Circle Round

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians and a star-studded cast, this indigenous Pacific Northwest tale follows a wily coyote on a daring rescue.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on Feb. 18. 2025.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

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

This Circle Round episode originally was released on May 7, 2024.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

Jessika Van (Seoul Searching, Awkward) and Mark Pellegrino (American Rust, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley) co-star in a Welsh tale about a girl, a drought, and a mouse with a life-saving secret.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on May 14, 2024.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

Comedian Alonzo Bodden (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Heavy Lightweight) headlines this African legend about how one animal’s mischief created the savanna’s most majestic, magical trees.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on Nov. 7, 2023.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Circle Round continues our special presentation of WBUR's new podcast, The Midnight Rebellion, with Chapter 3, "Into the Machine."

If you have not listened to Chapter 1, go back and start there!

The Midnight Rebellion tells the story of a girl on an adventure in a watery world where everything is wrong. She has to set it right—with your help. Each episode ends with a choice that YOU make.

**Recommended for ages 7 and up.**

To hear more episodes, search for The Midnight Rebellion in your podcast app and follow the show, or visit ⁠wbur.org/midnight⁠.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Circle Round continues our special presentation of WBUR's new podcast, The Midnight Rebellion, with Chapter 2, "Get Hart."

If you have not listened to Chapter 1, go back to the previous episode and start there.

The Midnight Rebellion tells the story of a girl on an adventure in a watery world where everything is wrong. She has to set it right—with your help. Each episode ends with a choice that YOU make.

**Recommended for ages 7 and up.**

To hear more episodes, search for The Midnight Rebellion in your podcast app and follow the show, or visit wbur.org/midnight.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Circle Round brings you a special new podcast: The Midnight Rebellion, by WBUR, the same place that makes our show!

Heads up! This podcast is recommended for ages 7+. 

The Midnight Rebellion, starring Erika Henningsen (Netflix's "The Four Seasons") and others, tells the story of a girl on an adventure in a watery world where everything is wrong. And she has to set it right—with help from YOU.

Each episode ends with a choice. What YOU choose changes the story, sometimes for the better, and sometimes ... not. Either way, it's fun!

To hear more episodes, search for The Midnight Rebellion in your podcast app and follow the show, or visit wbur.org/midnight.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

Broadway stars Lorna Courtney (& Juliet) and Shoba Narayan (Aladdin) face off in this Indian legend about a tiny bird who opens up a farmer’s eyes in a big way.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on Dec. 20, 2022.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra members and a star-studded cast, this Swedish tale sheds magical light on kindness, caring, and letting roots run deep.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on Oct. 28, 2025.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome back to Circle Round Summer Camp! We're revisiting our favorite stories about the outdoors.

Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon, Three Pines) and Jonathan Joss (King of the Hill, Tulsa King) star in this sweet and sour Wabanaki tale about how people first learned to tap maple trees.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on March 28, 2023.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Welcome to Circle Round Summer Camp! 

This summer, camp counselor Erika Henningsen (The Four Seasons, The Midnight Rebellion) will be reintroducing us to some of our favorite episodes celebrating the great outdoors and spending time with others outside.

In this Taiwanese tale starring Karen Huie (Welcome to Flatch, Abominable and the Invisible City), a town learns the bad taste it can leave when you bite off more than you can chew!

This Circle Round episode originally was released on Jan. 24, 2023.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Circle Round episode originally was released on Oct. 31, 2023.

Kimberly Guerrero (Spirit Rangers, Reservation Dogs) stars in a tale from the Lakota people about one thieving fox and four wise winds.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Film, TV and theater star Maria-Christina Oliveras (The Balusters, Cymbeline) headlines a Portuguese tale about the magical ways stories bring us together.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Can You Ever Forgive Me) and Jorma Taccone (The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, Little Fox and the Wild Imagination) headline a Seneca and Shawnee legend about how the raccoon got its eye mask and tail stripes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Carolyn Michelle (Familiar Touch, The Chi) and Christopher Rivas (Brown Enough, Rubirosa) headline a Maya tale about lies having short legs... and long tails!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Musician and podcaster Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder) plays a cocky rooster in this Southern American tale about judging a book by its cover and eating humble pie.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Vivien Lyra Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Boogeyman) headlines this story from the indigenous peoples of Siberia about a supernatural spirit with a very cold shoulder.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Edi Gathegi ("The Harder They Fall," "For All Mankind") stars in this East African story about twin brothers, enchanted fruit, and the magic of an open heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Charlene Amoia (The Breadwinner, How I Met Your Mother) plays a tiny but mighty bird in this French legend about the origin of fire.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Is Us co-stars (and That Was Us co-hosts) Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore and Chris Sullivan co-star in a multi-cultural legend about two conceited coyotes and the fox who outfoxes them.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Cleveland, OH, this Appalachian tale proves that true friends stick together through thick, thin, and everything in between.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Cleveland, OH, this Japanese story pits a wise baker against two tricky goblins who refuse to face their fears.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Samantha Béart (Baldur's Gate 3, Star Wars: The Old Republic) plays a sorceress with a knack for brewing up trouble in this tale with Sudanese, Egyptian and Palestinian roots.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Krassimira Belev (The Therapy) and acclaimed violinist Christian Hebel star in a Romani tale about how the very first violin came to be.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Bestselling children's author Meena Harris (Maya's Big Question, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea) plays an ambitious coyote in this Shoshone, Shasta and Hupa legend about how summer and winter came to be.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star-studded cast, this Buddhist story from Tibet and India proves we can all be helpers, no matter our size.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star-studded cast, this Sioux legend follows a rascally raccoon on a gutsy -- and gummy -- quest.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Glendale, CA, this Haitian tale about two blacksmiths whose banging, clanging, clinking and clanking cause a presidential uproar.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Glendale, CA, this story with roots in India and Vietnam follows a trio of birds on an illuminating adventure to bring back to the sun.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tatyana Ali (Abbott Elementary, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) stars as a savvy starfish who outwits a wily whale in this tale from Aboriginal Australia.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jeff Meacham (Black-ish, Vampirina) plays a hapless hero whose life turns upside-down in this humorous tale from Great Britain, Italy, Russia and the Philippines.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Taylor Richardson (The Gilded Age) and Alison Wright (The Americans, Snowpiercer) co-star in this Irish tale about mischievous fairies and the power of music.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kennedy Kanagawa (Into The Woods) plays a young man who brings light to a dark world in this tale with roots in Alaska Native and First Nations legends.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Gabe Kunda (Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends) and Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus, Insecure) co-star in a Ugandan legend about friendship, rivalry, and making music.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Ravi V. Patel (Animal Control, LEGO Masters Jr.) headlines this Indian tale about distinguishing need from greed with help from grain, gold, and a barrel of lies.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Charlotte, NC, this Brazilian tale pits a round-rumped, fleet-footed critter against a teeny-tiny insect in a surprisingly high-flying race.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Charlotte, NC, this Japanese legend about a rhyming pine tree puts a (literally) sappy new spin on "poetic justice."

