Circle Round Podcast Summary
Episode Title: In the Wolf’s Mouth
Host/Author: WBUR’s Rebecca Shear
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Introduction
Circle Round, a beloved WBUR podcast crafted by parents for children aged 3-103, delves into folktales from around the globe, transforming them into captivating radio plays enriched with sound and music. Hosted by Rebecca Shear, each 15 to 25-minute episode explores vital themes such as kindness, persistence, and generosity, concluding with an activity to spark meaningful conversations between children and adults.
In the episode titled "In the Wolf’s Mouth," released on November 5, 2024, Rebecca Shear presents a retelling inspired by Portuguese folktales. The episode features the exceptional voice talents of Jennifer Hale, renowned for her work in numerous animated series and holding the Guinness World Record for the most prolific female video game voice actor.
Story Overview
Wolf’s Arrogance and Bullying
The narrative introduces Wolf, the forest's mightiest and most formidable creature. Her dominance is not just physical; she exudes beauty, intelligence, and an unshakable sense of self-importance. At [00:35], Rebecca Shear sets the stage:
"In today's story, we'll meet a character who actually does go into the mouth of a wolf, and she uses everything she has to stay protected and lucky."
— Rebecca Shear [01:12]
As Wolf parades through the lush forest, she constantly boasts about her prowess and intimidates other animals into servitude:
"Wait, let me guess. You're talking about me, right? Surely you're talking about me."
— Wolf [02:46]
Wolf’s Bullying Tactics:
- Pheasant is forced to fan Wolf with her wings to cool her down under threat of being snatched with her fangs ([03:56]).
- Rabbit is commanded to fetch fish with the implied threat of being eaten ([04:03]).
- Mouse is ordered to comb her matted fur or face Gobbling ([04:12]).
These interactions are marked by Wolf's relentless boasting and coercion, instilling fear among the forest's smaller inhabitants.
Animals’ Fear and Suppression
Despite their disdain for Wolf's tyrannical behavior, Pheasant, Rabbit, and Mouse remain silent, too intimidated to challenge Wolf. Rebecca narrates:
"As you can imagine, Pheasant, rabbit and mouse didn't like this treatment one bit. But they never spoke up for themselves, lest wolf devour them with her razor sharp teeth."
— Rebecca Shear [04:21]
Owl’s Intervention and Cleverness
Introducing the Wise Owl
Amid the fear, one animal, Owl, decides to confront Wolf. The story takes a pivotal turn when Owl devises a plan to outsmart the bully. At [07:30], Wolf attempts to boast about her superiority:
"Unlike Wolf, with her bossy pants ways, I'm the biggest, I'm the strongest."
— Wolf [07:30]
However, Owl remains calm and thoughtful, exhibiting the wisdom characteristic of owls in folktales.
The Confrontation
One evening, Wolf encounters Mouse, Rabbit, and Pheasant sequentially, continuing her pattern of intimidation and demands. The tension peaks when Wolf meets Owl:
"Greetings, Wolf. I hope I didn't disturb you. Please don't eat me."
— Wolf [10:38]
Instead of succumbing to fear, Owl engages Wolf in a clever dialogue, flattering and subtly challenging her:
"Because surely you know, Wolf, that an owl like me isn't easy to capture. We don't fly fast, but we fly silently. We're stealthy, so nobody ever hears us coming. Nobody but you, that is."
— Wolf [11:58]
Owl leverages this conversation to sow doubt and distract Wolf. As Wolf becomes engrossed in her own reflection of superiority, Owl seizes the moment to escape, leading to Wolf’s embarrassment as the other animals witness her outsmarted by Owl.
"Guess you'll have to show off your prize some other time, Wolf. And you'll have to find some other meal worthy of you to eat. Like, say, humble pie. Or perhaps you can just eat crow. Oh, I am a hoot."
— Wolf [13:13]
Conclusion and Moral Lessons
Wolf’s Realization: The encounter with Owl serves as a transformative moment for Wolf. She learns that true power lies not just in physical strength but in intelligence and humility.
"Because at long last, she finally understood that even more powerful than a big, strong body is a big, strong mind."
— Rebecca Shear [13:34]
Moral Lessons: Rebecca Shear encapsulates the episode's lessons by encouraging listeners to approach problems methodically:
- Identify the Problem: Understand what you’re facing.
- Brainstorm Solutions: Think creatively, no matter how unconventional.
- Evaluate Options: Weigh the pros and cons of each potential solution.
- Take Action: Choose the best solution and persist, using perseverance over sheer force.
She quotes Albert Einstein to inspire resilience:
"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."
— Albert Einstein (as referenced by Rebecca Shear)
Additional Highlights
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Voice Acting: Jennifer Hale brings all characters to life with a single, versatile performance, showcasing her exceptional talent.
"Jennifer Hale has lent her voice to hundreds of animated shows including X Men 97, the Last Airbender, Star the Clone Wars, Star the Bad Batch and Unicorn Academy."
— Rebecca Shear [16:00] -
Musical Elements: Eric Shimalonis contributes original music and sound design, including the enchanting tones of the Portuguese guitar, adding depth to the storytelling.
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Interactive Elements: At the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to engage with coloring pages and other activities available on the Circle Round website.
Engaging the Audience
Circle Round fosters a community of listeners by featuring favorite stories shared by fans from various locations, highlighting the universal appeal and diverse interpretations of their tales.
"Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best."
— Rebecca Shear [16:57]
Final Thoughts
"In the Wolf’s Mouth" is a compelling episode that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about courage, intelligence, and the importance of using one's mind to overcome challenges. Through rich storytelling, dynamic voice acting, and thoughtful themes, Circle Round continues to be a cherished resource for families seeking meaningful and engaging content.
For more stories, activities, and to join the Circle Round community, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.