Encore: Getting Skunked

Summary

Circle Round Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode: Encore: Getting Skunked
• Release Date: December 24, 2024

Overview "Circle Round" by WBUR is a beloved podcast that brings folktales from around the world to life through rich soundscapes and engaging storytelling, tailored for children and families. In the episode titled "Encore: Getting Skunked," listeners are treated to a heartwarming yet cautionary tale inspired by the legends of the Abenaki Algonquin-speaking peoples from northeastern North America. This episode delves into themes of recognition, humility, and the unintended consequences of seeking attention.

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Introduction to "Getting Skunked" The episode opens with Rebecca Shear introducing the story "Getting Skunked," highlighting its origins and the creative team behind it. Terrence Terrell, an Emmy-winning actor and author of several children's books, lends his voice to bring depth to the narrative. The story transports listeners to a time when the animal Skunk was pure snowy white and lacked the infamous spray glands he is known for today.

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Story Summary

The Plight of the People (00:00 – 03:59) The tale begins in a prolonged winter where relentless snow threatens the livelihood of a community. With no spring in sight, the people worry about hunting, planting crops, and gathering wood. Rebecca Shear narrates the villagers' growing desperation:

Rebecca Shear (00:00): "And our children will go hungry. Our houses will be icy."

To seek a solution, the villagers turn to Gluskabay, a benevolent giant known for his wisdom and protection.

Gluskabay's Quest and Skunk's Desire for Recognition (03:49 – 08:26) Gluskabay promises to consult Snowbird, the deity controlling the snow, to alleviate their troubles. As he prepares for his journey, Skunk, a beautiful but unappreciated animal, approaches him, expressing a desire to join the mission:

Terrence Terrell as Skunk (04:47): "Well, Gluskabay, I was wondering, is there any chance I could come with you to visit Snowbird? Maybe help you sweet talk her a little?"

Skunk's motivation stems from a longing to be recognized as a hero, as he feels he lacks acknowledgment beyond his appearance and scent. Despite initial reluctance, Gluskabay agrees to let Skunk accompany him.

The Journey to Snowbird's Mountain (05:58 – 08:26) As Gluskabay and Skunk ascend the snowy mountain, the harsh conditions take a toll on Skunk:

Terrence Terrell as Skunk (05:49): "I can do it, Gluskabay. I can. Please let me come along. Please."

Their journey is arduous, with Skunk often slipping beneath the deep snow, requiring Gluskabay's intervention to keep him safe. Upon reaching Snowbird, Gluskabay pleads for a reduction in snowfall:

Terrence Terrell as Gluskabay (06:59): "Snowbird, you must close your wings and stop making all this snow... But this year, you're making too much."

Snowbird agrees, bringing relief and allowing spring to emerge. The villagers celebrate Gluskabay's success, showering him with praise while Skunk feels overlooked.

Terrence Terrell as Skunk (08:34): "Oh, so Gluskabay's the big hero, huh? I'm the one who froze my tail off to reach that kooky bird on top of her mountain. But Gluskabay gets all the glory instead of me. No respect. No respect at all."

Skunk's Quest for Recognition (10:56 – 15:26) Driven by jealousy and a desire for acknowledgment, Skunk devises a plan to make himself indispensable. He ascends another mountain to bind Day Eagle's wings, disrupting the natural day-night cycle:

Terrence Terrell as Skunk (11:44): "This will teach him not to underestimate me."

The next morning, darkness falls as Day Eagle cannot open her wings to bathe the Earth in light. Gluskabay discovers Skunk's misdeed and confronts him:

Terrence Terrell as Gluskabay (13:00): "Skunk, what were you thinking? You nearly threw the world into nighttime forever."

As punishment, Gluskabay alters Skunk's appearance and habits:

Terrence Terrell as Gluskabay (14:29): "From now on, just one glance at you and everyone will remember your mischief, my friend... You will smell of rotten eggs and rancid garlic."

Skunk is transformed into the creature known today—black with white stripes, nocturnal, and equipped with the notorious spray as a defense mechanism.