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Fellow kidcasts Terrestrials and Wow in the World join us for a story-stuffed special about smart chickens, mysterious duck quacks, and how the turkey got its gobble.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Alfred Hsing (Train Dreams, The Book of Boba Fett) stars in a Chinese legend about a kind bird, a mystical fairy, and the magic of giving.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra members and a star-studded cast, this story with roots in Jewish and Indian lore proves that when you weigh your words, they can be worth their weight in gold!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra members and a star-studded cast, this Swedish tale sheds magical light on kindness, caring, and letting roots run deep.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Real-life couple Paige Davis (Trading Spaces, Pen Pals) and Patrick Page (The Gilded Age, Archduke) headline a Greek legend about two people whose love is so strong, they find a divine way to stay together forever.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Parker, CO, this Chinese adventure story shows how kindness and hard work can breathe new life into anything... including stone!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live in Parker, CO, this magical Palestinian tale introduces you to wisecracking elders, wayward felines, and the unexpected rewards generosity can bring.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Summer Bishil (The Magicians, Four Samosas) and Michael Maliakel (Aladdin on Broadway) star in an India tale about the first chess game and the surprising ripple effects of our actions.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Academy Award nominee June Squibb (Thelma, Eleanor the Great) headlines a Jewish Turkish story about taking a wrong turn and finding the right prize.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Charlet Takahashi Chung (Wylde Pak, Rugrats) stars in a Japanese folktale about a clever farmer who gives herself a helping hand... and foot!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Béchir Sylvain (Jurassic World Rebirth) stars as trickster Anansi in a West African tale about a magic stone, a major trick, and getting a taste of your own medicine.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Danielle Panabaker (The Flash) and James Wolk (Mad Men, Happy Face) headline a Swedish tale about an uncertain king, a magic fairy, and a monumental decision.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Aparna Brielle (FUBAR, A.P. Bio) stars as a legendary Indian princess whose love, devotion and courage face the ultimate test.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Heather Burns (Bored to Death, Manchester by the Sea) and Ajay Naidu (Office Space, Blindspot) headline a Bantu, Zulu and Tumbuka tale about why the hyena's coat is spotted and scraggly.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians and a star-studded cast, this tale with roots in India, Mongolia, Siberia and the Philippines is all about thinking outside the box... and inside the jar.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians and a star-studded cast, this Afghan tale follows a savvy seamstress and her chatty kitty on a royally epic adventure.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Eric Bauza (Bugs Bunny Builders, Woody Woodpecker) and Harry Shum Jr. (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians) star in an Indonesian story about a bad egg who winds up in a real pickle when he tries having his cake and eating it too.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Karen Huie (Welcome to Flatch, Abominable and the Invisible City), stars in a Taiwanese tale about the bad taste it can leave when you bite off more than you can chew!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Audrey Hsieh (Here Today, Mixtape) and Alonzo Bodden (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Who's Paying Attention) headline this Tibetan tale about two family members who are rewarded appropriately by a stone lion, one for her generosity and one for his greed.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite, Lightyear) portrays a beloved trickster who lives by his wits, and uses them to outwit others, in this folktale from the Spanish-speaking world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme) stars in an Indian tale about an ingenious royal advisor who cunningly proves the true owner of a fruitful treasure.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Scott Lawrence (Star Wars Resistance, Vader Immortal) stars in this African legend about how the hippopotamus came to be the decidedly distinctive creature it is today.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Christopher Sean (Star Wars Resistance, Gotham Knights) stars in this Vietnamese tale about two friends, one dream, and the infinite value of a true heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this adventure story with roots in Russia, Hungary and the Middle East, a magical rooster rewards Rachel Matthews (Frozen 2) for her fearless persistence and precious friendship.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Brittany Ishibashi (Marvel’s Runaways, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) stars in a Japanese tale about the power of stories, and the value of reading -- and listening -- between the lines.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice, Fargo) stars in an ancient Jewish tale about how working to benefit the future can bring sweet rewards in the present.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tim Bagley (Somebody Somewhere, Hacks) and Rebecca Mader (Lost, Once Upon a Time) co-star in a Rumanian and British tale about the high-flying differences between wants and needs.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Stephen Hanna and Bret Shuford (Broadway Husbands, Husbands 2 Dads) headline a European and Asian tale about outlawing anger, forbidding frustration, and making the feathers fly!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mario Cantone (And Just Like That, Surf's Up) and Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation) star in this folktale about how the giraffe got its long neck, and how the rhino got an unexpected ally!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Natalie Dormer (Audrey's Children, Game of Thrones) headlines a legend from Aboriginal Australia about a bright, bold bird and the illuminating power of teamwork.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Rapper/poet Omar Offendum (Little Syria) stars in a Persian and North African tale about righting wrongs and sniffing out a thief.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Alan Goffinski, Ana González and Lulu Miller (Terrestrials) star in a very international story about returning favors and being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Stephanie Koenig (Lessons in Chemistry, The English Teacher) and Patrick Luwis (Cobra Kai) star in a Taiwanese tale about a tiny ant, a boastful pigeon, and unexpected favors.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Arienne Mandi (The L Word: Generation Q, The Night Agent) and Patrick Renna (You Gotta Believe, The Sandlot) go head-to-head in a battle of wits in this tale with roots across Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the American Southwest.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jacob Laval (The Unbreakable Boy, John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch) and Amanda Warren (The Night Agent, East New York) headline a Sicilian tale about sowing the seeds of kindness, compassion and crocuses.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Joy Ofodu (Dating Unsettled, Heart of Sunshine) and Camron Jones (Panic, Shameless) co-star in a Huichol story from Mexico about stolen fire and bald tails.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Román Zaragoza (Ghosts) stars in a Wampanoag tale about a gentle giant, a hungry shark, and the power of fun and games.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kyriana Kratter (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) and Mila Harris (Mary, World-Breaker) headline an out-of-this-world Filipino tale about how the sun and moon came to be.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians and a star-studded cast, this indigenous Pacific Northwest tale follows a wily coyote on a daring rescue.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians and a star-studded cast, this Egyptian, Iraqi, Palestinian, Sudanese and Tunisian tale shows the importance of never biting off more than you can chew.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Maulik Pancholy (Phineas and Ferb, Sanjay and Craig) stars in a classic Indian story about a witty royal adviser who finds an ingenious way to bring the truth to light.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tzi Ma (Five Blind Dates, Interior Chinatown) and Jimmy Wong (Mulan, Wish Dragon) co-star in an action-packed legend about the origin of the Chinese zodiac animals.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Arlen Escarpeta (Found, The Oath) headlines a tale from southern Africa about stolen spuds and hare-brained schemes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

