
Gabe Kunda (Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends) and Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus, Insecure) co-star in a Ugandan legend about friendship, rivalry, and making music.
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Rebecca Sheer
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 18th, Boston on February 7th and Cleveland on March 14th. We can't wait to Circle Round with you live. Get your tickets@wbur.org CircleRound WBUR Podcasts, Boston. Think about someone you would call a friend. What's it like when you're with them? Do you feel connected? Like the two of you are in sync? In today's story, we'll meet two friends who have always been in sync until an unexpected instrument disrupts their harmony. Hi, I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round where storytime happens all the time. Today our story is called Pythons Drum. It's adapted from an East African tale told by the Baganda speaking people of Uganda. Some really great people came together to bring you our tale, including Gabe Kunda and Natasha Rothwell. Grammy nominated actor and singer Gabe Kunda has lent his voice to to Marvel rivals, Apex Legends, Diablo 4 Valorant and other action packed video games. Two time Emmy nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her performances in the HBO series the White Lotus and Insecure and as the creator and star of the Hulu comedy How to Die Alone. You kids can hear her voice in Baby Shark's big Movie, Baby Shark's big Show and Disney's Wish. So circle round everyone for Python's drum. Lizard and Python were two best friends who lived in a village beside a big sparkling lake. Lizard was a spectacular singer.
Lizard
Me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me.
Rebecca Sheer
And Python was a dynamite dancer.
Python
Slither and slide. Put your tail in the air and glide.
Rebecca Sheer
Once each year, the animals in Python and Lizards village threw a party. A boisterous celebration with delicious food, festive drinks and best of all, marvelous music. Python was the proud owner of a drum. Drums weren't very common in those early days and Pythons was a real beauty. Picture carved from a hollowed out log and covered with a tightly stretched hide. Every year when the annual village party rolled around, Python would play her drum while Lizard sang.
Lizard
Beat the drum, let it ring. Listen to old lizard sing. Beat the drum, let it ring. Listen to old lizard sing.
Rebecca Sheer
Then the friends would switch and Lizard would play the drum while Python danced.
Python
Slither and slide. Put your tail in the air and gl. Fly and slide. Put your tail in the air and glide.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard and Python put on quite a show and the animals loved It.
Python
Play another one, you two. We love hearing you sing and watching you dance.
Lizard
You're such a dynamic duo.
Rebecca Sheer
One year, a special guest attended the village party. It was lion, chief of another village way across the lake.
Lion
I am so pleased to attend the annual party of my esteemed neighbors. I've been hearing about two very talented musicians who call this place home. Lizard, Python, show me what you've got.
Lizard
Ha ha. You betcha, Chief.
Python
Check this out.
Rebecca Sheer
Lion was mesmerized as Lizard and Python sang, danced and Dr. The visiting chief was especially enchanted by the drum. And hours later, when the party came to a close and the guests drifted home to get some sleep, lion had a thought.
Lion
The animals of my village must experience that dynamite drum. I shall invite the drum's owner to come back with me across the lake and play for us.
Rebecca Sheer
The only problem was, lion wasn't sure who the drum's owner was. After all, both Lizard and Python had played it at the party.
Lion
They both played equally well. Though, now that I think of it, Lizard seemed to have an easier time. After all, he could beat the drum with his two hands, while Python had to rely on her one tail. Therefore, the owner must be Lizard.
Rebecca Sheer
It was a fair guess, even if you and I both know it was the wrong one. But lion didn't know that. So as the edge of the sky began growing rosy with dawn, lion knocked at Lizard's door.
Lion
Lizard, I'm sorry if I woke you, but I can't stop thinking about the party and the marvelous music you made.
Lizard
Thank you, Chief, though I can't take all the credit. Python's quite the music maker as well.
Lion
Sure she is. Sure. But it's you I'm interested in. I'd like you to come with me across the lake, Lizard, and perform for the animals in my village.
Lizard
Really?
Lion
Really. All you have to bring is your beautiful voice and your glorious drum.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard cocked his head.
Lizard
Uh, you want me to bring my drum?