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Themes and Insights "Getting Skunked" explores the complexities of seeking recognition and the pitfalls of envy. Skunk's transformation serves as a metaphor for how the desire for attention can lead to unintended and adverse consequences. The story emphasizes the value of humility and the importance of appreciating one's contributions without seeking undue praise.

Rebecca Shear concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to practice kindness through simple acts like giving compliments, reinforcing the story's moral:

Rebecca Shear (15:03): "What's one compliment you can give someone today?... You'll make someone else feel amazing, and I bet you'll feel amazing too."

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Rebecca Shear (05:35): "Listen, Skunk, I appreciate the offer, but look at you. You're so small and this snow is so deep. If you join me on this journey, how will you keep up?"

• Terrence Terrell as Skunk (08:34): "Oh, so Gluskabay's the big hero, huh? I'm the one who froze my tail off to reach that kooky bird on top of her mountain. But Gluskabay gets all the glory instead of me. No respect. No respect at all."

• Terrence Terrell as Skunk (11:44): "This will teach him not to underestimate me."

• Rebecca Shear (15:03): "What's one compliment you can give someone today?... You'll make someone else feel amazing, and I bet you'll feel amazing too."

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Conclusion "Getting Skunked" is a captivating addition to the "Circle Round" archive, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons. Through its enchanting narrative and memorable characters, the episode imparts the importance of recognizing one's worth without succumbing to the need for excessive praise. Listeners are left with a thoughtful reflection on how their actions affect not only themselves but also those around them.

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Additional Information For those interested in engaging further, "Circle Round" provides downloadable coloring pages and a variety of interactive content on their website WBUR.org/CircleRound. The episode also features contributions from composer Eric Shimalonis, artist Sabina Hahn, and a talented cast of voice actors, including Thais Harris and Shelley Lee.

To stay updated and never miss an episode, subscribe to "Circle Round" on your preferred podcast platform and follow them on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook @CircleRoundPodcast.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

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[Terrence Terrell]

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[Rebecca Shear]

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[Terrence Terrell]

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[Rebecca Shear]

Sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com CircleRound that's Indeed.com CircleRound terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? You need Indeed. Hi Rebecca Shear here with some really Fun News. On February 8th, Circle Round LIVE is coming to Symphony hall in Boston and you're invited. Join us for a live recording of two new episodes featuring me, composer Eric Shyamalonis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star studded cast. Get your Tickets [e-mail] CircleRound WBUR podcasts Boston the winter holidays are here and the Circle Round team is taking time off to celebrate and to gear up for our next live recording at Boston's Symphony hall. Join us February 8th for a live taping of two new episodes featuring members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Find [e-mail] CircleRound and click on events. This week we're sharing a favorite episode from the Archives, a super fun folktale you may have missed the first time around. We'll be back with a brand new episode soon. Till then, enjoy the story. There's nothing like a little recognition, right? Getting cheers and applause when you score a goal in your soccer game, being praised for how hard you worked on a project. But as we're about to hear, when our desire for recognition outweighs our ability to achieve it, things can backfire in unexpected ways. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today, our story is called Getting Skunked. It was inspired by legends told by the Abenaki Algonquin speaking peoples from the northeastern part of North America. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this tale, including author and Emmy award winning actor Terrence Turrell, star of the CBS comedy Be Positive. His series of children's books includes Blackie, the Shes, the Crowned Kids and My Little Black Book. So circle around everyone forgetting Skunked. Way, way back in the olden times, the most beautiful of all the animals was Skunk. In modern times, Skunk is black with white stripes on his back and snout, right? Well, back when our story takes place, Skunk's silky fur was pure snowy white. Not only that, but Skunk didn't spray. He didn't have those glands under his tail that Spritz out chemicals that smell like rotten eggs or rancid garlic. This is the tale of how Skunk came to be the way he is today. It all started one especially cold winter. The snow had been falling nonstop for months. And with no sign of spring on the horizon, the people were worried.

