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 #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, 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 #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 #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 #1124: "The Science of Healthy Homes" - Your home holds secrets! Drafts, leaks, and inefficiencies will cost you money and comfort. A blower door test can uncover them all, setting the stage for energy-efficient upgrades. Let's check out the science behind a healthy home! A special thank you to "The Tech Ed Teacher" Associate Producer of this Episode.

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 #1117: "A Simple Riddle 8" - A quick riddle to challenge your brain—how fast can you solve it? Remember to pause the podcast before the answer!

Interesting Things with JC #1116: "Mansa Musa" Explore the extraordinary story of Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire and the wealthiest person in history. With an entourage of 60,000 and 18 tons of gold, his pilgrimage to Mecca destabilized economies and forever changed global perceptions of Africa. Discover how his wealth built Timbuktu into a center of learning, reshaped trade routes, and left a legacy that still resonates today.

Interesting Things with JC #1114: "How Do You Cook a Turkey in a Deep Fryer?" - Curious about how to deep-fry a turkey? Let's reveal some essentials for a legendary meal!

Interesting Things with JC #1100: "E. Howard Hunt" - CIA operative and Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt lived a life of espionage, intrigue, and mystery. From toppling governments to being implicated in JFK conspiracy theories, his career is a puzzle still unsolved.

Interesting Things with JC #1098: "Adventure, Traveling, and Driving!" - From the freedom of the open road to the thrill of exploring new places, adventure transforms our lives in powerful ways. Discover how traveling and road trips change our perspective, bringing growth, connection, and stories that last a lifetime.

Interesting Things with JC #1058: "Where Does the Name Alabama Come From?" - Discover the fascinating Native American history behind Alabama's name, rooted in the Alibamu people’s culture and their connection to the land.

Interesting Things with JC #1056: "Salt Mines of Maras" - Discover the Salt Mines of Maras, an ancient engineering marvel nestled in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Learn how these pre-Incan terraced pools have produced salt for centuries and continue to serve the local community.

Interesting Things with JC #1055: "A Simple Riddle 5" - Do you have what it takes to solve another simple riddle? Tune in, test your wits, and make sure to pause the podcast before the answer is revealed!

Interesting Things with JC #1054: "Not All Deep Thinking is an Existential Crisis" - Not all deep thinking leads to existential anxiety. Learn how reflection, inspired by philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, can lead to greater clarity and understanding without emotional upheaval.

Interesting Things with JC #1050: "Saint Carlo Acutis" Uncover the inspiring life of Carlo Acutis, a tech-savvy teenager who combined his love for computers with deep faith. Learn how his legacy continues to touch lives and what makes his story so remarkable.