Circle Round: "The Masked Bandit"
Podcast: Circle Round by WBUR
Episode Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Rebecca Shearer
Live Recording: Symphony Hall, Boston, with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians
Folktale Origin: Sioux (North America)
Episode Overview
This live Circle Round episode, "The Masked Bandit," adapts a Sioux folktale centered around a raccoon notorious for stealing from fellow animals. Through humor and musical storytelling, the episode explores themes of honesty, trust, and the struggle to change one's ways—even in the face of valuable lessons.
Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown
1. Setting the Stage: Raccoon’s Reputation
- The episode begins with Rebecca Shearer invoking Maya Angelou’s wisdom:
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them." (00:47)
- Raccoon is introduced as a clever but untrustworthy opportunist with a "bandit's mask" of dark fur.
- Other animals (Skunk, Opossum, Squirrel) all recount their food-sharing habits and express distrust toward Raccoon:
"Listen, Raccoon, I'm a skunk, so I'll eat just about anything too. But I don't steal." – Skunk (Faith Saley, 04:34)
2. Raccoon’s Failed Food Forays
- Driven by hunger, Raccoon attempts to steal food from:
- Skunk: Caught sneaking, threatened with a spray.
"You're a food snatching bandit and everybody knows it." – Skunk (Faith Saley, 07:58)
- Squirrel: Alerted the moment she reaches for acorns; threatened with being chased away by dozens of squirrels.
"We all know what a bandit you are." – Squirrel (Callie Crossley, 09:12)
- Opossum: Finds a heap of slugs, but is warned about Opossum’s dramatic defense ("playing possum").
"As a real possum, I can faint... I also release the stinkiest, stenchiest odor you ever did smell!" – Opossum (Michael Bobbitt, 11:06)
- Skunk: Caught sneaking, threatened with a spray.
- Each animal rebuffs Raccoon, underscoring her reputation as a notorious thief.
3. The New Temptation: Sweet, Golden Honey
- Raccoon discovers a delightful aroma and follows it to a cypress tree dripping with golden goo—honey.
- Without knowing about bees or honey, Raccoon tastes the treat and climbs higher for more, plunging paws into a beehive.
"Oh, wow. I've never tasted anything this heavenly. I must have more." – Raccoon (Michael Bobbitt, 15:11)
4. Consequence: A Sticky, Painful Lesson
- Raccoon is swarmed and stung by angry bees.
- Honey and dead leaves coat her fur as she tries to escape, transforming her into an unrecognizable “monster.”
- Opossum, Squirrel, and Skunk all mistake her for a monster and flee, ignoring her pleas for help:
"There's a monster down there. A monster!" – Squirrel (Callie Crossley, 17:58)
- In distress, Raccoon finally dives into the river, soothing her bee stings and washing away honey and leaves.
5. Reflection: Did Raccoon Change?
- Humbled by her ordeal, Raccoon promises to change her ways:
"I will stop stealing. And pilfering. And swindling." – Raccoon (Michael Bobbitt, 19:23)
- However, the Narrator reveals that her change is short-lived:
"By the time your bee stings faded, so did the memory of your promise and you went back to your old ways." – Rebecca Shearer (19:46) "Well, you know the old saying: you can't teach an old raccoon new tricks." – Raccoon (Michael Cerverus, 19:55)
- The Masked Bandit’s reputation continues, serving as a playful cautionary tale.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Raccoon's Character:
"You’re notorious for swiping stuff from the other animals." – Rebecca Shearer (03:47)
- Skunk’s Threat:
"Go grab your own grub or I'll spray!" – Skunk (Faith Saley, 07:58)
- Opossum’s 'Scary' Defense:
"As a real possum, I can faint... I also release the stinkiest, stenchiest odor you ever did smell!" – Opossum (Michael Bobbitt, 11:06)
- Raccoon's Rationalizing:
"I like to think of myself as an opportunistic omnivore." – Raccoon (Michael Cerverus, 04:08)
- On the False Promise:
"By the time your bee stings faded, so did the memory of your promise and you went back to your old ways." – Rebecca Shearer (19:46)
- Playful Closing:
"Because if they're not careful, the furry Masked Bandit is bound to strike again. And again. And again." – Rebecca Shearer (20:04)
Important Timestamps
- 00:47 – Maya Angelou quote about character
- 03:35 – Raccoon’s “bandit” reputation established
- 04:34–09:12 – Animal confrontations (Skunk, Squirrel, Opossum)
- 12:04–15:20 – Discovery and pursuit of honey
- 15:55–18:50 – Bee sting chaos, “monster” mistaken identity
- 19:12 – Raccoon vows to change, then reverts
- 20:04–20:51 – Narrator’s final message on Raccoon’s ongoing mischief
- 20:51 – Invitation for listeners to reflect on new experiences
Listener Engagement
- The episode closes with an activity, encouraging children to recall a time when encountering something new taught them a lesson.
- The segment aims to spark conversation between children and grown-ups:
"Think about a time you encountered something new... Find a grown up and tell them all about it. Then ask them what they learned from a new encounter of their own." – Rebecca Shearer (20:51)
- Fan messages at the end highlight the engaged Circle Round community.
Tone & Style
The language remains lively, humorous, and accessible for young listeners. The musical accompaniment from the Boston Symphony Orchestra adds depth and emotion. The story draws on animal humor and classic folktale repetition, with playful narration and cheeky character interplay.
Summary Conclusion
"The Masked Bandit" is a playful, music-rich retelling of a Sioux folktale that delights in animal antics while exploring important themes of character and trust. Raccoon’s failed attempts at thievery and her inability to change—even after a sticky comeuppance—remind listeners to be true to one’s word and embrace honesty. With engaging performances and interactive prompts, the episode delivers both laughter and lessons for families.
For more Circle Round folktales, activities, and resources, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.