The Right Apple

Summary

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

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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.

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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).

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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)

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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

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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.

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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!

Transcript

[Rebecca Scheer]

Hi, Rebecca Shear here inviting you to Circle Round with us live. Circle Round is hitting the road this fall with live episode recordings in Parker, Colorado, Boston, Massachusetts and Charlotte, North Carolina. Get your tickets at WBUR.org CircleRound we're announcing more tour stops soon. Join the Circle Round Club and you'll be first in line for tickets. Club members are also invited to a special meet and greet with me and Eric Shimonis after each show. Visit WBUR.org CircleRound now.

[Ennis]

WBUR Podcast Boston.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Have you ever gotten lost? Maybe you and your family were on a road trip and you took a wrong turn, or you were hiking and you mistook one trail for another? We're about to meet three characters who get lost in the forest, and what they end up finding isn't an exit, and it's an eye opener. I'm Rebecca Scheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today, our story is called the Right Apple. It's inspired by Jewish tales from Turkey, also known as the Republic of Turkey, a transcontinental country located across southeastern Europe and and southwestern Asia. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Oscar nominee June Squibb, star of the new Scarlett Johansson film Eleanor the Great, hitting theaters on September 26th. So circle around, everyone, for the Right Apple. On a chilly autumn night in a misty, moonlit forest, three lost travelers happened to cross paths. Ennis came from up north.

[Ennis]

I've been winding my way through this forest for hours. It's like a labyrinth in here.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Eric came from down south.

[Eric]

Tell me about it. I've wandered past that same laurel tree at least half a dozen times.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And Esma came from the west.

[Esma]

We must find somewhere to take shelter. It's too brisk to sleep outdoors, and who knows what wild, hungry creatures roam these woods, especially at night.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The travelers surveyed the darkening scene around them. Then Esma let out a gasp.

[Esma]

Do you see that? Through that dense thicket of pines and oaks?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Ennis and Eric craned their necks to see where she was pointing.

[Ennis]

Well, I'll be. It looks like a cottage with light.

[Eric]

Glowing in the windows and smoke streaming through the chimney. Perhaps they'll take us in.

[Rebecca Scheer]

So Ennis, Eric, and Esma raced toward the cottage and knocked at the door.

[Old Woman]

May I help you?

[Rebecca Scheer]

An old woman answered with curly hair as white as snow and twinkling eyes as blue as the sky. Clutched in her weathered hand was a gnarled walking stick.

[Ennis]

Greetings, madam. The three of us lost our way and are seeking a place to sleep.

[Eric]

Perhaps a warm meal as well.

[Esma]

Might we spend the night with you? We'll happily pay for our room and board.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman's face crinkled into a grin.

[Old Woman]

Oh, there's no need to pay me a cent. All three of you may spend the night free of charge. Now come in. I was just about to enjoy a late supper. You're more than welcome to join me.

[Rebecca Scheer]

When the travelers followed the woman into the cottage, they were struck by how sparse it was. The main room contained nothing more than a rickety table and chairs, a set of dusty shelves, and a small hearth with a crackling fire. Through a doorway was a small bedroom with just a lamp and mattress.

[Old Woman]

Please have a seat at the table. Are you ready for a feast?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The travelers exchanged a look. The rickety table was bare. The dusty shelves were empty. No pots or pans were simmering on the hearth.

[Ennis]

Um, much as we'd love a feast, madam, we don't see any food.

[Eric]

Should the three of us go out and gather some?

[Esma]

I spotted a bunch of wild garlic growing in the woods and a whole thatch of nettles. We could boil up a stew.

[Old Woman]

That's a kind offer, friends, but it won't be necessary.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman raised her walking stick high in the air. She gave it a swish. And just like that, atop the bare table was a linen tablecloth, porcelain plates, silver cutlery, and a pair of gleaming candlesticks. The travelers were agog.

[Ennis]

Did that just.

[Eric]

Did you just.

