The Peach of Life

Summary

Circle Round Podcast: "The Peach of Life" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode: The Peach of Life
• Release Date: December 17, 2024

Introduction "The Peach of Life" is a captivating episode of WBUR's Circle Round, a podcast that brings folktales from around the world to life through engaging radio plays. Hosted by Rebecca Shear, this episode weaves a rich narrative filled with themes of kindness, perseverance, and the power of teamwork, culminating in a heartfelt resolution that underscores the importance of family unity.

Story Summary

1. The Queen's Desperation [00:35 – 06:20] The story begins in a vibrant kingdom where the princess has fallen gravely ill, leaving the Queen distraught and desperate for a cure. Despite the efforts of numerous doctors, nothing can restore the princess's health. In her quest for a miracle, the Queen learns of a legendary entity—a wise wizard residing in a cave at the mountain's base.

• Notable Quote:

  Queen [03:29]: "The princess is my one and only child. If I lose her, my world is lost."

Determined, the Queen seeks out the wizard, who shares both hopeful and disheartening news. He reveals the existence of the Peach of Life, a mystical fruit capable of curing the princess with just one bite. However, the peach has been lost, and its whereabouts remain unknown.

• Notable Quote:

  Wizard [05:21]: "In answer to your question, your Majesty, I have some pleasant news and some unpleasant news. Which would you like first?"
  Queen [05:34]: "How about the pleasant news, please?"

2. The Proclamation and Sibling Dynamics [06:20 – 12:55] Armed with the wizard's information, the Queen issues a royal proclamation, offering a rich reward to anyone who can find and deliver the Peach of Life. This decree reaches the countryside, where a woman named Summer manages a small orchard alongside her two younger brothers, Autumn and Winter. Unlike Summer, her brothers are negligent, often shirking their responsibilities.

Despite their initial skepticism towards the magical peach, the allure of the reward convinces Autumn and Winter to attempt the quest. However, their lack of seriousness leads them to dismiss the significance of the wizard's instructions, resulting in comical and disappointing outcomes.

• Notable Quote:

  Autumn [07:09 – 07:15]:
  Winter [07:15 – 07:35]:
  Narrator [07:35]: "Okay, fine, fine. You too can laugh all you like, but the Queen is offering a rich reward to anyone who can find this peach of life."

Both brothers encounter the wizard on their way to the palace and, due to their dismissive attitudes, end up delivering false items—moldy bread and cockroaches—in their sacks instead of peaches. Consequently, the Queen, enraged by their deceit, imprisons them.

• Notable Quote:

  Queen [10:47]: "What is the meaning of this trick? Guards, toss this man into the dungeon."

3. Summer’s Heroic Journey [12:55 – 20:22] Left to bear the weight of her family's failure and the princess's impending doom, Summer steps forward with unwavering determination. Unlike her brothers, she commits wholeheartedly to the mission. Gathering the remaining small, hard, and green peaches from their orchard, Summer sets off towards the palace.

Along her journey, she meets the wizard once more. This time, her respectful and sincere demeanor contrasts sharply with her brothers' dismissiveness. Recognizing her genuine intent, the wizard supports her quest, allowing her to retain the peaches in her sack.

• Notable Quote:

  Narrator [17:03]: "Since you ask, good sir, I carry peaches in my sack."
  Wizard [18:13]: "Well, you say you carry peaches in your sack, so peaches you must have."

Upon reaching the palace, Summer presents the single, magnificent Peach of Life. The Queen, moved by the sight of such a pristine fruit, administers it to her daughter. The princess miraculously regains her health, bringing immense relief and joy to the kingdom.

• Notable Quote:

  Queen [20:03]: "This peach. Oh, it's magnificent. What is your name, dear?"

4. Reconciliation and Transformation [20:22 – 23:45] Grateful for Summer’s bravery and selflessness, the Queen rewards her with more trees, animals, and resources for her family's orchard, ensuring they no longer have to struggle. Furthermore, recognizing the value of teamwork and responsibility, the Queen pardons Autumn and Winter, understanding their intentions were rooted in familial duty rather than deceit.

The siblings return home, transformed by Summer's example. Under her leadership, Autumn and Winter become diligent and cooperative, contributing equally to the orchard's upkeep. Their newfound unity not only revitalizes their business but also strengthens their familial bonds.

