The Very Bravish Lion

Summary

Summary of "The Very Bravish Lion" Episode

Introduction

In the June 14, 2025 episode of Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages, hosted by Amanda Weldon from Starglow Media/Wondery, listeners are introduced to an enchanting adaptation of an Aesop's fable titled "The Very Bravish Lion", penned by Daniel Hines. This episode weaves a tale that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about courage and understanding fears, making it a perfect bedtime story for children and families alike.

Characters

• Abby: A young lioness who prides herself on being the brave queen of the jungle but harbors a secret fear.
• Amara: Abby's elephant best friend, cheerful and resourceful, who provides comfort and wisdom.
• Hogo: A colossal hippo with tiny ears, embodying strength yet possessing his own fears.
• Human: Represents the unknown and fearsome presence in the jungle, contrasting the animal characters.

Plot Summary

Abby's Struggle with Fear

Abby, the lioness, lives in a unique part of the jungle where she sleeps high in the trees to avoid bugs and enjoy the cool breeze. Despite her prowess and status as the jungle's queen, Abby faces a daily challenge: the loud morning crow of the roosters terrifies her every dawn. This fear contradicts her image of bravery, causing her distress and embarrassment.

Abby: "It's just that loud, sharp noise out of nowhere."
[02:35]

Feeling isolated in her fear, Abby seeks solace by visiting her friend Amara.

Seeking Support from Friends

Abby meets Amara, the elephant, who notices her friend's gloomy demeanor. Amara encourages Abby to confront her fear, suggesting ways to handle it. Their conversation is interrupted by a mishap with a bee, showcasing Abby's hidden bravery as she protects Amara from the buzzing intruder.

Amara: "But Abby, you look so upset."
[04:54]

Through this incident, Abby begins to see that everyone has their own fears, regardless of their size or strength.

Meeting Hogo the Hippo

Continuing her journey, Abby encounters Hogo, the hippo, who is enjoying a mud bath. Hogo shares his own fears—snakes and humans—despite his imposing size. This revelation broadens Abby's understanding that fear is a universal emotion, not confined to the weak or small.

Hogo: "I'm huge and I'm afraid of smaller things."
[10:44]

Abby reflects on these interactions, realizing that being afraid is natural and does not diminish her status as queen.

The Encounter with the Human

As Abby contemplates her newfound perspective, she accidentally comes face-to-face with a human in the jungle. Startled, she roars mightily, expecting confrontation. However, the human reacts with fear and retreats swiftly, illustrating that fear is a two-way street.

Abby: "The human was afraid of me."
[11:16]

This encounter reinforces Abby's realization that fear is common to all beings, regardless of their power or role in the world.

Embracing Her Fears

Back home, Abby muses over her day. She recognizes that her friends, Amara and Hogo, have their own fears, just as she does. Understanding that fear does not make her any less brave, Abby finds comfort in this shared human (and animal) experience.

The following morning, when the rooster crows, Abby wakes up startled but quickly adjusts her mindset. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear, she smiles and returns to sleep, demonstrating her growth and acceptance of her fears.

Abby: "I should be braver."
[10:44]

Key Themes and Insights

1. Courage vs. Fear: The story emphasizes that true bravery lies in acknowledging and managing one's fears rather than the absence of fear.
2. Universal Nature of Fear: Through Abby, Amara, and Hogo, the narrative illustrates that fear is a common experience shared by all, regardless of their physical attributes or status.
3. Self-Acceptance: Abby's journey teaches the importance of accepting one's vulnerabilities as a step towards personal growth.
4. Understanding Others: By recognizing the fears of her friends, Abby learns empathy and the value of supporting others through their struggles.

Notable Quotes

• Abby on Fear:

  "I'm supposed to be the queen of the jungle. But every morning when that thing crows out, it scares me half to death."
  [04:36]

• Hogo on Being Afraid:

  "But being afraid happens to everyone."
  [10:53]

• Abby's Realization:

  "Maybe being afraid wasn't such a big deal after all. It seemed like everyone got spooked sometimes."
  [11:55]

Conclusion

"The Very Bravish Lion" is a heartwarming tale that skillfully blends adventure with profound life lessons. Through Abby's journey, young listeners learn that fear is a natural part of life and that acknowledging it can lead to greater self-awareness and resilience. The story encourages children to embrace their fears, understand others, and find strength in vulnerability, making it a valuable addition to any family's bedtime routine.