[Esma]

Did we just.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman didn't answer. Instead, she swished the stick again and a mouth watering meal appeared. Steaming, fragrant soup, rich thick stew, grilled meats, roasted vegetables. There was even a flask of wine and four crystal goblets.

[Ennis]

Holy moly.

[Eric]

Holy smokes.

[Esma]

Holy mackerel.

[Old Woman]

Oh, you want some mackerel too? Grilled or baked? Or perhaps you prefer pan fried?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Esma stopped the woman before she could swish her stick again.

[Esma]

No, madam, please. You've given us plenty already and we are truly grateful. Aren't we, Ennis and Eric?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Ennis and Eric didn't answer. They just stared bug eyed and slack jawed at the feast on the table.

[Esma]

I said, aren't we grateful, Ennis and Eric? Ennis and Eric.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The two travelers snapped to attention.

[Eric]

Um, yeah, we're very grateful.

[Ennis]

But mostly we're curious.

[Eric]

What's the deal with your walking stick, madam?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman smiled.

[Old Woman]

I'll explain after the meal. Now please enjoy.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The travelers ate and drank to their heart's content. And when they were done, the woman swished her stick and everything that had magically appeared on the table disappeared. The woman laid the stick down, then fixed her guests with her twinkling sky blue eyes.

[Old Woman]

Friends, you ask about my stick? Oh, I received it as a gift many moons ago. I've had it for as long as I can remember. And now that I'm getting up there in years, I would like to pass it on to one of you.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The traveler's mouths dropped open.

[Ennis]

You would give away your stick to one of us?

[Esma]

That's too much. Madam, please.

[Old Woman]

I would like one of you to have it, provided you can do as I ask. You see, behind my cottage lies a sparkling stream. On the far side of that stream is an apple tree. Bring me the right apple from that tree and you may have my walking stick.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The travelers traded a glance.

[Ennis]

With all due respect, madam, how will we know which apple is the right apple?

[Eric]

Can you be more specific?

[Esma]

What is it you have in mind?

[Rebecca Scheer]

A mysterious grin crossed the woman's lips. Instead of answering, she shuffled to the bedroom and came back with three blankets.

[Old Woman]

Here now, take these blankets. It's late and you should get some sleep. Now. Tomorrow you could try your hand at bringing me the right apple. But for now, good night and good luck.

[Rebecca Scheer]

What do you think will happen when our travelers look for the right apple? And what is the right apple anyway? We'll find out after a quick break. Break.

[Indeed Sponsor]

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[Rebecca Scheer]

Before we get back to our story, I invite you to sign up for the new Circle Round newsletter, go behind the scenes, learn about live events, and stay in touch with me and composer Eric Shyamalonis each and every month. And when you join our list, you'll get a bonus coloring page too. Sign up [e-mail] CircleRound. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today our story is called the Right Apple. Before the break, a mysterious woman showed three lost travelers a magic walking stick. Swish the stick over a table and it would produce a grand feast, the woman told Ennis, Eric and Esma. She would give one of them her stick, provided they could bring her the right apple from the tree across the stream. The following morning, after a delicious breakfast magically produced by the walking stick, Ennis, Eric, and Esma wrote their names on slips of paper. They dropped them into a hat. Then the old woman reached in and drew the slips out one by one.

[Old Woman]

Ennis, it looks like you will go first, then Eric, then Esma.

[Ennis]

Sweet. I'll get that apple right now and the stick will be mine.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Ennis sprinted out the door and across the stream. The apple tree on the other side was tall and sturdy with hundreds of shiny red apples on its branches.

[Ennis]

My goodness, These apples are so beautiful and bountiful. How am I supposed to know which is the right one?

[Rebecca Scheer]

His gaze drifted from the bottom of the tree to the top.

[Esma]

Aha.

[Ennis]

That apple up there at the very tippety top. It's higher than all the rest. Since it's the hardest apple to get, I'll bet it's the right apple, too.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Ennis hoisted himself into the branches and began to climb. After plucking the apple from the uppermost limb, he clambered back to the ground. But just as he was about to cross the stream.

