How To Sleep artwork

How To Sleep

96 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratings

I'm here to help you fall asleep, one instruction manual at a time. Each episode features a full read through of the instructions of everyday products like toilets, typewriters, board games, with the occasional food package thrown in for good measure.

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Episodes

Mini Manual #21: Nasacort

May 06, 2019 12:37 - 11 minutes - 8.21 MB

Mini Manual #21 shows exactly how to use Nasacort to combat those pesky allergens, during spring and throughout the year.  Read along at https://www.nasacort.ca/en/how-to-use With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Sorry!

May 03, 2019 12:15 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MB

The game has started. You've moved your blue pawn across the majority of the board of play. You're 2 spots from the safe zone. Your turn is up next and all it will take is one card pull to get you in. Then your friend pulls a card, smirks, flips it over, and says "Sorry!" while she swaps out a red pawn from her start area with your oh-so-close to home blue pawn. You grumble and continue on, hoping the luck turns in your favorite next time around.  Sorry!, the game of sweet revenge, is feature...

Mini Manual #20: Pioneer Woman's Restaurant Style Salsa

April 29, 2019 12:27 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

My favorite recipe of all-time gets the How To treatment, as The Pioneer Woman's Restaurant Style Salsa comes front and center. It's easy, it's delicious. Enjoy.  Read along at https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/restaurant-style-salsa/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Ninja Professional Blender

April 26, 2019 13:18 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

I make two things with my blender: smoothies and salsa. Today's episode serves two purposes: to motivate me to use it more, but more importantly, to read through the most thorough episode to date, with warnings upon warnings from the manual of this powerful machine. It's the Ninja Professional Blender. Listen in.  Read along at https://www.ninjakitchen.com/include/pdf/manual-nj600.pdf.  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for o...

Mini Manual #19: ACE Knee Support

April 22, 2019 11:28 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

A great night of sleep is important and staying active can help out. The main way I do that is with the help of knee support. MM#19 talks about workout routines you can maintain and shares the ACE Knee Support manual.  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

April 19, 2019 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

Coming in at 31,000 brush strokes per minute, the Sonicare Electric Toothbrush deep cleans your teeth and gums and leaves you with a squeaky clean smile. Listen in for the most perfect, well-written article I've read thus far. This one is a masterpiece.  Read along at https://www.download.p4c.philips.com/files/h/hx9882_12/hx9882_12_dfu_aen.pdf With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter In...

Mini Manual #18: A Few Toiletries

April 15, 2019 12:29 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

The "Few" Series returns with three all-important toiletry items: Listerine Mouthwash, Zyrtec, and Harry's Post-Shave Mist.  Check your local stores to read along.  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Single Handle Kitchen Faucet

April 12, 2019 11:21 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

Imagine a world where doing dishes isn't a chore, but an adventure. The Kraus Bolden Single Handle Commercial Kitchen Faucet might just transport you there. At the very least, the manual will entrance you. Stick around long enough for the hefty warranty at the end.  Read along at http://www.kraususa.com/pdf/KPF-1610CH_Installation_16.pdf With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #17: Cold Brew Coffee Maker

April 08, 2019 12:19 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

The warming weather means I'm ready to swap out my hot coffee with cold brew. I had heard brewing it was simple, but after reading the Takeya manual, and testing it out, this will be my go-to preparation for spring and summer.  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Samson G-Track Pro Microphone

April 05, 2019 12:22 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

I couldn't record the show without the help of my trusty sidekick, the Samson G-Track Pro. Listen in to hear what makes this hefty microphone tick.  Read along at http://www.samsontech.com/site_media/support/manuals/G-Track_Pro_OM_5L_V3.pdf With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #16: Homemade Peanut Butter

April 02, 2019 00:22 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

MM #16 can't stop the food train from running around the bend. Adam and Joanne Gallagher, from the blog Inspired Taste, don't just show us one way to make homemade peanut butter, they show us THREE ways, all quick, easy, and delicious. Give it a look: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/21318/how-to-make-peanut-butter-three-ways/ Make sure to follow along with their recipes all over social media as well @inspiredtaste. And dig around the website for their cute cat Ellie!  With host Mike Shafer.  If...

NBA Jam Tournament Edition

March 28, 2019 12:37 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

The year is 1994. Basketball fans aren't prepared for this. Video gamers aren't prepared either. No one's ready for the turbo-charged, wham bam slamming hardwood hoop action that NBA Jam Tournament Edition unleashes. With March Madness in full force, relive those jam-packed memories with this episode. Find the game manual here: https://classicreload.com/sites/default/files/genesis-nba-jam-tournament-edition_Manual.pdf With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, sha...

Mini Manual #15: Let's Poach Some Eggs!

March 25, 2019 12:19 - 12 minutes - 8.4 MB

MM #15 goes where a billion brunchers have gone before: poached eggs. Lisa Bryan, from the blog Downshiftology, wrote a delectable article to help poach the perfect egg.  Give it a look: https://downshiftology.com/recipes/poached-eggs/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Useful Bags, and How to Make Them

March 21, 2019 09:27 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Hop into a time machine and head all the way back to October 2, 1886 to see how one article from the Scientific American Supplement explains how to make useful bags.  Find the entire issue including the title article here: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16360/16360-h/16360-h.htm  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #14: Pasta Maker

March 18, 2019 12:29 - 13 minutes - 9.18 MB

MM #14 shares the Marcato Atlas 150 pasta maker and shows how to make homemade pasta.  Find the written instructions and delicious images here:  https://www.marcato.it/sites/default/files/node/documentation/files/2018-01/Marcato_Atlas_150.pdf   With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

8-track & Cassette Recorder & Record Player

March 15, 2019 12:13 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

Before we had DVD/VHS players, we were gifted a combo platter capable of playing 8-track, recording cassettes, AND playing records. Our 30th episode is pleased to share all of the ways to use this magnificent machine. Find the Candle manual at: http://www.8-track-shack.com/blog/2015/07/candle-model-js-9063-amfm-stereo-multiplex-system-w-8-track-player-owners-manual/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals ...

