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.
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.
779: "Mokele Mbembe"
Interesting Things with JC #779: "Mokele Mbembe" - Venture into the Congo Basin's uncharted depths to unravel the legend of the Mokele-Mbembe, a colossal, dinosaur-like creature. Amid myths and mysteries, let's learn more!
778: "Giant's Causeway"
Interesting Things with JC #778: "Giant's Causeway" - Embark on an exploration of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway, a geological marvel featuring 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Uncover tales of legends, the wonders of nature, and a rich history, all in one extraordinary destination.
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.
709: "Smugglers Notch"
Interesting Things with JC #709: "Smugglers Notch" - Uncover the captivating history of this hidden mountain pass in Vermont where smugglers once roamed. From daring escapes to breathtaking landscapes, explore the secrets of Smugglers Notch.
638: "The Tradition of Women's Hats at the Kentucky Derby"
Interesting Things with JC #638: "The Tradition of Women's Hats at the Kentucky Derby" - Experience the glamour and extravagance of the Kentucky Derby hats! Discover the history and secrets behind the most fashionable headwear in sports.
501: "Candy Canes"
Interesting Things with JC #501: "Candy Canes" - The candy cane was created in the 17th century in Germany and popularized in the early 1900s with added red stripes.
444: "Werewolves"
Interesting Things with JC #444: “Werewolves”-According to legend, "werewolves" are people who shape-shift into vicious, ravenous monsters in a powerful wolf-like form.
416: "Where Do Player Fines Go?"
Interesting Things with JC #416: "Where Do Player Fines Go?" - Have you ever wondered what happens to the fines that National Football League players must pay? Let’s find out where that money goes!
339: "Paul Bunyan"
Interesting Things with JC #339: "Paul Bunyan" - Once upon a time, a large man named Paul Bunyan existed. Bunyan was a lumberjack who traversed the country with his blue ox, Babe. Paul Bunyan's tales are legendary and an integral part of American folklore.