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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.

    • 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

  • 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 List

    • NGSS – 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.

History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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.

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History, Podcast, Science, Social JC History, Podcast, Science, Social JC

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.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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.

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JC JC

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.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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."

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Podcast, History, Social JC Podcast, History, Social JC

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.

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Podcast, News, History, Social JC Podcast, News, History, Social JC

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.

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