Lion
Of course. The rhythmic beats of that drum and the dulcet tones of your voice were simply captivating.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard paused. Lion's praise was wonderful but worrisome. After all, the drum belonged to Python, not him. He couldn't take credit for his best friend's prized possession.
Lizard
Chief, I appreciate the compliments. I really do. But as much as I'd love to join you across the lake and entertain your villagers, I'm afraid there's no way that I can.
Lion
Oh, I get it. A masterful musician like you doesn't entertain for free. Not a problem. I will reward you handsomely for Your services. Silver, gold, jewels, whatever you wish. It's yours. So, you in?
Rebecca Sheer
Now, if you were Lizard, what would you do? Would you confess to lion that the drum was not yours? Or would you be so tempted by riches that you would fudge the facts and fiber?
Lizard
Well, in this case, count me in, chief.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard chose to fib.
Lizard
I would be honored to bring my drum to your village.
Lion
Fantastic. Pack your things and come to the lake after breakfast. My boat and I will be waiting.
Rebecca Sheer
The sun was already rising, so Lizard had little time to lose. His goal to get the drum from Python without her knowing the real reason why. By the time he scuttled to her house, he had concocted a seemingly foolproof plan.
Python
Good morning, Lizard, old buddy. That was some party last night, huh? Lion really dug the music we made together. You and I are quite the team.
Lizard
Oh, boy, oh boy. You are right, Python. You and I are quite the team. But to be honest, I can't help but feel like my drumming skills are slipping.
Python
Slipping?
Lizard
Yeah. Since you own the drum, you always get to practice. And it shows you're a real virtuoso. I feel like an amateur.
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Python gave her friend a sympathetic look.
Python
Gosh, I had no idea you felt that way, buddy. You know you can borrow my drum and practice anytime. Anytime at all.
Lizard
I can? But it's so important to you.
Python
You know what else is important to me? My best friend. And I would do anything for my best friend.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard felt a twinge of guilt, but he did his best to ignore it.
Lizard
That is so sweet of you, Python. I'd love to borrow the drum now, if I may say, for a day or two.
Python
How about a week? That'll give you plenty of time to polish your skills. Just promise you'll be careful with it, okay?
Lizard
Of course. I know how rare it is.
Python
You know what else is rare? A friend like you. I'm glad I could help you out, pal.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard felt another prick of guilt, then shooed it away, grabbed Python's drum and high tailed it toward the lake.
Lizard
Okay, so I liked a python a little bit. But hey, it'll be worth it when I play this drum in Lion's village and get all the glory and all the riches too.
Rebecca Sheer
What will happen when Lizard brings Python's drum across the lake? Will his best buddy discover the truth? We'll find out after a quick.
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Rebecca Sheer
Grown ups support public radio and sign up today@wbur.org CircleRoundClub. Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear. Today our story is called Python's Drum. Before the break, Lizard convinced his best pal Python to lend him her prized drum so that he could practice. But what he actually did was perform for the animals across the lake in Lyons Village. The animals went wild for Lizard's drumming, so wild that he wound up staying with them, playing every night for a week.
Lizard
Oh yeah, check this out.
Rebecca Sheer
With each performance, Lizard's pride inflated like a balloon and the memory of his promise to return Python's drum deflated like a flat tire. Python, meanwhile, had no idea what was going on.
Python
It's been a week and I haven't seen hide nor hair nor scale of Lizard. I better go to his house and see what's up.
Rebecca Sheer
But when she slithered over and wrapped her tail on Lizard's door, nobody answered.
Python
Lizard, are you there? I've come to get my drone back, just like we discussed Lizard.
Rebecca Sheer
As Python knocked and knocked, a group of passing animals came scurrying over.
Python
You won't find Lizard at home, Python.
Rebecca Sheer
You won't even find him in the village.
Python
He left town a week ago and.
Lizard
He took your drum with him.
Rebecca Sheer
Python's Jaw dropped.
Python
What? For real? Lizard skipped town with my drum. Where did he go? Across the lake. Lion asked him to play for the animals in his village. He promised Lizard he would be richly rewarded.
Lizard
So Lizard took your drum and left.
