A Short Story Podcast Series
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Link to Podcast Library or Scroll for Daily Feed
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Episodes run 30 seconds to 8 minutes.
Send us your episode ideas, we’ll work the topics into future recordings, and credit you.
Homeschooling parents, teachers, and lifelong learners get priority.
Many episodes include free curriculum materials aligned to global standards.
Legal Disclaimer
All episodes of Interesting Things with JC are provided free of charge for educational purposes under fair use, with the exception of Episode #509. The series, including its associated curriculum and materials, may not be copied, resold, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written agreement and consent from JimConnors LLC. Unauthorized commercial use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC.
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The podcast is currently in common carriage on the Podcast Radio Network.
In London, you can listen to the Podcast Radio Network over the air on DAB+ and access its variety of podcasts and audio content directly through your DAB+ radio.
In the USA, you can listen to Interesting Things with JC on Podcast Radio US in these cities:
Detroit – WCSX 94.7 HD2
Tampa – 1010 WJBR-AM
Charlotte – 94.7 FM and WSOC-HD3
Fort Myers / Naples – 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, 105.1 FM, and WXKB-HD2
You can also stream it nationwide at PodcastRadioUS.com
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Kick off class with a quick boost. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC to get your students interested right off the bat. The short stories are easy to follow, and the free curriculum gives you everything you need to turn that spark into a full lesson with questions, activities, and real learning.
Each episode includes a modular micro-lesson designed to support a 30 to 45 minute class. Curriculum content appears at the bottom of the episode page in easy-to-use expandable sections.
Each lesson includes:
Lesson overview (title, grade level, subject area, learning objectives)
Key vocabulary with phonetic spelling and plain-language definitions
Core story content based on the Precise Storytelling Framework
Full podcast transcript
Student worksheet with comprehension and writing prompts
Teacher guide with pacing, strategies, and discussion tools
Quiz and assessment rubric
Standards alignment across multiple global frameworks
We are currently piloting lesson alignment to:
Approved Standards – High-Level ListNGSS – Next Generation Science Standards
CCSS – Common Core State Standards (ELA and Math)
C3 Framework – College, Career & Civic Life (Social Studies)
ISTE Standards – Technology and Digital Literacy
NCAS – National Core Arts Standards
CTE Career Clusters – U.S. Career & Technical Education
ACRL Framework – Higher Ed Information Literacy
Bloom’s Taxonomy – Cognitive Learning Objectives
UDL – Universal Design for Learning (Accessibility Support)
International Academic Equivalents (Content-Only)
UK National Curriculum – Key Stages 3–5 (England)
AQA / OCR / Edexcel – UK Exam Board Specifications
IB (International Baccalaureate) – PYP, MYP, DP (academic subjects only)
Cambridge International – IGCSE, AS/A-Level (non-political content areas)
All lessons are open educational resources (OER) and designed with homeschool flexibility in mind.
Disclaimer:Interesting Things with JC and its companion curriculum are provided for educational purposes under fair use. They are free to access and share for teaching and learning, but not for resale or commercial distribution.
Examples: Browse any episode from #1235 to the present.
Format Update: Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS includes open text at the bottom for easier access.
Feedback: Curriculum users, your input helps improve layout and usability. Your feedback is welcomed.
Older Episodes: If you find one without curriculum, drop me a line. I’ll prioritize building it out. The goal is for every episode to have full resources.
1118: "Living Without Fear"
Interesting Things with JC #1118: "Living Without Fear" - What would humanity look like without fear? In this episode, JC explores the origins of fear, its impact on society, and the individuals who have dared to live fearlessly. From historical breakthroughs to personal growth strategies, discover how embracing courage can lead to a brighter, more innovative future.
1114: "How Do You Cook a Turkey in a Deep Fryer"
Interesting Things with JC #1114: "How Do You Cook a Turkey in a Deep Fryer?" - Curious about how to deep-fry a turkey? Let's reveal some essentials for a legendary meal!
1113: "The Secret Underground Network of Mycelium"
Interesting Things with JC #1113: "The Secret Underground Network of Mycelium" - Beneath our feet lies a vast, interconnected network of mycelium, forming the "Wood Wide Web." This fungal marvel connects trees, redistributes nutrients, helps forests thrive, and is older than any known civilization!
1112: "Forgotten Female Explorers"
Interesting Things with JC #1112: "Forgotten Female Explorers" - Bold, brilliant, and often overlooked! Lets meet the women who reshaped history through exploration. From the Amazon to the Arctic, their achievements defied expectations and expanded our understanding of the world.
1111: "Lost Civilization of Cahokia"
Interesting Things with JC #1111: "Lost Civilization of Cahokia" - the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, thrived with monumental mounds and a bustling society. But why did it vanish?!?!
