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.
080: "The Rust Belt"
Interesting Things with JC #080: "The Rust Belt" - Discover the industrial history and economic challenges of the Rust Belt. Learn about its past glory, decline, and ongoing efforts to revive this critical American region.
079: "Ocean Quahogs"
Interesting Things with JC #079: "Ocean Quahogs" - Discover the incredible lifespan of ocean quahogs, clams that can live for centuries. Learn how their growth rings provide valuable insights into marine climates and aging studies.
077: "The Dangers of Color Run Powder"
Interesting Things with JC #077: "The Dangers of Color Run Powder" - Learn about the health risks of inhaling color run powder, from respiratory irritation to allergic reactions. Discover essential safety tips to enjoy these events while protecting your health.
073: "Recognizing Attraction"
Interesting Things with JC #073: "Recognizing Attraction" - Discover the subtle signs of attraction, from eye contact and mirroring actions to playful teasing and physical closeness. Learn how to recognize these cues and build deeper, more authentic connections.
071: "Why Eggs Float in Running Water"
Interesting Things with JC #071: "Why Eggs Float in Running Water" - Learn why eggs can float in running water!
069: "The Dragon Man Skull"
Interesting Things with JC #069: "The Dragon Man Skull" - Discover the story of the Dragon Man skull, found in China and dating back 146,000 years. This episode explores its significance in human evolution, revealing a new human lineage and reshaping our understanding of ancient human history.
068: "Box Turtles are Not Suited for Domestication"
Interesting Things with JC #068: "Box Turtles are Not Suited for Domestication" - Learn about the delicate ecological needs of box turtles and why they struggle in captivity. This episode highlights the importance of leaving these turtles in their natural habitat and how to help them if found injured.
061: "Tummy Cramps Related to Milk Problems"
Interesting Things with JC #061: "Tummy Cramps Related to Milk Problems" - Explore how lactose intolerance and milk allergies cause tummy cramps and other symptoms. Learn about effective management strategies, including dietary changes and proper care, to alleviate discomfort and maintain a healthy diet.
059: "Wonders of the Human Liver"
Interesting Things with JC #059: "Wonders of the Human Liver" - Discover the incredible functions of the human liver, the largest internal organ and gland. This episode highlights the liver's role in detoxification, digestion, nutrient storage, and its remarkable ability to regenerate, emphasizing its critical importance to overall health.
057: "99 Flake Ice Cream"
Interesting Things with JC #057: "99 Flake Ice Cream" - Explore the beloved British summer treat, the 99 Flake. Learn how this delightful combination of soft-serve vanilla ice cream and a Cadbury Flake chocolate bar became an iconic symbol of seaside vacations and sunny days on the boardwalk.
056: "The Cube Mystery of Wombat Poop"
Interesting Things with JC #056: "The Cube Mystery of Wombat Poop" - Explore why wombats produce cube-shaped poop and how this unique trait helps them, as well as humanity!
054: "On Venus a Day is Longer Than a Year"
Interesting Things with JC #054: "On Venus a Day is Longer Than a Year" - Discover the fascinating quirk of Venus, where a single day lasts 243 Earth days and a year lasts only 225 days. This unique rotation and orbit give Venus its mysterious character, making it one of the most intriguing planets in our solar system.
053: "Octopuses Have Three Hearts"
Interesting Things with JC #053: "Octopuses Have Three Hearts" - Explore the fascinating anatomy of octopuses and learn how having three hearts supports their life under the sea.
051: "Cows Have Best Friends"
Interesting Things with JC #051: "Cows Have Best Friends" - Explore the social lives of cows, who form close bonds and experience stress when separated from their friends.
050: "Bananas Are Berries but Strawberries Are Not"
Interesting Things with JC #050: "Bananas Are Berries, but Strawberries Aren't" - Dive into the surprising botanical classifications that define what makes a berry.
048: "Sparkling Wine - A Tale of French and English Innovations"
Interesting Things with JC #048: "Sparkling Wine - A Tale of French and English Innovations" - Journey through the effervescent history of sparkling wine, from the legendary cellars of Dom Pérignon to the scientific studies of Christopher Merrett. Unravel the contributions of both French and English pioneers, who each played crucial roles in developing the techniques that give sparkling wine its signature bubbles.
047: "Eternal Flame Falls"
Interesting Things with JC #047: "Eternal Flame Falls" - Venture into the stunning landscape of Chestnut Ridge Park, New York, to experience Eternal Flame Falls, where a unique natural gas seep ignites a flame right behind a flowing waterfall. It's one of the world's most unusual natural wonders.
046: "Immortal Jellyfish"
Interesting Things with JC #046: "Immortal Jellyfish" - Turritopsis dohrnii, commonly known as the immortal jellyfish. This marine creature possesses the extraordinary ability to revert to its juvenile polyp stage under stress, potentially allowing it to bypass death indefinitely.
045: "Gridiron Pendulum"
Interesting Things with JC #045: "Gridiron Pendulum" - An innovative clock pendulum invented by John Harrison and improved by John Ellicott in the early 18th century. This clever design used different metals to maintain a constant pendulum length despite temperature changes, revolutionizing timekeeping in an era when precision was paramount.
044: "Tin Can Telephone"
Interesting Things with JC #044: "Tin Can Telephone" - A cherished childhood toy and an early communication technology. Two cans and a string is the basics of sound transmission, and it works without electricity!