Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Throwback: The Singing Witch
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Produced by: Starglow Media / Wondery
Introduction
In this nostalgic throwback episode of Stories Podcast, host Amanda Weldon revisits one of the classic tales from the show's archives: The Singing Witch. This enchanting story blends magic, family dynamics, and whimsy, perfect for sparking the imagination of children and parents alike.
Main Story: The Singing Witch
Balazar’s Potion Mishap
The story begins with the great wizard Balazar the Blue experiencing a catastrophic failure while brewing a potion. Due to his negligence, Balazar finds himself "completely, suddenly and quite violently covered in magenta feathers" and rendered blind (03:36). Reflecting on his misfortune, Balazar laments, “Well, not my best work” (03:36), acknowledging the severity of his magical mishap.
A Family of Wizards and a Witch
Balazar lives in a towering wizard's abode with his three children: two sons, Frog and Newt, and their sister, Fenny. While Frog and Newt embody traditional wizardly traits—complete with neat robes, long beards, and a penchant for casting hexes—Fenny stands out as a witch with a deep connection to nature. She prefers gathering "strange plants and animal parts," often returning home "awash with dirt and mud and scabs" (06:35). Her wild, tangled hair makes her the subject of her brothers' teasing, as they jest that she might even harbor birds in her locks, a claim Fenny dismisses humorously: “Jeffery the finch had moved out months ago. Too bad, too” (06:35).
The Quest for the Peacock Feather
Realizing he needs an exotic ingredient—a peacock feather—to create an antidote, Balazar calls upon his children for assistance:
“...I need a peacock feather. You three run and get me one” (06:51). Balazar entices them with rewards: “I've recently obtained some very potent lizard tails and a vial of the blackest wolfsbane you've ever seen. Whoever brings me back a feather can have both” (07:20).
Sibling Rivalry and Sabotage
Frog and Newt, unaccustomed to outdoor adventures, struggle to find a peacock, inadvertently scaring them away with their loud antics. In contrast, Fenny leverages her rapport with the local wildlife, securing a feather from Larry the peacock. However, her brothers grow envious and deceitful:
“Well, I guess we'll have to make sure dad doesn't know you're the one who found it” (09:26). They cast a spell on Fenny, transforming her into a reed:
“...poor Fenny was turned into a reed, one of the long woody tubes that grew all around the bog” (09:26).
Fenny’s Transformation and Rescue
Trapped as a reed, Fenny's attempts to communicate are silenced until she discovers she can sing through the wind while transformed. Her persistent melody eventually reaches a passing farmer, who, intrigued by the singing reed, transforms it into a flute. When Fenny plays the flute, her voice partially returns, allowing her to communicate:
“It's me, Fenny” (10:59). The farmer, recognizing the magic at play, seeks out Balazar for help.
Reunion and Resolution
Upon meeting Balazar, the farmer uses the flute to restore Fenny to her original form. Overcome with emotion, Balazar embraces his daughter, only to face his sons' attempts to undermine the reunion. However, Fenny’s plea, “Lucy, can you turn me back, please?” (18:27), compels Balazar to take action. He reverses the spell, bringing Fenny back and confronting Frog and Newt about their deceit. As punishment, Balazar transforms the mischievous brothers into mundane objects—one a brush and the other a comb—for three weeks, while Fenny handles the family's dirtiest chores, ensuring harmony and respect within the family.
Notable Quotes
- Balazar the Blue (03:36): “Well, not my best work.”
- Frog (06:35): “Look at that, it's the Incredible Fenny, the girl with the dead raccoon pelt for hair.”
- Balazar (07:20): “I've recently obtained some very potent lizard tails and a vial of the blackest wolfsbane you've ever seen.”
- Fenny (10:59): “It's me, Fenny.”
- Newt (18:27): “Hello, it's me. My name's Fenny.”
- Balazar (19:17): “Fenny.”
Themes and Insights
The Singing Witch delves into themes of family responsibility, the consequences of jealousy, and the importance of respecting each individual's unique strengths. Balazar's initial refusal to seek help highlights the dangers of pride, while Fenny's resilience underscores the value of inner strength and kindness. The story also emphasizes sibling relationships, demonstrating how understanding and empathy can resolve conflicts.
Conclusion
Amanda Weldon's rendition of The Singing Witch offers a captivating narrative filled with magical mishaps, heartfelt reunions, and valuable life lessons. By weaving a tale that balances adventure with emotional depth, the episode not only entertains but also imparts meaningful messages for young listeners and their families. Whether driving in the car or enjoying quiet screen-free moments, this story serves as a delightful addition to any imaginative family's podcast collection.
Credits:
The Singing Witch was inspired by various European folktales, written by Daniel Hines and performed by Amanda Weldon, who also composed the enchanting songs accompanying the narrative.