A Short Story Podcast Series
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Interesting Things with JC is free to use for teaching and learning under fair use. Educators, homeschooling parents, librarians, and lifelong learners have broad rights to use the episodes and curriculum in any instructional setting. One exception applies to Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors”, which is not covered under this open educational permission.
Full curriculum support begins at Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom”. Any earlier episode without curriculum can be prioritized by request. Educators may contact JimConnors LLC directly, and a matching curriculum module will be created and added to the site.
Teachers and homeschooling families are welcome to use, play, share, print, and adapt all eligible episodes and curriculum materials for lesson planning, instruction, student assignments, LMS uploads, and any other direct educational activity. No special approval is required for everyday classroom use. Crediting the show is appreciated when possible.
This permission does not extend to commercial activity. The episodes and curriculum may not be repackaged, resold, redistributed as a standalone program, or presented as original work by any third party. Any commercial or branded use requires prior written consent from JimConnors LLC. Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” follows its own restrictions and is excluded from open educational use.
Educators may freely use the content in classrooms, homeschools, co-ops, tutoring programs, library settings, and adult education. They may revise or adapt curriculum pages, print transcripts, share episode links, or integrate materials into their lessons as needed. What is not allowed is turning the work into a paid course, selling derivatives, posting content under another brand, or redistributing the series as a separate product.
Summary:
Free for education.
Not for resale.
Not for commercial repackaging.
Episode #1235: “Three Turns to Freedom” and onward includes full curriculum.
Older episodes can receive curriculum by request.
Episode #509: “Harry Chapin and Jim Connors” is excluded.
All rights reserved © JimConnors LLC. -
Interesting Things with JC is available on the Podcast Radio format in the United Kingdom and the United States. Listeners can tune in on the radio in select cities or stream the station online from anywhere.
United Kingdom – Podcast Radio (UK)
Podcast Radio is a 24-hour all-podcast station based in London. It broadcasts on DAB+ digital radio across London and several other supported UK regions, with full worldwide access through its online stream.
Interesting Things with JC is included in Podcast Radio’s curated programming lineup.
Listeners in the United Kingdom can hear the station on DAB+ receivers in covered areas, through the Podcast Radio website, or through the station’s online and mobile streaming platforms.
United States – Podcast Radio US
In the United States, Interesting Things with JC airs as part of Podcast Radio US across four regional markets. The format is carried on HD Radio channels and FM translators.
Detroit, Michigan: WCSX 94.7 HD2 and 93.5 FM
Tampa Bay, Florida: 1010 WJBR AM
Charlotte, North Carolina: 94.7 FM and WSOC HD3
Fort Myers and Naples, Florida: WXKB HD2, 96.5 FM, 101.5 FM, and 105.1 FMNationwide listening is available through the station’s website at PodcastRadioUS.com.
Streaming Access
Podcast Radio UK and Podcast Radio US both offer live streaming through their official websites and mobile platforms, allowing listeners worldwide to hear Interesting Things with JC as part of the network’s curated programming.
The show is also available across major podcast and audio platforms, including Podcast Radio, Podverse, Headliner, Amazon, Apple, Audacy, Audible, Castbox, Deezer, fyyd, GoodPods, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Listen Notes, Pandora, PlayerFM, PocketCasts, Podcast Republic, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.
In addition to audio platforms, listeners can follow and stream content on social media through Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube.
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Start class with a short, clear story your students can follow from the first sentence. Play an episode of Interesting Things with JC and use the free curriculum to guide a full lesson with questions, activities, and applied learning.
Every episode from #1235 forward includes a modular micro lesson designed for a 30 to 45 minute class period. At the bottom of each episode page, you will find expandable sections that organize all curriculum materials for teachers, parents, and homeschool families.
Each lesson includes:
Lesson overview with title, grade band, subject area, and learning objectives
Key vocabulary with phonetic spelling and plain language definitions
Core story content created through the Precise Storytelling Framework
Full podcast transcript
Student worksheet with comprehension and writing activities
Teacher guide with pacing notes, strategies, and discussion tools
Quiz or quick check assessment with a scoring rubric
Standards alignment across multiple national and international frameworks
ADA compliant alt text for all instructional media
Links to approved primary sources used for fact checking
Guidance for homeschool adaptation and flexible scheduling
All curriculum materials are created through the Narrative Intelligence System to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and age-appropriate delivery. Lessons stay free of ideological frameworks and focus on academic content only.
Standards Alignment
Interesting Things with JC aligns each micro lesson with the following approved educational standards:
United States National Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics
College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (C3 Framework)
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE Standards)
National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
Career and Technical Education Career Clusters (CTE Career Clusters)
Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy (ACRL Framework)
Bloom’s Taxonomy for Cognitive Learning Objectives
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (UDL Guidelines)
Additional United States Alignment Areas
Alignment to state and provincial academic standards when content applies
Media and Information Literacy standards
Social Emotional Learning and 21st Century Skills frameworks
Financial Literacy and Employability Skills standards
English as a Second Language and World Language vocabulary support when applicable
International Academic Equivalents (Content-Based Alignment Only)
United Kingdom National Curriculum, Key Stages 3 to 5
AQA, OCR, and Edexcel Examination Board Specifications
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme (IB PYP, MYP, DP)
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level (Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level)
Access, Use, and OER Licensing
All lessons are published as Open Educational Resources and may be used, printed, or shared for teaching and learning in classrooms, homeschools, and tutoring environments. Materials are provided for educational use under fair use and may not be resold or distributed commercially.
