Audio Appetizer: Setting the Fable

About this episode

This episode explores the origins and significance of fables, highlighting their lessons and cultural impact.

“Look before you leap.” “Slow and steady wins the race.” “Sour grapes.” These famous sayings all come from fables: short stories that convey a useful lesson, often through talking animals or other nonhuman entities. While some of the oldest fables hail from India and Greece, these tight little teaching tales have been told the world over. Listen to this week’s audio appetizer to find out why… and to learn how they relate to fancy mushrooms, Steven Spielberg, and Bingo the dog! Follow Lions and Legends on your favorite podcast app for snack-sized audio treats every other Tuesday all summer long. And join us for our independent podcast’s official launch on Sept. 1, 2026! Thanks for being part of the Lions and Legends pride!  Join our mailing list ⁠here⁠! Find our upcoming live events here! Join our social media communities: ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠ Subscribe to our ⁠YouTube channel⁠!

People in this episode

Hosts: Rebecca Sheir, Eric Shimelonis

Topics covered

• fables
• life lessons
• storytelling
• talking animals
• cultural stories

Keywords

• fables
• life lessons
• storytelling
• talking animals
• India
• Greece
• Bingo the dog
• Steven Spielberg

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Bingo the dog, Steven Spielberg, fables

Places: India, Greece

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• Audio Appetizer: Settling the Score · August 25, 2026 · 6 min
• Audio Appetizer: Once Upon a Folktale · July 28, 2026 · 7 min
• Audio Appetizer: Myth Understood · June 30, 2026 · 7 min