Podcast
Circle Round
Thoughtfully-selected folktales from around the world are adapted for today's families and feature top talent from the stage and screen. With original music and sound design, these stories delve into topics such as kindness, persistence and generosity. Geared for kids ages 4 to 10 and their grown-ups; created and produced by parents of young children.
Episodes
'The Woman In The Moon' | feat. Irene Bedard ("Ralph Breaks The Internet," "Pocahontas")
Jan 22 2019
In this Alaska Native tale, Irene Bedard (Pocahontas, Ralph Breaks the Internet) plays a patient mortal who yearns to help the moon carry light across the night sky.
'The Queen's Gift' | feat. Jake Borelli (Grey's Anatomy)
Jan 15 2019
In this story from Africa, the Middle East and the Caucasus, Jake Borelli (Grey's Anatomy) plays a prince whose newfound weaving skills come in handier than he ever imagined.
'The Golden Flask' | feat. Allison Strong
Jan 08 2019
Allison Strong (The Week Of) headlines this Incan tale about a brave, magical journey to heal a prince and save a family. Download the coloring page that goes with this episode at wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages Subscribe to Circle Round at applepodcasts.com/circleround
Encore: 'Cow Wells and Cow Bells'
Jan 01 2019
We're celebrating Billy Porter's 2019 Golden Globe nomination by bringing back this East African folktale that asks: "Is honesty always the best policy?"
Road Trip Reel: 'Family Ties'
Dec 24 2018
To make your winter holidays even merrier and brighter, enjoy 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Round episodes about family! Stories include: "The Months of the Year," "Why The Ocean Is Salty," "100 Rooms," "The Lion’s Whisker,""Three Wishes" and "The Skylark."
'The Dancing Goats' | feat. Raul Esparza
Dec 17 2018
In this Galician folktale, Raul Esparza (Law and Order: SVU, Bojack Horseman, Ferdinand) stars as an aspiring musician who dreams of making the whole world dance. If you love this podcast, please consider supporting WBUR (where Circle Round is produced) by donating $5 or $10 a month. When you do, we'll send you the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW coloring book created by our fabulous illustrator Sabina Hahn. Learn more at: wbur.org/color
'Wit and Wordplay' | feat. 'American Dad's' Rachael MacFarlane and Dee Bradley Baker
Dec 11 2018
In this clever folktale with roots in the Middle East and Spain, Rachael MacFarlane (American Dad) and Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad) seek a soulmate whose mind is in tune with their own.
Circle Round Presents 'Earth Rangers!'
Dec 04 2018
Winter is coming.... While we get out of hats and gloves, animals are making their own plans. A four month nap? Extra food? Flying south? Our friends at "Earth Rangers" get up close and personal with wildlife to learn more. .
'Maya's Feathers' | feat. Vella Lovell
Nov 27 2018
Vella Lovell (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) stars as a young woman who learns the power of her words... and how you can't take the meaner ones back once they're out there.
Road Trip Reel: A Feast For Your Ears!
Nov 20 2018
Whether you're traveling, cooking, or storing leftovers, get ready for scrumptious Thanksgiving listening with 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Round stories about food! Stories included: "Fiona and the Fairies," "When Fish Fly," "Dollars and Scents," "The Perfect Partnership," "A Taste of Honey," and "The Unwelcome Guest." To support Circle Round and receive our thank you gift of a coloring book, please visit wbur.org/color
'The Unjust Justice' | feat. Jackie Tohn
Nov 13 2018
Jackie Tohn (G.L.O.W.) stars as a clever grocer who teaches a dishonest judge the importance of being fair and trustworthy. Our *NEWEST* coloring book is available as a thank-you gift to donors. Support Circle Round today and help us keep the stories coming! More at wbur.org/color
'Turtle Island' | feat. 'The Punies' and 'Earth Ranger Emma'
Nov 06 2018
Circle Round partners with two fellow kids podcasts--'The Punies,' by Kobe Bryant and Canada's 'Earth Rangers,'-- to bring a First Nations folktale to life. Our *NEWEST* coloring book is available as a thank-you gift to donors. Support Circle Round today and help us keep the stories coming! More at wbur.org/color
Encore: 'The Rice Cakes And The Oni"
Oct 30 2018
Tamlyn Tomita ("The Good Doctor") and Hudson Yang ("Fresh Off The Boat") star in this Japanese story about a mother and son team with a seriously good sense of humor. If you love this podcast, please consider supporting WBUR (where Circle Round is produced) by donating $5 or $10 a month. When you do, we'll send you the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW coloring book created by our fabulous illustrator Sabina Hahn. Learn more at: wbur.org/color
'The Princess and the Egg' | feat. Amber Stevens West
Oct 23 2018
Amber Stevens West ("Happy Together") stars as a globe-trotting princess who works hard to keep all of her promises. But in this story, the honest princess's commitment is tested in more ways than one! Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening! We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Ro...more
Circle Round Presents 'Ear Snacks!'
