Circle Round: "The Fourth Post" | Ep. 310

Podcast by WBUR | Host: Rebecca Scheer
Air Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Circle Round features “The Fourth Post,” a whimsical adaptation of a folktale that's been told in various countries including Great Britain, Italy, Russia, and the Philippines. The story explores themes of kindness, fairness, standing up to bullies, and the sometimes blurry line between sense and nonsense. Through the journey of Alfie, a substitute teacher longing for a fresh start, children and adults alike are prompted to reflect on issues of justice, persistence, and personal growth.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

Introduction and Setup

• Theme Introduction (00:20):
  • Host Rebecca Scheer opens the episode discussing the nature of complaints—both legitimate and trivial—and hints at how these concepts will unfold within the story.
  • The cast includes Jeff Meacham and other popular actors from children’s and family television.

Alfie's Dream and Dilemma

• Alfie's Opportunity (01:45):

  • Alfie, a dedicated substitute teacher, lands his first permanent teaching job in a distant town.
  • Upon arrival, he can’t afford rent and decides to build a cabin.

• Alfie’s Construction Problem (02:32):

  • He gathers enough wood for the cabin, but is short one post to support the roof.
  • Plans to borrow the last post from a local carpenter.

Reuniting with a Nemesis

• Returning to the Past (03:20):

  • The carpenter is revealed to be Albert, Alfie’s childhood bully, who called him “Alfie Bet Soup,” a nickname stemming from a school lunch incident.
  • Memories of Albert’s bullying surface.

• Unexpected Generosity? (05:15)

  • Albert surprises Alfie by agreeing to lend him a post, insisting “An old friend doesn’t have to pay me anything. Not one cent” (Albert, 05:31).

The Old Tricks Return

• The Trick Revealed (06:30):
  • Next day, Albert shows up demanding payment for the post, reneging on his earlier kindness:
    “Since when are you an old friend?” (Albert, 07:12)
  • He threatens Alfie with court if the post or payment isn’t returned.

The Road to the Judge

• On the Way to Court (09:20):

  • Albert reminisces about past pranks, showing he hasn't changed much.
  • Alfie’s frustration grows as Albert steals his lunch.

• Unfortunate Accidents and New Complaints (11:18, 13:15):

  • Along the journey, Alfie accidentally injures a bather’s pinky finger by jumping into a river.
  • He also pulls the tail off a gerbil while trying to rescue it.
  • Both the bather and the gerbil's owner insist on taking Alfie to court for these “crimes.”

The Unusual Courtroom

• Before the Judge (14:27):

  • The judge, described as “one tough cookie,” addresses complaints from Albert, the bather, and the gerbil’s owner.

• Remarkable Rulings (15:29 - 18:04):

  • Alfie is ordered to return Albert’s post, but only if Albert returns the lunch he already ate.
  • For the injured bather, the judge says the tables must be turned: Alfie must be bathed on while the man jumps from the bridge and sprains Alfie's pinky.
  • Regarding the gerbil, Alfie must keep the animal until its tail grows back—a biological impossibility.

Satisfying “Nonsense” with Kindness

• Resolution Outside the Courtroom (18:31 - 20:09):
  • Each “plaintiff,” realizing the judge’s orders are senseless or impossible, offers Alfie money to settle and avoid further absurdity:
    • The woman gives Alfie 50 coins (19:01).
    • The man with the pinky gives 200 coins (20:03).

Facing the Bully—Full Circle

• Albert’s Last Stand (20:19):

  • Albert bristles that Alfie is being paid by the others:
    “Okay, this is nonsense. Absolute nonsense. You committed all these crimes, yet now you're getting paid for them.” (Albert, 20:19)

• Alfie’s Power Shift (21:01):

  • Alfie reminds Albert of how he got his nickname—with a story of being held upside down until he "lost his lunch," and hints at doing the same in return.
  • Albert, intimidated, agrees to let Alfie keep the post—forever—and apologizes for being a bully: “You've got yourself a deal, Alfie. And a long overdue apology, friends.” (Albert, 22:38)

• New Friendship (22:53):

  • The story ends with Albert and Alfie becoming true friends, putting an end to years of torment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Albert's Fake Generosity:
  “An old friend doesn’t have to pay me anything. Not one cent.” – Albert (05:31)

• Albert’s “Twist”:
  “Since when are you an old friend?” – Albert (07:12)

• Judge’s Playful Ruling:
  “I hereby rule that Alfie shall return Albert's post. And Albert shall return Alfie's lunch.” – Judge (15:44)

• Absurd Court Orders:
  “Alfie shall bathe in the same river that the man did. Then the man shall jump from the bridge, land on Alfie, and sprain Alfie's pinky finger.” – Judge (16:55)
  “This woman shall give Alfie her gerbil. Alfie shall not return the gerbil until he has made its tail grow back.” – Judge (17:43)

• Resolution with Empathy:
  “Take these 50 coins.” – Gerbil’s Owner (19:01)
  “Here are 200 coins. Use them in good health.” – Bather (20:03)

• Albert’s Apology and Change:
  “You've got yourself a deal, Alfie. And a long overdue apology, friends.” – Albert (22:38)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Alfie receives the teaching job: 01:45
• Albert loans the post: 05:19
• Albert demands payment: 06:30
• Arrival at court: 14:27
• Judge delivers nonsensical rulings: 15:44 – 18:04
• Settlements outside the courthouse: 18:31 – 20:09
• Albert’s reversal/apology: 21:01 – 22:46

Episode Activity

• Craft Activity (23:00 approx.):
  • Make your own "Alphabet Soup" using paper letters and a hand-drawn bowl. Arrange letters to make words and phrases for creative fun and further conversation, tying back to Alfie's nickname and story.

Takeaway

The Fourth Post gently unravels the nature of fairness, forgiveness, and using creativity to resolve seemingly impossible conflicts. The folktale, filled with humor and heart, teaches children that sometimes justice isn’t so straightforward—and that friendship, empathy, and standing up to bullies can transform even the trickiest situations.

For printable coloring pages, further activities, or to learn more about the marimba featured in the episode, visit wbur.org/circleround.