Circle Round

A clever rabbit persuades a hungry leopard to build a house together using natural materials. Their unlikely partnership faces tension when the leopard considers eating the rabbit's noisy baby bunnies. The rabbit outsmarts the leopard by pretending to be fierce hunters, showcasing strategy and wit.

Samin Nosrat, Hrishikesh Hirway, and Josh Malina star in a tale about Misery coming to life. Olexandra faces challenges and outsmarts Misery, finding fortune. Listeners share their favorite Circle Round stories, showcasing diverse characters and lessons.

Carra Patterson stars in a Japanese folktale about generosity and greed. The story focuses on a woman named Raina and her mother, a talking tree, and a ship-building plan. Children share their favorite Circle Round stories and moments, highlighting memorable details and cherished aspects of the tales.

Broadway performers Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna act out a tale of farmers facing financial struggles and the temptations of a magic blue pebble. The story explores themes of honesty, transformation, and the consequences of deceitful acts. Listeners are also teased with exciting news about live performances and invited to join the Circle Round Club for exclusive perks.

Jona Xiao plays a flower peddler in a story with diverse cultural roots. Topics include generosity, resilience in nature, magical encounters with talking plants, and engaging children in creative activities through storytelling.

Bashir Salahuddin plays the legendary trickster Anansi in a West African tale about how stories first came to the world. Anansi cleverly outwits Python and Hornet to acquire a crystal box of stories from the sky goddess through his cunning and inventive schemes, leading to a captivating mix of tales.

Malia Baker, Kelly Jenrette, and Kenny Leu share the story of a traveling acting troupe facing challenges from a harsh king and queen. The actors spread joy through their performances, but deceitful schemes threaten their reputation. Through clever tactics and a showcase of innocence, they prove their worth and continue to bring happiness through their art.

Jessika Van and Mark Pellegrino co-star in a Welsh tale about a girl, a drought, and a mouse with a life-saving secret. The story showcases resilience and intelligence in the face of adversity, as Catrin and the mouse uncover a hidden granary, ultimately saving their village from famine. The podcast also delves into Jessica Van's acting career and introduces The Croof instrument.

Cree Summer (Good Times, Abbott Elementary) headlines a Blackfoot legend about fast friends, warm winds, and why bears hibernate during the winter.

Guest Kenny Curtis from Greeking Out stars in a legend from Aboriginal Australia about a small bird named Kookaburra whose laughter saves the world from darkness and cold, bringing light and warmth. The story explores unique abilities and how they can transform dark days into ones filled with light and vision.