Throwback: Billy Goats Gruff

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode Summary: "Throwback: Billy Goats Gruff"

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Produced by: Starglow Media / Wondery

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Introduction

In this nostalgic throwback episode of the Stories Podcast, host Amanda Weldon revisits one of the classic tales from the podcast's rich archive—"Billy Goats Gruff." Aimed at children of all ages, this retelling brings fresh life to the beloved fairy tale, ensuring it captivates both young listeners and their parents.

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Story Overview: The Hungry Gruff Brothers

The episode begins with a vivid portrayal of the Gruff family, particularly focusing on the three Billy Goats Gruff—Homer Gruff, Woody Gruff, and Charlie Ray Gruff. These brothers are experiencing an insatiable hunger due to a growth spurt, leading them to devour their family's lawn and even gnaw on hedges and aluminum cans in a desperate search for food.

Amanda Weldon (00:16):
"The Gruff brothers had already eaten all the grass that comprised the Gruff family lawn, and there were a few errant strands remaining."

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The Quest for Greener Pastures

When their mother, Amber Lee Gruff, confronts them about their endless appetite, the eldest brother, Woody Gruff, suggests crossing the old stone bridge to the meadow on the other side, rich with grass and dandelions.

Woody Gruff (02:58):
"If you really can't wait, then y'all need to move on to greener pastures."

Despite their mother's warning about the cranky troll, Shirlene, who resides under the bridge, the brothers are eager to embark on their quest for food.

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Encounters with Shirlene the Troll

The story unfolds with each brother attempting to cross the bridge:

1. Charlie Ray Gruff's Encounter (05:26)

   • Charlie Ray, the youngest and swiftest, crosses the bridge first. He cleverly persuades Shirlene that his older brothers are on the way, convincing her to let him pass with the promise that a bigger goat is coming. Shirlene agrees but warns him that she might eat him if she's still hungry later.

   Charlie Ray Gruff (07:00):
   "I'm pretty skinny. I haven't had my growth spurt yet. If I were you, I'd wait for him."

2. Woody Gruff's Encounter (10:01)

   • Following Charlie Ray, Woody Gruff faces the same challenge. He employs the same tactic, assuring Shirlene that his eldest brother, Homer, is approaching. Shirlene, albeit skeptical, lets Woody pass with similar threats.

   Woody Gruff (11:52):
   "My brother's right behind you. If I were you, I'd wait for him and have a really gourmet meal."

3. Homer Gruff's Encounter (16:00)

   • Homer Gruff, the eldest, finally attempts to cross. Unlike his brothers, Homer decides to confront Shirlene directly. Demonstrating both courage and charm, he invites Shirlene to dine with his family, leveraging their past acquaintance.

   Homer Gruff (14:45):
   "Well, Shirlene, if you're hungry for dinner, maybe you should come on over. My mom's making something delicious."

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Resolution: Friendship Over Fear

Homer's invitation leads to an unexpected friendship. Shirlene visits the Gruff household for dinner, where she shares stories and bonds with the family over lasagna and strawberry rhubarb pie. This newfound camaraderie results in Shirlene abandoning her threats, allowing the Gruff brothers to graze freely in the meadow without fear.

Amber Lee Gruff (15:30):
"Thank you for having me over. I don't have any family and it gets kind of lonely under my bridge."

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Conclusion

The episode concludes on a heartwarming note, highlighting themes of empathy, communication, and the breaking of stereotypes. Amanda Weldon wraps up the story by emphasizing the restoration of the Gruff family lawn and the harmonious relationship between the Gruff family and Shirlene.

Amanda Weldon (16:15):
"The grass and the lawn at the Gruff family house finally grew back, which made Amberlee very glad."

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Key Takeaways

• Empathy and Understanding: The Gruff family bridges the gap between fear and friendship by understanding Shirlene's loneliness.
• Clever Problem-Solving: The brothers use wit to navigate challenges, although it is Homer's approach that truly resolves the conflict.
• Family Unity: Despite individual differences, the Gruff brothers work together to overcome their dire situation.