Oct 16 2018
Throughout the year, we’re sharing some of our favorite kids’ podcasts with you-- from science shows to storytelling to EAR SNACKS. (That’s the name of this week’s visiting podcast.) 'Ear Snacks' comes to us from sunny California, and is hosted by Andrew and Polly: an award-winning, singing and songwriting duo.
'Armadillo’s Song' | feat. Gad Elmaleh
Oct 09 2018
French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This lively Bolivian folktale tells the origin story of the "charango," a small Andean stringed instrument. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening! We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate ...more
'Fiona and the Fairies' | feat. Selenis Leyva
Oct 02 2018
Selenis Leyva ("Orange is the New Black," "Maniacs") stars as a clever baker in this retelling of Scottish folktale about the power of a little "please" and "thank you." Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening! We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (aweso...more
'The Tug of War' | feat. Quvenzhane Wallis
Sep 25 2018
Does bigger always mean stronger? Oscar nominee & children's author Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) stars in this East African folktale. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening! We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) colori...more
'Dollars and Scents' | feat. Derek Klena and Max Casella
Sep 18 2018
Our noses can detect nearly a trillion different scents. When the main character in our story smells just a handful of them he winds up in quite a mess! Derek Klena ("Anastasia," "Wicked,") and Max Casella ("The Lion King," "Music Man") co-star in this global folktale. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening! We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and ent...more
'100 Rooms' | feat. Ed Asner
Sep 11 2018
Ed Asner ("Up," "Mary Tyler Moore Show") stars in a British folktale about a father who challenges his young daughters to solve a tricky challenge by thinking outside the box. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening! We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (...more
'When Fish Fly' | feat. HGTV's 'The Cousins:' John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino
Sep 04 2018
John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino (HGTV’s “Cousins on Call) co-star in this story about a man who gets a very tricky lesson about the dangers of gossip.
Kids Listen Road Trip Mixtape
Aug 24 2018
We've teamed up with some of the best kids podcasts out there to bring you our final summer bonus episode, the Kids Listen Road Trip Mixtape. Perfect for your end-of-summer road trip spectacular!
Encore: 'Sadko And The Sea'
Aug 21 2018
Max Greenfield ("The Neighborhood," "New Girl") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
The Mega Awesome Super Huge Wicked Fun Podcast Playdate
Aug 14 2018
In this special episode, we team up with some of our pals for an awesome mash-up of fun! Featuring Circle Round, Wow In The World, Story Pirates, Brains On, But Why, and Eleanor Amplified.
Encore: 'The Owner Of The Sun'
Aug 06 2018
YouTuber and comedian Joanna Hausmann stars in a Venezuelan folktale about an enterprising young girl and her quest to free the sun. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Cow Wells And Cow Bells' | feat. Billy Porter and Joshua Boone
Jul 31 2018
Greed. Deception. Adorable baby cows. Billy Porter ("Pose") and Joshua Boone ("Seven Seconds") star in this East African folktale that asks: "is honesty always the best policy?"
