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.
1438: "Diane Keaton"
Interesting Things with JC #1438: "Diane Keaton" – She turned down the spotlight, and still changed what it meant to be a leading lady. A life built on quiet defiance and stunning reinvention.
1412: "Robert Redford"
Interesting Things with JC #1412: "Robert Redford" – He acted. He directed. He built a place where new stories could start. Robert Redford didn’t just leave a mark. He left something people could build on.
1357: "Hulk Hogan"
Interesting Things with JC #1357: "Hulk Hogan" – He slammed giants, wore red and gold, and called you brother. But behind the legend was Terry Bollea. Loyal, flawed, and full of heart.
1349: "Connie Francis"
Interesting Things with JC #1349: "Connie Francis" – She gave her voice to others, and sometimes to nations. From ghost-singer to Cold War subversive, her story was never just about fame. It was about survival.
827: "Honor, Courage, & Commitment"
Interesting Things with JC #827: "Honor, Courage, & Commitment" - Discover the enduring virtues of Honor, Courage, and Commitment that have shaped the destiny of Marines. These values are the bedrock of ethical conduct, integrity, and unyielding determination, inspiring resilience and triumph throughout history.
819: "Bulgaria's Triumph: The Battle of Lule Burgas"
Interesting Things with JC #819: "Bulgaria's Triumph: The Battle of Lule Burgas" - In 1912, Bulgaria achieved a historic victory against the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Lule Burgas, a pivotal moment in the First Balkan War. This triumph opened the path to Constantinople, marking the decline of Ottoman rule in the Balkans and setting the stage for significant territorial changes through the Treaty of London. Explore this dramatic chapter in Balkan history and its enduring legacy.
403: "The Pearls of Queen Elizabeth II"
Interesting Things with JC #403: "The Pearls of Queen Elizabeth II" - There has never been a Queen who did not wear pearls; it is a thousand-year-old tradition for Queens to do so.
399: "Westminster Hall"
Interesting Things with JC #399: "Westminster Hall" has a central role in British history; this, along with its enormous size and magnificent roof, is what makes it such an incredible structure. The Hall was the birthplace of the British state's key institutions, including Parliament, the courts, and various government agencies.