The Bright Side

Picture a glass.

Inside the glass is water, which reaches the halfway mark.

Would you describe the glass as half-empty? Or half-full?

If we say the glass is “half-empty,” we’re thought to be more pessimistic: we focus on the negative side of things. But if we say the glass is “half-full,” we’re thought to be more optimistic: we focus on the positive.

We’re about to meet a character who’s always looking at the bright side, even when things get very dark, indeed!

Our story is called “The Bright Side.” We found versions of this tale from the Polish people of Central Europe, and the Hispanic community of the southwestern United States.

Voices in this episode include: Kevin Corbett, Anthony Palmini, Jessica Rau, Chris Tucci, Dawn Ursula, and Liana Hunt. Theater fans – and movie fans! – Liana Hunt is currently starring in the Broadway musical, “Back to the Future,” at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City.

This episode was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. It was edited by Sofie Kodner. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn.