A very special voyage as we celebrate the best stories of 2025! This episode is a curated collection of eight stories that captured the hearts and funny bones of our listeners—and our crew—throughout our very first year.

We’ve designed this journey to take you through the full spectrum of human emotion, alternating between hilarious antics and deeply heartwarming personal narratives, before closing with two legendary spooky tales for the brave at heart.

What’s in the Hold for Today’s Voyage:

• Funny & Whimsical: Hear David Farnsworth’s "If a Feller Could Get Himself a Bear Cub," a comedic look at "animal magnetism" gone wrong, and Randall McGee’s vibrant portrayal of Hans Christian Andersen in "Silly Hans."
• Heartwarming & Personal: Stephanie Rollhaser shares a beautiful story of young love and dance in "He Pulled Out a Rather Large Envelope," and Elizabeth Gibson brings us "The Cat and the Camellias," a moving family history story about signs from loved ones beyond the veil.
• Classic Folk Tales: Revisit the cozy Ukrainian legend of "The Mitten" told by Laurie Allen, and the hilarious sibling chaos of "The Most Expensive Baby Blanket Ever Bought" by Madeline Rollins.
• Spooky Finale: For the fans of the supernatural, we conclude with the haunting Western legend "The Lady in White" and the terrifying Appalachian "booger tale," Taily Po.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the Ark, this "Best of" special is the perfect way to experience the magic of storytelling as we prepare to set sail for 2026.

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