Circle Round

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 …

In this special episode from our friends at NPR's "Wow in the World," hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz explore canine communication.

French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This …

In this encore, we revisit an Italian folktale starring Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his …

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.

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.

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.

This episode was chosen by you, the fans! Thanks for the submissions! In this Irish folktale, Damian McGinty ("Glee," "Celtic Thunder") stars as a …

Yo-Yo Ma narrates the story of a monster named Babayan, and how he changed in ways he never thought possible.

To learn more, visit our website at www.wbur.org/circleround,

A special episode from our friends at the podcast Tumble, a science podcast for kids.

This week, we’re bringing you an extra-special episode from our friends at the new Gimlet podcast “Two Princes".

Follow Prince Rupert as he sets out …

We've teamed up with some of the best kids podcasts out there to bring you the Kids Listen Summer Sampler!

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.

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.

Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, impatient man a lesson …

A special episode from our friends at Brains On.

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.

This Russian and European folktale stars real-life husband and wife Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Sweetbitter) and Annie Parisse (Friends From …

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.

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 …

This week, we’re bringing you an extra-special episode from our friends at the podcast “But Why”:

Why do we laugh? Why do you feel ticklish when someone tickles you? Why can't you tickle yourself? We learn about how …

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.

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.

A special episode from our friends at Story Pirates.

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 …

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

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.

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, …

This episode (featuring Melinda Gates) tells the story of Wangari Maathai,one of the world's most important ecologists.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

To make your winter holidays even merrier and brighter, enjoy 90 minutes of your favorite Circle Round episodes about family! Stories include: "The …

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

In this clever folktale with roots in the Middle East and Spain, Rachael MacFarlane (American Dad) and Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad) seek a …

Winter is coming.... While we get out of hats and gloves, animals are making their own plans. A four month nap? Extra food? Flying south? Our friends at "Earth Rangers" get up close and personal with wildlife to learn …

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.

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 …

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 …

Circle Round partners with two fellow kids podcasts--'The Punies,' by Kobe Bryant and Canada's 'Earth Rangers,'-- to bring a First Nations folktale …

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 …

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 …

Throughout the year, we’re sharing some of our favorite kids’ podcasts with you-- from science shows to storytelling to EAR SNACKS. (That’s the name of this week’s visiting podcast.) 'Ear Snacks' comes to us from sunny …

French comedian Gad Elmaleh stars in this episode about one little armadillo who doesn't let anyone discourage him from following his dreams. This …

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 …

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

We've teamed up with some of the best kids podcasts out there to bring you our final summer bonus episode, the Kids Listen Road Trip Mixtape. …

Max Greenfield ("The Neighborhood," "New Girl") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music.

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In this special episode, we team up with some of our pals for an awesome mash-up of fun! Featuring Circle Round, Wow In The World, Story Pirates, Brains On, But Why, and Eleanor Amplified. 

YouTuber and comedian Joanna Hausmann stars in a Venezuelan folktale about an enterprising young girl and her quest to free the sun.

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Greed. Deception. Adorable baby cows. Billy Porter ("Pose") and Joshua Boone ("Seven Seconds") star in this East African folktale that asks: "is …

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 …

When the most powerful person in the land has never relied on himself, trouble ensues! Keith David ("Greenleaf") and James Naughton ("The …

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 …

Sela Ward ("Graves," "Independence Day") stars in a traditional English tale about a woman who can't seem to find home sweet home.

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Miriam Shor ("Younger," "The Americans,") stars in this Portuguese folktale about a feathered creature who gives a young, inpatient man a lesson …

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.

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 …

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

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Whether we’re 3 or 93, we all love a good story. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") stars in this classic Yiddish folktale.

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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 …

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 …

Buckle your seat belt for a spectacular ride! This 60 minute playlist features your favorite Circle Round stories about music including "The Drum," …

Marsai Martin ("Black-ish"), Miles Brown ("Black-ish"), and NPR's own Ofeibia Quist-Arcton star in this story about a brother and a sister who are prepared to do just about anything in order to get along.