Rebecca Sheer
Python was floored. And just as she was wondering how her best friend could lie to her like this, she heard a familiar sound and familiar voice. Python hurried to the lakeside, and what should she see but Lizard drifting to shore in a boat full of riches and playing her drum?
Python
Lizard. Hey, Lizard.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard put down the drum and paddled to shore.
Lizard
Hiya, Python. You called?
Python
Yes, I did. You told me you were practicing the drum, Lizard, not that you were performing for riches. How could you lie to me like this?
Lizard
Lie? I did not lie. Not technically, anyway. Performing counts as practice, does it not? And boy, did those animals across the lake love my performance.
Python
I'm sure they did, Lizard, judging by the riches in your boat. And look, since you're my friend, I'm happy for you. But now it's time to make good on your promise and give me back my drum.
Lizard
Give it back?
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard clutched the drum to his chest.
Lizard
Why should I give it back? Have you been showered with silver, gold and jewels for your playing? I don't think so. And besides, it was me lion invited to play in his village, not you. So clearly, I am more deserving of this drum than you'll ever be.
Rebecca Sheer
And with that, Lizard hopped out of the boat and began carrying the drum away. Now, you may know that snakes are cold blooded creatures, but Python was so angry her blood began to boil. She let out a hiss, then lunged at Lizard with teeth bared. Lizard was so startled, he bolted up a eucalyptus tree overlooking the lake.
Lizard
I'm not afraid of you, Python. And you'll never get this drum back. Never.
Python
What a bet.
Rebecca Sheer
Python coiled herself around the tree. Then, using her powerful muscles, she began shimmying up the trunk. Lizard scrambled away from her, climbing higher and higher until he reached the skinny, spindly branches that hung over the water. He knew they were too slender to support Python's weight.
Lizard
Let it go, Python. A drum this important and rare deserves an owner who's important and rare. And I am important and rare. You told me so yourself.
Python
I was talking about friendship, Lizard. Because you're so precious to me. Or you were.
Lizard
Well, you know what's actually precious? This drum. So I'm keeping it for myself. For myself. For myself.
Rebecca Sheer
Python was in tears as she wriggled back to the ground. As she made her way home, she heard a friendly voice.
Termite Queen
Hi there, Python.
Rebecca Sheer
Python turned her head. And there, perched atop a termite mound, was the termite queen. When the royal insect noticed Python's tears, she frowned.
Termite Queen
Oh, dear. You look awfully blue.
Python
That's because I am blue, Queen. I lost my drum. And even worse, I lost my best friend.
Termite Queen
You mean Lizard. I'm sorry to hear it. But you know what might cheer you up? It's my birthday and the termites are throwing me a party tonight. Would you do us the honor of coming over and dancing for us? Your moves are so amazing.
Rebecca Sheer
Python was in no mood for dancing. But as she considered the invitation, she was struck by an idea.
Python
You know what, Queen? I'd be delighted to dance for you tonight if you'll do me a favor in return.
Termite Queen
Of course, Python.
Python
Anything.
Rebecca Sheer
Python leaned down and whispered in the queen's ear. The queen gave Python a grin, then let out a whistle.
Termite Queen
Fellow termites, come out of the mound. We have a mission to carry out.
Rebecca Sheer
In no time flat, hundreds of thousands of termites came swarming into view. The queen gave some instructions, then they all lined up behind Python and followed her to the eucalyptus tree. Lizard was still perched in the branches over the water, drumming his heart out.
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Mm. Mm.
Lizard
Oh. Oh, yeah.
Python
Hey, Lizard. Lizard.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard stopped drumming and shot Python an arrogant look. He was up so high, he didn't see the army of termites behind her.
Lizard
Hey, look who's come slithering back. Are you going to demand that I give you back the drum, Python? Again?
Python
No, Lizard. I'm going to ask that you give me back the drum again in the hope that somewhere in your heart you remember our friendship and how special it was.
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard was quiet for a moment. The truth is, he did remember their friendship. But he was in too deep to turn back now.
Lizard
Yeah, friendship, schmenship. I'm a professional musician now, Python. I'm in show business. I don't have time for friends. Yeah, man, I'm good.
Rebecca Sheer
Python took a deep breath. Then she turned to the termites.