[Blue Butterfly]

Pardon me. May I please have some of your apple?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Turning his head, what should Ennis find perched on his shoulder but a delicate little butterfly with wings as blue as the sky?

[Ennis]

I'm sorry, Were you just talking to me?

[Blue Butterfly]

I was. I asked if I could please have some of your apple.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Ennis shook his head.

[Ennis]

No way you could have some of my apple. I need this apple for myself. Go get an apple of your own.

[Rebecca Scheer]

After waving the butterfly away, Ennis hurried over the stream and back to the cottage. Here it is.

[Ennis]

The right apple.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman took the apple from Ennis and held it up to her twinkling blue eyes.

[Old Woman]

No, Ennis, this is not the right apple.

[Ennis]

But it was at the tippety top of the tree. I climbed all the way up to get it. That was a lot of hard work.

[Old Woman]

I'm sure it was. But it's not the right apple, so it's time for Eric to give it a try.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Ennis sagged in defeat. Eric puffed up with pride.

[Eric]

This is gonna be a breeze. A cakewalk as easy as apple pie. See you soon, folks.

[Rebecca Scheer]

He bolted out the door and across the stream. One glance at the apple tree and he was every bit as perplexed as. As Ennis was.

[Eric]

Golly. With so many apples to choose from, how am I supposed to know which is the right one?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Wait. He edged closer and scrunched up his eyes.

[Eric]

That apple there. It's the ripest and plumpest of the bunch. So shiny and red. Since it's the best looking apple, I'll bet it's the right apple, too.

[Rebecca Scheer]

He yanked the apple from its back branch and turned back to the stream. But before he could hop across.

[Blue Butterfly]

Pardon me, may I please have some of your apple?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Eric looked up. And there, fluttering above him, was the little blue butterfly.

[Eric]

Excuse me, was that your voice I just heard?

[Blue Butterfly]

It was. I asked if I could please have seen some of your apple.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Eric shot the butterfly a withering glance.

[Eric]

You absolutely cannot have some of my apple. This apple is mine. I need it. Go find your own.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Then he shooed the insect away, stuffed the apple in his pocket, and raced back to the cottage.

[Eric]

Hiya, folks. I found the right apple.

[Rebecca Scheer]

But before he could even pull the apple from his pocket, the old woman frowned.

[Old Woman]

No, Eric, you have not found the right apple.

[Eric]

Are you sure? You haven't even seen it. It was the plumpest, ripest, reddest, shiniest apple on that entire tree.

[Old Woman]

Well, that may be so, but it's not the right apple. Which means it's time for our third contestant.

[Rebecca Scheer]

She shifted her gaze to Esma.

[Old Woman]

Bring back the right apple, Esma, and the walking stick is yours.

[Rebecca Scheer]

I'll do my best. Esma gave the woman's hand a squeeze. Then she hastened out the door and bustled across the stream to the tree.

[Esma]

Goodness. There are so many apples growing on this tree that I don't know which one to pick.

[Rebecca Scheer]

She stood still for a moment. Then suddenly her face lit up.

[Esma]

Wait a minute. Maybe I don't have to pick one. The ground is littered with fruit that has ripened already. Instead of yanking off an apple that might still be growing, I'll choose one of the ones that have fallen. They still look as fine as can be.

[Rebecca Scheer]

She knelt down and scooped an apple off the ground.

[Esma]

This one will do nicely. I'll take it back to the cottage and see what the woman says.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Esma turned around with a grin. But before she could jump across the stream.

[Blue Butterfly]

Pardon me, may I please have some of your apple?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Esma paused and looked down. Standing beside the stream was. You guessed it. The blue butterfly.

[Esma]

Hello, little one. I didn't know butterflies could talk. But then I also didn't know that magical walking sticks could produce a feast. Anyway, what was it you asked?

[Blue Butterfly]

I asked if I could please have some of your apple. I'm so very hungry.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Asma knelt down and examined the insect Its wings were drooping. Its antennae hung limply over its face.

