Circle Round

'Coyote's Wild Ride' | Ep. 158

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien, Rogue One) plays a wily coyote desperate to show the world just how ultra-mega-super-spectacular he is -- or thinks he is,...

'Porcupine’s Plan' | Ep. 157

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jacob Laval (John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch, Unbreakable Boy) plays a super savvy critter with a sharp body and even sharper mind in this Siberia...

'The New Neighbor' | Ep. 156

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Zegen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Boardwalk Empire) helps Melora Hardin (The Bold Type, The Office) get her literal and figurative "just desse...

'A Coconut a Day' | Ep. 155

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Award winner Jayne Houdyshell (The Humans, The Music Man) stars in this Burmese tale about honesty, honor, and a highly coveted coconut tree. Si...

'Tiddalick Drinks Up' | Ep. 154

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Izaac Wang (Clifford the Big Red Dog, Raya and the Last Dragon) plays a tiny eel who teaches a big frog an even bigger lesson in this laugh-out-loud l...

'Plowing the Road' | Ep. 153

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kimiko Glenn (My Little Pony, Orange is the New Black) learns the wonders of wisdom that old age can bring in this touching tale with roots in Japan, ...

'The Wiser Adviser' | Ep. 152

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elaine Hendrix (Dynasty, The Parent Trap), Mark Pellegrino (Supernatural, American Rust), and Devyn McDowell (Annette, The Good Nurse) star in this Je...

Encore: The Beggar and the Baker’s Daughter

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this whimsical tale from the archives, comedian Margaret Cho (The Margaret Cho, Fresh Off The Bloat) plays a greedy woman who bites off more than s...

Encore: All That Glitters

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Circle Round favorite starring Story Pirates Podcast hosts Lee Overtree, Peter McNerney and Meghan O'Neill shines a sparkling light on the treasu...

Encore: The Dozen Loaves of Bread

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Podcast luminary Avery Trufelman (99% Invisible, Nice Try!) stars as a generous baker touched by magic in this appetizing episode from the Circle Roun...

Encore: The Tug of War

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does bigger always mean stronger? Oscar nominee & children's author Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) stars in this amusing folk...

'Treasure Mountain' | Ep. 151

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this tale from China explores the true riches in life....

'The Bags of Seeds' | Ep. 150

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this Vietnamese origin story imagines how a very impor...

'Lookalike Falls' | Ep. 149

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this tale from Mexico explores wisdom, folly, and ever...

Encore: 'The Very Busy Fairies'

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this zany Celtic tale from the archives, when fairies come to help Parker Bates (This Is Us) with his chores, he discovers the spirited creatures a...

'The Bright Yellow Hat' | Ep. 148

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jona Xiao (Raya and the Last Dragon, Hightown) plays a flower peddler who makes gardens and goodness grow in this story with Chinese, Tibetan, Japanes...

'Clear as a Bell' | Ep. 147

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chef, author, and TV personality Carla Hall (Carla and the Christmas Cornbread, Holiday Baking Championship) plays a sly, surprising judge in this cou...

'Catching Fire' | Ep. 146

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Broadway stars and father-daughter duo Chuck Cooper ("The Life," "Trouble In Mind") and Lilli Cooper ("Tootsie," "SpongeBob SquarePants") headline thi...

'The Persimmon Sisters' | Ep. 145

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this story with Jewish, Arab, and Korean origins, Tennille Read (SurrealEstate, Workin' Moms) plays a young woman who learns the true meaning of si...

Encore: The Woman In The Moon

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day, we bring back a favorite tale from the archives: Irene Bedard (Pocahontas, Ralph Breaks the Internet) stars in an...

'Getting Skunked' | Ep. 144

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Terrence Terrell (B Positive, Giants) stars in this Native American tale about a gentle giant who brings night and day to the world, and gives a certa...

'Fools Thrush In' | Ep. 143

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Alabi (Family Reunion, black-ish) headlines an Oneida and Mohawk story about how one of the most beautiful bird songs of all came to be. Sig...

'Night and Day' | Ep. 142

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Actor/singer-songwriter MASUMI (Yakuza Princess) headlines this magical tale from the Yoruba people about how night came to a world of endless day. ...

'The Red Velvet Purse' | Ep. 141

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Elisa Donovan (Clueless, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) plays a judge who puts honesty on trial in this tale with Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian, and Romanian...

'The Friend Ship' | Ep. 140

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Carra Patterson (Turner & Hooch, Jitney) stars in a tale from Japan about a woman with enough generosity to last a lifetime, and a man with enough gre...