• Notable Quote:

  Summer [21:22]: "With all due respect, your majesty, what I was going to ask for are more trees for my family's orchard..."
  Queen [22:21]: "Your brothers must be the scoundrels who deceived me. They brought me moldy bread and cockroaches."
  Summer [22:27]: "I'm sure my brothers didn't mean to deceive you. They were only trying to save our family."

Key Themes and Insights

1. Teamwork and Responsibility: The episode emphasizes the importance of working together and taking responsibility. Summer’s dedication contrasts sharply with her brothers' initial neglect, highlighting how commitment can lead to success and harmony.

2. Perseverance: Summer's unwavering resolve to save the princess despite setbacks underscores the value of perseverance in overcoming challenges.

3. Family Unity: The transformation of Autumn and Winter reflects the strength that comes from familial support and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that unity can overcome individual shortcomings.

4. Humility and Respect: Summer’s respectful encounter with the wizard demonstrates how humility and respect can open doors and foster positive relationships, unlike her brothers' dismissive attitudes that led to their downfall.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Queen [03:29]: "The princess is my one and only child. If I lose her, my world is lost."
• Wizard [05:21]: "In answer to your question, your Majesty, I have some pleasant news and some unpleasant news. Which would you like first?"
• Queen [05:34]: "How about the pleasant news, please?"
• Narrator [07:35]: "Okay, fine, fine. You too can laugh all you like, but the Queen is offering a rich reward to anyone who can find this peach of life."
• Queen [10:47]: "What is the meaning of this trick? Guards, toss this man into the dungeon."
• Narrator [17:03]: "Since you ask, good sir, I carry peaches in my sack."
• Wizard [18:13]: "Well, you say you carry peaches in your sack, so peaches you must have."
• Queen [20:03]: "This peach. Oh, it's magnificent. What is your name, dear?"
• Summer [21:22]: "With all due respect, your majesty, what I was going to ask for are more trees for my family's orchard..."
• Summer [22:27]: "I'm sure my brothers didn't mean to deceive you. They were only trying to save our family."

Conclusion

"The Peach of Life" delivers a heartwarming narrative that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons. Through the journey of Summer and her brothers, listeners are reminded of the significance of dedication, cooperation, and familial bonds. The story encourages audiences, especially young listeners, to embody these virtues in their own lives.

Activity for Grown-Ups and Children At the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the role of teamwork in their lives. Activities include:

• Discussion Prompt: How does teamwork play a role in your life? Perhaps you collaborate on family projects, school assignments, or team sports.
• Creative Task: Find some paper and draw a picture of you and your team. Share it with someone you enjoy spending time with.
• Interactive Sharing: Grown-ups can email photos of their Circle Round fan and their team drawings to [e-mail] for a chance to be featured in the Lion's Roar, the monthly Circle Round Club newsletter.

Acknowledgments The episode features a stellar cast, including Adam Goldberg, Katherine Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving, and Faith Salee, supported by composer Eric Shimalonis. Special thanks are extended to WBUR's Andrea Omira and the Symphony Space staff in New York City for their exceptional contributions.

Final Thoughts "The Peach of Life" exemplifies Circle Round’s mission to adapt folktales into engaging stories that resonate with listeners of all ages. By blending rich storytelling with meaningful lessons, the podcast continues to inspire and educate its audience, fostering deeper conversations between children and grown-ups.

For more stories, coloring pages, and to join the Circle Round Club, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Rebecca Shear]

Hi, Rebecca Shear here with some really Fun News. On February 8th, Circle Round LIVE is coming to Symphony hall in Boston and you're invited. Join us for a live recording of two new episodes featuring me, composer Eric Shyamalonis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star studded cast. Get your tickets [e-mail] CircleRound.

[Narrator]

WBUR podcasts Boston.

[Rebecca Shear]

This Circle Round episode was one of two recorded live at Symphony Space in New York, NY on December 8, 2024. Want to be first to hear about upcoming events? Join the Circle Round Club and as our thanks for your support, you'll get early access to tickets plus ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories and more grown ups. Sign up your super Fans [e-mail] CircleRoundClub.

Do you have a friend or family member who's gone through a tough time? When the people we love are struggling, we want to do whatever we can to help them out, right? Well, we're about to meet a queen who is desperate to help her daughter. And as it turns out, the only thing that will truly help is nowhere to be found. Rebecca I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round Live at Symphony Space in New York, New York. Today, our story is called the Peach of Life. You'll find versions of this tale from the Asian countries of China and Vietnam. Joining me on stage is a star studded quintet of actors, Adam Goldberg, Katherine Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving and Faith Salee. And providing musical accompaniment is the one and only Eric Shimalonis. So circle around everyone for the Peach of Life. It was summertime and the kingdom was abuzz. The Princess had fallen ill, so ill that she was too weak and frail to get out of bed. And her mother, the Queen, was beside herself with worry.

