Encore: The Tug of War

FromCircle Round

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Encore: The Tug of War

FromCircle Round

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Length:

19 minutes

Released:

Dec 14, 2021

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

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.

Released:

Dec 14, 2021

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Created and produced by parents of young children, WBUR's Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each 10- to 20-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.

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'When Fish Fly' | feat. HGTV's 'The Cousins:' John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino: 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. by Circle Round
14 min listen
Road Trip Reel: A Feast For Your Ears!: 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." by Circle Round
102 min listen
'Sweet Corn and Clever Rabbit' featuring Eris Baker: 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. by Circle Round
18 min listen
'The Princess and the Egg' | feat. Amber Stevens West: 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! by Circle Round
18 min listen
'The Tug of War' | feat. Quvenzhane Wallis: Does bigger always mean stronger? Oscar nominee & children's author Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) stars in this East African folktale. by Circle Round
17 min listen
Encore: 'The Rice Cakes And The Oni": 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. by Circle Round
15 min listen
'Turtle Island' | feat. 'The Punies' and 'Earth Ranger Emma': 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. by Circle Round
17 min listen
'The Emperor's Challenge' | feat. Christine Toy Johnson (Iron Fist) & Nikki SooHoo (Star Wars Resistance): 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. by Circle Round
22 min listen
Kangaroo And Joey Too featuring Boston Symphony Orchestra: 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. by Circle Round
21 min listen
'The Star Fruit Tree' featuring Stephanie Hsu: 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. by Circle Round
18 min listen
Encore: 'What Am I Hearing?': 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. by Circle Round
13 min listen
Listeners' Favorite: 'The Piper And The Pooka': 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. by Circle Round
20 min listen
'Maya's Feathers' | feat. Vella Lovell: 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. by Circle Round
15 min listen
'The Dancing Goats' | feat. Raul Esparza: 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. by Circle Round
21 min listen
Lazy Jack and the Leprechaun feat. A.J. Buckley, Euan Morton: 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. by Circle Round
19 min listen
'The Most Powerful Of All' | feat. Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon, Big Little Lies): 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. by Circle Round
18 min listen
'Armadillo’s Song' | feat. Gad Elmaleh: 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. by Circle Round
18 min listen
'The Golden Flask' | feat. Allison Strong: Allison Strong (The Week Of) headlines this Incan tale about a brave, magical journey to heal a prince and save a family. by Circle Round
22 min listen
All That Glitters, featuring the cast of Story Pirates: 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. by Circle Round
18 min listen
'Dollars and Scents' | feat. Derek Klena and Max Casella: 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. by Circle Round
19 min listen
'Fiona and the Fairies' | feat. Selenis Leyva: 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." by Circle Round
17 min listen
"The Great Ball Game" | feat. William Jackson Harper (The Good Place, Jack Ryan): 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. by Circle Round
17 min listen
Encore: 'The Happiest Person In The World': 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. by Circle Round
13 min listen
Encore: 'The Hat, The Horn, And The Purse' | feat. Bobby Moynihan: Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") stars in an Italian folktale about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his three sons. But there's more to these family heirlooms than meets the eye. by Circle Round
28 min listen
The Rusty Cowbell featuring Lake Bell: 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. by Circle Round
21 min listen
Curious Boots feat. Colin Hanks: 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. by Circle Round
24 min listen
'The Three-Legged Pot' featuring Aparna Nancherla: 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. by Circle Round
19 min listen
'The Woman In The Moon' | feat. Irene Bedard ("Ralph Breaks The Internet," "Pocahontas"): 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. by Circle Round
18 min listen
Nilsa And The Troll feat. Raegan Revord: 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. by Circle Round
20 min listen
The Magic Bowl featuring Boston Symphony Orchestra: 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. by Circle Round
21 min listen

