Circle Round Podcast Summary
Episode: Encore: The Mountain Guardian
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Rebecca Shear
Produced by: WBUR

Introduction

In this special encore edition of Circle Round, hosted by Rebecca Shear, listeners are transported into the enchanting world of Tibetan folklore with the captivating tale, "The Mountain Guardian." Aimed at children ages 3-103, this episode weaves together themes of kindness, respect for nature, and the timeless struggle between needs and wants. Featuring stellar performances by Alonzo Bowden and Audrey Shea, the story not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons.

Story Overview

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in a tranquil valley beneath a majestic, tree-covered mountain. Here resides a young shepherdess and her elderly grandmother in a modest, ramshackle hut. Their peaceful life takes a dramatic turn during a particularly harsh winter when all of the shepherdess's sheep vanish amidst the deep snowdrifts.

Seeking Help

Distraught by the loss of her flock, the shepherdess contemplates seeking assistance from her wealthy uncle in the capital city. [03:18]
Shepherdess: "I can't believe this. All my beloved sheep gone. And with them, my livelihood. How Will I ever get by now and provide for Grandmother?"

Upon reaching her uncle's opulent mansion, she is met with indifference and lack of empathy. [04:00]
Uncle: "What does any of this have to do with me? Was it my fault it snowed so hard this winter? There's nothing I can do for you, kid."

A Lesson in Respect

Heartbroken, the shepherdess returns to her valley and gazes upon the fallen branches scattered by the winter storms. Inspired by her grandmother's teachings about the sacred mountain guardian, she devises a plan to collect dead wood instead of harming living trees. [05:18]
Shepherdess: "My child, you must remember, in this land, each and every mountain has a guardian, a powerful spirit, a protector."

Encounter with the Mountain Guardian

Her respectful harvesting attracts the attention of the Mountain Guardian, manifested as a stone lion perched atop the mountain. [06:36]
Mountain Guardian: "I am the guardian of the mountain. I look after everything that lives here."

The shepherdess explains her plight and her conscientious method of collecting only fallen wood. Impressed by her integrity, the guardian rewards her with gold coins, provided she continues to honor and protect the mountain. [08:37]
Mountain Guardian: "Your answer pleases me... I will fill your basket with gold coins. But take heed. The moment the basket is full, you must tell me not one piece of gold can land on the ground."

Uncle's Greed and Consequences

News of the shepherdess's newfound prosperity reaches her uncle, who becomes envious and desperate to obtain similar riches. Ignoring the sacred teachings, he authorizes the chopping of live trees to present to the Mountain Guardian, hoping for the same reward. [15:03]
Uncle: "A big stone lion gave you gold coins just for collecting firewood?"

However, his deceitful actions lead to dire consequences. The guardian transforms his gold into stone, trapping his hand and rendering him powerless. Eventually, overcome with remorse, the uncle is released but left to grapple with his greed. [19:11]
Uncle: "What am I gonna do? I've got this big, beautiful basket of gold coins and now that I'm stuck..."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shepherdess ([03:18]): "I can't believe this. All my beloved sheep gone. And with them, my livelihood."
• Uncle ([04:00]): "What does any of this have to do with me?"
• Mountain Guardian ([05:23]): "Each and every mountain has a guardian, a powerful spirit, a protector."
• Shepherdess ([08:29]): "He must have cut down half a dozen trees just like that."
• Mountain Guardian ([09:06]): "You will continue taking care of my mountain, respecting my trees and my land."

Themes and Insights

1. Respect for Nature: The shepherdess embodies sustainable living by taking only what nature has already provided, honoring the mountain guardian's domain.

2. Integrity vs. Greed: Contrasting the shepherdess's honesty with her uncle's greed highlights the moral that true prosperity comes from respect and ethical behavior, not deceit and exploitation.

3. Intergenerational Wisdom: The grandmother's teachings serve as a vital guide, illustrating the importance of ancestral knowledge in making wise decisions.

4. Consequences of Actions: The uncle's downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of greed and dishonesty.

5. Needs vs. Wants: The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to differentiate between essential needs and non-essential wants, fostering thoughtful decision-making in children.

Conclusion and Activity

The episode wraps up with a reflective activity encouraging children and their guardians to create a chart distinguishing between needs and wants. This interactive component reinforces the story's lessons, promoting deeper conversations about resourcefulness and ethical choices.

Activity Instructions:

• Materials Needed: Paper and drawing tools.
• Steps:
  1. Draw a table with two columns labeled "Needs" and "Wants."
  2. Discuss with a grown-up items in your home and categorize them accordingly.
  3. Write or draw these items in the appropriate columns.
  4. Optionally, create new charts or expand upon the initial one.

Credits and Acknowledgments

• Adapted by: Rebecca Shear
• Edited by: Amari Sivertson, Supervising Producer
• Music and Sound Design: Eric Shyamalonis
• Illustrations: Sabina Hahn
• Voice Actors: Theodore Chin, Faith Saley, Alonzo Bowden, Audrey Shea

Special mentions include Alonzo Bowden's appearances on NBC's Last Comic Standing, NPR's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me, and the podcast Who's Paying Attention. Audrey Shea stars in the feature film Here Today alongside Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish.

Featured Instrument:

• Drawn Yen: A six-stringed Tibetan lute, adding authentic cultural tones to the storytelling.

Listener Feedback

Listeners shared their favorite Circle Round stories, expressing fondness for tales like "Masha and the Shark," "Granny Snowstorm," and "The Sorcerer's Offer," among others. Their testimonials underscore the podcast's impact and beloved status among its audience.

Additional Resources

For more engaging content, parents and children can visit WBUR.org/CircleRound to access coloring pages, soundtracks, and the latest coloring book. Additionally, transcripts of each tale are available for deeper exploration.

Circle Round continues to enchant listeners with its rich tapestry of global folktales, fostering imagination and valuable life lessons for the entire family.