Discussion Questions

At the end of the episode, Amanda Weldon provides thoughtful questions for families to discuss, reinforcing the story's themes:

1. Personal Fears: When was the last time you were scared and what did you do?
2. Coping Mechanisms: Were you like Abby and you roared and got really big and scary? Or were you like the human who ran away?
3. Understanding Fear: What are some of the little things that scare you? What are some of the really big things when you're feeling scared?
4. Overcoming Fear: What are some of the things you can do to help feel better? Can you figure out some tricks?

These questions aim to foster open conversations about fear and bravery, helping children and parents alike navigate their emotions together.

---

"The Very Bravish Lion" exemplifies the Stories Podcast's mission to deliver engaging, wholesome tales that resonate with both children and their parents, making it an ideal choice for imaginative families seeking quality audio entertainment.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello. Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called the Very Bravish lion, an adaptation of an Aesop's Fable written for you by Daniel Hines. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors.

[Daniel Hines]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien lifeforms, but only one of them asked for it.

[Elio]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.

[Daniel Hines]

Get me from Disney and Pixar.

[Amanda Weldon]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Daniel Hines]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to the community Verse.

[Elio]

What is this, please? These are the lava tunnels. Gordon I am not hot.

[Daniel Hines]

Fireproof Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated pg. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters. Tickets available now.

[Hogo]

Are you looking for ways to enhance your homeschool curriculum with interactive practice problems, educational games, lessons and video tutorials? For every lesson you're teaching at home.

[Amanda Weldon]

Set your child up with ixl.

[Hogo]

IXL is an online learning program for kids that covers math, language arts, science and social studies and offers interactive practice problems for every topic from Pre K to 12th grade. Every topic is organized by grade and subject, or you can navigate by textbook. IXL has skill plans for specific textbooks so your child can get extra help for the exact unit they're covering in class.

[Amanda Weldon]

How cool.

[Hogo]

And the research is clear. The kids who are using IXL are consistently scoring higher on tests and doing better in school. You can get these results for your family too. Don't let your child struggle when they don't have to. Let IXL help them master all the subjects and build a strong academic foundation. Memberships start at only $9.95 a month, way less than just a single hour of tutoring make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now. Stories podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com dragon Visit ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode the Very Braveish Lion Once upon a time, where the jungle met the savannah, there lived a little lioness named Abby. She was sleek and gold, flashing through the trees like a sunbeam, prowling through the savanna grasses like the first hint of wind. She was smart and cunning and brave. Well, brave Ish, anyway. Abby slept in a tall tree with lots of long, curling branches. Plenty of lions slept on the ground, but Abby didn't like waking up with bugs in her fur. And Africa had some big bugs. Plus, it was cooler up in the trees, shaded from the sun and blessed with a balmy blowing breeze. There was just one problem Abby had, and she had it every single morning. She'd be sleeping peacefully, slumped over a branch like a house cat over a chair, when as soon as the sun came up, cock a doodle doo. The roosters would bellow out their morning call and Abby would jump up like she'd been stung by a bee. What? Who? Where? Then she'd remember the rooster and curl into an angry ball. Lousy big chickens, she'd growl to herself. It wasn't just that they woke her up. It's that they scared her. Her. She was a big lion, supposed to be the queen of the jungle, but the early morning rooster call always scared her. She was so much bigger than the rooster that she could eat it if she wanted to, but it still scared her. It was embarrassing, feeling especially miserable about the whole thing. One day Abby went walking through the jungle. She wasn't sure exactly what she was looking for, but maybe it was a friend, because she was overjoyed when she saw Amara, her elephant bestie. Amara, she said. How's it going today? Amara had found a banana tree and was wrapping her trunk around the big bunches and pulling them down. Then she'd eat the bananas a bunch at a time, peels and all, disappearing into her big mouth. Can't complain when you have bananas, Amara said, but then she looked back at her friend, the lioness.

[Amara]

But Abby, you look so upset.

