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 FMNationwide 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.
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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.
844: "What is AGI?"
Interesting Things with JC #844: "What is AGI?" - Journey through the intricacies of Artificial General Intelligence, from Google DeepMind's groundbreaking framework to the real-world impact of AI. Explore the ongoing debate, challenges, and the promise AGI holds for our tech-driven future.
839: "Tip of the Tongue"
Interesting Things with JC #839: 'Tip of the Tongue' - Embark on a journey through the intricate maze of the mind, exploring the frustration and fascination of the 'tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon. Delve into the complexities of memory, where words play hide-and-seek, adding a touch of suspense to the human experience.
837: "Do Not Hold Your Burps"
Interesting Things with JC #837: "Do Not Hold Your Burps"- Suppressing burps for politeness can lead to discomfort, bloating, and acid reflux. Prioritize digestive health and learn about the consequences.
831: "Manitoba Mauler"
Interesting Things with JC #831: "Manitoba Mauler" - Unleash the power of fast-moving winter storms from Alberta Province, known as Manitoba Maulers. These storms, featuring evenly-distributed snowfalls, have left their mark, with Bergland in Michigan receiving 12.3 inches and parts of North Dakota accumulating up to 15 inches.
829: "Respect"
Interesting Things with JC #829: "Respect" - Dive into the transformative power of respect, a guiding principle for positive relationships and societal well-being. From fostering equality to encouraging open dialogue, explore its impact on personal growth and cultural harmony.
826: "Aluminum Foil - The Shiny vs Dull Side"
Interesting Things with JC #826: "Aluminum Foil - The Shiny vs Dull Side" - Unveil the culinary secret of aluminum foil. Shiny or dull, which side holds the key to kitchen magic? Explore the mystery and choose your culinary ally.
825: "Shape Memory Alloys"
Interesting Things with JC #825: "Shape Memory Alloys" - Dive into the enchanting world of Shape Memory Alloys, where science and innovation meet. Discover their mysterious transformation and their invaluable role in aerospace and medical applications.
823: "Soap to Treat Melanoma"
Interesting Things with JC #823: "Soap to Treat Melanoma" - 14-year-old Heman Bekele has developed an affordable soap that fights melanoma, a groundbreaking solution in skin cancer treatment. His invention combines innovative soap technology with medical science, making cancer care more accessible.
822: "Why Doritos are so Flammable"
Interesting Things with JC #822: "Why Doritos are so Flammable" - Delve into the scientific intrigue of Doritos' surprising flammability, unveiling how these beloved snacks can ignite campfires in a pinch. Uncover the unique components that make Doritos a handy fire-starting secret.
821: "Fall Back"
Interesting Things with JC #821: "Fall Back" - Dive into the intricate global tapestry of Daylight Saving Time, from Europe's steadfast tradition to Egypt's unique temporal dance. Explore the history of time adjustments.
815: "Ed Gein: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"
Interesting Things with JC #815: "Ed Gein: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" - Dive into the eerie connection between Ed Gein's horrific crimes and the iconic horror film, revealing the dark truths behind this chilling inspiration for Leatherface and the macabre family. Explore the real horror that influenced reel terror.
814: "The Little Albert Experiment"
Interesting Things with JC #814: "The Little Albert Experiment" - Explore the pioneering study by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner in early 20th-century psychology. This tale unveils Little Albert's transformation as innocence gave way to fear through classical conditioning with a resounding gong. It raises questions of ethics, leaving an indelible mark on the study of human emotion and behavioral psychology.
Ref - Mary Coverjo Nes (1924) A Laboratory Study of Fear: The Case Of Peter, The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology, 31:4, 308-315, DOI: 10.1080/08856559.1924.9944851
811: "Parallax Effect"
Interesting Things with JC #811: "Parallax Effect" - Explore the history and diverse applications of this captivating visual phenomenon, first described by Hipparchus in ancient Greece. From web design's immersive scrolling to video game depth, the Parallax Effect adds a 3D-like quality to various media. Dive into this fascinating fusion of astronomy and modern technology.
810: "Kozyrev Mirror"
Interesting Things with JC #810: "Kozyrev Mirror" - Dive into the world of Dr. Nikolai Kozyrev's controversial concept, where mirrors go beyond reflection, intertwining time, consciousness, and uncharted realms.
809: "Standing Wave Flame Tube"
Interesting Things with JC #809: "Standing Wave Flame Tube" - Explore the mesmerizing science of sound waves, resonance, and acoustics through the captivating Rubens' Tube demonstration. Witness the visual representation of standing waves and delve into the educational world of physics.
803: "The Black Jalapeno Chronicles"
Interesting Things with JC #803: "The Black Jalapeno Chronicles" takes you on a spicy journey through the color transformation of jalapenos, from vibrant green to intriguing black, culminating in fiery red. Nature's artistry is revealed as anthocyanin pigments and capsaicin accumulation work their magic.
802: "1000 Years Before Pythagoras"
Interesting Things with JC #802: "1000 Years Before Pythagoras" uncovers the pre-Pythagorean roots of mathematics in ancient Babylon, revealing a profound understanding of the Pythagorean theorem. From Babylonian tablets to the mystical Semicircle of Pythagoras, this story delves into the history of math, showcasing the enduring legacy of Pythagoras.
800: "Algebra"
Interesting Things with JC #800: "Algebra" - Explore the fascinating history of algebra, a journey through math that spans thousands of years and many different countries. This story shows how algebra came to be, from the genius of Babylonian mathematicians to the new ideas of Greek mathematicians and the important contributions of scientists during the Islamic Golden Age and European Renaissance.
795: "Wiffy"
Interesting Things with JC #795: "Wiffy" - Explore the captivating world of language quirks as we learn about the curious case of 'Wi-Fi'.' In a rapidly evolving digital age, this story sheds light on the fascinating nuances of communication.
794: "Boutonnière Deformity"
Interesting Things with JC #794: "Boutonnière Deformity" - Discover the story behind this finger condition, arising from tendon injuries, resulting in permanent hand deformity and impaired functionality.