A Short Story Podcast Series
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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.
979: "Jamais Vu"
Interesting Things with JC #979: "Jamais Vu" - Embark on a journey into the mysterious world of jamais vu, where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, unraveling the complexities of memory, perception, and cognition.
946: "The Fanal Forest"
Interesting Things with JC #946: "The Fanal Forest" - Step into the mystical realm of Madeira's ancient woodland, where towering laurel trees whisper tales of centuries past. Discover the biodiversity and conservation efforts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering serenity amidst nature's embrace.
920: "One Hour Drive to Space"
Interesting Things with JC #920: "One Hour Drive to Space" - Embark on a cosmic journey just 62 miles above Earth and explore the universe's vastness. Experience the wonders of space exploration and celestial bodies.
910: "NASA X-59"
Interesting Things with JC #910: "NASA X-59" - Explore NASA's X-59 Quiets Sonic Boom Technology Demonstrator, paving the way for quieter supersonic flight and revolutionizing aviation!
854: "How Pythons Climb"
Interesting Things with JC #854: "How Pythons Climb" - Delve into the mesmerizing arboreal journey of pythons, where scales, muscles, and sensory prowess converge in a symphony of nature. Explore the intricate adaptation, from friction-enhanced scales to a flexible skeletal dance, unlocking the secrets of snake magic.
839: "Tip of the Tongue"
Interesting Things with JC #839: 'Tip of the Tongue' - Embark on a journey through the intricate maze of the mind, exploring the frustration and fascination of the 'tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon. Delve into the complexities of memory, where words play hide-and-seek, adding a touch of suspense to the human experience.
789: "You don't know what you don't know"
Interesting Things with JC #789: "You don't know what you don't know" explores the concept of awareness and ignorance, highlighting the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. This episode delves into the idea that there are endless possibilities waiting to be discovered beyond our current understanding, emphasizing the role of open-mindedness in personal growth and decision-making.
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.
756: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident"
Interesting Things with JC #756: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident" delves into the heart of a chilling mystery. In 1959, experienced hikers ventured into the Ural Mountains only to meet tragedy under inexplicable circumstances. As theories from avalanches to supernatural forces abound, this tale stands as a testament to humanity's pursuit of exploration amidst nature's enigmatic power. This story was suggested by Hiker & Nature Photographer Amy.
739: "Point Sur Lighthouse"
Interesting Things with JC #739: "Point Sur Lighthouse" - Delve into the captivating narrative of Point Sur Lighthouse, perched on a remote volcanic rock, guiding ships through perilous waters along the rugged coastline. Unveil maritime history and explore the evolution of navigation. Join us on a journey through time and maritime heritage.
738: "PCH - The Pacific Coast Highway"
Interesting Things with JC #738: "PCH - The Pacific Coast Highway" - Dive into the sensory-rich tale of the Pacific Coast Highway, an awe-inspiring road trip weaving through California's landscapes. Experience the twists, crashes, and passes that define this iconic journey, as well as the history behind its creation.
733: "Trellech"
Interesting Things with JC #733: "Trellech" - Discover the captivating tale of Trellech, a forgotten medieval city in Wales, now rediscovered after 800 years. Unearth its bustling marketplaces, skilled artisans, and grand castle, transporting you to a bygone era of history and intrigue.
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.
569: "John Quincy Adams and the Hollow Earth Expedition"
Interesting Things with JC #569: "John Quincy Adams and the Hollow Earth Expedition" - Did you know that President Adams authorized an expedition to the center of the Earth in the 1820s? Learn about the theory of a hollow earth and the failed voyage that followed.
475: "2 New Minerals Discovered in Meteorite"
Interesting Things with JC #475: "2 New Minerals Discovered in Meteorite" - The minerals were discovered within a slice of the ninth-largest meteorite ever discovered, the El Ali meteorite, which crashed in Somalia in 2020.