[Terrence Terrell]

Do you see how deep the snow is?

[Rebecca Shear]

And it's getting deeper by the minute.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Soon it'll be higher than our rooftops.

[Rebecca Shear]

How will we hunt for food?

[Terrence Terrell]

How will we plant our crops?

[Rebecca Shear]

And how will we gather wood for.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Warmth or for cooking?

[Rebecca Shear]

Our children will go hungry. Our houses will be icy. I say we talk to Gluskaby. Yes, he'll know how to help us. Gluskabay was the kind, heroic giant who took care of the people and watched over them. So they approached Glskabay and told him their problem.

[Eric Shimalonis]

I understand your troubles, my people. First thing tomorrow, I will journey to the top of the tallest mountain and visit Snowbird. She's the one who controls the snow. I will talk with her and see what I can do.

[Rebecca Shear]

But the next morning, just as Glskabay was about to set off on his travels, who should pipe up?

[Terrence Terrell]

Glooskabay.

[Rebecca Shear]

But Skunk.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Well, hello there, Skunk. Your fur is so white. I didn't see you there in the snow. What's up, little one?

[Terrence Terrell]

Well, Goose Kape, I was wondering, is there any chance I could come with you to visit Snowbird? Maybe help you sweet talk her a little?

[Rebecca Shear]

Before we go on, Something you should know about Skunk. Though he was regarded as the most beautiful and sweet smelling of all the animals, that was about it. He wasn't praised for his smarts or his bravery or anything else, really. But Skunk dreamt of being hailed as a hero. And he figured joining Glskaby's quest could make his dream come true. Glskaby, however, wasn't exactly jazzed by the idea.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Listen, Skunk, I appreciate the offer, but look at you. You're so small and this snow is so deep. If you join me on this journey, how will you keep up?

[Terrence Terrell]

I can do it, Gluskabe. I can. Please let me come along. Please.

[Rebecca Shear]

So Glskabay gave in, and he and Skunk took off towards Snowbird's Mountain. As they ventured north, the blanket of snow grew deeper and deeper, and Skunk found himself leaping from one of Glskaby's footprints to the next. But the hulking giant had such a long stride that Skunk would occasionally miss a footprint. Then he'd go plummeting under the snow.

[Terrence Terrell]

Um. Help.

[Rebecca Shear]

And Glooskabay would have to pull him back out. Phew.

[Terrence Terrell]

Thank you.

[Rebecca Shear]

By the time the duo reached the peak of Snowbird's mountain, Skunk wasn't feeling very heroic. Icicles hung from his white fur, and his teeth were chattering so hard he could barely speak. But when he and Glooskabay arrived at Snowbird's perch, the giant did all the talking. Snowbird, the massive white bird, craned her neck toward Glooska Bay. Tumbling down from her outstretched wings were millions of snowflakes.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Snowbird, you must close your wings and stop making all this snow. I mean, don't get me wrong. The world needs your snow. It keeps the soil warm and moist until it's time for planting crops. It keeps the lakes and rivers full of water. But this year, you're making too much. Look at my little friend here.

[Rebecca Shear]

Glooskebay lifted Skunk by the scruff of his frozen neck.

[Eric Shimalonis]

He's practically an ice cube. It's time for spring to come, Snowbird. It's time for warmth. Time for things to grow. So, please, will you close your wings?

[Rebecca Shear]

Snowbird gave Glskabay a long look. Then she nodded her head, folded in her wings, and the snow stopped. Now that their mission was accomplished, Glskabay and Skunk made their way back down the mountain. By the time they reached the bottom, the sky was a shimmering blue, and patches of grass were visible through the melting snow. When the people caught sight of Glskabay, they clustered around him and cheered. You did it. You got Snowbird to close up her wings.

[Eric Shimalonis]

And now spring can come, and we.

[Terrence Terrell]

Can plant, and we can hunt, and.

[Rebecca Shear]

Our children can run around and play. Hooray. We will always be grateful.

[Terrence Terrell]

Thank you.