[Amanda Weldon]

Tell me what's going on. Abby groaned and rolled over in the grass. Is it that obvious? I'm having a bad day. I can see it all over your face, Amara said, crunching another bunch of bananas. It's the lousy roosters that live near me, she said miserably, her tail drooping as she lay her head on her paws. What did they do? Asked Amara, reaching extra high for a particularly yellow bunch of bananas and talking while she gobbled them. What did they do?

[Hogo]

Did they bully you?

[Amara]

Oh, if they bullied you, just say.

[Amanda Weldon]

The word and I'll go over there.

[Amara]

And give them such a trumpeting they'll never forget.

[Amanda Weldon]

Abby laughed and stretched. I appreciate you having my back, but it's nothing like that, she said. It's Just I'm the lioness. I'm the queen of the jungle. But every morning when that thing crows out, it scares me half to death. Just that loud, sharp noise out of nowhere. That does sound annoying, said Amara, grabbing another bunch. Would it help to be Be. Be? A single big bee had been looking for pollen in the banana plant that Amara grabbed. It flew out and buzzed angrily at her trunk. Ah, Help. Bellowed the elephant, trumpeting and rearing back on her hind legs. Be. Relax. Abby shouted, dodging the wild elephant's tree thick feet. It's just a bee. Be. Amara shouted, waving her trunk wildly and stumbling away from the buzzing menace. Abby had to dodge her big feet again and then thought, enough of this. Watch out. She shouted. Then Abby gathered herself like a coiling spring and launched across the clearing. She didn't want to eat the bee, knowing it could sting her mouth. Instead, she batted it away with her mighty paw. The bee went flying off into the trees and then buzzed away just as fast as it could. Abby landed gracefully next to Amara. Are you okay? Did you get stung? I'm okay, Amara said, breathing heavily and snorting through her trunk.

[Amara]

It just scared the bananas out of me.

[Amanda Weldon]

What? Asked Abby, looking up at her big, strong elephant friend. The bee scared you? But it's tiny.

[Amara]

Who cares how big it is?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Amara. Have you ever gotten stung? It's not pleasant, I'll tell you that much. I just hate it so much.

[Amara]

Especially on my trunk. Oh, thank you so much, Abby, for being so brave.

[Amanda Weldon]

No problem at all, Abby said, confused about the whole thing. I better go and see if I can find some lunch. I'll catch you later, Amara. Bye, Abby, the elephant said, waving with her trunk. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts.

[Daniel Hines]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms, but only one of them asked for it.

[Elio]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.

[Daniel Hines]

Get me from Disney and Pixar.

[Amanda Weldon]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Daniel Hines]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to the community.

[Elio]

What is this, please? These are the lava tunnels, Gordon. I am not fireproof.

[Daniel Hines]

Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated pg. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters. Tickets available now.

[Amanda Weldon]

Abby walked deeper into the jungle until she came to the river. She was hoping to catch a zebra or maybe a meaty pig drinking in the waters. But instead she saw the muddy butt of Hogo the hippo. He was wallowing in the shallow water, getting as much mud as he could on his body. Hey there, Hogo, abby said, taking a drink at the water's edge. What's with the mud bath? It's too hot out, hogo said, wiggling even deeper into the mud. Hogo was an old hippo and absolutely colossal, except for his tiny tulip ears that wiggled in the water.

[Amara]

The mud helps block the sun and trap the wet. Keeps my skin moist and cool all day long.

[Amanda Weldon]

You should really try it out. Thanks, but no thanks, abby said. She thought it was a little gross. She would never mash her beautiful golden coat into mud full of bugs and who knows what else, but she was glad it worked for Hogo.

[Amara]

What's bothering you today?

[Amanda Weldon]

Hogo asked. Is it that obvious? Asked Abby.

[Amara]

Your whiskers are drooping and your eyes aren't quite as golden as usual, said Hogo. And you didn't even pretend to pounce on me like you do sometimes.

[Amanda Weldon]

That was more about the mud than being sad, but Abby wasn't going to correct him. Yeah, she said a little miserably. I just. I keep being scared by the roosters in the morning. I'm dead asleep and then all of a sudden cock a doodle doo at like the top of their lousy little lungs. It makes me jump every morning and I don't know what you can tell me, said Hogo. I guess I'm just embarrassed to be scared of something so small. I'm supposed to be the queen of the jungle. The queen can't be afraid of a little rooster. It's not. She thought for a bit, looking for the right word. It's not dignified, is it?

