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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 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 6/5/24 JC 6/5/24

038: "Understanding 'Britain' vs 'the UK'"

Interesting Things with JC #038: "Understanding 'Britain' vs 'the UK'" - Ever wondered about the differences between 'Britain' and 'the UK'? In this episode, we delve into the geographical and political nuances that distinguish these terms, a key to comprehending the intricate history and current affairs of the region.

JC 5/4/24 JC 5/4/24

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.

JC 5/1/24 JC 5/1/24

003: "The Poison Garden"

Interesting Things with JC #003: "The Poison Garden" - Delve into the intriguing world of The Poison Garden at Alnwick Garden, a unique collection of plants that are as dangerous as they are beautiful. This educational tour highlights the sinister yet fascinating aspects of toxic and narcotic botany.

JC 4/30/24 JC 4/30/24

002: "The Cheese Rolling Festival"

Interesting Things with JC #002: "The Cheese Rolling Festival" - Dive into the thrilling world of the Cheese Rolling Festival at Cooper’s Hill, a unique British tradition where bravery and cheese collide in a spectacular race for glory.

JC 9/16/23 JC 9/16/23

772: "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel"

Interesting Things with JC #772: "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel" - Explore the captivating history and charm of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a noble toy dog breed hailing from the United Kingdom. Their silky coats come in vibrant colors, including Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, and ruby. Despite their regal roots, these dogs are known for their adaptability, making them beloved companions for active or relaxed lifestyles.

JC 6/14/23 JC 6/14/23

678: "Pistyll Rhaeadr"

Interesting Things with JC #678: "Pistyll Rhaeadr" - Discover the enchanting Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales' tallest waterfall, where nature's beauty meets legend. Immerse yourself in its history, feel the awe-inspiring power, and embrace the mystical!

JC 1/17/23 JC 1/17/23

525: "British Leyland"

Interesting Things with JC #525: "British Leyland" was formed on this date in 1968. The company produced iconic cars such as the Morris Marina, Triumph TR7, Austin Allegro and the Leyland Atlantean double-decker bus.

JC 12/27/22 JC 12/27/22

503: "38-Minute War"

Interesting Things with JC #503: "38-Minute War" - was a brief but decisive conflict between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate, lasting just 38 minutes

JC 10/17/22 JC 10/17/22

431: "Wireless Telegraph Service"

Interesting Things with JC #431: Marconi starts the first commercial "Wireless Telegraph Service" across the Atlantic Ocean, linking Nova Scotia and Ireland.

JC 9/9/22 JC 9/9/22

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.

JC 8/15/22 JC 8/15/22

367: "Independence Day in India"

Interesting Things with JC #367: "Independence Day in India" is celebrated annually on August 15th to commemorate the country's independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947.

JC 6/22/22 JC 6/22/22

311: "Self Closing Drawer Slides"

Interesting Things with JC #311: "Self Closing Drawer Slides" include a stationary housing, a slider, and a latch. While the housing is coupled to a cabinet or drawer, dampers are used to slow the movement of the drawer, while engaging a latch towards closure.

JC 5/20/22 JC 5/20/22

278: "Curry"

Interesting Things with JC #278: "Curry" is many things: a cuisine, a dish, a sauce, a spice blend, and a link to cultures around the world. Its flavor varies from country to country. Let's learn more!

JC 4/13/22 JC 4/13/22

241: "The Flying Scotsman"

Interesting Things with JC #241: “The Flying Scotsman” - Mr. Alan Pegler brought the "Flying Scotsman" with a train of three British passenger cars, to the United States in 1968, traveling from Coast to Coast as an exhibition to promote global British exports. The details of the trip would forever change Pegler, as the fate of the train was unknown at the time!

JC 4/1/22 JC 4/1/22

229: "The Spaghetti Trees of Switzerland"

Interesting Things with JC #229: "The Spaghetti Trees of Switzerland". The BBC pulled off one of the best April Fools’ Day pranks, convincing the British population that not only did spaghetti grow on trees, but that they could grow their own by sticking dry spaghetti into cans of marinara sauce…is this even real?!