<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Stinkwater Escapee: Mudwater Mutters]]></title><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Mudwater Mutters, the unofficial radio frequency of The Stinkwater Escapee.
Here, ads go rogue, PSAs talk back, and Big Al’s world seeps through the static.
Expect weird wisdom, swamp humor, and occasional Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction interruptions.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/s/mudwater-mutters</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TU6q!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F86b515fb-940a-409e-ad34-8612ed5a7187_1024x1024.png</url><title>The Stinkwater Escapee: Mudwater Mutters</title><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/s/mudwater-mutters</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:18:07 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.readthestars.ca/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[hjacobbuller@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[hjacobbuller@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[hjacobbuller@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[hjacobbuller@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 20 · Diamond Hand]]></title><description><![CDATA[When no one shows him how, Big Sal finds his own rhythm.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-20-diamond-hand</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-20-diamond-hand</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:31:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/194144862/157e8b543724f026195a04ec1135d0d9.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Press play above to hear Chapter 20 as Big Sal responds to bullying.</p><p>This episode includes:<br>&#9989; Chapter 20 - Diamond Hand<br>&#9989; Forever Croc<br>&#9989; Dept. of Fourth Wall Deconstruction PSA</p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive for </strong><em><strong>The Stinkwater Escapee</strong></em><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 19 · Windows]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big Sal starts to come apart&#8212;and isn&#8217;t sure how to put himself back together.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-19-windows</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-19-windows</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:30:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/193136234/1fa8cfbaa1b86a75f0361346df58525f.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Press play above to hear Chapter 19 and Don Maroon&#8217;s cold open.</p><p>This episode includes:<br>&#9989; Don Maroon covers The Cinnamon State&#8217;s new CinnaStirStick<br>&#9989; Chapter 19 - Windows<br>&#9989; Hook&#8217;s callback</p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive for </strong><em><strong>The Stinkwater Escapee</strong></em><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 18 · Emote]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Big Sal discovers that this job comes with dancing]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-18-emote</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-18-emote</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:30:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/191210160/1ce851b5bac0bf3002bcd31c98b6dd36.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Press play above to hear Chapter 18 and the in-world ads.</p><p>This episode includes:<br>&#9989; Chapter 18 - <em>Emote</em><br>&#9989; Captain Clamjaw&#8217;s All-You-Can-Eat Buffet ad<br>&#9989; Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction PSA</p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive for </strong><em><strong>The Stinkwater Escapee</strong></em><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 17 · Viral]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now: Big Sal goes viral before he even knows what that means.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-17-viral</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-17-viral</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:31:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/189731247/05c2ee44672aea4771ab6ca31914c7fc.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s a bit of an adjustment for Big Sal as he discovers there are expectations that come with the new job.</p><p>After the chapter, stay tuned for a short in-world announcement from Hook&#8217;s Themed Restaurant.</p><p><strong>Full text and chapter archive:<br></strong><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 16 · Livestream]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big Sal debuts on a Hooks livestream, but what are the viewers really seeing?]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-16-livestream</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-16-livestream</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:30:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/188445856/93161eb03d4b1ba0009eb98973b112a1.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s a bit of an adjustment for Big Sal as he discovers there are expectations that come with the job.</p><p>After the chapter, stick around for:</p><p>&#9989; Hooks Ad #2<br>&#9989; The Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction PSA</p><p><strong>Full text and chapter archive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 15 · Belonging]]></title><description><![CDATA[With these humans, children shrieking is part of the show and Big Sal can finally relax.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-15-belonging</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-15-belonging</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:30:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/186816181/1f1832f33cfd972ae91d6200d7924948.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After that long journey from Stinkwater, Big Sal can finally relax, right? </p><p>After the story, stick around for:</p><p>&#9989; Hooks Ad #1<br>&#9989; The Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction </p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 14 · Infiltration]]></title><description><![CDATA[With a different name he feels comfortable where he is. Has he been Hooked?]