Encore: The Fire on the Other Side of the World

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We wrap up the summer with another listener favorite: a Cherokee tale in which Yeardley Smith (The Simpsons, Oil and Water) plays a feisty, creative s...

'The Laughing Canoe' | Circle Round 139

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

George Salazar (Be More Chill, Superstore) plays a wise-cracking waterborne vessel in this Brazilian story about the extraordinary things teamwork can...

Encore: The Chattering Clams

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we bring back a listener favorite: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz (hosts of "Wow in the World") star in a whimsical Native American tale about the...

The Laws of Nature | Circle Round 138

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mo Rocca (CBS Sunday Morning, Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!) headlines this eco-conscious Estonian/Finnish tale about conservation, courtesy, and how a...

Encore: Sir Luck and Mister Riches

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this favorite tale from the archives, comedian/kids' author Michael Ian Black (I'm Worried, Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop) and actor/director David Wain (W...

'The Patched-Up Coat' | Circle Round 137

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

NPR's Peter Sagal (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!) stars in this Russian story about how fantastically priceless a little generosity can be. Sign up f...

Encore: The King’s Face

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Broadway stars Derrick Baskin (Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Brandon Uran...

'The Mountain Guardian' | Circle Round 136

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Audrey Hsieh (Here Today, Mixtape) and Alonzo Bodden (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Who's Paying Attention) headline this Tibetan tale about two famil...

Encore: The Magpie With Salt On Her Tail

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rachael Harris (Lucifer, Suits) and Taran Killam (Nature Cat, Saturday Night Live) star in this special encore episode about a young man who learns th...

Encore: The Princess and the Egg

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this enchanting tale from the archives, Amber Stevens West (Happy Together, Run the World) stars as a globe-​trotting princess who works hard to ...

Encore: The Goat in the Garden

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this favorite episode from the archives, Ray Magliozzi (Car Talk) plays a stubborn goat who inadvertently reminds us that true heroes comes in all ...

Encore: Sweet Corn and Clever Rabbit

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this favorite episode from the archives, Eris Baker (This Is Us) plays a tricky rabbit who presents her fellow animals with an offer they can't ref...

'She Tells Seashells' | Circle Round 135

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Award nominee Joaquina Kalukango (Slave Play, One Night in Miami) stars in this Zulu tale from South Africa about how stories came to the world. ...

'The Unfair Share' | Circle Round 134

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jon Huertas (This Is Us, Initiation) and Faith Salie (CBS Sunday Morning, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me) headline this folktale about a generous queen, a...

'The Missing Knight' | Circle Round 133

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Duchess Sarah Ferguson of York (Storytime With Fergie) and Jason Mantzoukas (How Did This Get Made, Housebroken) play a crafty queen and scheming advi...

'The Bearded Lake' | Circle Round 132

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Owen Teale (Game of Thrones, Dream Horse) stars in this Welsh legend about a desperate farmer who becomes too greedy for his own good. Sign up for ou...

Encore: 100 Rooms

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this favorite episode from the archives, seven-time Emmy-Award winner Ed Asner (Up, The Mary Tyler Moore Show) plays a wise father who challenges h...

'Growing Courage' | Circle Round 131

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kyla Pratt (Call Me Kat, The Proud Family) headlines this Ethiopian story about the power of facing your fears. Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "...

'The Giant's Causeway' | Circle Round 130

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Alison Wright (Snowpiercer, The Americans) stars as a wise and witty Irish giant who proves she's colossal in both size and smarts. Sign up for our m...

'The Fire Within' | Circle Round 129

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and actor Maz Jobrani (Pandemic Warrior, Back To School With Maz Jobrani) plays a wise man with an on-fire imagination in this clever tale fr...

'The Governor's Puzzle' | Circle Round 128

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tiffany Espensen (Spider-Man: Homecoming, Kirby Buckets) stars in this Chinese folktale about thinking outside the box and inside the boat. Sign up...

Encore: The Queen’s Gift

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This favorite episode from our archives is in loving memory of an actor you've heard in numerous Circle Round stories, including this one: Delores Kin...

'Mangoes In The Middle' | Circle Round 127

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this tale from India, Utkarsh Ambudkar (Brittany Runs a Marathon, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme) plays an ingenious royal advisor who cunningly pro...

'Counting Crocodiles' | Circle Round 126

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this playful tale from Indonesia and Malaysia, Tiya Sircar (Star Wars Rebels, The Good Place) plays a cunning mouse deer who teaches a cantankerous...

'The Uncommon Offering' | Circle Round 125

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Award Winner Ruthie Ann Miles (The King and I, All Rise) stars in this Paraguayan story about giving the most rare and precious gift of all. Sig...

