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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.

    • 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

941: "Lascaux Cave Paintings"

Interesting Things with JC #941: "Lascaux Cave Paintings" - Unearth the captivating world of prehistoric art found in the heart of France's Dordogne region. Explore the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind these ancient depictions of animals and human figures, shedding light on our ancestors' creativity and spirituality.

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

908: "Nine Bows"

Interesting Things with JC #908: "Nine Bows" - Explore the ancient Egyptian symbolism of the Nine Bows, representing adversaries and the pharaoh's might against chaos. Discover the battle between order and chaos depicted in Egyptian art and culture, reflecting the nation's identity and resilience.

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

892: "Island of the Dead"

Interesting Things with JC #892: "Island of the Dead" explores Arnold Böcklin's renowned masterpiece and its journey from widespread fame to relative obscurity. Delve into the painting's haunting symbolism, historical significance, and contrasting counterpart, "Island of Life," revealing Böcklin's artistic evolution and enduring impact on art history.

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

879: "The 8th Day of Christmas

Interesting Things with JC #879: "The 8th Day of Christmas" - Explore the multifaceted significance of the eighth day, delve into the spiritual teachings of the Beatitudes, and understand the symbolic essence of 8 maids a-milking, revealing the deep meanings and cultural connections associated with the number 8.

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

878: "The 7th Day of Christmas"

Interesting Things with JC #878: "The 7th Day of Christmas" - Explore the intricate symbolism and significance of the 7th Day of Christmas, from the profound meanings associated with the number seven and its connection to spiritual gifts and sacraments, to the historical and cultural prominence of swans, culminating in the legacy of Saint Sylvester and themes of spiritual growth and renewal.

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

792: "Wendigo"

Interesting Things with JC #792: "Wendigo" - Delve into the chilling myth of the Wendigo, a reflection of humanity's darkest desires, as it haunts the Algonquian-speaking tribes. From indigenous legends to fiery confrontations, this story unveils the depths of a haunting tale.

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Podcast, Social JC Podcast, Social JC

571: "The Significance of 323"

Interesting Things with JC #571: "The Significance of 323" - Unlock the power of the number 323. Discover the message of spiritual guidance, positivity, and abundance that it holds. Trust your inner wisdom and keep an eye out for signs from above!

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