Circle Round

Recorded live in Charlotte, NC, this Brazilian tale pits a round-rumped, fleet-footed critter against a teeny-tiny insect in a surprisingly high-flying race. Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Joining the live performance, Frank Dominguez, Caroline Lee, and Phil Vavra bring the characters of Rayo, Wren, and the crying pine tree to life. They explore themes of kindness and greed through a charming Japanese legend. Rayo’s gentle nature contrasts sharply with Wren's envy, leading to a delightful twist of poetic justice. The crying pine tree rewards Rayo for his compassion, while Wren learns a sticky lesson about the consequences of greed. Listeners are encouraged to create their own four-line poems, adding a creative touch to the tale.

Join Guy Raz, public-radio host and co-creator of Wow in the World, Mindy Thomas, his co-host known for her energetic storytelling, and Lulu Miller, the insightful host of Radiolab's Terrestrials. They dive into the adventures of a runaway chicken named Inga and explore her incredible journey home. The conversation shifts to the mystery of the 'bio-duck' sound, linking it to Arctic minke whales. Lastly, a Cherokee legend offers a whimsical tale of how the turkey discovered its iconic gobble, featuring unexpected friendships and feather trades.

Dive into a whimsical Chinese legend where a kind bird embarks on a journey of generosity. Little Peacock feels overshadowed by others but discovers true meaning in selflessness. From gifting feathers to a hard-working farmer to helping a sick girl experience the joy of fireworks, his acts of kindness shine brighter than mere appearances. Ultimately, the Peacock Fairy rewards his heart over his looks, creating a magical spectacle that uplifts a village. Tune in for a tale that warms the heart!

Join Mary Faber, a talented actor and singer, Lamont Price, a hilarious comedian, and Josh Gondelman, a witty writer, in a captivating live performance. They delve into the importance of words, showcasing a clever tug-of-war filled with playful exchanges. The story revolves around two siblings facing challenges, a tricky sea captain, and a courtroom showdown that leads to a surprising ruling. With a blend of humor and heart, the cast brings folklore to life, illustrating how words can have weight beyond their surface.

In this lively tale, Lars, a cheeky starling, adds comic flair as he narrates a magical story about kindness and resilience. With a glowing sunlight tree at the center, two sisters, Selma and Svea, find joy despite the greedy Wilhelm's attempts to claim it. As the tree mysteriously withers at his mansion, a brighter tree springs up on the hill, leading to a dramatic showdown where trees take flight to confront greed. This whimsical tale unfolds with humor and heart, reminding us of the power of community and caring.

A powerful Greek legend unfolds as a couple's boundless love faces challenges from a skeptical village. When they offer shelter to mysterious travelers, their kindness reveals divine connections. Transformations occur as the gods, testing hospitality, grant the couple a wish to never be parted. In a heartwarming twist, they become intertwined trees, symbolizing eternal togetherness. Listeners are invited to create their own 'Tree of Love' to honor cherished relationships. This tale beautifully intertwines love, kindness, and magical transformations.

Recorded live in Parker, CO, this Chinese adventure story shows how kindness and hard work can breathe new life into anything... including stone! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jeffrey Donovan, known for his captivating storytelling skills and featured in the live performance, dives into a magical Palestinian tale. He narrates Rafi's journey—a kind neighbor enduring hardships who rescues a kitten, revealing her as the gracious Princess Patches. The tale explores themes of generosity as Rafi's act leads to unexpected rewards—turning peels into treasure that benefits his village. Meanwhile, his unkind neighbor Idris learns a hard lesson about selfishness when attempting to replicate Rafi's fortune.

In this captivating tale, Summer Bishil, known for her roles in The Magicians and Four Samosas, plays a brilliant scholar who introduces the war-hungry Raja to the game of Chaturanga. As they play, the scholar reveals the surprising ripple effects of her unusual request for grains of rice, demonstrating the power of exponential growth. This enchanting story weaves together themes of strategy, kindness, and the transformative potential of peaceful alternatives, leading the Raja to reconsider his obsession with conquest.