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.
908: "Nine Bows"
Interesting Things with JC #908: "Nine Bows" - Explore the ancient Egyptian symbolism of the Nine Bows, representing adversaries and the pharaoh's might against chaos. Discover the battle between order and chaos depicted in Egyptian art and culture, reflecting the nation's identity and resilience.
707: "Micrography Unveiled"
Interesting Things with JC #707: "Micrography Unveiled" - Discover the fascinating world of micrography, where intricate letters and symbols create captivating art. From ancient manuscripts to modern masterpieces, this story unravels the secrets behind this unique artistic technique. Explore the fusion of language and creativity that brings images to life.
505: "Buddha Tooth Relic Temple”
Interesting Things with JC #505: “The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple” and Museum in Singapore is a popular tourist destination known for its intricate design and displays of Buddhist art and history. The temple is named after the left canine tooth of the Buddha, which is considered a symbol of his teachings and is believed to have special powers.
286: "Roeselare”
Interesting Things with JC #286: "Roeselare" is a Belgian city in the Flemish province of West Flanders. From the legendary Rodenbach brewery, to the amazing Leie Canal, the inspiration and creativity found here has influenced legendary artists for centuries. To include modern experimental artists like Vaafs Liquid Art!
218: “Elephants”
Interesting Things with JC #218: “Elephants” - The word “elephant” comes from the Greek word “elephas” which means “ivory”. The elephant brain is remarkably similar to the human brain, with as many neurons and synapses, as well as a highly developed hippocampus and cerebral cortex. There is a movement called the wooly mammoth revival that seeks to bring the species back to life through the genes of the Asian elephant.
203 - Interesting Things: Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a tribute one of the greatest artists ever to have lived. The exhibition hall opened June 2, 1973. The historical backdrop of the Van Gogh Museum design is intriguing. The primary structure, planned by Gerrit Rietveld, opened in 1973. Engineer Kisho Kurokawas presentation wing was finished in 1999. It is the most visited Van Gogh museum worldwide.
185 - Interesting Things: The Kelpies of Scotland
The Kelpies stand 100ft tall & weigh 300 tonnes each. The works of art have become iconic after being modelled on icons of times gone by, with names from mythological transforming beasts, that possess the strength & endurance of 100 horses.
119 Interesting Things - Latex Paint
Latex paint is borderline magical. You can wash it off without excess chemicals. It can be used as a single coat to cover up another color. It has an extended shelf life, and it's used everywhere. It's an overlooked modern marvel. This episode is inspired by John Gionis with Spartan Contracting of Rhode Island.