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Notable Quotes

• Woody Gruff (02:58):
  "If you really can't wait, then y'all need to move on to greener pastures."

• Charlie Ray Gruff (07:00):
  "I'm pretty skinny. I haven't had my growth spurt yet. If I were you, I'd wait for him."

• Homer Gruff (14:45):
  "My mom's making something delicious. She's a real good cook and I'm sure she'd love to have you."

• Amber Lee Gruff (15:30):
  "Thank you for having me over. I don't have any family and it gets kind of lonely under my bridge."

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Final Thoughts

Amanda Weldon's engaging narration and the thoughtful adaptation of "Billy Goats Gruff" make this throwback episode a delightful listen for families. By stripping away conflicts and fostering friendships, the story imparts valuable lessons in a manner that's both entertaining and educational.

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Support the Stories Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a five-star review on iTunes, exploring merchandise at storiespodcast.com/shop, or following them on Instagram at @storiespodcast.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello. Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors the scariest part of summer isn't the sunburn, it's the spending. There are the last minute road trips, pricey snack hauls and bottomless SPF Restocks, and your wallet's feeling the heat. Cool it with DoorDash and save big on your seasonal must haves during summer of DashPass. Ice cream is my favorite treat in the summertime. And when it gets simply too hot to move, I love to doordash a sundae from one of the ice cream places nearby. DoorDash has a huge selection of ice cream options near me, plus anything else I could ever want so I never have to go without an icy dessert on a hot summer night. And it won't break the bank. Starting June 26, Summer of DashPass is your excuse to stock up on all things summer. Sunscreen, headphones, watermelon, whatever's in your cart and get it with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders. Sign up for DashPass now if you aren't already a member and enjoy a summer full of savings. Check daily for massive summer savings on restaurants, groceries and brands from June 26 through July 30. DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders. Terms apply.

[Mickey Mouse]

Come on everybody, let's go.

[Woody Gruff]

M I C K E Y All.

[Shirlene the Troll]

New Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plus Hooray.

[Mickey Mouse]

And oh our friends are here.

[Shirlene the Troll]

Watch Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Minnie, Daisy.

[Mickey Mouse]

Hey everybody and me, Mickey Mouse. Welcome to the clubhouse. I'll be right here.

[Shirlene the Troll]

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plus now available on Disney Junior and Disney. Learn more at ondisneyplus.disney.com.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode.

[Woody Gruff]

