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Circle Round

Created and produced by parents of young children, WBUR's Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 3-103. Each 15 to 25-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.

Episodes

Encore: 'The Hat, The Horn, And The Purse' | feat. Bobby Moynihan

In this encore, we revisit an Italian folktale starring Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his three sons. But there is more to these family heirlooms than meets the eye.

Jul 30, 201928 minSeason 3Ep. 4

The Magic Bowl featuring Boston Symphony Orchestra

Part three of our special summer pop-up series -- recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra -- comes from Ghana and the West Indies, and explores the dangers of greed.

Jul 23, 201921 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Kangaroo And Joey Too featuring Boston Symphony Orchestra

Part one of our special summer pop-up series, recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this Aboriginal story from Australia imagines how the kangaroo got her indispensable pouch.

Jul 09, 201921 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Listeners' Favorite: 'The Piper And The Pooka'

This episode was chosen by you, the fans! Thanks for the submissions! In this Irish folktale, Damian McGinty ("Glee," "Celtic Thunder") stars as a musician with a serious case of butterflies.

Jul 02, 201920 minSeason 2Ep. 45

Grandfather Stone feat. Diane Rehm, Jonathan Joss

Jonathan Joss (Comanche Moon, Parks and Recreation) and NPR’s Diane Rehm (The Diane Rehm Show, On My Mind) star in this Seneca tale about a mystical stone who introduces the first stories to the world.

May 28, 201918 minSeason 2Ep. 44

Encore: 'The Skylark'

Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, impatient man a lesson he'll never forget.

May 14, 201915 minSeason 2Ep. 42

'The Three-Legged Pot' featuring Aparna Nancherla

Comedian Aparna Nancherla (The Standups, Corporate) stars as a rambunctious, Robin Hood-esque cooking vessel in this Danish and Middle Eastern story about generosity and greed.

Apr 30, 201919 minSeason 2Ep. 41

The Lute Player featuring Annie Parisse and Paul Sparks

This Russian and European folktale stars real-life husband and wife Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Sweetbitter) and Annie Parisse (Friends From College) as a king who's taken prisoner, and a queen whose musical prowess sets him free.

Apr 23, 201920 minSeason 2Ep. 40

'The Star Fruit Tree' featuring Stephanie Hsu

Broadway star Stephanie Hsu (Be More Chill, The SpongeBob Musical) headlines this magical Vietnamese tale about the unexpectedly sweet rewards generosity and contentment can bring.

Apr 16, 201918 minSeason 2Ep. 39

'Sweet Corn and Clever Rabbit' featuring Eris Baker

In this playful tale with roots in Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica, Eris Baker (This Is Us) plays a tricky rabbit who presents her fellow animals with an offer they can't refuse.

Apr 09, 201918 minSeason 2Ep. 38

Encore: 'The Happiest Person In The World'

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.

Mar 26, 201913 minSeason 2Ep. 37

All That Glitters, featuring the cast of Story Pirates

This Thai story starring Lee Overtree, Peter McNerney and Meghan O'Neill (hosts of Gimlet's Story Pirates podcast) shines a sparkling light on the treasures that come from honesty, integrity and honor.

Mar 19, 201918 minSeason 2Ep. 36

'The Golden Flask' | feat. Allison Strong

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

Jan 08, 201922 minSeason 2Ep. 28

Encore: 'Cow Wells and Cow Bells'

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?"

Jan 01, 201916 minSeason 2Ep. 27

Road Trip Reel: 'Family Ties'

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."

Dec 24, 20181 hr 39 minSeason 2Ep. 26

'The Dancing Goats' | feat. Raul Esparza

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

Dec 17, 201821 minSeason 2Ep. 25

'Maya's Feathers' | feat. Vella Lovell

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.

Nov 27, 201815 minSeason 2Ep. 23

Road Trip Reel: A Feast For Your Ears!

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

Nov 20, 20181 hr 42 minSeason 2Ep. 22

'The Unjust Justice' | feat. Jackie Tohn

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

Nov 13, 201820 minSeason 2Ep. 21

'Turtle Island' | feat. 'The Punies' and 'Earth Ranger Emma'

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

Nov 06, 201817 minSeason 2Ep. 20
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