Throwback: The Bee's Sting
Podcast Information:
- Title: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
- Host/Author: Starglow Media / Wondery
- Episode: Throwback: The Bee's Sting
- Release Date: April 16, 2025
Summary:
Stories Podcast presents "Throwback: The Bee's Sting," a charming and instructive episode that blends classic fable elements with original storytelling. Narrated by Amanda Weldon and Daniel Hines, this episode takes listeners on an enchanting journey with Billy, a dedicated honey bee striving to protect his hive from persistent honey thieves. The story imparts valuable lessons on responsibility, the ethical use of power, and the importance of community.
1. Introduction to the Hive and Billy's Role
The episode opens in a bustling bee hive where bees are diligently engaged in various tasks—producing honey, feeding the queen and larvae, and collecting pollen and nectar. However, Billy has a unique and challenging responsibility: guarding the honey. Unlike his fellow bees, Billy lacks a stinger, making his task particularly difficult.
Notable Quote:
- Billy pleading with the beetle:
"Please don't take the honey."
[00:28]
2. The Honey Thieves and Growing Tensions
Billy's attempts to protect the honey are constantly undermined by three persistent intruders:
-
The Beetle: Scoops up mouthfuls of honey by trundling across the hive.
Quote:
"Share and share alike, that's what I always say."
[00:29] -
The Skunk: Uses her long, greedy tongue to lick honey from the hive.
Quote:
"Oh, please stop."
[00:45] -
The Bear: Shakes the hive vigorously to scoop out honey with his large paws.
Quote:
"Delicious."
[01:00]
Despite Billy's efforts, the honey theft continues, leading to a shortage that leaves the hive's bees hungry. Frustration mounts as the bees begin to blame Billy and the other guards for their predicament.
Notable Quote:
- Billy expressing his frustration:
"It's not fair. We're so small, how are we supposed to stop even a big beetle?"
[02:15]
3. Billy's Despair and Encounter with Mother Nature
Overwhelmed by the unrelenting challenges, Billy leaves the hive in despair. He lands on a leaf under the moonlight, lamenting:
Quote:
"We guards do our best, but we're just little honey bees. If only I had a way to protect the hive."
[03:30]
As Billy reflects on his struggles, Mother Nature makes her presence known, offering a solution to his woes.
Notable Quote:
- Mother Nature addressing Billy:
"I'll give you a stinger sharp as you could, like if anyone tries to steal your honey, you give them a sting and that will have them thinking twice."
[05:45]
4. Empowerment and Initial Success
Empowered with a newly acquired stinger, Billy returns to the hive to share the good news. The other guard bees now also possess stingers, sparking a wave of confidence and hope.
Notable Quote:
- Billy announcing the change:
"This is great."
[07:00]
Their first tests of their enhanced abilities prove successful:
-
Beetle Confrontation: Billy warns the beetle to leave their honey alone. When the beetle persists, Billy uses his stinger to chase him away.
Quote:
"Last warning. Outta my way, wise guy."
[08:30] -
Skunk Encounter: The skunk attempts to steal honey again. This time, Billy and the guard bees swiftly sting her, causing her to retreat.
Quote:
"This stinks worse than me."
[09:45] -
Bear Assault: When the bear tries to snatch honey, the united front of the guard bees overwhelms him with their stings.
Quote:
"Protect the honey."
[10:15]
The hive celebrates their victories, and the queen expresses pride in their newfound ability to safeguard their resources.
5. Escalation: Overusing the Stinger
Buoyed by their initial successes, Billy proposes a more aggressive strategy:
Quote:
"Instead of waiting for them to come to us, this time we'll take the fight to them."
[12:00]
The guard bees adopt a proactive approach, preemptively stinging any animals they suspect of intending to steal honey, even when these animals are not actively attempting theft.
-
Beetle: Stung before he can attempt to take honey.
Quote:
"What gives? That's what you get for thinking about our honey."
[14:00] -
Skunk: Targeted while foraging, leading her to flee yet again.
Quote:
"This seriously stinks."
[15:30] -
Bear: The guard bees swarm him as he lazily drinks from the river, forcing him to retreat into the woods.
Quote:
"Never come for our honey again."
[16:45]
6. Consequences and Moral Lesson
Billy's overzealous defense does not go unnoticed. Mother Nature convenes a meeting with Billy and the thwarted animals—beetle, skunk, and bear—to address his misuse of the stinger.
Notable Quote:
- Mother Nature admonishing Billy:
"You've turned into a bully. I gave you the power to protect yourself, and you use it to attack your fellow creatures."
[18:30]
As a consequence, Mother Nature imposes limitations on the stingers:
Quote:
"From now on, you can only sting once. After that, you'll lose your stinger. So don't waste it."
[19:00]
Billy experiences a whirlwind of emotions and transformations, ultimately learning the importance of restraint and ethical responsibility.
Final Quote:
"I won't," Billy promises, committed to change.
[20:00]
7. Conclusion: Lessons Learned
"Throwback: The Bee's Sting" concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the significance of using one's abilities responsibly. The hive adopts a balanced approach to protection, ensuring that they defend their honey without becoming aggressors themselves. Through Billy's journey, young listeners learn that power comes with responsibility and that ethical choices are crucial in maintaining harmony within a community.
Notable Quote:
- Mother Nature's closing words:
"Don't forget. I won't."
[20:30]
Key Takeaways:
- Responsibility: The story emphasizes the importance of using one's abilities wisely and the impact of overstepping boundaries.
- Community Harmony: Highlighting how aggressive actions can disrupt relationships within a community.
- Consequences of Actions: Illustrates that misuse of power can lead to negative repercussions, not just for the individual but for the entire community.
Overall Impression:
"Throwback: The Bee's Sting" is a beautifully crafted narrative that combines engaging storytelling with meaningful lessons. Amanda Weldon and Daniel Hines deliver the tale with warmth and clarity, making it accessible and enjoyable for children and parents alike. The inclusion of relatable characters and moral dilemmas ensures that listeners not only enjoy the story but also take away valuable insights about behavior and responsibility.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Billy to the beetle:
"Please don't take the honey."
[00:28] -
Beetle's Response:
"Share and share alike, that's what I always say."
[00:29] -
Mother Nature's Offer:
"I'll give you a stinger sharp as you could, like if anyone tries to steal your honey, you give them a sting and that will have them thinking twice."
[05:45] -
Billy's Declaration:
"Protect the honey."
[08:30] -
Mother Nature's Reprimand:
"You've turned into a bully. I gave you the power to protect yourself, and you use it to attack your fellow creatures."
[18:30] -
Billy's Promise:
"I won't."
[20:00]
This comprehensive summary captures all the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions of the "Throwback: The Bee's Sting" episode. It provides a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the episode, complete with notable quotes and proper attribution.