The three Billy Goats Gruff, Homer Gruff, Woody Gruff and Charlie Ray Gruff were very hungry Billy Goats. The three brother Goats were in the midst of a growth spurt and just could not get enough to eat. Amber Lee Gruff, the boy's mother, could not believe how ravenous they were. You boys are going to eat me out of house and home. Amberlee cried out almost daily. And she was not wrong Homer, Woody and Charlie Ray had already eaten all of the grass that comprised the Gruff family lawn, and there were a few errant strands remaining. But the rest of the lush green lawn had been gobbled up, and all that was left was a flat expanse of dirt in its place. At one time, there had been carefully groomed hedges surrounding the Gruff family property, but the Gruff brothers had eaten all the greenery off those, and all that were left were spindly twigs, which the boys had begun to gnaw on as well. When Amberlee caught Homer, the biggest and the hungriest of the Gruff brothers, chomping on some aluminum cans he'd found in the recycling bin, she decided enough was enough. Homer Gruff, that metal is gonna upset your stomach. You stop eating that can right now. But, Ma, he replied mournfully. I'm so hungry. And we've eaten everything else. If you boys need to keep eating and you can't wait until dinner. We can't, Ma. Interrupted Woody, the second hungriest Gruff brother, who'd seriously been contemplating an aluminum can snack as well. If you really can't wait, then y' all need to move on to greener pastures. Cause you've eaten up everything around here. You need to get on out of here and cross over that old stone bridge and find something healthy to eat in that meadow on the other side. Oh, I forgot about the meadow. Exclaimed Charlie Ray. He was the smallest of the Gruff brothers, but he had a sizable appetite of his own. There's grass for miles. And dandelions. I love dandelions. Homer, Woody and Charlie Ray immediately began to salivate at the thought of all that delicious vegetation. But don't you boys forget that crabby old troll Shirlene lives under the old stone bridge, and she might give you a hard time, so you'd best keep an eye out. Don't worry, though. Her bark is worse than her butt. We sure will, Ma, said Homer. And we'll be home for dinner, too. I know you will, said Amber Lee. You could always count on the Gruff brothers to be on time for meals, Homer. Woody and Charlie Ray couldn't get outside fast enough. Oh, man, that meadow is going to have such good sweet grass. Said Homer as he trotted down the lane toward the old stone bridge. And dandelions, said Woody. I'm going to eat all of them. You can't eat all of them, Woody. They're my favorite. Charlie Ray called out. Oh, I'm going to eat them all, all right. And you can't stop me, Woody replied, teasing him in that annoying older brother way I can if I get there first. Charlie Ray yelled, and then he took off in the direction of the meadow, leaving his two older brothers in his wake. Aw, man, said Woody. Charlie Ray was very fast and Woody wasn't sure he could catch him. He took off after his younger brother. Homer hung back a moment. There was really no reason to race. The meadow was so huge that no matter how hungry the brothers were, they'd never be able to finish all the grass or all the dandelions. But he chuckled at his silly little brothers and took off after them anyway.

[Amanda Weldon]

Charlie Ray was far, far ahead of.

[Woody Gruff]

His brothers, but he did not dare slow down.

[Amanda Weldon]

Charlie Ray was fast, but Woody was.

[Woody Gruff]

Almost as fast, and if Charlie Ray slowed down, he thought Woody could very well overtake him. I will not let him eat all them dandelions. Charlie huffed and puffed as he ran. He rounded a corner and then finally he spotted the old stone bridge that led to the meadow. Charlie Ray peeked behind his shoulder. No Woody in sight. I'm gonna win, he said to himself joyously as he began to bound across the bridge to Charlie Ray. The sound of his hooves clattering against the old stones was the sound of success until he heard the low groan emerging from the stream underneath. Who's that trip trapping up on my bridge? A deep, gravelly voice asked. It was Shirlene the troll. Oh no. Charlie Ray couldn't believe he'd forgotten his mother's warning. Why hadn't he crossed? Quietly, Charlene emerged from her dwelling underneath the bridge and looked Charlie Ray up and down. You know there's a troll to pay, don't you? Shirlene asked, smacking her lips together. Charlie Ray tried hard to make eye contact with her instead of staring at her slimy olive green skin or any of the throbbing, gooey looking warts that adorned her face. But it was very difficult. Um, what's the toll, ma'? Am? Charlie Ray asked, trying to be nice so maybe she'd be inclined to go easy on him. I said troll, you have to pay me. This is my bridge and I'm mighty hungry right about now. It's almost my supper time. Lamb is my favorite food, but maybe a nice young goat would be just as yummy. She advanced towards him, her yellow eyes glistening devilishly. Things were not looking good for Charlie Ray. But then he got an idea. You know, ma', am, I'm pretty skinny. I haven't had my gross spurt yet. I don't think I'd make a very good dinner. But my brother is right behind me. And he's way bigger. If I were you, I'd wait for him. Shirlene cocked her head to the side and looked at Charlie Ray. She couldn't tell if he was lying or not. You sure your brother's right behind you? Yep. What's his name? Woody. How old is he? A year older than me. How much bigger is he? Way bigger. Fine, said Shirlene. You can go. But if I'm still hungry when you pass back over this bridge on your way home, I'm gonna cook you up for sure. Kay, thanks, said Charlie Ray, and he took off again with a big smile on his face. Charlie Ray was pretty sure Woody would be able to get out of this situation without being eaten. His mom had said her bark was worse than her bite, but Shirlene would definitely slow him down. More dandelions for me.

