Encore: The Patched-Up Coat

Summary

Podcast Summary: Circle Round – Encore: The Patched-Up Coat (December 30, 2025)

Main Theme Overview

In this encore episode, host Rebecca Sheir adapts “The Patched-Up Coat,” a Russian folktale, for young listeners. Through vivid storytelling, lively character voices, and immersive sound design, the episode explores the importance of generosity and kindness, while warning against selfishness. Children and adults are invited to reflect on how sharing and helping others can make the world a warmer place, with a concluding activity to extend the episode’s message into real life.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Setting the Stage (00:00–03:19)

• Rebecca asks listeners to recall a time when someone wouldn’t share, setting the tone for the story’s central conflict about selfishness and generosity.
• The main characters, a man and woman “at the edge of a small town, at the top of a steep hill,” are introduced as “especially selfish.”
  • Quote: “If a neighbor was baking a cake… ‘provided you give us the cake when it’s done.’” (02:34)
  • The couple always demands something in return for basic kindness.

2. Arrival of the Soldier (03:19–04:26)

• A weary, cold soldier returns from war, wearing a patched-up, threadbare coat. He asks the couple for supper and shelter.
• The couple allows him to stay only if he works—chopping firewood and feeding horses—and serves him cold porridge while enjoying their own hearty chicken soup.
  • Quote: “But you’ll be eating cold porridge. There isn’t enough soup for three.” (03:59)

3. Continued Selfishness at Dessert (04:26–05:50)

• After eating all the soup, the couple presents a fresh apple pie, serving only themselves.
• When the soldier politely asks for some, they deny him and remind him of his chores.
  • Quote: “Have some pie, you say? Oh, no, no, no, no, no…” (05:35)

4. Cold Night and the Soldier’s Plight (05:50–08:11)

• After grueling chores, the soldier is refused the sofa (reserved for their cat) and must sleep on the cold floor with only his inadequate coat for warmth.
• Even a request to relight the fire is denied:
  • Quote: “And waste all of our precious firewood? No way, soldier.” (07:40)
• Alone, the soldier decides, “Somebody really ought to teach these selfish scoundrels a lesson. And I know just the one to do it.” (08:28)

5. The Clever Plan (11:31–13:43)

• At midnight, the soldier smears butter on his face to appear sweaty, then wakes the couple—claiming it’s too hot and asking to open the window.
• The confused couple agrees. Later, he requests the front door be opened; again, they’re baffled but comply.
• Memorable moment: The soldier finally offers, “Well, I guess I’ll just take off my coat then. Perhaps I’ll be more comfortable without it.” (13:02)
• The couple becomes suspicious, believing his shabby coat must be magical to keep him so warm.

6. The Trick and the Trade (13:43–15:37)

• In the morning, the couple, eager for the supposed “magic” coat, offers to trade the soldier a fine goose down jacket.
• The soldier plays coy, prompting the couple to up the offer: a horse and a bag of silver coins.
• Quote:
  • Woman: “We want to trade it for this lovely goose down jacket here.” (14:23)
  • Man: “That’s why we’ll sweeten the deal… one of our finest horses, plus an entire bag of silver coins.” (15:10)
• The soldier finally relents (“I say you’ve got yourself a deal, folks. Thank you.” (15:31)), riding off with warmth, wealth, and laughter.

7. Lessons Learned and Transformation (16:12–17:19)

• The woman tries the “magic” coat while tending horses and is chilled to the bone.
• The man fails similarly when wearing it to market—so cold that he picks up travelers just to huddle for warmth.
• Insight: This is the couple’s first act of generosity—giving free rides to strangers.

8. The Moral and Call to Action (17:19–18:50)

• After realizing the trick, the couple vows to be more generous and never to give anyone “the cold shoulder” again.

• Host Reflection: Rebecca asks listeners, “What’s one thing you can do this week to help someone in need?”