John Patrick Amedori (Three Women, Dear White People) headlines an internationally-inspired story about fixing soles and saving souls.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mireille Enos (Hanna, The Killing) headlines this new spin on an ancient Greek legend about an instrument that captivates everyone who hears it – whether they have skin, scales, hair, hides, feathers or fur!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Alexandra Billings (Transparent, Paddleton) stars in a North African, Middle Eastern and central and north-central Asian folktale about the power of a keen eye and a quick mind.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Terrence Terrell (B Positive, Giants) stars in this Abenaki tale about a gentle giant who brings night and day to the world, and gives a certain striped critter its telltale scent.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Space, a star-studded cast brings to life this Chinese and Vietnamese legend about the healing power of a kind and honest heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Symphony Space with a star-studded cast, this magical tale inspired by Ukrainian and Russian lore follows a kindly tailor as he embarks on an unforgettable chase.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Q'orianka Kilcher (Yellowstone, Dora and the Lost City of Gold) stars in a Cherokee tale about a clever rabbit who craftily tries pulling the wool — and fur — over everyone’s eyes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

World-renowned violinist Hilary Hahn plays a musician with a miraculous gift in this whimsical folktale from South America, North Africa, Europe and the US.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tim Matheson (The West Wing, Virgin River) and Jonathan Tucker (Kingdom, Westworld) co-star in a Jewish and Persian tale about a parrot, a prince, and the priceless value of freedom.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jon Huertas (This Is Us, Tracker) headlines an Aztec legend about how music first came to the world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jennifer Hale (Stars Wars: The Clone Wars, X-Men ‘97) stars in a Portuguese tale about a big bad wolf and a sharp shrewd owl.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Amy Tsang (Star Wars: The Acolyte, Kung Fu) stars in a Chinese tale about a magical gift that makes wishes come true, provided you make them with an honest heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Actor Kelly Jenrette (All American: Homecoming, The Handmaid’s Tale) and producer/actor Lamar Richardson (Appropriate, Merrily We Roll Along) co-star in a Shona legend that proves how big strength can come in little sizes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tatyana Ali (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Abbot Elementary) and Jack De Sena (Lego Monkie Kid, Avatar: The Last Airbender) headline this Filipino story about getting the upper hand by taking the lower half.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Real-life couple David Giuntoli (Grimm, Batman: Soul of the Dragon) and Elizabeth Tulloch (Grimm, Superman and Lois) face off as a wise farmer and proud queen in this tale with Georgian, Kazakh and Ghanaian roots.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway's Aaron Bartz, Erik Christopher Peterson and Cara Ricketts (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) headline a Jewish and Egyptian story about a high-stakes game of hide and seek.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Duchess Sarah Ferguson of York (Storytime with Fergie) and Suzie McGrath (Star Wars Resistance, The Punies) star in this charming tale about the importance of having a sound, sensible head, and a warm, fuzzy heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast, this Haitian and Creole tale is all about hefty horses and broken deals.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast, this Indian tale shows what happens when the price is right... and the price is wrong!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast, this Icelandic tale features a magical bovine who's able to moooooove mountains!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Athenaeum Center in Chicago, IL, this tale with East Asian and Egyptian roots pits a proud king against a sharp-witted schoolteacher who proves she's nobody's fool.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Athenaeum Center in Chicago, IL, this tale from the Iraqi Jewish tradition gives a whole new meaning to "putting your best foot forward."

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Town Hall Seattle, this tale with Palestinian and Lebanese roots suggests that when somebody gets your goat, don't be shy about putting them on the spot!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Town Hall Seattle, this Ukrainian tale follows a sister and brother as they meet the supernatural spirit who brings winter.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR, this Japanese tale about fragile statues and tough shopkeepers proves that every dog can have its day.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR, this high-flying tale explains how the islands of the Philippines came to be.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, MN, this Cambodian folktale shows what happens when you find clever solutions to shady problems.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, MN, this East African tale about unlikely roommates proves that sometimes the smallest can be the strongest of all.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Samin Nosrat (Salt Fat Acid Heat, Home Cooking), Hrishikesh Hirway (Home Cooking, Song Exploder) and Josh Malina (The West Wing, Chutzpod) star in this Ukrainian and Polish tale about what happens when misery loves company so much, it actually comes to life!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Carra Patterson (Rustin, Elsbeth) stars in a tale from Japan about a woman with enough generosity to last a lifetime, and a man with enough greed to sink a ship.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this magical story with worldwide roots, Broadway performers Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna (Broadway Husbands) play farmers who receive a little magic that leads to big transformations!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jona Xiao (Raya and the Last Dragon, Hightown) plays a flower peddler who makes gardens and goodness grow in this story with Chinese, Tibetan, Japanese, Moroccan, French, Canadian and Peruvian roots.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Bashir Salahuddin (Top Gun: Maverick, South Side) plays legendary trickster Anansi in this West African tale about how stories first came to the world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Malia Baker (The Baby-Sitters Club), Kelly Jenrette (All-American: Homecoming) and Kenny Leu (Midway) headline a story about a troupe of actors who bring down the house until they're nearly brought down themselves.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jessika Van (Seoul Searching, Awkward) and Mark Pellegrino (American Rust, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley) co-star in a Welsh tale about a girl, a drought, and a mouse with a life-saving secret.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kenny Curtis (Greeking Out) stars in a legend from Aboriginal Australia about dark days, light humor, and a little bird with a big laugh.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Oliver Stark (9-1-1, Into the Badlands) plays a clever king who concocts the perfect plan for telling a good egg from a bad seed.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

NPR veterans Linda Wertheimer and Susan Stamberg co-star in a Kazakh folktale about lifelong friends whose bond is tested by an unexpected discovery.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Erika Ishii (Worlds Beyond Number, Apex Legends) headlines this Vietnamese tale about getting a bee in your bonnet, buzzing off, and feeling the sting.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Vanessa Aspillaga (Dora Saves the Snow Princess, Leave the World Behind) stars in this Puerto Rican and Chilean tale about baby basil, cuddly kittens, and how two heads can be better than one.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Julia Chan (Bojack Horseman, Extinct) and Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder, The West Wing Weekly) co-star in a story from India about matching wits, mincing words, and getting the upper hand.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jonigan Booth (The Underdoggs, This Is Us) headlines this Angolan tale about flowing with your heart, and the healing power of dreams.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Adam Goldberg (The Equalizer) stars in this Portuguese tale about ambitions, imposters, and making the feathers fly!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Cowell Theater in San Francisco, this story with roots in Europe and Asia proves that wisdom can be found in unexpected places.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at The Cowell Theater in San Francisco, this Chinese tale shows why a good neighbor is priceless, and why a bad neighbor pays the price.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this tale inspired by a Polish legend, Nabiyah Be (Black Panther, Daisy Jones & The Six) and Evan Whitten (The Resident, Ahsoka) face off against a fantastical creature whose gaze turns people to stone.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways, Hawaii Five-O) stars in a Japanese and Persian tale about facing the music and changing your tune.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Ellen Wong (Beacon 23, GLOW) headlines a Chinese legend about how the dragon came to be a powerful symbol of prosperity and luck.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jorma Taccone (The Lonely Island, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse) stars in a tale from Hawaii about a fisherman whose magical gift leads to a fishy situation.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Ahmed Mawas (Human Resources, Rescuing Christmas) plays a king with a knack for finding the truth and sealing the deal in this tale from Persia.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Negin Farsad (Fake the Nation, Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!) and Stacey Vanek Smith (Planet Money, The Indicator) face off in a battle of wits in this tale with roots in North America, China, and the Middle East.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kel Mitchell (Good Burger 2, Kenan and Kel) plays a hungry rhino with a gift for trickery and poetry in this African tale from the savanna.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Maulik Pancholy (Phineas and Ferb; Mira, Royal Detective) and Nikesh Patel (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Devil’s Hour) headline this Indian story that asks what's more precious: glittering jewels, or good friends?