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-14-infiltration</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-14-infiltration</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:31:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/185383889/26a52979ae08d243494c66042bc2e912.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Big Al chooses a new name and finds gainful employment, as long as he doesn&#8217;t blow his cover!</p><p>After the story, stick around for:</p><p>&#9989; Forever Croc <br>&#9989; The Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction </p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 12 - Inside The Hold]]></title><description><![CDATA[This chapter has been renumbered.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-12-inside-the-hold</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-12-inside-the-hold</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:36:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TU6q!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F86b515fb-940a-409e-ad34-8612ed5a7187_1024x1024.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This chapter has been renumbered.</p><p>&#128073; Read the correct version here:</p><p>[<a href="https://www.readthestars.ca/chapter-13-inside-the-hold">Chapter 13 &#8211; Inside the Hold</a>]</p><p>(If you arrived here via a podcast or older link, this is the right destination.)</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 13 · Inside the Hold]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now | Doors open for him, welcoming him in...to employment?]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-13-inside-the-hold</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-13-inside-the-hold</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:30:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/184059093/910b9b5ca5c8fb4a5dd36c0d86499059.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Doors that open automatically welcome into the grip of&#8230;employment? </p><p>After the story, stick around for:</p><p>&#9989; Forever Croc <br>&#9989; The Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction </p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 12 · Cavalidile]]></title><description><![CDATA[With a twirl, that dancer goes spinning, just like Big Al's head]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-12-cavalidile</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-12-cavalidile</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 15:30:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/182544822/dedb4778469f522dd7084b1a7d948866.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After a big scene in the park, Big Al has a moment he can&#8217;t take back.</p><p>After the story, stick around for:</p><p>&#9989; Ankerton&#8217;s Tourism Ad<br>&#9989; The Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction </p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 11 · Hooks and Ankerton]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hot on the trail of cinnamon buns, he bustles into the city, and meets a strange new human.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-11-hooks-and-ankerton</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-11-hooks-and-ankerton</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:30:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/181302098/ea548b7a7429df2fb79c7ec9c0953216.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Finally stumbling into Ankerton, Big Al discovers more scents than he signed up for.</p><p>After the story, stick around for:</p><p>&#9989; Ankerton&#8217;s Tourism Ad<br>&#9989; The Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction</p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 10 ∙ Kitchen Closed]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cinnamon buns: denied. Taco chips: acquired. Human kindness: unlocked.Big Al&#8217;s night out takes a turn he didn&#8217;t expect.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-10-kitchen-closed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-10-kitchen-closed</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:30:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/180202611/a490c08a09d4e43a9fb2b77bc33bec4d.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Does Big Al get those glazed baked goods? Maybe?  </p><p>After the story, stick around for:<br>&#9989; a bonus fake ad<br>&#9989; a tiny media-literacy PSA</p><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong><br><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Chapter 9 - A Crocodile Walks into a Bar +]]></title><description><![CDATA[A crocodile walks into a bar&#8230; and things get weird.Chapter 9 of The Stinkwater Escapee is now live, with a full audio read-aloud.Stick around after the chapter &#8212; there&#8217;s a fake ad and a tiny media-literacy PSA tucked at the end.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-9</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-9</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:30:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/80915136-f5db-46e4-99fe-dee1e1d7a302_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens when a crocodile walks into a bar? Let&#8217;s find out! </p><p>Stick around after the chapter where a fake ad and a tiny media-literacy PSA make an appearance at the end.</p><p>&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Listen to Chapter 9:</strong></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;d3ac1988-4d6b-466f-93bd-956de2ab7934&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:751.77795,&quot;downloadable&quot;:true,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>Missed a few chapters?</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chapter Index &#8594;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter"><span>Chapter Index &#8594;</span></a></p><p></p><p>Are you enjoying this story? Is the media literacy&#8230;lit?