  • Suggestions: Donate clothing, collect canned goods, volunteer.
  • Quote: “When we help others, we help make the world a warmer, sunnier place.” (18:45)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Oh, you can have some supper and spend the night, all right, provided you chop some firewood and feed the horses.” – Man and Woman (03:08)
• “You'll be eating cold porridge. There isn't enough soup for three.” – Woman (03:59)
• “I'm going to have seconds.” – Man (04:32)
  “I'm going to have thirds.” – Woman (04:35)
• “Somebody really ought to teach these selfish scoundrels a lesson.” – Soldier (08:28)
• “We want to trade it for this lovely goose down jacket here.” – Woman (14:23)
• “I say you've got yourself a deal, folks. Thank you.” – Soldier (15:31)
• “When we help others, we help make the world a warmer, sunnier place.” – Rebecca Shear (18:45)

---

Important Timestamps

• Introduction and selfish couple’s behavior: 00:00–03:19
• Soldier’s arrival and cold porridge: 03:19–04:26
• Refusing the pie & chores: 05:09–05:50
• Denied fire and sofa, soldier’s thoughts: 06:25–08:11
• Turning point: the lesson plan: 08:11–11:31
• Butter face prank, opening windows/doors: 11:31–13:43
• The coat trade and soldier’s triumph: 13:43–15:37
• Couple’s cold realization, transformation: 16:12–17:19
• Host’s call to action and episode message: 17:19–18:50

---

Tone & Language

The episode uses friendly, playful, and engaging storytelling, suitable for children but with thoughtful reflections for adults. Humorous dialogue, memorable characters, and musical sound design bring warmth and energy throughout.

---

Conclusion & Take-Home Activity

Rebecca concludes by encouraging kids and families to reflect and take real-world action: sharing, giving, and helping those in need to bring the story’s lesson to life.

---

For more coloring pages, soundtracks, and activities, listeners are invited to visit the Circle Round website at wbur.org/circleround.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

Hey, Circle Round fans, we've added stops to our 2025, 2026 circle round live tour, and you're invited. Join us for live episode recordings in Los Angeles on January 18, Boston on February 7, and Cleveland on March 14. We can't wait to circle round with you live. Get your [e-mail] CircleRound. Hi, Rebecca Shear here. The new year is nearly upon us, and we can hardly wait to circle round with you at our Live in Los Angeles on January 18th, Boston on February 7th, and Cleveland on March 14th. Visit WBUR.org CircleRound to get your tickets today. For now, enjoy this encore edition of Circle Round, a super fun folk tale you may have missed the first time around. We'll be back with a new story soon. Has there ever been a time when a friend or family member wouldn't share with you? Or maybe they wouldn't let you play with a new toy? Or they wouldn't give you a turn during a game? Think about how it made you feel. Not so good, right? Well, we're about to meet a character who feels exactly like you did until he takes matters into his own hands. I'm Rebecca Shearer, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called the Patched Up Coat. Versions of this tale come from Russia, the largest country in the world. Some really great people came together to bring you our adaptation of this folktale, including Peter sagal, host of NPR's weekly news quiz. Wait, wait, don't tell me. So circle around, everyone, for the Patched Up Coat. At the edge of a small town, at the top of a steep hill, there lived a man and woman. The man and woman on the hill weren't especially rich and they weren't especially poor. They weren't especially tall, and they weren't especially short. What they were, however, was especially selfish. If a neighbor was baking a cake and came up the hill to borrow a cup of sugar, the man and woman might respond like this, oh, you.

[Man]

Can borrow a cup of sugar, all.

[Woman]

Right, provided you give us the cake when it's done.

[Rebecca Shear]

If a farmer's wagon broke down on the way to market and he asked the man and woman for a ride in their cart, they might respond like.

[Man]

This, oh, we can give you a ride in our cart, all right, provided.

[Woman]

You pay us 10 silver coins for the trouble.

[Rebecca Shear]

So one brisk winter evening, when a weary traveler trudged up the hill to ask the man and woman for a bite of supper and a place to spend the night, they responded like this.

[Man]

Oh, you can have some supper and.

[Rebecca Shear]

Spend the night, all right, Provided you.

[Woman]

Chop some firewood and feed the horses.

[Rebecca Shear]

The weary traveler was a soldier making his long journey home after fighting battles in faraway lands. His feet were tired, his stomach was empty, and the coat he wore was threadbare and covered with patches.