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at CitySpace at The Lavine Broadcast Center in Boston, Mass., this German tale about unconditional love explains the enchanting origins of a classic holiday tradition.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Christina Anthony (Mixed-ish, Key & Peele) and Tony winner Lindsay Mendez (Carousel, Merrily We Roll Along) play a one-of-a-kind horse and rider in this enchanted tale from across the Spanish-speaking world and beyond.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Brittany O'Grady (Little Voice, The White Lotus) stars in a Native American tale about a cunning creature who uses teamwork to bring light, sun and fire to the dark, cold world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Helen Hong (Family Switch, The Thundermans) stars in a tale with English, Welsh, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indian roots about how imagination and effort affect supply and demand.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

NPR’s Ailsa Chang (All Things Considered) headlines a Chinese tale about a mysterious guest, a raging storm, and the true fruits of kindness.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 generous shoemaker, and a priceless pair of shoes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Veteran Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me! panelists Tom Bodett and Roxanne Roberts co-star in a Dutch tale about a treasure so precious, it's priceless, and so valuable, it's invaluable!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Comedian Alonzo Bodden (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Heavy Lightweight) headlines this African legend about how one animal’s mischief created the savanna’s most majestic, magical trees.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kimberly Guerrero (Spirit Rangers, Reservation Dogs) stars in a tale from the Lakota people about one thieving fox and four wise winds.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Faith Salie (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me, CBS Sunday Morning) stars in a Jewish legend about a princess who learns how to lead with her head and her heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

NPR's Rachel Martin (Up First, Enlighten Me) and Ayesha Rascoe (Weekend Edition, Up First) co-star in a Hungarian tale about a violinist, a wizardess, and listening to the music of your heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Joshua Johnson (The Night Light with Joshua Johnson, Now Tonight with Joshua Johnson) headlines this international tale about losing your heart and finding an adventure.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Julian Lerner (The Wonder Years, Alma's Way) stars in a Ukrainian tale about how high-flying risks can pay off in the end.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Anjali Bhimani (Overwatch, Stray Gods) stars in this Moroccan Jewish tale about a woman who doesn’t view chores as a barrel of fun, until they lead to a boatload of adventure!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Byron Mann (The Modelizer) plays a preening, boastful bird in this Latin American story about learning there's no "I" in team.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway star Liana Hunt (Back to the Future) headlines this tale with Polish and Hispanic roots about seeing the bright side, even when things get dark.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Monkey King) headlines this magical Vietnamese tale about the sweet rewards generosity and contentment can bring.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Announcing an exciting new way for you to Circle Round with us, support public radio and get some really cool stuff — welcome to the Circle Round Club!

Also check out the preview of one of our bonus bedtime stories: a tale we call “The Lighthouse of the Pampas,” from the South American country of Uruguay.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast, this Chinese courtroom drama explores truth, justice, and the elephant way.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast, this West African tale shows why dishonesty is definitely not the best policy!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast, this tale from Borneo features a tiny trickster who untangles a problem by tying it up in knots!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Saara Chaudry (The Muppets Mayhem, Holly Hobby) stars in this tale from India and beyond about good deeds, bad intentions, and biscuits. Lots of biscuits.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Vivien Lyra Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Boogeyman) headlines this story from the indigenous peoples of Siberia about a supernatural spirit with a very cold shoulder.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this Native American and First Nations tale, William Jackson Harper (The Good Place, Love Life) portrays a tiny creature who teaches the other animals and birds to appreciate what it means to be different.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Hannah Simone (New Girl; Mira, Royal Detective) stars alongside her real-life father Naren Simone in a South Asian tale about the power of self-reliance.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Richard Kind (Inside Out, American Dad!) stars in this Middle Eastern folktale about a clever man who teaches his village a thing or two about the dangers of judging a book by its cover.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Miles Brown and Marsai Martin (Black-ish) co-star with NPR veteran Ofeiba Quist-Arcton in this Ethiopian story about courage, collaboration, patience, and sibling love.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at KCRW in Santa Monica, CA, this story with international roots shows how having a soft spot for hard work can pay off -- big time!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at KCRW in Santa Monica, CA, this story from Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia gives a whole new meaning to "promising the moon"!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD, this African tale explains how the guinea fowl got its distinctively speckled feathers.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD, this tale from the Jewish tradition shows how misplacing our trust can put us in a sticky situation!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Willam Mapother (Lost, On Sacred Ground) headlines this Romanian tale about a story-less man who hopes his tale will end happily ever after!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Pablo Castelblanco (Alaska Daily, Ganymede) and Meredith Holzman (Alaska Daily, Inventing Anna) headline a story with Burmese and Indian roots about a humble peddler, a magic squirrel, and a golden opportunity.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Taylor Richardson (The Gilded Age) and Alison Wright (The Americans, Snowpiercer) co-star in this Irish tale about mischievous fairies and the power of music.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Stephanie Panisello (What If...?, Ba Da Bean) stars in a Filipino tale about the sweet role kindness can play in achieving your dreams.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Nazneen Contractor (Holidazed, Star Wars Resistance) plays a cunning barber whose wits are as sharp as her scissors in this clever Bengali tale.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Comedians Fortune Feimster (Good Fortune, FUBAR) and Tom Papa (What a Day!, You're Doing Great!) face off in a contest of brawn versus brains in this tale with roots across Europe, and Latin and North America.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway performer Brittney Johnson (Wicked) stars in an Estonian story about being able to control the weather -- and the responsibility such power brings.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mel Rodriguez (The Afterparty, CSI: Vegas) stars in this Ecuadorian tale about a talented architect who has a devil of a time meeting a seemingly impossible deadline.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon, Three Pines) and Jonathan Joss (King of the Hill, Tulsa King) star in this Wabanaki tale about how people first learned to tap maple trees.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jackie Chung (The Summer I Turned Pretty, Coming Home Again) and Louis Ozawa (Hunters, Pachinko) star in this rollicking tale from Africa about how the zebra got its stripes and the baboon got its bare bottom.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

We celebrate our 200th episode with two Circle Round alums -- Jon Jon Briones (Ratched, Class of ‘09) and Kathleen Chalfant (The Affair, House of Cards) -- starring in a Jewish tale about how revenge is a dish best served cold.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tallie Medel (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Cocoon Central Dance Team) headlines this Moroccan Jewish tale about how pursuing your passion can be music to everyone’s ears.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Eric Bauza (Bugs Bunny Builders, Woody Woodpecker) and Harry Shum Jr. (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians) star in an Indonesian story about a bad egg who winds up in a real pickle when he tries having his cake and eating it too.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Lion's Roar", here.

