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.

    • 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.

  • 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 List

    • NGSS – 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.

    • To review examples, check out any episode from #1235 to today, just scroll down.

    • 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.

History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

022: "The Mysterious Disappearance at Flannan Isles Lighthouse"

Interesting Things with JC #022: "The Mysterious Disappearance at Flannan Isles Lighthouse" - In 1900, the Flannan Isles Lighthouse crew mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a deserted lighthouse with unfinished meals and a stopped clock. Theories range from natural disasters like rogue waves to supernatural explanations, but no conclusive evidence has ever been found. This unsolved maritime mystery continues to fascinate and puzzle historians across the globe.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

016: "Bok Tower Gardens"

Interesting Things with JC #016: "Bok Tower Gardens" - A National Historic Landmark in central Florida, was dedicated in 1929 by Edward W. Bok as a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility. Created by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, this serene oasis invites visitors to explore its lush landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. The gardens reflect Bok's vision of providing a beautiful retreat for future generations.

Thank you to “LoveShackBBQ” for suggesting today’s episode.

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History, Social, Podcast JC History, Social, Podcast JC

013: "The Falkirk Wheel"

Interesting Things with JC #013: "The Falkirk Wheel" - Explore The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland's pioneering rotating boat lift that seamlessly connects two major canals. This impressive structure not only facilitates transportation but also showcases cutting-edge engineering and innovation in the UK.

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History, Social JC History, Social JC

004: "Eel Pie Island"

Interesting Things with JC #004: "Eel Pie Island" - Explore the hidden history of Eel Pie Island, a notable site for 1960s rock and blues culture, now a thriving artist community. This Thames island offers a unique glimpse into its storied past and present cultural richness.

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JC JC

1000: "Happiness"

In "Happiness," we discuss how daily practices like friendships, self-care, and journaling lead to personal fulfillment and align with core values for increased satisfaction and resilience.

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Social, History, Podcast JC Social, History, Podcast JC

999: "9 Fruits of the Spirit"

Interesting Things with JC #999: "9 Fruits of the Spirit" - Discover how embodying the nine virtues—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—can lead to a more fulfilled and spiritually aligned life. These virtues, rooted in biblical teachings, serve as a guide to personal growth and moral integrity. Tune in to explore how each can dramatically influence one's life in positive ways.

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997: "Pigs can't look at the Sky"

Interesting Things with JC #997: "Pigs can't look at the Sky" - This episode dives into why pigs are physically unable to look straight up due to their anatomical structure. It explores how pigs perceive the world differently and utilize reflections to view the sky. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of these adaptations in animal behavior and evolution.

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996: "A Desire to Run Away"

Interesting Things with JC #996: "A Desire to Run Away" - In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind our instinct to escape when faced with overwhelming situations, exploring both the psychological underpinnings and the societal pressures that amplify this feeling. We discuss the link between mental health issues like anxiety and depression and the desire to flee, and provide strategies for managing these impulses. Tune in to learn how understanding and addressing these emotions can lead to more effective coping and a more stable life.

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995: "Loneliness"

Interesting Things with JC #995: "Loneliness" - This episode delves into the complexities of loneliness, a state that can lead to both severe health challenges and profound personal growth. It discusses the biological and psychological impacts of feeling isolated and how, paradoxically, such a state can also encourage self-discovery and resilience. Tune in to uncover the dual nature of loneliness and how it shapes human experience.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

993: "The Foundation of Rome - 21 April 753BC"

Interesting Things with JC #993: "The Foundation of Rome - 21 April 753BC" - Delve into the mythological beginnings of Rome, founded by the twins Romulus and Remus. According to legend, their story features divine intervention, survival, and betrayal, culminating in Romulus establishing Rome after the tragic death of Remus. This tale blends myth with the harsh realities of ancient times, highlighting the dramatic and often brutal path to Rome's establishment.

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History, Podcast, Social JC History, Podcast, Social JC

992: "The Myth of Code 420"

Interesting Things with JC #992: "The Myth of Code 420" - This episode delves into the actual origins of "420", a term mistakenly believed to be a police code for marijuana but actually coined by a group of high school friends in California during the 1970s. Discover how their inside joke spread through the Grateful Dead's community, becoming a global symbol of cannabis culture.

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