Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode: Throwback: The Little Rescue
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon (Starglow Media / Wondery)
Story Adaptation By: Daniel Hines
Performers: Amanda Weldon, Kelsey Lee

Episode Overview

This classic throwback episode, “The Little Rescue,” revisits a favorite fable, focusing on the power of kindness—especially to those who may seem small or unimportant. Through the tale of two doves, Ms. Beekman and Mr. Pex, the story illustrates that even the smallest acts of compassion can return in unexpected, life-saving ways.

Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Setting the Scene (03:47)

• In a peaceful stretch of American forest, two doves—wise, kind Ms. Beekman and skeptical, selfish Mr. Pex—are relaxing near their favorite willow tree by a river.
• Amanda Weldon sets a cozy, descriptive tone, highlighting the gentle beauty of the forest and the personalities of the main characters.

2. A Tiny Creature in Danger (04:40)

• Mr. Pex notices an ant struggling in the river.
  • Mr. Pex: “There’s an ant in the river.” (04:43)
• The ant is in dire trouble, fighting for its life against the current.

3. Debate Over Helping (05:41)

• Ms. Beekman insists on helping the ant, while Mr. Pex dismisses its life as insignificant.
  • Ms. Beekman: “We should go help him.” (05:41)
  • Mr. Pex: “Help him? It’s only an ant. Not worth my time.” (05:44)
• Ms. Beekman delivers a heartfelt, poetic plea for kindness for its own sake:
  • Ms. Beekman:
    “And you say he's not worth notice just because he has nothing of value to you...
    Being kind for kindness sake, it makes you feel great.” (06:01)
• Mr. Pex refuses to act without an immediate benefit:
  • Mr. Pex: “I’ll be kind to an ant when an ant gives me a reason to be kind.” (06:31)

4. The Little Rescue (06:50)

• Ms. Beekman ignores Mr. Pex's cynicism, searches for a way to save the ant, and finds a reed.
  • Ms. Beekman (searching): “Come on, a piece of straw, a stick, something, anything.” (06:59)
• She drops the reed for the ant, urging it to grab on:
  • Ms. Beekman: “Grab on!” (07:20)
  • “You can do it.” (07:45)
• The ant struggles but dives for the reed, ultimately surviving, thanks to Ms. Beekman’s perseverance.

5. The Moral is Questioned (08:27)

• Ms. Beekman reassures Mr. Pex that saving the ant “was the right thing to do,” even if it didn’t seem significant.
  • Ms. Beekman: “Kindness doesn’t need a point…” (08:46)
• Mr. Pex remains unconvinced and slightly dismissive:
  • Mr. Pex: “Call me when you save something that matters and maybe I’ll listen.” (09:00)

6. Trouble Arrives: The Hunter (11:34)

• Their disagreement grows loud enough to catch the attention of a nearby hunter, setting a suspenseful mood.
  • The hunter creeps closer, aiming his gun at the doves.

7. Kindness Repaid (13:07)

• As the hunter prepares to shoot, he’s suddenly bitten on the hand by an ant—the ant Ms. Beekman saved.
  • His shot goes astray, sparing the doves.
• Amanda’s narration emphasizes this turning point:
  • “An ant, a little black ant, dropped to the ground and disappeared into the grass. It had bitten him right as he fired.” (13:22)
• The hunter, startled and stung, leaves the area, saving Ms. Beekman and Mr. Pex.

8. Gratitude and Lesson Learned (14:26)

• Mr. Pex apologizes, realizing Ms. Beekman’s act of kindness saved them both.
  • Mr. Pex: “Who would have thought that such a little creature could save so much with one tiny bite?” (14:32)
• Ms. Beekman accepts the apology and reiterates the story’s message:
  • Ms. Beekman: “Kindness is always worth it, even for the smallest. Especially for the smallest.” (14:53)
• Together, they resolve to help any creature in need, making their world a warmer, happier place.

9. Closing Reflection (15:04)

• The story ends with Mr. Pex and Ms. Beekman forming a lasting partnership of compassion, helping others and finding fulfillment not in reward, but in kindness itself.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ms. Beekman (on kindness):
  “Being kind for kindness’ sake, it makes you feel great.” (06:01)
• Mr. Pex (the cynic):
  “I’ll be kind to an ant when an ant gives me a reason to be kind.” (06:31)
• Ms. Beekman (dreamily):
  “Kindness doesn’t need a point. If you’re only kind when you think you’re going to get something in return, you aren’t really being kind at all.” (08:46)
• Narrator (on the rescue):
  “An ant, a little black ant, dropped to the ground and disappeared into the grass. It had bitten him right as he fired.” (13:22)
• Ms. Beekman (the heart of the moral):
  “Kindness is always worth it, even for the smallest. Especially for the smallest.” (14:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Character and Setting Introduction: 03:47 – 04:37
• Discovery of the Drowning Ant: 04:37 – 05:41
• Kindness Debate: 05:41 – 06:50
• The Rescue: 06:50 – 08:27
• Post-Rescue Reflection: 08:27 – 09:15
• Hunter Approaches: 11:34 – 13:07
• Ant’s Rescue of the Doves: 13:07 – 14:26
• Mr. Pex’s Apology and Lesson: 14:26 – 15:04
• Conclusion and Moral: 15:04 – 15:35

Tone and Language

The tone throughout is gentle, imaginative, and rhythmic—perfect for children and families. There are poetic passages and musical interludes, with dialogue that feels natural, light, and lively, even as the themes delve into empathy and morality.

Conclusion

“The Little Rescue” is a heartfelt story about the unmeasured value of kindness. The actions of Ms. Beekman prove that compassion is its own reward, often returning in ways we never expect. This episode is both entertaining and meaningful, offering families a warm, memorable lesson wrapped in a cozy woodland fable.