Stories Podcast: "Throwback: The Love Potion"

Host: Amanda Weldon
Date: November 11, 2025
Episode Type: Classic throwback (adaptation of a traditional Ethiopian fable)
Written by: Daniel Hines
Performed by: Amanda Weldon

Episode Overview

This episode of Stories Podcast revisits "The Love Potion," an original adaptation of an Ethiopian folktale. It's a gentle, wise story about Abel, a young man longing for love, and his courageous, often funny quest to win the heart of his childhood friend Zala—with the help of a clever village healer, a canny lion, and lessons about patience, honesty, and true connection. The heartwarming narrative is safe for all ages, making it perfect for family listening at bedtime or on the go.

Key Discussion Points & Story Recap

1. Abel’s Longing for Love (02:18)

• Abel, a young man from an Ethiopian village, feels something is missing in his otherwise full life. He wants companionship and dreams of marrying Zala, his oldest and dearest friend.
• Lately, Abel has become shy and tongue-tied around Zala due to his growing feelings, worrying that confessing could ruin their friendship.

“He wanted someone to laugh with and cry with...someone to grow old with. Abel wanted to share his life with someone he loved. And not just any someone—he wanted to marry Zala, his oldest friend.”
—Amanda Weldon, [02:45]

2. Seeking Help from Mother Kamali, the Village Healer (05:19)

• Abel, too afraid to confess his feelings, seeks advice and help from Mother Kamali, the wise, mystical elder and healer.
• Mother Kamali sees through Abel instantly, recognizing his “heart sickness” for Zala.
• Abel pours out his feelings and fears to her, hoping for a magic solution—a love potion.

"All of that inside one little heart...You're in love, all right. You're in love up to your ears.”
—Mother Kamali (as Amanda Weldon), [08:01]

3. The ‘Love Potion’ Quest and Mother Kamali’s Song (09:17)

• Instead of giving Abel a potion, Kamali initially urges him to just talk to Zala.
• Seeing his desperation, she sets him a quest: to fetch a lion’s whisker, needed for the “love potion.”
• The instructions are delivered in a playful riddle and song:

“You bring yourself out to the mountains tall and creep along until a lion’s call...Add one little whisker from a great big lion, throw them all together and watch the stars align.”
—Mother Kamali (as Amanda Weldon), [09:17–09:51]

4. Abel’s Daring and Growing Wisdom (10:15–16:10)

• Abel bravely ventures to the mountains in search of a lion. His first attempt, trying to sneak a whisker from a sleeping lion, is a disaster—he’s immediately discovered and flees in fear.
• Mother Kamali explains he can’t “steal trust,” advising Abel to win the lion’s trust and ask permission.
• Abel changes course. Over days, he learns patience, carefully befriending a second lion by offering it meat and approaching without fear.
• When finally ready, Abel asks the lion for a whisker—and with a nod, the mighty creature allows it.

“At first he thought perhaps the lion hadn’t heard him. But then the beautiful beast looked up at Abel and offered him a small, almost imperceptible nod.”
—Amanda Weldon, [16:02]

5. The Real Lesson Revealed (17:09–18:50)

• Abel returns triumphantly to Mother Kamali with the whisker. She laughs warmly, admitting there’s no actual potion.
• Through his quest, Abel has already learned the skills he needed: patience, honest communication, courage, and accepting outcomes.
• The whisker-gathering parallels telling Zala the truth: winning trust, risking rejection, and learning the power of directness and kindness.

"A lion is not so different than a person. You have learned that you can be patient and kind and win the trust of another. Take a big risk when you truly care about something, and survive if someone tells you no.”
—Mother Kamali, [18:32]

“Even if there was a potion to make someone fall in love, it wouldn’t be right to use it, would it? It’s like taking the whisker without asking.”
—Abel, [18:44]

6. Abel’s Courage & Zala’s Response (19:52–21:58)

• Emboldened, Abel finds Zala and shyly invites her out for a walk by the special riverside tree where local couples meet.
• Zala initially says she's busy, and Abel’s heart sinks, but he handles the letdown gracefully.
• Zala then suggests a picnic lunch instead—the start of frequent, joyful time together.

“Maybe we could have lunch tomorrow instead. Meet me here at noon and we can walk to the Karsada together for a picnic.”
—Zala, [21:44]

• Abel’s happiness is palpable; the real magic was his own courage and honesty all along.

7. Story End and Reflection (21:59–End)

• Abel and Zala begin spending time together, sharing laughter and stories—including Abel’s lion tale.
• The story ends with laughter, joy, and the realization that sometimes love simply needs bravery, sincerity, and time.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On love’s courage:

  "He'd never needed a love potion. He just needed to be himself."
  —Amanda Weldon narrating, [22:10]

• Kamali’s gentle wisdom:

  "Usually they figure out the lesson before they get the whisker...maybe next time I'll switch to an alligator's tooth."
  —Mother Kamali, reflecting, [20:05]

• Abel’s bravery rewarded:

  “His heart soared, soared, soared into the sky like a beautiful bird disappearing into the sun.”
  —Amanda Weldon, [22:07]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Abel’s longing and dilemma: [02:18–04:57]
• Mother Kamali’s introduction & Abel’s confession: [05:19–08:35]
• The “love potion” quest set-up (including song): [09:17–10:15]
• Abel’s first failed attempt with the lion: [13:49–14:40]
• Abel learns patience and befriends a lion: [14:41–16:02]
• Abel returns with the whisker, the true lesson: [17:09–18:44]
• Abel asks Zala out, and her response: [19:52–21:58]
• Joyful conclusion: [21:59–end]

Tone and Style

The story is told in a gentle, encouraging, and playful tone—with warmth, humility, and humor. Amanda Weldon's narration brings each character to life with distinct voices, and the interlude song adds sing-along charm, making the fable both entertaining and meaningful for young listeners and their parents.

Takeaway

"The Love Potion" reminds listeners that true connection can’t be forced with magic. Instead, trust, patience, and honest conversation—along with the courage to be vulnerable—are what it takes to build love and friendship. The lesson is delivered with wit and tenderness, wrapped in folktale adventure.

Perfect for bedtime or family road trips, this episode encourages listeners to be brave, patient, and true to themselves—no magic required.