[Esma]

Goodness. You look hungry. Of course you can have some of my apple.

[Old Woman]

Here.

[Rebecca Scheer]

She laid the apple down. And the moment she did, do you know what happened? The butterfly vanished. In its place stood the old woman.

[Old Woman]

Hello, Aespa.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Esma was stunned.

[Esma]

It's. It's you.

[Old Woman]

It is me. And you have found the right apple.

[Esma]

I have?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Yes.

[Old Woman]

Don't you see, Esma? 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. So here.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman blinked her sky blue eyes and held out the walking stick.

[Old Woman]

This stick is yours, my dear. All I ask is that you use it in the same spirit with which you earned it. Share its bounty with others.

[Rebecca Scheer]

She placed the stick in Esma's hands, then disappeared. That was the last time Esma saw her new friend. But she did as she was told. And whenever she used her magic walking stick, she invited anyone who was poor, hungry or struggling to share in her bounty. Because Esma understood what we all should understand. When we can do something to share with others and make their lives just a little bit better, that is the most magical thing. Thing of all. Now it's your turn. Imagine you had the magic walking stick. What special feast would you create? Draw a picture of your feast, then share it with someone you have fun with. And if you'd like, share it with us. Grown ups snap a photo of your Circle Round fan and their drawing. Then email it to Circle Circle Round. We may feature you in the Circle Round newsletter. The Lion's Roar if you haven't yet signed up for this free monthly bulletin featuring special announcements, behind the scenes articles and yes, photos of your art and creations, visit WBUR.org CircleRound this week's episode, The Right Apple, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the Kanun. You can learn more about this stringed instrument, popular in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia, on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white 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 [e-mail] CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors, Joe Hernandez, Kiran Kumar, Erica Rose, Dawn Ursula and June Squibb. With an acting career spanning six plus decades, Oscar nominee June Squibb has starred in such movies movies as Nebraska Thelma and the new Scarlett Johansson film Eleanor the Great. You kids will recognize June's one of a kind voice from animated features like Ralph Breaks, the Internet, Toy Story 4 Soul and Inside Out.

[Esma]

2.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Broadway fans watch for June on the Great White Way later this year when she plays the title role in the new play Marjorie Prime. If you love Circle Round and want to support public media during its toughest time ever, I invite you to join the Circle Round Club to show our thanks. We'll send you all sorts of special stuff including a welcome package with exclusive swag, an ad, free feed, bonus bedtime stories, pre sale tickets to live events, and an invitation to meet me and Eric Shyamalanis after each show. You can also add on goodies like our Snuggly Lion Stuffy and a personalized birthday message from me. Sign up for the Circle Round Club today and show your love for public [e-mail] CircleRound Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please spread the word. And if you have a sec, 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 make the Circle Round circle even bigger. 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.

[Circle Round Listeners]

My name is Briggs and I live in British Columbia. My favorite Circle Round is all of them. I love you Rebecca Cyr hi, my name is Tara and I live in USA and my favorite story is the Three Clever Brothers and I like all the parts. My name is Sawyer and my favorite Circuit stories is Guitarian Clams. My favorite part is when Fox tricks the clams. Hi, my name is Maya. I live in Scarborough, Maine and my favorite Circle Round story is the Speckled Hen. And my favorite part is when the rich guy tells Hannah and her dad that they can keep the wool, the sheep, the cow, the milk and the eggs. Hello, my name is Shoshana. I live in Scarborough, Maine. My favorite Circle Round story is the rice cakes in the Omi and my favorite part is when they escape in the Giant bowl with the rice cake spoon. My name is Sophia, I live in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and my favorite Circle Mount story is Misery Loves Company. I like when Alexandra tricks Misery to go into the cave and then she has a good fortune. My name's Simone and I live in Oakland, California. And my favorite Circle Round is the Lion's Whisker. I like the park when brother and sister ask for the lions whistle.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry, grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Rounds stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.