[Soldier]

I appreciate the offer, folks. Thank you. So, what's for supper?

[Rebecca Shear]

The man and woman exchanged a look.

[Man]

Well, my wife and I are having a hearty chicken soup.

[Circle Round Fans]

Mm.

[Woman]

It's been simmering on the stove all day.

[Man]

But you'll be eating cold porridge.

[Woman]

There isn't enough soup for three.

[Rebecca Shear]

The soldier cast his eyes toward the stove, where an enormous iron pot was boiling and bubbling away. The pot seemed to hold more than enough steaming, fragrant soup for three people. But the soldier just smiled and sat down at the table. While the soldier choked down his cold, lumpy porridge, the man and woman slurped up their hot chicken soup with gusto.

[Man]

Oh, this soup is scrumptious.

[Woman]

Delectable.

[Man]

I'm going to have seconds.

[Woman]

I'm going to have thirds.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the man and woman refilled their bowls again and again, it began to dawn on the soldier just how selfish this pair truly was. But he kept quiet and continued eating until his bowl was empty. Once the man and woman gobbled up the entire pot of chicken soup, they brought out dessert. A fresh baked apple pie. The soldier's mouth watered as he waited to be served a slice. But instead, the man and woman carved out two massive pieces for themselves.

[Man]

Mm. This pie is just marvelous.

[Woman]

Incredible.

[Man]

Oh, so flaky, so light.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the couple gulped down bite after scrumptious bite, the soldier sheepishly piped up.

[Soldier]

Uh, excuse me, folks. I was wondering, may I please have some pie?

[Rebecca Shear]

The man and woman stopped chewing and fixed their guest with an irritated stare.

[Man]

Have some pie, you say?

[Woman]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Man]

You have work to do, soldier.

[Woman]

Didn't you promise that you'd chop firewood and feed the horses?

[Rebecca Shear]

So the soldier got up from the table and headed outside. The night air was bone achingly bitter. The soldier's hands trembled so hard he could barely hold the axe as he split logs. By the time he loaded the stable with hay, his arms and hands, legs and feet had all been gone numb. The old coat he wore was so scruffy and ratty, it did nothing to protect him from the cold. After his chores, the soldier staggered back to the house, where the man and woman were licking pie crumbs off their fingers and sipping big mugs. Of piping hot tea.

[Woman]

Oh, look, there he is.

[Man]

Took you long enough out there, soldier.

[Woman]

We're about to turn in for the night.

[Rebecca Shear]

Glancing around the house, the soldier spied a plush sofa in the living room. It was covered with thick woolen blankets.

[Soldier]

Hitting the hay is fine by me, folks. I have been traveling all day and I am beat. May I sleep on your sofa then?

[Rebecca Shear]

The couple shook their heads.

[Man]

Oh no, no, no, soldier.

[Woman]

Our house cat, Fluffy, sleeps on the sofa.

[Man]

She just loves snuggling up with all those cozy blankets.

[Woman]

You'll be sleeping on the floor.

[Rebecca Shear]

The soldier felt his heart clench. Were there truly no limits to this man and woman's stinginess?

[Soldier]

That's fine. Just fine. But the sofa's right next to the fireplace and it seems the fire's gone out. Would you mind if I started it back up again?

[Rebecca Shear]

Even as the soldier asked this question, he suspected he already knew the answer. And he was right.

[Man]

Start the fire again, you say?

[Woman]

And waste all of our precious firewood?

[Man]

No way, soldier.

[Woman]

Just use that ratty coat of yours as a blanket.

[Rebecca Shear]

Then the man and woman breezed into their snug, cozy bedroom and slammed the door. The soldier lay down on the living room floor beside the unlit fireplace. As a chill whooshed down the chimney, he curled himself into a ball, pulling his patched up coat even tighter around his quivering body. Naturally, the shabby old frock didn't do a lick of good. Ah.

[Soldier]

I cannot believe these people. They have plenty of supper to share yet. They don't. They've plenty of dessert to share yet. They. They don't. They have a whole extra sofa to sleep on. But do they share that? Of course not. To say nothing of parting with their precious firewood. Somebody really ought to teach these selfish scoundrels a lesson. And I know just the one to do it.