'The Red Leather Shoes' | Circle Round 124

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show, Evil) and Madhur Jaffrey (Madhur Jaffrey's Curry Nation, I Feel Bad) co-star in this Indian story about a wise king, a g...

'The Wind Catcher' | Circle Round 123

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables) headlines this Marshallese tale about how the first sailboat came to be. Sign up for our...

Encore: One Speckled Hen

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we bring back a favorite story from the archives: Tony Award winner André De Shields (Hadestown, The Full Monty) stars in a Jewish tale th...

'All The King's Dogs' | Circle Round 122

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Sisto (Law and Order, FBI) and Rory Culkin (Waco, Halston) co-star in this Hungarian story about two farmers, one wise king, and a whole mess o...

'The Fishermen's Leftovers' | Circle Round 121

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this magical tale from Japan, Marc delaCruz (If/Then, Hamilton) plays a lowly cook whose kitchen scraps bring him a golden reward. Sign up for our...

'The Horse of a Different Color' | Circle Round 120

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Christina Anthony (Mixed-ish, Key & Peele) and Tony winner Lindsay Mendez (Carousel, All Rise) play a one-of-a-kind horse and rider in this enchanted ...

'The Head and the Heart' | Circle Round 119

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Joshua Malina (The West Wing, Scandal) and Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder, The West Wing Weekly) co-star in this Jewish tale about two brothers who ...

'Three Little Critters' | Circle Round 118

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mason Gooding (Love, Victor; Scream 5) and Allen Maldonado (Sneakerheads, The Last O.G.) co-star in this East African story about the big power of a l...

Encore: The Emperor’s Challenge

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we ring in the new year, we bring back a favorite episode about planting the seeds of honesty, starring Nikki SooHoo (Star Wars Resistance, The Res...

Encore: A Bird in the Hand

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we celebrate the winter holidays, we revisit a favorite episode from season two: Broadway legends Rebecca Luker and Danny Burstein play a talking b...

'Ariana's Music' | Circle Round 117

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mireille Enos (Hanna, The Killing) headlines this new spin on an ancient Greek legend about an instrument that captivates everyone who hears it, wheth...

'The Three Tests' | Circle Round 116

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kiera Allen (Run) plays a wise woman whose cleverness is tested by her father long after he's gone in this story from Armenia, Greece, Russia, Germany...

'The Twin Monkeys' | Circle Round 115

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Julia Nickson (Rambo: First Blood Part II, The Unbidden) and YouTuber Lizzy Capri headline this Tibetan and Burmese tale about finding treasure, playi...

Simple Gifts: Circle Round's Season-of-Giving Special

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate the season of giving, we bring you a special mega-episode revisiting four of your favorite Circle Round stories about generosity. Sign u...

'The Basilisk’s Stare' | Circle Round 114

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this tale inspired by a Polish legend, Nabiyah Be (Black Panther, Daisy Jones & The Six) and Evan Whitten (The Resident, Mr. Robot) face off agains...

'The Fantastic Fiddle' | Circle Round 113

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Hispanic tale from the Southwest U.S. stars Adam Irigoyen (Away, Shake It Up) as a fiddler whose magical instrument brings the world to its feet,...

'Little Frog’s Big Voice' | Circle Round 112

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dyllón Burnside (POSE, Prideland) and Tony nominee Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice, School of Rock - The Musical) co-star in this Australian story about ...

'The Extraordinary Pine Cone' | Circle Round 111

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Jenrette (The Handmaid's Tale, Uncorked) and John Carroll Lynch (American Horror Story, The Founder) headline this Estonian/Finnish story about ...

'Coyote's Flame' | Circle Round 110

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Native American tale, Brittany O'Grady (Little Voice, Star) plays a cunning creature who uses teamwork to bring light, sun and fire to the dar...

Encore: 'Grandfather Stone'

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're revisiting this Seneca tale from Season 2 about the origin of stories -- co-starring NPR veteran Diane Rehm...

'The Glittering Gourd' | Circle Round 109

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Corey Stoll (Billions, West Side Story) and Glenn Fleshler (Billions, Joker) bring to life this Brazilian story about the sweetness of humility and th...

'The Olive Jar' | Circle Round 108

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maggie Siff (Billions, Mad Men), Santino Fontana (Tootsie, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), and Denim Richards (Yellowstone, The Chickasaw Rancher) co-star in th...

'Long Hair And The Waterfall' | Circle Round 107

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rosalind Chao (Mulan, The Joy Luck Club) headlines this Chinese tale about a tall mountain, a big radish, and the magic of giving back to your communi...

'Little Cu' | Circle Round 106

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Desmin Borges (You're The Worst, Utopia) plays a tiny bird with an ever-growing ego in this playful story with roots in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sign ...

