Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Throwback: The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Host: Amanda Weldon
Narrator: Daniel Hines
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Introduction
In this nostalgic throwback episode of the Stories Podcast, Amanda Weldon welcomes listeners to revisit a timeless classic: "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." Narrated by Daniel Hines and produced by Jake Letizia, this retelling emphasizes the age-old lessons of honesty and the consequences of deceit, making it a perfect bedtime story for children and families alike.
Story Summary
The episode begins with the introduction of a lonely shepherd boy tending to his flock of fluffy white sheep in a secluded field overlooking a quaint town by the sea. The boy's only companions are his sheep, and his visits to the town, though infrequent, are the highlights of his otherwise monotonous life.
Feeling isolated and craving attention, the boy devises a plan to alleviate his loneliness. Remembering his father's strict instructions to only visit town in case of an emergency, he decides to fabricate a crisis by crying out that a wolf is threatening his flock. This simple yet cunning idea quickly captures the attention of the entire town.
The townspeople, bringing whatever means they can to combat the supposed threat, rush to the field each time the boy cries "Wolf." Each false alarm initially brings amusement and relief to the boy, reinforcing his behavior. However, the situation escalates when, after multiple false alarms, a genuine wolf finally appears. This time, the boy's pleas for help fall on deaf ears, and the townspeople, weary of his previous deceptions, ignore his cries, leading to dire consequences for both the boy and his flock.
Key Highlights and Notable Quotes
1. The Boy’s Loneliness and Initial Deception
The story opens by portraying the boy’s isolation:
"He was a very lonely boy, because other than the sheep, he had no one to talk to." [02:15]
Desperate for interaction, he hatches his plan:
"He would tell the town that he had seen a wolf. That may seem a silly lie to you, but wolves were the greatest enemy that shepherds had." [03:00]
2. The First False Alarm
The boy’s first attempt to gain attention:
"Wolf. Wolf. Here comes a wolf. The sheep, they are in trouble. Wolf, wolf. Here comes a wolf. Please send help on the double." [03:30]
The townspeople respond promptly, only to find no wolf, leading to disappointment:
"Little boy, little boy, you've made us rush and on the double. Now, where's this big bad wolf that's causing all the trouble?" [05:15]
3. Repetition of the Deception
Undeterred by the initial scolding, the boy repeats his deceit:
"Wolf, wolf one in his prime, please send help on the double. My, my flock is delicious and to a wolf nutritious." [06:45]
Another round of false alarms further strains the town’s trust.
4. The Real Threat and Its Aftermath
When a genuine wolf appears, desperation replaces deceit:
"A great, great beast. The sheep, they are in trouble. Wolf, wolf, down from the east, Please send help on the double." [07:50]
This time, his cries are ignored:
"Little boy, little boy, I told you what not to do. You've lied and cried wolf three whole times, and I no longer believe you." [09:30]
The boy is left to face the consequences of his actions alone, highlighting the story's moral.
Insights and Conclusions
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the importance of honesty and the repercussions of lying. Through the boy's repeated deceptions, listeners learn that trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild. The story underscores the value of integrity and the potential consequences when one’s words are no longer believed.
Amanda Weldon's gentle narration, combined with Daniel Hines' expressive storytelling, brings the ancient fable to life, making it accessible and engaging for today's young audience. This episode not only entertains but also imparts essential life lessons, reinforcing the podcast's mission to provide meaningful and imaginative content for families.
Production Credits
- Narrator: Daniel Hines
- Producer: Jake Letizia
- Host: Amanda Weldon
Support and Follow
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Thank you for listening to Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages. Sweet dreams and see you next week!