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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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.
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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.
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.
976: "Life is a Journey, Not a Destination"
Interesting Things with JC #976: "Life is a Journey, Not a Destination" - This story emphasizes the importance of embracing life as an ongoing journey rather than focusing solely on reaching predetermined destinations. It encourages individuals to appreciate each moment, learn from experiences, and find meaning in the process of living.
779: "Mokele Mbembe"
Interesting Things with JC #779: "Mokele Mbembe" - Venture into the Congo Basin's uncharted depths to unravel the legend of the Mokele-Mbembe, a colossal, dinosaur-like creature. Amid myths and mysteries, let's learn more!
771: "4 Types of Ocean Waves"
Interesting Things with JC #771: "4 Types of Ocean Waves" - Dive into the captivating world of ocean waves, from the rhythmic dance of Wind Waves to the graceful ballet of Swell Waves. Explore the destructive power of Tsunamis and the rebellious spirit of Tidal Waves. Experience nature's beauty and might in this oceanic journey.
751: "Sea Lion Caves"
Interesting Things with JC #751: "Sea Lion Caves" - Delve into the captivating world of Steller sea lions, from their breathtaking breath-holding feats to the remarkable underground amphitheater they inhabit. Discover the stories etched within America's largest sea lion cave, where land and ocean intertwine.
747: "Hang Gliding"
Interesting Things with JC #747: "Hang Gliding" invites you to step into the world of aviation adventure, where pilots harness the wind to dance through the skies. Experience the magic of flexible wings, aerodynamic forces, and a rich history that echoes across centuries. Explore the tale of human ingenuity and the sky's boundless allure.
746: "Patagonia"
Interesting Things with JC #746: "Patagonia" - Embark on a sensory odyssey through the untamed beauty of Patagonia, where myths meet reality. Discover the land of giant penguins, delve into stunning landscapes, and uncover ancient mysteries. Join us on a podcast journey like no other.
709: "Smugglers Notch"
Interesting Things with JC #709: "Smugglers Notch" - Uncover the captivating history of this hidden mountain pass in Vermont where smugglers once roamed. From daring escapes to breathtaking landscapes, explore the secrets of Smugglers Notch.
656: "Captain William Kidd"
Interesting Things with JC #656: "Captain William Kidd" - Captain William Kidd, once a Scottish sailor commissioned to hunt pirates, turned to piracy himself and met his end at the gallows in London on this day in 1701. A cautionary tale of greed and corruption on the high seas.
611: "April 1513 - Florida"
Interesting Things with JC #611: "April 1513 - Florida" - Discover the daring story of Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who claimed Florida for his king in 1513. From encountering native tribes to seeking the legendary Fountain of Youth, his legacy lives on today.
610: "Trans-Siberian Railway"
Interesting Things with JC #610: "Trans-Siberian Railway" - The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world, spanning 9,289 km from Moscow to Vladivostok. It was built between 1891 and 1916, and its construction required the labor of tens of thousands of workers, many of whom were prisoners. Today, the Trans-Siberian Railway is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of Russia's diverse landscapes and cultures.
594: "Voyager's Record-Breaking Non-Stop Flight Around the World"
Interesting Things with JC #594: "Voyager's Record-Breaking Non-Stop Flight Around the World" - Did you know that in 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager made history by circumnavigating the globe in the Voyager without refueling? Their nine-day journey faced storms and mechanical issues, but they persevered.