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Tony Hale ("Veep," "Arrested Development") stars in a German folktale about a royal advisor whose dishonesty gets him into a royal mess.

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Kathryn Hahn ("Bad Moms") stars in the encore presentation of a Romanian folktale where a clever mother does her best to outwit a powerful dragon.

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Lou Diamond Phillips ("Longmire," "33") and Jon Jon Briones ("The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story") star in the classic …

In our season finale, Tony-nominated actor Kathleen Chalfant ("The Affair," "House of Cards") stars in an Iraqi tale about three friends whose love …

Damian McGinty ("Glee," "Celtic Thunder") tells the story of a musician with a serious case of butterflies until he finds himself performing for a …

Cheyenne Jackson ("American Horror Story," "Glee") and Patch Darragh ("Everything Sucks") star in a folktale about two friends, generosity, and the …

Noah Schnapp ("Stranger Things") stars in a story about a prince, a barber, and a secret that was impossible to keep.

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Wes Studi ("Penny Dreadful," "Dances With Wolves") stars as the Wampanoag mythical figure 'Maushop,' a kind, gentle giant who tries to convince the …

Bobby Moynihan ("Duck Tales," "SNL") stars in an Italian folktale about a father who gives seemingly simple gifts to his three sons. But they is …

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 …

Tiffany Boone ("The Chi") and Glynn Washington ("Snap Judgement") star in a classic folktale about a lazy bear who isn't big on sharing--until he …

Shankar Vedantam (NPR's "Hidden Brain") retells an Indian folktale about a young girl whose generous heart takes her on a surprising adventure.

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How do our brains process the stories we hear? What happens when we are introduced to new characters? Our friends from the podcast "Brains On!" help us figure it out!

Kelly Hu ("Dietland") and Albert Tsai ("Dr Ken," "9JKL") star in a Chinese folktale about a mother, her three sons, and a very special magic cloth.

Ever wonder what instrument you're hearing during your favorite 'Circle Round' story? Well, you're about to find out!

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Max Greenfield ("The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story") stars in this Russian folktale about the power of music.

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Ray Magliozzi ("Car Talk") reminds us that heroes come in all shapes--and sizes.

Download a coloring page for this episode here: …

Adapted from the original Estonian folktale, Mel Rodriguez ("Last Man On Earth" "Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams") stars in a story about a …

In this Bonus Episode from our friends at "But Why," we reveal who in the world created cake!

Jurnee Smollett-Bell ("Underground," "Friday Night Lights,") stars in this classic tale about a young girl who teaches a group of neighbors what it …

NPR's own Ari Shapiro and Wade Goodwyn star in a Thai folktale that explores the power and universality of empathy.

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Rachael Harris ("Lucifer," "Suits") and Taran Killam ("Nature Cat," "Killing Gunther") star in a classic Swedish tale about a little boy who learns that--with a little hard work--dreams can come true.

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Tony Hale ("Veep," "Arrested Development") stars in a German folktale about a royal advisor whose dishonesty gets him into a royal mess.

Download a …

Bridget Moynahan ("Blue Bloods") re-tells this Czech folktale about a clever young woman who uses her intelligence to win the hearts of her town.

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The second installment from our live performance at the Boston Jewish Film Festival. In this old Jewish folktale, we tell a story about spicy, …

Live from the Boston Jewish Film Festival! In this Israeli folktale, an adventurous princess learns that the greatest lessons may not be learned in …

Yetide Badaki ("American Gods") and Dayo Okeniyi ("Shades of Blue") star in this Nigerian folktale about thunder and lightning and how they found …

Marsai Martin ("Black-ish"), Miles Brown ("Black-ish"), and NPR's own Ofeibia Quist-Arcton star in this story about a brother and a sister who are prepared to do just about anything in order to get along.

Download a …

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 …

YouTuber and comedian Joanna Hausmann stars in a Venezuelan folktale about an enterprising young girl and her quest to free the sun.

Download a …

Do you love science? Mystery? Adventure? You can bet there's a Kidcast for it! This bonus episode introduces you to some of our favorites.