Noble Blood: Very Special Episodes – The Death of Andy, the Sneaker-Wearing Goose

Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host/Author: Dana Schwartz, Jessica Corgi, Zarin Burnett, and Jason English
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

1. Introduction to the Mystery

The episode delves into the intriguing and heartwarming tale of Andy, a beloved sneaker-wearing goose from Hastings, Nebraska. The story begins on a brisk autumn day in October 1991, when a man metal detecting in Chautauqua Park stumbles upon the gruesome remains of Andy—plucked, skinned, and missing his head, yet still adorably sporting a pair of shoes on his legs.

Dana Schwartz [01:25]: "This was back in the day before, really. Everybody had cell phones and everybody used a phone book to get in touch with people."

2. Gene Fleming and Andy's Unique Bond

Gene Fleming, Andy's owner, emerges as a multifaceted character—a World War II ship welder, inventor, and Shriner—whose life took a delightful turn upon meeting Andy. Born without webbed feet, Andy faced early challenges adapting to life among other geese. Gene's inventive spirit led him to create custom shoes for Andy, allowing the goose to walk and swim with modified footwear.

Dana Schwartz [08:38]: "I think if you were to hear it from his mouth, he had several ideas that ran through his mind, and several he said were a success, and some that were not, which included a skateboard theory, riding a bike type deal."

Gene's ingenuity didn't stop at shoes. He experimented with various modes to help Andy move, eventually settling on baby-sized patent leather shoes, which Andy donned with increasing comfort over time.

Jessica Corgi [09:02]: "The shoes, you know, needed a bit of modification to fit onto a goose the size of this goose."

3. Andy's Rise to Local Fame

Andy's unique appearance quickly captured the hearts of the Hastings community. He became a local celebrity, especially among children with disabilities, who admired how Andy embraced life despite his physical limitations. Andy's charm extended beyond the local scene, earning him national and international attention after a local newspaper feature caught the eye of major media outlets.

Jessica Corgi [16:13]: "How did preteen Jessica feel about it? Well, Jessica wanted to be a famous singer one day and as such she hoped to see her name in the paper alongside Andy and her grandfather."

Gene and Andy made numerous public appearances, including a memorable appearance on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," where Andy showcased his impressive shoe collection.

Dana Schwartz [19:16]: "It’s just insta joy to see him. And that is like the mood that. It's just an instant mood that he would create."

4. The Tragic Murder of Andy

Three decades after Andy's rise to fame, the community was shaken by the discovery of Andy's decapitated and skinned body near the town baseball diamond. The incident not only devastated Gene and his family but also left the tightly-knit community reeling.

Jessica Corgi [20:05]: "News outlets caught wind quickly."

The investigation revealed that Andy had been abducted and killed, but the case remained unsolved for years. The local Chamber of Commerce even established a $10,000 reward fund to uncover the perpetrator, marking a significant effort from the community to bring justice for their cherished goose.

Dana Schwartz [24:06]: "Those covered walkway ramps outfitted for animals, for chickens and whatnot… it would have had to have been somebody with special knowledge of where the goose was."

Despite extensive efforts, the identity of Andy's killer remained elusive, leaving the Flemings and the town of Hastings without closure.

5. Jessica's Quest for Justice and Legacy

Years later, Jessica Corgi, Andy's great-granddaughter, driven by a desire to honor Andy's memory and resolve lingering questions, reopened the cold case. Her investigation included meticulous examination of old documents, fan mail, and even unconventional methods like consulting a fortune teller for insights.

Jessica Corgi [27:26]: "After about 20 years had gone by, Jessica put on her detective hat and reopened the case of Andy's murder."

Jessica's dedication led her to discover a missing letter from Gene Fleming to the bronze sculpture artist commissioned to memorialize Andy. This revelation connected her to the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, where she learned that the case had been quietly closed without public acknowledgment of the perpetrator, deemed "not responsible" by authorities.

Dana Schwartz [29:32]: "They found the killer."

Faced with this tangled web of secrecy and unspoken truths, Jessica chose not to publicize the killer's identity to prevent potential backlash against the community.

6. Preserving Andy's Story

Beyond solving the mystery, Jessica has taken active steps to ensure Andy's legacy endures. She has transformed her experiences and memories into a one-woman show titled "Andy Interrupted," which combines storytelling with investigative elements to honor the goose's impact on her life and the community.

Jessica Corgi [32:13]: "Jessica has come, compiled all of her memories of Andy and armchair investigations into his murder into a one-woman show called Andy Interrupted."

Additionally, plans are underway to complete the unfinished bronze statue of Andy, a project that symbolizes the community's enduring love and respect for the goose who brought so much joy and inspiration.

Dana Schwartz [34:15]: "One thing that I would like to do that I think would be an honor for my grandpa is to finish this bronze statue."

7. Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Kindness and Innovation

The episode wraps up by highlighting how Andy, through his unique charm and resilience, not only touched the lives of those around him but also inspired future generations to embrace kindness, adaptability, and the importance of community. Jessica's ongoing efforts to share Andy's story ensure that his legacy remains vibrant and influential.

Dana Schwartz [34:15]: "Hopefully people will then be inspired to ask, why is this cute little goose wearing high tops? And that message of kindness and invention will be brought back into the light."

Key Takeaways

• Gene Fleming's Inventiveness: Gene's creation of custom shoes for Andy exemplifies human ingenuity and compassion towards animals with disabilities.

• Community Impact: Andy served as a beacon of joy and a symbol of overcoming adversity, fostering a sense of unity and inspiration within Hastings.

• Mystery and Legacy: The unsolved murder of Andy added a layer of intrigue to his story, driving future generations to seek closure and preserve his memory.

• Jessica's Dedication: Jessica's commitment to uncovering the truth and honoring Andy showcases the enduring bond between humans and animals, as well as the importance of storytelling in legacy preservation.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Schwartz [08:38]: "I think if you were to hear it from his mouth, he had several ideas that ran through his mind..."

• Jessica Corgi [32:13]: "Jessica has come, compiled all of her memories of Andy and armchair investigations into his murder into a one-woman show called Andy Interrupted."

• Dana Schwartz [34:15]: "Hopefully people will then be inspired to ask, why is this cute little goose wearing high tops?"

This episode of "Very Special Episodes" masterfully intertwines humor, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling to celebrate the life of Andy, the sneaker-wearing goose, and the lasting impact he had on a small community. Through meticulous narrative and engaging dialogues, listeners are invited to reflect on themes of resilience, community spirit, and the profound connections between humans and animals.