'The Unwelcome Guest' | feat. Richard Kind
Jul 24 2018
Richard Kind ("Inside Out") stars in this Middle Eastern folktale about a clever man who teaches his village a thing or two about the dangers of judging a book by its cover.
'The King And The Cobbler' | feat. Keith David and James Naughton
Jul 17 2018
When the most powerful person in the land has never relied on himself, trouble ensues! Keith David ("Greenleaf") and James Naughton ("The Blacklist," "Our Town") co-star in a folktale that claims many homes--from Afghanistan to Greece.
'The Months Of The Year' | feat. Ailsa Chang and Joshua Rush
Jul 10 2018
What would it be like to experience the months of the year--out of order? Joshua Rush ("Andi Mack") and Ailsa Chang (NPR) co-star in this story which has its origins in Russia, Greece, and the Czech Republic. To download the free coloring page for this story, visit: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'The Woman Who Lived In A Vinegar Bottle' feat. Sela Ward
Jul 02 2018
Sela Ward ("Graves," "Independence Day") stars in a traditional English tale about a woman who can't seem to find home sweet home. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Skylark' | feat. Miriam Shor
Jun 25 2018
Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, inpatient man a lesson he'll never forget.
'The Perfect Partnership' | Feat. Joshua Johnson and Sam Sanders
Jun 19 2018
Being a good partner is all about give and take. But in today’s story, Sam Sanders (NPR) and Joshua Johnson (WAMU) co-star in a Ghanaian story about one man who's far more interested in the taking.
'The Friendship Orchard' | feat. Susan Stamberg and Linda Wertheimer
Jun 12 2018
NPR's own Linda Wertheimer and Susan Stamberg co-star in a Kazakh folktale about lifelong friends whose bond is tested by the unexpected discovery of big treasure. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'A Taste Of Honey' | feat. Hannah Simone
Jun 05 2018
Hannah Simone ("New Girl") stars alongside her real-life father Naren Simone in a South Asian tale about the power of self-reliance. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'It Could Always Get Worse' | feat. Jason Alexander
May 29 2018
Whether we’re 3 or 93, we all love a good story. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") stars in this classic Yiddish folktale. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Two Hour Road Trip Reel: 'The Animal Kingdom'
May 23 2018
Have a very long road trip ahead? We've got you! This playlist features nearly two hours of your favorite Circle Round stories about our furry and feathered friends. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
90 Minute Road Trip Reel: 'Casting A Spell'
May 23 2018
We just made your road trips so much better. This 90 minute playlist features your favorite Circle Round stories about magic including "The Hat, The Horn, and the Purse," "The Rice Cakes and The Oni," "The Magic Cloth," and "The Barber's Secret." To print out the coloring pages associated with these stories, visit wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
One Hour Road Trip Reel: 'Playing By Ear'
May 23 2018
Buckle your seat belt for a spectacular ride! This 60 minute playlist features your favorite Circle Round stories about music including "The Drum," "Sadko and the Sea," and "The Piper and the Pooka." Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'The Lion's Whisker' | feat. Marsai Martin and Miles Brown
May 22 2018
Marsai Martin ("Black-ish"), Miles Brown ("Black-ish"), and NPR's own Ofeibia Quist-Arcton star in this story about a brother and a sister who are prepared to do just about anything in order to get along. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'The Shepherd's Disguise' | feat. Tony Hale
May 15 2018
Tony Hale ("Veep," "Arrested Development") stars in a German folktale about a royal advisor whose dishonesty gets him into a royal mess. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'Stella And The Dragon' | feat. Kathryn Hahn
May 08 2018
Kathryn Hahn ("Bad Moms") stars in the encore presentation of a Romanian folktale where a clever mother does her best to outwit a powerful dragon. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'Why The Ocean Is Salty' | feat. Lou Diamond Phillips, Jon Jon Briones
May 01 2018
