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.
1249: "What is a Carpenters Board Stretcher?"
Interesting Things with JC #1249: "What is a Carpenters Board Stretcher?" – Carpentry doesn’t forgive shortcuts, and neither does experience.
1240: “Opossum vs Possum”
Interesting Things with JC, Episode #1240: “Opossum vs Possum” – A silent "o" hides a massive biological and cultural divide. From death-fainting opossums in North America to the tree-hugging possums of Australia, this episode breaks down the myth, the history, and the science behind these marsupials.
1030: "Belly Button Lint"
Interesting Things with JC #1030: "Belly Button Lint" - Dive into the surprisingly complex world of belly button lint!
Learn how body hair, clothing fibers, and even the shape of your navel collaborate to create this quirky phenomenon. Discover why lint is often blue or gray and what it reveals about the materials we wear.
1016: "Ruby Ridge"
Interesting Things with JC #1016: "Ruby Ridge" - Explore the 1992 Ruby Ridge incident, a significant standoff between Randy Weaver's family and federal law enforcement. Learn about the events, controversies, and lasting impacts of this pivotal moment in U.S. history.
1003: "Odessa Meteor Crater"
Interesting Things with JC #1003: "Odessa Meteor Crater" - Learn about the Odessa Meteor Crater, an ancient impact site in Texas that provides valuable insights into meteorite impacts and Earth's history.
005: "The Lost Village of Tyneham"
Interesting Things with JC #005: "The Lost Village of Tyneham" - Explore the story of Tyneham, a Dorset village evacuated in 1943 during WWII, promising its residents a return that never came. Today, it stands preserved, a poignant reminder of the past, open to the public to witness history frozen in time.
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.
999: "9 Fruits of the Spirit"
Interesting Things with JC #999: "9 Fruits of the Spirit" - Discover how embodying the nine virtues—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—can lead to a more fulfilled and spiritually aligned life. These virtues, rooted in biblical teachings, serve as a guide to personal growth and moral integrity. Tune in to explore how each can dramatically influence one's life in positive ways.
998: “Beware of Destiny Swappers”
Interesting Things with JC #998: "Beware of Destiny Swappers" - This episode dives into the manipulative tactics of destiny swappers who strive to steal others' successful paths through deceit and manipulation. It discusses the psychological traits that enable such behaviors and offers strategies to protect oneself from these toxic dynamics. Tune in to learn how to maintain your autonomy and safeguard your personal and professional life from those who might undermine it.
997: "Pigs can't look at the Sky"
Interesting Things with JC #997: "Pigs can't look at the Sky" - This episode dives into why pigs are physically unable to look straight up due to their anatomical structure. It explores how pigs perceive the world differently and utilize reflections to view the sky. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of these adaptations in animal behavior and evolution.
996: "A Desire to Run Away"
Interesting Things with JC #996: "A Desire to Run Away" - In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind our instinct to escape when faced with overwhelming situations, exploring both the psychological underpinnings and the societal pressures that amplify this feeling. We discuss the link between mental health issues like anxiety and depression and the desire to flee, and provide strategies for managing these impulses. Tune in to learn how understanding and addressing these emotions can lead to more effective coping and a more stable life.
995: "Loneliness"
Interesting Things with JC #995: "Loneliness" - This episode delves into the complexities of loneliness, a state that can lead to both severe health challenges and profound personal growth. It discusses the biological and psychological impacts of feeling isolated and how, paradoxically, such a state can also encourage self-discovery and resilience. Tune in to uncover the dual nature of loneliness and how it shapes human experience.
993: "The Foundation of Rome - 21 April 753BC"
Interesting Things with JC #993: "The Foundation of Rome - 21 April 753BC" - Delve into the mythological beginnings of Rome, founded by the twins Romulus and Remus. According to legend, their story features divine intervention, survival, and betrayal, culminating in Romulus establishing Rome after the tragic death of Remus. This tale blends myth with the harsh realities of ancient times, highlighting the dramatic and often brutal path to Rome's establishment.
992: "The Myth of Code 420"
Interesting Things with JC #992: "The Myth of Code 420" - This episode delves into the actual origins of "420", a term mistakenly believed to be a police code for marijuana but actually coined by a group of high school friends in California during the 1970s. Discover how their inside joke spread through the Grateful Dead's community, becoming a global symbol of cannabis culture.
991: "The Prime Life of 991
Interesting Things with JC #991: "The Prime Life of 991" - Discover the unique world of prime numbers through the lens of 991, a prime number that holds significant importance in mathematics and cryptography. This episode delves into how such numbers are fundamental to modern digital security and number theory, illustrating the mysterious yet crucial role they play in both theoretical and practical applications.
990: "The Sachertorte"
Interesting Things with JC #990: "The Sachertorte" - This episode delves into the rich history of the Sachertorte, a beloved Viennese dessert that originated in 1832 by Franz Sacher. It highlights the evolution of the cake through the hands of his son Eduard, the ensuing legal battles over its name, and its status as a cultural icon in Austria. Tune in to uncover how a simple chocolate cake became a symbol of Viennese luxury and the subject of international culinary acclaim.
989: "Patrick Space Force Base"
Interesting Things with JC #989: "Patrick Space Force Base" - Trace the journey of Patrick Space Force Base from its establishment as a naval air station during WWII to its current status as a cornerstone of the U.S. Space Force. Discover the base's crucial role in shaping U.S. space missions and its ongoing contributions to national security and space exploration. Uncover the legacy of Major General Mason M. Patrick, after whom the base is named, and his impact on military aviation.
988: "Dragon Point"
Interesting Things with JC #988: "Dragon Point" - Explore the captivating history of Dragon Point, a cherished site on Merritt Island known for its iconic dragon sculptures, Annie and Rojak. This locale symbolizes the creativity and communal bonds of the area, inspiring tales and artistic expressions. Discover how Dragon Point continues to evolve, representing the resilience and renewal of community spirit.
987: "Astronaut Beach House"
Interesting Things with JC #987: "Astronaut Beach House" - Delve into the quiet story of the Astronaut Beach House, a place where astronauts find solace before their space journeys. Located at the Kennedy Space Center, this house serves as a personal and historic retreat. It symbolizes the human aspect of space exploration, hosting pre-launch gatherings and private reflections.
986: "The Moqui Marbles"
Interesting Things with JC #986: "The Moqui Marbles" - Journey into the captivating realm of Moqui Marbles, peculiar geological formations found in the American Southwest. Explore their origins, cultural significance, and ongoing scientific research, unveiling the mysteries of these interesting spheres.