Circle Round
Episodes
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 ...
'The Search For Rain' | Circle Round 92
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever teamed up with other people to get something done? We’re all keeping our distance from other people, to help everyone stay healthy ...
Encore: 'The King And The Cobbler'
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week we present a favorite story from the archives: Keith David (Greenleaf) and Tony Award winner James Naughton (City of Angels, Chicago) play a...
'The Elephant’s Tub' | Circle Round 91
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Analeigh Tipton (Crazy, Stupid Love; Why Women Kill) and Stephen Tobolowsky (One Day at a Time, The Tobolowsky Files) co-star in this Burmese tale abo...
'Song of the Horse' | Circle Round 90
10 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pop singer David Archuleta (American Idol) and stand-up comic Sherry Cola (Good Trouble) headline this Mongolian story about the origins of the countr...
'Granny’s Leather Bag' | Circle Round 89
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Orla Brady (Star Trek: Picard, Into the Badlands) stars in this Irish tale about three wise animals, two very different sisters, and one bag of silver...
'The Mountain Spring' | Circle Round 88
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara (The King and I; Kiss Me, Kate) stars opposite real-life husband, director/musician Greg Naughton (The Independents, Th...
Encore: 'The Lute Player'
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This Russian and European folktale stars real-life husband and wife Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Sweetbitter) and Annie Parisse (Friends From College)...
'The Rooster in the Sky' | Circle Round 87
11 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this adventure story with roots in Russia, Hungary and the Middle East, a magical rooster rewards Rachel Matthews (Frozen 2) for her fearless persi...
'The True Mother' | Circle Round 86
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Japanese tale, Alex Landi (Grey's Anatomy, Insatiable) plays a wise judge who finds an ingenious way to determine the real mother of a bouncin...
'The Beggar and the Baker’s Daughter' | Circle Round 85
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Margaret Cho (The Margaret Cho, Fresh Off The Bloat) headlines this English tale about a greedy woman who bites off more than she can chew. ...
'The Very Busy Fairies' | Circle Round 84
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this zany Celtic tale, when fairies come to help Parker Bates (This Is Us) with his chores, he discovers they're far more trouble than they're wort...
'The Dozen Loaves of Bread' | Circle Round 83
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast luminary Avery Trufelman (99% Invisible, Articles of Interest) stars as a generous baker touched by magic in this scrumptious Jewish tale. Si...
'The Nine Sticks' | Circle Round 82
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Maulik Pancholy (30 Rock, Grand Horizons) and Nikesh Patel (Four Weddings and a Funeral) headline this Indian story that asks what's more precious: gl...
Encore: 'The Months Of The Year'
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What would it be like to experience the months of the year--out of order? Joshua Rush ("Andi Mack") and Ailsa Chang (NPR) co-star in this story which...
Encore: 'Three Wishes'
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick Fabian ("Better Call Saul") and Mandy Fabian ("Dropping The Soap") star in a story about a husband and wife whose generosity leads them to an ...
'The Gloomy Pine Tree' | Circle Round 81
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mykal-Michelle Harris (Mixed-ish) stars as a discontented sapling in this classic "grass is always greener" tale from Germany. Sign up for our monthl...
'Nilsa And The Troll' | Circle Round 80
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this story with roots in Denmark, Raegan Revord (Young Sheldon) plays a generous young woman who proves that small gestures of kindness can make a ...
'The Banker’s Riddles' | Circle Round 79
03 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jeannie Mai (Listen Hunnay, The Real) headlines this Chinese and Vietnamese tale about a wise, witty woman who gives a greedy, riddle-loving banker a ...
Encore: 'Fiona And The Fairies'
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Selenis Leyva ("Orange is the New Black," "Maniacs") stars as a clever baker in this retelling of a Scottish folktale about the power of a little "ple...
'The Enchanted Paintbrush' | Circle Round 78
19 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Phillipa Soo (Hamilton, The Code) and Stacy Keach (Man With a Plan, American Greed) headline this Chinese tale about a kind, humble artist whose paint...