Python
All right, everybody, time to do your thing.
Rebecca Sheer
The army of insects heeded the queue. Without missing a beat, they swarmed to the eucalyptus tree. And just like that, hundreds of thousands of voracious wood eating critters went scuttling up and down the trunk, nibbling and devouring the delicious wood. Lizard was so busy drumming, he didn't notice.
Lizard
Yeah, all right. I'm keeping it for myself. Uh huh. Uh huh.
Python
Ooh.
Rebecca Sheer
At least he didn't notice at first. But with every termite nibble, the trunk grew thinner and weaker until the eucalyptus tree toppled into the lake, taking Lizard and the drum with it. Lizard thrashed and flailed in the water, struggling to stay afloat. The drum bobbed up and down beside him.
Lizard
Somebody help me. I can't swim.
Rebecca Sheer
Python stared at Lizard. Then she stared at the drum. Then she slid her strong, streamlined body into the lake, fixed Lizard with a steely look, and began streaking toward him.
Lizard
Python, don't hurt me. What I did was wrong, and I'm so sorry. But I beg you, let me.
Rebecca Sheer
Python picked up speed, and when she reached Lizard and the drum, she dove forward and coiled her muscular body around Lizard.
Python
Oh, no.
Lizard
You're gonna crush me, aren't you? You're gonna squeeze me to a pulp.
Rebecca Sheer
Python's answer caught Lizard by surprise.
Lizard
No.
Python
I'm going to save you. Save me?
Lizard
What about the drum?
Python
I'll come back for it later. It's hollow and made from wood so it floats. But you don't. And even though the drum is important to me and rare, it's nothing compared with an old friend.
Rebecca Sheer
Python tightened her grip and began carrying Lizard to shore.
Lizard
Oh, Python, do you have to squeeze.
Python
So tight if you want me to save your life?
Termite Queen
I do.
Python
Just don't move. I can't breathe.
Lizard
I'm so dizzy. I'm seeing. Whoa. Stars.
Python
Then close your eyes.
Rebecca Sheer
I can't.
Python
You're squeezing so tight, my eyes are bulging.
Termite Queen
Ooh.
Lizard
Out of my head.
Python
Well, there's nothing I can do about that. Just hang on.
Rebecca Sheer
After several of the longest seconds of Lizard's life, he and Python reached the shore and collapsed on the grass.
Lizard
Thanks for saving my life, Python. I'm sorry I was so dishonest about your drum. And I'm sorry I tried to steal it.
Python
That's okay, Lizard. I'm sorry, too.
Lizard
About what?
Python
Oh, you know.
Rebecca Sheer
She gave a sheepish look.
Python
Your eyes m. My what?
Rebecca Sheer
Lizard raced to the water and peered down at his reflection. Indeed, his eyes were now bulging out of his head like two golf balls. And that is why so many lizards have bulging eyes today. The reunited friends laughed and shared a hug. Python made sure not to squeeze too tight. And that night, both she and Lizard showed up to perform at the termite queen's party. Python played her drum while Lizard sang.
Lizard
Beat the drum, let it ring Listen.
Rebecca Sheer
To old Lizard sing Then Lizard played the drum while Python danced.
Python
Slither and fly Put your tail in.
