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A Short Story Podcast Series

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- Episodes vary in duration from 30 seconds to 8 minutes.
- All episodes are royalty free in their entirety—except for #509.
- If you have an idea for an episode, please reach out to our team and we’ll happily schedule the topic for a future recording.
- Priority is given to homeschooling parents, teachers, educators, and lifelong learning professionals.
- Select episodes now include free curriculum materials at the bottom of the episode page, designed to support open education initiatives, teachers, classrooms, and homeschool use. These materials are aligned to multiple educational standards globally.
- 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 over the air in various cities: in Detroit on 93.5 FM and WCSX-94.7 HD2, in Tampa on 1010 WHFS-AM, in Charlotte on 94.7 FM and WSOC-HD3, and in Ft. Myers/Naples on 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, 105.1 FM, and WXKB-HD2.
Curriculum Summary for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Lifelong Learners
Interesting Things with JC now features free curriculum materials to go with select episodes, created for teachers, homeschool families, and curious learners of all ages.
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.
- To review examples, check out any episode from #1235 to today, just scroll down.
- Beginning with Episode #1307 we’re shifting to an open text format at the bottom of every MP3 page in the RSS. This should allow greater ease of access.
- If you are using the curriculum your feedback is greatly appreciated, that’s how iterations like this continue to drive changes in the layout, and useability.
- If you intend to feature the series on your podcast or use it in your broadcast feed as interstitial content, please tag us on social media and/or send us an email.

JC 6/21/25 JC 6/21/25

#1321: "Carroll O'Connor"

Interesting Things with JC #1321: "Carroll O'Connor" – He wanted to write books. Instead, he became the most complicated man on television...and helped America argue with itself.

JC 3/28/25 JC 3/28/25

1235: “Three Turns to Freedom”

Interesting Things with JC #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom” – This episode gallops through the untold history of barrel racing—a sport born from rebellion. It wasn’t always about speed. It was once a pageant. But through three turns and a cloverleaf path, women rode their way from sideline spectacles to national champions.

A special thank you to Maxine from Ripon, California, for inspiring this story!

JC 3/5/25 JC 3/5/25

1212: "Hawk-Eye Technology"

Interesting Things with JC #1212: "Hawk-Eye Technology" - From controversial calls to unquestionable precision, Hawk-Eye has changed how sports are officiated. With millimeter accuracy, this technology has become essential in tennis, cricket, soccer, and beyond. Explore how it works and why it’s shaping the future of sports.

JC 2/28/25 JC 2/28/25

1207: "Mystery of the Twelfth Imam"

Interesting Things with JC #1207: "Mystery of the Twelfth Imam" - One of the greatest mysteries in Islamic history—did the Twelfth Imam truly disappear, or is he waiting to return? For over a thousand years, this belief has shaped religious movements, political structures, and global conflicts.

Please note: I’ve done my best to pronounce all names as accurately as possible. If I’ve mispronounced anything, I sincerely apologize in advance and appreciate your understanding.

JC 2/14/25 JC 2/14/25

1193: "What are Reciprocal Tariffs and Sovereign Wealth Funds?"

Interesting Things with JC #1193: "What are Reciprocal Tariffs and Sovereign Wealth Funds?" – Reciprocal tariffs could reshape global trade and stabilize America’s economy. Learn how this approach might protect U.S. industries, reduce deficits, and attract global investment.

JC 1/31/25 JC 1/31/25

1179: "Evolution of Aircraft Collision Avoidance Technology"

Interesting Things with JC #1179: "Evolution of Aircraft Collision Avoidance Technology" – A recent mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. has reignited the conversation about aviation safety and collision prevention technology.

In this episode, we explore how TCAS, ADS-B, and AI-powered automation have revolutionized aviation—and why low-altitude operations, drone safety, and AI-driven air traffic management are the next frontier.

JC 1/23/25 JC 1/23/25

1171: "The Discovery of Insulin"

Interesting Things with JC #1171: "The Discovery of Insulin" – In 1922, the world witnessed a medical breakthrough that would save millions of lives. Learn how Frederick Banting, Charles Best, and their team discovered insulin, saving Leonard Thompson, a young boy with type 1 diabetes, and transforming the future of medicine.

JC 1/15/25 JC 1/15/25

1163: "AI in IVF"

Interesting Things with JC #1163: "AI in IVF" – Can AI deliver miracles? Learn about the woman who achieved a “miracle pregnancy” through AI-enhanced IVF after years of heartbreak. Learn how this tech is reshaping fertility treatments and bringing hope to countless families.