[Rebecca Shear]

While the people sang Gluskaby's praises, Skunk stood off to the side and grumbled.

[Terrence Terrell]

Oh, so Gluskebay's the big hero, huh? I'm the one who froze my tail off to reach that kooky bird on top of her mountain. But Gluskebay gets all the glory instead of me. No respect. No respect at all.

[Rebecca Shear]

Skunk sighed and gazed up at the sky. The bright blue sky. And as he did, his mind suddenly clicked.

[Terrence Terrell]

Wait a minute. I know how to make them respect me. Cause I'm gonna do something they'll never forget.

[Rebecca Shear]

What do you think Skunk is planning? We'll find out what it is after a quick break. If you're a circle round superfan, we've got a super fun opportunity for you. Join the Circle Round Club and you'll support our public radio podcast and as this happy member raves, get cool stuff.

[Thais Harris]

To My grandfather bought me a Circle Round membership last Christmas. I really like it because we get a stuffed lion and a reusable bag which we use all the time for library books. I also enjoy the birthday message from.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rebecca Shear Grown Ups. Sign up your superfan [e-mail] CircleRoundClub welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear. Today our story is called Getting Skunked. Before the break, Gluskabay trekked to the top of the tallest mountain and convinced soldiers Snowbird to close her wings and stop the snow. Sweet smelling, white furred, Skunk insisted on coming along. But when Skunk and Glooskabay returned from their mission, the grateful people hailed Gluskabay as their hero and ignored Skunk completely.

[Terrence Terrell]

No respect. No respect at all.

[Rebecca Shear]

Craving attention and admiration, Skunk began concocting a plan. He found a big ball of twine and set off toward a mountain nearly as tall as snowbirds. At the top of this mountain was Day Eagle, and if Snowbird brought the snow, what do you think Day Eagle brought? That's right, the day when her great wide wings were open, light came streaming out of them and bathed all of earth. When she closed her wings, the light disappeared and the whole world was dark. By the time Skunk reached Day Eagle's lofty perch, the enormous bird had tucked in her wings and nodded off for the night. Squinting through the darkness, Skunk began wrapping his twine around Day Eagle's wings.

[Terrence Terrell]

This will teach him not to underestimate me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Skunk worked swiftly and silently, wrapping the twine this way and that, tying it in knot after knot. Then he scurried back down the mountain. The next morning there was no Morning. Day Eagle's wings were bound so tightly she couldn't open them and shine light upon the earth. But the people didn't know that the light where is the light?

[Eric Shimalonis]

Why hasn't Day Eagle opened her wings?

[Rebecca Shear]

Will it be dark on Earth forever? Glska Bay was every bit as worried and puzzled as the people were. He headed straight to the top of Day Eagle's mountain, where he found her wrapped in twine. The poor bird was contorting her body as she tried to unknot the string with her beak.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Day Eagle, what has become of you? Who tied you up like this? I don't know, Gluskabay.

[Rebecca Shear]

Someone must have snuck over while I was asleep. Glskabay set to work. Undoing the knots. But there were so many, and they were tied so tightly, he could only free one of Day Eagle's wings.

[Eric Shimalonis]

I'm sorry, Day Eagle. It's the best I can do. From now on, I'm afraid, one half of the world will be light while the other half is dark. All I ask is that you keep turning around on your mountaintop so that both sides of the earth get their fair share. Can you do that? I can.

[Rebecca Shear]

And indeed ever since. When it's daytime on one side of the earth, it's nighttime on the other, and vice versa. As Glskabay rolled the twine back into a ball, he noticed something. Stuck to the string were bits of fur. White, silky fur.

[Terrence Terrell]

Aha.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Skunk.

[Rebecca Shear]

Galuskabay went barreling down the mountain and straight to Skunk's den. The silky white critter was curled up next to a crackling bonfire and was snoozing away.

[Eric Shimalonis]

Skunk, what were you thinking? You nearly threw the world into nighttime forever.

