonging to the class of 2024, Ivan and Connor have embarked on distinguished paths, contributing to their communities and country in significant ways. Ivan Sturgis, now a rising sophomore at Boston Univer...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of PCA's graduating class of 2025, lovingly referred to as the 'Faithful 40.' As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible growth these students have demonstrated in their faith, knowledge, and skills. Discover the unique qualities that set the Class of 2025 apart. From taking on challenging courses t...

Join us for a captivating episode as we get an exclusive inside look at the Fine Arts Week at Portsmouth Christian Academy. With the much-anticipated debut of "Music Man" in the school's gymatorium, the atmosphere is electric. In this episode, we sit down with three talented sixth graders—Signe, Emily, and Kaylee—who share their inspiring journey as part of the Elementary Honors Choir. These young...

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of PCA's musical week, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming production of 'Music Man.' In this episode, we welcome four talented cast members who are part of a dynamic ensemble of over 30 performers. They share their experiences, from mastering challenging roles to managing the demands of a busy rehearsal schedule. Discover how Anna Tolley...

Welcome to a special episode of "Mondays with Mike" dedicated to Teacher Appreciation Week. Join us as we hear heartfelt messages of gratitude from students, celebrating the incredible educators at PCA who are making a positive impact in their lives. In this episode, students from various grades express their appreciation for teachers who have gone above and beyond in shaping their educational exp...

Join Mike as he returns to PCA's podcast, sharing gratitude for the support and prayers he received during his recent recovery from surgery. As 'Mondays with Mike' surpasses 5,000 downloads, it speaks volumes about the community's interest in the stories of students, teachers, and God's work at PCA. Reflecting on the recent Easter celebrations, Mike highlights the timeless message of hope and rene...

Welcome to this special podcast episode as we start exploring the significance of the National Day of Prayer, set to happen in early May. Today, we have the privilege to hear from members of the Altar Prayer Club, an incredible group dedicating their efforts to deepen prayer lives and strengthen spiritual communities within their school. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journeys, witnessin...

This episode, the second part of the interview with Headmaster Emeritus Dennis Runey, takes you on an inspiring journey through the remarkable growth of Portsmouth Christian Academy. Starting from its early days with minimal infrastructure, the academy has transformed into a flourishing campus, serving as a lighthouse for Christian education in New England. The conversation delves into the challen...

In this special episode, join us as we sit down with Dennis Runey, a pivotal figure in the history of Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), to explore his personal journey and the evolutionary tale of PCA. Dennis, a retired army serviceman, recounts how his transition to New Hampshire led him to an unexpected path: shaping the future of Christian education on the Seacoast. Discover how Dennis's init...

Welcome to the PCA community as we kick off Kapok Tree Week! This engaging episode features a deep dive into the beloved preschool tradition of the "Kapok Tree" play, a captivating production based on Lynn Cherry's children's book. Join Mike as he sits down with Harley Tuttle, Sue Long, and Beth Slater, who share their experiences and insights on this cherished event. The episode unravels the orig...

Welcome PCA community to a special episode recorded just before the exciting 30th Annual PCA Auction! In today's episode, we sit down with two remarkable members of our dedicated auction team, Kirsten Schultz and Liz LaJoy, who share their heartfelt journeys and crucial roles in making the auction possible. Both Kirsten and Liz started as volunteers, deeply connected by their families' experiences...

Welcome to another exciting episode with the PCA community! This time, we dive into the world of PCA’s remarkable track team. Despite challenges and busy schedules, we haven’t forgotten about our dedicated athletes who make a mark both on and off the track. Join us for this special wrap-up of the winter track season and get a sneak peek into what the spring season holds. Meet some of the incredibl...

In this special winter break episode, join us as we celebrate the achievements and stories of the student-athletes at PCA. While many are enjoying their breaks in varied climates, both our men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for the postseason, and we are excited to share their journey to home games and the dream of victory. Meet the real stars, beginning with the PCA swim team who r...

In this special episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of PCA's theater program as they prepare for their upcoming performance at the festival. Join us as we capture the intimate moments and heartfelt conversations with the talented cast and crew behind the play "Reunion at the End of the World." Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story explores the dynamics between two groups of young su...

Hello, PCA community. In this episode, we invite you on a heartwarming journey as a group of high school students, along with their chaperone Mr. Nick Watson, prepare for a mission trip to Puerto Rico. The episode kicks off with introductions from Mr. Watson and four enthusiastic students, each at different stages of their high school journey. They share their diverse backgrounds and experiences,...

In this unique episode of "Monday's with Mike," Mike delves deep into the core identity of Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), addressing pressing questions from the community. Through a video presentation, Mike reveals insights and slides that didn't make it to the Thursday State of the School address. The focus is on painting a comprehensive picture of PCA's student demographic, emphasizing the...

The latest episode delves into the mid-year reflections and observations from the principals of a thriving educational institution. With the backdrop of completing mid-year report cards and wrapping up assessments, the leaders share fascinating insights into the academic, emotional, and spiritual growth of students at various school levels. Dr. Carrie Abood discusses the lower school's focus on le...

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where today we sit down with Susan Arico, an accomplished author and speakers as well as a devoted PCA parent and a returning guest. Sudan will be leading an important in-person discussion this Thursday, January 30th, at Troiano Hall. This event is a unique opportunity for our community to engage in a candid dialogue about smartphones, social media,...

In this insightful, extended episode of "Mondays with Mike," we dive into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education with Dr. Connie Lawrence, Dean Emeritus and esteemed teacher coach. As we approach the end of the first semester, Dr. Lawrence joins Mike to discuss the fast-evolving presence of AI in educational settings and its potential to revolutionize personalized learning. The co...

Welcome to the second week of 2025 at PCA. This episode marks the beginning of a series focused on the internal workings of our school, especially regarding safety and future planning. In today's discussion, we introduce two key figures dedicated to maintaining PCA as a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment. You'll hear from our Chief Operations Officer, Steve Howe, and our Head Nurse, Jolene...

Happy New Year, everyone! As we kick off 2025, we reflect on the past year and look forward to all that's to come. In this special episode, we're joined by four remarkable students from the Seacoast community: two eighth graders and two seniors. Together, they share personal insights and pivotal moments from 2024, touching on their mental, spiritual, and creative growth. Elizabeth, a senior, opens...

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...

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 convers...

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 ta...