Interesting Things with JC #057: "99 Flake Ice Cream" - Explore the beloved British summer treat, the 99 Flake. Learn how this delightful combination of soft-serve vanilla ice cream and a Cadbury Flake chocolate bar became an iconic symbol of seaside vacations and sunny days on the boardwalk.

Interesting Things with JC #054: "On Venus a Day is Longer Than a Year" - Discover the fascinating quirk of Venus, where a single day lasts 243 Earth days and a year lasts only 225 days. This unique rotation and orbit give Venus its mysterious character, making it one of the most intriguing planets in our solar system.

Interesting Things with JC #053: "Octopuses Have Three Hearts" - Explore the fascinating anatomy of octopuses and learn how having three hearts supports their life under the sea.

Interesting Things with JC #052: "The Inventor of Pringles Is Buried in a Pringles Can" - Fred Baur, the inventor of Pringles, was so proud of his invention that he chose to be buried in the Pringles Can.

Interesting Things with JC #051: "Cows Have Best Friends" - Explore the social lives of cows, who form close bonds and experience stress when separated from their friends.

Interesting Things with JC #049: "The Story Behind Christopher Cross's 'Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)'" - Discover how Christopher Cross's iconic song "Arthur's Theme" became a defining track of the early '80s, capturing the spirit of the film *Arthur*. This episode explores the collaboration with music legends that led to its Billboard success and Academy Award win, cementing its place in pop culture.

Interesting Things with JC #048: "Sparkling Wine - A Tale of French and English Innovations" - Journey through the effervescent history of sparkling wine, from the legendary cellars of Dom Pérignon to the scientific studies of Christopher Merrett. Unravel the contributions of both French and English pioneers, who each played crucial roles in developing the techniques that give sparkling wine its signature bubbles.

Interesting Things with JC #046: "Immortal Jellyfish" - Turritopsis dohrnii, commonly known as the immortal jellyfish. This marine creature possesses the extraordinary ability to revert to its juvenile polyp stage under stress, potentially allowing it to bypass death indefinitely.

Interesting Things with JC #045: "Gridiron Pendulum" - An innovative clock pendulum invented by John Harrison and improved by John Ellicott in the early 18th century. This clever design used different metals to maintain a constant pendulum length despite temperature changes, revolutionizing timekeeping in an era when precision was paramount.

Interesting Things with JC #044: "Tin Can Telephone" - A cherished childhood toy and an early communication technology. Two cans and a string is the basics of sound transmission, and it works without electricity!

Interesting Things with JC #043: "French Was Once the Official Language of England" - Join us as we uncover the story of how French became the lingua franca of England's ruling class after the Norman invasion of 1066. French was used in administration and law until English reasserted itself in the 14th century.

Interesting Things with JC #042: "A British Love Story: Heloise and Abelard" - They had an intellectual and emotional bond has left a profound imprint on history. Despite the societal challenges and personal tragedies they faced, their extensive correspondence offers a window into a love that was both intellectually enriching and deeply passionate.

Interesting Things with JC #041: "British Sayings" - Step into the whimsical world of British slang where phrases like "Bob's your uncle" and "throwing a spanner in the works" add color and humor to everyday conversations. Whether baffling or endearing, these sayings are a key to understanding the linguistic charm of British English.

Interesting Things with JC #040: "Yorkshire Pudding" - A British Culinary Tradition. Join us as we delve into the delightful world of Yorkshire pudding, a cornerstone of British culinary heritage. From its humble beginnings in the 18th century to its status as a Sunday roast essential, this episode explores how Yorkshire pudding has filled the plates and hearts of many.

Interesting Things with JC #039: "Beefeaters: Guardians of the Tower of London" - Explore the fascinating world of the Yeomen Warders, known globally as Beefeaters, who have stood guard over the Tower of London since the 15th century. This episode delves into their historical duties, the requirements to become a Beefeater, and their ongoing contribution to British cultural heritage, offering listeners a glimpse into one of the UK's most enduring symbols.

Interesting Things with JC #038: "Understanding 'Britain' vs 'the UK'" - Ever wondered about the differences between 'Britain' and 'the UK'? In this episode, we delve into the geographical and political nuances that distinguish these terms, a key to comprehending the intricate history and current affairs of the region.

Interesting Things with JC #037: "The Union of Crowns and the Transformation of the Royal Arms" - In 1603, James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, a union that dramatically altered the Royal Arms by introducing the English lion alongside the Scottish unicorn. This update symbolized the merging of Scottish and English sovereignty under a single monarch, reflecting the efforts to forge political unity and a shared national identity. While the visual representation of the Royal Arms aimed to communicate unity, the actual political integration of the two nations faced significant challenges, leading to a complex and storied journey towards a more unified kingdom.

Interesting Things with JC #036: "Indian Cuisine Influence in London" - Explore how London became a hub for Indian cuisine, boasting over 2,000 restaurants that offer an extensive range of dishes from across the Indian subcontinent. Learn about the historical waves of migration that introduced and popularized Indian culinary traditions in the UK, leading to beloved dishes like chicken tikka masala, humorously dubbed as "a true British national dish."

Interesting Things with JC #035: "Sorry - More Than Just an Apology in British Culture" - Discover the intricate ways "sorry" is employed in British culture, serving not only as an apology but as a tool for polite, indirect communication. From requesting repetition when something is misunderstood to signaling minor inconveniences or introducing requests, "sorry" is pivotal in smoothing social interactions.

Interesting Things with JC #034: "Stonehenge is Older than the Pyramids" - Explore Stonehenge, one of the most ancient and enigmatic structures in human history, predating even the Great Pyramids of Giza. This monumental stone circle on Salisbury Plain has served various roles—from a burial site to an astronomical observatory—reflecting the sophistication of its creators.