A Short Story Podcast Series
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Link to Podcast Library or Scroll for Daily Feed
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Episodes run 30 seconds to 8 minutes.
Send us your episode ideas, we’ll work the topics into future recordings, and credit you.
Homeschooling parents, teachers, and lifelong learners get priority.
Many episodes include free curriculum materials aligned to global standards.
Legal Disclaimer
All episodes of Interesting Things with JC are provided free of charge for educational purposes under fair use, with the exception of Episode #509. The series, including its associated curriculum and materials, may not be copied, resold, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written agreement and consent from JimConnors LLC. Unauthorized commercial use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC.
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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 in these cities:
Detroit – WCSX 94.7 HD2
Tampa – 1010 WJBR-AM
Charlotte – 94.7 FM and WSOC-HD3
Fort Myers / Naples – 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, 105.1 FM, and WXKB-HD2
You can also stream it nationwide at PodcastRadioUS.com
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Kick off class with a quick boost. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC to get your students interested right off the bat. The short stories are easy to follow, and the free curriculum gives you everything you need to turn that spark into a full lesson with questions, activities, and real learning.
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.
Disclaimer:Interesting Things with JC and its companion curriculum are provided for educational purposes under fair use. They are free to access and share for teaching and learning, but not for resale or commercial distribution.
Examples: Browse any episode from #1235 to the present.
Format Update: Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS includes open text at the bottom for easier access.
Feedback: Curriculum users, your input helps improve layout and usability. Your feedback is welcomed.
Older Episodes: If you find one without curriculum, drop me a line. I’ll prioritize building it out. The goal is for every episode to have full resources.
844: "What is AGI?"
Interesting Things with JC #844: "What is AGI?" - Journey through the intricacies of Artificial General Intelligence, from Google DeepMind's groundbreaking framework to the real-world impact of AI. Explore the ongoing debate, challenges, and the promise AGI holds for our tech-driven future.
801: "Countdowns"
Interesting Things with JC #801: "Countdowns" - Discover how countdowns impact time perception, boost self-confidence, and play a crucial role in childhood development. From psychological principles to practical business tactics, countdowns shape our lives in fascinating ways.
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.
737: "Big Sur"
Interesting Things with JC #737: "Big Sur" - Embark on a journey to the captivating realm of Big Sur, where untamed wilderness and coastal beauty collide along Scenic Highway One. Experience scorching heat and icy whispers, encounter rare flora, and delve into tales woven by renowned writers like Robinson Jeffers and Henry Miller. Tune in to explore this West Coast gem that enchants with its diverse landscapes and compelling stories.
732: "Supernumerary Teeth"
Interesting Things with JC #732: "Supernumerary Teeth" - Explore the captivating world of extra teeth beyond the usual count, showcasing jaw-dropping genetic quirks and incredible dental wonders. From record-breaking cases to inspiring stories, this dental anomaly unveils the endless marvels of human genetics and the importance of early detection for better medical care.
728: "Efficient Simulations"
Interesting Things with JC #728: "Efficient Simulations" - Leipzig University researchers revolutionize long-range interaction studies, shedding light on nonequilibrium processes.
719: "Solomon's Temple"
Interesting Things with JC #719: "Solomon's Temple" - Embark on a journey through history with the awe-inspiring tale of Solomon's Temple.
704: "Southern Proverb: From Head to Feet"
Interesting Things with JC #704: "Southern Proverb: From Head to Feet" - Discover the wisdom behind the southern proverb that emphasizes the value of practical skills and resourcefulness. Dive into a story that explores the significance of relying on physical abilities and instincts when knowledge falls short.
606: "Tell Your Story"
Interesting Things with JC #606: "Tell Your Story" - In the face of economic woes, political division, and media influence, let us not forget the strength of unity. We are all human beings who have the responsibility to help one another and the next generation.
605: "LexisNexis"
Interesting Things with JC #605: "LexisNexis" - Discover the fascinating history of legal research and business information service, which was launched April 2nd, 1973. From revolutionizing legal research to playing a role in high-profile cases, and over 10 billion accessible documents making it one of the largest collections of legal and business information in the entire world.
604: "Selkies"
Interesting Things with JC #604: "Selkies" - Selkies are creatures that are half-fish and half-human. They are mentioned in Celtic and Scottish mythology. It's believed they shed their skin and become humans when they land. They seem to always be looking for people who are missing something. Selkie legend lives on in remote coastal areas and on islands.
603: "The Green Man"
Interesting Things with JC #603: "The Green Man" - a mythical figure with a face made entirely of leaves, branches, and foliage. He symbolizes nature's regenerative power and the cycle of life and death. The Green Man's significance is multifaceted, representing nature's enduring power, spiritual and mystical connections to the natural world, cultural heritage and identity, and environmental awareness and conservation.
602: " The Phoenix Lights"
Interesting Things with JC #602: " The Phoenix Lights" incident of 1997 remains a topic of fascination and discussion among UFO enthusiasts. Were they aliens or military flares?
601: "Jackson, Mississippi"
Interesting Things with JC #601: "Jackson, Mississippi" - Discover the rich history of Jackson, Mississippi, from its Choctaw roots to the Woolworth's sit-in of 1963. Explore the museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions of this prosperous metropolis in the heart of the American South.
600: "In the year 600"
Interesting Things with JC #600: "In the year 600" - Discover the triumphs and turmoil of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Maurice and his successor Heraclius, as they battled Sassanid Persia and established a unified legal system.
599: "Our 9 Senses"
Interesting Things with JC #599: "Our 9 Senses" - Did you know there are 9 senses instead of 5? In addition to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, there's proprioception, thermoception, equilibrioception, and interoception. Our senses make the world vibrant and dynamic.
595: "If you cut a worm in half, do both halves live?"
Interesting Things with JC #595: "If you cut a worm in half, do both halves live?" - Did you know that cutting earthworms in half is a myth? While some worms can regenerate their whole bodies, retain memories, and even behave like multiple worms when sliced up!
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.
592: "Alcatraz: A Story of Maximum Security and Mystery"
Interesting Things with JC #592: "Alcatraz: A Story of Maximum Security and Mystery" - Alcatraz Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, was one of the most secure prisons in the world. Despite this, 36 inmates attempted 14 escapes, with nearly all being captured or dying as a result. The prison closed March 21st, 1963 after 29 years of operation due to high costs, and the island became a popular tourist destination managed by the National Park Service.
591: "Theoretical Physics"
Interesting Things with JC #591: "Theoretical Physics" - Discover the secrets of the universe through the lens of theoretical physics, from the behavior of matter & energy to quantum computing.