Diana Lee Inosanto (The Mandalorian, The Curious Mind of Sebastian) and Myrna Velasco (Elena of Avalor, Trick-or-Treat Scooby-Doo!) star in this Venezuelan story about loyalty, courage, and the supernatural power of friendship.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jennifer Hale (Stars Wars: The Clone Wars, Mass Effect) and Connor Ratliff (Dead Eyes, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) star in this tricky tale about donkeys, ducats, and being a good neighbor.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (Avatar: The Way of Water, The Garcias), Jen Cohn (Welcome to Chippendales, Star Wars: The Old Republic) and America Young (Barbie, Gotham Knights) star in a classic folktale about the unexpected upside of imperfection.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this Taiwanese tale starring Karen Huie (Welcome to Flatch, Abominable and the Invisible City), a town learns the bad taste it can leave when you bite off more than you can chew!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Liza Lapira (The Equalizer, Must Love Christmas) and Telly Leung (Allegiance, Warrior) star in this folktale from Japan about good days, bad days, and the gift that keeps on giving.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Scott Lawrence (Star Wars Resistance, Vader Immortal) stars in this African legend about how the hippopotamus came to be the decidedly distinctive creature it is today.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Katy Mixon (American Housewife, Minions) and Diedrich Bader (American Housewife, Veep) headline this Seneca tale about an industrious squirrel and the sneaky critters who pilfer her prized acorns.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Comedian Aparna Nancherla (The Standups, Corporate) stars as a rambunctious cooking vessel in this Danish and Middle Eastern story about generosity and greed.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway stars Lorna Courtney (& Juliet) and Shoba Narayan (Aladdin) face off in this Indian legend about a tiny bird who opens up a farmer’s eyes in a big way.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Christopher Sean (Star Wars Resistance, Gotham Knights) stars in this Vietnamese tale about two friends, one dream, and the infinite value of a true heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Steve Coulter (Shotgun Wedding, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law), Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella), and Mark Gagliardi (Blood and Treasure, Drunk History) star in this Spanish and Portuguese story about how true beauty is only skin deep.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this favorite tale from the archives, Raegan Revord (Young Sheldon) plays a generous young woman who proves that small gestures of kindness can make a big difference.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Indian tale starring Summer Bishil (The Magicians, Four Samosas) and Michael Maliakel (Aladdin on Broadway) tells how the first chess game came to be, while teaching a powerful lesson about the ripple effects of our actions.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this courtroom tale with roots in Chinese lore, Michelle Ang (The Bad Batch, Riddle Me This) plays a wise judge who proves that dishonesty and justice just don't mix.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this Cherokee story, Q'orianka Kilcher (Yellowstone, Dora and the Lost City of Gold) plays a clever rabbit who craftily tries pulling the wool — and fur — over everyone’s eyes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this tale with Finnish roots, Christopher Rivas (Call Me Kat, Brown Enough) plays a sly fox who tricks a pair of bullies into reaping what they sow.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Inspired by a tale from Armenia, this story starring Amber Nash (Archer, How To Ruin The Holidays), Bill Ratner (Family Guy, G.I. Joe), and Alondra Delgado (All American, Is Mejor to Say ADIÓS) shows how small risks -- and acts of kindness -- can pay off in big ways.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Amirah Vann (A Jazzman’s Blues, Underground) and Jim Conroy (Jellystone, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman) star in this Panamanian tale about a slow, steadfast tortoise who teaches a swift, stingy monkey about sharing.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this favorite tale from the archives, Adam Irigoyen (Away, Shake It Up) plays a fiddler whose magical instrument brings the world to its feet, and the guilty to their knees.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kennedy Kanagawa (Into The Woods) plays a young man who brings light to a dark world in this tale with roots in Alaska Native and First Nations legends.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jonica Booth (Rap Stuff) 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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this magical story with roots all over the world, Broadway performers Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna (Broadway Husbands) play farmers who receive a little magic that leads to big transformations!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this tale with Indian, Irish, and Jewish roots proves that wishes can come true —sometimes all at once!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this Burmese folktale imagines why the thrush's colors are in its voice, not its feathers.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this Korean tale offers an enchanting explanation about why cats and dogs don’t get along.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this Korean tale offers an enchanting explanation to why cats and dogs don’t get along.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kate Siegel (Midnight Mass, The Time Traveler’s Wife) plays a struggling farmer who learns the true value of wisdom in this tale with origins in Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Scotland, Wales, and the Jewish tradition.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kaniehtiio Horn (Letterkenny, Reservation Dogs) stars in an Aboriginal Australian tale about a koala whose overbearing pride makes her lose her pride and joy!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Duchess Sarah Ferguson of York (Storytime with Fergie) and Suzie McGrath (Star Wars Resistance, The Punies) star in this charming tale about the importance of having a sound, sensible head, and a warm, fuzzy heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Colin Hanks (Life in Pieces, Jumanji) stars as a precocious little brother whose curiosity earns him a royally big reward in this Norwegian adventure story from the Circle Round archives.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Della Saba (Zootopia, Physical) headlines an Indonesian and Malaysian tale about a teeny-tiny trickster who outsmarts the other animals with her big wit.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Bashir Salahuddin (Top Gun: Maverick, South Side) stars in a Ghanaian tale about legendary eight-legged trickster Anansi, and why all spiders have narrow waists.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Krys Marshall (For All Mankind) stars in a West African story about an honest fisherwoman, a haunted forest, and a flute with value beyond compare.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this season-3 story with roots in West Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, Ryan Michelle Bathé (This Is Us, First Wives Club) plays a clever Rabbit who discovers that power and strength aren't just about physical size.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mykal-Michelle Harris (Mixed-ish) stars as a discontented sapling in this classic "grass is always greener" tale from our third season.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Dyllón Burnside (POSE, Prideland) and Tony nominee Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice, School of Rock - The Musical) co-star in this Australian story from the archives about small critters, giant egos, and why frogs croak.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Anjali Bhimani (Special, Ms. Marvel) and Adriyan Rae (Chicago Fire, The Game) co-star in this Korean, Cambodian, and Kazakh tale about the importance of spreading stories far and wide.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Susannah Flood (Life and Beth, Birthday Candles) and Etai Benson (The Band's Visit, Company) star in this Jewish folktale about a clever, quick-witted woman who uses her brilliant brainpower to save her family.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Samin Nosrat (Salt Fat Acid Heat, Home Cooking), Hrishikesh Hirway (Home Cooking, Song Exploder), and Josh Malina (The West Wing, Chutzpod) star in this Ukrainian and Polish tale about what happens when misery loves company so much, it actually comes to life.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