</p><p>Send me an email, subscribe, or do something encouraging so I keep this going another four months! :D</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>Every reader or listener helps keep this story alive &#8212; and keeps Big Al going right to the end.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 9 ∙ A Crocodile Walks Into a Bar]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chaos, fourth-wall trouble, and a tiny media-literacy PSA at the end.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-9-a-crocodile-walks-into</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/chapter-9-a-crocodile-walks-into</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:28:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/178470810/b82a3fe38b5c421766fd3999252aa42e.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><strong>Chapter 9: A Crocodile Walks Into a Bar</strong></h3><p>Big Al strolls into a human bar, chaos follows, and the Department of Fourth Wall Deconstruction gets involved.</p><p>After the story, stick around for:</p><ul><li><p>&#9989; a bonus fake ad</p></li><li><p>&#9989; a tiny media-literacy PSA</p></li></ul><p><strong>Full text &amp; chapter archive:</strong><br><a href="https://stinkwater.ca">https://stinkwater.ca</a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Experimental]]></title><description><![CDATA[An experimental 3-minute audio story blending satire, media literacy, and humor for fans of The Stinkwater Escapee.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-experimental</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-experimental</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:30:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0a8c925f-6ed5-40e6-8565-58d638e5f3e3_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This 3&#189;-minute segment blends field-recorded sound, VoiceMod alchemy, and one slightly suspicious product ad. The piece began as a playful test of sound design &#8212; part Big Al absurdity, part narrative satire.  Think of it as a sideways commercial break from <em>The Stinkwater Escapee</em> universe with cross-pollination from a few other patches in the Garden of Galaxies.</p><p>If you enjoy this kind of audio storytelling, please like, drop a comment below or share the episode.  </p><p>Your feedback will help decide whether this Mudwater Mutters media literacy becomes a regular series.</p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;5f4846c1-c2dc-4f33-8a98-7e858326601a&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:211.56572,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>Show notes:</p><p><a href="https://icecon.ca/index.php/icecon/article/view/24/21">Things That Need Doin&#8217;</a> at <a href="https://icecon.ca/index.php/icecon">Icelandic Connection</a></p><p><a href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/ghostcreek-hollow-ghost-story">Ghostcreek Hollow</a> ghost story at <a href="https://readthestars.ca">readthestars.ca</a></p><p></p><p><em>Edited Nov 2: Added show notes.</em></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/hjacobbuller" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png" width="357" height="100.22201834862385" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:153,&quot;width&quot;:545,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:357,&quot;bytes&quot;:4255,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/hjacobbuller&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/i/177773282?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RSX1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe95481f5-3609-4ed7-a1e8-10c1891ab5e6_545x153.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Chapter 8 - Jukebox Janus' Burger Joint]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big Al&#8217;s late-night hunger leads him to Jukebox Janus&#8217; Burger Joint&#8212;a glowing diner where fear, french fries, and a trucker&#8217;s conscience all mingle in the air. What he overhears before sunrise changes the scent of everything.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-8-jukebox</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-8-jukebox</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:30:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0e07147a-51ae-48ad-b528-9878892aba56_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The doors have opened and Big Al experiences some complicated humans!</p><p>&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Click below to listen to Chapter 8:</strong></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;f8a73b14-9300-4165-b09d-7a19fd340f36&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:633.70447,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>Missed a few chapters? </p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chapter Index &#8594;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter"><span>Chapter Index &#8594;</span></a></p><p>Let me know if you're enjoying the story. Send me an email!</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Chapter 7 - The Threshold Motel]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big Al stumbles into the Threshold Motel, a place where cinnamon buns vanish, money makes no sense, and whistling just might save the day.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-7-the-threshold</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-7-the-threshold</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 04 Oct 2025 14:31:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/689855d5-dcb4-400f-836f-bef861562c39_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Big Al has rolled right in past the threshold in Chapter 7 without even realizing it!</p><p>&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Click below to listen to Chapter 7:</strong></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;c6c9771b-4853-4a05-b42d-c1ec20e478cb&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:665.0253,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p></p><p>Catch up on Big Al&#8217;s adventures from the very beginning!</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chapter Index &#8594;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter"><span>Chapter Index &#8594;</span></a></p><p>Enjoying the journey? Brace yourself for Big Al landing in Big City! Also, a big subscriber list helps me land big publishers!