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.
1199: "The Battle of Edinburgh 1547 – The Rough Wooing War"
Interesting Things with JC #1199: "The Battle of Edinburgh 1547 – The Rough Wooing War" – England’s aggressive campaign to force Scotland into union led to devastation, but it also strengthened Scotland’s ties to France.
1107: "White Ship Disaster"
Interesting Things with JC #1107: "White Ship Disaster" - A maritime catastrophe in 1120 that changed England forever. Discover how this tragedy shaped medieval history.
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.
029: "The Timeless Comfort of Toad in the Hole"
Interesting Things with JC #029: "The Timeless Comfort of Toad in the Hole" - Toad in the Hole is a quintessential British dish that exemplifies the comfort and simplicity of traditional English cooking. Originating in the 18th century, it combines sausages with Yorkshire pudding batter, creating a satisfying meal that's both hearty and economical. This dish not only showcases the versatility of British cuisine but also remains a staple in family dinners and pub menus across the UK, cherished for its warm, comforting essence and historical roots.
918: "Number 9 Parsley Superstition"
Interesting Things with JC #918: "Number 9 Parsley Superstition" - Dive into the peculiar belief from old England where parsley was thought to have made nine trips to the devil before sprouting. It was deemed unlucky to gift parsley plants due to this superstition.
874: "The 3rd Day of Christmas"
Interesting Things with JC #874: "The 3rd Day of Christmas" - Delve into the historical and symbolic layers behind the 'Three French Hens' from the iconic song, revealing connections to Christian teachings and core virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
116: “The Christmas Tree” (Re-Released 2023)
Interesting Things with JC #116: “The Christmas Tree” - Celebrated around the world, this icon of the holiday season days back quite some time. Let's look back at the history of the Christmas tree. Why is it done, where does the tradition come from, how many bugs are on real trees, aluminum trees and more!
636: "Pimlico Race Course"
Interesting Things with JC #636: "Pimlico Race Course" - Uncover the secrets of the legendary Maryland horse racing track that has captivated audiences for over a century with its thrilling races, historic events, and record-breaking performances, now undergoing a transformation to bring a new era of excitement to fans worldwide.
556: "The Blackpool Tower"
Interesting Things with JC #556: "The Blackpool Tower" - Discover the fascinating history of of this majestic place, from its construction in 1891 to its status as an iconic landmark today!
540: "The Shard"
Interesting Things with JC #540: "The Shard" - a 310m tower in London, opened on Feb 1, 2013 with 72 floors. Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, The Shard is a mixed-use structure that includes offices, residential apartments, a hotel, restaurants, and a three-story observation deck. This true work of art was inspired by the spires of London's historic churches and the masts of tall ships as painted by Canaletto in the 18th century.
522: "Sir Edmund Halley"
Interesting Things with JC #522: "Sir Edmund Halley" who calculated the famous comet's orbit, died January 14th, 1742, leaving legacy in science and astronomy.
491: "New Caledonia"
Interesting Things with JC #491: "New Caledonia" is a beautiful archipelago located in the South Pacific. It's the ideal place to get a "break from the ads" and enjoy nature.
444: "Werewolves"
Interesting Things with JC #444: “Werewolves”-According to legend, "werewolves" are people who shape-shift into vicious, ravenous monsters in a powerful wolf-like form.
442: "Salem Witch Trials"
Interesting Things with JC #442: "Salem Witch Trials" - 19 people were hanged to death for the crime of witchcraft, and one was crushed to death by a rock during a shocking and brutal point in American history.
439: "The Headless Horseman"
Interesting Things with JC #439: "The Headless Horseman" - The story of the Headless Horseman starts in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and is based on some real events.
393: "Succession Modernization"
Interesting Things with JC #393: "Succession Modernization" - As England transitioned to a democratic form of government, specifically a constitutional monarchy, its leaders made the decision to formalize power succession. Let’s review the history of Royal succession, the 1689 Bill of Rights, the 1701 Act of Settlement, and the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013.
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!
353: "Undersea Cables"
Interesting Things with JC #353: "Undersea Cables" - Who put them there? What do they do? Let’s take a deep dive into the history of undersea cables!
347: "The Tower of London's Famous Ravens"
Interesting Things with JC #347: "The Tower of London's Famous Ravens" - The kingdom of England and the Tower of London are said to be doomed if the six ravens who live there ever leave. The Tower is currently inhabited by nine ravens.