Circle Round: "The First Counselor"

Host: Rebecca Sheir
Guests (Voice Actors): Danielle Panabaker, James Wolk
Date: September 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Circle Round presents "The First Counselor," an engaging folktale adaptation based on stories from Sweden. The narrative explores the challenge of making wise decisions, highlighting the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and staying true to one’s word. The story takes listeners through the journey of a king trying to choose which of his six uniquely talented counselors should rule in his absence, with magical intervention helping reveal true character. The episode is crafted for family listening, blending humor, suspense, and heartfelt lessons, capped by a playful activity for children and caregivers to continue the conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The King's Dilemma (00:00–04:51)

• Main Theme Introduced: The king, with no heirs, must select a trusted counselor to rule during his absence.
• Introduction of Counselors:
  • Nessa: Very fast ("Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today…")
  • Norvid: Very slow ("Slow and steady wins the race.")
  • Linea: Very young ("In the heart of every young person lies the potential for greatness.")
  • Ludwig: Very old ("With age comes wisdom. And arthritis. Oh, and did I mention wisdom?")
  • Astrid: Very loud ("Speak loud and clear for all to hear. And I do mean all.")
  • Anders: Very quiet ("I talk only when I have something to say. After all, we have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak." — Counselor Anders, 03:56)

2. The Fairy's Arrival and the Test (04:51–09:18)

• Magical Intervention: A fairy appears to the king and suggests a secret plan to help him choose:
  • The counselors must fetch the king’s beloved golden galley.
  • The king is to meet the fairy by the river, disguised as a poor woodcutter.
• Purpose: The king's assistance to the counselors, incognito, would reveal their character.

3. Disguised as a Woodcutter: The Test Begins (09:18–12:51)

• Crisis: The counselors, sailing the golden galley, are caught in a sudden storm.

• Resolution: The disguised king rescues them.

• Counselors' Gratitude: All six offer rewards; the woodcutter (king) only asks them to dinner at his humble cottage the next day at sunset.

  "Repay me? There's no need to repay me. I helped you out of the goodness of my heart. However, if you wish to give me something, you can give me the honor of hosting you for dinner." — The King (disguised), 12:08

4. Part Two of the Test: The Banquet Dilemma (15:18–17:07)

• New Instruction: The fairy instructs the king to invite all counselors (again as himself) to a royal banquet at the same time as the dinner at the woodcutter's cottage.
• Moral Crossroads: The counselors must now choose between their word to the woodcutter and the king's invitation.

5. The Outcome: Revealing True Character (17:07–22:44)

• Banquet Scene: All counselors except Anders attend promptly. Anders arrives late and disheveled, having tried to fulfill his promise to the woodcutter.

• Honesty and Integrity:

  • Anders admits the truth about his absence, citing his promise to the woodcutter.
  • Despite knowing he risks his position, he chooses to keep his word.

  "That is correct, your majesty. I promised the woodcutter I would dine at his cottage, and since he extended his invitation before you extended yours, I felt obligated to follow through. But when I went to the forest to see him, his cottage was gone." — Counselor Anders, 19:42

  • The king, maintaining the ruse, presses Anders, who remains steadfast.

  "I don't expect you to believe it, sir, but it's the truth. The cottage was gone, and I had to honor the woodcutter's invitation. I made him a promise. I gave him my word, and I always stay true to my word." — Counselor Anders, 20:17

• Resolution: The king reveals his secret:

  "You didn't disrespect me because the woodcutter whose dinner invitation you honored was me." — The King, 21:54

  • Anders is named First Counselor as the one who demonstrated honesty, trustworthiness, and commitment to his word.

6. Conclusion & Takeaway (22:44–23:15)

• Moral Reinforced: Anders rules the kingdom justly in the king's absence, and is honored as the permanent First Counselor for his virtues.
• Key Message: True leadership requires integrity and faithfulness to one’s promises, shown in action, not just words.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak."
  — Counselor Anders (03:56)

• "Repay me? There's no need to repay me. I helped you out of the goodness of my heart..."
  — The King (disguised as woodcutter, 12:08)

• "I made him a promise. I gave him my word, and I always stay true to my word."
  — Counselor Anders (20:17)

• "If you pack your bags and leave the castle, then how will you become my first Counselor."
  — The King (21:17)

• "You didn't disrespect me because the woodcutter whose dinner invitation you honored was me."
  — The King (21:54)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Counselor Descriptions: 00:00–04:51
• Appearance of the Fairy & Plan Set in Motion: 04:51-09:18
• River Rescue & Woodcutter Invitation: 09:18-12:51
• Fairy's Second Test & Dual Invitations: 15:18-17:07
• Banquet, Anders' Honesty & Revelation: 17:07-22:44
• Final Moral & Happy Ending: 22:44–23:15

Episode Activity

• Would You Rather: Kids and families are encouraged to play a "Would You Rather" game to practice decision making, promoting thoughtful choices through playful scenarios.

Tone & Language

The episode keeps a whimsical and inviting tone—addressing young listeners with humor, pseudo-mystery, and empathy. The lessons are woven into simple, memorable exchanges that resonate with both children and adults.

Takeaway

"The First Counselor" reminds listeners that it is our actions, not just our words, that define our character. Honesty, keeping promises, and being true to one’s word are vital qualities for both good leaders and good people. Through playful storytelling, the episode encourages young minds to think critically about what makes someone worthy of trust.