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.
007: "The Labyrinth of Shell Grotto"
Interesting Things with JC #007: "The Labyrinth of Shell Grotto" - Explore the mysterious Shell Grotto in Margate, discovered in 1835 and adorned with over 4.6 million shells. Its origin remains a mystery, making it a fascinating subject for historians and visitors alike.
979: "Jamais Vu"
Interesting Things with JC #979: "Jamais Vu" - Embark on a journey into the mysterious world of jamais vu, where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, unraveling the complexities of memory, perception, and cognition.
977: "THE Kyle Smith?"
Interesting Things with JC #977: "THE Kyle Smith?" Delve into the intriguing mystery surrounding a renowned educator's identity as he navigates the world of academia at UHI Perth, leaving a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
970: "Shroud of Turin"
Interesting Things with JC #970: "Shroud of Turin" - Explore the history and scientific investigations surrounding the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
756: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident"
Interesting Things with JC #756: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident" delves into the heart of a chilling mystery. In 1959, experienced hikers ventured into the Ural Mountains only to meet tragedy under inexplicable circumstances. As theories from avalanches to supernatural forces abound, this tale stands as a testament to humanity's pursuit of exploration amidst nature's enigmatic power. This story was suggested by Hiker & Nature Photographer Amy.
677: "Ludlow Castle"
Interesting Things with JC #677: "Ludlow Castle" Situated in Shropshire, UK, is a famous and historically significant landmark with a captivating past. Built in the 11th century, it served as a residence for renowned figures and witnessed political turmoil during the English Civil War.
Today, its imposing stone walls and ruined battlements stand as a testament to its architectural splendor. Visitors can explore the castle's rich history, from royal residents like Arthur and Catherine of Aragon to legends of hidden tunnels and mysteries waiting to be unraveled!
676: "The Winchester Mystery House - An Architectural Enigma"
Interesting Things with JC #676: "The Winchester Mystery House - An Architectural Enigma" - Step into the world of the iconic Winchester Mystery House, an architectural marvel nestled in San Jose. Explore its labyrinthine corridors, peculiar staircases, and rooms that defy logic, while delving into the supernatural tales that surround it. Brace yourself for a captivating journey through an enigmatic mansion that will leave you spellbound!
568: "Mystery of the Circleville Letters"
Interesting Things with JC #568: "Mystery of the Circleville Letters" - Uncover the mystery of the Circleville writer, whose letters exposed secrets & led to tragedy in 1970s Ohio. From affairs to murder accusations, the truth of this true crime tale remains a mystery.
319: "The Tunguska Event"
Interesting Things with JC #319: "The Tunguska Event" - June 30th 1908, a mysterious blast shook the eastern part of Siberia. The impact devastated an estimated 80 million trees in a radial pattern from the blast zone, generating energy equivalent to nearly 185 Hiroshima bombs.