Throwback: The Hugging Contest

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode Summary: "Throwback: The Hugging Contest"
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Author: Daniel Hines
Performed By: Amanda Weldon and Daniel Hines

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Introduction

In this throwback episode of Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages, host Amanda Weldon presents "The Hugging Contest," an original tale authored by Daniel Hines. This heartwarming story explores themes of acceptance, self-belief, and the celebration of differences through the adventures of Scales, a friendly snake eager to participate in a forest-wide hugging competition.

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Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in a vibrant, friendly old forest, teeming with diverse animal inhabitants. The forest is abuzz with excitement as various animals prepare for the highly anticipated Hugging Contest—an event where participants vie to offer the most heartfelt and cozy hugs.

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Characters Introduced

• Scales the Snake: A long, sleepy snake who loves his afternoon naps under a sunny rock but possesses no arms.
• The Rabbit: A small rabbit with large feet, enthusiastic about the contest.
• The Bear: A formidable contender known for her exceptional hugging skills.
• Other Forest Animals: Including birds, wolves, mice, bugs, a colorful bird, and a graceful bobcat.

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The Announcement of the Hugging Contest

As the forest awakens with chatter about the contest, Amanda Weldon narrates the bustling preparations:

"Animals ran back and forth from tree to stream to cave to hollow, babbling excitedly about the big plans for the day."
[00:36] Narrator

The excitement reaches Scales, who awakens from his nap, curious about the commotion.

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Scales' Quest to Join the Contest

Determined to participate despite lacking arms, Scales approaches the rabbit:

[03:22] Daniel Hines (Rabbit):
"The contest. It's finally time for the contest."

When Scales inquires about participating, the rabbit dismissively responds:

[04:23] Daniel Hines (Rabbit):
"How can you hug? You've got no arms. You're just a snake. You've got no charms you're hooking. Fangs set off alarms you'll never win, you best believe."

Undeterred by the initial rejection, Scales observes other contestants attempting to hug, further fueling his determination.

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Facing Repeated Rejections

Scales' optimism leads him to challenge a colorful bird, but the bird mocks his lack of arms:

[06:01] Daniel Hines (Bird):
"Rock, how can you hug? You've got no arms. The way you slither hardly charms your beady eyes and awful arms. You'll never win, you best believe."

Feeling disheartened yet resilient, Scales decides to seek out a worthy opponent, spotting a graceful bobcat.

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The Climactic Challenge

Approaching the bobcat, Scales faces more skepticism:

[08:12] Daniel Hines (Bobcat):
"How can you hug? You've got no arms and snakes aren't known for their charms. Your scaly skin sets off alarms. You'll never win. You best believe..."

Frustrated by the continual dismissals, Scales confronts the bear, leading to a pivotal moment in the story.

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Scales Demonstrates His True Potential

Defying expectations, Scales accepts the bear’s challenge:

[12:19] Narrator:
"He yelled, 'You all keep telling me I can't do something just because I'm not like you.' Well, guess what? I'm glad I'm not like you because you're all a bunch of bullies picking on a guy just because he's different."

Scales wraps himself around the bear in a unique, tight embrace, showcasing that even without arms, he can deliver a heartfelt hug. Initially, his hug is too tight, but he quickly adjusts:

[13:46] Daniel Hines (Bear):
"You've got no arms, but you can hug. In fact, I'm feeling very snug... You're the winner. You best believe it's not your fault you hugged too tight..."
[11:38]

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Resolution and Acceptance

Impressed by Scales' genuine affection, the bear and other animals acknowledge his ability:

[14:25] Narrator:
"Sorry we didn't let you compete," agreed the rabbit. "We were quite wrong," said the bird. "It turns out you don't need arms to hug."

The forest animals celebrate Scales by crowning him the First Annual Hugging Contest Champion of the Forest, reaffirming that differences enrich the community.

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Moral of the Story

"The Hugging Contest" beautifully conveys that true value lies beyond appearances and that embracing one's unique traits can lead to unexpected triumphs. Scales' journey teaches young listeners the importance of perseverance, self-confidence, and acceptance of diversity.