1110: "Time Crystals – A New Phase of Matter"
Interesting Things with JC #1110: "Time Crystals – A New Phase of Matter" - Time crystals, a groundbreaking discovery, oscillate perpetually without energy loss, defying the laws of thermodynamics!
1109: "The Strength of Shapes"
Interesting Things with JC #1109: "The Strength of Shapes" - Shapes are more than just designs—they’re the foundation of strength in structures. Shapes are essential in both nature and engineering!
1107: "Vendée Globe: A Race Around Antarctica”
Interesting Things with JC #1107: "Vendée Globe: A Race Around Antarctica" - Explore the thrilling world of the Vendée Globe, a solo, nonstop sailing race encircling Antarctica enhanced by modern technology! This extreme maritime challenge pushes sailors to their limits, confronting them with towering waves, intense isolation, and freezing temperatures.
A big thank you to TechEdTeacher for inspiring this episode!
1106: "Sarcophagus of Pakal"
Interesting Things with JC #1106: "Sarcophagus of Pakal" - The Great and Legendary Mayan King of Palenque, whose burial site in the Temple of the Inscriptions has sparked debates ranging from archaeology to ancient astronaut theories. Discover the rich symbolism in the carvings and what they reveal about Mayan beliefs about the afterlife.
1104: "The Flawed Gatekeeping of Knowledge on Wikipedia"
Interesting Things with JC #1104: "The Flawed Gatekeeping of Knowledge on Wikipedia" - How do Wikipedia's rules affect our understanding of history? Learn how its strict policies exclude credible historical sources, leading to biased narratives and knowledge loss. Why does this matter for our grasp of human history?
1103: "Bad Smells - More Than Just a Nuisance"
Interesting Things with JC #1103: "Bad Smells - More Than Just a Nuisance" - Bad smells are often more than just unpleasant—they're nature's way of warning us. Discover the science behind odors, how our noses detect danger, and why some foul smells may be less harmful than you think.
1101: "The Schwabenland Expedition"
Interesting Things with JC #1101: "The Schwabenland Expedition" - Nazi Germany’s 1938 Antarctic mission blended resource acquisition, geopolitical goals, and scientific exploration. It's a fascinating historical account of this mysterious, controversial, and often forgotten expedition.
1099: "Conflict Disrupts Sleep"
Interesting Things with JC #1099: "Conflict Disrupts Sleep" - You’ve had a heated argument, and now you’re staring at the ceiling, wide awake. Turns out, conflict is more than an emotional drain; it's a sleep destroyer that can lead to mental health issues or death!
1098: “Adventure, Traveling, Driving!”
Interesting Things with JC #1098: "Adventure, Traveling, and Driving!" - From the freedom of the open road to the thrill of exploring new places, adventure transforms our lives in powerful ways. Discover how traveling and road trips change our perspective, bringing growth, connection, and stories that last a lifetime.
1095: "What is Musk?"
Interesting Things with JC #1095: "What is Musk?" - Musk, historically sourced from animals, is a powerful scent with a rich, earthy profile. Prized in perfumery, it now exists mostly in synthetic form, blending ancient fragrance traditions with modern ethics.
1094: "The Predictions of Elon Musk"
Interesting Things with JC #1094: "The Predictions of Elon Musk" - Elon Musk’s forecasts are transforming the conversation on AI, space, and humanity's future. Delve into his predictions and their possible impact.
1093: "Farmhouse White"
Interesting Things with JC #1093: "Farmhouse White" - Farmhouse white paint, crafted from creek-sourced natural elements, has a fascinating history and story!
1092: "A Simple Question for Decision Making"
Interesting Things with JC #1092: "A Simple Question for Decision Making" - Amid complex choices, the simplest path can be the most rewarding. Would you believe that there is one simple guiding question that can bring clarity in moments of doubt, helping you focus on what truly matters.
1091: "Hemochromatosis Unveiled"
Interesting Things with JC #1091: "Hemochromatosis Unveiled" - Deep within our genetic code, a silent condition, hemochromatosis, absorbs iron one molecule at a time, posing a hidden threat to vital organs like the liver and heart. Could this genetic twist quietly shape lives around us? And why is it so common among those with Northern European heritage? Join JC as he unpacks the science, stories, and signs behind this often-overlooked disorder.
1090: "Nuremberg 1561"
Interesting Things with JC #1090: "Nuremberg 1561" - On the morning of April 14, 1561, Nuremberg residents watched as the sky filled with strange, clashing shapes. Spheres, cylinders, and crosses danced in an otherworldly "battle," leaving witnesses to ponder its meaning. Was it an omen, a natural phenomenon, or even an early UFO sighting?