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.
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.