[Amanda Weldon]

Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories, Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free. Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts the scariest part of summer isn't the sunburn. It's the spending. There are the last minute road trips, pricey snack hauls, and bottomless SPF Restocks, and your wallet's feeling the heat. Cool it with DoorDash and save big on your seasonal must haves during summer of DashPass. Ice cream is my favorite treat in the summertime, and when it gets simply too hot to move, I love to doordash a sundae from one of the ice cream places nearby. DoorDash has a huge selection of ice cream options near me, plus anything else I could ever want. So I never have to go without an icy dessert on a hot summer night. And it won't break the bank. Starting June 26, Summer of DashPass is your excuse to stock up on all things summer. Sunscreen, headphones, watermelon, whatever's in your cart and get it with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders. Sign up for DashPass now if you aren't already a member and enjoy a summer full of savings. Check daily for massive summer savings on restaurants, groceries and brands from June 26 through July 30. DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders. Terms apply.

[Mickey Mouse]

Come on everybody, let's go.

[Woody Gruff]

M I C K E Y All.

[Shirlene the Troll]

New Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plus Hooray and.

[Mickey Mouse]

Oh, our friends are here.

[Shirlene the Troll]

Like Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Minnie, Daisy. Hey everybody.

[Mickey Mouse]

And me, Mickey Mouse. Welcome to the clubhouse. I'll be right here.

[Shirlene the Troll]

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plus, now available on Disney Junior and Disney. Learn more at On Dance disneyplus.disney.com When.

[Woody Gruff]

Woody rounded the corner and spotted the old stone bridge, a wide smile spread across his face as he sped up. He could see his little brother just crossing into the meadow now, and he knew that he could catch him if he ran as fast as he possibly could. I can still win, he said to himself joyously as he began to bound across the bridge to Woody. The sound of his hooves clattering against the old stones beneath him was the sound of success until he heard the low groan emerging from the stream below. Who's that trip trapping upon my bridge? A deep, gravelly voice asked. It was Shirleen the Troll.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, no.

[Woody Gruff]

Woody couldn't believe he'd forgotten his mother's warning. Why hadn't he crossed? Quietly, Shirlene emerged from her dwelling beneath the bridge and looked Woody up and down. You know there's a troll to pay, don't you? Shirlene asked, smacking her lips together. Woody tried hard to make eye contact with her instead of staring at her wild and matted purple hair or her dark green fingernails that were so long they curled back in on themselves, but it was very difficult. Um, did you say troll or toll? Woody asked, trying to be nice so maybe she'd be inclined to go easy on him. I said troll, you have to pay me. This is my bridge and I'm mighty hungry right about now. It's almost my supper time and I'm in the mood for goat. She advanced toward him, her yellow eyes glistening devilishly. An uneasy feeling was growing in Woody's stomach, but then he realized Charlie Ray had escaped the situation, and if he could do it, Woody could, too. He got an idea. You know, ma', am, I might be a pretty big billy goat, but you ain't seen nothing till you see my brother. He's right behind me, and he's way bigger. If I were you, I'd wait for him and have a really gourmet meal. Shirlene cocked her head to the side and looked at Woody. She couldn't tell if he was lying or not. You sure your brother's right behind you?

[Amanda Weldon]

Yep.

