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.
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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.
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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 ListNGSS – 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.
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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.
887: "Communicating with Humpback Whales"
Interesting Things with JC #887: "Communicating with Humpback Whales" - Researchers from the SETI Institute, University of California Davis, and Alaska Whale Foundation achieved a historic milestone by engaging in a conversation with a humpback whale named Twain using innovative techniques. This breakthrough not only showcased the intelligence and complex communication abilities of humpback whales but also highlighted the potential parallels with the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
886: "Using AI to Draw Pictures from your Thoughts"
Interesting Things with JC #886: "Using AI to Draw Pictures from your Thoughts" - Japanese researchers have pioneered a groundbreaking AI technology capable of decoding human brain activity to generate visual representations of thoughts and images.
864: "F-35 Speed Record"
Interesting Things with JC #864: "F-35 Speed Record" - The F-35 recently shattered speed records, surpassing Mach 1.6 and 1,200 mph at altitude. This achievement highlights its agility, technological advancements, and significant role in military aviation.
850: "Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people"
Interesting Things with JC #850: "Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people" - Discover the shocking reality!
845: "Deep Space Optical Communications"
Interesting Things with JC #845: "Deep Space Optical Communications" - NASA's DSOC, a marvel in space innovation, achieves "first light," beaming a near-infrared laser with test data 10 million miles to the Hale Telescope. This milestone, aboard the Psyche spacecraft en route to the asteroid belt, paves the way for high-data-rate communications supporting humanity's dream of reaching Mars.
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.
842: "The Mousetrap"
Interesting Things with JC #842: "The Mousetrap" - Dive into the captivating world of Agatha Christie's 1952 mystery, where a radio play titled 'Three Blind Mice' evolves into a record-breaking stage production. With unexpected twists and timeless suspense, experience the intrigue that has enthralled audiences for almost 70+ years!
834: "Jakarta, Indonesia"
Interesting Things with JC #834: "Jakarta, Indonesia" - Explore the vibrant city of Jakarta, Indonesia, where modern skyscrapers meet historic landmarks, representing a blend of tradition and modernity. With over 10 million residents, Jakarta is an economic powerhouse, facing challenges like traffic congestion.
828: "Homeless Veterans in the United States"
Interesting Things with JC #828: "Homeless Veterans in the United States" sheds light on the alarming reality of 67,495 veterans facing homelessness, comprising 10.6% of the total homeless population. Veterans, twice as likely to become homeless, grapple with post-service challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive support.
827: "Honor, Courage, & Commitment"
Interesting Things with JC #827: "Honor, Courage, & Commitment" - Discover the enduring virtues of Honor, Courage, and Commitment that have shaped the destiny of Marines. These values are the bedrock of ethical conduct, integrity, and unyielding determination, inspiring resilience and triumph throughout history.
823: "Soap to Treat Melanoma"
Interesting Things with JC #823: "Soap to Treat Melanoma" - 14-year-old Heman Bekele has developed an affordable soap that fights melanoma, a groundbreaking solution in skin cancer treatment. His invention combines innovative soap technology with medical science, making cancer care more accessible.
815: "Ed Gein: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"
Interesting Things with JC #815: "Ed Gein: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" - Dive into the eerie connection between Ed Gein's horrific crimes and the iconic horror film, revealing the dark truths behind this chilling inspiration for Leatherface and the macabre family. Explore the real horror that influenced reel terror.
814: "The Little Albert Experiment"
Interesting Things with JC #814: "The Little Albert Experiment" - Explore the pioneering study by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner in early 20th-century psychology. This tale unveils Little Albert's transformation as innocence gave way to fear through classical conditioning with a resounding gong. It raises questions of ethics, leaving an indelible mark on the study of human emotion and behavioral psychology.
Ref - Mary Coverjo Nes (1924) A Laboratory Study of Fear: The Case Of Peter, The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology, 31:4, 308-315, DOI: 10.1080/08856559.1924.9944851
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.
790: "Regrowing Teeth"
Interesting Things with JC #790: "Regrowing Teeth" - Toregem Biopharma's groundbreaking gene therapy promises tooth regeneration, reshaping the future of dental care. Learn about this revolutionary innovation in dental health.
776: "Parker Solar Probe"
Interesting Things with JC #776: "Parker Solar Probe" - Embark on the epic journey of the Parker Solar Probe, the fastest human-made object ever, as it unravels the Sun's mysteries through cosmic exploration. Discover the awe-inspiring tale of human curiosity, scientific discovery, physicist Eugene Parker, and the boundless wonders of space.
767: "Remembering"
Interesting Things with JC #767: "Remembering" - Delve into the profound significance of memory and remembrance.
766: "Living to 120yrs Old"
Interesting Things with JC #766: "Living to 120" - Researchers explore anti-aging secrets from worms to humans, raising questions about redefining aging. Can we extend human longevity beyond 120 years?
763: "Saint Elmo's Fire"
Interesting Things with JC #763: "St. Elmo's Fire" - Sailors, explorers, and astronauts have marveled at the eerie phenomenon known as St. Elmo's Fire. Delve into its mysteries and discover its impact on aviation safety.
762: "Genetic Breakthrough"
Interesting Things with JC #762: "Genetic Breakthrough" - Scientists have unlocked the secrets of the Y chromosome, revealing its pivotal role in human DNA. This groundbreaking discovery offers insights into reproduction, evolution, and health, with potential implications in infertility research and disease diagnosis.
Ref - Rhie, A., Nurk, S., Cechova, M. et al. The complete sequence of a human Y chromosome. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06457-y