In this very special bonus episode, we bring to life a story written by a young student writer/artist, for the Make.Shift Gallery Kids Art Walk.

My young collaborator has written a profound and beautiful story, a timeless mythology about art and hope. Our very special young voice actors, Olive Gemin and Ava Hubert, helped the story sparkle with humor and warmth. Collaborating with these three young artists has been a profound honor. If you are in Bellingham, come see the writer's illustration at the Make.Shift Gallery through May 2026!

Full Credits: Episode Produced by Hilde Festerling. Performed by Olive Gemin, Ava Hubert, Caleb Alden, Hilde Festerling, and Mandy Laughtland. The piece also makes use of Venus, Bringer of Peace, by Gustav Holst, performed by the New Philharmoic Orchestra; Mr Blue Sky, written by Jeff Lynne, performed by the Covid Cello Project, Chimes by Samuel Grimaud, and Found in Space by Speedenza. Cassette transfer by Paul Turpin. Thanks Paul!

What happens when a handsome cat meets a portrait of himself which is itself a bit too handsome?

For your enjoyment, the Goat American Novel presents The Picture of Dorian Cat, a stand-alone story about a cat and his lady. And their blanket. And a really good Fancy Feast commercial. Perhaps it will be better if we don't speak of Dorian's portrait here.... it is too powerful.

Featuring the voice talents of Hilde Festerling and Mandy Laughtland, the musical stylings of Leonard Leigh and the Mighty Wurlitzer organ from St Pauls' Paramount theater, and of course, the music of Tammy Wynette. Also the ghost of Oscar Wilde. Enjoy.

The Final Episode of the Goat American Novel, in which all threads are tied up. We hope.

Our heart overflows with gratitude to all the actors, musicians, foley artists, organizers, pie bakers, technicians, and friends who made The Goat American Novel possible. The Goat American Novel was written, produced and performed by Hilde Festerling, but she could never have done it without her cast.

Our faithful home cast: Johnny Buker as Scott and Elmer, Gabriel Alden as Millicent and The Tiger, Caleb Alden as Sawer and Matteo the alpaca, Ursula Buker as Layla and Cohost, Erin Alden as co host, and Mandy Laughtland as Myra Grass and Ms Hammerstung.

This episode's guest stars: Ben West as Josaiah, Constance and Hank O'Hana as Rival Auctioneers, Courtney Lyons as Constable Courtney, Brian Laughtland as Grandpa Lizard, Glenn Alden as Billy Joel, and Felix Buker as The Ocelot.

Special shout out to the Real FM, Maryanne Mills, without whom this podcast would not exist.

Thanks also to the musicians of the Electric Unicorn Studio Session for our incredible transitional music, which we recorded almost three years ago, and which has never let us down. Thanks to The Steam Brass Band, for their perfect cover of Sweet Dreams that brought us in and took us home, every episode. This episode featured a vinyl cut of Clifford Brown's Stardust- the most perfect Stardust.

We also thank the many guest actors who have popped into the studio to deliver heartfelt sheep or influencer lines. Your legacy continues to ring.

Finally, we thank our listeners.