[Rebecca Shear]

What will the soldier do next? What would you do if you were the soldier? We'll find out what happens after a quick break. Support for Circle Round comes from audible. Get ready for Harry Potter like you've never heard it before. In a captivating new audio production that brings the wizarding world magically to life. You'll hear footsteps echoing down the halls of Hogwarts and the whoosh of a golden snitch as it zips past your ear. With a new musical score and an A list cast of voices, it's a delightful way to introduce the Harry Potter stories to a new generation. Harry potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is available now listen on [e-mail] HP1 support for Circle Round comes from Shriners Children's Home to the world's leading pediatric orthopedic care, critical burn care and care for craniofacial differences. Shriners never allows the inability to pay to compromise the treatment a child needs. The most amazing care anywhere [e-mail]. The reviews are in and super fans like you are loving the Circle Round Club, an exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff including ad free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[Circle Round Fans]

What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca Shear sends extra messages and it supports the show and there are no ads.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub. Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called the Patched Up Coat. Before the break, a man and woman allowed a poor traveling soldier to spend the night in their home. But the selfish couple made him sleep on the floor with nothing but his shabby patched up coat to keep him warm. The winter's night grew darker and colder, and before long the soldier's entire body felt frozen. But his brain was on fire as he cooked up a plan to teach the greedy pair a lesson. Right around midnight, he leaped to his feet and raced to the kitchen. He plunged his hand into a big jar of butter and smeared the thick, greasy stuff all over his face. Then he put on his coat and knocked at the man and woman's bedroom door.

[Man]

What is it, soldier?

[Woman]

How dare you wake us up in the middle of the night.

[Soldier]

I am so sorry to disturb you, but it is so hot and stuffy in the living room. Would you mind opening a window?

[Rebecca Shear]

The man and woman gaped at the soldier's drippy, sticky face. The living room was the draftiest part of the house, especially when the fireplace wasn't lit. And yet this soldier with his tattered, ragged coat was sweating so much he needed to open a window. The couple was confused, but they agreed to their guest's request, and when a burst of wind swept through the living room, they scurried back to their snug, cozy bedroom and slammed the door. But then an hour later, the soldier came knocking again.

[Man]

What is it now, soldier?

[Woman]

We're trying to get some sleep.

[Soldier]

I know and I apologize. But even with the window open, I'm so hot I could pass out. Would you mind opening the front door?

[Rebecca Shear]

The man and woman's jaws dropped. With the window open, the living room felt frosty as an icebox. Yet the Soldier wanted to open the door.

[Man]

Are you out of your mind, soldier?

[Woman]

With the door open, the house will freeze.

[Rebecca Shear]

The soldier shrugged.

[Soldier]

Well, I guess I'll just take off my coat then. Perhaps I'll be more comfortable without it.

[Rebecca Shear]

The man and woman watched as the soldier removed his scruffy, worn out coat and laid it on on the floor.

[Soldier]

Ah, there. That is so much better. So sorry to bother you folks. I'll see you in the morning.

[Rebecca Shear]

For the rest of the night, the man and woman couldn't sleep a wink. The soldier had them positively flummoxed. How could the fellow possibly stay so warm? Was it really that shabby patched up coat of his? Could it be magic? When morning came, the man and woman found the soldier in the living room, lacing up his boots and getting ready to go.

[Soldier]

Good morning, you two. I trust you slept well. As for me, I slept like a baby once I took off my coat, that is.

[Rebecca Shear]

The man and woman flashed the soldier a smile.

[Woman]

Yes, about that coat. We were wondering, could we trade you for it?

[Rebecca Shear]

This was the moment the soldier had been waiting for. He stifled a giggle and feigned surprise.

[Soldier]

My coat? You say you want to trade for my coat?

[Man]

Indeed we do.

[Woman]

We want to trade it for this lovely goose down jacket here.

[Man]

It's too bulky to wear while chopping wood or feeding the horses or driving.

[Woman]

To market, but your coat would be perfect. It's so nice and light, yet so nice and warm.

[Rebecca Shear]

The soldier gazed at the goose down jacket. It truly was beautiful. But he pretended to hesitate.