'Dirt Into Gold' | Circle Round 105

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tzi Ma (The Farewell, Mulan) and Jimmy Wong (Wish Dragon, Mulan) co-star in this Burmese tale about turning soil and dirt into an invaluable treasure....

Circle Round: Fan Edition!

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of season 3, we asked fans to send us their own Circle Round story. This week, you’ll hear some of the submissions we received! Sign up ...

Encore: 'The Forbidden Knot'

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This favorite story from season one, starring Mel Rodriguez (The Last Man on Earth, Electric Dreams), is about the importance of being honest and keep...

'The Charming Flute' | Circle Round 104

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In part four of our summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Amy Hargreaves (13 Reasons Why, Homeland) plays a mystical flute player who teac...

Encore: 'A Taste Of Honey'

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hannah Simone ("New Girl") stars alongside her real-life father Naren Simone in a South Asian tale about the power of self-reliance. Download a color...

'Naming The Tree' | Circle Round 103

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In part three of our summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chloe Coleman (Timmy Failure, My Spy) stars in an African tale about how bigger...

Encore: 'Latchkey Stew'

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jurnee Smollett-Bell stars in this classic tale about a young girl who teaches a group of neighbors what it means to really share. Sign up for our mo...

'The Farmer's Coin' | Circle Round 102

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of our summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jin Ha (Devs, Love Life) and Greta Jung (Modern Family, Station 19) headline a Ko...

Encore: 'The Enchanted Paintbrush'

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Phillipa Soo (Hamilton) and Stacy Keach (Man With a Plan) headline this favorite episode from season 3: a tale from China about a kind, humble artist ...

'Every Other Friday' | Circle Round 101

07 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Part one of our special summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Melora Hardin and Gildart Jackson co-star in this tale about a crafty counte...

Encore: 'Kangaroo And Joey Too'

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra as part of our 2019 summer pop-up series, this Aboriginal story from Australia imagine...

Shortie: The Leaky Bucket

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is the bucket half empty or half full? This week's bonus episode comes from a Chinese folktale about the unexpected upside of imperfection. Sign up f...

Encore: 'The Great Ball Game'

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Native American story, William Jackson Harper (The Good Place) portrays a tiny creature who teaches the other animals and birds to appreciate ...

Shortie: 'The Dinner Date'

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this bite-sized bonus episode from West Africa, a tricky spider bites off more than he can chew when he tries outwitting a wise dinner guest. Sign...

Encore: 'The Most Powerful Of All'

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon, Big Little Lies) learns a surprising lesson about size, strength and power in this twist on a folktale from East Asia, I...

'The Noblest Tale' | Circle Round 100

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb (A Simple Trick to Happiness, Feel What U Feel) discovers the true meaning of goodness, virtue and ho...

'Leopard’s Rhythm' | Circle Round 99

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Public radio and podcast veteran Tonya Mosley (Here and Now, Truth Be Told) plays a clever turtle determined to outwit the local bully in this whimsic...

'Sweet And Sour' | Circle Round 98

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this story from the Zulu people of South Africa, Marshall Escamilla (Tumble: A Science Podcast for Kids) and Avi Nash (The Walking Dead, Hosea) sta...

'Chief Know-It-All' | Circle Round 97

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Actor and musician Chris Sullivan (This Is Us, Joseph The Spouse) plays the boastful, blowhard title character in this Hawaiian tale about an egotisti...

'The Sultan’s Figs' | Circle Round 96

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, Penny Dreadful) and Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery, Rent) headline this Middle Eastern/North African tale abou...

'The Treasured Axe' | Circle Round 95

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Adrian Martinez (Stumptown, Lady and the Tramp) stars in this classic folktale about the big treasures a little honesty can bring. Visit our website,...

Shortie: 'The Money Tree'

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode inspired by a Chinese folktale, an industrious man finds a clever way to teach his brother the value of hard work. ------ If y...

'The Fallen Sparrow' | Circle Round 94

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Children's podcast hosts Molly Bloom (Brains On!, Smash Boom Best) and Jane Lindholm (But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids) co-star as twin sisters who...

Shortie: 'The First Ring'

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus story with roots in Europe and China, a horse teaches a knight about loyalty and kindness. ------ If you’re looking for something ex...

'The Birds And The Trees' | Circle Round 93

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Think about someone you admire for their courage. Maybe it’s a person from history, who stood up for what’s right. Perhaps it’s a family member...

Shortie: 'A Cup of Poi'

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A bonus story from Hawaii, about the magic that happens when we show kindness to strangers in need. ------ If you’re looking for something extra ...