Interesting Things with JC #003: "The Poison Garden" - Delve into the intriguing world of The Poison Garden at Alnwick Garden, a unique collection of plants that are as dangerous as they are beautiful. This educational tour highlights the sinister yet fascinating aspects of toxic and narcotic botany.

Interesting Things with JC #002: "The Cheese Rolling Festival" - Dive into the thrilling world of the Cheese Rolling Festival at Cooper’s Hill, a unique British tradition where bravery and cheese collide in a spectacular race for glory.

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.

Interesting Things with JC #998: "Beware of Destiny Swappers" - This episode dives into the manipulative tactics of destiny swappers who strive to steal others' successful paths through deceit and manipulation. It discusses the psychological traits that enable such behaviors and offers strategies to protect oneself from these toxic dynamics. Tune in to learn how to maintain your autonomy and safeguard your personal and professional life from those who might undermine it.

Interesting Things with JC #775: "Minorcan Mike's Datil Pepper Saga" - Embark on a spicy journey through the culinary heritage of St. Augustine, guided by Minorcan Mike. Discover the rich history of datil peppers, their cultivation, and the sensory symphony they create in this flavorful narrative. Tune in to explore a taste of history and heritage on the podcast!

A very special thank you to “Love Shack BBQ” for suggesting today’s episode.

Ref - https://www.minorcanmikes.com/

Interesting Things with JC #759: "Cradle of Clay - Desert Lake Beds" - Explore the scientific mysteries of clay soil in desert lake beds, delving into its mineral composition, particle size distribution, swelling-shrinking behavior, and soil structure. Uncover the secrets of this unique terrain.

Interesting Things with JC #729: "Phoenix - August 4th, 2007" - Follow the journey of the U.S. space probe Phoenix, launched on a daring mission to Mars. A year later, after a 680-million-kilometer journey, it landed on the red planet, making an incredible discovery of water ice beneath the Martian surface. The probe's findings sparked excitement among scientists and opened up new possibilities for future space exploration.

Interesting Things with JC #687: "Synthetic Chicken" - Lab-grown synthetic chicken, also known as cultured chicken or cell-based chicken is produced through tissue engineering and cellular agriculture. This product has recently been approved for consumption and sale in the United States as of June 21st, 2023.

Interesting Things with JC #509: "Harry Chapin & Jim Connors" - In this unique and profound 33-minute interview, we're given a window into the world of #HarryChapin and #JimConnors, two iconic figures in the music and radio industries. Jim Connors, renowned as the morning host at #WJET in #Erie, #WMEX in #Boston, and #WYSL in #Buffalo, had a keen eye for talent, significantly influencing the careers of numerous artists, including the gifted singer/songwriter Harry Chapin.

The discussion opens with how they first met in the Boston area, blossoming into a friendship that deeply influenced Chapin's early career. This interview not only highlights their personal bond but also delves into the creative process behind Chapin's third album, #ShortStories, released in #1973. The album features the international hit #WOLD, which brilliantly captures the intricate demands of the radio business while echoing a universal yearning for a more grounded, ordinary life. This song not only resonated with #radio personalities but also reportedly inspired #HughWilson to create the beloved #TV show #WKRP in #Cincinnati.

Further enriching this conversation, Harry Chapin shares the inspiration behind his hit song "Taxi," revealing the emotional depth and personal experiences that fuel his songwriting. The dialogue explores the struggles and successes within the music industry, highlighting the pivotal role of authenticity in creating music that genuinely connects with listeners. Chapin's approach to songwriting seeks to mirror the emotional authenticity of artists like Jacques Brel, whose profound impact on French music is well recognized.

Both Chapin and Connors discuss the importance of maintaining artistic integrity, even in the face of commercial pressures and the challenges of controversial lyrics. This segment sheds light on their views of the music industry, emphasizing the value of telling genuine stories and staying true to one's artistic vision.

Throughout their careers, both men have navigated the complexities of fame and the music industry, always striving to keep a strong connection with their audience and to remain grounded despite external pressures. This dialogue is a must-hear for anyone interested in the intricacies of songwriting, the history of radio broadcasting, and the enduring impact of genuine musical storytelling.

Interesting Things with JC #469: "I-35 Little Czech Bakery" - They sell fresh Czech pastries, coffee, travel pillows, and tamales, and is a typical Texas rest stop too. A poster in the store says that each week, the Czech Stop bakes with more than 1,200 pounds of cream cheese, 9,000 pounds of flour, 750 gallons of milk, 2,400 pounds of butter, 1,300 pounds of sausage, 2,100 dozen eggs, and 2,500 pounds of American cheese.

They’re the home of Kolache (pronounced "koh-LAH-chee") and klobasnek (pronounced "klo-BAH-snik") which are Czech pastries that is wildly popular in Texas.

Interesting Things #459: "Crystals That Generate Electricity From Heat" - A new study shows that simple changes to a synthetic copper mineral's composition can give it a complex structure and microstructure, laying the groundwork for properties that could change the way industry generates electricity.

#RoyaltyFree #Educational

Interesting Things with JC #457: "Sneezing Can Break Your Ribs" - You could break a rib if you sneeze too hard!

Interesting Things with JC #456: "Tongue Prints" - Like fingerprints, each person has a unique tongue print. The tongue is an important organ inside the mouth that is well protected from the outside world. It has unique parts that are different for each person, even between identical twins.

Interesting Things with JC #449: "International Sandwich Day"—Every year on November 3, the unofficial holiday commemorates the birthday of John Montagu and the naming of the Sandwich!

Interesting Things with JC #443: “The True Story of Hansel and Gretel” is based on real events that happened in the Baltic countries between 1314 and 1322.

Interesting Things with JC #438: "Samhuinn & Hallows' Eve" - You can find the roots of Halloween in the Celtic Samhain festival in Ireland.

Interesting Things with JC #436: "2 Signs in October" - Libra & Scorpio

Interesting Things with JC #431: Marconi starts the first commercial "Wireless Telegraph Service" across the Atlantic Ocean, linking Nova Scotia and Ireland.

Interesting Things with JC #426: "Birthmarks and Reincarnation" - From a medical perspective, birthmarks are simply the result of excess skin pigment or increased blood vessels. However, there are beliefs related to the significance of birthmarks, both good and bad, in many cultures and religions around the world, passed from one generation to the next.

Interesting Things with JC #424: "World Porridge Day" is an annual celebration held on the 10th of October.