Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Your Story Parade xx-xx-xx (02) The Touch of Gold
Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Presented by: Helen Kelly, Wesley Davis, John Allen

Introduction

In this enchanting episode of "Your Story Parade," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, where timeless tales come alive through rich narration and engaging performances. Hosted by John Allen, with captivating storytelling by Helen Kelly and dynamic dialogues by Wesley Davis, the episode titled "The Touch of Gold" delves into the classic fable of King Midas and his fateful wish.

Story Setup

The episode opens with a lively musical introduction welcoming listeners to the Texas School of the Air. John Allen sets the stage for a captivating storytime experience:

[00:05] John Allen: "The Texas school of the air welcomes you to your story parade. Oh, play the pipe."

Wesley Davis exuberantly introduces the parade, invoking images of beloved characters and festivities:

[00:13] Wesley Davis: "Oh, beat the drum. See over there. Oh, here they come with happy smiles and marching feet..."

As the musical atmosphere settles, John Allen invites boys and girls to tune in weekly for mesmerizing stories:

[00:58] John Allen: "Boys and girls. You're listening to your story parade. It's the transcribed radio program. All for you."

The Kingdom of King Midas

Helen Kelly begins narrating the tale of King Midas, a ruler whose insatiable love for gold overshadows everything else, including his cherished daughter:

[01:21] 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 is depicted as extraordinarily wealthy but emotionally impoverished, prioritizing gold above all else. His daughter's innocent gesture with yellow flowers sparks his deepening obsession with wealth:

[02:11] John Allen: "Yellow like gold."

[02:32] Helen Kelly: "But, father, the little girl said."

[02:40] Wesley Davis: "I wish that everything I touch, everything would turn to gold when I touch it. I wish I had a touch of gold."

The Fateful Wish

Consumed by his longing for gold, King Midas utters a heartfelt wish to possess the magical "touch of gold." Unbeknownst to him, this wish is about to alter his life dramatically.

[02:57] Helen Kelly: "Good king Madison wished for a touch of gold. He wanted everything when he touched it to turn to yellow gold."

As King Midas revels in his wealth, a mysterious stranger arrives, offering to grant his wish:

[04:05] Wesley Davis: "Gold, gold all around me. Why, I have more gold than anyone else in the world..."

[05:00] John Allen: "Are you sure it will make you happy?"

[05:11] Wesley Davis: "When the sunrise comes tomorrow, in your fingers you shall have the magic, magic touch of gold."

The Consequences Unfold

Morning arrives, and King Midas excitedly tests his newfound power, only to discover its dire repercussions. Everything he touches, including his beloved possessions and even his daughter, transforms into cold, lifeless gold.

[06:26] Wesley Davis: "Gold. The thing on my bed has turned to gold at my touch... I have the touch of gold."

[07:13] Wesley Davis: "Daughter, and what a wonderful, wonderful morning it is. Because, hmm, my dear, my sweet little girl. There are tears in your beautiful eyes."

The heart-wrenching realization hits King Midas as he watches his daughter's transformation:

[09:14] Wesley Davis: "What have I done? What have I done, done to my little daughter?"

A Path to Redemption

Overwhelmed by guilt and despair, King Midas encounters the stranger once more, seeking to undo his tragic mistake. The stranger offers a way to relinquish the golden touch by plunging into the river at the garden's end.

[10:02] John Allen: "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?"

Faced with an agonizing choice, King Midas prioritizes his daughter's life over his wealth:

[10:21] Wesley Davis: "Oh, my child, my child. One little hair of her head is worth more to me than all the gold in the world."

Following the stranger's instructions, King Midas sacrifices his golden touch, restoring his daughter's humanity and the beauty of his kingdom.

[11:21] Helen Kelly: "Head over heels, clothes and all. Down he went into the water... Lovely and alive again."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with John Allen reflecting on the poignant lesson learned from King Midas's tale. The narrative emphasizes the true value of love and relationships over material wealth, a timeless message delivered with heart and wisdom.

[12:18] Wesley Davis: "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..."

[12:38] Helen Kelly: "And that's the end of the story of good King Midas and the touch of gold."

John Allen teases the next enchanting story, ensuring listeners eagerly anticipate future episodes:

[12:43] John Allen: "What a happy story it was. But story Parade lady, what's our story for next week?"

[12:50] 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."

Notable Quotes

• John Allen: "Are you sure it will make you happy? Very sure, good King Midas." [05:00]
• Wesley Davis: "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]
• Helen Kelly: "Gold is not everything that's good. I have lost what I love most dearly." [10:02]
• Wesley Davis: "What have I done? What have I done, done to my little daughter?" [09:14]

Final Thoughts

"The Touch of Gold" masterfully intertwines nostalgia with moral storytelling, reminding audiences of the enduring allure of radio dramas. Through stellar performances and a heartfelt narrative, the episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about the true essence of wealth and happiness.

Listeners who cherish classic tales and profound messages will find "Your Story Parade" an invaluable addition to their auditory experience. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the adventures of the Gingerbread Man await!

Presented by:
Helen Kelly – Story Narrator
Wesley Davis – Dialogues and Character Voices
John Allen – Host and Announcer

Sponsored by:
Texas School of the Air State Department of Education in cooperation with the Texas Association for Childhood Education.