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.
851: "Earlobes"
Interesting Things with JC #851: "Earlobes" uncovers the perpetual growth of ear cartilage and the genetic nuances shaping earlobe variations, including the unique connected earlobes. From recessive traits to cultural perceptions, the episode explores the multifaceted nature of this often-overlooked body part.
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!
849: "Nuclear Fission"
Interesting Things with JC #849: "Nuclear Fission" - Delve into the historic experiment led by Enrico Fermi at Stagg Field in 1942, unlocking the secrets of controlled nuclear fission. This pivotal moment not only laid the foundation for the Atomic Age but also influenced the Manhattan Project and the development of nuclear energy. Explore the scientific breakthroughs and historical discoveries that shaped our world.
848: "Casimir Effect"
Interesting Things with JC #848: "Casimir Effect" - Unravel the quantum dance of attractive forces between plates and mirrors, from Hendrik Casimir's predictions to nanotech applications. Explore the mysteries of quantum mechanics, negative energy density, and the profound nature of seemingly empty space.
847: "Computer Punch Cards"
Interesting Things with JC #847: "Computer Punch Cards" - Delve into the historical journey from punch cards to terabytes, exploring the impact of early computing and the legacy of Dr. Herman Hollerith.
846: "Iron Floats in Mercury"
Interesting Things with JC #846: "Iron Floats in Mercury" - Unravel the mystery behind why metals like iron defy gravity and float in the dense liquid that is mercury.
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.
843: 'Sojourner Truth'
Interesting Things with JC #843: 'Sojourner Truth' - Explore the impactful life of 19th-century abolitionist and women's rights advocate Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery, her powerful speeches, including the iconic 'Ain't I a Woman?' address, resonated in the fight for justice.
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!
841: "Dallas - 24 November 1963"
Interesting Things with JC #841: "Dallas - 24 November 1963" delves into the shocking events as nightclub owner Jack Ruby shoots Lee Harvey Oswald live on TV, adding layers of mystery to JFK's assassination. The legal saga, Ruby's declining mental state revealed in a cryptic note, and the unresolved questions create a gripping narrative.
840: "Thanksgiving 1621"
Interesting Things with JC #840: "Thanksgiving 1621" - Explore the untold harmony between Pilgrims and Wampanoag during a feast uniting 90 Wampanoag and 53 Pilgrim survivors. The story unveils resilience, cooperation, and the impact of cultural exchange.
839: "Tip of the Tongue"
Interesting Things with JC #839: 'Tip of the Tongue' - Embark on a journey through the intricate maze of the mind, exploring the frustration and fascination of the 'tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon. Delve into the complexities of memory, where words play hide-and-seek, adding a touch of suspense to the human experience.
838: "The Great Emu War"
Interesting Things with JC #838: "The Great Emu War" - Discover the hilariously absurd clash in 1932 between Aussie soldiers armed with machine guns and nimble emus, as they tried to farm their way through post-World War I struggles. Despite a series of comical attempts, the emus emerged victorious, leaving an indelible mark on Australian history.
837: "Do Not Hold Your Burps"
Interesting Things with JC #837: "Do Not Hold Your Burps"- Suppressing burps for politeness can lead to discomfort, bloating, and acid reflux. Prioritize digestive health and learn about the consequences.
836: "Simplicity and the Wonder Boy"
Interesting Things with JC #836: "Simplicity and the Wonder Boy" - Delve into Simplicity's remarkable journey, from the inception in 1922 with the Wonder Boy to strategic acquisitions that shaped the outdoor equipment industry. Explore the company's innovation legacy and entrepreneurial evolution. Tune in on @ThePodcastRadio or visit JimConnors.net
835: "The Mystery of El Gigante"
Interesting Things with JC #835: "The Mystery of El Gigante" - Explore the enigma of an unfinished colossal moai on Easter Island, standing in Rano Raraku. Uncover the secrets of ancient craftsmanship, the challenges of moai production, and the unanswered questions surrounding this historical marvel. Dive deep into the island's rich history, culture, and the enduring mysteries etched into its silent stones.
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.
833: "Izmir, Turkey"
Interesting Things with JC #833: "Izmir, Turkey" - Dive into the vibrant city of Izmir, Turkey, where ancient history meets a bustling present. Explore the iconic Clock Tower, savor the gastronomic delights of Kumru, and witness the panoramic views from Kadifekale fortress.
832: "Hamburg, Germany"
Interesting Things with JC #832: "Hamburg, Germany" unfolds a rich narrative of maritime grandeur, from the bustling port to the UNESCO Speicherstadt. Discover the city's literary ties, architectural marvels, and a commitment to sustainability, inviting exploration beyond its canals.