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.
976: "Life is a Journey, Not a Destination"
Interesting Things with JC #976: "Life is a Journey, Not a Destination" - This story emphasizes the importance of embracing life as an ongoing journey rather than focusing solely on reaching predetermined destinations. It encourages individuals to appreciate each moment, learn from experiences, and find meaning in the process of living.
958: "Unleashing Inner Potential"
Interesting Things with JC #958: "Unleashing Inner Potential" - Follow the inspiring journey of self-belief and resilience as we explore the transformative power of tapping into one's inner strength to achieve remarkable success.
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.
871: "A Visit from St. Nicholas - The Night Before Christmas"
Interesting Things with JC #871: "A Visit from St. Nicholas - The Night Before Christmas" encapsulates the enchanting tale of St. Nicholas embarking on his magical journey on Christmas Eve, guided by his reindeer and sleigh. As he delivers gifts to children, the story paints a vivid picture of snowy rooftops, festive joy, and the timeless magic of the holiday season, leaving readers and listeners captivated by its charm and merriment. Enjoy JC’s iteration of the original poem by Clement Clarke Moore.
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.
631: "The Path of Life"
Interesting Things with JC #631: "The Path of Life" - Let's explore the similarities between sailing and strategic planning in life.
594: "Voyager's Record-Breaking Non-Stop Flight Around the World"
Interesting Things with JC #594: "Voyager's Record-Breaking Non-Stop Flight Around the World" - Did you know that in 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager made history by circumnavigating the globe in the Voyager without refueling? Their nine-day journey faced storms and mechanical issues, but they persevered.
555: "Mood Hoovers - Ain't Nobody Got Time For That"
Interesting Things with JC #555: "Mood Hoovers - Ain't Nobody Got Time For That" - Life is full of surprises, but you don't have to wait for them to happen. Take action, be unafraid, and approach each day like it's your first. Fill it with love, positivity, and gratitude. This Story was inspired by Ms Georgia Bow.
291: "Budapest"
Interesting Things with JC #291: "Budapest" known as the city of diversity and as the city of a thousand baths. This beautiful Capitol has a rich history officially dating back to 896. Let's visit Budapest together!
241: "The Flying Scotsman"
Interesting Things with JC #241: “The Flying Scotsman” - Mr. Alan Pegler brought the "Flying Scotsman" with a train of three British passenger cars, to the United States in 1968, traveling from Coast to Coast as an exhibition to promote global British exports. The details of the trip would forever change Pegler, as the fate of the train was unknown at the time!