JC 1/14/25 JC 1/14/25

1162: "mRNA Cancer Vaccine"

Interesting Things with JC #1162: "mRNA Cancer Vaccine" – Russia has unveiled an mRNA-based cancer vaccine designed to be free and personalized for patients. This bold claim has raised hopes—and skepticism. Learn about the science, the challenges, and what makes this potential breakthrough so intriguing.

JC 1/13/25 JC 1/13/25

1161: "What Are Ivermectin and Fenbendazole?"

Interesting Things with JC #1161: "What Are Ivermectin and Fenbendazole?" – Discover how two everyday antiparasitic drugs are making waves in cancer research. With the potential to boost immunity and halt cancer growth, could these medications be the breakthrough we've been waiting for?

JC 11/29/24 JC 11/29/24

1116: "Mansa Musa"

Interesting Things with JC #1116: "Mansa Musa" Explore the extraordinary story of Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire and the wealthiest person in history. With an entourage of 60,000 and 18 tons of gold, his pilgrimage to Mecca destabilized economies and forever changed global perceptions of Africa. Discover how his wealth built Timbuktu into a center of learning, reshaped trade routes, and left a legacy that still resonates today.

JC 11/23/24 JC 11/23/24

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!

JC 11/13/24 JC 11/13/24

1100: "E. Howard Hunt"

Interesting Things with JC #1100: "E. Howard Hunt" - CIA operative and Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt lived a life of espionage, intrigue, and mystery. From toppling governments to being implicated in JFK conspiracy theories, his career is a puzzle still unsolved.

JC 11/1/24 JC 11/1/24

1088: "A Simple Riddle 7"

Interesting Things with JC #1088: "A Simple Riddle 7" - Join JC for a deceptively simple riddle that just might have you scratching your head. Can you solve it?

JC 10/31/24 JC 10/31/24

1087: "The Lady in Red: The Haunting of Chicago’s Drake Hotel"

Interesting Things with JC #1087: "The Lady in Red: The Haunting of Chicago’s Drake Hotel" - On New Year’s Eve, 1920, heartbreak turned deadly at Chicago’s Drake Hotel, leaving behind the ghostly legend of The Lady in Red.

JC 10/30/24 JC 10/30/24

1086: "The Greenbrier Ghost: A Murder Solved from Beyond the Grave"

Interesting Things with JC #1086: "The Greenbrier Ghost: A Murder Solved from Beyond the Grave" - In 1897, Greenbrier County, West Virginia saw a ghost story cross into the courtroom as a ghost’s testimony contributed to one of the strangest convictions in American legal history.

JC 10/28/24 JC 10/28/24

1084: "The Hoosac Tunnel: The Bloody Pit of Massachusetts"

Interesting Things with JC #1084: "The Hoosac Tunnel: The Bloody Pit of Massachusetts" - Known as "The Bloody Pit," the Hoosac Tunnel in western Massachusetts is one of New England's most haunted locations with 195 documented deaths during its construction.

JC 10/27/24 JC 10/27/24

1083: "The Bell Witch: America's Most Famous Haunting"

Interesting Things with JC #1083: "The Bell Witch: America's Most Famous Haunting" - The Bell Witch is one of America's most infamous hauntings, terrifying a Tennessee family in the early 1800s. From eerie whispers to a mysterious death, the Bell Witch’s story still captivates, inspiring horror films and legends that endure. Visit the Bell Witch Cave, if you dare.

JC 10/26/24 JC 10/26/24

1082: "The Grey Man of Pawleys Island: A Ghostly Warning of Hurricanes"

Interesting Things with JC #1082: "The Grey Man of Pawleys Island: A Ghostly Warning of Hurricanes" - Since 1822, the mysterious Grey Man has appeared before hurricanes, warning residents of Pawleys Island to evacuate. Many believe this ghostly figure protects the island, with homes left untouched when his warnings are heeded. Is it superstition, or is there truth behind the legend of the Grey Man?

JC 10/25/24 JC 10/25/24

1081: "The Tale of Black Aggie: The Haunting Grave of Druid Ridge"

Interesting Things with JC #1081: "The Tale of Black Aggie: The Haunting Grave of Druid Ridge"

In Pikesville, Maryland, the infamous statue of Black Aggie once stood in Druid Ridge Cemetery, drawing thrill-seekers and spurring eerie tales.

Known for her glowing red eyes and deadly curse, Black Aggie’s story remains one of the most chilling cemetery legends in the region.