Mountain range with peaks lit by sunlight and grassy foreground under a clear sky.

A Short Story Podcast Series

"Interesting Things with JC" text on black radial background

Link to Podcast Library or Scroll for Daily Feed

    • 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.

    • 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.

  • 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 List

    • NGSS – 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.

    • 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.

History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

026: "The Majestic Spinnaker Tower"

Interesting Things with JC #026: "The Majestic Spinnaker Tower" - Discover Spinnaker Tower, a striking landmark in Portsmouth, England, standing 170 meters tall and designed to resemble a spinnaker sail. Since its completion in 2005, it offers panoramic views of the harbor, the English Channel, and the Isle of Wight, from three distinct viewing decks. This tower is not just a scenic spot but also a lively venue for various cultural and social events, reflecting its significant role in the local community.

Read More
History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

022: "The Mysterious Disappearance at Flannan Isles Lighthouse"

Interesting Things with JC #022: "The Mysterious Disappearance at Flannan Isles Lighthouse" - In 1900, the Flannan Isles Lighthouse crew mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a deserted lighthouse with unfinished meals and a stopped clock. Theories range from natural disasters like rogue waves to supernatural explanations, but no conclusive evidence has ever been found. This unsolved maritime mystery continues to fascinate and puzzle historians across the globe.

Read More
History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

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.”

Read More
History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

739: "Point Sur Lighthouse"

Interesting Things with JC #739: "Point Sur Lighthouse" - Delve into the captivating narrative of Point Sur Lighthouse, perched on a remote volcanic rock, guiding ships through perilous waters along the rugged coastline. Unveil maritime history and explore the evolution of navigation. Join us on a journey through time and maritime heritage.

Read More
History, Podcast, Science, Social JC History, Podcast, Science, Social JC

620: "The Exploration Tower"

Interesting Things with JC #620: "The Exploration Tower" - A modern architectural landmark located in Port Canaveral, Florida, built in 2013 as part of a redevelopment project. It features a sleek design with a glass exterior and steel framework, rising 60 feet above the ground.

The tower houses interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the history and culture of the Space Coast, including its maritime history, role in the U.S. space program, and diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

Read More