Rebecca Sheer
The air and glide the two pals put on quite a show as they made enchanting, mesmerizing music together. Now it's your turn. You can make your own tin can drum. First, get an empty tin can and please make sure a grown up has removed the lid safely. Second, find an uninflated balloon and cut off the narrow end. Then stretch the balloon tightly over the cans. Open top. Hold the balloon in place with a rubber band. Next, use paper and glue stickers or anything else you have around to decorate your drum. After that you can play your drum using a stick, a pencil or your hands. This week's episode, Python's Drum was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week is the Djembe. You can learn more about this goblet shaped hand drum and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website WBUR.org Circleround Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for every single Circle Round story and you can print them out and color them in grown Ups. You can download all of our coloring pages@wbur.org CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors Ryan Dallasung, GM Hakim, Jessica Rau, Erika Rose, Dawn Ursula, Matt Zambrano, Natasha Rothwell and Gabe Kunda. Grammy nominated actor and singer Gabe Kunda has lent his voice to animation, movie trailers and video games like Marvel rivals, Apex Legends, Diablo 4 and Valorant. He's also a member of the Acapella group King's Return. Two time Emmy nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her roles in the White Lotus and Insecure and as the creator and star of the Hulu comedy How to Die Alone. She continues to champion authentic storytelling through her film and television company Big Hattie Productions. Love Circle Round and want to circle round with us in even more ways. Join the Circle Round Club and as thanks for your support of our public media podcast, we'll shower you with all sorts of goodies including an ad free feed, bonus bedtime stories, audio features about the musical instruments we use, and an invitation to meet me and Eric Shyamalanis after our live shows. Sign up for the Circle Round Club and show your love for public media@wbur.org CircleRound Grown Ups if you have a moment, please, please leave us a five star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. It helps other listeners find the show so we can keep circling round with you for years to come. Circle Round is a production of WBUR Boston's npr. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling round 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.
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My name is Talis, I live in Asheville, North Carolina and my favorite Circle Round story is Friends in High Places. My favorite part is when Rhino says my name is Isla and I live in California. My favorite story is the First Cuckoo cone because my favorite part is when you say no way. The real cuckoo. My name is Claire and I live in New York and my favorite story is Salmon Famine and I like the part when Coyote turns into a baby and teaches the giants a lesson. I'm Gavin and I'm from Iowa and my favorite Circle round is a park. My name is Peter, I live in Bettendorf, Iowa. My favorite Circle Round story is all the stories. My name is Anthony, I live in Nashville, Tennessee. My favorite story is the Price Master. My favorite part is when the Price Master says one doggy bag of Rice. My name is Naomi, I live in Kmase, Massachusetts and my favorite circumstance story is the Be in the Bus and my favorite part is when the landlord wrings his hands and makes a fit and the mom and Rose do not.
Rebecca Sheer
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 oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.
Airing Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Rebecca Sheer
Featured Cast: Gabe Kunda, Natasha Rothwell
Story Origin: Baganda-speaking people, Uganda
This engaging Circle Round episode adapts a folktale from East Africa, exploring the themes of friendship, honesty, jealousy, and forgiveness. Two best friends—Lizard (a remarkable singer) and Python (an impressive dancer)—share a love for music and performing, especially with Python’s rare and beautiful drum. Their harmonious relationship is challenged when Lizard, tempted by riches and praise, betrays Python’s trust after a prestigious invitation from Lion, a visiting chief. The tale unfolds with drama, cleverness, and a heartfelt resolution, ultimately celebrating the enduring value of true friendship.
| Time | Segment Title/Content | |--------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Show intro, theme, episode set-up | | 02:12 | Introduction to Lizard and Python’s talents | | 03:27 | Annual party and the animals’ excitement | | 04:52 | Lion arrives, admires the drum, makes assumptions | | 07:12 | Lizard gives in to temptation | | 08:32 | Python’s display of friendship | | 12:35 | Lizard basks in fame, forgets his promise | | 13:43 | Python learns of Lizard’s betrayal | | 15:23 | Lizard refuses to return the drum | | 17:17 | Python seeks Termite Queen’s help | | 20:19 | Termites bring down the tree | | 21:15 | Lizard falls—calls for help | | 22:06 | Python chooses kindness and saves Lizard | | 23:34 | Folktale origin of lizards’ bulging eyes | | 24:07 | Friends reunited, perform at the party |
At the end, listeners are invited to build their own tin can drum—a hands-on, creative project that echoes the tale’s themes of music and sharing.
Circle Round maintains a warm, playful, and thoughtful tone, using lively dialogue and sound design to bring the folktale to life. The language is approachable for all ages, and the message is clear: material things pale in importance next to kindness, honesty, and the bonds of friendship.
"Python’s Drum" is a captivating, music-filled tale that teaches the importance of honesty, the pain of betrayal, and the healing power of forgiveness. The episode wraps up with friends restored, a creative activity for kids and adults alike, and a folkloric origin for the lizard’s buggy eyes—reminding listeners that the greatest treasures in life are often the friends we keep and the trust we share.