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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
Notable Quotes
-
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) -
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) -
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) -
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 -
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)
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.