A Short Story Podcast Series
Podcast Radio - Podverse - Headliner - Amazon - Apple - Audacy - Audible - Castbox - Deezer - fyyd - GoodPods - iHeartRadio - Instagram - JioSaavn - Listen Notes - Pandora - PlayerFM - PocketCasts - Podcast Republic - Podchaser - Spotify - Stitcher - Youtube
Link to Podcast Library or Scroll for Daily Feed
-
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.
-
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.
284: "Pineapples”
Interesting Things with JC #284: "Pineapples” - Historians believe that the pineapple originated in Brazil and South America. It was later imported to Europe. Originally, "pineapple" was a name used for pinecones, but a pineapple is not an apple or a pine cone, it is actually a berry! From European fascination to global export dominance, let's dig into this amazing wonder!
282: "Yogurt"
Interesting Things with JC #282: "Yogurt" consumed as food dates back to 10,000 BC. Food historians believe that yogurt was accidentally discovered by storing milk in warm climates. Let's discuss the long history of yogurt, briefly!
279: "DVORAK"
Interesting Things with JC #279: "DVORAK" was the first Bohemian composer to achieve worldwide recognition, for turning folk material into 19th-century Romantic music. He is best known for his Symphony number 9 in E minor from the “New World". This orchestral arrangement was a milestone in the validation of American “New World” music and an premier example of classical composition.
278: "Curry"
Interesting Things with JC #278: "Curry" is many things: a cuisine, a dish, a sauce, a spice blend, and a link to cultures around the world. Its flavor varies from country to country. Let's learn more!
276: "Natalie, Pennsylvania"
Interesting Things with JC #276: "Natalie, Pennsylvania" is a populated place located within the Township of Mount Carmel, a minor civil division (MCD) of Northumberland County. The village had a notorious reputation as being one of the most lawless places in the County thanks to the numerous brutal, unsolved murders that took place there. For more detail and information in this fascinating story, please visit this blog.
271: "Shell Grotto of Margate"
Interesting Things with JC #271: "Shell Grotto of Margate" was discovered by accident in 1835. A total of 4.6 million shells were used to decorate the 2,000 square feet of space, and the way the shells are arranged in decorative patterns is reminiscent of a Neptune shrine, a Davey Jones hideaway of sorts. Let's explore the mystery of this historical cultural site!!
270: "Caves of Monte Castillo"
Interesting Things with JC #270: "Caves of Monte Castillo" hold one of the most impressive archeological findings related to our human history. The El Castillo cave is home to Paleolithic paintings on the walls that are at least 40,800 years old. This discovery of the oldest dated cave painting is approximately 4000 years older than the paintings discovered in the Chauvet Cave in France, which were previously believed to be the oldest cave paintings.
268: "Neuschwanstein Castle”
Interesting Things with JC #268: "Neuschwanstein Castle” - Schloss Neuschwanstein means "New Swan Castle", it's a long standing wonder and landmark on a rugged hill, rising majestically above the village of Hohenschwangau in the Southwest Bavaria of Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century by the desires of Ludwig II of Bavaria. The Castle is tremendous, at approximately 6,039square meters / 65,000 square feet, and is said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland!
265: "Motion Sickness"
Interesting Things with JC 265: "Motion Sickness" is a common condition triggered by certain kinds of movement, that will make you feel ill. There are some very easy solutions to overcoming this distress. Join us for a quick three minute or so podcast to delve into motion sickness, saltine crackers, & intention!
264: "Naps"
Interesting Things with JC #264: "Naps" - Napping is amazing. We reach a point in our youth where we desire to stay up and not miss anything. Quickly, as we age, we realize that naps are kinda more than amazing. They can refresh, reinvigorate, and provide you a fresh perspective! But why...
263: "Germanic Stare"
Interesting Things with JC #263: "Germanic Stare Down" - In Germany, intense eye contact is a daily occurrence, but it's very subjective though. Staring could be the result of daydreaming, personal problem solving, admiration, inquisitiveness, and even aggression. In certain cultures staring becomes a form of non verbal communication, which could be just as unique as a dialect!
262: "Bergen, Norway"
Interesting Things with JC #262: "Bergen, Norway" - The original Norse name for Bergen was Bjørgvin. Playwright Ludvig Holberg nicknamed it the city of the seven mountains! There are amazing Stave churches, and inspiring hikes within the picturesque landscape that will not only inspire, but also captivate your senses.
This podcast was inspired by the writings of David Nikel. David is a British-Norwegian travel writer in Trondheim, a Senior Forbes contributor & owner of lifeinnorway. Please visit https://www.lifeinnorway.net/ to catch a recent podcast or follow David on Twitter @DavidNikel for more fascinating facts about all things Norway!
261: "Kiribati"
Interesting Things with JC #261: “Kiribati” is made up of 33 atolls, these are ring-shaped reefs or a series of islands caused by submerged volcanos. Out of the 33 islands that all straddle the equator, and only 20 are inhabited. Although it only takes up a total of 811sq kilometers, Kiribati spans a distance equal to an area that is roughly the size of India, and it's the only country to fall within the northern, southern, eastern and western hemispheres. Kiribati is the third-least visited country in the world. Around 6,000 visitors come here annually. Only the Pacific island-nations of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu receive fewer tourists.
260: "A Horse A Piece"
Interesting Things with JC #260: "A Horse A Piece" means six of one, half a dozen of the other. If you've never heard the phrase before, let's learn about it together right now!
259: "Does Time Exist?"
Interesting Things with JC #259: "Does time exist” - When initially looking into emerging theories that remove time from quantum equations, you quickly learn it's been an interesting path of discovery through theory. To start, it's difficult to establish a quantum theory of gravity. Physicists want to grasp the concepts of both general relativity and quantum mechanics and create a new theory of "quantum gravity" to replace them.
For more information please visit https://www.sciencealert.com/time-may-not-exist-according-to-physics-but-that-could-be-okay-for-us
258: "Black Moon"
Interesting Things with JC #258: "Black Moon” - April 30th 2022, the southeast Pacific and southern part of South America will be in partial eclipse due to the Black Moon. 64% of the visible sun will be blacked out, according to NASA. There's are a couple definitions for Black Moon, let's take a look!
257: "Mud Daubers”
Interesting Things with JC #257: "Mud Daubers” - they are commonly known in the southern part of the United States as dirt daubers. They are truly fascinating insects. If you have ever seen a tube-shaped nest made with mud on the outside walls of your house or possibly inside your garage, then you know what a mud dauber is. One of the most interesting things about these creatures is that….(go ahead click play!)
256: "Enchiladas"
Interesting Things with JC #256: "Enchiladas" are a traditional Mexican dish. The word comes from enchilar, which means add Chili peppers to something. The basis for the enchilada is tortilla made from maize, and they date back to the Mayans!
254: "Arctic Circle Daylight"
Interesting Things with JC #254: "Arctic Circle Daylight". In summertime, the sun is always above the horizon at the North Pole, circling the Pole once every day. It is highest in the sky at the Summer Solstice, after which, the sun starts to sink towards the horizon, until it falls below the horizon, at the Fall Equinox.
253: "Lamb vs Mutton"
Interesting Things with JC #253: "Lamb vs Mutton". Both are domestic sheep, just at different times of their life cycles. Lamb is a sheep that is typically less than 1 year old. Mutton refers to an adult sheep that is over one year old, but preferably 3 years of age. Lamb is popular premium meat in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. In remote parts of the world, thin strips of fatty mutton can be cut into a substitute for bacon, called macon.