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 FMNationwide 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.
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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.
985: "The Marfa Lights"
Interesting Things with JC #985: "The Marfa Lights" - The Marfa Lights are an enduring mystery of dancing lights observed near Marfa, Texas, sparking curiosity and scientific investigation. Theories range from car headlights to geological electricity, but no explanation has fully solved their mystique. This phenomenon draws tourists and researchers alike, intrigued by the spectral display.
982: "Skinny Fat"
Interesting Things with JC #982: "Skinny Fat" - An exploration into the complexities of normal-weight obesity, uncovering the hidden health risks of being skinny fat and the importance of body composition in overall well-being.
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.
979: "Jamais Vu"
Interesting Things with JC #979: "Jamais Vu" - Embark on a journey into the mysterious world of jamais vu, where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, unraveling the complexities of memory, perception, and cognition.
975: "April 4th, 2024"
Interesting Things with JC #975: "April 4th, 2024" - This story delves into the profound transformative energies of the day, highlighting its significance in terms of stability, protection, and spiritual growth. As individuals harness the cosmic resonance, they're invited to embark on a journey of personal evolution and manifestation.
973: "The London Hammer"
Interesting Things with JC #973: "The London Hammer" - Unveiled by Max and Emma Hahn in Texas, this artifact's discovery raises questions about its 400-million-year-old origins. Is it proof of ancient civilizations or a geological anomaly? Tune in to uncover the mystery!
971: "AB Blood"
Interesting Things with JC #971: "AB Blood" - Delve into the evolution, prevalence, and medical significance of AB blood type, from its discovery by Karl Landsteiner to its implications in blood transfusions and health risks such as dementia. A special thank you to Satya for inspiring this episode!
970: "Shroud of Turin"
Interesting Things with JC #970: "Shroud of Turin" - Explore the history and scientific investigations surrounding the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
967: "Collecting a Bucket of Steam"
Interesting Things with JC #967: "Collecting a Bucket of Steam" - Learn about the tradition of sending new co-workers to fetch a bucket of steam on construction sites, as well as the interesting real world applications of filing a bucket with steam! Thank you to Johnny C. for inspiring today's episode!
966: "Slip Rings and Brush Contacts"
Interesting Things with JC #966: "Slip Rings and Brush Contacts" - Explore the crucial role of slip rings and brushed contacts in powering machines like excavators, enabling the transmission of electricity between stationary and rotating parts. Learn how these components contribute to the smooth operation of various machinery. A story inspired by Dakota Dodson.
964: "Sleepless Under Full Moon"
Interesting Things with JC #964: "Sleepless Under Full Moon" - Discover the intriguing reasons behind disrupted sleep during a full moon and explore the fascinating effects of lunar phases on our nightly rest.
961: "Astringent"
Interesting Things with JC #961: "Astringent" - Explore the ancient secrets of skincare with a focus on natural remedies like witch hazel and citrus fruits. Delve into the benefits of these botanical extracts and their role in promoting healthy, radiant skin. Tune in for this enlightening podcast episode on skincare essentials.
960: "Australia is Wider than the Moon"
Interesting Things with JC #960: "Australia is Wider than the Moon" - Delve into the vastness of Australia's landmass!
959: "Into the Heart of Africa - Henry Morton Stanley's Expedition of 1871"
Interesting Things with JC #959: "Into the Heart of Africa: Henry Morton Stanley's Expedition of 1871" - Join the gripping tale of Henry Morton Stanley's 1871 expedition through Africa, as he ventures into the unknown, encountering challenges, indigenous cultures, and the allure of discovery.
955: "Fossilized Finger in Texas"
Interesting Things with JC #955: "Fossilized Finger in Texas" - Unravel the mystery of a fossilized human finger discovered in Texas, challenging conventional timelines and raising questions about Earth's history. Amid skepticism and debate, could this anomaly offer a paradigm-shifting revelation?
954: "Leprosy Bacteria"
Interesting Things with JC #954: "Leprosy Bacteria" - Unravel the history, myths, and progress in combating the ancient malady of leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Tune in to explore the journey from stigma to treatment.
952: "Motherhood"
Interesting Things with JC #952: "Motherhood" - Delve into the profound journey of motherhood, exploring the diverse roles and relationships that shape individuals and societies, from biological mothers to stepmothers and grandmothers alike.
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.
948: "Disruptions in the Circadian Rhythm"
Interesting Things with JC #948: "Disruptions in the Circadian Rhythm" - Dive into how humans adapt to a clock longer than 24 hours and the negative impacts of regularly disrupting this cycle on health.
946: "The Fanal Forest"
Interesting Things with JC #946: "The Fanal Forest" - Step into the mystical realm of Madeira's ancient woodland, where towering laurel trees whisper tales of centuries past. Discover the biodiversity and conservation efforts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering serenity amidst nature's embrace.