Lou Diamond Phillips ("Longmire," "33") and Jon Jon Briones ("The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story") star in the classic Filipino folktale "Why The Ocean is Salty." Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Lamb With The Golden Fleece' | feat. Kathleen Chalfant
Apr 24 2018
In our season finale, Tony-nominated actor Kathleen Chalfant ("The Affair," "House of Cards") stars in an Iraqi tale about three friends whose love of storytelling changes their entire future. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Piper And The Pooka' | feat. Damian McGinty
Apr 17 2018
Damian McGinty ("Glee," "Celtic Thunder") tells the story of a musician with a serious case of butterflies until he finds himself performing for a very special -- and magical -- audience. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Ashes for Sale' | feat. Cheyenne Jackson, Patch Darragh
Apr 10 2018
Cheyenne Jackson ("American Horror Story," "Glee") and Patch Darragh ("Everything Sucks") star in a folktale about two friends, generosity, and the power of a pile of ashes. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Encore: 'The Barber's Secret' | feat. Noah Schnapp
Apr 03 2018
Noah Schnapp ("Stranger Things") stars in a story about a prince, a barber, and a secret that was impossible to keep. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Maushop And Grandfather Sun' | feat. Wes Studi
Mar 27 2018
Wes Studi ("Penny Dreadful," "Dances With Wolves") stars as the Wampanoag mythical figure 'Maushop,' a kind, gentle giant who tries to convince the sun to come back home. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Hat, The Horn, And The Purse' | feat. Bobby Moynihan
Mar 20 2018
Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") stars in an Italian folktale about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his three sons. But they is more to these family heirloomsl than meets the eye. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Three Wishes' | feat. Patrick and Mandy Fabian
Mar 13 2018
Patrick Fabian ("Better Call Saul") and Mandy Fabian ("Dropping The Soap") star in a story about a husband and wife whose generosity leads them to an unexpected challenge. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Share and Share Alike' | feat. Tiffany Boone and Glynn Washington
Mar 06 2018
Tiffany Boone ("The Chi") and Glynn Washington ("Snap Judgement") star in a classic folktale about a lazy bear who isn't big on sharing--until he meets a clever rabbit that teaches him a thing or two. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Drum' | feat. Shankar Vedantam
Feb 27 2018
Shankar Vedantam (NPR's "Hidden Brain") retells an Indian folktale about a young girl whose generous heart takes her on a surprising adventure. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
How Do Our Brains Process Stories?: 'BrainsOn!' Has Some Answers!
Feb 19 2018
How do our brains process the stories we hear? What happens when we are introduced to new characters? Our friends from the podcast "Brains On!" help us figure it out!
'The Magic Cloth' | feat. Kelly Hu and Albert Tsai
Feb 13 2018
Kelly Hu ("Dietland") and Albert Tsai ("Dr Ken," "9JKL") star in a Chinese folktale about a mother, her three sons, and a very special magic cloth. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'What Am I Hearing?' | feat. Composer Eric Shimelonis
Feb 06 2018
Ever wonder what instrument you're hearing during your favorite 'Circle Round' story? Well, you're about to find out! Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Sadko And The Sea | feat. Max Greenfield
Jan 30 2018
Max Greenfield ("The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Goat in the Garden' | feat. 'Car Talk's' Ray Magliozzi
Jan 23 2018
Ray Magliozzi ("Car Talk") reminds us that heroes come in all shapes--and sizes. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
"The Forbidden Knot" | feat. Mel Rodriguez
Jan 16 2018
Adapted from the original Estonian folktale, Mel Rodriguez ("Last Man On Earth" "Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams") stars in a story about a fisherman who learns how important it is to keep your word. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
Bonus Episode: 'But Why' Takes Your Questions
Jan 09 2018
In this Bonus Episode from our friends at "But Why," we reveal who in the world created cake!
