Your Story Parade xx-xx-xx (02) The Touch of Gold

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Your Story Parade xx-xx-xx (02) The Touch of Gold"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Your Story Parade xx-xx-xx (02) The Touch of Gold
• Release Date: August 12, 2025

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Introduction to the Story

The episode begins with a vibrant musical introduction, setting a nostalgic tone reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. John Allen welcomes listeners to "Your Story Parade," a transcribed radio program dedicated to bringing timeless tales to the airwaves. At [00:05], the show introduces the day’s story, hinting at an enchanting narrative centered around King Midas.

Narration and Storytelling

Helen Kelly serves as the storyteller, seamlessly guiding the audience through the tale of King Midas and his fateful wish. At [01:15], she introduces the protagonist:

“It's a story about a king. A king by the name of Midas. King Midas and the touch of gold.” ([01:21])

The story is set in a prosperous kingdom where King Midas is renowned for his unparalleled wealth in gold. Despite his riches, Midas's affection for his daughter is evident, although his obsession with gold overshadows his relationships.

The Wish for Gold

The pivotal moment occurs when Midas's daughter presents him with yellow flowers, sparking his desire for actual gold. At [02:20], King Midas voices his longing:

“I wish I had a touch of gold.” ([02:32])

This wish sets the stage for the ensuing magical intervention. A mysterious Stranger appears, offering to grant Midas his wish. Their interaction is crucial, highlighting Midas's desperation and the Stranger's enigmatic nature:

Stranger: “You wish for the touch of gold?” ([04:54])

King Midas: “I want it more than anything else in the world.” ([05:00])

The Transformation Begins

Midas eagerly anticipates the transformation, but his impatience leads to initial frustration when his touch seems ineffective. As dawn breaks, his wish begins to manifest. At [06:26], Midas exclaims:

“Gold. The COVID on my bed has turned to gold at my touch.” ([06:26])

His surroundings quickly turn to gold, from furniture to everyday objects, symbolizing the immediate and overwhelming impact of his wish.

Consequences of Greed

The joy of newfound wealth swiftly turns to despair as Midas realizes the drawbacks of his golden touch. His daughter, once vibrant, becomes a lifeless golden statue. This heartbreaking transformation underscores the story's central theme about the perils of greed. At [07:25], Midas observes his daughter's change:

“Look, father, all the roses that were so sweet have been changed into gold.” ([07:25])

The emotional weight of this loss is palpable as Midas grapples with the unintended consequences of his wish.

A Chance for Redemption

In his anguish, Midas encounters the Stranger once more, presenting him with an opportunity to reverse his wish. The Stranger challenges Midas to choose between his golden touch and what he truly values. At [10:16], the Stranger poses a critical choice:

Stranger: “The golden touch or your own little daughter?” ([10:16])

Midas renounces his greed, prioritizing his daughter's well-being over his wealth:

King Midas: “Oh, my child, my child. One little hair of her head is worth more to me than all the gold in the world.” ([10:21])

Restoration and Moral

Following Midas's heartfelt decision, the Stranger instructs him on how to undo the curse by plunging into the river. Midas complies, and the natural world is restored as his daughter and the roses return to their original, beautiful forms. A subtle reminder of his transformation remains in his daughter's hair, symbolizing the lasting impact of his experience.

At [12:18], Midas reflects on his actions:

“To tell you the truth, I hate the sight of everything. Gold for a little child, boy or girl, is dearer than all the gold in the...” ([12:18])

This poignant realization encapsulates the story's moral: the pursuit of wealth can lead to the loss of what truly matters.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with John Allen and Helen Kelly wrapping up the story, teasing the next week's tale of the Gingerbread Man. The narrative successfully conveys timeless lessons through engaging storytelling and well-placed dramatic moments, staying true to the charm of old-time radio.

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Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• John Allen: “Oh, morning, morning. And I remember he promised me a touch of gold.” ([05:44])
• King Midas: “How shall I ever drink a golden lump of coffee?” ([08:05])
• King Midas: “What have I done? What have I done, Done to my little daughter?” ([09:14])
• Stranger: “You were wiser now than you were King Midas.” ([10:29])

Key Themes and Insights

• The Dangers of Greed: King Midas's insatiable desire for gold leads to personal tragedy, illustrating how excessive greed can corrupt and destroy.
• Value of What Matters: The story emphasizes that relationships and personal connections hold more value than material wealth.
• Redemption and Change: Midas's journey from greed to remorse showcases the possibility of personal growth and redemption when one recognizes their mistakes.

Conclusion

"The Touch of Gold" serves as a captivating retelling of the classic King Midas tale, enriched with expressive narration and compelling character interactions. Through its engaging delivery, the podcast episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about the true essence of wealth and the importance of cherishing what we hold dear.

Transcript

[John Allen]

The Texas school of the air welcomes you to your story parade.

