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.

A little bonus episode while you wait for the final chapter. I tell the absolutely true(!) story of the squirrel who became a legend by trashing our house.... and the Recipe she inspired. Perhaps you will enjoy a little cozy autumnal baking, as we did.

You can see the recipe and the Zipnog bars here.

(Scroll down to the bottom of the story for the recipe and images)

And yes, this story also stars another inspirational character from the Goat American Novel.... Arcturix I mean Felix I mean Billy Joel III

The Penultimate Episode! In which our little heroes go eye to eye with the tiger!

Featuring the incredible music of the PS22 Chorus, check out the full video of their performance here

The Ante-penultimate episode of the Goat American Novel, in which we all experience vicarious liberation through multiple instances and styles of setting-free.

This episode owes a heavy debt of gratitude to Limoncello band, and their magnificent cover of Sweet Dreams. We also thank our guest stars, Barn O'Brine, Brian Laughtland, and at long last..... Felix Buker.

The Cart, The Cage, The Pulley, and The Ramp, in which Arcturix, Clover the sheep, and the goat herd prepare to take this tiger situation into their own hooves. And Layla just really needs to focus on this garage sale right now.

The Goat American Novel is written and produced by Hilde Festerling. Guest voice actors this week were Blair Tothill and Miku Alden. Thanks as always to our incredible cast: Caleb Alden, Gabriel Alden, Johnny Buker, Ursula Buker, Erin Alden.

Thanks to the Steam Brass Band for our beautiful theme song, and to the musicians of the Electric Unicorn Studio Session for our in-episode music. Thanks to the foley artists of the Freesound.org community for some of these great sound effects.

In which Mama Chichi finds some of her kids, Sawyer loses one of his, the pigs take leave of their senses or perhaps find all their marbles for the first time in their lives, and the farm is visited by a mysterious stranger from Goatko Ono's past...

Special thanks this week to the real FM, June Heggarty, and the channeled ghost of Thunder the Saanen billy goat.