A Short Story Podcast Series

Interesting Things with JC

Our podcast series is open for royalty-free fair use.

  • 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 or send us an email.

  • This tagging or email notification assists us in promoting your work effectively.

  • The podcast is currently in common carriage on the Podcast Radio Network.

  • Episodes vary in duration from 30 seconds to 8 minutes.

  • All episodes are royalty-free 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 home-schooling parents, teachers, educators, and lifelong learning professionals.


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

509: "Harry Chapin and Jim Connors"

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.

Read More
News, Podcast, Science, Social JC News, Podcast, Science, Social JC

463: "Possible Habitable Super-Earth Discovered"

Interesting Things with JC #463: "Possible Habitable Super-Earth Discovered" - 105 lightyears away from Earth, scientists have discovered two Super-Earth planets near the star LP 890-9. They believe that one of these two planets could support life.

Delrez L. et al, Two temperate super-Earths transiting a nearby late-type M dwarf, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2022

Read More
Podcast, History, Social JC Podcast, History, Social JC

423: "Diogenes"

Interesting Things with JC #423: “Diogenes”—He was also referred to as Diogenes of Sinope or Diogenes the Cynic. He was a Greek philosopher who had enormous influence. He was born in Sinope, an Ionian settlement on Anatolia's Black Sea coast, in 412 or 404 BC, and passed away in Corinth in 323 BC.

Read More
Science, Podcast, History JC Science, Podcast, History JC

220: "The Great Auk"

Interesting Things with JC #220: "The Great Auk" - While the Great Auk wasn't technically a penguin, it certainly looked like one, and in fact, it was the first bird to be loosely called a penguin. One significant difference, is that true penguins are restricted to the southern hemisphere, especially the fringes of Antarctica. The Great Auk lived along the farthest reaches of the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Read More
Podcast, History, Social JC Podcast, History, Social JC

182 - Interesting Things: Library of Congress

The Library of Congress in Washington DC is essentially both the national library of the U.S. and the country's oldest federal cultural institution. Though it consists of only three buildings, it is the largest library in the world with more than 170 million items.

The Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division holds 600,000 volumes in the non-Roman script languages of the region. The oldest written material in the Library is a cuneiform tablet dating from 2040 B.C.

Read More
Podcast, History JC Podcast, History JC

101: “Andrew Jackson Killed Charles Dickinson”

One of most famous and fascinating duels in US history involved Andrew Jackson and Charles Dickinson. Dickinson insulted Jackson’s wife after a long tenured trade of insults in the newspapers.

Dickinson was regarded as one of the best shots in America and Jackson was a fearless soldier. The future President took a bullet to the chest, survived re-cocked his pistol and killed Dickinson.

Read More