[Queen]

The princess is my one and only child. If I lose her, my world is lost.

[Rebecca Shear]

Doctors from near and far came flocking to the palace, each one bearing tinctures and torture tonics, elixirs and herbs. Yet none of them could bring life back to the Princess's cheeks or strength back to her body. As the Princess grew Sicker and sicker. The queen heard talk of a wizard, a wise old man who lived in a cave at the foot of the mountains.

[Queen]

It's been said this wizard possesses mystical powers capable of miracles. I must find him. And with any luck, his powers will heal my daughter.

[Rebecca Shear]

The queen mounted her horse and galloped to the wizard's cave. Stepping inside, she found herself before a crackling fire. Crouched beside the fire, warming his weathered hands in the flickering flames, was an old man. His shoulders were sloped, his beard was silver, and the skin on his face was as wrinkled as a raisin. The queen instantly knew who the old man was. Turns out he knew who she was, too.

[Wizard]

I had a feeling you would come. Your Majesty. Your daughter is ill, is she not?

[Queen]

She is ill. Terribly ill. I have summoned hundreds of doctors, yet none have been able to restore her health. Great Wizard, I have heard you are very wise and possess magical powers. Might you know how to cure my daughter?

[Rebecca Shear]

The wizard stroked his silver beard.

[Wizard]

In answer to your question, your Majesty, I have some pleasant news and some unpleasant news. Which would you like first?

[Queen]

How about the pleasant news, please?

[Wizard]

The pleasant news is that somewhere in this kingdom there grows a very special peach. One that can cure the princess. It's called the Peach of Life.

[Queen]

The Peach of Life? Oh, that's wonderful. So, what is the unpleasant news?

[Wizard]

The unpleasant news is the Peach of Life is lost. No one knows where to find it. But if they do, I promise, just one bite and your daughter will be as hale and as healthy as can be.

[Rebecca Shear]

The queen thanked the wizard, then galloped back to the palace and issued a proclamation.

[Queen]

I hereby proclaim that anyone who can find the Peach of Life and bring it to the palace to heal my daughter shall be richly rewarded.

[Rebecca Shear]

The queen's proclamation spread to the farthest ends of the kingdom. Eventually, it reached the countryside, where a woman named Summer ran a small orchard with her two younger brothers, a pair of twins named Autumn and Winter. Okay, so I say Summer ran the orchard with Autumn and Winter. But the truth is, she did all the work, pruning, watering and weeding the fruit trees while her brothers loafed around.

[Queen]

Autumn.

[Narrator]

Winter, have you heard the news? The Princess is gravely ill. Yeah.

[Autumn]

And the queen is seeking some sort of magic peach that can cure her.

[Winter]

Yeah. Because the wizard told her that was the only solution. Yeah, big sis, we've heard the news.

[Autumn]

But seriously, who in their right mind believes in magic peaches?

[Winter]

Who in their right mind believes in magic?

[Narrator]

Okay, fine, fine. You too can laugh all you like, but the Queen is offering A rich reward to anyone who can find this peach of life. And given how the three of us struggle to make ends meet with our tiny orchard, we could certainly use a rich reward, don't you think?

[Rebecca Shear]

The twins heaved a sigh. Much as they loved quibbling with their older sister, they couldn't argue this time.

[Winter]

All right, fine. What do we do?

[Narrator]

Well, here's what I'm thinking. We have one peach tree in our orchard, right? And its branches are bursting with fruit. Perhaps one of them is the peach of life. So, Autumn, I want you to fill a sack with the best peaches from our tree and bring it to the palace.

[Autumn]

I'm sorry. Excuse me?

[Rebecca Shear]

Autumn rolled his eyes.

[Autumn]

You want me to haul a big old sack of peaches to the palace? Why can't you do it?

[Narrator]

Because in case you haven't noticed, I am too busy pruning, watering, and weeding the orchard. Unless you want to take my place.