David Morse (John Adams, How I Learned To Drive) and Fiona Glascott (Fantastic Beasts, Julia) star in this Irish tale about a magical creature who helps a young woman avoid hard work, until the tables are turned.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jazmyn Simon (Ballers, Most Perfect You) and Megan Boone (The Blacklist, The Underground Railroad) play competing birds in this Native American story about the surprising ways that slow and steady can win the race.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Allison Strong (The Week Of) headlines this Incan tale from our second season about a brave, magical journey to heal a prince and save a family.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mario Cantone (And Just Like That, Surf's Up) and Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation) star in this folktale about how the giraffe got its long neck, and how the rhino got an unexpected ally!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite, Lightyear) portrays a beloved trickster who lives by his wits—and uses them to outwit others—in this folktale from the Spanish-speaking world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Malia Baker (The Baby-Sitters Club, Are You Afraid of the Dark), Kelly Jenrette (The Handmaid's Tale, All-American: Homecoming) and Kenny Leu (A Shot Through the Wall, Midway) headline a story about a troupe of actors who always bring down the house, until they're nearly brought down themselves.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway stars Michael Cerveris (The Gilded Age, Fun Home) and Patrick Page (The Gilded Age, Hadestown) star in a Ukrainian folktale that shows there's more to wisdom than meets the eye.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Actors, directors and real-life couple Marielle Heller (The Queen's Gambit, MacGruber) and Jorma Taccone (MacGruber, The Lonely Island) headline a tale about bossy bullies and itsy-bitsy underdogs.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this classic Indian tale, Maulik Pancholy (Phineas and Ferb, Sanjay and Craig) plays a wonderfully wise adviser who finds an ingenious way to bring the truth to light.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Edi Gathegi ("The Harder They Fall," "For All Mankind") stars in this East African story about twin brothers, enchanted fruit, and the magic of an open heart.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Glynn Washington (Snap Judgment) and Tiffany Boone (Hunters, Nine Perfect Strangers) star in this favorite folktale from season one, about a lazy bear who isn't big on sharing, until he meets a clever rabbit.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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, anyway!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Siberian folktale about taking advantage of hospitality.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Michael Zegen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Boardwalk Empire) helps Melora Hardin (The Bold Type, The Office) get her literal and figurative "just desserts" in this tricky tale about two very different neighbors.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 legend from Australia.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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, Laos, Mongolia, Slovenia, Romania, Russia and Haiti.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Elaine Hendrix (Dynasty, The Parent Trap), Mark Pellegrino (Supernatural, American Rust), and Devyn McDowell (Annette, The Good Nurse) star in this Jewish and Persian tale about how fortune can change in the blink of an eye.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 she can chew.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Circle Round favorite starring Story Pirates Podcast hosts Lee Overtree, Peter McNerney and Meghan O'Neill shines a sparkling light on the treasures that come from honesty, integrity and honor.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live at Tanglewood with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast, this Vietnamese origin story imagines how a very important grain first came to earth.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 are far more trouble than they're worth.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Jona Xiao (Raya and the Last Dragon, Hightown) plays a flower peddler who makes gardens and goodness grow in this story with Chinese, Tibetan, Japanese, Moroccan, French, Canadian, and Peruvian roots.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Chef, author, and TV personality Carla Hall (Carla and the Christmas Cornbread, Holiday Baking Championship) plays a sly, surprising judge in this courtroom tale with roots in China and the Ozarks.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway stars and father-daughter duo Chuck Cooper ("The Life," "Trouble In Mind") and Lilli Cooper ("Tootsie," "SpongeBob SquarePants") headline this West African adventure tale about using your inner spark to change the world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Alaska Native story about the out-of-this-world power that comes when we work together.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 certain striped critter its telltale scent.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 greed to sink a ship.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 spider who proves that power and strength aren't always about physical size.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 dangers of gossip.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 (Wet Hot American Summer, Medical Police) believe they know the secret to what makes people truly happy.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway stars Derrick Baskin (Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Brandon Uranowitz (An American in Paris, Burn This) play a curious king and clever farmer in this tale with roots in Russia, Italy, India, Greece, Africa and Iran.

This episode was originally released on October 22, 2019.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Audrey Hsieh (Here Today, Mixtape) and Alonzo Bodden (Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Who's Paying Attention) headline this Tibetan tale about two family members who are rewarded appropriately by a stone lion, one for her generosity and one for his greed.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Rachael Harris (Lucifer, Suits) and Taran Killam (Nature Cat, Saturday Night Live) star in this special encore episode about a young man who learns that -- with a little hard work -- dreams can come true.

This episode was originally released on December 19, 2017.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 keep her promises.

This episode was originally released on October 23, 2018.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 shapes and sizes.

This episode was originally released on January 23, 2018.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 refuse.

This episode originally released April 9, 2019.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 cunning farmer, and a devious gatekeeper who takes more than his fair share.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Duchess Sarah Ferguson of York (Storytime With Fergie) and Jason Mantzoukas (How Did This Get Made, Housebroken) play a crafty queen and scheming advisor who face off in an unforgettable game of chess.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 his daughters to solve a tricky challenge by thinking outside the box.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Lion's Roar", here.

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 monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 from Turkey, Balochistan, India, Ethiopia, Kenya, the West Indies, and the Hispano community of New Mexico.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 King Williams.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this tale from India, Utkarsh Ambudkar (Brittany Runs a Marathon, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme) plays an ingenious royal advisor who cunningly proves the true owner of a fruitful treasure.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 crocodile a lesson.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 generous shoemaker, and a priceless pair of shoes.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 that tests the old adage, "Finders keepers, losers weepers."

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 of canines.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 tale from across the Spanish-speaking world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 make two very different ways in the world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 little teamwork.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Resident) and Christine Toy Johnson (Iron Fist, Come From Away).

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

As we celebrate the winter holidays, we revisit a favorite episode from season two: Broadway legends Rebecca Luker and Danny Burstein play a talking bird and spoiled prince who explore the meaning of true wisdom.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mireille Enos (Hanna, The Killing) headlines this new spin on an ancient Greek legend about an instrument that captivates everyone who hears it, whether they have skin, scales, hair, hides, feathers, or fur.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 and Hungary.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 against a fantastical creature whose gaze turns people to stone.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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, and the guilty to their knees.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Dyllón Burnside (POSE, Prideland) and Tony nominee Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice, School of Rock - The Musical) co-star in this Australian story about small critters, giant egos, and why frogs croak.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Kelly Jenrette (The Handmaid's Tale, Uncorked) and John Carroll Lynch (American Horror Story, The Founder) headline this Estonian/Finnish story about how very far a little generosity can go.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 dark, cold world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 and Jonathan Joss (Parks and Recreation, Comanche Moon).

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Maggie Siff (Billions, Mad Men), Santino Fontana (Tootsie, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), and Denim Richards (Yellowstone, The Chickasaw Rancher) co-star in this Northern African/Middle Eastern/Jewish tale about spoiled olives and fresh starts.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 community.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This favorite story from season one, starring Mel Rodriguez (The Last Man on Earth, Electric Dreams), is about the importance of being honest and keeping your word... especially when you’re a leader in charge of something big.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In part four of our summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Amy Hargreaves (13 Reasons Why, Homeland) plays a mystical flute player who teaches a greedy landowner to sing a different tune.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 isn't always better, and how slow and steady can be best of all!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Korean folktale about a hardworking farmer whose generosity brings a surprising reward.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 whose paintings come to life.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 countess who teaches a broke baker never to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra as part of our 2019 summer pop-up series, this Aboriginal story from Australia imagines how the kangaroo got her indispensable pouch.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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, India, Spain, Latin America and the southwestern U.S.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb (A Simple Trick to Happiness, Feel What U Feel) discovers the true meaning of goodness, virtue and honor in this folktale originally from Mexico.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 whimsical tale inspired by stories told in Ghana.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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) star as brothers who are as different as sweet and sour.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Actor and musician Chris Sullivan (This Is Us, Joseph The Spouse) plays the boastful, blowhard title character in this Hawaiian tale about an egotistical chief who gets cut down to size.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, Penny Dreadful) and Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery, Rent) headline this Middle Eastern/North African tale about sweet figs, bad breath, and the bitter truth.