</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Chapter 6 - Raven Runway Run]]></title><description><![CDATA[&#10024; Big Al is running for his life &#8212; from dogs, from hunters, and straight onto a rumbling truck. But when the night sky opens, a Raven delivers a warning he may not understand...]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-6-raven</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-6-raven</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:30:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6763ff8f-4297-46ff-b011-e20f6b9c3425_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg" width="1080" height="1080" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1080,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:296229,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/i/173905051?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cS3i!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a7c677f-61a0-4dfc-9cc2-afbaababadb5_1080x1080.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p><p>The sixth chapter of The Stinkwater Escapee is taking off without Al!</p><p>&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Click below to listen to Chapter 6:</strong></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;7e8ac700-9253-41cf-b360-d91d53612561&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:438.09958,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p><em>Missed previous chapters? </em>Visit the chapter list and catch up on Big Al&#8217;s adventures from the very beginning.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chapter Index &#8594;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter"><span>Chapter Index &#8594;</span></a></p><p>Do you like the story? Subscribe and tell me in this action that you do. A big subscriber list helps me land the big publishers!</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Chapter 5 - Making Scents of Shame]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big Al&#8217;s hunger won&#8217;t quit, but this time the swamp escapee finds more than food in Ms. Fast&#8217;s house. A dress, a purse, and a strange new feeling &#8212; shame &#8212; push him closer to learning what it means to belong.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-5</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-5</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:30:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bc7c79b1-f860-40ec-990e-5c8a3a4af441_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><a href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-chapter-4">Chapter 5 of The Stinkwater Escapee</a></em> is going viral, while Big Al blends in.</p><p>&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Click below to listen to Chapter 5:</strong></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;fdf17142-75b6-4a7c-93d6-89d1590a9df1&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:399.25552,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>&#127911; <em>All done with this chapter? Before I ready for Chapter 6, cast your vote!</em></p><div class="poll-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;id&quot;:368505}" data-component-name="PollToDOM"></div><p>The winning choice may appear in Chapter 6!</p><p><em>Missed previous chapters? </em>Visit the chapter list &#8212; available in both audio and text &#8212; and catch up on Big Al&#8217;s adventures from the very beginning.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chapter List &#8594;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-complete-chapter"><span>Chapter List &#8594;</span></a></p><p><br>Your subscription tells me that people are reading this! Please subscribe!</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🎧Mudwater Mutters: Chapter 4 - He is cooked]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big Al&#8217;s blending in fine&#8230; until bison stew says otherwise. The kids know he&#8217;s no &#8220;Rick,&#8221; and Ms. Fast can't find the cat. Spoiler: he is cooked.]]></description><link>https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-4-he-is</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.readthestars.ca/p/mudwater-mutters-chapter-4-he-is</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[H Jacob Buller]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2025 14:30:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/aa91f52a-d439-4884-b935-20779d4bf308_3000x3000.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TU3_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0e9f8d53-998b-4b38-98a9-7c5700b3ca35_1024x1474.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p><p>Can you find the word from last week&#8217;s poll in my reading? Give this post a heart if you find it!</p><p><em><a href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-chapter-4">Chapter 4 of The Stinkwater Escapee</a></em> has hit the internet, and Big Al is having soup and tea with Ms. Fast! </p><p>&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Click below to listen to Chapter 4:</strong></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;1b965a4b-5bae-4ef7-99e4-fa1b347ca1f6&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:478.35428,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>&#127911; <em>All done with this chapter? Before I ready for Chapter 5, cast your vote!</em></p><div class="poll-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;id&quot;:364648}" data-component-name="PollToDOM"></div><p>The winning nickname will show up somewhere in Chapter 5. Keep your ears peeled.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.readthestars.ca/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p><em>Missed previous chapters?</em><br>Start at <a href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-chapter-1">Chapter 1 of </a><em><a href="https://www.readthestars.ca/p/the-stinkwater-escapee-chapter-1">The Stinkwater Escapee</a></em> &#8212; available in both audio and text &#8212; and catch up on Big Al&#8217;s adventures from the very beginning.</p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>