'Latchkey Stew' | feat. Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Jan 02 2018
Jurnee Smollett-Bell ("Underground," "Friday Night Lights,") stars in this classic tale about a young girl who teaches a group of neighbors what it means to really share. Find your free coloring page for this episode at: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Answer You Seek' | feat. Ari Shapiro and Wade Goodwyn
Dec 26 2017
NPR's own Ari Shapiro and Wade Goodwyn star in a Thai folktale that explores the power and universality of empathy. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Magpie With Salt On Her Tail' | feat. Rachael Harris and Taran Kilam
Dec 19 2017
Rachael Harris ("Lucifer," "Suits") and Taran Killam ("Nature Cat," "Killing Gunther") star in a classic Swedish tale about a little boy who learns that--with a little hard work--dreams can come true. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Shepherd's Disguise' | feat. Tony Hale
Dec 12 2017
Tony Hale ("Veep," "Arrested Development") stars in a German folktale about a royal advisor whose dishonesty gets him into a royal mess. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Clever Manka' | feat. Bridget Moynahan
Dec 05 2017
Bridget Moynahan ("Blue Bloods") re-tells this Czech folktale about a clever young woman who uses her intelligence to win the hearts of her town. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Onions And Garlic'
Nov 27 2017
The second installment from our live performance at the Boston Jewish Film Festival. In this old Jewish folktale, we tell a story about spicy, flavorful onions... but we promise it won’t make you cry. If anything you’ll laugh and laugh. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Princess In The Mirror'
Nov 21 2017
Live from the Boston Jewish Film Festival! In this Israeli folktale, an adventurous princess learns that the greatest lessons may not be learned in far flung lands but rather--right at home. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Thunder and Lightning' | feat. Yetide Badaki and Dayo Okeniyi
Nov 14 2017
Yetide Badaki ("American Gods") and Dayo Okeniyi ("Shades of Blue") star in this Nigerian folktale about thunder and lightning and how they found their home in the sky. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Lion's Whisker' | feat. Marsai Martin and Miles Brown
Nov 07 2017
Marsai Martin ("Black-ish"), Miles Brown ("Black-ish"), and NPR's own Ofeibia Quist-Arcton star in this story about a brother and a sister who are prepared to do just about anything in order to get along. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Woman Who Lived In A Vinegar Bottle' | feat. Sela Ward
Oct 31 2017
Sela Ward ("Graves," "Independence Day") stars in a traditional English tale about a woman who can't seem to find home sweet home. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Owner Of The Sun' | feat. Joanna Hausmann
Oct 24 2017
YouTuber and comedian Joanna Hausmann stars in a Venezuelan folktale about an enterprising young girl and her quest to free the sun. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
A Few More Podcasts For Kids And Their Grown-Ups
Oct 19 2017
Do you love science? Mystery? Adventure? You can bet there's a Kidcast for it! This bonus episode introduces you to some of our favorites.
'The Barber's Secret' | ft. Noah Schnapp
Oct 17 2017
Noah Schnapp ("Stranger Things") stars in a story about a prince, a barber, and a secret that was impossible to keep. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Rice Cakes And The Oni' | ft. Tamlyn Tomita and Hudson Yang
Oct 10 2017
Tamlyn Tomita ("The Good Doctor") and Hudson Yang ("Fresh Off The Boat") star in this Japanese story about a mother and son team with a seriously good sense of humor. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Happiest Person In The World' | ft. Jon Cryer
Oct 02 2017
Jon Cryer ("Two and a Half Men") stars in a story about a man chasing happiness--and the elusive shirt that will make him smile again. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Why The Ocean Is Salty' | feat. Lou Diamond Phillips, Jon Jon Briones
Sep 26 2017
Lou Diamond Phillips ("Longmire," "33") and Jon Jon Briones ("Miss Saigon") star in the classic Filipino folktale "Why The Ocean is Salty." Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'Stella And The Dragon' | feat. Kathryn Hahn
Sep 18 2017
Kathryn Hahn ("Bad Moms Christmas") stars in this Romanian folktale about a clever mother and her quest to outwit a powerful dragon. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'It Could Always Get Worse' | feat. Jason Alexander
Jun 08 2017
Whether we’re 3 or 93, we all love a good story. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") stars in our first episode, a classic Yiddish folktale. Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages