A Short Story Podcast Series
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Interesting Things with JC is free to use for teaching and learning under fair use. Educators, homeschooling parents, librarians, and lifelong learners have broad rights to use the episodes and curriculum in any instructional setting. One exception applies to Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors”, which is not covered under this open educational permission.
Full curriculum support begins at Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom”. Any earlier episode without curriculum can be prioritized by request. Educators may contact JimConnors LLC directly, and a matching curriculum module will be created and added to the site.
Teachers and homeschooling families are welcome to use, play, share, print, and adapt all eligible episodes and curriculum materials for lesson planning, instruction, student assignments, LMS uploads, and any other direct educational activity. No special approval is required for everyday classroom use. Crediting the show is appreciated when possible.
This permission does not extend to commercial activity. The episodes and curriculum may not be repackaged, resold, redistributed as a standalone program, or presented as original work by any third party. Any commercial or branded use requires prior written consent from JimConnors LLC. Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” follows its own restrictions and is excluded from open educational use.
Educators may freely use the content in classrooms, homeschools, co-ops, tutoring programs, library settings, and adult education. They may revise or adapt curriculum pages, print transcripts, share episode links, or integrate materials into their lessons as needed. What is not allowed is turning the work into a paid course, selling derivatives, posting content under another brand, or redistributing the series as a separate product.
Summary:
Free for education.
Not for resale.
Not for commercial repackaging.
Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom” and onward includes full curriculum.
Older episodes can receive curriculum by request.
Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” is excluded.
All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC. -
Interesting Things with JC is available on the Podcast Radio format in the United Kingdom and the United States. Listeners can tune in on the radio in select cities or stream the station online from anywhere.
United Kingdom – Podcast Radio (UK)
Podcast Radio is a 24-hour all-podcast station based in London. It broadcasts on DAB+ digital radio across London and several other supported UK regions, with full worldwide access through its online stream.
Interesting Things with JC is included in Podcast Radio’s curated programming lineup.
Listeners in the United Kingdom can hear the station on DAB+ receivers in covered areas, through the Podcast Radio website, or through the station’s online and mobile streaming platforms.
United States – Podcast Radio US
In the United States, Interesting Things with JC airs as part of Podcast Radio US across four regional markets. The format is carried on HD Radio channels and FM translators.
Detroit, Michigan: WCSX 94.7 HD2 and 93.5 FM
Tampa Bay, Florida: 1010 WJBR AM
Charlotte, North Carolina: 94.7 FM and WSOC HD3
Fort Myers and Naples, Florida: WXKB HD2, 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, and 105.1 FMNationwide listening is available through the station’s website at PodcastRadioUS.com.
Streaming Access
Podcast Radio UK and Podcast Radio US both offer live streaming through their official websites and mobile platforms, allowing listeners worldwide to hear Interesting Things with JC as part of the network’s curated programming.
The show is also available across major podcast and audio platforms, including Podcast Radio, Podverse, Headliner, Amazon, Apple, Audacy, Audible, Castbox, Deezer, fyyd, GoodPods, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Listen Notes, Pandora, PlayerFM, PocketCasts, Podcast Republic, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.
In addition to audio platforms, listeners can follow and stream content on social media through Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube.
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Start class with a short, clear story your students can follow from the first sentence. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC and use the free curriculum to guide a full lesson with questions, activities, and applied learning.
Every episode from #1235 forward includes a modular micro lesson designed for a 30 to 45 minute class period. At the bottom of each episode page, you will find expandable sections that organize all curriculum materials for teachers, parents, and homeschool families.
Each lesson includes:
Lesson overview with title, grade band, subject area, and learning objectives
Key vocabulary with phonetic spelling and plain language definitions
Core story content created through the Precise Storytelling Framework
Full podcast transcript
Student worksheet with comprehension and writing activities
Teacher guide with pacing notes, strategies, and discussion tools
Quiz or quick check assessment with a scoring rubric
Standards alignment across multiple national and international frameworks
ADA compliant alt text for all instructional media
Links to approved primary sources used for fact checking
Guidance for homeschool adaptation and flexible scheduling
All curriculum materials are created through the Narrative Intelligence System to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and age-appropriate delivery. Lessons stay free of ideological frameworks and focus on academic content only.
Standards Alignment
Interesting Things with JC aligns each micro lesson with the following approved educational standards:
United States National Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics
College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (C3 Framework)
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE Standards)
National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
Career and Technical Education Career Clusters (CTE Career Clusters)
Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy (ACRL Framework)
Bloom’s Taxonomy for Cognitive Learning Objectives
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (UDL Guidelines)
Additional United States Alignment Areas
Alignment to state and provincial academic standards when content applies
Media and Information Literacy standards
Social Emotional Learning and 21st Century Skills frameworks
Financial Literacy and Employability Skills standards
English as a Second Language and World Language vocabulary support when applicable
International Academic Equivalents (Content-Based Alignment Only)
United Kingdom National Curriculum, Key Stages 3 to 5
AQA, OCR, and Edexcel Examination Board Specifications
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme (IB PYP, MYP, DP)
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level (Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level)
Access, Use, and OER Licensing
All lessons are published as Open Educational Resources and may be used, printed, or shared for teaching and learning in classrooms, homeschools, and tutoring environments. Materials are provided for educational use under fair use and may not be resold or distributed commercially.
Episodes from #1235 forward include complete curriculum materials. If you find an older episode without a micro lesson, reach out and it will be moved to the front of the build queue. Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS feed includes open text at the bottom of the page for quick access to transcripts and curriculum notes.
Teacher and homeschool feedback is always welcome to help improve clarity and layout.
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.