Some abandoned places leave behind more than empty buildings.

For years, Carolina Springs Academy promised desperate families hope—a place where struggling teenagers could find discipline, healing, and a second chance. But behind those promises, many former students describe a vastly different reality.

In this special documentary episode of Echoes of Elsewhere, Courtney explores the history of Carolina Springs Academy, its ties to the troubled teen industry and WWASP, survivor testimony, lawsuits, investigations, repeated rebrandings, and the lasting impact these programs have had on countless families.

This episode also examines the broader conversation surrounding institutional accountability, modern-day programs like Trails Carolina and Asheville Academy, and why these stories continue to matter today.

At its heart, this isn't simply the story of an abandoned school.

It's the story of abandoned youth.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, institutional abuse, physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse allegations, suicide, animal neglect, death, trauma, and mental health that may be distressing to some listeners.

WWASP SURVIVOR PAGE

UNSILENCED

PARIS HILTON - PROVO CANYON SCHOOL

KATHERINE KUBLER - THE PROGRAM - NETFLIX

TREY BINDER YOUTUBE - PROGRAM STORIES

TRAILS CAROLINA + ASHEVILLE ACADEMY INFO