[Amara]

I'm not the best judge of what's.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dignified, said Hogo, gesturing at his giant body, freshly coated in sticky mud.

[Amara]

But being afraid happens to everyone.

[Amanda Weldon]

But they aren't afraid of stuff that's smaller than them. I should be braver. Nonsense, said Hogo, blowing bubbles in the water with a snort.

[Amara]

I'm huge and I'm afraid of smaller things.

[Amanda Weldon]

You are? Asked Abby, remembering Amara and the bee. Like what? Well, snakes, for one, said Hogo.

[Amara]

The way they slither around, it just. It just makes me nervous. And some could be poisonous or venomous or whatever.

[Amanda Weldon]

That makes sense. Oh, and humans, said Hogo.

[Amara]

Everyone, no matter how big or small, is afraid of the humans.

[Amanda Weldon]

Abby nodded at that. Hogo was right. Everyone from the jungle to the savanna was afraid of the humans. They weren't very big or strong, but they had things like those loud rolling monsters and their sticks that shot thunder and lightning. I guess that's true, abby said. Sure is, said Hogo, rolling belly up in the mud and letting out a long belch so loud it made waves.

[Amara]

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's nap time.

[Amanda Weldon]

Abby started to reply, but before she could, the big hippo was already asleep, snoring like an avalanche. Feeling a little bit better, Abby made her way back home. She was thinking about Amara and Hogo and how they had their own things they were afraid of. Maybe being afraid was more common than she thought. And as she thought, Abby forgot to pay attention and so came around a tree and found herself face to face with a human. A human? She froze. The human was tall and thin, with dark skin and big brown eyes. It was wearing tan clothes with a big pack on its back and something strange in its hands. It could be a thunder stick. Was it going to launch it at Abby? She didn't know, and her thoughts all jammed together in her head, she was so startled. Finally, in a mixture of surprise and fear, she let out a mighty roar. She expected the human to attack her, but her roar was only halfway out before the human screamed, turned, and went bolting back into the woods. Abby stopped to listen as they crashed away from her, still screaming and pushing through the brush. Abby could only sit for a second as she processed what had just happened. The human was afraid of her. It was a strange thought, but there was no denying it. She had seen fear in the human's eyes as she had roared, and she could still hear them running in the distance. Shaken up, Abby headed back to her home and lay down in the shade. It had certainly been a strange day. First, she had learned her biggest and best friend, Amara the elephant, was also afraid of something smaller. The little bee had really spooked her, but Amara had no problem swatting it down. And then Hogo, too. He was afraid of snakes and even humans, despite the fact that he was so big he could swallow a human whole. And speaking of humans, Abby was queen of the jungle, but the humans were in charge of the whole world, and one had been afraid of her. Maybe being afraid wasn't such a big deal after all. It seemed like everyone got spooked sometimes. It was just what you did next that mattered. Abby thought about it long and hard, and she was still thinking about it that night when she dropped off to sleep. The next morning, the rooster rose with the sun and let out a thunderous cock a doodle doo that echoed through the trees. Abby jerked awake, startled as always. Then when she heard it was just the normal rooster, she smiled, rolled over and went back to sleep. The end. Here are some questions for you to talk about with your family. When was the last time you were scared and what did you do? Were you like Abby and you roared and got really big and scary? Or were you like the human who ran away? What are some of the little things that scare you? What are some of the really big things when you're feeling scared? What are some of the things you can do to help feel better? I bet you can figure out some tricks. Today's story the Very Bravish lion was an adaptation of an Aesop's fable written for you by Daniel Hines. It was edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo, follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.

[Jim]

Do you want to spend another summer stuck at home?

[Elio]

Hey Jim, how's your back?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, you know.

[Jim]

I hear you leave the small talk behind because Disney and Pixar invite you on an out of this world adventure.

[Amanda Weldon]

Engaging Hyperspeed this is awesome.

[Jim]

On June 20th.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to the community. Prepare to be conquered.

[Elio]

But I just got here. Follow me. What is this? Please, These are the lava tunnels.

[Amanda Weldon]

I am not fireproof.

[Jim]

Disney Pixar's Elio in theaters June 20. Tickets available now. Waiting PG parental guidance suggested.