Overview
If you’re looking for a break from screens that still feels like a treat, Circle Round is a great place to start. This storytelling podcast from WBUR, Boston’s NPR station, turns folktales from around the world into radio plays filled with sound effects and music. The show was created by parents of young kids, and each episode runs about 15 to 25 minutes, focusing on themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity.
The show is hosted by Rebecca Sheir, a longtime public radio host and reporter who previously worked for NPR, Slate, and WBUR’s Here & Now. Each story features a cast of familiar actors. Jason Alexander of Seinfeld starred in the very first episode, and Colin Hanks and Tony Award winner André De Shields have also appeared. With more than 400 episodes across nine seasons, there’s no shortage of stories to choose from.
So, is Circle Round safe for your child? In short, yes. Here’s what parents should know.
Harmful Content ❗️
Circle Round is about as low-risk as kids’ media gets. Because the stories are adapted from traditional folktales, some include classic story elements like tricksters, greedy kings, giants, or characters in danger. These moments are handled gently and always resolve in a way that reinforces the episode’s lesson. Very young or sensitive listeners might find an occasional villain or tense moment a little scary, so you may want to listen along the first few times.
Language
There’s no profanity.
Sex
There’s no sexual content.
Violence
Any conflict stays at the level of a storybook. Expect mild peril and tricky situations, but nothing graphic.
Positive Value 💫
This is where Circle Round really shines. Each story is built around a clear, kid-friendly lesson, and the show draws from cultures all over the world. That gives kids a chance to hear stories they might not find on their bookshelf at home, like a Seneca and Shawnee legend about how the raccoon got its mask and striped tail.
The show also makes it easy for parents to keep the conversation going. Every episode ends with an activity designed to spark a deeper conversation between kids and grown-ups. It’s a simple way to turn car rides or bedtime into quality time.
It’s also well-respected in the industry. Circle Round has won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award and earned Webby nominations.
So, should my kid listen to it?
Absolutely! Circle Round is a thoughtful, entertaining, and screen-free option that kids as young as 3 can enjoy — and parents will likely find themselves listening along too.
