A Short Story Podcast Series
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Interesting Things with JC is free to use for teaching and learning under fair use. Educators, homeschooling parents, librarians, and lifelong learners have broad rights to use the episodes and curriculum in any instructional setting. One exception applies to Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors”, which is not covered under this open educational permission.
Full curriculum support begins at Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom”. Any earlier episode without curriculum can be prioritized by request. Educators may contact JimConnors LLC directly, and a matching curriculum module will be created and added to the site.
Teachers and homeschooling families are welcome to use, play, share, print, and adapt all eligible episodes and curriculum materials for lesson planning, instruction, student assignments, LMS uploads, and any other direct educational activity. No special approval is required for everyday classroom use. Crediting the show is appreciated when possible.
This permission does not extend to commercial activity. The episodes and curriculum may not be repackaged, resold, redistributed as a standalone program, or presented as original work by any third party. Any commercial or branded use requires prior written consent from JimConnors LLC. Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” follows its own restrictions and is excluded from open educational use.
Educators may freely use the content in classrooms, homeschools, co-ops, tutoring programs, library settings, and adult education. They may revise or adapt curriculum pages, print transcripts, share episode links, or integrate materials into their lessons as needed. What is not allowed is turning the work into a paid course, selling derivatives, posting content under another brand, or redistributing the series as a separate product.
Summary:
Free for education.
Not for resale.
Not for commercial repackaging.
Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom” and onward includes full curriculum.
Older episodes can receive curriculum by request.
Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” is excluded.
All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC. -
Interesting Things with JC is available on the Podcast Radio format in the United Kingdom and the United States. Listeners can tune in on the radio in select cities or stream the station online from anywhere.
United Kingdom – Podcast Radio (UK)
Podcast Radio is a 24-hour all-podcast station based in London. It broadcasts on DAB+ digital radio across London and several other supported UK regions, with full worldwide access through its online stream.
Interesting Things with JC is included in Podcast Radio’s curated programming lineup.
Listeners in the United Kingdom can hear the station on DAB+ receivers in covered areas, through the Podcast Radio website, or through the station’s online and mobile streaming platforms.
United States – Podcast Radio US
In the United States, Interesting Things with JC airs as part of Podcast Radio US across four regional markets. The format is carried on HD Radio channels and FM translators.
Detroit, Michigan: WCSX 94.7 HD2 and 93.5 FM
Tampa Bay, Florida: 1010 WJBR AM
Charlotte, North Carolina: 94.7 FM and WSOC HD3
Fort Myers and Naples, Florida: WXKB HD2, 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, and 105.1 FMNationwide listening is available through the station’s website at PodcastRadioUS.com.
Streaming Access
Podcast Radio UK and Podcast Radio US both offer live streaming through their official websites and mobile platforms, allowing listeners worldwide to hear Interesting Things with JC as part of the network’s curated programming.
The show is also available across major podcast and audio platforms, including Podcast Radio, Podverse, Headliner, Amazon, Apple, Audacy, Audible, Castbox, Deezer, fyyd, GoodPods, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Listen Notes, Pandora, PlayerFM, PocketCasts, Podcast Republic, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.
In addition to audio platforms, listeners can follow and stream content on social media through Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube.
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Start class with a short, clear story your students can follow from the first sentence. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC and use the free curriculum to guide a full lesson with questions, activities, and applied learning.
Every episode from #1235 forward includes a modular micro lesson designed for a 30 to 45 minute class period. At the bottom of each episode page, you will find expandable sections that organize all curriculum materials for teachers, parents, and homeschool families.
Each lesson includes:
Lesson overview with title, grade band, subject area, and learning objectives
Key vocabulary with phonetic spelling and plain language definitions
Core story content created through the Precise Storytelling Framework
Full podcast transcript
Student worksheet with comprehension and writing activities
Teacher guide with pacing notes, strategies, and discussion tools
Quiz or quick check assessment with a scoring rubric
Standards alignment across multiple national and international frameworks
ADA compliant alt text for all instructional media
Links to approved primary sources used for fact checking
Guidance for homeschool adaptation and flexible scheduling
All curriculum materials are created through the Narrative Intelligence System to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and age-appropriate delivery. Lessons stay free of ideological frameworks and focus on academic content only.
Standards Alignment
Interesting Things with JC aligns each micro lesson with the following approved educational standards:
United States National Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics
College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (C3 Framework)
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE Standards)
National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
Career and Technical Education Career Clusters (CTE Career Clusters)
Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy (ACRL Framework)
Bloom’s Taxonomy for Cognitive Learning Objectives
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (UDL Guidelines)
Additional United States Alignment Areas
Alignment to state and provincial academic standards when content applies
Media and Information Literacy standards
Social Emotional Learning and 21st Century Skills frameworks
Financial Literacy and Employability Skills standards
English as a Second Language and World Language vocabulary support when applicable
International Academic Equivalents (Content-Based Alignment Only)
United Kingdom National Curriculum, Key Stages 3 to 5
AQA, OCR, and Edexcel Examination Board Specifications
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme (IB PYP, MYP, DP)
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level (Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level)
Access, Use, and OER Licensing
All lessons are published as Open Educational Resources and may be used, printed, or shared for teaching and learning in classrooms, homeschools, and tutoring environments. Materials are provided for educational use under fair use and may not be resold or distributed commercially.
