Circle Round Podcast Summary
Episode: Encore: The Lumps of Clay
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: Rebecca Shear

Introduction

In this special encore episode of WBUR's Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear invites listeners to a live recording event at Boston's Symphony Hall featuring new episodes and a star-studded cast. The episode, titled "The Lumps of Clay," adapts a beloved Indian folktale that highlights the importance of truth and perspective in resolving conflicts.

Story Background

"The Lumps of Clay" centers around Birbal, the wise and witty chief advisor to a mighty emperor. Renowned for his problem-solving skills, Birbal often mediates disputes not only for the emperor but also for the citizens of the empire. In this episode, Birbal faces a perplexing case involving a jeweler and a merchant.

Conflict Presentation

At a lavish dinner party hosted by the jeweler to celebrate her birthday, she proudly unveils a stunning golden elephant statue—a treasure she intended to add to her personal collection rather than sell. However, the next morning, the statue mysteriously disappears. The jeweler swiftly accuses the merchant of theft, while the merchant vehemently denies the allegation.

Notable Quote:

• Jeweler (03:30): "The merchant stole from me."
• Merchant (07:37): "There's no way I could have, your honor, because there wasn't an elephant to steal."

Birbal listens attentively, noting discrepancies in their stories. He questions the number of guests present and the nature of their relationships, subtly hinting that more information is needed to uncover the truth.

Investigation

Determined to uncover the reality, Birbal commands his guards to bring the other three guests from the jeweler's party, along with three large pieces of cloth and three lumps of clay.

Notable Quote:

• Birbal (09:17): "Listen men, I want you to go out and find the other three guests from the jeweler's birthday party. Bring them to the palace along with three large pieces of cloth and three big lumps of clay."

Birbal instructs the guests to sculpt exact replicas of the golden elephant using the clay, emphasizing precision and detail. After an hour, the guests return with their unique interpretations of the statue.

Resolution

Upon unveiling the clay sculptures, Birbal observes that each elephant varies significantly in size and detail:

• The first is small, with its trunk hanging down.
• The second is larger, with its trunk sticking straight out.
• The third is even bigger, showing the elephant rearing up.

Additionally, each sculpture has distinct differences—one has tusks, another lacks a tail, and the third is depicted in motion. These inconsistencies reveal that the golden elephant never truly existed; it was a fabrication by the jeweler to malign the merchant's reputation.

Notable Quote:

• Birbal (16:50): "It's clear from these three very different sculptures that there was no golden elephant."

Birbal concludes that the jeweler's accusation was based on a lie, leading to the dismissal of the case and exonerating the merchant.

Lessons and Insights

Birbal's ingenious method demonstrates the importance of thorough investigation and viewing problems from multiple perspectives. This approach not only resolves conflicts but also uncovers deeper truths.

Concluding Message: Rebecca Shear emphasizes the lesson of empathy and perspective-taking in problem-solving:

"Putting yourself in someone else's shoes... can help you find solutions you never dreamed of. So next time you're struggling with a problem, step into someone else's shoes and give it a try."

Supporting Elements

• Adaptation and Production: Rebecca Shear adapted the story, with original music and sound design by Eric Shimalonis and artwork by Sabina Hahn.
• Cast Highlights: Features Malik Pancholi, known for his roles in Phineas and Ferb, Sanjay and Craig, and his upcoming projects.
• Listener Engagement: The episode includes heartfelt reviews from listeners, showcasing the podcast's impact on its diverse audience.

Conclusion

"The Lumps of Clay" is a captivating tale that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons on honesty, integrity, and the power of perspective. Birbal's wisdom serves as an inspiring model for tackling personal and interpersonal challenges, making this episode a memorable addition to the Circle Round series.

For more stories and resources, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jeweler (03:30): "The merchant stole from me."
• Merchant (07:37): "There's no way I could have, your honor, because there wasn't an elephant to steal."
• Birbal (09:17): "Listen men, I want you to go out and find the other three guests from the jeweler's birthday party..."
• Birbal (16:50): "It's clear from these three very different sculptures that there was no golden elephant."

Special Thanks: Thank you to all the actors and contributors who bring Circle Round to life, providing enriching stories that resonate with listeners of all ages.