[Rebecca Shear]

At the sound of Glskabay's deep voice, Skunk's eyes snapped open.

[Terrence Terrell]

Glooskebay, what are you doing here? And why is it so light outside? I thought that when I tied up Day Eagle, I. Oops.

[Eric Shimalonis]

So you did do it, you little rascal.

[Rebecca Shear]

All at once, Glskaby grabbed a handful of ashes from the fire and smeared them across Skunk's face and back.

[Terrence Terrell]

My fur. My beautiful white fur.

[Eric Shimalonis]

From now on, just one glance at you and everyone will remember your mischief, my friend. And as for that sweet smell of yours.

[Rebecca Shear]

Glskaby breathed in some of the fire's smoke, then blew it all over Skunk's body.

[Eric Shimalonis]

From now on, you will smell of rotten eggs and rancid garlic. People will see you and run away for fear of getting your stink.

[Terrence Terrell]

But, Glooska Bay.

[Eric Shimalonis]

No buts. However, since you did want to bring on never ending darkness, from now on, you will only come out at night. No one will see you during the day. Of course, given your smell, I doubt they'll want to see you anyway.

[Rebecca Shear]

Skunk hung his streaked head. All he had wanted was to be admired and adored. Instead, now he had a striped body, a nocturnal sleep cycle, and a smell so strong it would send anyone running. And so it is to this day. Now, to be fair, Skunk only sprays his spray when he feels threatened or in danger. But word to the wise, unless you're a big fan of rotten eggs or rancid garlic, I wouldn't get too close. Now it's your turn. What's one compliment you can give someone today? Maybe you can compliment a teammate for trying so hard during a game, or compliment a family member or neighbor for baking such delicious brownies. Think about your compliment and who you'll give it to. Then go out and do it. You'll make someone else feel amazing, and I bet you'll feel amazing too. This week's story, Getting Skunked was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by our supervising producer, Amari Sivertson. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Want to color while you listen? Sabina has drawn a black and white picture for every Circle Round story. You grown ups can download them from our website, WBUR.org CircleRound and while you're there, you can find links to the Circle Round coloring book soundtrack and T shirt. Special thanks to this week's actors, Thais Harris, Shelley Lee, Anthony Palmini, Jessica Rao, Alejandro Ruiz, David Swanson and Terrence Terrell. Grown ups Watch for Terrance on the CBS comedy Be Part Positive and Kids. Terrence's book series includes Blackie, the She's the Crowned Kids and My Little Black Book. Our featured instrument this week was the slide guitar. To learn more about it and see a photo of Eric Shyamalanis playing one, visit our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound. Haven't subscribed to Circle Round yet. Never miss an episode by following us on Apple Podcasts or whatever podcast app you use. And please give us some stars, write a review or grown ups. You can help us spread the word on social media. Our Instagram and Facebook handle is CircleRoundPodcast. On Twitter, we aremecircleround. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling around with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story. Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Thais Harris]

Hi, my name is Abgiel and I'm from Taiwan. My favorite Circle Round story is the hat, the horn and the purse because I like how the father trusted his son. My name is Benjamin, I am from Stottsdale, Arizona and my favorite Circle Round story is Taunton Trotted is because my favorite part is when Mouse Deer hops from Trotted Isle to Trotted Isle. My name is Luna and I'm from Asheville, North Carolina. My favorite Circle round is sea and sky because kite yells land. My name is Kavya and I'm from Chicago, Illinois and my favorite circle round store is the three legged pot and I like the part when the pot says time to skip and skip wee. My name is Edith and I am from Pittsburgh and my favorite circle round story is a nazi and the shadow story box. My favorite part is when he flips it open. My name is Ellie and I'm from Banksburg as sweet as it sounds and I love the bartw. Hello my name is Vincent and I'm from Austin Texas and my very check around stories 9 because I just like it. Thank you Rebecca Shear I love your circle round stories.

[Rebecca Shear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry grown ups. You can find all of our circle round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages and oh so much more on our website WBUR.org CircleRound.