Episodes from #1235 forward include complete curriculum materials. If you find an older episode without a micro lesson, reach out and it will be moved to the front of the build queue. Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS feed includes open text at the bottom of the page for quick access to transcripts and curriculum notes.
Teacher and homeschool feedback is always welcome to help improve clarity and layout.
844: "What is AGI?"
Interesting Things with JC #844: "What is AGI?" - Journey through the intricacies of Artificial General Intelligence, from Google DeepMind's groundbreaking framework to the real-world impact of AI. Explore the ongoing debate, challenges, and the promise AGI holds for our tech-driven future.
801: "Countdowns"
Interesting Things with JC #801: "Countdowns" - Discover how countdowns impact time perception, boost self-confidence, and play a crucial role in childhood development. From psychological principles to practical business tactics, countdowns shape our lives in fascinating ways.
737: "Big Sur"
Interesting Things with JC #737: "Big Sur" - Embark on a journey to the captivating realm of Big Sur, where untamed wilderness and coastal beauty collide along Scenic Highway One. Experience scorching heat and icy whispers, encounter rare flora, and delve into tales woven by renowned writers like Robinson Jeffers and Henry Miller. Tune in to explore this West Coast gem that enchants with its diverse landscapes and compelling stories.
732: "Supernumerary Teeth"
Interesting Things with JC #732: "Supernumerary Teeth" - Explore the captivating world of extra teeth beyond the usual count, showcasing jaw-dropping genetic quirks and incredible dental wonders. From record-breaking cases to inspiring stories, this dental anomaly unveils the endless marvels of human genetics and the importance of early detection for better medical care.
728: "Efficient Simulations"
Interesting Things with JC #728: "Efficient Simulations" - Leipzig University researchers revolutionize long-range interaction studies, shedding light on nonequilibrium processes.
719: "Solomon's Temple"
Interesting Things with JC #719: "Solomon's Temple" - Embark on a journey through history with the awe-inspiring tale of Solomon's Temple.
606: "Tell Your Story"
Interesting Things with JC #606: "Tell Your Story" - In the face of economic woes, political division, and media influence, let us not forget the strength of unity. We are all human beings who have the responsibility to help one another and the next generation.
605: "LexisNexis"
Interesting Things with JC #605: "LexisNexis" - Discover the fascinating history of legal research and business information service, which was launched April 2nd, 1973. From revolutionizing legal research to playing a role in high-profile cases, and over 10 billion accessible documents making it one of the largest collections of legal and business information in the entire world.
604: "Selkies"
Interesting Things with JC #604: "Selkies" - Selkies are creatures that are half-fish and half-human. They are mentioned in Celtic and Scottish mythology. It's believed they shed their skin and become humans when they land. They seem to always be looking for people who are missing something. Selkie legend lives on in remote coastal areas and on islands.
603: "The Green Man"
Interesting Things with JC #603: "The Green Man" - a mythical figure with a face made entirely of leaves, branches, and foliage. He symbolizes nature's regenerative power and the cycle of life and death. The Green Man's significance is multifaceted, representing nature's enduring power, spiritual and mystical connections to the natural world, cultural heritage and identity, and environmental awareness and conservation.
602: " The Phoenix Lights"
Interesting Things with JC #602: " The Phoenix Lights" incident of 1997 remains a topic of fascination and discussion among UFO enthusiasts. Were they aliens or military flares?
601: "Jackson, Mississippi"
Interesting Things with JC #601: "Jackson, Mississippi" - Discover the rich history of Jackson, Mississippi, from its Choctaw roots to the Woolworth's sit-in of 1963. Explore the museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions of this prosperous metropolis in the heart of the American South.
600: "In the year 600"
Interesting Things with JC #600: "In the year 600" - Discover the triumphs and turmoil of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Maurice and his successor Heraclius, as they battled Sassanid Persia and established a unified legal system.
599: "Our 9 Senses"
Interesting Things with JC #599: "Our 9 Senses" - Did you know there are 9 senses instead of 5? In addition to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, there's proprioception, thermoception, equilibrioception, and interoception. Our senses make the world vibrant and dynamic.
595: "If you cut a worm in half, do both halves live?"
Interesting Things with JC #595: "If you cut a worm in half, do both halves live?" - Did you know that cutting earthworms in half is a myth? While some worms can regenerate their whole bodies, retain memories, and even behave like multiple worms when sliced up!
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.
592: "Alcatraz: A Story of Maximum Security and Mystery"
Interesting Things with JC #592: "Alcatraz: A Story of Maximum Security and Mystery" - Alcatraz Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, was one of the most secure prisons in the world. Despite this, 36 inmates attempted 14 escapes, with nearly all being captured or dying as a result. The prison closed March 21st, 1963 after 29 years of operation due to high costs, and the island became a popular tourist destination managed by the National Park Service.
591: "Theoretical Physics"
Interesting Things with JC #591: "Theoretical Physics" - Discover the secrets of the universe through the lens of theoretical physics, from the behavior of matter & energy to quantum computing.
584: "Lips Appreciation Day"
Interesting Things with JC #584: "Lips Appreciation Day" - Happy #LipsAppreciationDay! Did you know that lips are one of the most important parts of our faces? They help us eat, speak, and even kiss! Take care of your lips with nourishing oils, lip balms, and sun protection.
583: "True Confessions Day"
Interesting Things with JC #583: "True Confessions Day" - Confessing can be liberating! On True Confessions Day, share your secrets, relieve your guilt, and improve your relationships. Discover the benefits of confession and join the movement.