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Notable Quotes

1. Rabbit's Doubt

   "How can you hug? You've got no arms. You're just a snake. You've got no charms you're hooking. Fangs set off alarms you'll never win, you best believe."
   [04:23] Daniel Hines (Rabbit)

2. Bird's Mockery

   "Rock, how can you hug? You've got no arms. The way you slither hardly charms your beady eyes and awful arms. You'll never win, you best believe."
   [06:01] Daniel Hines (Bird)

3. Bobcat's Skepticism

   "How can you hug? You've got no arms and snakes aren't known for their charms. Your scaly skin sets off alarms. You'll never win. You best believe..."
   [08:12] Daniel Hines (Bobcat)

4. Scales' Declaration

   "You all keep telling me I can't do something just because I'm not like you. Well, guess what? I'm glad I'm not like you because you're all a bunch of bullies picking on a guy just because he's different."
   [12:19] Narrator

5. Bear's Acknowledgment and Apology

   "You've got no arms, but you can hug. In fact, I'm feeling very snug... You're the winner. You best believe it's not your fault you hugged too tight..."
   [11:38] Daniel Hines (Bear)

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Conclusion

"The Hugging Contest" serves as an inspiring reminder that authenticity and kindness transcend physical differences. Through Scales' perseverance and the eventual recognition from his peers, young listeners learn the value of embracing who they are and the positive impact of overcoming prejudices within a community.

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Transcript

[Daniel Hines]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. 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.

[Sponsor Voice]

This episode of Stories Podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms. With Squarespace payments, onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates and contracts, simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated sitemap, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Narrator]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode. The Hugging Contest Once upon a time, in a friendly old forest, there was a wild commotion. Animals ran back and forth from tree to stream to cave to hollow, babbling excitedly about the big plans for the day. The birds chirped about it, the wolves howled about it, the mice squeaked about it, and even the bugs buzzed about it. It was all anyone could talk about, and as the start time neared, the gathering crowd grew louder and louder. It got so loud that it woke up Scales, a very long and very sleepy snake. What's everyone making all this fuss about? He asked, lifting his sleek green head and tasting the air with quick flicks of his tongue. He was in the middle of his afternoon sun nap, which he always took in a bright little clearing near the center of the forest, right on top of the rock. He slept under Usually it was quiet. More than quiet. It was downright serene. Not today, though. Didn't you hear? Said a very small rabbit with very large feet. It's finally time. Finally. Time for what? Scales asked, confused. The rabbit rolled her eyes and twitched her cottony tail.

[Daniel Hines]

The contest. It's finally time for the contest.

[Narrator]

What contest? Scales was more confused than ever. The rabbit shook her head. What, do you live under a rock? Actually, yes, Scale said. I live under this rock we're sitting on now. Oh, well, that makes sense then, said the rabbit, embarrassed. It's the hugging contest. We're all coming together to see who can give the best, coziest, tightest hug. Scales lifted up on his long body and peered around. He saw animals of all kinds, from foxes and hawks to squirrels and sloths and many more. They were all laughing and having a good time, and many a hug was already taking place. Looks like fun. How do I enter? The rabbit looked Scales up and down and then laughed right in his face.

[Daniel Hines]

How can you hug? You've got no arms. You're just a snake. You've got no charms you're hooking. Fangs set off alarms you'll never win, you best believe. I've got two arms like cotton balls Softer than a spring Rainfall's more cozy than when mother calls it's clear to see. It's best you leave. It's best you leave.

[Narrator]

The song stung Scales. Not literally, like a bee would sting. The song hurt his feelings. Was it his fault he had no arms, or legs, for that matter? Was it his fault he was basically one long neck? No. No, it wasn't. And he wouldn't be talked out of the contest so easily. He slithered off his rock and into the crowd. Hugs were happening on all sides, and already people were comparing notes about who hugged the best. Scale saw a large, colorful bird hugging anyone who happened by. He didn't have arms either. Well, not really. He had wings. But did those count? No, Scales decided. No, they didn't. He slithered up to the bird and then raised himself out of the grass. Care to hug? He asked. The bird looked him up. Then the bird looked him down. Then the bird burst out in squawking laughter.

[Daniel Hines]

Rock, how can you hug? You've got no arms. The way you slither hardly charms your beady eyes and awful arms. You'll never win, you best believe. Rock, I've got wings of puffy feather and they're dry in any weather. I give hugs as smooth as leather. It's clear to see. It's best you leave it's best you leave.

[Narrator]

Scales had thought the song stung the first time. Well, it was even worse the second. Why would no one hug him? Did it really matter that he had no arms? Was he really that poorly made? Scales didn't believe it. He wasn't made wrong. He was just a little different, and he just had to look a little harder. He slithered back into the crowd. It was starting to thin a little now, as the real competitors met in the middle. As he watched, a giant bear hugged a lamb so well that the lamb himself declared the bear the winner. Scales thought about challenging the bear next, but she already had a line in front of her. What I need, thought Scales, is someone tough. Someone who will be up for a challenge. He scanned the crowd. There. A slinky bobcat was laying on a low limb nearby. She was spotted and tawny, her fur sparkling in the sun and her whiskers drooping magnificently. She was perfect. Hello there, my fine feline friend, scale said, looking up to her on the branch. Would you care to hug? Of course I would, said the bobcat. I'm always up for a hugging contest. She hopped down from the branch and landed gracefully on silent paws. When she saw it was Scales who had challenged her, she started laughing, those droopy whiskers shaking. How can you hug? You've got no arms.