'Sir Luck And Mister Riches' | Circle Round 77
12 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian/kids' author Michael Ian Black (I'm Worried, Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop) and actor/director David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer, Stella) star in t...
'The Fire On The Other Side Of The World' | Circle Round 76
05 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this Cherokee story, Yeardley Smith (The Simpsons) plays a feisty, creative spider who proves that power and strength aren't always about physical ...
'The Chattering Clams' | Circle Round 75
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz — hosts of NPR’s "Wow! in the World" podcast — star in this whimsical Native American tale about the dangers of gossi...
'The King's Face' | Circle Round 74
22 Oct 2019
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 ...
Encore: 'Maushop And Grandfather Sun'
15 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Wes Studi, who later this month will become the first Native American actor to receive an Oscar, stars as the Wampanoag mythical figure 'Maushop,' a k...
'The Rusty Cowbell' | Circle Round 73
08 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Lake Bell (The Secret Life of Pets, Bless This Mess) stars as a struggling farmer who gives a selfish landlord a run for his money in this folktale fr...
'One Speckled Hen' | Circle Round 72
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Award winner André De Shields (Hadestown, The Full Monty) stars in this Jewish tale that tests the old adage: "finders keepers, losers weepers."...
'The Great Acorn Robbery' | Circle Round 71
24 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Katy Mixon (American Housewife, Minions) and Diedrich Bader (American Housewife, Veep) headline this Seneca tale about an industrious squirrel and the...
'Rabbit's Wish' | Circle Round 70
17 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this story with roots in West Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, Ryan Michelle Bathé (This Is Us, First Wives Club) plays a clever Rabbit wh...
'Curious Boots' | Circle Round 69
10 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Norwegian adventure tale stars Colin Hanks (Life in Pieces, Jumanji 2) as a precocious little brother whose curiosity earns him a royally big rew...
Encore: 'What Am I Hearing?'
27 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what instrument you're hearing during your favorite 'Circle Round' story? We're revisiting a very special episode featuring the music and ...
Encore: 'The Unwelcome Guest'
20 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're bringing back a listener favorite. Richard Kind ("Inside Out") stars in this Middle Eastern folktale about a clever man who teaches h...
Encore: 'Armadillo’s Song'
06 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This liv...
Encore: 'The Hat, The Horn, And The Purse'
30 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this encore, we revisit an Italian folktale starring Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his th...
'The Magic Bowl' | Circle Round 68
23 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Part three of our special summer pop-up series -- recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra -- comes from Ghana and the West Ind...
'Practice Makes Progress' | Circle Round 67
16 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Part two of our special summer pop-up series -- recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra -- is a tale from the Antilles about a...
'Kangaroo And Joey Too' | Circle Round 66
09 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Part one of our special summer pop-up series, recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this Aboriginal story from Australia im...
Listeners' Favorite: 'The Piper And The Pooka'
02 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was chosen by you, the fans! Thanks for the submissions! In this Irish folktale, Damian McGinty ("Glee," "Celtic Thunder") stars as a mus...
'Grandfather Stone' | Circle Round 65
28 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Joss (Comanche Moon, Parks and Recreation) and NPR’s Diane Rehm (The Diane Rehm Show, On My Mind) star in this Seneca tale about a mystical...
'Lazy Jack And The Leprechaun' | Circle Round 64
21 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A.J. Buckley (SEAL Team) and Euan Morton (Hamilton) headline this Irish tale about a lazy fellow who wants to get rich quick, and the conniving leprec...
Encore: 'The Skylark'
14 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, impatient man a lesson he'll...
'The Three-Legged Pot' | Circle Round 63
30 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Aparna Nancherla (The Standups, Corporate) stars as a rambunctious, Robin Hood-esque cooking vessel in this Danish and Middle Eastern story a...
