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.
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?
765: "Cosmic Discovery - TOI-733b"
Interesting Things with JC #765: "Cosmic Discovery" - TOI-733b, a unique planet, might hold the key to planetary birth in the universe. Could it harbor life? Explore the mysteries of planetary formation and its implications for the search for life beyond Earth.
764: "USS Yorktown (CV-10)"
Interesting Things with JC #764: "USS Yorktown (CV-10)" - Dive into the captivating story of the USS Yorktown, an iconic World War II aircraft carrier with a legacy that spans battles and space rescues. From the Battle of the Philippine Sea to its pivotal role in recovering Apollo 8.
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
761: "SHARKS in the Mississippi"
Interesting Things with JC #761: "SHARKS in the Mississippi" - Dive into the intriguing realm of freshwater sharks, from bull sharks to enigmatic river mysteries, revealing the secrets of these aquatic wonders.
760: "Trapping Light in Magnets"
Interesting Things with JC #760: "Trapping Light in Magnets" - Delve into the world of magnetic materials and their newfound partnership with light. This scientific breakthrough explores how this interaction opens doors to magnetic lasers and quantum technology.
Ref - Dirnberger, F., Quan, J., Bushati, R. et al. Magneto-optics in a van der Waals magnet tuned by self-hybridized polaritons. Nature 620, 533–537 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06275-2
759: "Cradle of Clay - Desert Lake Beds"
Interesting Things with JC #759: "Cradle of Clay - Desert Lake Beds" - Explore the scientific mysteries of clay soil in desert lake beds, delving into its mineral composition, particle size distribution, swelling-shrinking behavior, and soil structure. Uncover the secrets of this unique terrain.
758: "Tides"
Interesting Things with JC #758: "Tides" - Dive into the captivating world of tides, exploring their types, causes, effects on coastal ecosystems, and some truly bizarre facts. From the celestial ballet of spring and neap tides to tidal locking, this episode unveils the wonders and mysteries of Earth's rhythmic oceans. Thank you Elizabeth of Clemson University for today’s episode!
757: "Flemish Giant Rabbit"
Interesting Things with JC #757: "Flemish Giant Rabbit" - Embark on a journey through history and grandeur with Europe's majestic Flemish Giant Rabbits. From their gentle and patient nature to their regal disposition, this tale weaves a captivating narrative of companionship and care.
756: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident"
Interesting Things with JC #756: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident" delves into the heart of a chilling mystery. In 1959, experienced hikers ventured into the Ural Mountains only to meet tragedy under inexplicable circumstances. As theories from avalanches to supernatural forces abound, this tale stands as a testament to humanity's pursuit of exploration amidst nature's enigmatic power. This story was suggested by Hiker & Nature Photographer Amy.
755: "Pulgas Water Temple"
Interesting Things with JC #755: "Pulgas Water Temple" - Embark on a sensory journey at the Pulgas Water Temple, an architectural marvel that commemorates the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct's completion. Follow the path of melting Sierra Nevada snow to reservoirs, and learn how water sustains San Francisco. Delve into history, architecture, and the delicate balance between nature and human innovation.
754: "Hurricanes"
Interesting Things with JC #754: "Hurricanes" - Delve into the birth, naming, categories, and history of hurricanes. Explore their devastating power, and lessons from the past. Uncover the forgotten "Great Hurricane of 1780" that stood as a testament to nature's fury.
753: "The Teton Range"
Interesting Things with JC #753: "The Teton Range" invites you to explore the captivating saga of Wyoming's majestic peaks, shaped by seismic forces and the passage of billions of years. Discover the story behind gneiss, granite, and mysterious diabase dikes that form the backdrop of this timeless landscape. Tune in to uncover the secrets of Earth's history.
752: "Maxwell–Heaviside Equations"
Interesting Things with JC #752: "Maxwell–Heaviside Equations" explores the remarkable journey of James Clerk Maxwell and Oliver Heaviside, who formulated the fundamental equations connecting electric and magnetic fields. Discover how these equations underpin our wireless world, from phones to Wi-Fi.
751: "Sea Lion Caves"
Interesting Things with JC #751: "Sea Lion Caves" - Delve into the captivating world of Steller sea lions, from their breathtaking breath-holding feats to the remarkable underground amphitheater they inhabit. Discover the stories etched within America's largest sea lion cave, where land and ocean intertwine.
750: "Give a Little"
Interesting Things with JC #750: "Give a Little" delves into the world of reciprocity, exploring its profound effects on relationships, emotions, and support systems. Discover how the simple act of giving can foster stronger bonds, positive feelings, and interconnected networks of care and assistance.
749: "Making Time"
Interesting Things with JC #749: "Making Time" delves into the profound art of time management, illuminating how prioritizing purpose, productivity, and self-care can shape a life of fulfillment. The episode invites listeners to weave moments into achievements, embrace mindful conversations, and dance with the rhythm of existence. Tune in for insights on carving a meaningful path.
748: "The Burning Bush"
Interesting Things with JC #748: "The Burning Bush" - Embark on a journey through the captivating narrative of the fiery fall foliage and toxic allure of the "Burning Bush" (Euonymus alatus). Uncover its dual nature of beauty and danger, exploring its invasiveness, toxic potency, and horticultural intrigue.