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.
997: "Pigs can't look at the Sky"
Interesting Things with JC #997: "Pigs can't look at the Sky" - This episode dives into why pigs are physically unable to look straight up due to their anatomical structure. It explores how pigs perceive the world differently and utilize reflections to view the sky. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of these adaptations in animal behavior and evolution.
996: "A Desire to Run Away"
Interesting Things with JC #996: "A Desire to Run Away" - In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind our instinct to escape when faced with overwhelming situations, exploring both the psychological underpinnings and the societal pressures that amplify this feeling. We discuss the link between mental health issues like anxiety and depression and the desire to flee, and provide strategies for managing these impulses. Tune in to learn how understanding and addressing these emotions can lead to more effective coping and a more stable life.
995: "Loneliness"
Interesting Things with JC #995: "Loneliness" - This episode delves into the complexities of loneliness, a state that can lead to both severe health challenges and profound personal growth. It discusses the biological and psychological impacts of feeling isolated and how, paradoxically, such a state can also encourage self-discovery and resilience. Tune in to uncover the dual nature of loneliness and how it shapes human experience.
980: "360 Sunrise/Sunset of a Solar Eclipse"
Interesting Things with JC #980: "360 Sunrise/Sunset of a Solar Eclipse" - Explore the breathtaking 360-degree sunrise/sunset phenomenon during a total solar eclipse. This episode dives into the celestial mechanics behind it and its significance for both science and viewers, highlighting the awe-inspiring beauty of our universe.
977: "THE Kyle Smith?"
Interesting Things with JC #977: "THE Kyle Smith?" Delve into the intriguing mystery surrounding a renowned educator's identity as he navigates the world of academia at UHI Perth, leaving a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
957: "National Poultry Day"
Interesting Things with JC #957: "National Poultry Day" - Explore the global significance of poultry farming and join the celebration of our feathered friends.
951: "The Streets of Qatar are Air Conditioned"
Interesting Things with JC #951: "The Streets of Qatar are Air Conditioned" - Delve into Qatar's cutting-edge outdoor cooling systems and how they're revolutionizing urban comfort in extreme climates. Explore the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and public well-being.
944: "Expect Change"
Interesting Things with JC #944: "Expect Change" - Explore the dynamics of change and its significance in life's journey.
930: "Unraveling Consciousness"
Interesting Things with JC #930: "Unraveling Consciousness" - Embark on a captivating exploration into the mysteries of consciousness. Delve into the realms of neuroscience, philosophy, and ethics, and expand your understanding of the human mind and its complexities.
917: "Rules of Life to Remember"
Interesting Things with JC #917: "Rules of Life to Remember" - Life operates on fundamental principles...
916: "DARPA X-65"
Interesting Things with JC #916: "DARPA X-65" - DARPA and Aurora Flight Sciences collaborate on the X-65, an innovative aircraft utilizing active flow control (AFC) for flight, promising to reshape aircraft design. This groundbreaking project marks a significant leap forward in aviation technology and research.
915: "Cow Cuddle Therapy"
Interesting Things with JC #915: "Cow Cuddle Therapy" - Experience the calming benefits of spending time with gentle cows, reducing stress and promoting well-being through animal therapy. Whether brushing, hugging, or simply being in their presence, cow cuddle therapy offers a unique way to unwind and connect with nature.
911: "Human-Created First Logical Qubit Circuit"
Interesting Things with JC #911: "Human-Created First Logical Qubit Circuit" - Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in quantum computing with the creation of the first logical qubit circuit, heralding a new era of technological advancement.
910: "NASA X-59"
Interesting Things with JC #910: "NASA X-59" - Explore NASA's X-59 Quiets Sonic Boom Technology Demonstrator, paving the way for quieter supersonic flight and revolutionizing aviation!
909: "Heaviest Aircraft Pulled by a Human"
Interesting Things with JC #909: "Heaviest Aircraft Pulled by a Human" - Kevin Fast, a Lutheran pastor from Cobourg, Ontario, showcases his extraordinary strength by pulling a 416,288-pound aircraft over 8.8 meters, setting a remarkable world record for human strength and resilience.
900: "Tunneling into a Hot Magma Chamber"
Interesting Things with JC #900: "Tunneling into a Hot Magma Chamber" - Delve into the untapped potential of magma chambers, exploring their temperature and volume dynamics alongside Iceland's pioneering geothermal ambitions. Uncover the mysterious connections within and the transformative impact on sustainable energy.
898: "Ciguatera"
Interesting Things with JC #898: "Ciguatera" - Delve into the dangers of ciguatera fish poisoning, its symptoms, and the associated risks with consuming contaminated fish. Learn prevention tips and discover the wide range of affected fish species. Stay informed about this health concern.
894: "Q-Collar"
Interesting Things with JC #894: "Q-Collar" - Explore the revolutionary Q-Collar, a game-changer in brain protection for athletes and soldiers. From reducing brain slosh to its global impact, this innovative gear reshapes safety on the sports field and battlefield alike.
891: "Cells Have a Resonant Frequency"
Interesting Things with JC #891: "Cells Have a Resonant Frequency" - Resonance is not just for objects; human cells also vibrate at specific frequencies, with the entire body resonating around 5 Hz. Further studies reveal unique resonant frequencies for the head and brain, highlighting the intricate biological rhythms within us.
890: "AI Uncovers Secrets in the Art of Raphael"
Interesting Things with JC #890: "AI Uncovers Secrets in the Art of Raphael" - Using advanced AI technology, researchers analyzed Raphael's "Madonna della Rosa" painting, discovering that St. Joseph's face likely wasn't painted by Raphael. This groundbreaking revelation sheds new light on the classic artwork, suggesting possible contributions from another artist!