'The Lute Player' | Circle Round 62
23 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Russian and European folktale stars real-life husband and wife Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Sweetbitter) and Annie Parisse (Friends From College)...
'The Star Fruit Tree' | Circle Round 61
16 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Broadway star Stephanie Hsu (Be More Chill, The SpongeBob Musical) headlines this magical Vietnamese tale about the unexpectedly sweet rewards generos...
'Sweet Corn And Clever Rabbit' | Circle Round 60
09 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this playful tale with roots in Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica, Eris Baker (This Is Us) plays a tricky rabbit who presents her fellow animals with a...
Encore: 'The Happiest Person In The World'
26 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Cryer ("Two and a Half Men") stars in a story about a man chasing happiness--and the elusive shirt that will make him smile again. Sign up for ou...
'All That Glitters' | Circle Round 59
19 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Thai story starring Lee Overtree, Peter McNerney and Meghan O'Neill (hosts of Gimlet's Story Pirates podcast) shines a sparkling light on the tre...
'A Bird In The Hand' | Circle Round 58
05 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this folktale with roots across Europe and Asia, Broadway legends -- and real-life couple -- Rebecca Luker (The Music Man, The Sound of Music) and ...
'Three Clever Brothers' | Circle Round 57
26 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Alexandra Billings (Transparent, Paddleton) stars in this Indian/Persian/Tunisian/Siberian/Iraqi/Uzbekistani folktale about the power of a keen eye an...
'The Great Ball Game' | Circle Round 56
19 Feb 2019
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 ...
'The Most Powerful Of All' | Circle Round 55
12 Feb 2019
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 Emperor's Challenge' | Circle Round 54
29 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Nikki SooHoo (Star Wars Resistance, The Resident) and Christine Toy Johnson (Iron Fist, Come From Away) co-star in this Chinese tale about planting th...
'The Woman In The Moon' | Circle Round 53
22 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this Alaska Native tale, Irene Bedard (Pocahontas, Ralph Breaks the Internet) plays a patient mortal who yearns to help the moon carry light across...
'The Queen's Gift' | Circle Round 52
15 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this story from Africa, the Middle East and the Caucasus, Jake Borelli (Grey's Anatomy) plays a prince whose newfound weaving skills come in handie...
'The Golden Flask' | Circle Round 51
08 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Allison Strong (The Week Of) headlines this Incan tale about a brave, magical journey to heal a prince and save a family. Download the coloring page ...
Encore: 'Cow Wells And Cow Bells'
01 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We're celebrating Billy Porter's 2019 Golden Globe nomination by bringing back this East African folktale that asks: "Is honesty always the best polic...
Road Trip Reel: 'Family Ties'
24 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
To make your winter holidays even merrier and brighter, enjoy 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Round episodes about family! Stories include: "The Mo...
'The Dancing Goats' | Circle Round 50
17 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this Galician folktale, Raul Esparza (Law and Order: SVU, Bojack Horseman, Ferdinand) stars as an aspiring musician who dreams of making the whole ...
'Wit And Wordplay' | Circle Round 49
11 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this clever folktale with roots in the Middle East and Spain, Rachael MacFarlane (American Dad) and Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad) seek a soulmat...
'Maya's Feathers' | Circle Round 48
27 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Vella Lovell (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) stars as a young woman who learns the power of her words... and how you can't t...
Road Trip Reel: A Feast For Your Ears!
20 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're traveling, cooking, or storing leftovers, get ready for scrumptious Thanksgiving listening with 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Roun...
'The Unjust Justice' | Circle Round 47
13 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Jackie Tohn (G.L.O.W.) stars as a clever grocer who teaches a dishonest judge the importance of being fair and trustworthy. Our *NEWEST* coloring bo...
'Turtle Island' | Circle Round 46
06 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Circle Round partners with two fellow kids podcasts--'The Punies,' by Kobe Bryant and Canada's 'Earth Rangers,'-- to bring a First Nations folktale to...