[Rebecca Shear]

Autumn did not want to take his sister's place, so he trudged to the orchard, stuffed a sack with the plumpest, ripest peaches he could find, and set off toward the palace. On his way, he encountered an old man with sloped shoulders, a silver beard, and skin as wrinkled as a raisin. Sound familiar? It was the wizard from the cave, but Autumn didn't know that.

[Wizard]

Greetings, young sir. You look like you're on a mission. Tell me, what do you carry in that sack of yours?

[Rebecca Shear]

Impatient to get to the palace and worried that this grizzled codger would beg for some of his peaches, Autumn scowled.

[Autumn]

Yeah, look, I'm sorry, old man, but really, what is it your business what I'm carrying in my sack? Okay, look, if you must know, I carry nothing in my sack except a bunch of moldy bread.

[Wizard]

Moldy bread, you say?

[Rebecca Shear]

The wizard smiled.

[Wizard]

Well, you say you carry moldy bread in your sack, so moldy bread you must have.

[Winter]

Good day.

[Rebecca Shear]

Autumn continued on his way. When he reached the palace, the guards led him straight to the queen.

[Queen]

So you believe you have the peach of life that will cure my daughter? Let's have a look.

[Autumn]

Of course, you, Majesty.

[Rebecca Shear]

Autumn pulled open the mouth of the sack. But when the queen and guards peered inside, it wasn't peaches they laid eyes on. Instead, it was moldy bread. Loaf after loaf of rancid, rotting bread covered with fuzzy green mold and giving off a putrid stench.

[Queen]

Yuck. What is the meaning of this trick? Guards, toss this man into the dungeon.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now, two of the burliest guards barreled over and led Autumn away. And Meanwhile, back at the orchard, Summer and Winter had no idea that their brother had been detained.

[Narrator]

Winter, it's been days since Autumn left. Who knows when or if he'll return. So now it's your turn to give it a go.

[Winter]

Okay? What?

[Rebecca Shear]

Winter shook his head.

[Winter]

You want me to lug a clunky sack of peaches to the palace? Why can't you do it?

[Narrator]

Because, in case it slipped your mind, I have my hands full pruning, watering and weeding the orchard. Unless you want to take my place.

[Rebecca Shear]

Winter did not want to take his sister's place. So he lumbered to the orchard and filled a sack with peaches. And on his way to the palace, do you know who happened to cross his path?

[Wizard]

Greetings, young sir.

[Rebecca Shear]

You guessed it. The wizard. Though Winter hadn't the foggiest notion of who the old man was.

[Wizard]

You. You look like you're on a mission. Tell me, what do you carry in that sack of yours?

[Rebecca Shear]

Like his twin brother before him, Winter scowled.

[Winter]

Pardon me, old man, but what is it your business what I'm carrying in my sack? If you must know, I carry nothing in my sack except. Except a bunch of cockroaches.

[Wizard]

Cockroaches, you say?

[Rebecca Shear]

The wizard grinned.

[Wizard]

Well, you say you carry cockroaches in your sack, so cockroaches you must have.

[Queen]

Good day.

[Rebecca Shear]

Winter carried on with his journey. When he arrived at the palace, the guards ushered him straight to the queen.

[Queen]

So. So you believe you have the peach of life that will cure my daughter? Let's have a look.

[Winter]

Absolutely, your majesty.

[Rebecca Shear]

Winter yanked open the mouth of the sack. But when the queen and guards looked inside, it wasn't peaches they spied. Instead, it was cockroaches. Thousands of cockroaches, skittering out of the sack and scutt all over the room. Ew.

[Winter]

Ew.

[Queen]

How dare you play such a trick. This is more offensive than that young man who brought me the moldy bread. And come to think of it, you look just like him. Gods, take this fool and have him join his twin trickster in the dungeon.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now, two of the brawniest guards marched over and led Winter away. And meanwhile, back at the orchard, Summer was sick with worry.

[Narrator]

Both of my brothers have been gone for some time now. I must find them and save the princess. There's no time to lose.

[Rebecca Shear]

How do you think Summer will fare on her mission? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

If you're a circle round superfan, we've got a super fun opportunity for you. Join the circle. Round Club and you'll support our public radio podcast. And as this happy member raves, get cool stuff too.

[Listener]

My grandfather bought me a Circle Round membership last Christmas. I really like it because we get a stuffed lion and a reusable bag, which we use all the time for library books. I also enjoy the birthday Message from Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown Ups. Sign up your superfan [e-mail] CircleRoundClub Foreign.

I'm Rebecca Shear.

Welcome back to Circle Round live at.

