Podcast Summary: Circle Round – “Encore: Strong Mind and Kind Heart”
Introduction
In the special encore edition of WBUR’s beloved podcast Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear presents an engaging retelling of the Vietnamese folktale, “Strong Mind and Kind Heart.” Designed for children and families, this episode explores themes of friendship, kindness, and the true meaning of success through a richly narrated story enhanced with sound and music.
Meet the Friends: Strong Mind and Kind Heart
The story centers around two lifelong friends, Strong Mind and Kind Heart. Strong Mind is celebrated for his intelligence, while Kind Heart is admired for his compassion. Their unbreakable bond dates back to childhood, where they played and dreamed together. As adults, they work diligently on the land of a wealthy landlord, sharing a modest, leaky thatched roof hut.
“Let’s go swimming in the river, Strong Mind.”
— Kind Heart [02:21]
“I’ll bet I could beat you in a race across.”
— Strong Mind [02:23]
The Pact: A Promise of Friendship
One morning, Kind Heart proposes a transformative pact to Strong Mind. He has been secretly saving money to fund Strong Mind’s education, enabling him to pursue his dream of becoming a royal advisor.
“I haven’t told you this, but I’ve been saving up my wages... can we make a pact?”
— Kind Heart [04:04]
Strong Mind, initially hesitant, is deeply moved by Kind Heart’s generosity and agrees to the pact, envisioning a future where their dreams are mutually supported.
Strong Mind’s Rise and Kind Heart’s Struggle
With Kind Heart’s unwavering support, Strong Mind attends school in the capital city, excelling academically and eventually securing a prestigious position as the king’s chief advisor. Meanwhile, Kind Heart remains in the countryside, tirelessly working the landlord’s fields and sending money and letters to his friend.
“I’m thrilled that you’re finally pursuing your dream.”
— Kind Heart [04:57]
However, over time, Strong Mind becomes increasingly distant and absorbed in his new life. His lack of communication and eventual rejection leave Kind Heart heartbroken and confused.
“Tell him to go away.”
— Strong Mind [08:04]
The Test of Kindness: Encounter with the Fairy
Distraught by Strong Mind’s abandonment, Kind Heart experiences a moment of despair by the river, where he rescues a seemingly drowning woman. To his astonishment, the woman reveals herself as a fairy testing his kindness.
“Well done, Kind Heart. You passed the test.”
— Fairy [10:02]
Impressed by his unselfish act, the fairy grants Kind Heart a magical reward, transporting him back home and transforming his humble hut into a magnificent jade palace.
Reversal of Fortunes: Trading Lives
In his new opulent home, Kind Heart organizes a lavish housewarming party, extending an exclusive invitation to Strong Mind. Tempted by envy and the fairy’s clever manipulation, Strong Mind attends the banquet at the jade palace. Throughout the evening, his greed intensifies, leading him to accept the fairy’s proposition to trade lives with Kind Heart.
“I would trade everything I have to lead the life our host leads.”
— Strong Mind [18:45]
The next morning, Strong Mind awakens in the very hut he once shared with Kind Heart, while Kind Heart enjoys the luxurious lifestyle of a royal advisor. This magical swap serves as a poignant lesson on the true value of friendship and humility.
Conclusion and Reflections
The tale concludes with a heartfelt moral: true success encompasses both intelligence and a kind heart. Strong Mind’s realization of his misplaced priorities underscores the importance of maintaining genuine relationships over personal ambition.
Listener Activity
To engage young listeners and foster meaningful conversations, Circle Round encourages children to reflect on their own acts of friendship. The activity prompts kids to:
- Think about a time they were a good friend.
- Draw a picture depicting their act of kindness.
- Share their artwork with friends or family members.
Submitters can also share their creations with the show via email, fostering a community of kindness and creativity.
Behind the Scenes
The episode, adapted by Rebecca Shear and produced by WBUR’s talented team, features stellar performances from cast members including Theodore Chin, Shelley Lee, Jessica Rao, Jefferson A. Russell, and Christopher Shawn. Notably, Christopher Shawn is highlighted for his roles in Star Resistance on Disney and as Batman’s first sidekick, Nightwing, in the video game Gotham Knights. The story is enriched with original music by Eric Shyamalonis and beautifully illustrated by Sabina Hahn, whose coloring pages are available on the Circle Round website.
Final Thoughts
“Encore: Strong Mind and Kind Heart” is a captivating episode that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons. By blending traditional folktales with modern storytelling techniques, Circle Round continues to inspire and educate listeners of all ages.
For more stories, coloring pages, and engaging activities, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.