Episodes from #1235 forward include complete curriculum materials. If you find an older episode without a micro lesson, reach out and it will be moved to the front of the build queue. Starting with Episode #1307, each MP3 page in the RSS feed includes open text at the bottom of the page for quick access to transcripts and curriculum notes.
Teacher and homeschool feedback is always welcome to help improve clarity and layout.
1028: "What is a Mountain Chicken?"
Interesting Things with JC #1028: "What is a Mountain Chicken?" - Discover the Mountain Chicken, one of the largest frogs in the world, native to the Caribbean and critically endangered. Learn about its unique traits and the efforts to save it from extinction.
006: "Lundy Island's Time Zone"
Interesting Things with JC #006: "Lundy Island's Time Zone" - Discover Lundy Island, unique for having its own time zone, 25 minutes behind until 1978, reflecting its slow-paced, isolated lifestyle. Known for its distinct postage stamps and rich wildlife, the island offers a glimpse into a truly unique British locale.
921: "Fort Smallwood Park"
Interesting Things with JC #921: "Fort Smallwood Park" - Dive into the intriguing story behind Fort Smallwood Park, from its origins as a defensive structure in the Spanish-American War to its transformation into a serene public space today. Explore remnants of history and enjoy recreational activities along the picturesque Chesapeake Bay.
854: "How Pythons Climb"
Interesting Things with JC #854: "How Pythons Climb" - Delve into the mesmerizing arboreal journey of pythons, where scales, muscles, and sensory prowess converge in a symphony of nature. Explore the intricate adaptation, from friction-enhanced scales to a flexible skeletal dance, unlocking the secrets of snake magic.
850: "Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people"
Interesting Things with JC #850: "Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people" - Discover the shocking reality!
751: "Sea Lion Caves"
Interesting Things with JC #751: "Sea Lion Caves" - Delve into the captivating world of Steller sea lions, from their breathtaking breath-holding feats to the remarkable underground amphitheater they inhabit. Discover the stories etched within America's largest sea lion cave, where land and ocean intertwine.
717: "Bees typically don't fly at night!"
Interesting Things with JC #717: "Bees typically don't fly at night!" - Did you know that most honeybees avoid nighttime flights due to their reliance on visual cues? Learn more about their fascinating behavior in this intriguing story!
715: "The Chinese Water Deer"
Interesting Things with JC #715: "The Chinese Water Deer" - Unveil the captivating tale of this unique animal, its tusks, and wetland lifestyle!
634: "Red Tanager"
Interesting Things with JC #634: "Red Tanager" - A species of strikingly beautiful bird found in Texas' dense forests and is actually a member of the Cardinal family. This bird was described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 book Systema Naturae.
620: "The Exploration Tower"
Interesting Things with JC #620: "The Exploration Tower" - A modern architectural landmark located in Port Canaveral, Florida, built in 2013 as part of a redevelopment project. It features a sleek design with a glass exterior and steel framework, rising 60 feet above the ground.
The tower houses interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the history and culture of the Space Coast, including its maritime history, role in the U.S. space program, and diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
619: "Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge"
Interesting Things with JC #619: "Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge" is a protected area located on Florida's Space Coast, encompassing 140,000 acres of diverse habitats and ecosystems.
Established in 1963, the refuge is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species such as the Florida scrub jay and West Indian manatee.
The refuge also played a vital role in the U.S. space program, serving as the launch site for Apollo missions and other historic spaceflights.
618: "Canaveral National Seashore"
Interesting Things with JC #618: "Canaveral National Seashore" is a stunning 24-mile long barrier island on the east coast of Florida, known for its natural beauty and unique ecosystems.
The seashore is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the manatee, sea turtle, and Florida scrub jay.
In addition to its natural wonders, Canaveral National Seashore is also steeped in history, with ties to the Native American community, early European settlers, and the U.S. space program.
611: "April 1513 - Florida"
Interesting Things with JC #611: "April 1513 - Florida" - Discover the daring story of Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who claimed Florida for his king in 1513. From encountering native tribes to seeking the legendary Fountain of Youth, his legacy lives on today.
607: "Flamingos Eat with their Heads Upside Down"
Interesting Things with JC #607: "Flamingos Eat with their Heads Upside Down" - Their specialized beaks and flexible necks allow them to filter-feed efficiently.
372: "White Sands Oryx"
Interesting Things with JC #372: "White Sands Oryx" - Wild oryx were transported from Africa's Kalahari Desert to an experimental range near Red Rock, New Mexico.
319: "The Tunguska Event"
Interesting Things with JC #319: "The Tunguska Event" - June 30th 1908, a mysterious blast shook the eastern part of Siberia. The impact devastated an estimated 80 million trees in a radial pattern from the blast zone, generating energy equivalent to nearly 185 Hiroshima bombs.
127 Interesting Things - Pandas
An adult Giant Panda can grow as tall as five feet and they can weigh as much as 350 pounds. They can also consume 45 pounds of bamboo shoots in one day. Let's talk Pandas and discover more interesting things!