A Short Story Podcast Series
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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.
039: "Beefeaters: Guardians of the Tower of London"
Interesting Things with JC #039: "Beefeaters: Guardians of the Tower of London" - Explore the fascinating world of the Yeomen Warders, known globally as Beefeaters, who have stood guard over the Tower of London since the 15th century. This episode delves into their historical duties, the requirements to become a Beefeater, and their ongoing contribution to British cultural heritage, offering listeners a glimpse into one of the UK's most enduring symbols.
033: "The Petrifying Well"
Interesting Things with JC #033: "The Petrifying Well" - Venture into the enigmatic world of the Petrifying Well located near Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough, a place where science meets legend. This natural well, famous for its ability to encase objects in a stone-like shell through mineral deposition, intrigues scientists and mystics alike.
024: "The Love Story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert"
Interesting Things with JC #024: "The Love Story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert" - Dive into the captivating romance that shaped the British monarchy and the Victorian era. Their union strengthened European diplomatic ties and deeply impacted British culture and social reforms, showcasing how royal love can influence a nation's destiny.
022: "The Mysterious Disappearance at Flannan Isles Lighthouse"
Interesting Things with JC #022: "The Mysterious Disappearance at Flannan Isles Lighthouse" - In 1900, the Flannan Isles Lighthouse crew mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a deserted lighthouse with unfinished meals and a stopped clock. Theories range from natural disasters like rogue waves to supernatural explanations, but no conclusive evidence has ever been found. This unsolved maritime mystery continues to fascinate and puzzle historians across the globe.
020: "The Peterloo Massacre of 1819"
Interesting Things with JC #020: "The Peterloo Massacre of 1819" - The Peterloo Massacre was a tragic event in 1819 at St. Peter's Field, Manchester. A peaceful rally for parliamentary reform ended violently when cavalry charged into the crowd, causing 18 deaths and hundreds of injuries. This shocking event highlighted the need for political change and spurred the reform movement that reshaped the UK's electoral system.
009: "Britain's Oldest Pub"
Interesting Things with JC #009: "Britain's Oldest Pub" - Explore the fascinating history of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, the oldest pub in Britain. Delve into its tales of monks, royal visits, and its namesake sport, providing a living history lesson in pub culture.
006: "Lundy Island's Time Zone"
Interesting Things with JC #006: "Lundy Island's Time Zone" - Discover Lundy Island, unique for having its own time zone, 25 minutes behind until 1978, reflecting its slow-paced, isolated lifestyle. Known for its distinct postage stamps and rich wildlife, the island offers a glimpse into a truly unique British locale.
1000: "Happiness"
In "Happiness," we discuss how daily practices like friendships, self-care, and journaling lead to personal fulfillment and align with core values for increased satisfaction and resilience.
799: "Lillie Langtry"
Interesting Things with JC #799: "Lillie Langtry" - Explore the fascinating life of actress Lillie Langtry, who rose to fame in the Victorian era and became the mistress of King Edward VII, leaving a mark on British society. From her theatrical success to her scandalous love affair, Langtry's story is one of intrigue and allure.
588: "St Patrick Blue"
Interesting Things with JC #588: “St Patrick Blue” - The earliest depictions of St. Patrick show him dressed in blue garments rather than green, and when George III established the Order of St. Patrick for the Kingdom of Ireland, its official color was azure blue, known as "St. Patrick's Blue."
587: “St Patrick and the Shamrock”
Interesting Things with JC #587: “St Patrick and the Shamrock” - Saint Patrick is said to have used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity, but did he?
586: “St Patrick got rid of the Snakes”
Interesting Things with JC #586: “St Patrick got rid of the Snakes” - One of the legends surrounding St. Patrick is that he stood atop an Irish hillside and expelled all snakes from Ireland, causing all serpents to slither away into the sea.
585: "Saint Patrick"
Interesting Things with JC #585: "Saint Patrick" - Discover the fascinating life of Saint Patrick, the man behind the legend. From captive to missionary, his journey is one of hardship, faith, and triumph.
365: "Fish and Chips"
Interesting Things with JC #365: "Fish and Chips" - What are Fish and Chips? Where did the meal come from? Who created it? Let's find out!
229: "The Spaghetti Trees of Switzerland"
Interesting Things with JC #229: "The Spaghetti Trees of Switzerland". The BBC pulled off one of the best April Fools’ Day pranks, convincing the British population that not only did spaghetti grow on trees, but that they could grow their own by sticking dry spaghetti into cans of marinara sauce…is this even real?!
204 - Interesting Things: Battle of Britain Bunker
The Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre is a 2,000 square metre complex on two levels. Its an underground operations room at RAF Uxbridge, formerly used by No. 11 Group Fighter Command during the Second World War. Fighter aircraft operations were controlled from there throughout the War but most notably during the Battle of Britain and on D-Day. The exhibition provides insight into how the Bunker worked, inside and out.
140 Interesting Things - Myanmar
Independence day in Myanmar is a national holiday in on January 4th, it marks the date in 1948 when the Country declared its independence from Britain. Let's check out some more interesting things about Myanmar!
110: “The Magic of Model Trains”
Interesting Things with JC #110: “The Magic of Model Trains” — Journey through the enchanting history of model and toy trains, from their humble beginnings to today’s multi-million dollar displays in Germany. Explore how these intricate creations not only ignite the imagination but also keep the spirit of youth alive into our later years. This episode also delves into the special connection model trains have with the holiday season, capturing their enduring magic and mystique.