Circle Round

Dive into a mesmerizing tale of a young prince and a colorful parrot, exploring deep themes of freedom and captivity. As the prince learns about the joys and complexities of attachment, the parrot's yearning for liberation unfolds. A gripping conversation between a king and a parrot reveals surprising connections and emotional truths. The narrative heats up when a seemingly lifeless parrot awakens, highlighting the power of freedom over luxury. Ultimately, listeners are invited to reflect on the essence of freedom through imaginative dialogue.

Jon Huertas, known for his roles in This Is Us and Castle, leads a captivating Aztec legend about the birth of music. The tale opens in a world devoid of sound, emphasizing music's essential role in human connection. Huertas narrates the Wind God's quest to liberate imprisoned musicians from the Sun God, culminating in a powerful clash between joy and authority. The story highlights the transformative power of creativity, inspiring listeners to celebrate music’s freedom and its unifying force in our lives.

Jennifer Hale, a prolific voice actress famous for her roles in X-Men '97 and Star Wars, lends her talent to a captivating Portuguese folktale. The story dives into the encounter between a cunning owl and a dominating wolf, exploring themes of courage and cleverness. Hale highlights the importance of wit over mere strength as the owl outsmarts the proud predator. The podcast also engages listeners by sharing their favorite stories, creating a vibrant community around the art of storytelling.

In this captivating narrative, Amy Tsang, known for her roles in Star Wars: The Acolyte and Kung Fu, brings to life Faye's enchanting journey. The story revolves around a magical flute granting wishes to those with honest hearts. Listeners are treated to Faye's underwater adventure after meeting a giant crab summons her to the Dragon King’s palace. As she explores her newfound powers, the significance of sincerity in wishes is hilariously highlighted. Faye’s transformation showcases the delightful chaos that ensues when desires collide with reality.

Dive into a captivating Shona legend that flips the script on strength and size. An arrogant elephant challenges a clever squirrel to a lighthearted eating contest, sparking a humorous rivalry. As they face off, the showdown proves that wit can indeed triumph over brawn. Along the way, themes of teamwork and humility emerge, teaching valuable lessons to both the contestants and the audience. Celebrate creativity as listeners reflect on their favorite tales, encouraging all to recognize their unique strengths.

This week, Jack De Sena, known for his roles in "Lego Monkie Kid" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender," joins Tatyana Ali, famed from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." They dive into a whimsical Filipino fable where Turtle and Monkey navigate themes of teamwork and the importance of patience. The narrative takes a humorous turn as Turtle devises a clever revenge on Monkey for his greed. Ultimately, they explore valuable lessons on trust, kindness, and the true worth of what we have while sharing witty banter and playful threats.

David Giuntoli and Elizabeth Tulloch, a real-life couple and actors from Grimm, bring a delightful twist to a tale rooted in Georgian, Kazakh, and Ghanaian traditions. The story juxtaposes a humble farmer's wisdom against a proud queen's arrogance. As they engage in clever banter, the farmer faces the queen's puzzling challenges and extravagant requests with ingenuity. Through humorous exchanges and thought-provoking proverbs, the narrative showcases the folly of pride and the value of humility, leaving listeners with lasting insights.

Broadway stars Aaron Bartz, Erik Christopher Peterson, and Cara Ricketts, known for their roles in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," explore a captivating tale woven from Jewish and Egyptian folklore. They delve into the adventures of Solomon the Peddler as he faces a cunning trickster and a corrupt mayor. The trio discusses themes of resilience, cleverness, and the importance of honesty. Young listeners also get to share their favorite stories, fostering creativity and community engagement.

Join Duchess Sarah Ferguson, known for her captivating storytelling, and actress Suzie McGrath, famed for her animated roles, as they bring to life a heartwarming folktale about leadership and empathy. They discuss the themes of wisdom versus authority, following a princess on her quest to prove her worthiness. Notable moments include the princess's clever rescue of a bee and her resourceful solutions to daunting royal challenges. It's a delightful blend of adventure and invaluable lessons on kindness and cleverness.

Jonica Booth (Rap Stuff, Bad Girls Club) and Jay Pharoah (Out of Office, Saturday Night Live) co-star in this West African tale about a clothing-obsessed goddess and a crafty, colorful chameleon.