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 #1133: "Realizing the Truth of Who You Are" - Who are you beyond the labels and expectations placed on you? We explore the universal journey of self-discovery through the lens of ancient philosophy, modern neuroscience, and cultural traditions.

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 #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.

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 #1113: "The Secret Underground Network of Mycelium" - Beneath our feet lies a vast, interconnected network of mycelium, forming the "Wood Wide Web." This fungal marvel connects trees, redistributes nutrients, helps forests thrive, and is older than any known civilization!

Interesting Things with JC #1112: "Forgotten Female Explorers" - Bold, brilliant, and often overlooked! Lets meet the women who reshaped history through exploration. From the Amazon to the Arctic, their achievements defied expectations and expanded our understanding of the world.

Interesting Things with JC #1111: "Lost Civilization of Cahokia" - the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, thrived with monumental mounds and a bustling society. But why did it vanish?!?!

Interesting Things with JC #1110: "Time Crystals – A New Phase of Matter" - Time crystals, a groundbreaking discovery, oscillate perpetually without energy loss, defying the laws of thermodynamics!

Interesting Things with JC #1109: "The Strength of Shapes" - Shapes are more than just designs—they’re the foundation of strength in structures. Shapes are essential in both nature and engineering!

Interesting Things with JC #1107: "Vendée Globe: A Race Around Antarctica" - Explore the thrilling world of the Vendée Globe, a solo, nonstop sailing race encircling Antarctica enhanced by modern technology! This extreme maritime challenge pushes sailors to their limits, confronting them with towering waves, intense isolation, and freezing temperatures.

A big thank you to TechEdTeacher for inspiring this episode!

Interesting Things with JC #1106: "Sarcophagus of Pakal" - The Great and Legendary Mayan King of Palenque, whose burial site in the Temple of the Inscriptions has sparked debates ranging from archaeology to ancient astronaut theories. Discover the rich symbolism in the carvings and what they reveal about Mayan beliefs about the afterlife.

Interesting Things with JC #1105: "Blue Men of the Minch" - Explore the chilling tale of the Blue Men of the Minch, supernatural beings who haunt the waters between Scotland and the Outer Hebrides. Learn how these blue-skinned spirits challenge sailors with riddles and why they remain a captivating part of Scotland’s folklore.

Interesting Things with JC #1104: "The Flawed Gatekeeping of Knowledge on Wikipedia" - How do Wikipedia's rules affect our understanding of history? Learn how its strict policies exclude credible historical sources, leading to biased narratives and knowledge loss. Why does this matter for our grasp of human history?

Interesting Things with JC #1103: "Bad Smells - More Than Just a Nuisance" - Bad smells are often more than just unpleasant—they're nature's way of warning us. Discover the science behind odors, how our noses detect danger, and why some foul smells may be less harmful than you think.

Interesting Things with JC #1102: "Umi-Bozu" - Meet the Umi-Bozu, the ghostly sea spirits of Japanese legend. Rising from the waves, these colossal beings confront sailors with ominous demands. Discover how this haunting folklore reflects Japan’s deep respect and fear of the ocean.

Interesting Things with JC #1101: "The Schwabenland Expedition" - Nazi Germany’s 1938 Antarctic mission blended resource acquisition, geopolitical goals, and scientific exploration. It's a fascinating historical account of this mysterious, controversial, and often forgotten expedition.

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.

Episode #1096: "The Great Boston Fire of 1872" - Explore the story of the Great Boston Fire, a devastating event that reshaped Boston’s downtown, and led to lasting changes in fire safety and urban planning. From the destruction of landmarks to the birth of new safety codes, this episode dives into the far-reaching impact of this historic fire on the city and beyond.