Interesting Things with JC #1139: "Captain Santa and the Christmas Tree Ship" - Captain Herman Schuenemann (Captain Santa) was more than a sailor—he was a holiday hero, braving Lake Michigan to deliver Christmas trees to Chicago families. This episode tells the bittersweet story of his dedication, the tragedy that struck his final voyage, and the legacy of the Christmas Tree Ship that continues to inspire.

Interesting Things with JC #1138: "Shared Existence" - What does it mean to be truly seen? This episode explores the depth of human connection, vulnerability, and how recognition transforms the way we see ourselves.

Interesting Things with JC #1137: "David Atlee Phillips" - From Cold War coups to whispered ties with JFK’s assassination, CIA officer David Atlee Phillips’s career is shrouded in intrigue.

Interesting Things with JC #1136: "Everything is Connected" - Explore the profound idea that everything in our world is interlinked. Discover how ancient philosophies and modern science align to reveal a universe bound together in surprising ways.

Interesting Things with JC #1135: "Assyrian Rosette" - Discover the story of the Assyrian Rosette, a symbol etched into the palace walls of Ashurnasirpal II in ancient Nimrud.

Interesting Things with JC #1134: "Emerald Tablet of Thoth" - Can a single text bridge the gap between science, mysticism, and philosophy? The Emerald Tablet of Thoth might!

Interesting Things with JC #1132: "Quantum Cryptography" - Dive into the fascinating world of quantum cryptography, where cutting-edge technology meets quantum mechanics to revolutionize data security. Learn how quantum key distribution (QKD) uses photons to make data virtually unhackable!

Interesting Things with JC #1131: "A Simple Riddle 9" - Think you’ve got what it takes to solve today’s riddle? Test your brainpower, but don’t forget—pause the podcast before I give you the answer if you need more time to think!

Interesting Things with JC, Episode #1130: "The Voynich Manuscript" - A 15th-century text with cryptic symbols and strange illustrations, has puzzled experts for over 100 years. Despite modern technology, its purpose and meaning remain unknown.

Interesting Things with JC #1129: "Washington DC from Marsh to Majesty" – What began as a swampy compromise in 1800 evolved into one of the world’s most recognizable capitals. From its humble origins to its rise as a hub of power, resilience, and vision.

Interesting Things with JC #1128: "The Record-Breaking Run of Maureen Wilton" - At just 13 years old, Maureen Wilton broke the women’s marathon world record in 1967.

Interesting Things with JC #1127: "G16E-GTS - Toyota’s Turbocharged Titan" - Small but mighty, Toyota’s G16E-GTS is a turbocharged 1.6L, 3-cylinder engine that redefines what compact power can achieve. Built with cutting-edge engineering, this little powerhouse stands toe-to-toe with much larger engines. Discover the story behind this revolutionary design.

Interesting Things with JC #1126: "Sealed with Hope: How Christmas Stamps Fought Tuberculosis" - What if a penny stamp could save lives? In 1907, Christmas Seals were introduced to fund the fight against tuberculosis, transforming a holiday tradition into a public health revolution. Discover the remarkable story of how festive stamps became a symbol of hope.

Interesting Things with JC #1125: "The Lou Carcolh" - A creature part snail, part serpent, but what lies behind the French legend? This monstrous figure from Pyrenean folklore may reveal more about human imagination and ancient fossils than we realize.

Interesting Things with JC #1123: "All Things are Possible" - A tiny seed may seem insignificant, yet it contains the blueprint for immense growth. Like that seed, we hold untapped potential within ourselves. When nurtured in the right conditions, all things are possible. Explore this powerful metaphor and the science behind positivity!

Interesting Things with JC #1122: "Discovery of the Great Barrier Reef" - In 1770, Captain James Cook and his crew encountered an unseen obstacle beneath the waters of the South Pacific. What could have been a catastrophe revealed the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure on Earth!

Interesting Things with JC #1121: "Metamaterials and Negative Refraction" - Check out the groundbreaking world of metamaterials and negative refraction. Discover how these engineered materials are bending the rules of physics, enabling innovations like invisibility cloaks, superlenses, and wave manipulation. A special thank you to Liesel for inspiring today's episode.

Interesting Things with JC #1120: "The Ocean's Midnight Zone" - Journey to the ocean's midnight zone, a dark and mysterious frontier teeming with bioluminescent creatures and extraordinary adaptations. Discover how life thrives in this extreme environment, where crushing pressure and freezing temperatures push biological boundaries. Explore why this little-known realm remains a critical focus for scientific discovery. Thank you to "Mr. Adalbert" for suggesting today's topic.

Interesting Things with JC #1119: "Sonogenetics - The Science of Controlling Cells with Sound" - Explore the revolutionary world of sonogenetics, where sound waves meet cellular biology. Learn how scientists are using ultrasound to control neurons, deliver drugs, and pioneer treatments for neurological disorders and cancer. Dive into this fascinating discovery and its profound impact on science and medicine. A very special thank you to "Dr. Steve" for suggesting today's episode.

Interesting Things with JC #1118: "Living Without Fear" - What would humanity look like without fear? In this episode, JC explores the origins of fear, its impact on society, and the individuals who have dared to live fearlessly. From historical breakthroughs to personal growth strategies, discover how embracing courage can lead to a brighter, more innovative future.