[Woody Gruff]

What's his name? Homer. How old is he? A year older than me. How much bigger is he? Way bigger. Fine, said Shirlene. You can go. But if I'm still hungry when you pass back over this bridge on your way home, I'm gonna cook you up for sure. Kay, thanks, said Woody, and he took off again with a big smile on his face. Charlie Ray would definitely not get to eat all the dandelions now. Woody felt a little guilty about throwing Homer under the bus like that, but he was confident that Homer would figure it out. After all, his mom had said that her bark was worse than her bite. Dandelions, here I come. Homer Gruff was not in a tremendous hurry to reach the meadow, so he was jogging along at a normal pace when he rounded the corner and reached the old stone bridge. If he squinted his eyes, he could just make out his two brothers in the meadow on the other side, playfully bickering like they always did. Which was silly, because Homer could see that there were more than enough dandelions for both of them to eat their fill. He was still chuckling aloud to himself about their silliness when his hooves clattered against the old stone bridge. Who's that trip trapping up on my bridge? A deep, gravelly voice asked. It was, of course, Shirlene. The trolley. Oh, right, homer said, remembering his mother's warning. Shirlene. That's right, shirlene said, a little taken aback. There's a troll to pay, you know. Ha ha, Troll, said Homer. I see what you did there. Like his brothers, Homer was hopeful that by being friendly he'd get Shirlene to go easy on him. I'm hungry for dinner, and your brothers before you convinced me that you'd make a delicious meal. She advanced toward him, her yellow eyes glistening devilishly. Homer was pretty annoyed that his brothers had passed this problem off to him, but he figured maybe they were too little to know better. Well, Shirlene, if you're hungry for dinner, maybe you should come on over. My mom's making something delicious. She's a real good cook and I'm sure she'd love to have you. I think you guys know each other. She's Amberly Gruff. Oh, Amberly. We went to school together. Shirlene cocked her head to the side and looked Homer up and down. She couldn't tell if he was lying or not. People weren't often that nice to the troll that lived under the bridge. What's your mom makin? She asked him. Lasagna. When will it be ready? Probably bout like a half an hour from now. Homer's stomach growled thinking about it. Will there be dessert? Diffinitely. What kind of dessert? Pie, I think. Strawberry rhubarb. Shirlene thought for a second. Okay, I'll come. But if you're telling me stories just to get out of paying me the toll, I'll eat you and your brothers for dinner. That's fine, ma', am, said Homer. He was telling the truth anyway. Let me go get my brothers in the meadow and we'll come back across the bridge and pick you up for dinner. Deal? Deal. K thanks. Homer bounded off to collect his bickering brothers in the meadow. Homer, Woody, and Charlie Ray returned in about 15 minutes to collect Shirleen. Woody and Charlie Ray had been surprised when Homer told them the plan, but they were mostly just glad that Homer hadn't gotten gobbled up by the big, scary troll. Amberlee was also surprised when her sons returned home with Shirlene in tow, but she was happy to set an extra place at the table for her old classmate. The dinner went pretty well. Shirlene had plenty of funny stories to tell them about the many creatures that crossed her bridge and the many tolls she'd asked them to pay. I've never actually eaten anybody, she confided in the Gruff family. It's just something I say. Amberlee smiled, satisfied that she'd been right about Shirlene's bark being worse than her bite. They all got along famously over the lasagna and the strawberry rhubarb pie. When it was time to go, Shirlene looked at all of them. Thank you for having me over. I don't have any family and it gets kind of lonely under my bridge. This was really nice. Well, I know we enjoyed having you, too. Why don't you come again for dinner next week? It would be fun to hear some more stories about your toll collecting, amberlee said with a smile. Yeah, we'd like that, echoed Homer, Woody, and Charlie Ray. Well, okay, said Shirleen. Her green cheeks flushed pink for a moment, and she smiled a big smile. In fact, she didn't stop smiling for her entire walk home. Dinner with the Gruff family became a weekly event for Shirlene, and she stopped threatening to eat the creatures that crossed her bridge. Homer, Woody, and Charlie Rae crossed over it almost every day to feast on the delicious grasses and dandelions in the big meadow. Best of all, the grass and the lawn at the Gruff family house finally grew back, which made Amberlee very glad. The End Today's story was adapted and performed by me, Amanda Weldon. Stories Podcast was created by Daniel Hines.

[Amanda Weldon]

If you would like to support Stories Podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram oriespodcast or simply tell your friends about us thanks for listening.