[Wesley Davis]

Oh, play the pipe. Oh, beat the drum. See over there. Oh, here they come with happy smiles and marching feet. The parade is coming down the street. Here comes the lion and there is Andy. Winnie the Pooh and Jack. A dandy Red riding hood and the little red hen. Jack and Jill and king Cole's men. Oh, play the pie. Oh, beat the drum. See over there. Oh, here they come with kings and queens and silks arrayed.

[King Midas]

Your story away, boys and girls.

[John Allen]

You're listening to your story parade. It's the transcribed radio program. All for you. Yes, and it comes to you on your radio every week at this time to bring you your story parade lady.

[Helen Kelly]

Hello, John. And hello there to everyone listening.

[John Allen]

Hello to you from all your friends. They're waiting now by their radio, waiting to hear your story for today.

[Helen Kelly]

Oh, and today we have a wonderful story, John. It's a story about a king. A king by the name of Midas. King Midas and the touch of gold. The story begins on a far away day in a kingdom by the sea. The kingdom belonged to a very rich king with the name of Midas. And, oh, what a rich king he was. Now, do you know he had more gold than any other king in the whole world. And he had a little daughter, too. And he was very, very fond of her. Yes, he was fond of his little daughter. But I'm afraid that king Midas was fonder of gold than of anything else. One day, his little daughter came running to him with her arms full of yellow flowers.

[John Allen]

Yellow like gold.

[Helen Kelly]

Yes, because you know, gold is yellow, too. And the yellow flowers made good king Midas think more than ever of yellow gold.

[King Midas]

He said, yes, my little daughter, your flowers are pretty. See? They are yellow like gold. What a pity. What a pity. They only look like gold.

[Helen Kelly]

But, father, the little girl said.

[King Midas]

I wish, my child. Yes, I wish that your flowers were really gold. Oh, father, I. I wish that everything I touch. Everything would turn to gold when I touch it. I wish I had a touch of gold.

[Wesley Davis]

A touch of gold.

[King Midas]

Yes, a touch of gold.

[Helen Kelly]

Good king Madison wished for a touch of gold. He wanted everything when he touched it to turn to yellow gold. Poor man. He didn't know that his wish would soon come true. And he didn't know the trouble it would cause. He whistled as he thought of the gold that he had. And at the thought of someday maybe having even more. And then.

[Stranger]

Sh.

[Helen Kelly]

Listen to hear what happened.

[Wesley Davis]

Gold.

[John Allen]

Gold.

[King Midas]

Well, I'll unlock the door to my Counting house and I'll count my gold once more.

[Helen Kelly]

Good King Midas went off into his counting house. It was filled with bags of golden money, golden bars and golden vases and jars and statues. And there were iron bars over all the windows. He wanted to be sure that thieves couldn't break in. Nothing must happen to the good king's gold. Oh, but come, everyone listening. Come and let's slip up close, close and listen to him count his gold and money.

[King Midas]

Gold, gold all around me. Why, I have more gold than anyone else in the world. But I haven't nearly enough. What I really need is a touch of gold.

[Stranger]

How now, good King Midas. And what were your words of a touch of gold?

[King Midas]

I heard a voice. A voice? Where? There can't be anyone. The windows are barred and locked. And, oh, a shadow has fallen across my golden coins. A shadow here, across my table.

[Stranger]

How now, good King Midas. Be not afraid.

[King Midas]

Who are you? I see you. What are you?

[Stranger]

Only a stranger. A friendly stranger, O King, with a touch of magic in my words.

[King Midas]

Would that I had the magic touch, A touch of gold in my fingertips.

[Stranger]

You wish for the touch of gold?

[King Midas]

I want it more than anything else in the world.

[Stranger]

Are you sure it will make you happy?

[King Midas]

Very sure, good King Midas.

[Stranger]

When the sunrise comes tomorrow, in your fingers you shall have the magic, Magic touch of gold.

[Helen Kelly]

The king hardly slept that night. Oh, how excited he was with the hope that when the morning sun came, it would bring him a touch of gold. He did sleep at last. And then suddenly, suddenly morning had come. The king sat up in his bed and stretched his arms.

[King Midas]

Oh, morning, morning. And I remember he promised me a touch of gold. And so I touch and I touch and I touch and I touch. I bed, my cover, my chair. But nothing happens, nothing happens at all. I still do not have the touch of gold.

[Helen Kelly]

King Midas had forgotten. The stranger had promised him a touch of gold only when the sun began to shine. And now it finally did begin to shine. For the morning was late enough at last. And then suddenly.

[King Midas]

Gold. The COVID on my bed has turned to gold at my touch.

[John Allen]

Now my chair is gold all over.

[King Midas]

My shoes and my clothes. Gold. I have the touch of gold.

[Helen Kelly]

King Midas jumped out of bed in a frenzy of joy. He ran about touching everything. He turned his table to a table of gold. And he turned the pages of his books to leaves of gold. And then he dressed himself in clothes of golden cloth. And then he went running out into the garden. Many roses were growing there. And he touched them one One by one. Why, he even tried to catch a bird to touch it. And then he went in for breakfast with his little daughter. The king said, good morning, my little.

[King Midas]

Daughter, and what a wonderful, wonderful morning it is. Because, hmm, my dear, my sweet little girl. There are tears in your beautiful eyes.