[Soldier]

I don't know, folks. This coat has been with me a long time. I'm not sure I'm ready to part with it.

[Rebecca Shear]

To the soldier's delight, the man and woman took the bait.

[Man]

Oh, we understand completely. That's why we'll sweeten the deal.

[Woman]

We'll give you one of our finest.

[Man]

Horses, plus an entire bag of silver coins.

[Woman]

What do you say?

[Rebecca Shear]

The soldier acted like he was thinking it over. The man and woman waited and waited, until at last the soldier's face broke into a grin.

[Soldier]

I say you've got yourself a deal, folks. Thank you.

[Rebecca Shear]

So the soldier traded his ragged, tattered coat for the man and woman's goose down jacket. Then he mounted his fine new horse, slung his bag of silver coins over his shoulder and rode down the hill, warm sun snuggly and laughing all the way. Once he was gone, the woman pulled on the patched up coat and went out to the stable to tend the horses. It was a nippy, snowy morning, and by the time she was done brushing and feeding the animals. Her cheeks were bright red, her lips were pale blue, and she was shaking like jelly.

[Woman]

Husband, the soldier's magic coat doesn't seem to be working for me. Perhaps you should give it a try.

[Man]

All right. I'll wear it to market.

[Rebecca Shear]

So the man put on the soldier's coat, harnessed a horse to the cart, then set off down the hill. The snow was falling in great clumps now, and each biting, cutting gust of wind felt like the sting of a bee. The man's teeth chattered. He could barely move his mouth. And when he lost all feeling in his face, fingers and toes, he turned right back around and headed home. But he didn't go alone. He was so freezing cold that he picked up some travelers along the way just so he could huddle up next to a warm body or two. It was the first free ride the selfish man had ever given. And you know what? It wouldn't be his last. When the shivering man returned to his home on the hill, he told the woman how the soldier had tricked them. And from that day forward, the couple vowed to change their ways and never give anyone the cold shoulder. Now it's your turn. What's one thing you can do this week to help someone in need? Maybe you can go through your closet and donate clothing you no longer wear. You can collect canned goods for a food bank, or you can volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or animal shelter. Think about one thing you can do, then go out and do it. When we help others, we help make the world a warmer, sunnier place. This week's story, the Patched Up Coat, which was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Circle Round's supervising producer, Amarie Siebertson. Circle Round's original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white illustration for every single Circle Round story, and you can print them out and color them in. Ask a grown up to visit wbur.org circleround then click on Soundtrack and coloring pages. And While you'[e-mail] you can find a link to the Circle Round coloring book and T shirt, the Circle Round soundtrack, and a transcript for each and every Circle Round tale. Special thanks to this week's actors, Theodore Chin, Jessica Rao, and Peter Sagal. Peter is the host of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me the NPR News Quiz. He's also the author of the Book of Naughty Things and How to Do Them and the Incomplete Book of Running a memoir about the two 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and other adventures while running long distances. Our featured instrument this week was the goose lee. You can read more about this stringed instrument and see a picture on our website. Once more, that's WBUR.org circle round never want to miss an episode of Circle Round? Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News Station. 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.

[Circle Round Fans]

My name is Lula. I live in Anchorage, Alaska. My favorite Circle Round story is Princess and the Bee. I like the part where the bee surprises the princess because the bee can actually help her. My name's Lachlan and I live in Salt Lake City. And my favorite dick around is Visitor Buster. My My favorite part is when the tiger gives her the basket. My name is Hazel and I live in Idaho. And my favorite story is the Basilisk Stair. I like the part where Natolia saves Conrad. Hi, my name is Sierra and I live in Beacon, New York. And my favorite Circle around episode is the Sea in the sky. And my favorite part is when the kite tricks the sea and the sky into making. My name is Georgia, I live in Kansas City. My favorite Circle Round story is the Salmon Famine. And my favorite part is when Coyote teaches the giants their lesson. Hi, my name's Aurelia and I live in Washington. And my favorite Circle Round story is the Horse for a Hire. I like when he is mad and he's yelling. I live in Washington and my favorite story was the peanut one. I like when he found the golden stuff was not golden.

[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 OSA much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.