When you need advice, what kind of advisor do you turn to?

Someone who’s honest? Trustworthy? Supportive?

In today’s story, we’ll meet an advisor who’s none of these things. And the person he’s advising -- a wealthy, powerful sultan -- has no idea!

Our story is called “The Sultan’s Figs.” Versions of this tale originally come from North Africa and the Middle East.

Voices in this episode include Mike DelGaudio, Shazad Latif and Anthony Rapp. Grown-ups, you can see Shazad and Anthony on the CBS All-Access series, Star Trek. You can also check out Shazad Latif in three Netflix shows -- Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Penny Dreadful and Toast of London -- plus the upcoming indie film, Falling For Figaro. Anthony Rapp has starred in dozens of Broadway plays and musicals, including Rent and If/Then, opposite Idina Menzel. He’s the author of the book, Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent.

To give to Circle Round got to WBUR.org/supportcircleround

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Visit our website, www.wbur.org/circleround and print out our coloring pages!

-----------

What does it mean to be “honest”?

Being “honest” means being truthful in what you do and say - even if it isn’t easy!

In today’s story, we’ll find out why telling the truth can be even more precious than bronze, silver, and gold!

Our story is called “The Treasured Axe.” Versions of this tale come from all over the world, from Greece, Latvia and Russia, to Nigeria, Indonesia and Japan, to China, Thailand and Tibet.

-------

www.wbur.org/circleround

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 you’re looking for something extra to do while listening to today’s tale, ask a grown-up to print out the coloring page for this week’s story! You can find it at WBUR.org/circleround. At the end of this episode you'll hear more another activity -- an "I did it" jar!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 reap what they sow in this story with origins in Korea, Tibet, Japan and China.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 extra to do while listening to today’s tale, ask a grown-up to print out the coloring page for this week’s story! You can find it at WBUR.org/circleround. At the end of this episode you'll hear more another activity -- writing notes.

------

Think about someone in your life who has helped you. Perhaps a teacher helped you learn something new. Or a family member gave you a smile and a hug when you were having a rough day. When people help us out, it’s nice to return the favor, by doing something helpful for them.

But in this bonus edition of Circle Round, we’ll meet a character who forgets about that last part, even though his helper saved his life!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 or friend who’s always bold enough to try something new.

In today’s story, we’ll meet a character who’s so brave, she’s willing to give up everything she’s ever known. Everything!

Our story is called “The Birds and the Trees.” Versions of this tale come from New Zealand, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean.

Voices in this episode include James Konicek, Adam Mastroianni, Maurice Emmanuel Parent, Gamalia Pharms, and Krys Marshall. Grown-ups, you can see Krys Marshall on Apple TV’s fictionalized version of the 1960s race to the moon, For All Mankind. Krys is also a mentor with the Young Storytellers Foundation, which seeks to "inspire young people to discover the power of their own voice.”

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 to do while listening to today’s tale, ask a grown-up to print out the coloring page for this week’s story! You can find it at WBUR.org/circleround. At the end of this episode you'll hear more about how to play "Kindness Bingo."

-----------

We’ve been hearing a lot from our listeners around the world - listeners like you! And many of you have been asking for more stories to help you get through this time of social distancing, when we’re all spending a bunch more time at home than we’re used to.

Today we’re bringing you a special bonus episode of Circle Round.  Our story is called “A Cup of Poi.” Poi is a popular food where our tale originally comes from: Hawaii, the only island state in the United States. It’s all about the magic that happens when we’re kind to others… especially when we’ve never met them before!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 and safe.

But just because we’re keeping a physical distance, it doesn’t mean we have to be separated. Even if we’re not in the same room, or the same building, we can still find ways to join up with others, and accomplish things that we can’t do on our own! 

In the story we’re about to hear, we’ll meet some people who really need to work together. But first… they need to get their act together!

Our story is called “The Search For Rain.” It’s inspired by a tale from Argentina, the second-largest country in South America.

Voices in this episode include Doug Lockwood, Maurice Emmanuel Parent, Gamalia Pharms, Delores King Williams, and Amory Sivertson. Amory is the co-host of Endless Thread, a podcast from WBUR and Reddit that brings stories from the Internet to life -- from mysteries, to histories, to stories about our shared humanity. 

This episode was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. It was edited by Circle Round’s executive producer, Katherine Brewer. Circle Round’s original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 curious, disguised king and a cobbler who proves the power of self-reliance.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 about a king who dreams of finding an elusive white elephant.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Pop singer David Archuleta (American Idol) and stand-up comic Sherry Cola (Good Trouble) headline this Mongolian story about the origins of the country's national instrument: the horsehead fiddle.

Voices in this episode include Doug Lockwood, Maurice Emmanuel Parent, Kimberly Schraf, David Archuleta and Sherry Cola. Grown-ups, look for stand-up comedian Sherry Cola on the Freeform network drama, Good Trouble. Singer-songwriter and American Idol star David Archuleta kicks off his Ok, All Right Tour on March 30th, 2020; it will run throughout the US into May.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 coins.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara (The King and I; Kiss Me, Kate) stars opposite real-life husband, director/musician Greg Naughton (The Independents, The Sweet Remains), in this Korean and Japanese tale about eternal love, kindness and youth.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Russian and European folktale stars real-life husband and wife Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Sweetbitter) and Annie Parisse (Friends From College) as a king who's taken prisoner, and a queen whose musical prowess sets him free.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this adventure story with roots in Russia, Hungary and the Middle East, a magical rooster rewards Rachel Matthews (Frozen 2) for her fearless persistence and precious friendship.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 bouncing baby boy.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 worth.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Podcast luminary Avery Trufelman (99% Invisible, Articles of Interest) stars as a generous baker touched by magic in this scrumptious Jewish tale.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Maulik Pancholy (30 Rock, Grand Horizons) and Nikesh Patel (Four Weddings and a Funeral) headline this Indian story that asks what's more precious: glittering jewels, or good friends?

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 has its origins in Russia, Greece, and the Czech Republic.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 unexpected challenge.

Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Mykal-Michelle Harris (Mixed-ish) stars as a discontented sapling in this classic "grass is always greener" tale from Germany.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 big difference.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 run for his money.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 "please" and "thank you."

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Phillipa Soo (Hamilton, The Code) and Stacy Keach (Man With a Plan, American Greed) headline this Chinese tale about a kind, humble artist whose paintings come to life.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 this supernatural story from Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this Cherokee story, Yeardley Smith (The Simpsons) plays a feisty, creative spider who proves that power and strength aren't always about physical size.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 gossip.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway stars Derrick Baskin ("Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee") and Brandon Uranowitz ("An American in Paris," "Burn This") play a curious king and clever farmer in this tale with roots in Russia, Italy, India, Greece, Africa and Iran.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 kind, gentle giant who tries to convince the sun to come back home.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 from Russia, Germany, Indonesia and the Netherlands.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Tony Award winner André De Shields (Hadestown, The Full Monty) stars in this Jewish tale that tests the old adage: "finders keepers, losers weepers."