Encore: 'The Rice Cakes And The Oni'
30 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Tamlyn Tomita ("The Good Doctor") and Hudson Yang ("Fresh Off The Boat") star in this Japanese story about a mother and son team with a seriously good...
'The Princess And The Egg' | Circle Round 45
23 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Amber Stevens West ("Happy Together") stars as a globe-trotting princess who works hard to keep all of her promises. But in this story, the honest pr...
Armadillo’s Song | Circle Round 44
09 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This liv...
'Fiona And The Fairies' | Circle Round 43
02 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Selenis Leyva ("Orange is the New Black," "Maniacs") stars as a clever baker in this retelling of Scottish folktale about the power of a little "pleas...
'The Tug Of War' | Circle Round 42
25 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Does bigger always mean stronger? Oscar nominee & children's author Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) stars in this East African ...
'Dollars And Scents' | Circle Round 41
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Our noses can detect nearly a trillion different scents. When the main character in our story smells just a handful of them he winds up in quite a mes...
'100 Rooms' | Circle Round 40
11 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ed Asner ("Up," "Mary Tyler Moore Show") stars in a British folktale about a father who challenges his young daughters to solve a tricky challenge by ...
'When Fish Fly' | Circle Round 39
04 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino (HGTV’s “Cousins on Call) co-star in this story about a man who gets a very tricky lesson about the dangers of g...
Encore: 'Sadko And The Sea'
21 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Max Greenfield ("The Neighborhood," "New Girl") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music. Download a coloring page for this episode he...
Encore: 'The Owner Of The Sun'
06 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
YouTuber and comedian Joanna Hausmann stars in a Venezuelan folktale about an enterprising young girl and her quest to free the sun. Download a color...
'Cow Wells And Cow Bells' | Circle Round 38
31 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Greed. Deception. Adorable baby cows. Billy Porter ("Pose") and Joshua Boone ("Seven Seconds") star in this East African folktale that asks: "is hone...
'The Unwelcome Guest' | Circle Round 37
24 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Kind ("Inside Out") stars in this Middle Eastern folktale about a clever man who teaches his village a thing or two about the dangers of judgi...
'The King And The Cobbler' | Circle Round 36
17 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
When the most powerful person in the land has never relied on himself, trouble ensues! Keith David ("Greenleaf") and James Naughton ("The Blacklist,"...
'The Months Of The Year' | Circle Round 35
10 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What would it be like to experience the months of the year--out of order? Joshua Rush ("Andi Mack") and Ailsa Chang (NPR) co-star in this story which...
Encore: 'The Woman Who Lived In A Vinegar Bottle'
02 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Sela Ward ("Graves," "Independence Day") stars in a traditional English tale about a woman who can't seem to find home sweet home. Download a colori...
'The Skylark' | Circle Round 34
25 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, inpatient man a lesson he'll...
'The Perfect Partnership' | Circle Round 33
19 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Being a good partner is all about give and take. But in today’s story, Sam Sanders (NPR) and Joshua Johnson (WAMU) co-star in a Ghanaian story about...
'The Friendship Orchard' | Circle Round 32
12 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's own Linda Wertheimer and Susan Stamberg co-star in a Kazakh folktale about lifelong friends whose bond is tested by the unexpected discovery of ...
'A Taste Of Honey' | Circle Round 31
05 Jun 2018
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...
Encore: 'It Could Always Get Worse'
29 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Whether we’re 3 or 93, we all love a good story. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") stars in this classic Yiddish folktale. Download a coloring page for...
Two-Hour Road Trip Reel: 'Animal Kingdom'
23 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Have a very long road trip ahead? We've got you! This playlist features nearly two hours of your favorite Circle Round stories about our furry and fea...
90 Minute Road Trip Reel: 'Casting A Spell'
23 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We just made your road trips so much better. This 90 minute playlist features your favorite Circle Round stories about magic including "The Hat, The ...