The Academy podcast is a scripted young adult drama about doing what it takes to make The List at an exclusive boarding school. The ten-part series follows Ava Richards as she transfers to Bishop Gray Academy. A gifted viola player and student, she learns it will take more than talent to get a spot on The List. Amber, who holds the sixth spot, informs her that no transfer student has ever been on it. Could Ava be the first? Is she willing to do everything asked of her, no matter how dangerous or bizarre? The suspenseful podcast bases its story on real events.

The Academy podcast begins with Ava's unwelcoming campus reception. She can't move into her dorm because her roommate is busy with a male visitor and drugs. Ava goes to orchestra sign-ups and learns she owes an activities fee she can't pay. Then, she receives a strange voice memo telling her to come to the bell tower at midnight. Ava thinks it's a joke from a cute guy, Jesse, who she met earlier. Once she gets there, a person named Noah invites her to join a secret association to help her get on The List. Noah leaves Ava with a mysterious message about hunting. He tells her to attend a party to learn more.

Ava runs into Jesse at that party. She sees a deer head on the wall and asks Jesse to lift her up to look behind it, with Noah's hunting clue in mind. What Ava finds prompts a series of unexpected plot curves for the podcast. The first one happens when Amber walks in on Ava and Jesse. Amber is Jesse's girlfriend. Lunch tables shun Ava and rumors proliferate. She gains unexpected allies and foes as she fights for what she wants.

Actress Myha'la Herrold of Industry plays Ava. Stefanie Scott of Beautiful Boy portrays Amber. Benjamin Norris of Never Have I Ever is Jesse. They're part of a talented cast that makes the Academy series one to play straight through. All ten podcast episodes are compelling.