Podcast Summary: Circle Round – Encore: Finding the Light

Podcast: Circle Round (WBUR)
Episode Title: Encore: Finding the Light
Air Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Rebecca Sheir
Folktale Inspiration: Traditional tales from Alaska Native and First Nations communities in Canada
Featured Actor: Kennedy Kanagawa

Overview

This episode revisits Finding the Light, a folktale adaptation for children and families. The story explores persistence, hope, and the courage to confront hardship for the greater good. Set in the far north, it follows a young man determined to rescue the world from endless darkness. Filled with music, lively performances, and an insightful guided activity, the episode celebrates how one brave act can bring light to many.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: A World Without Light

• The story takes place in a northern village where, after a fateful summer, the sun sets and never rises again, leaving the world plunged in darkness all year round.
  • [02:40] Young Man: "Grandmother, why is it always so dark in the world? Why don't we have any light?"
  • [02:46] Grandmother: "Way back when I was a young girl, we did have light...But then one summer, the light never came. The sun set and never rose again."

2. The Call to Adventure

• Inspired by his grandmother’s memories, the young man vows to find and return the lost light.
  • [04:27] Young Man: "Grandmother, I will bring back the light. I will bring back day and night and summer and winter. The world has been trapped in darkness long enough."
  • Grandmother, supportive but concerned, prepares her grandson for an uncertain quest.

3. Encounter with the Raven

• During his trek, the young man meets a clever raven in a snowy cave who offers both advice and a magical gift.
  • The Raven tells him to head south to find the light and offers a feather to help on his journey.
  • [06:00] Young Man: "A raven. You're a raven?"
  • [06:09] Raven: "But tell me, what's a human like you doing so far out on the tundra? You'll freeze to death out here, unless the darkness makes you all loopy first."
  • [06:52] Raven: "According to my grandparents legends, you must head to the south. You'll know it when you get there... Take this with you. It will help you on your journey."

4. Discovery of the Old Man and the Hidden Light

• The young man comes upon a snowy ring-shaped hill and finds light coming from a hut in a hollow.
  • An old man, discovered to have stolen and hoarded the light, explains his selfish reasoning.
  • [11:10] Old Man: "How about I answer your question with one of my own? Why are you building up this snow hill and hiding all the light from the rest of the world?"
  • [12:17] Old Man: "...I came up with a plan to steal the light. To have my own personal summer every day of the year. And now I do."

5. The Daring Rescue

• While the old man is distracted by laughter, the young man grabs the ball of light from the hut and flees.
  • The old man gives chase, shouting for the return of his light.
  • [13:24] Young Man: "It isn't your light. It belongs to all of us."

6. Transformation and Triumph

• In a crucial moment, the young man remembers the raven’s feather, puts it behind his ear, and transforms into a raven.
  • Flying above, he distributes pieces of light across the world, creating days, the seasons, and finally returning to his village.
  • [13:54] Rebecca Shear: "Remembering the raven's gift, the young man reached into the pocket of his parka and plucked out the feather. He tucked the feather behind his ear. And do you know what happened next? In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a raven."
  • [14:45] Young Man: "Good morning, everybody. Rise and shine."
  • His last act is to toss the remaining light into the sky, restoring the world’s natural cycle.

7. The Village Rejoices

• The people and his grandmother celebrate as sunlight returns, expressing joy and gratitude for his bravery.
  • [15:52] Young Man: "I did it, Grandmother. I brought back the light."
  • [15:56] Grandmother: "We see that, my dear. At long last, thanks to you, we see the light."

8. Reflection and Activity for Listeners

• Rebecca Sheir invites listeners to reflect on their favorite season, draw an activity they enjoy, and share their artwork—encouraging creative participation and intergenerational connection.
  • [16:05] Rebecca Shear: "Pick one of [the seasons] and think about things you love doing during that season. Then find a piece of paper and draw a picture of all your favorite winter, spring, summer or fall things to do..."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Our world was trapped in darkness." – Grandmother [02:46]
• "I will bring back the light." – Young Man [04:27]
• "Take this [feather] with you. It will help you on your journey." – Raven [06:58]
• "It isn't your light. It belongs to all of us." – Young Man [13:24]
• "In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a raven." – Rebecca Sheir [13:54]
• "After a cold snow, sunless winter, come the long golden days of summer when everyone gets to share and bask in the light." – Rebecca Sheir [16:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 02:40: Introduction and setting the story's world of darkness
• 02:40 – 04:08: Grandmother explains the loss of light
• 04:08 – 05:11: The young man resolves to find the light
• 05:29 – 07:26: Meeting the raven and receiving the magical feather
• 09:52 – 11:02: Discovery of the ring-shaped hill and the old man's hut
• 12:17 – 13:19: The old man's confession and the young man's daring act
• 13:54 – 15:56: Transformation, distributing the light, and triumphant return
• 16:05 – 16:55: Activity prompt for listeners

Additional Highlights

• Music and Sound Design: The soundscape and original music by Eric Shimalonis add warmth and atmosphere to the tale.
• Cultural Context: The adaptation draws from indigenous oral traditions, honoring northern folktale motifs of transformation, seasonal cycle, and animal helpers.
• Listener Participation: A featured activity fosters deeper engagement among children and families.
• Closing Reviews: Young fans share their favorite Circle Round tales, creating a sense of community and belonging.

Concluding Reflection

Finding the Light is a luminous retelling about loss, hope, discovery, and the selfless act of sharing one's gifts for the good of all. Its gentle humor, evocative narration, and engrossing sound design make it ideal for listeners of any age. The story encourages courage and perseverance—reminding us that sometimes bringing back the light starts with one small, determined act.