Circle Round

A princess learns the importance of leading with her head and her heart in a Jewish legend. The princess faces a challenge in constructing a palace made of birdbeaks and seeks help from the birds. The birds request something from the princess instead. The princess gains wisdom from answering riddles posed by Hoopo. She presents a miniature crown to Hupo, emphasizing the significance of combining logic and emotions. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on a time they followed their head and heart.

A tale about a violinist facing challenges with poverty and homelessness, who is offered a life without struggle. She must choose between her love for music and a life of luxury. Accused of cheating her violin's magic, she defends herself by explaining that it was her soul and passion that brought out the sweet sounds.

Joshua Johnson, host of The Night Light and Now Tonight, tells a captivating tale about a farm boy's journey to find his heart-turned-to-stone sisters, encountering obstacles like a bullfrog and wolf along the way. He strikes a deal with a heartless troll to save his sisters, embarking on a dangerous mission to retrieve the troll's heart. With the help of a giant eagle and green bullfrog, he successfully retrieves the golden egg containing the troll's heart, leading to a heartwarming chapter of gratitude, rewards, and newfound happiness for all.

A Ukrainian tale about a wheat farmer and her children who encounter the mysterious Stork King. The farmer's oxen are taken by the Stork King, leading the children on separate journeys to find his palace. Through kindness and perseverance, one of the children succeeds. Includes production credits, artist features, and listener testimonials.

Anjali Bhimani, known for her roles in Overwatch and Stray Gods, stars in this Moroccan Jewish tale. Layla's chores lead to a barrel adventure, filled with a mysterious flight and a trapped albatross. Layla helps reverse the witch's spells and solves her water problem with creativity.

Byron Mann plays a preening, boastful bird in a Latin American story about learning there's no 'I' in team. The story follows a group of birds who must prepare for an approaching storm, but the arrogant Mottmott is too preoccupied with his fabulous tail to help. He soon realizes the consequences of his selfishness when he is left stranded in the storm and loses his beautiful tail feathers. The Clock Bird finds a new home in the forest and teaches the importance of teamwork.

A tale about finding the bright side even in dark times. Struggling farmers seek mercy from their unsympathetic landlord. A valuable surprise awaits them. Sabrina's trading journey brings her closer to what she needs. Learn to focus on the positive and become a Circle Round Club member. Favorite stories from Circle Round podcast shared by hosts and guests.

Stephanie Hsu stars in a Vietnamese tale about generosity and contentment. The story follows two sisters on a successful farm, with themes of greed, kindness, and magical rewards. Kim's life improves after receiving a sack of gold from a Raven, but her sister's envy threatens their prosperity. A secret to their success is revealed, leading to unexpected consequences. One sister chooses to live alone on an island of gold while the other focuses on sharing and planting star fruit trees.

Exciting announcement about the Circle Round Club, where listeners can support public radio and receive cool stuff. Preview of a Snuggle Time story about the Ombu plant. Follow the story of the Ombu tree, a silent observer in a world full of desires, as it contemplates its own destiny.

A live event with the Boston Symphony Orchestra features a Chinese courtroom drama about a judge who receives help from a special grey animal. The judge interrogates suspects, calls in the elephant for assistance, and the elephant's unique skill is used to determine the guilty party.