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
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. Print your free coloring page for this story at: 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. Print your free coloring page for this story at 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. Print your free coloring page for this story at: 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." Print your free coloring page for this story at: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages
'The Lamb With The Golden Fleece' | Featuring 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.
'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.
'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.
Encore: 'The Barber's Secret'
Apr 03 2018
Noah Schnapp ("Stranger Things") stars in a story about a prince, a barber, and a secret that was impossible to keep.
'Maushop And Grandfather Sun'
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.
The Hat, The Horn, And The Purse
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.
"Three Wishes"
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.
"Share and Share Alike"
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.
"The Drum"
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.
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'
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.
What Am I Hearing?
Feb 06 2018
Ever wonder what instrument you're hearing during your favorite 'Circle Round' story? Well, you're about to find out!
Sadko And The Sea
Jan 30 2018
Max Greenfield ("The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music.
'The Goat in the Garden'
Jan 23 2018
Ray Magliozzi ("Car Talk") reminds us that heroes come in all shapes--and sizes.
"The Forbidden Knot"
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.
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'
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.
'The Answer You Seek'
Dec 26 2017
NPR's own Ari Shapiro and Wade Goodwyn star in a Thai folktale that explores the power and universality of empathy.
'The Magpie With Salt On Her Tail'
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.
'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.
'Clever Manka'
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.
'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.
'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.
'Thunder and Lightning'
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.
'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.
'The Woman Who Lived In A Vinegar Bottle'
Oct 31 2017
Sela Ward ("Graves," "Indepdendence Day") stars in a traditional English tale about a woman who can't seem to find home sweet home.
'The Owner Of The Sun'
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.
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'
Oct 17 2017
Noah Schnapp ("Stranger Things") stars in a story about a prince, a barber, and a secret that was impossible to keep.
'The Rice Cakes And The Oni'
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.
'The Happiest Person In The World'
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.
'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." Print your free coloring page for this story at wbur.org/circleround
'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.
'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.