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A Short Story Podcast Series

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  • Interesting Things with JC is free to use for teaching and learning under fair use. Educators, homeschooling parents, librarians, and lifelong learners have broad rights to use the episodes and curriculum in any instructional setting. One exception applies to Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors”, which is not covered under this open educational permission.

    Full curriculum support begins at Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom”. Any earlier episode without curriculum can be prioritized by request. Educators may contact JimConnors LLC directly, and a matching curriculum module will be created and added to the site.

    Teachers and homeschooling families are welcome to use, play, share, print, and adapt all eligible episodes and curriculum materials for lesson planning, instruction, student assignments, LMS uploads, and any other direct educational activity. No special approval is required for everyday classroom use. Crediting the show is appreciated when possible.

    This permission does not extend to commercial activity. The episodes and curriculum may not be repackaged, resold, redistributed as a standalone program, or presented as original work by any third party. Any commercial or branded use requires prior written consent from JimConnors LLC. Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” follows its own restrictions and is excluded from open educational use.

    Educators may freely use the content in classrooms, homeschools, co-ops, tutoring programs, library settings, and adult education. They may revise or adapt curriculum pages, print transcripts, share episode links, or integrate materials into their lessons as needed. What is not allowed is turning the work into a paid course, selling derivatives, posting content under another brand, or redistributing the series as a separate product.

    Summary:
    Free for education.
    Not for resale.
    Not for commercial repackaging.
    Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom” and onward includes full curriculum.
    Older episodes can receive curriculum by request.
    Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” is excluded.
    All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC.

  • Interesting Things with JC is available on the Podcast Radio format in the United Kingdom and the United States. Listeners can tune in on the radio in select cities or stream the station online from anywhere.

    United Kingdom – Podcast Radio (UK)

    Podcast Radio is a 24-hour all-podcast station based in London. It broadcasts on DAB+ digital radio across London and several other supported UK regions, with full worldwide access through its online stream.

    Interesting Things with JC is included in Podcast Radio’s curated programming lineup.

    Listeners in the United Kingdom can hear the station on DAB+ receivers in covered areas, through the Podcast Radio website, or through the station’s online and mobile streaming platforms.

    United States – Podcast Radio US

    In the United States, Interesting Things with JC airs as part of Podcast Radio US across four regional markets. The format is carried on HD Radio channels and FM translators.

    Detroit, Michigan: WCSX 94.7 HD2 and 93.5 FM
    Tampa Bay, Florida: 1010 WJBR AM
    Charlotte, North Carolina: 94.7 FM and WSOC HD3
    Fort Myers and Naples, Florida: WXKB HD2, 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, and 105.1 FM

    Nationwide listening is available through the station’s website at PodcastRadioUS.com.

    Streaming Access

    Podcast Radio UK and Podcast Radio US both offer live streaming through their official websites and mobile platforms, allowing listeners worldwide to hear Interesting Things with JC as part of the network’s curated programming.

    The show is also available across major podcast and audio platforms, including Podcast Radio, Podverse, Headliner, Amazon, Apple, Audacy, Audible, Castbox, Deezer, fyyd, GoodPods, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Listen Notes, Pandora, PlayerFM, PocketCasts, Podcast Republic, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.

    In addition to audio platforms, listeners can follow and stream content on social media through Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube.

  • Start class with a short, clear story your students can follow from the first sentence. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC and use the free curriculum to guide a full lesson with questions, activities, and applied learning.

    Every episode from #1235 forward includes a modular micro lesson designed for a 30 to 45 minute class period. At the bottom of each episode page, you will find expandable sections that organize all curriculum materials for teachers, parents, and homeschool families.

    Each lesson includes:

    • Lesson overview with title, grade band, subject area, and learning objectives

    • Key vocabulary with phonetic spelling and plain language definitions

    • Core story content created through the Precise Storytelling Framework

    • Full podcast transcript

    • Student worksheet with comprehension and writing activities

    • Teacher guide with pacing notes, strategies, and discussion tools

    • Quiz or quick check assessment with a scoring rubric

    • Standards alignment across multiple national and international frameworks

    • ADA compliant alt text for all instructional media

    • Links to approved primary sources used for fact checking

    • Guidance for homeschool adaptation and flexible scheduling

    All curriculum materials are created through the Narrative Intelligence System to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and age-appropriate delivery. Lessons stay free of ideological frameworks and focus on academic content only.

    Standards Alignment

    Interesting Things with JC aligns each micro lesson with the following approved educational standards:

    United States National Standards

    • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

    • Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics

    • College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (C3 Framework)

    • International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE Standards)

    • National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)

    • Career and Technical Education Career Clusters (CTE Career Clusters)

    • Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy (ACRL Framework)

    • Bloom’s Taxonomy for Cognitive Learning Objectives

    • Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (UDL Guidelines)

    Additional United States Alignment Areas

    • Alignment to state and provincial academic standards when content applies

    • Media and Information Literacy standards

    • Social Emotional Learning and 21st Century Skills frameworks

    • Financial Literacy and Employability Skills standards

    • English as a Second Language and World Language vocabulary support when applicable

    International Academic Equivalents (Content-Based Alignment Only)

    • United Kingdom National Curriculum, Key Stages 3 to 5

    • AQA, OCR, and Edexcel Examination Board Specifications

    • International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme (IB PYP, MYP, DP)

    • Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level (Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level)

    Access, Use, and OER Licensing

    All lessons are published as Open Educational Resources and may be used, printed, or shared for teaching and learning in classrooms, homeschools, and tutoring environments. Materials are provided for educational use under fair use and may not be resold or distributed commercially.

    Episodes from #1235 forward include complete curriculum materials. If you find an older episode without a micro lesson, reach out and it will be moved to the front of the build queue. Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS feed includes open text at the bottom of the page for quick access to transcripts and curriculum notes.

    Teacher and homeschool feedback is always welcome to help improve clarity and layout.

Podcast, Social, Science JC Podcast, Social, Science JC

789: "You don't know what you don't know"

Interesting Things with JC #789: "You don't know what you don't know" explores the concept of awareness and ignorance, highlighting the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. This episode delves into the idea that there are endless possibilities waiting to be discovered beyond our current understanding, emphasizing the role of open-mindedness in personal growth and decision-making.

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Podcast, Science, History, News JC Podcast, Science, History, News JC

776: "Parker Solar Probe"

Interesting Things with JC #776: "Parker Solar Probe" - Embark on the epic journey of the Parker Solar Probe, the fastest human-made object ever, as it unravels the Sun's mysteries through cosmic exploration. Discover the awe-inspiring tale of human curiosity, scientific discovery, physicist Eugene Parker, and the boundless wonders of space.

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Social, Science, History JC Social, Science, History JC

774: "Edward Casey - Space and Place"

Interesting Things with JC #774: "Edward Casey - Space and Place" delves into Edward Casey's philosophy, unraveling the profound distinctions between 'space' and 'place' that shape our human experience. It explores how our environments influence our identities and enrich our lives. Explore the essence of phenomenology and the intricate dance between the abstract and the meaningful in our surroundings.

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Science, Podcast JC Science, Podcast JC

771: "4 Types of Ocean Waves"

Interesting Things with JC #771: "4 Types of Ocean Waves" - Dive into the captivating world of ocean waves, from the rhythmic dance of Wind Waves to the graceful ballet of Swell Waves. Explore the destructive power of Tsunamis and the rebellious spirit of Tidal Waves. Experience nature's beauty and might in this oceanic journey.

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Science, Podcast JC Science, Podcast JC

770: "DMSO vs DMS"

Interesting Things with JC #770: "DMSO vs DMS" - Dive into the world of DMSO, a synthetic solvent with diverse applications, and its celestial counterpart, DMS, found in marine ecosystems. From medical treatments to space exploration, these 'DMS' compounds offer intriguing insights into science's multifaceted realm.

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762: "Genetic Breakthrough"

Interesting Things with JC #762: "Genetic Breakthrough" - Scientists have unlocked the secrets of the Y chromosome, revealing its pivotal role in human DNA. This groundbreaking discovery offers insights into reproduction, evolution, and health, with potential implications in infertility research and disease diagnosis.

Ref - Rhie, A., Nurk, S., Cechova, M. et al. The complete sequence of a human Y chromosome. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06457-y

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Podcast, Science, Social, News JC Podcast, Science, Social, News JC

760: "Trapping Light in Magnets"

Interesting Things with JC #760: "Trapping Light in Magnets" - Delve into the world of magnetic materials and their newfound partnership with light. This scientific breakthrough explores how this interaction opens doors to magnetic lasers and quantum technology.

Ref - Dirnberger, F., Quan, J., Bushati, R. et al. Magneto-optics in a van der Waals magnet tuned by self-hybridized polaritons. Nature 620, 533–537 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06275-2

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Podcast, Science, Social JC Podcast, Science, Social JC

758: "Tides"

Interesting Things with JC #758: "Tides" - Dive into the captivating world of tides, exploring their types, causes, effects on coastal ecosystems, and some truly bizarre facts. From the celestial ballet of spring and neap tides to tidal locking, this episode unveils the wonders and mysteries of Earth's rhythmic oceans. Thank you Elizabeth of Clemson University for today’s episode!

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