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.
985: "The Marfa Lights"
Interesting Things with JC #985: "The Marfa Lights" - The Marfa Lights are an enduring mystery of dancing lights observed near Marfa, Texas, sparking curiosity and scientific investigation. Theories range from car headlights to geological electricity, but no explanation has fully solved their mystique. This phenomenon draws tourists and researchers alike, intrigued by the spectral display.
899: "Curse of Scotland - 9 of Diamonds"
Interesting Things with JC #899: "Curse of Scotland - 9 of Diamonds" - Unravel the chilling tale behind the nine of diamonds, from royal intrigues to the Massacre of Glencoe. This card carries centuries of superstition and dark tales in Scottish history.
817: "The New Jersey Devil"
Interesting Things with JC #817: "The New Jersey Devil" - Explore the enigmatic legends of the Jersey Devil lurking in the Pine Barrens. Uncover eerie folklore, cryptid encounters, and the chilling origins of this mysterious creature.
792: "Wendigo"
Interesting Things with JC #792: "Wendigo" - Delve into the chilling myth of the Wendigo, a reflection of humanity's darkest desires, as it haunts the Algonquian-speaking tribes. From indigenous legends to fiery confrontations, this story unveils the depths of a haunting tale.
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.
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.
678: "Pistyll Rhaeadr"
Interesting Things with JC #678: "Pistyll Rhaeadr" - Discover the enchanting Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales' tallest waterfall, where nature's beauty meets legend. Immerse yourself in its history, feel the awe-inspiring power, and embrace the mystical!
443: “The True Story of Hansel and Gretel”
Interesting Things with JC #443: “The True Story of Hansel and Gretel” is based on real events that happened in the Baltic countries between 1314 and 1322.
439: "The Headless Horseman"
Interesting Things with JC #439: "The Headless Horseman" - The story of the Headless Horseman starts in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and is based on some real events.
397: "Anglesey: Mary, Celtic Druids, King Arthur, and the Prince of Wales"
Interesting Things with JC #397: "Anglesey: Mary, Celtic Druids, King Arthur, and the Prince of Wales" - Are there connections between Royal bloodlines, ancient history, folklore, and titles of nobility? You may have to be the judge..
159 Interesting Things - The Ozarks and the Blue Man
The Ozarks are an incredible region of the United States, popularized by tourism and the Netflix series. It's home to a rich history as well as vast and unique population, with interesting local folklore. One such story is that of the Blue Man who is believed to have made this region home.