Podcast Title: Circle Round
Episode: Encore: Friends in High Places
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host/Author: WBUR (Rebecca Shear)
Produced by: Denise Crosby and Mario Cantone

Introduction

In this encore edition of WBUR's beloved "Circle Round" podcast, host Rebecca Shear presents "Friends in High Places," a captivating folktale inspired by eastern and southern African traditions. Designed for children ages 3-103, Circle Round delivers sound- and music-rich radio plays that explore essential virtues such as kindness, persistence, and generosity. This episode, featuring voices from actress Denise Crosby and comedian Mario Cantone, weaves a story of friendship and resilience amidst adversity.

A Land Besieged by Drought

[00:01 – 04:23]

The tale begins in a time long before humans walked the Earth, focusing on two best friends: Rhinoceros (Rhino) and Giraffe. They inhabit a vast plain that has recently fallen victim to a severe drought. The relentless sun has withered the grasses, shriveled bushes, and dried up waterholes, leaving the animals desperate for sustenance.

Rhino's Despair:
"Okay, giraffe, this is getting ridiculous. The two of us have been wandering the plains all morning looking for something to eat or drink. But we might as well face it. We're either going to starve or dehydrate, if not both."
[02:44]

Despite their dire situation, Giraffe maintains a glimmer of hope. She encourages Rhino to keep searching for a solution, emphasizing the strength of their friendship.

Giraffe's Hope:
"I know things aren't looking so good, Rhino, but I say we don't give up. If we keep walking just a little bit longer, who knows what we'll find?"
[02:59]

Their journey is fraught with challenges, including pesky tick bites that add to their misery. Rhino vents his frustration over the relentless parasites.

Rhino's Frustration:
"Yeah, another tick bite. Those parasites are the only ones around here who aren't starving because they're making a meal out of me."
[03:29]

The Quest for a Solution

[05:42 – 07:36]

Determined to find relief, Giraffe proposes an unconventional solution involving magic. She suggests seeking out Hyena, a wise and crafty creature known for her magical prowess.

Giraffe's Idea:
"Why didn't I think of this earlier? You and I will work some magic."
[05:56]

Hyena agrees to help but requires special magical herbs that can make them tall enough to reach the nourishing leaves of the acacia trees. However, obtaining these herbs will take time, urging them to return the next day precisely at noon.

Hyena's Instruction:
"I just need to collect some special ingredients. Magical herbs that will make whoever eats them grow nice and tall. ... Come back tomorrow. Be sure to arrive at noon on the dot, when the sun takes its highest seat in the sky."
[06:45]

Rhino decides to rest, opting not to accompany Giraffe on this critical mission.

Transformation and the Approaching Bushfire

[08:12 – 11:28]

The next day, Giraffe arrives promptly at Hyena's den. Hyena administers the magical herbs to Giraffe, triggering a remarkable transformation. Her neck and legs elongate, granting her the height needed to reach the lush acacia leaves.

Giraffe's Transformation:
"Giraffe gulped the herbs down in one bite. ... And next thing she knew, both her neck and legs were getting longer and longer."
[08:15]

Empowered by her new stature, Giraffe heads straight for the acacia trees, enjoying the bounty of tender green leaves. However, her joyous moment is cut short when she spots Rhino struggling with another tick bite near a dried waterhole.

Rhino's Predicament:
"Yes, another tick bite. But it wasn't nearly as painful as what you did to me today, eating the magic herbs. ... I thought we were best friends."
[10:01]

Simultaneously, a bushfire ignites across the plains, threatening all the animals. The intense heat and smoke create an urgent crisis.

Giraffe Notices the Fire:
"It smells like. Like fire. Like something's burning."
[11:08]

Heroic Rescue and Reconciliation

[13:37 – 19:16]

Amidst the chaos, Giraffe hears the distress calls of oxpecker chicks—a type of bird that feeds on ticks. Spotting their nest in danger, she bravely relocates it to the safety of a distant baobab tree, ensuring their survival.

Giraffe's Rescue Effort:
"Ever so delicately, Giraffe put the nest in her mouth and took off across the plains... 'There you go, little ones. Now we just need to find your mother.'"
[14:11]

The timely arrival of rain extinguishes the bushfire, revitalizing the parched land. Realizing the strain their earlier miscommunication caused, Giraffe makes amends with Rhino by introducing him to Oxpecker.

Giraffe's Reconciliation:
"Oxpecker, this is Rhino. Rhino has a bit of a tick issue. And Rhino, this is Oxpecker. Oxpecker has a bit of a tick appetite. I was thinking the two of you can work something out."
[18:29]

Oxpecker gladly agrees to help Rhino by feeding on his ticks, restoring their friendship and mutual support.

Oxpecker's Gratitude:
"But I insist. Ask for anything, anything at all, and it's yours."
[16:12]

Giraffe's Reflection:
"Giraffe heaved a sigh as she thought about her funny, sleepy, tick fighting friend. ... 'Oh, my.'"
[17:23]

Moral and Reflection

[22:10 – 23:55]

The story concludes with a heartfelt message encouraging listeners to reflect on their own friendships and consider ways to support and uplift their friends. Whether it's sharing a book, giving a birthday card, or offering a comforting hug, small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

Rebecca Shear's Closing Words:
"Think about what you can do, then go out and do it. You're guaranteed to make your friend's day and you'll feel good too."
[16:41]

Notable Quotes

• Rhino's Frustration:
  "Yeah, another tick bite. Those parasites are the only ones around here who aren't starving because they're making a meal out of me."
  [03:29]

• Giraffe's Hope:
  "I know things aren't looking so good, Rhino, but I say we don't give up. If we keep walking just a little bit longer, who knows what we'll find?"
  [02:59]

• Hyena's Instruction:
  "I just need to collect some special ingredients. Magical herbs that will make whoever eats them grow nice and tall. ... Come back tomorrow. Be sure to arrive at noon on the dot, when the sun takes its highest seat in the sky."
  [06:45]

• Giraffe's Transformation:
  "Giraffe gulped the herbs down in one bite. ... And next thing she knew, both her neck and legs were getting longer and longer."
  [08:15]

• Rebecca Shear's Closing Words:
  "Think about what you can do, then go out and do it. You're guaranteed to make your friend's day and you'll feel good too."
  [16:41]

Conclusion

"Friends in High Places" masterfully blends engaging storytelling with valuable life lessons. Through the adventures of Rhino and Giraffe, listeners learn about the importance of perseverance, the strength found in friendships, and the power of mutual support. Circle Round continues to illuminate these themes with rich audio production, making it a cherished resource for families seeking meaningful and entertaining content.

For more stories, coloring pages, and membership opportunities, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Special Thanks:
Erika Rose, Dawn Ursula, Mario Cantone, and Denise Crosby for their contributions.

Featured Instrument:
Bolophone. Learn more about this unique percussion instrument and see a photo of Eric Shyamalonis playing it on the Circle Round website.

Call to Action:
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