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.
862: "Ensure Success - Avoid Negativity"
Interesting Things with JC #862: "Ensure Success - Avoid Negativity" - In our diverse community, each person's story is a vital part of the collective narrative. Navigating challenges, we learn the importance of cultivating a culture of encouragement and resilience.
784: "You've got a Long Row to Hoe"
Interesting Things with JC #784: "You've got a Long Row to Hoe" - Explore the origin of this enduring phrase that underscores the importance of hard work, character development, and the virtues of perseverance.
A very special "thank you" to Paige King Johnson for inspiring today's episode!
742: "Narcolepsy"
Interesting Things with JC #742: "Narcolepsy" - Delve into the world of narcolepsy, where relentless sleepiness collides with unexpected paralysis, vivid dreams, and stories of resilience. Experience the power of the human spirit in facing unique challenges.
675: "Gratitude"
Interesting Things with JC #675: "Gratitude" - Embrace the power of gratitude and unlock a contented life filled with joy and abundance. Cultivate an attitude of appreciation, count your blessings, and savor the present moment. Let gratitude reshape your perspective and open your heart to meaningful connections.
This story was inspired by the Darpinian Family
672: "Resilience"
Interesting Things with JC #672: "Resilience" - Life's challenges refine us, not define us. Embrace setbacks as stepping stones to growth. Learn from failures, adapt to new circumstances, and keep pushing forward. Success is not about falling, but rising.
This episode was inspired by the life and times of Jennifer Vollbrecht
631: "The Path of Life"
Interesting Things with JC #631: "The Path of Life" - Let's explore the similarities between sailing and strategic planning in life.
613: "Be Your Own Humble Champion"
Interesting Things with JC #613: "Be Your Own Humble Champion" - Being your own champion means celebrating your successes, focusing on self-improvement, respecting others, accepting challenges, and staying grounded.
596: "Shifting Perspectives"
Interesting Things with JC #596: "Shifting Perspectives" - It's important to try and shift our perspective and elevate our consciousness to solve problems. By recognizing our mental state and opening up to new ways of thinking, we can gain fresh insights and overcome challenges.
578: "Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month"
Interesting Things with JC #578: "Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month" - National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is celebrated every March as a result of a grassroots effort by several organizations and individuals working to raise awareness of cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that causes problems with movement and coordination, affecting around one in every 345 children in the United States. The condition has different types and symptoms, as well as associated health conditions and an estimated lifetime cost of care.
Early intervention services and therapies can improve individuals' quality of life and functional outcomes. Despite the challenges that individuals and families face, people with cerebral palsy can live rich and fulfilling lives, and many achieve great success in various fields such as the arts, sports, and business.