Stories Podcast: Throwback – Two of Everything

Host: Amanda Weldon
Date: September 16, 2025
Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode Theme:
A delightful retelling of the traditional Chinese folktale "Two of Everything," where a modest, elderly couple discover a magical brass pot that doubles whatever is placed inside, leading to both humorous and heartwarming consequences.

Main Theme & Purpose

Amanda Weldon brings young listeners a magical and moral tale that explores themes of luck, gratitude, and the surprising results of unbridled abundance. Set in a humble Chinese village, the story follows Mr. and Mrs. Hacktack as they stumble upon an enchanted pot, learning that sometimes "enough" is exactly what you need.

Key Story Points & Discussion

1. The Hardworking Couple

• Setting: Small mountain-side village in China.
• Characters:
  • Mr. Hacktack: Hardworking, wears a sunhat woven by his wife.
  • Mrs. Hacktack: Resourceful and optimistic.
• Lifestyle: Survive through farming; extra produce is traded for essentials.

2. Discovery of the Magic Doubling Pot

• Magic Spark: Mr. Hacktack digs up a heavy brass pot, accidentally dropping his hat inside.
• Surprise: When retrieving the hat, a second, identical hat appears.
• "Magic!" exclaims Mrs. Hacktack, after doubling her own hairpin by accident. (07:05)

3. Experimenting with the Pot

• Blanket Test: Their favorite blanket is doubled; joy ensues as they finally have enough for both of them in winter.
• “If only we had more things to double.” – Mr. Hacktack ponders what else could make life easier. (08:15)
• Coin Purse: They double their modest savings.
• Imaginative Song: Mrs. Hacktack leads a playful, rhyming tune about their newfound fortune:
  • “We can plunk one thing inside it... and the pot will make it two, of course we can have two, two of everything!” (08:45-09:40)

4. Return from the Market & Calamity

• Mr. Hacktack returns with food and supplies, intending to double them rather than buy more.
• Accident: Mrs. Hacktack, surprised, falls into the pot—much to their alarm—only to be pulled out safe...
• ...but moments later, a second Mrs. Hacktack emerges!

5. The Comic Escalation

• "Two wives! I don’t know if I can handle this." – Mr. Hacktack reacts to the doppelganger crisis. (12:25)
• The two Mrs. Hacktacks, now identical, debate what to do about their situation.
• In unison, they playfully push Mr. Hacktack into the pot, and now there are two of him as well.

6. Resolution & Moral

• The couples accept their new situation, build a second house, and become the happiest of neighbors—"like brothers and sisters, really."
• Once they have "plenty of everything," they wisely bury the pot, recognizing the virtue of enoughness.
• “My, my, those Hacktacks got so rich they got two of everything, even themselves.” – Local villagers remark on their good fortune. (14:45)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Magic Realization:
  “Magic!” – Mrs. Hacktack, on pulling out two hairpins. (07:05)
• Joyful Song:
  "Now we'll have two, two of everything. Double the wealth, double the fun, double the food, double the love." – Mrs. Hacktack (singing) (08:45-09:40)
• Comic Problem:
  “Two wives! I don’t know if I can handle this.” – Mr. Hacktack, seeing two Mrs. Hacktacks. (12:25)
• Clever Solution:
  "This was the only way. Now there is you and me, and we can go on as we were, and the new Mrs. Hacktack has a new Mr. Hacktack to love." – The original Mrs. Hacktack elaborates on sharing the doubled life. (13:00)
• Village Gossip:
  “My, my, those Hacktacks got so rich they got two of everything, even themselves.” – Neighbors’ comment. (14:45)

Timestamps to Key Segments

• [06:50] — Discovery of the magic pot
• [07:05] — First magical doubling and surprise
• [08:15] — Coin purse test and growing excitement
• [08:45-09:40] — Joyful doubling song
• [12:25] — Mrs. Hacktack falls in; comic confusion with two wives
• [13:00] — The solution: double Mr. Hacktack as well
• [14:45] — Closing remarks and moral

Tone, Style & Suitability

• Language: Whimsical, gentle, and age-appropriate storytelling
• Tone: Warm, engaging, and sprinkled with playful humor
• Message: True happiness lies not in infinite abundance, but in appreciating what you already have—plus, sharing joy with others.

Summary

This charming episode delivers a heartfelt message within a playful and magical plot, perfect for young listeners and families alike. Amanda Weldon's gentle narration and Daniel Hines' adaptation celebrate tradition, gratitude, and the importance of “enough.” With lovable characters, memorable dialogue, and a sing-along moment, it’s a wonderful bedtime listening experience for all ages.