A Short Story Podcast Series
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Interesting Things with JC is free to use for teaching and learning under fair use. Educators, homeschooling parents, librarians, and lifelong learners have broad rights to use the episodes and curriculum in any instructional setting. One exception applies to Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors”, which is not covered under this open educational permission.
Full curriculum support begins at Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom”. Any earlier episode without curriculum can be prioritized by request. Educators may contact JimConnors LLC directly, and a matching curriculum module will be created and added to the site.
Teachers and homeschooling families are welcome to use, play, share, print, and adapt all eligible episodes and curriculum materials for lesson planning, instruction, student assignments, LMS uploads, and any other direct educational activity. No special approval is required for everyday classroom use. Crediting the show is appreciated when possible.
This permission does not extend to commercial activity. The episodes and curriculum may not be repackaged, resold, redistributed as a standalone program, or presented as original work by any third party. Any commercial or branded use requires prior written consent from JimConnors LLC. Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” follows its own restrictions and is excluded from open educational use.
Educators may freely use the content in classrooms, homeschools, co-ops, tutoring programs, library settings, and adult education. They may revise or adapt curriculum pages, print transcripts, share episode links, or integrate materials into their lessons as needed. What is not allowed is turning the work into a paid course, selling derivatives, posting content under another brand, or redistributing the series as a separate product.
Summary:
Free for education.
Not for resale.
Not for commercial repackaging.
Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom” and onward includes full curriculum.
Older episodes can receive curriculum by request.
Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” is excluded.
All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC. -
Interesting Things with JC is available on the Podcast Radio format in the United Kingdom and the United States. Listeners can tune in on the radio in select cities or stream the station online from anywhere.
United Kingdom – Podcast Radio (UK)
Podcast Radio is a 24-hour all-podcast station based in London. It broadcasts on DAB+ digital radio across London and several other supported UK regions, with full worldwide access through its online stream.
Interesting Things with JC is included in Podcast Radio’s curated programming lineup.
Listeners in the United Kingdom can hear the station on DAB+ receivers in covered areas, through the Podcast Radio website, or through the station’s online and mobile streaming platforms.
United States – Podcast Radio US
In the United States, Interesting Things with JC airs as part of Podcast Radio US across four regional markets. The format is carried on HD Radio channels and FM translators.
Detroit, Michigan: WCSX 94.7 HD2 and 93.5 FM
Tampa Bay, Florida: 1010 WJBR AM
Charlotte, North Carolina: 94.7 FM and WSOC HD3
Fort Myers and Naples, Florida: WXKB HD2, 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, and 105.1 FMNationwide listening is available through the station’s website at PodcastRadioUS.com.
Streaming Access
Podcast Radio UK and Podcast Radio US both offer live streaming through their official websites and mobile platforms, allowing listeners worldwide to hear Interesting Things with JC as part of the network’s curated programming.
The show is also available across major podcast and audio platforms, including Podcast Radio, Podverse, Headliner, Amazon, Apple, Audacy, Audible, Castbox, Deezer, fyyd, GoodPods, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Listen Notes, Pandora, PlayerFM, PocketCasts, Podcast Republic, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.
In addition to audio platforms, listeners can follow and stream content on social media through Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube.
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Start class with a short, clear story your students can follow from the first sentence. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC and use the free curriculum to guide a full lesson with questions, activities, and applied learning.
Every episode from #1235 forward includes a modular micro lesson designed for a 30 to 45 minute class period. At the bottom of each episode page, you will find expandable sections that organize all curriculum materials for teachers, parents, and homeschool families.
Each lesson includes:
Lesson overview with title, grade band, subject area, and learning objectives
Key vocabulary with phonetic spelling and plain language definitions
Core story content created through the Precise Storytelling Framework
Full podcast transcript
Student worksheet with comprehension and writing activities
Teacher guide with pacing notes, strategies, and discussion tools
Quiz or quick check assessment with a scoring rubric
Standards alignment across multiple national and international frameworks
ADA compliant alt text for all instructional media
Links to approved primary sources used for fact checking
Guidance for homeschool adaptation and flexible scheduling
All curriculum materials are created through the Narrative Intelligence System to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and age-appropriate delivery. Lessons stay free of ideological frameworks and focus on academic content only.
Standards Alignment
Interesting Things with JC aligns each micro lesson with the following approved educational standards:
United States National Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics
College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (C3 Framework)
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE Standards)
National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
Career and Technical Education Career Clusters (CTE Career Clusters)
Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy (ACRL Framework)
Bloom’s Taxonomy for Cognitive Learning Objectives
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (UDL Guidelines)
Additional United States Alignment Areas
Alignment to state and provincial academic standards when content applies
Media and Information Literacy standards
Social Emotional Learning and 21st Century Skills frameworks
Financial Literacy and Employability Skills standards
English as a Second Language and World Language vocabulary support when applicable
International Academic Equivalents (Content-Based Alignment Only)
United Kingdom National Curriculum, Key Stages 3 to 5
AQA, OCR, and Edexcel Examination Board Specifications
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme (IB PYP, MYP, DP)
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level (Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level)
Access, Use, and OER Licensing
All lessons are published as Open Educational Resources and may be used, printed, or shared for teaching and learning in classrooms, homeschools, and tutoring environments. Materials are provided for educational use under fair use and may not be resold or distributed commercially.
Episodes from #1235 forward include complete curriculum materials. If you find an older episode without a micro lesson, reach out and it will be moved to the front of the build queue. Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS feed includes open text at the bottom of the page for quick access to transcripts and curriculum notes.
