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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

006: "Lundy Island's Time Zone"

Interesting Things with JC #006: "Lundy Island's Time Zone" - Discover Lundy Island, unique for having its own time zone, 25 minutes behind until 1978, reflecting its slow-paced, isolated lifestyle. Known for its distinct postage stamps and rich wildlife, the island offers a glimpse into a truly unique British locale.

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

921: "Fort Smallwood Park"

Interesting Things with JC #921: "Fort Smallwood Park" - Dive into the intriguing story behind Fort Smallwood Park, from its origins as a defensive structure in the Spanish-American War to its transformation into a serene public space today. Explore remnants of history and enjoy recreational activities along the picturesque Chesapeake Bay.

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Podcast, Science, Social JC Podcast, Science, Social JC

854: "How Pythons Climb"

Interesting Things with JC #854: "How Pythons Climb" - Delve into the mesmerizing arboreal journey of pythons, where scales, muscles, and sensory prowess converge in a symphony of nature. Explore the intricate adaptation, from friction-enhanced scales to a flexible skeletal dance, unlocking the secrets of snake magic.

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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.

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

619: "Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge"

Interesting Things with JC #619: "Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge" is a protected area located on Florida's Space Coast, encompassing 140,000 acres of diverse habitats and ecosystems.

Established in 1963, the refuge is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species such as the Florida scrub jay and West Indian manatee.

The refuge also played a vital role in the U.S. space program, serving as the launch site for Apollo missions and other historic spaceflights.

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

618: "Canaveral National Seashore"

Interesting Things with JC #618: "Canaveral National Seashore" is a stunning 24-mile long barrier island on the east coast of Florida, known for its natural beauty and unique ecosystems. 

The seashore is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the manatee, sea turtle, and Florida scrub jay. 

In addition to its natural wonders, Canaveral National Seashore is also steeped in history, with ties to the Native American community, early European settlers, and the U.S. space program.

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