More Episodes from Circle Round

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The Rightful Heir: 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. by Circle Round
23 min listen
Encore: The Friendship Orchard: NPR veterans Linda Wertheimer and Susan Stamberg co-star in a Kazakh folktale about lifelong friends whose bond is tested by an unexpected discovery. by Circle Round
17 min listen
A Bee in the Bush: Erika Ishii (Worlds Beyond Number, Apex Legends) deadlines this Vietnamese tale about getting a bee in your bonnet, buzzing off, and feeling the sting. by Circle Round
23 min listen
The Cleverest Person in the Room: 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. by Circle Round
26 min listen
The Whole Cart: 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. by Circle Round
21 min listen
The Young Healer: Jonigan Booth (The Underdoggs, This Is Us) headlines this Angolan tale about flowing with your heart, and the healing power of dreams. by Circle Round
26 min listen
The Polka-Dotted Pigeon: Adam Goldberg (The Equalizer) stars in this Portuguese tale about ambitions, imposters, and making the feathers fly! by Circle Round
28 min listen
The Uncommon Commoner by Circle Round
29 min listen
Grime and Punishment: 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. by Circle Round
24 min listen
Encore: The Basilisk’s Stare: 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. by Circle Round
20 min listen
The Weeping Witness: Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways, Hawaii Five-O) stars in a Japanese and Persian tale about facing the music and changing your tune. by Circle Round
18 min listen
The Lone Dragon: Ellen Wong (Beacon 23, GLOW) headlines a Chinese legend about how the dragon came to be a powerful symbol of prosperity and luck. by Circle Round
21 min listen
Something Fishy: Writer, director and actor 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. by Circle Round
23 min listen
The Seal of Fate: 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. by Circle Round
26 min listen
The Sharpest Tack: Comedian Negin Farsad (Fake the Nation, Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!) and NPR's Stacey Vanek Smith (Planet Money, The Indicator) face off in an escalating battle of wits in this tale with roots in North America, China, and the Middle East. by Circle Round
24 min listen
Rhyming Rhino: 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. by Circle Round
27 min listen
Encore: The Nine Sticks: 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? by Circle Round
20 min listen
The Forest Folk: Recorded live at WBUR CitySpace, this German tale about unconditional love explains the enchanting -- and enchanted -- origins of a classic holiday tradition. by Circle Round
27 min listen
Encore: The Horse of a Different Color: 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. by Circle Round
26 min listen
Encore: Coyote's Flame: 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. by Circle Round
19 min listen
The Secret of Success: 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. by Circle Round
26 min listen
The Valley Visitor by Circle Round
20 min listen
Encore: The Red Leather Shoes: 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. by Circle Round
25 min listen
Riches to Rags: 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! by Circle Round
23 min listen
The Upside-Down Tree: 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. by Circle Round
20 min listen
The Four Winds: Kimberly Guerrero (Spirit Rangers, Reservation Dogs) stars in a tale from the Lakota people about one thieving fox and four wise winds. by Circle Round
23 min listen
The Crowning Achievement: 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. by Circle Round
25 min listen
The Sweetest Sounds: 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. by Circle Round
20 min listen
Heart and Stone: Joshua Johnson (Now Tonight with Joshua Johnson, 1A) headlines this international tale about losing your heart and finding an adventure. by Circle Round
25 min listen
The Stork King: Julian Lerner (The Wonder Years, Alma's Way) stars in a Ukrainian tale about how high-flying risks can pay off in the end. by Circle Round
29 min listen

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The Wrong Day feat. Liza Lapira & Telly Leung: 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. by Circle Round
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The Bird of a Different Feather - live at Round House Theatre: Recorded live at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD, this African tale explains how the guinea fowl got its distinctively speckled feathers. by Circle Round
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The Fairy Fort - feat. Taylor Richardson & Alison Wright: Taylor Richardson (The Gilded Age) and Alison Wright (The Americans, Snow Piercer) co-star in this Irish tale about mischievous fairies and the power of music. by Circle Round
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The Missing Mountainside - feat. Karen Huie: 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! by Circle Round
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Hungry Hippo feat. Scott Lawrence: 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. by Circle Round
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Two Moons - live at KCRW: Recorded live at KCRW in Santa Monica, CA, this story from Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia gives a whole new meaning to "promising the moon"! by Circle Round
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Finding the Light feat. Kennedy Kanagawa: 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. by Circle Round
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Encore: Curious Boots feat. Colin Hanks: 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. by Circle Round
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Encore: The Tug of War

Encore: The Tug of War

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Circle Round

Related podcast episodes