Teacher and homeschool feedback is always welcome to help improve clarity and layout.
013: "The Falkirk Wheel"
Interesting Things with JC #013: "The Falkirk Wheel" - Explore The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland's pioneering rotating boat lift that seamlessly connects two major canals. This impressive structure not only facilitates transportation but also showcases cutting-edge engineering and innovation in the UK.
943: "Screwpile Lighthouse"
Interesting Things with JC #943: "Screwpile Lighthouse" - Explore how Alexander Mitchell's innovative Screwpile Lighthouse transformed maritime safety, paving the way for safer navigation. Mitchell's invention revolutionized the seascape! This episode was inspired by “Coast Guard Dave.”
927: "Edmonia Lewis"
Interesting Things with JC #927: "Edmonia Lewis" a pioneering African American and Native American sculptor, defied conventions in 19th-century America with her groundbreaking artworks.
926: "1938 Baird Colour TV Demonstration"
Interesting Things with JC #926: "1938 Baird Colour TV Demonstration" - Unveiling a revolution in television history, the demonstration showcased vibrant colors and cutting-edge innovation. Witness the journey of early television and its impact on entertainment.
916: "DARPA X-65"
Interesting Things with JC #916: "DARPA X-65" - DARPA and Aurora Flight Sciences collaborate on the X-65, an innovative aircraft utilizing active flow control (AFC) for flight, promising to reshape aircraft design. This groundbreaking project marks a significant leap forward in aviation technology and research.
911: "Human-Created First Logical Qubit Circuit"
Interesting Things with JC #911: "Human-Created First Logical Qubit Circuit" - Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in quantum computing with the creation of the first logical qubit circuit, heralding a new era of technological advancement.
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!
904: "Understanding the Electrostatic Field"
Interesting Things with JC #904: "Understanding the Electrostatic Field" - Explore the captivating dynamics of electrostatic fields, from the intricate dance of particles within atoms to their practical applications in everyday life. Discover how charges attract and repel, shaping phenomena like static electricity and magnetic fields, and unlocking innovations in technology and science.
894: "Q-Collar"
Interesting Things with JC #894: "Q-Collar" - Explore the revolutionary Q-Collar, a game-changer in brain protection for athletes and soldiers. From reducing brain slosh to its global impact, this innovative gear reshapes safety on the sports field and battlefield alike.
836: "Simplicity and the Wonder Boy"
Interesting Things with JC #836: "Simplicity and the Wonder Boy" - Delve into Simplicity's remarkable journey, from the inception in 1922 with the Wonder Boy to strategic acquisitions that shaped the outdoor equipment industry. Explore the company's innovation legacy and entrepreneurial evolution. Tune in on @ThePodcastRadio or visit JimConnors.net
825: "Shape Memory Alloys"
Interesting Things with JC #825: "Shape Memory Alloys" - Dive into the enchanting world of Shape Memory Alloys, where science and innovation meet. Discover their mysterious transformation and their invaluable role in aerospace and medical applications.
787: "Boeing 787 Dreamliner"
Interesting Things with JC #787: "Boeing 787 Dreamliner" - The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an aviation marvel, with its innovative use of composite materials, fuel-saving technology, and a focus on passenger comfort. This wide-body aircraft has redefined long-haul travel, offering both efficiency and sustainability.
777: "777"
Interesting Things with JC #777: "777" - Embark on a journey through aviation history as we delve into the remarkable story of the Boeing 777, from groundbreaking innovation to setting world records. Discover the technology, engineering, and global impact of this iconic aircraft.
760: "Trapping Light in Magnets"
Interesting Things with JC #760: "Trapping Light in Magnets" - Delve into the world of magnetic materials and their newfound partnership with light. This scientific breakthrough explores how this interaction opens doors to magnetic lasers and quantum technology.
Ref - Dirnberger, F., Quan, J., Bushati, R. et al. Magneto-optics in a van der Waals magnet tuned by self-hybridized polaritons. Nature 620, 533–537 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06275-2
747: "Hang Gliding"
Interesting Things with JC #747: "Hang Gliding" invites you to step into the world of aviation adventure, where pilots harness the wind to dance through the skies. Experience the magic of flexible wings, aerodynamic forces, and a rich history that echoes across centuries. Explore the tale of human ingenuity and the sky's boundless allure.
701: "Sphere at the Venetian Resort
Interesting Things with JC #701: "Sphere at the Venetian Resort" - Experience the grandeur of the Las Vegas Sphere, the world's largest video screen, standing tall at 366 meters and captivating audiences with its stunning visuals. Discover how this architectural marvel is reshaping the Las Vegas skyline and solidifying its position as a premier entertainment destination.
621: "The Resilience and Growth of Florida's Space Coast"
Interesting Things with JC #621: "The Resilience and Growth of Florida's Space Coast"
The story of Florida's Space Coast is one of resilience and growth, with the region's GDP reaching $24.1 billion and a workforce of 282,000 people. Despite setbacks and challenges, the Space Coast continues to thrive, with significant job growth and a diverse mix of industries including aerospace, defense, technology, and tourism.
561: "Incheon"
Interesting Things with JC #561: “Incheon” - A City Blending History and Ambitious Plans for the Future. Discover the hidden gems of Incheon, South Korea - from the bustling Chinatown to the serene Songdo Central Park. Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this unique destination.