Podcast Summary: Circle Round – "The Right Apple"

Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Rebecca Scheer
Featured Guest: June Squibb
Episode Theme: Kindness, generosity, and the true nature of giving

Overview

This episode of Circle Round, titled The Right Apple, adapts a Jewish folktale from Turkey. The story centers on three travelers who, lost in a mysterious forest, are tested on their selflessness and understanding of what it means to share. As always, the tale is designed for listeners of all ages, encouraging discussion about values like generosity and empathy.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Introduction and Setup (00:37 – 03:08)

• Rebecca Scheer introduces the theme of being lost and the promise of an “eye opener.”
• Listeners meet three travelers—Ennis (from the north), Eric (from the south), and Esma (from the west)—who cross paths in a dark, chilly forest.
• The trio spots a warmly lit cottage and agrees to seek help together.

2. Meeting the Old Woman (03:15 – 05:03)

• The travelers are welcomed by a kindly old woman (voiced by June Squibb), who offers them shelter and food without payment.
• The cottage appears bare, with no food in sight.

3. The Magic Walking Stick (05:03 – 07:08)

• The old woman uses her walking stick to magically conjure a feast, astonishing the travelers.
• The guests’ curiosity about the stick’s magic is piqued.
  • Notable Moment:
    • “Did that just—" (Ennis, 05:23)
    • The characters’ disbelief highlights the magical realism.
• The woman promises to explain after the meal.

4. A Test: Find ‘The Right Apple’ (07:08 – 09:08)

• The old woman reveals she wishes to pass on her walking stick.
• She sets a challenge: bring her “the right apple” from a tree across the stream. She offers no clues about which apple is right.
  • Quote:
    • “Bring me the right apple from that tree and you may have my walking stick.” (Old Woman, 07:49)

5. The Travelers’ Attempts (10:58 – 17:10)

• The selection order is drawn: Ennis, Eric, then Esma.

  a. Ennis’s Attempt (11:04 – 12:55)

  • Chooses the apple at the very top, believing its difficulty to reach makes it the ‘right’ apple.
  • Ignores a blue butterfly’s plea for a bite.
    • Quote:
      • “No way you could have some of my apple. I need this apple for myself. Go get an apple of your own.” (Ennis, 12:29)
  • The old woman rejects his apple:
    • “No, Ennis, this is not the right apple.” (Old Woman, 12:51)

  b. Eric’s Attempt (13:10 – 14:54)

  • Picks the shiniest, ripest apple, thinking appearances matter most.
  • Dismisses the butterfly’s request as well.
    • Quote:
      • “You absolutely cannot have some of my apple. This apple is mine. I need it. Go find your own.” (Eric, 14:27)
  • The old woman rejects his apple:
    • “No, Eric, you have not found the right apple.” (Old Woman, 14:50)

  c. Esma’s Attempt (15:13 – 17:10)

  • Notices apples already fallen and decides to use one—seeing value where others might not.
  • When approached by the hungry butterfly, she shares her apple.
    • Quote:
      • “You look hungry. Of course you can have some of my apple.” (Esma, 17:01)
  • In a magical twist, the butterfly transforms into the old woman.
    • Notable Reveal:
      • “The right apple wasn’t the hardest one to reach or the prettiest one to look at. The right apple was the one that you’re willing to share.” (Old Woman, 17:38)

6. Resolution and Moral (17:51 – 18:09)

• Esma is given the walking stick, with the guideline that she must use it to help others.
  • Heartfelt Advice:
    • “All I ask is that you use it in the same spirit with which you earned it. Share its bounty with others.” (Old Woman, 17:56)
• Esma dedicates the stick’s magic to helping those in need, embodying generosity and kindness.

7. Episode Reflection and Activity Prompt (18:09 – 19:30)

• Rebecca encourages listeners to imagine their magical feast and share it with someone, fostering thoughtful engagement beyond the episode.
  • Reflective Statement:
    • “When we can do something to share with others and make their lives just a little bit better, that is the most magical thing of all.” (Rebecca Scheer, 18:09)

8. Behind the Scenes and Credits (19:30 – 20:45)

• Rebecca credits actors and contributors, highlights June Squibb’s impressive career, and invites listeners to participate in show activities (like coloring pages).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The right apple wasn’t the hardest one to reach or the prettiest one to look at. The right apple was the one that you’re willing to share.”
  — Old Woman (17:38)

• “Of course you can have some of my apple.”
  — Esma (17:01)

• Children’s reactions to the magic:

  • “Did that just—”
    — Ennis (05:23)

• Final wisdom:

  • “When we can do something to share with others and make their lives just a little bit better, that is the most magical thing of all.”
    — Rebecca Scheer (18:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Setup: 00:37 – 03:08
• Magic Walking Stick & Feast: 05:03 – 07:08
• The Challenge Announced: 07:08 – 09:08
• Ennis’s Attempt: 11:04 – 12:55
• Eric’s Attempt: 13:10 – 14:54
• Esma’s Attempt: 15:13 – 17:10
• Revelation & Moral: 17:10 – 18:09
• Activity Prompt: 18:09 – 19:30

Episode Tone and Style

The language remains warm, imaginative, and nurturing—ideal for children (and adults) with a gentle message about kindness and generosity. The story’s pacing, music, and light magical elements hold listeners’ attention and highlight Circle Round’s signature sound-rich, inviting style.

Conclusion

“The Right Apple” delivers a timeless lesson: real magic lies in generosity. Through folktale and fantasy, Circle Round invites listeners to consider the impact of their actions on others and celebrates the joy found in everyday acts of kindness. Perfect for sparking thoughtful conversations about sharing and inclusion!