A Short Story Podcast Series
Podcast Radio - Podverse - Headliner - Amazon - Apple - Audacy - Audible - Castbox - Deezer - fyyd - GoodPods - iHeartRadio - Instagram - JioSaavn - Listen Notes - Pandora - PlayerFM - PocketCasts - Podcast Republic - Podchaser - Spotify - Stitcher - Youtube
Link to Podcast Library or Scroll for Daily Feed
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
1176: "What is a Lab Leak?"
Interesting Things with JC #1176: "What is a Lab Leak?" – Recent reports are that COVID-19 most likely originated from a lab leak. Explore the history of lab leaks, their causes, and what they mean for global health and safety. Learn how past incidents shape future protections.
1033: "Why Do Shrimp Stand Up?"
Interesting Things with JC #1033: "Why Do Shrimp Stand Up?" - Shrimp standing up isn’t just a curious sight, it’s a genetic behavior! Let’s dive into the details!!
1031: "Dr. Viktor Adamenko and Bioplasma"
Interesting Things with JC #1031: "Dr. Viktor Adamenko & Bioplasma" - Dr. Viktor Adamenko introduced the controversial concept of "bioplasma" in the 1970s, suggesting that living organisms might have a subtle energy field. Explore the science behind bioplasma, the skepticism it faced, and its lasting impact on bioenergetics research.
This episode is dedicated to the new Dr. Delmont, your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring.
1008: "Gossip"
Interesting Things with JC #1008: "Gossip" - Discover why gossip can cause so much drama, affecting trust, relationships, and mental health.
1004: "Half of All U.S. Oil Comes from Odessa Texas"
Interesting Things with JC #1004: "Half of All U.S. Oil Comes from Odessa, Texas" - Explore the pivotal role of Odessa in the U.S. oil industry, driven by the Permian Basin's rich resources and advanced drilling technologies.
097: "Sharks Are Older Than Trees"
Interesting Things with JC #097: "Sharks Are Older Than Trees" - Explore the fascinating fact that sharks have existed longer than trees. Tune in for more!
982: "Skinny Fat"
Interesting Things with JC #982: "Skinny Fat" - An exploration into the complexities of normal-weight obesity, uncovering the hidden health risks of being skinny fat and the importance of body composition in overall well-being.
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.
903: "Scorpions Glow Under Blacklight"
Interesting Things with JC #903: "Scorpions Glow Under Blacklight" - Delve into the mesmerizing world of scorpions as we uncover the reasons behind their enchanting glow. From the mysterious hyaline layer to the wonders of nature, this episode explores the fascinating science behind scorpions shining under a black UV light.
116: “The Christmas Tree” (Re-Released 2023)
Interesting Things with JC #116: “The Christmas Tree” - Celebrated around the world, this icon of the holiday season days back quite some time. Let's look back at the history of the Christmas tree. Why is it done, where does the tradition come from, how many bugs are on real trees, aluminum trees and more!
853: "The Feast of Saint Nicholas"
Interesting Things with JC #853: "The Feast of Saint Nicholas" - Dive into the inspiring life of Saint Nicholas, marked by compassion, miracles, and unwavering devotion. From aiding the needy to calming storms at sea, his legacy resonates with tales of faith and selflessness.
848: "Casimir Effect"
Interesting Things with JC #848: "Casimir Effect" - Unravel the quantum dance of attractive forces between plates and mirrors, from Hendrik Casimir's predictions to nanotech applications. Explore the mysteries of quantum mechanics, negative energy density, and the profound nature of seemingly empty space.
841: "Dallas - 24 November 1963"
Interesting Things with JC #841: "Dallas - 24 November 1963" delves into the shocking events as nightclub owner Jack Ruby shoots Lee Harvey Oswald live on TV, adding layers of mystery to JFK's assassination. The legal saga, Ruby's declining mental state revealed in a cryptic note, and the unresolved questions create a gripping narrative.
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.
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.
809: "Standing Wave Flame Tube"
Interesting Things with JC #809: "Standing Wave Flame Tube" - Explore the mesmerizing science of sound waves, resonance, and acoustics through the captivating Rubens' Tube demonstration. Witness the visual representation of standing waves and delve into the educational world of physics.
805: "Telluride"
Interesting Things with JC #805: "Telluride" - Explore the captivating mountain paradise of Telluride, nestled in Southwest Colorado. From world-class skiing to Colorado's tallest waterfall, discover the allure of this historic town.
773: "US Route 62"
Interesting Things with JC #773: "US Route 62" - Embark on an epic 2,246.9-mile journey along US Route 62, connecting two nations. Explore the history, culture, and natural wonders, from Niagara Falls to Roswell's UFO tales.
761: "SHARKS in the Mississippi"
Interesting Things with JC #761: "SHARKS in the Mississippi" - Dive into the intriguing realm of freshwater sharks, from bull sharks to enigmatic river mysteries, revealing the secrets of these aquatic wonders.
759: "Cradle of Clay - Desert Lake Beds"
Interesting Things with JC #759: "Cradle of Clay - Desert Lake Beds" - Explore the scientific mysteries of clay soil in desert lake beds, delving into its mineral composition, particle size distribution, swelling-shrinking behavior, and soil structure. Uncover the secrets of this unique terrain.