[Daniel Hines]

A hissing voice just never charms your flicking tongue sets off alarms. You'll never win. You best believe I've got these arms of silky fur. They come and comfort like a purr.

[Narrator]

My hugs are huge.

[Daniel Hines]

They all concur it's clear to see.

[Amanda Weldon]

It's best you leave.

[Daniel Hines]

It's best you leave.

[Sponsor Voice]

Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this.

[Amanda Weldon]

If you'd like Stories Podcast and other.

[Sponsor Voice]

Favorite Kid Podcasts ad free. Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. This episode of Stories Podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time. All in one place, all on your terms. With Squarespace Payments, onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates, and contracts, simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated sitemap, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Narrator]

Embarrassed, Scales just slithered away. Was he really not even worth it just because he had no arms? No. He couldn't believe that he knew he could hug. He knew it deep down in his heart and he knew it fiercely. He just had to keep looking. He wound back into the clearing just in time to see the great bear win her contest against the wolf. Another win for me. The bear called after shaking paws with the wolf. There's a reason they call it a bear hug, folks. I'm just the best hugger going. The animals had made a crown of golden flowers for the winner. It sat shining on a sun drenched stump. Smiling. The bear scooped it up and set it on her head. I'm declaring myself queen of the contest. Unless anyone else wants to try. There was silence in the clearing. Nobody. I want to try. Oh, who said that? I did, Scale said, uncoiling and lifting himself into the air. I don't think I can match your softness or your fur, but I bet I can hug tighter. The bear laughed and all the other animals joined in.

[Daniel Hines]

How can you hug? You've got no arms and snakes aren't known for their charms. Your scaly skin sets off alarms. You'll never win. You best believe I've got both these huggers. Burly, covered with fur, soft and curly. You've heard of the bear hug. Surely it's clear to see. It's best you leave.

[Narrator]

It's best you leave this time. Scales wasn't sad. This time. He was angry. That's it. I've had it.

[Sponsor Voice]

He yelled.

[Narrator]

You all keep telling me I can't do something just because I'm not like you. Well, guess what? I'm glad I'm not like you because you're all a bunch of bullies picking on a guy just because he's different. He turned to slither away, but the bear called out, wait. Scales turned around. Don't get all upset, the bear said. If it means that much to you, I'll give you a chance. Scales looked at her skeptically and the bear spread her massive shaggy arms let's see what you've got. Finally, Scale slithered forward and wrapped himself around the bear's legs. The bear hugged in with her arms, but the snake kept climbing, winding upward like lightning quick ivy. He climbed higher, his long body encircling the bear in great rings from chest to toe. The bear tried to lift her arms, but they were pinned to her side. Scales began to hug as tight as he could, squeezing the bear tighter and tighter until he realized the bear was having trouble drawing a breath. Whoops. Too tight, Scales thought, unwinding himself quickly and letting the bear draw a deep breath. Sorry about that, scales said. I knew I could hug well, but I forgot that it's dangerous to hug too hard. The bear rolled back to her feet and laughed again. This time it wasn't a mean laugh, though.

[Sponsor Voice]

It was a good, real laugh.

[Daniel Hines]

You've got no arms, but you can hug. In fact, I'm feeling very snug. It's what I get for acting smug. You're the winner. You best best believe it's not your fault you hugged too tight. The way we acted wasn't right. So best believe we feel contrite. Sorry we tried to make you leave. Sorry we tried to make you leave.

[Narrator]

Sorry we didn't let you compete, agreed the rabbit. We were quite wrong, said the bird. It turns out you don't need arms to hug. The bobcat nodded in agreement. Just because you're different doesn't mean you can't keep up with us. You just do things in your own way and there's nothing wrong with that. Agreed the bear, lifting Scales high into the air. Ladies, gentlemen, everybody. In between, the first Annual Hugging Contest Champion of the Forest. The crowd burst into applause and Scales felt it wash over him, warming his body better than the sunny rock ever had. The royal crown. The bear called. She took the crown from her own head and put it on Scales. Of course, the snake didn't have ears any more than he had arms, so the crown slipped down over his head and just kept on going.

[Daniel Hines]

Uh, the royal belt.

[Narrator]

The bear called, and they all laughed and cheered and together paraded off into the forest. The End Today's story, the Hugging Contest was an original story written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon, with songs by us both.

[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. In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show on Stories rpg. We play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends and Gigacity Guardians featuring the brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com storiesrpg to get ad free episodes. Play along games and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there, so check them out now.

[Narrator]

Thanks for listening.