Circle Round Podcast Episode Summary: "Hot Potatoes"

Podcast Information

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Description: Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into engaging radio plays for children and families, exploring themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity.
• Episode: Hot Potatoes
• Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In the "Hot Potatoes" episode of Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear brings to life a captivating folktale inspired by the Tonga people of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The story centers around Hare, a crafty trickster, and his interactions with other animals on the savannah, ultimately delivering a lesson on cleverness and humility.

Story Overview

Setting the Scene The episode begins on a blisteringly hot day on the savannah, where Hare is desperately searching for water to quench his thirst.

Rebecca Shear [02:00]: "Hare was desperate for a drink. From the tips of my long, pointy ears to the back of my short, bushy tail."

Hare Tricks Antelope and Lizard Hare first encounters Antelope at a water hole. Using his charm, he convinces Antelope to help him plow the land to grow melons, promising to split the harvest equally. However, Hare deceives Antelope by trapping her with a vine, denying her access to water, and seizing the entire water supply for himself.

Hare [05:09]: "That's your problem, Antelope, not mine. And now, this is my water hole, not yours."

Similarly, Hare repeats his trick with Lizard, ensuring he drains another water hole while leaving both Antelope and Lizard at a loss.

The Encounter with Tortoise Undeterred by his previous failures, Hare approaches Tortoise with the same offer to farm melons and share the harvest. Unlike Antelope and Lizard, Tortoise is wary but decides to join Hare in stealing sweet potatoes from Boar, a known bully.

Tortoise [09:02]: "Look, even if we did try and steal Boar's sweet potatoes, aren't you worried about getting caught?"

Hare dismisses Tortoise's concerns, boasting about his cleverness.

Hare [09:35]: "After all, you know what everyone says. I am by far the cleverest critter on the savanna."

The Clever Plan As Tortoise and Hare execute their plan to steal sweet potatoes, Tortoise devises a strategy to outsmart Hare. While Hare becomes burdened by the heavy sacks of roasted sweet potatoes, Tortoise ingeniously hides inside Hare's sack, consuming the sweet potatoes. When Hare realizes the sack is filled with empty skins, he confronts Tortoise, who reveals her successful trickery.

Tortoise [19:01]: "Thanks for the ride, Hare. And for the meal. Oh, and thanks for reminding me who the cleverest critter on the savanna really is."

Key Themes and Lessons

Cleverness vs. Trickery The episode contrasts Hare's deceitful trickery with Tortoise's genuine cleverness. While Hare relies on manipulation and selfishness, Tortoise uses her intelligence and quick thinking to achieve a fair outcome.

Consequences of Deception Hare's attempts to deceive others ultimately backfire, highlighting the moral that deceit may offer short-term gains but leads to long-term consequences.

Teamwork and Fairness Tortoise's approach emphasizes collaboration and fairness, showcasing how working together with honesty yields better results for everyone involved.

Notable Quotes

• Rebecca Shear [02:14]: "An old proverb from Africa says, truth is like oil. No matter how much water you pour on it, it will always float."

• Antelope [05:06]: "You'll pay for this, Hare. One of these days, he'll pay for this, Hare."

• Hare [09:35]: "I am by far the cleverest critter on the savanna."

• Tortoise [19:01]: "Thanks for the ride, Hare. And for the meal. Oh, and thanks for reminding me who the cleverest critter on the savanna really is."

Conclusion and Activity

At the end of the episode, Rebecca Shear encourages children to identify their own "superpowers" — unique abilities that help them in daily life, such as patience, humor, or resilience. She suggests that children share these superpowers with a grown-up to foster deeper conversations and mutual understanding.

Rebecca Shear [19:17]: "Find a grown up and tell them all about your superpower. Then ask them to share one of theirs. Something tells me that after you talk, you both will feel super."

Additional Information

• Adaptation and Production: Adapted by Rebecca Sheer, edited by Dean Russell, with original music and sound design by Eric Shimalonis.
• Featured Instrument: Bolophone, an ancestor of the marimba, xylophone, and vibraphone.
• Artist Contribution: Sabina Hahn provided a black and white coloring page for the story.
• Special Thanks: Actors Ryan Dallasung, Jessica Rao, Erica Rose, and Arlen Escarpeta.

Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast by joining the Circle Round Club for exclusive content and perks.

Listener Engagement

The episode concludes with listeners sharing their favorite Circle Round stories, showcasing the show's global and diverse fanbase. Names and locations of listeners from Belgium, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, Maryland, Massachusetts, and California are mentioned, highlighting the wide reach and impact of the podcast.

Final Thoughts "Hot Potatoes" is a delightful and morally rich tale that emphasizes the value of honesty, cleverness, and teamwork. Through engaging storytelling and memorable characters, Circle Round delivers important life lessons in an entertaining and accessible manner for both children and adults.