Episodes
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.
Published 05/11/24
Published 05/11/24
Interesting Things with JC #012: "The Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral" - Step into St Paul’s Cathedral to hear the whispers of history echo through the famed Whispering Gallery. This architectural and acoustic marvel allows whispers to be heard clearly across the dome, enchanting visitors with its unique sound design.
Published 05/10/24
Interesting Things with JC #011: "The Secret Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon Hatch" - Explore the once-hidden Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker in Essex, a relic of Cold War fears and preparations. This underground site provides a stark reminder of the tension and readiness that defined the era.
Published 05/09/24
Interesting Things with JC #010: "The Time-Eating Clock of Cambridge" - Experience the Corpus Clock at Cambridge, where art meets engineering in the form of the Chronophage, a mechanical creature that marks time by 'eating' it. This innovative clock not only tells time but also tells a story of life's fleeting moments.
Published 05/08/24
Interesting Things with JC #009: "Britain's Oldest Pub" - Explore the fascinating history of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, the oldest pub in Britain. Delve into its tales of monks, royal visits, and its namesake sport, providing a living history lesson in pub culture.
Published 05/07/24
Interesting Things with JC #008: "The Lincoln Imp" - Delve into the folklore of the Lincoln Imp, a cheeky creature turned to stone in Lincoln Cathedral. This legendary imp has become a beloved symbol of Lincoln, captivating locals and visitors with its enchanting story.
Published 05/06/24
Interesting Things with JC #007: "The Labyrinth of Shell Grotto" - Explore the mysterious Shell Grotto in Margate, discovered in 1835 and adorned with over 4.6 million shells. Its origin remains a mystery, making it a fascinating subject for historians and visitors alike.
Published 05/05/24
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.
Published 05/04/24
Interesting Things with JC #005: "The Lost Village of Tyneham" - Explore the story of Tyneham, a Dorset village evacuated in 1943 during WWII, promising its residents a return that never came. Today, it stands preserved, a poignant reminder of the past, open to the public to witness history frozen in time.
Published 05/03/24
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.
Published 05/02/24
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.
Published 05/01/24
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.
Published 04/30/24
Interesting Things with JC #001: "The Smallest House in Great Britain" - Explore the charming and tiny red house in Conwy, known as the smallest in Great Britain. This unique dwelling showcases the extreme of minimalist living, providing a glimpse into the life of its last towering resident.
Published 04/29/24
Interesting Things with JC #1000: "Happiness" - This episode delves into how embracing consistent daily practices like sustaining friendships, maintaining personal care routines, and reflecting through journaling can lead to profound personal happiness and fulfillment. It examines the psychological impact of these habits and suggests how they can align one’s professional and personal life with their core values, resulting in enhanced life satisfaction and resilience.
Published 04/28/24
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.
Published 04/27/24
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.
Published 04/26/24
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.
Published 04/25/24
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...
Published 04/24/24
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.
Published 04/23/24
Interesting Things with JC #994: "The Discovery of Brazil in 1500" - In 1500, explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral led a Portuguese fleet to the shores of present-day Brazil, marking a crucial turn in the Age of Exploration. This discovery not only expanded Portugal's colonial empire but also initiated complex cultural exchanges and significant ecological impacts. The event set the stage for centuries of exploration and exploitation in the Americas.
Published 04/22/24
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.
Published 04/21/24
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.
Published 04/20/24
Interesting Things with JC #991: "The Prime Life of 991" - Discover the unique world of prime numbers through the lens of 991, a prime number that holds significant importance in mathematics and cryptography. This episode delves into how such numbers are fundamental to modern digital security and number theory, illustrating the mysterious yet crucial role they play in both theoretical and practical applications.
Published 04/19/24
Interesting Things with JC #990: "The Sachertorte" - This episode delves into the rich history of the Sachertorte, a beloved Viennese dessert that originated in 1832 by Franz Sacher. It highlights the evolution of the cake through the hands of his son Eduard, the ensuing legal battles over its name, and its status as a cultural icon in Austria. Tune in to uncover how a simple chocolate cake became a symbol of Viennese luxury and the subject of international culinary acclaim.
Published 04/18/24