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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 FM

    Nationwide 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.

  • 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.

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

509: "Harry Chapin and Jim Connors"

Interesting Things with JC #509: "Harry Chapin & Jim Connors" - In this unique and profound 33-minute interview, we're given a window into the world of #HarryChapin and #JimConnors, two iconic figures in the music and radio industries. Jim Connors, renowned as the morning host at #WJET in #Erie, #WMEX in #Boston, and #WYSL in #Buffalo, had a keen eye for talent, significantly influencing the careers of numerous artists, including the gifted singer/songwriter Harry Chapin.

The discussion opens with how they first met in the Boston area, blossoming into a friendship that deeply influenced Chapin's early career. This interview not only highlights their personal bond but also delves into the creative process behind Chapin's third album, #ShortStories, released in #1973. The album features the international hit #WOLD, which brilliantly captures the intricate demands of the radio business while echoing a universal yearning for a more grounded, ordinary life. This song not only resonated with #radio personalities but also reportedly inspired #HughWilson to create the beloved #TV show #WKRP in #Cincinnati.

Further enriching this conversation, Harry Chapin shares the inspiration behind his hit song "Taxi," revealing the emotional depth and personal experiences that fuel his songwriting. The dialogue explores the struggles and successes within the music industry, highlighting the pivotal role of authenticity in creating music that genuinely connects with listeners. Chapin's approach to songwriting seeks to mirror the emotional authenticity of artists like Jacques Brel, whose profound impact on French music is well recognized.

Both Chapin and Connors discuss the importance of maintaining artistic integrity, even in the face of commercial pressures and the challenges of controversial lyrics. This segment sheds light on their views of the music industry, emphasizing the value of telling genuine stories and staying true to one's artistic vision.

Throughout their careers, both men have navigated the complexities of fame and the music industry, always striving to keep a strong connection with their audience and to remain grounded despite external pressures. This dialogue is a must-hear for anyone interested in the intricacies of songwriting, the history of radio broadcasting, and the enduring impact of genuine musical storytelling.

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

508: “Ellis Island”

Interesting Things with JC #508: “Ellis Island” - On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island officially opened its doors to immigrants from around the world. During its 62 years of operation, an estimated 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island in search of a better life in the United States.

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

507: "New Year's Danish Plate Smashing"

Interesting Things with JC #507: "New Year's Danish Plate Smashing" - The tradition of plate-smashing on New Year's Eve is a popular and beloved custom in Denmark, where people throw unwanted plates and dishes at the front doors of friends and family for good luck. The tradition is believed to have originated in the 19th century as a way to let go of old grudges and start the new year with a clean slate, and has evolved from an older tradition of ringing bells on New Year's Eve to ward off evil spirits.

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

505: "Buddha Tooth Relic Temple”

Interesting Things with JC #505: “The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple” and Museum in Singapore is a popular tourist destination known for its intricate design and displays of Buddhist art and history. The temple is named after the left canine tooth of the Buddha, which is considered a symbol of his teachings and is believed to have special powers.

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