Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis, the creative team behind the children’s podcast “Circle Round,” have departed WBUR, the Boston-based NPR station that distributes the show, to launch an independent kids and family podcast called “Lions and Legends,” set to debut in September 2026.

Sheir and Shimelonis worked as contractors for WBUR and its licensor, Boston University, for nine years. Their final episode aired on May 26. 

“Our decision to leave was not made lightly,” Sheir said. “But during our nine years as external vendors, so much happened behind-the-scenes that it became increasingly clear: a corporate environment of a university-owned radio station is not conducive to the creative work that’s become our passion and purpose in life.”

Shimelonis alleged that WBUR restricted the pair’s direct contact with their audience and edited episodes, newsletters, and emails from the Circle Round Club to obscure their departure. WBUR has not issued a public statement on the matter.

New Show

“Lions and Legends” will retell legends, myths, folktales, and fables in audio adventure format, with episodes running 15 to 25 minutes. Sheir described the new project as targeting a slightly older audience than “Circle Round,” while remaining accessible across age groups.

The team plans to bring illustrator Sabina Hahn and several voice actors from “Circle Round” to the new show. Sheir and Shimelonis also plan to offer a fan membership club, merchandise, and live episode recordings across the U.S.

The pair is running a fundraiser to support the independent launch. Preview content will be released through summer 2026 ahead of the September premiere.

“Circle Round” has produced more than 300 episodes since its 2017 launch.

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