Symphony Space in New York, New York. Today, our story is called the Peach of Life. Before the break, the Queen was seeking the peach of Life, the only thing in the world that could heal her ailing daughter. Twin brothers Autumn and Winter each picked two sacks of peaches from their orchard and headed to the palace. On the way, they were rude to a mysterious old man who turned out to be a wizard. So at the palace, instead of peaches in their sacks, they found moldy bread and cockroaches, and the queen threw them both into the dungeon. Their big sister, Summer, wanted to find her missing brothers and save the princess. So she grabbed a sack and rushed out to the orchard. Only a few peaches remained on its branches, and they were all small and hard and green. But Summer picked them all, then set off for the palace, and during her travels, guess who she happened to encounter?

[Wizard]

Greetings, Miss.

[Rebecca Shear]

Indeed, it was the Wizard. But as with her brothers before her, Summer didn't have a clue who he was.

[Wizard]

You look like you're on a mission. Tell me, what do you carry in that sack of yours?

[Rebecca Shear]

When the wizard asked the twins this question, you remember how they answered, right? They scowled and blew him off. But their older sister did no such thing.

[Narrator]

Since you ask, good sir, I carry peaches in my sack.

[Wizard]

Peaches, you say?

[Rebecca Shear]

The wizard arched an eyebrow.

[Wizard]

Might you have one or two to spare for a hungry old man?

[Rebecca Shear]

Summer smiled. Technically, she did have plenty of peaches to spare. But just as she began rummaging through.

[Wizard]

Her sack, actually, now that I think of it, I'm not that hungry after all.

[Narrator]

That's all right. I'm not sure how tasty my peaches would be anyway. They're not very big or ripe. But I'm hoping one of them is the peach of life. The one that will cure the princess.

[Rebecca Shear]

The wizard's eyes sparkle.

[Wizard]

Well, you say you carry peaches in your sack, so peaches you must have. After all, they're far more desirable than moldy bread and cockroaches.

[Narrator]

More desirable than what?

[Wizard]

Never you mind.

[Winter]

Good day.

[Rebecca Shear]

When Summer got to the palace. She noticed the queen's eyes were puffy and red, and her cheeks were drenched with tears.

[Queen]

So you believe you have the peach of life that will cure my daughter? Because you should know my hope and my happiness and my patience are all wearing thin.

[Narrator]

Oh, I hear you, your majesty. You've been through quite the ordeal. I can't imagine how hard it's been.

[Queen]

Oh, it's been hard, all right. As the queen of this land, I have fought in battles, I have fended off intruders. But watching your one and only child waste away before your very eyes, it breaks your heart into so many pieces, you could never count them all.

[Narrator]

Well, your majesty, it is my sincere hope that I can help heal your daughter and your heart with these.

[Rebecca Shear]

Summer's hands trembled as she stretched open the mouth of her sack. But when the queen and guards gazed inside, it wasn't small, hard, green peaches they spied. It was just one peach. And it was the biggest, plumpest, ripest peach they had ever seen.

[Queen]

This peach. Oh, it's magnificent. What is your name, dear?

[Rebecca Shear]

Summer.

[Queen]

Well, Summer, let's hope this peach does the trick. My daughter cannot spare any more time.

[Narrator]

And you cannot bear any more disappointment. I understand.

[Rebecca Shear]

Summer followed the queen to the princess's room. The young woman lay stuck still on a tall bed, her eyes closed tight, her breathing quick and shallow. The queen sat beside her daughter and encouraged her to take a bite of the peach. The princess didn't open her eyes, but slowly, very slowly, she opened her mouth and took a tiny nibble. And within moments, do you know what happened? Her breathing slowed, her eyes snapped open. Then she sat straight up in bed and threw herself into her mother's arms.

[Queen]

Summer, you've done it. You've saved my daughter. Oh. So please tell me, what reward do you wish for? Chests of jewels, bags of money? A magnificent new wardrobe of fine, luxurious clothes. Name it anything, it's yours.

[Narrator]

With all due respect, your majesty, what I was going to ask for are more trees for my family's orchard. Maybe some animals too, like a goat, maybe, and some ducks. Not too many. Just enough. So my brothers and I don't have to struggle so hard to get by.

[Rebecca Shear]

The queen cocked her crowned head.

[Queen]

Summer, you say you were going to ask for these things. So why don't you?

[Narrator]

Because what I really want now is to find my brothers. They're twins, actually, and they went missing after venturing to the palace in hopes of bringing you the magic peach.

[Queen]

Twins, you say?

[Rebecca Shear]

The queen frowned as she put two and two Together.

[Queen]

Your brothers must be the scoundrels who deceived me. They brought me moldy bread and cockroaches. And now they are in the dungeon.

[Narrator]

Moldy bread and cockroaches.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now it was Summer who put two and two together.

[Narrator]

I'm not sure what happened, you, Majesty, but I am sure my brothers didn't mean to deceive you. They were only trying to save our family. You know how important family is, right?

[Queen]

Indeed I do. God free the twins at once.

[Rebecca Shear]

By the end of the day, Summer was riding home in a royal carriage. But she wasn't alone. By her side were her brothers, and rolling behind them was cart after cart of baby trees, baby goats, and baby ducks. The family orchard was transformed after that day. And so was the family. After years of loafing and lazing around, Autumn and Winter were more than happy to help their heroic big sister prune, water and weed the trees and take care of the animals. The three siblings worked hard, but even more importantly, they worked together.

Now it's your turn. How does teamwork play a role in your life? Maybe you and your family cook together together, or you collaborate on school projects with classmates. Perhaps you're a member of a sports or dance team. Find some paper and draw a picture of you and your team. Show it to someone you have fun with, and if you'd like, share it with us. Grown ups. Email a photo of your Circle Round fan and their picture to circleroundbur.org with your permission, we may feature it in the Lion's Roar, the monthly Circle Round Club newsletter. You can learn more about the Circle round [e-mail] CircleRoundClub this week's story, the Peach of Life, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Eric Shyamalone has composed our original music and played it live on the ruan. You can learn more about this plucked string instrument from China and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website. That's WBUR.org CircleRound. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for each and every Circle Round story, and you can color them in while you listen. Grown ups download our coloring pages on our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound Special thanks to our incredible actors at Symphony Space, Adam Goldberg, Katherine Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving and Faith Salee. Actor, musician, director and photographer. Adam Goldberg is known for his roles in films and TV shows like Savings, Private Ryan, Dazed and Confused, two Days in Paris, the Hebrew Hammer, Friends, Entourage and the Equalizer With Queen Latifah, Writer and Drama Desk nominated and UBI Award winning actor Katherine Grody has starred in the groundbreaking Off Broadway shows the Marriage of Bette and Boo, Top Girls and her own one woman play a mom's life. Her newest play, The Unexpected Third, comes to New York City in November 2025. Fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will recognize Stephen Hauck as Jane Lynch's impeccable butler Dawes. Stephen has appeared in many shows on and Off Broadway as well, and in the Spike Lee joints, Old Boy De Sweet Blood of Jesus and She's Gotta have It Gideon Irving is a performer and musician who has put on elaborate one man shows in more than 700 living rooms, kitchens, attics, basements, garages, barns, woodsheds, sugar shacks, yurts and cooling towers on four continents. He's also mesmerized audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Off Broadway.

Actor, author, journalist and comedian Faith Saley.

Is an Emmy Award winning contributor to CBS Sunday Morning and a regular on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.

Her Off Broadway solo show Approval Junkie.

Can be found on Audible and a big Circle Round of thanks to WBUR's Andrea Omira and to the fantastic staff at Symphony Space in New York City. Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app. It helps other listeners find the show. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News station. I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling around 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.

[Listener]

I'm Morgan and I'm from England. My favorite Circle round is the Crystal Story box and my favorite part is when the spider gets this crystal story box. And this is my little brother Killian and he's from England too. And his favorite Circle Round is the Lion's Whisker. What's your favorite part? This is it. My name's Louisa and I'm from Anchorage, Alaska. My favorite Circle Round story is the Enchanting Paintbrush. My favorite paint is when she gets Enchanted Paper. My name is Nora, I live in Pennsylvania and my favorite is the Little Blue Pebble. My name is Ezra, I live in Pennsylvania. My favorite thing around story is the Fairy Fort My favorite part is when they do the party. My name is Kate and I'm from Washington, dc. You see, my favorite story is the bass and lake stair. And I like the part where the little boy turns to stone.

[Rebecca Shear]

I'm May.

[Listener]

I live in Apple, Maine. My favorite story is a Yaffy Bird. I like the part where I see birds. Yes, my name is Simone. I live in California and love you Rebecca. I love all your stories.

[Rebecca Shear]

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.