[Helen Kelly]

And the little daughter was crying indeed. She held out a golden rose to the king, her father, and said, look, father, all the roses that were so sweet have been changed into gold. They aren't stalked anymore, they aren't gentle, and they aren't sweet to smell.

[King Midas]

Well, now, I wonder how it ever happened.

[Helen Kelly]

The king was ashamed to say that he had caused the mischief. And so he said, pooh, pooh, my.

[King Midas]

Dear, don't cry about it.

[John Allen]

Sit down and eat your bread and.

[King Midas]

Milk or anything else you want.

[Helen Kelly]

And the king poured himself a cup of. Of coffee from a golden pot. He was very fond of coffee to drink. But when he lifted the cup to his lips, hmm.

[King Midas]

How shall I ever drink a golden lump of coffee?

[Helen Kelly]

Well, he couldn't drink it, of course. And so next he reached for a piece of toast, golden brown with butter for a hungry king. But as soon as he touched it.

[King Midas]

Hmm, I can't eat toast that's really gold.

[Helen Kelly]

The next. Next he reached for a hard boiled egg. He was going to hit it quick on the table to break it open before it turned to gold too. But the noise of it rang on the table like this.

[King Midas]

A golden egg from my touch of gold. This is a problem. If all my food shall turn to gold, well, I surely shall starve.

[Helen Kelly]

But the trouble from the touch of gold had only just begun. The little daughter ran around the table to her father when.

[King Midas]

No, not my little daughter. No, she cannot be a golden statue. She can't. She can't.

[Helen Kelly]

But she was. Her soft red lips were changed to hard and yellow gold. And even the blue of her eyes were gold now. And her hair was even more of a golden color than ever before.

[King Midas]

What have I done? What have I done, Done to my little daughter?

[Helen Kelly]

Poor King Midas could only wring his hands in despair. He wished, oh, how he wished that he might be the poorest man in the whole world. If only he could have the little girl safe and alive again. And then from the window, a shadow from the sun fell across the floor. The king looked up.

[King Midas]

You. You again. Have you not caused enough trouble?

[Helen Kelly]

Yes. The stranger stood there, a stranger with the touch of magic in his word.

[King Midas]

And the stranger said, how now, friend Midas?

[Stranger]

How is the touch of gold?

[King Midas]

I am miserable. I am Ruined gold is not everything that's good. I have lost what I love most dearly.

[Stranger]

Ah, so you have made a discovery, good King Midas. Which should you rather have? The golden touch or a glass of clear, cold water?

[King Midas]

O blessed water.

[Stranger]

The golden touch or a crust of bread?

[King Midas]

A crust of bread.

[Stranger]

The golden touch or your own little daughter?

[King Midas]

Oh, my child, my child. One little hair of her head is worth more to me than all the gold in the world.

[Stranger]

You were wiser now than you were King Midas.

[King Midas]

Wiser, yes. But I am undone. I'm a miserable man. Oh, if my little daughter were only alive again.

[Stranger]

Now, now, good king, if you wish to lose the touch of gold, plunge in the river at the bottom of the garden. Take a vase of the same water and sprinkle it on everything you wish to change back to what it was.

[Helen Kelly]

And then the stranger disappeared with the sound of magic. The king repeated the words, though in wonder if they were really true.

[King Midas]

He said. He said, if I wish to lose the touch of gold, I must plunge in the river at the bottom of the garden. Why, to do that, I need only jump through the window here and I'll do it.

[Helen Kelly]

Head over heels, clothes and all. Down he went into the water. Oh, how he splashed about. His golden clothes weren't gold anymore. And he poured water from a pitcher on a golden rose. And there it was, lovely and alive again. Oh, yes, the touch of gold was gone forever. But to finish the story, old King Midas came running back up into the palace with a pitcher of water. And he sprinkled it over the golden statue of his little daughter. And at once she began to sputter and to sneeze. Why, Father, she explained. You've spilled water all over my dress. He didn't explain how foolish he had been, but he led her into the garden and began to sprinkle the water on her precious roses. 500 soon were nodding and blooming as sweetly as ever. Real roses now, not gold ones. And soon only one trace of the gold remained. There was a soft shine of golden light in the soft curls of the little girl's hair.

[King Midas]

To tell you the truth, I hate the sight of everything. Gold for a little child, boy or girl, is dearer than all the gold in the.

[Helen Kelly]

And that's the end of the story of good King Midas and the touch of gold.

[John Allen]

What a happy story it was. But story Parade lady, what's our story for next week?

[Helen Kelly]

Oh, next week, John, it's the story of the gingerbread man.

[John Allen]

Ah, be sure to listen, boys, and girls next week at the same time, same station for the Story Parade lady and the Story of the Gingerbread Man. Your Story Parade is presented as a transcribed public service program with the Texas School of the Air State Department of Education in cooperation with the Texas association for Childhood Education. Your Story Parade lady is Helen Kelly. Wesley Davis writes the scripts. This is John Allen saying goodbye now until next week.