Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.

Jim Connors LLC produces Interesting Things with JC, an award-winning independent podcast and video series with no outside sponsors. What sets the series apart is JC’s cadence and storytelling, along with the way each episode blends accurate research, engaging delivery, and companion curriculum that extends the learning experience. Our specialty is creating content that feels approachable and memorable while working across podcast, radio, video, and classroom settings.

What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?

Our ethos is independence, freedom, accuracy, and accessibility. With no outside sponsors, Interesting Things with JC stays true to storytelling that is both honest and educational. What sets us apart is JC’s cadence and delivery, paired with companion curriculum that makes each episode engaging and useful across podcast, video, and classroom settings.

How can people join or learn more about what you do?

Visit JimConnors.net and stay in touch on any platform — YouTube, Instagram, TikTok. Facebook, X)

Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?

The submission is the series Interesting Things with JC, with a new episode released every day for more than 1,400 days. It started as a personal project from an independent voiceover artist and former broadcast professional looking to get noticed. Over time the audience grew, and now families, teachers, and everyday listeners send in topics. What makes it stand out is the steady pace, the honest delivery, and the way it has turned into a community effort.

What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?

What I am most proud of are the people I have met and connected with through this series. Listeners who share their thoughts, families and teachers who send in topics, and folks who inspire new stories have been the best part of the whole journey. The hardest part has been staying consistent. Putting out a new episode every single day is a grind. I have managed it by keeping the process lean and repeatable, and by giving my old analog gear the care it needs. Those gold lion tubes and outboard compressors only keep working if you show them some love.

Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?

I spent years in broadcasting, helping build TV stations and networks, traveling the world, critiquing documentaries, and working with some of the best in radio and television. I met a lot of celebrities along the way, and the truth is we are all the same. Everybody has insecurities and stress. My advice is to stay the course. Keep moving forward, because the next season of your life may bring the break you have been waiting for. You are probably better than you think, and sometimes the reason you are not getting feedback is simply because you are a little early. Do not quit. Keep real connections, and focus on being a good person. The rest will follow.

Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?

A fun behind-the-scenes fact is that I almost stopped at 1,000 episodes. I was worn out and did not have a radio contract yet, but my kids reminded me how many people enjoy the show and I could not quit on the kids. I also could not let Podcast Radio down, since they have supported me since the early days. And now, with the community that has grown on social media, it feels like if I miss the mark I am letting down a whole group of great people who tune in every day. Since episode 1,001, the series has gone on to win 11 industry awards and counting!

Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.

One of the most memorable responses came from a young girl in California who suggested I do an episode on barrel racing. She was a barrel racer herself, and to be honest, I did not know much about it at first. After doing in-depth research and pulling together the facts, I finished the script and released the episode. That piece went on to be recognized for its creativity in the industry, and it was the first time we added open-source curriculum to an episode. Ever since, curriculum has been part of the series, and the challenge now is going back to add it to earlier shows. That girl and her family, part of a strong homeschooling community in Northern California, were the spark that helped bring everything together. It moved the series to the next level, and I will always remember how important that suggestion was.

Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’

…great radio storytelling put to video!