WBUR Podcasts, Boston.

What comes to mind when you hear the word freedom? The dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think like you want to, which makes freedom a very powerful

thing. But the truth is, it's not always easy to come by. And we're about to meet a character

who knows that truth all too well. I'm Rebecca Shear and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time.

Today, our story is called The Caged Bird. It's inspired by tales from Jewish and Persian lore.

Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including

Tim Matheson and Jonathan Tucker.

Grown-ups, you may know Jonathan Tucker from hit TV shows like Kingdom, Parenthood, City

on a Hill, Debris and Westworld.

Tim Matheson is a 60-plus year veteran of film and television with well-known roles in National

Lampoon's Animal House, The West Wing, Heart of Dixie, and most recently Virgin River.

His new memoir is called Darn Glad to Meet You.

So, circle around everyone. For the caged bird.

A young prince was strolling through the palace gardens

when he heard something that stopped him in his tracks.

That sounds like a parrot.

I never see parrots around these parts.

I must get a closer look.

The prince cupped a hand to his ear

and followed the sound to a towering elm tree.

And there, perched on a low, leafy branch was indeed a parrot.

My goodness.

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