Circle Round

Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme) stars in an Indian tale about an ingenious royal advisor who cunningly proves the true owner of a fruitful treasure.

Scott Lawrence (Star Wars Resistance, Vader Immortal) stars in this African legend about how the hippopotamus came to be the decidedly distinctive creature it is today.

In this engaging conversation, Christopher Sean, celebrated for his roles in Star Wars Resistance and Gotham Knights, dives into the Vietnamese folktale 'Strong Mind and Kind Heart.' He explores the powerful themes of friendship and sacrifice as two friends chase their dreams. The podcast unveils their emotional struggles, especially Kindheart's turmoil over rejection and his selfless heroic act. Listeners are treated to enchanted transformations and insights into the consequences of greed, all while celebrating creativity through children's artwork inspired by the story.

Tiya Sircar, renowned for her roles in Star Wars Rebels and The Good Place, lends her voice to a clever mouse deer in a delightful Southeast Asian folktale. She cunningly devises a plan to outsmart a large crocodile blocking her friends' access to water. With wit and resourcefulness, Mouse Deer navigates dangers and executes a humorous ploy to gather fruit for her friends. The story emphasizes the value of friendship and community, reminding listeners of the joy found in kindness and cleverness.

Dive into a magical adventure that spans cultures as Tatiana faces her challenges with courage. A talking rooster leads her to a golden hand mill that creates delicious food. But when a greedy merchant threatens to take it away, an epic confrontation unfolds at a lavish party. Friendship and loyalty shine brightly as Tatiana and her rooster team up to reclaim what's theirs. The story offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own kindness and creativity!

A captivating Japanese tale unfolds around a clockmaker and her exquisite creations, highlighting the importance of reading between the lines. The suspense builds as she pursues a thief who steals a crucial clock, leading to a tense courtroom drama where suspects’ alibis clash. A wise judge explores clever narratives to reveal truths, while a farmer enlists local children to crack a mystery involving missing rabbits. The gripping conclusion invites listeners to share their own stories, emphasizing the power of tales that connect us all.

A wise old woman teaches a young prince about the power of planting for future generations through a fig tree, symbolizing legacy and resilience. The king's encounter with her generosity reveals the beauty of gratitude when he rewards her kindness with gold. Meanwhile, jealousy brews as a neighbor plots to steal the woman's figs, leading to unexpected twists on wealth. The importance of sowing seeds for a sustainable future is highlighted, encouraging us all to reflect on our actions and their impact.

A wealthy man's endless pursuit of possessions leaves him feeling empty until a mysterious woman challenges him to reconsider his desires. He faces a moral dilemma when offered a reward for helping dispose of a green bag that holds secrets. Curiosity gets the best of another man when he opens the bag, revealing horrifying insects and leading to his transformation into a woodpecker. Through these tales, listeners explore the crucial differences between wants and needs while reflecting on the consequences of temptation.

Stephen Hanna, a Broadway performer and dynamic lifestyle blogger, joins the discussion with Bret Shuford to explore anger and frustration through the folktale 'Call of the Cuckoo.' They delve into Balthazar's tempestuous challenge of maintaining composure during harsh conditions, leading to unforeseen consequences. The comedic struggles of Barnaby add humor, showcasing contrasting views on productivity. Their clever strategies against a deceitful farmer highlight the importance of emotional expression. Young listeners also share their favorite stories, adding a delightful touch.

Mario Cantone (And Just Like That, Surf's Up) and Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation) star in this folktale about how the giraffe got its long neck, and how the rhino got an unexpected ally!