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Katy Mixon (American Housewife, Minions) and Diedrich Bader (American Housewife, Veep) headline this Seneca tale about an industrious squirrel and the sneaky critters who pilfer her prized acorns.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 who discovers that power and strength aren't just about physical size.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Norwegian adventure tale stars Colin Hanks (Life in Pieces, Jumanji 2) as a precocious little brother whose curiosity earns him a royally big reward.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Ever wonder what instrument you're hearing during your favorite 'Circle Round' story? We're revisiting a very special episode featuring the music and mind of Eric Shimelonis, resident sound designer and composer.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 his village a thing or two about the dangers of judging a book by its cover.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This lively Bolivian folktale tells the origin story of the "charango," a small Andean stringed instrument.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this encore, we revisit an Italian folktale starring Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his three sons. But there is more to these family heirlooms than meets the eye.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Part three of our special summer pop-up series -- recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra -- comes from Ghana and the West Indies, and explores the dangers of greed.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 an aspiring musician and a giant adventure.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Part one of our special summer pop-up series, recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this Aboriginal story from Australia imagines how the kangaroo got her indispensable pouch.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This episode was chosen by you, the fans! Thanks for the submissions! In this Irish folktale, Damian McGinty ("Glee," "Celtic Thunder") stars as a musician with a serious case of butterflies.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 stone who introduces the first stories to the world.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 leprechaun who has a big trick up his tiny sleeve.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, impatient man a lesson he'll never forget.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Comedian Aparna Nancherla (The Standups, Corporate) stars as a rambunctious, Robin Hood-esque cooking vessel in this Danish and Middle Eastern story about generosity and greed.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

This Russian and European folktale stars real-life husband and wife Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Sweetbitter) and Annie Parisse (Friends From College) as a king who's taken prisoner, and a queen whose musical prowess sets him free.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Broadway star Stephanie Hsu (Be More Chill, The SpongeBob Musical) headlines this magical Vietnamese tale about the unexpectedly sweet rewards generosity and contentment can bring.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 an offer they can't refuse.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 treasures that come from honesty, integrity and honor.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Danny Burstein (My Fair Lady, Moulin Rouge) play a clever bird and the prince who tries to catch her.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Alexandra Billings (Transparent, Paddleton) stars in this Indian/Persian/Tunisian/Siberian/Iraqi/Uzbekistani folktale about the power of a keen eye and a quick mind.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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, India, Spain, Latin America and the southwestern U.S.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Nikki SooHoo (Star Wars Resistance, The Resident) and Christine Toy Johnson (Iron Fist, Come From Away) co-star in this Chinese tale about planting the seeds of honesty.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 night sky.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 handier than he ever imagined.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 that goes with this episode at wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Subscribe to Circle Round at applepodcasts.com/circleround

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

We're celebrating Billy Porter's 2019 Golden Globe nomination by bringing back this East African folktale that asks: "Is honesty always the best policy?"

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

To make your winter holidays even merrier and brighter, enjoy 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Round episodes about family! Stories include: "The Months of the Year," "Why The Ocean Is Salty," "100 Rooms," "The Lion’s Whisker,""Three Wishes" and "The Skylark."

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this Galician folktale, Raul Esparza (Law and Order: SVU, Bojack Horseman, Ferdinand) stars as an aspiring musician who dreams of making the whole world dance.

If you love this podcast, please consider supporting WBUR (where Circle Round is produced) by donating $5 or $10 a month. When you do, we'll send you the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW coloring book created by our fabulous illustrator Sabina Hahn. Learn more at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

In this clever folktale with roots in the Middle East and Spain, Rachael MacFarlane (American Dad) and Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad) seek a soulmate whose mind is in tune with their own.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 take the meaner ones back once they're out there.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Whether you're traveling, cooking, or storing leftovers, get ready for scrumptious Thanksgiving listening with 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Round stories about food! Stories included: "Fiona and the Fairies," "When Fish Fly," "Dollars and Scents," "The Perfect Partnership," "A Taste of Honey," and "The Unwelcome Guest."

To support Circle Round and receive our thank you gift of a coloring book, please visit wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 book is available as a thank-you gift to donors. Support Circle Round today and help us keep the stories coming! More at wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 life.

Our *NEWEST* coloring book is available as a thank-you gift to donors. Support Circle Round today and help us keep the stories coming! More at wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 sense of humor.

If you love this podcast, please consider supporting WBUR (where Circle Round is produced) by donating $5 or $10 a month. When you do, we'll send you the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW coloring book created by our fabulous illustrator Sabina Hahn. Learn more at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 princess's commitment is tested in more ways than one!

Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening!

We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) coloring book! More at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This lively Bolivian folktale tells the origin story of the "charango," a small Andean stringed instrument.

Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening!

We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) coloring book! More at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 "please" and "thank you."

Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening!

We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) coloring book! More at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Does bigger always mean stronger? Oscar nominee & children's author Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) stars in this East African folktale.

Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening!

We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) coloring book! More at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 mess! Derek Klena ("Anastasia," "Wicked,") and Max Casella ("The Lion King," "Music Man") co-star in this global folktale.

Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening!

We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) coloring book! More at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 thinking outside the box.

Make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening!

We hope you love what you're hearing. WBUR's Circle Round is a listener supported podcast. We rely on donations to keep writing, casting, composing, and entertaining. Donate today and as a thank you, you'll get "Circle Round Colors," our brand new (awesome) coloring book! More at: wbur.org/color

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 gossip.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Max Greenfield ("The Neighborhood," "New Girl") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music.

Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

YouTuber and comedian Joanna Hausmann stars in a Venezuelan folktale about an enterprising young girl and her quest to free the sun.

Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Greed. Deception. Adorable baby cows. Billy Porter ("Pose") and Joshua Boone ("Seven Seconds") star in this East African folktale that asks: "is honesty always the best policy?"

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 judging a book by its cover.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

When the most powerful person in the land has never relied on himself, trouble ensues! Keith David ("Greenleaf") and James Naughton ("The Blacklist," "Our Town") co-star in a folktale that claims many homes--from Afghanistan to Greece.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 has its origins in Russia, Greece, and the Czech Republic.

To download the free coloring page for this story, visit: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, inpatient man a lesson he'll never forget.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 one man who's far more interested in the taking.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 big treasure.

Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 feathered friends.

Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

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 Horn, and the Purse," "The Rice Cakes and The Oni," "The Magic Cloth," and "The Barber's Secret."

To print out the coloring pages associated with these stories, visit wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.

Buckle your seat belt for a spectacular ride! This 60 minute playlist features your favorite Circle Round stories about music including "The Drum," "Sadko and the Sea," and "The Piper and the Pooka."

Download a coloring page for this episode here: wbur.org/circleround/coloring-pages

Sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Lion's Roar", here.