A Short Story Podcast Series
Podcast Radio - Podverse - Headliner - Amazon - Apple - Audacy - Audible - Castbox - Deezer - fyyd - GoodPods - iHeartRadio - Instagram - JioSaavn - Listen Notes - Pandora - PlayerFM - PocketCasts - Podcast Republic - Podchaser - Spotify - Stitcher - Youtube
Link to Podcast Library or Scroll for Daily Feed
-
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.
-
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.
894: "Q-Collar"
Interesting Things with JC #894: "Q-Collar" - Explore the revolutionary Q-Collar, a game-changer in brain protection for athletes and soldiers. From reducing brain slosh to its global impact, this innovative gear reshapes safety on the sports field and battlefield alike.
891: "Cells Have a Resonant Frequency"
Interesting Things with JC #891: "Cells Have a Resonant Frequency" - Resonance is not just for objects; human cells also vibrate at specific frequencies, with the entire body resonating around 5 Hz. Further studies reveal unique resonant frequencies for the head and brain, highlighting the intricate biological rhythms within us.
890: "AI Uncovers Secrets in the Art of Raphael"
Interesting Things with JC #890: "AI Uncovers Secrets in the Art of Raphael" - Using advanced AI technology, researchers analyzed Raphael's "Madonna della Rosa" painting, discovering that St. Joseph's face likely wasn't painted by Raphael. This groundbreaking revelation sheds new light on the classic artwork, suggesting possible contributions from another artist!
889: "Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation"
Interesting Things with JC #889: "Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation" - Explore how BCV serves as a groundbreaking, non-invasive respiratory support method, offering precise control over breathing phases, especially beneficial for conditions like COPD and neuromuscular disorders.
888: "40% of Wildflowers are Planted by Ants"
Interesting Things with JC #888: "40% of Wildflowers are Planted by Ants" - Ants, with their keen eye for snacks, play a vital role in the growth of wildflowers by distributing seeds rich in elaiosomes. This symbiotic relationship between ants and seeds creates fertile grounds, promoting biodiversity and enriching the ecosystem.
887: "Communicating with Humpback Whales"
Interesting Things with JC #887: "Communicating with Humpback Whales" - Researchers from the SETI Institute, University of California Davis, and Alaska Whale Foundation achieved a historic milestone by engaging in a conversation with a humpback whale named Twain using innovative techniques. This breakthrough not only showcased the intelligence and complex communication abilities of humpback whales but also highlighted the potential parallels with the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
886: "Using AI to Draw Pictures from your Thoughts"
Interesting Things with JC #886: "Using AI to Draw Pictures from your Thoughts" - Japanese researchers have pioneered a groundbreaking AI technology capable of decoding human brain activity to generate visual representations of thoughts and images.
870: "Overcoming Grief During the Holidays"
Interesting Things with JC #870: "Overcoming Grief During the Holidays" offers insights into navigating the emotional landscape of festive seasons. From cherishing memories to respecting solitude, discover actionable ways to support those mourning while fostering resilience and healing.
868: "The Longest Night"
Interesting Things with JC #868: "The Longest Night" - Explore the winter solstice's multifaceted significance, from its ancient reverence in various civilizations to its modern-day scientific exploration, highlighting the intricate balance of Earth's axial dynamics and fostering reflections on humanity's place within the cosmos.
863: "Cyclopia"
Interesting Things with JC #863: "Cyclopia" - Unraveling the rare disorder Cyclopia, exploring its impact on fetal development, facial anomalies, and the challenges faced by families.
858: "International Mountain Day"
Interesting Things with JC #858: "International Mountain Day" - Explore the awe-inspiring world of mountains, from ancient ranges to modern triumphs like Nirmal Purja's feat. Delve into the challenges, growth, and untold stories of these colossal wonders.
856: "Cold Weather Makes People Sick"
Interesting Things with JC #856: "Cold Weather Makes People Sick" - New research reveals a biological connection between winter temperatures and increased illness risk. Colder temps impair the nose's immune response, reducing extracellular vesicles' efficacy in combating common cold viruses. These findings shed light on why upper respiratory infections peak in colder seasons.
854: "How Pythons Climb"
Interesting Things with JC #854: "How Pythons Climb" - Delve into the mesmerizing arboreal journey of pythons, where scales, muscles, and sensory prowess converge in a symphony of nature. Explore the intricate adaptation, from friction-enhanced scales to a flexible skeletal dance, unlocking the secrets of snake magic.
851: "Earlobes"
Interesting Things with JC #851: "Earlobes" uncovers the perpetual growth of ear cartilage and the genetic nuances shaping earlobe variations, including the unique connected earlobes. From recessive traits to cultural perceptions, the episode explores the multifaceted nature of this often-overlooked body part.
850: "Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people"
Interesting Things with JC #850: "Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people" - Discover the shocking reality!
849: "Nuclear Fission"
Interesting Things with JC #849: "Nuclear Fission" - Delve into the historic experiment led by Enrico Fermi at Stagg Field in 1942, unlocking the secrets of controlled nuclear fission. This pivotal moment not only laid the foundation for the Atomic Age but also influenced the Manhattan Project and the development of nuclear energy. Explore the scientific breakthroughs and historical discoveries that shaped our world.
848: "Casimir Effect"
Interesting Things with JC #848: "Casimir Effect" - Unravel the quantum dance of attractive forces between plates and mirrors, from Hendrik Casimir's predictions to nanotech applications. Explore the mysteries of quantum mechanics, negative energy density, and the profound nature of seemingly empty space.
847: "Computer Punch Cards"
Interesting Things with JC #847: "Computer Punch Cards" - Delve into the historical journey from punch cards to terabytes, exploring the impact of early computing and the legacy of Dr. Herman Hollerith.
846: "Iron Floats in Mercury"
Interesting Things with JC #846: "Iron Floats in Mercury" - Unravel the mystery behind why metals like iron defy gravity and float in the dense liquid that is mercury.
845: "Deep Space Optical Communications"
Interesting Things with JC #845: "Deep Space Optical Communications" - NASA's DSOC, a marvel in space innovation, achieves "first light," beaming a near-infrared laser with test data 10 million miles to the Hale Telescope. This milestone, aboard the Psyche spacecraft en route to the asteroid belt, paves the way for high-data-rate communications supporting humanity's dream of reaching Mars.