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 #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 #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, 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 #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 #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 #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?!?!