Mini Manual #13: Euchre

March 11, 2019 12:06 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

It's Monday which means Mini Manual time. MM #13 teaches how to play Euchre, a popular card game in the Midwest and around the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.  Find the written instructions here: https://www.dummies.com/games/card-games/euchre/the-basics-of-playing-euchre/ Follow along with a helpful video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-BmY6uhR6k With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to:...

Monopoly

March 08, 2019 13:23 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

Don your top hat, head on down to Boardwalk, and do your best to stay out of jail. Board games are back with the most iconic and popular board game of all time: Monopoly. Find the Millennium Edition manual at: https://www.fgbradleys.com/rules/Monopoly%20Millennium%20Edition.pdf The 80 enterprising facts are here: https://mashable.com/2015/01/21/monopoly-facts/#ikErSjOVLgq5 With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product m...

Mini Manual #12: A Few Snacks

March 04, 2019 12:57 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

Mini Manual #12 kicks off the week with not 1 or 2 but 3 food packages revealed and explained:  Starkist BOLD Buffalo Style Tuna Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil Triscuits Samaos Girl Scout Cookies With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Coffee Brewing Methods

March 01, 2019 11:24 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

Friday's episode details a variety of coffee brewing methods. Tuck yourself into bed and dream about a warm (or cold) cup of joe.  Follow along with both articles at: https://coffee-brewing-methods.com/  AND http://www.eatingwell.com/article/41595/9-rules-for-how-to-make-a-perfect-cup-of-coffee/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #11: Logitech Keyboard and Mouse

February 25, 2019 13:14 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

Mini Manual #11 shares all of the nitty-gritty compliance, safety, and warranty information from my new Logitech keyboard and mouse.  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Tips to Survive a Long Lecture

February 22, 2019 13:08 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Long lectures dotting your college landscape? Work meetings running a bit long? Simply want some ways to get through a long work day? Listen in to hear all the tips to survive a long lecture.  Follow along with this wikiHow article at: https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Long-Lecture With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #10: Hiccups

February 19, 2019 12:38 - 12 minutes - 8.82 MB

Mini Manual #10 gets to the bottom of hiccups: why they happen, how to avoid them, and home remedy cures for when they just won't go away.  Check out the article at: https://www.medicinenet.com/hiccups/article.htm With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

The Analysis of Urine

February 15, 2019 22:29 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

The Scientific American Supplement published an article in 1887 that explains everything you've ever wanted to know about the analysis of urine.  Read through this tongue-twisting technical article at: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/16948/16948-h/16948-h.htm With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #9: Romantic Comedies and Fudge

February 11, 2019 22:42 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

Mini Manual #9 gets in the Valentine's Day mood with a look into writing a Romantic Comedy as well as a recipe for making fudge.  Check out the 6 steps to writing a Romantic Comedy at: https://www.writersstore.com/romantic-comedy-writing-secrets/ Find the fudge recipe (and many others) at: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9420/old-fashioned-chocolate-fudge/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Face...

How Enameled Letters are Made

February 08, 2019 14:34 - 14 minutes - 9.86 MB

Come with me on a sleepy trip back to 1892, where Scientific American Supplement provided narrative how-to manuals for days. The first of many to come talks about Enameled Letters.  Read through this delightful article at: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15193/15193-h/15193-h.htm With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #8: Cootie Catcher

February 04, 2019 13:34 - 10 minutes - 7.51 MB

Mini Manual #8 flashes to the past with instructions to make that old classic paper fortune teller. You might know it better as a Cootie Catcher.  Check out the wikiHow instructions (with helpful videos): https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cootie-Catcher-(Origami-Fortune-Teller) With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Pet Rock

February 01, 2019 17:13 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

The funniest manual ever written, and perhaps the funniest thing ever written, gets the How to Sleep treatment. If you zonk out to this one, congrats. Please enjoy Gary Dahl's wonderfully witty manual for the Pet Rock.  Read through this hilarious manual at https://www.scribd.com/doc/252772385/The-Care-and-Training-of-Your-Pet-Rock-Manual-by-Gary-Dahl With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Tw...

Mini Manual #7: Birdwatching

January 28, 2019 13:19 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

Mini Manual #7 helps us all get acquainted with the weird world of birdwatching, and how to get started.  Big thanks to Brandon Michael Lowden (www.twitter.com/BookMusicLyrics) who graciously allowed me to read the excellent article shared in this episode: https://beesreads.com/how-to-infiltrate-the-weird-world-of-birdwatching-36835ae605f8 With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instag...

How-To Write a How-To Manual

January 25, 2019 13:23 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

Been listening in and wondering how the manuals themselves are written? In this special reveal, today's episode goes behind the scenes to show how they're composed. Read through the manual at https://www.auburn.edu/~dgr0003/Classroom%20PPT/instructions_process.ppt With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #6: Homemade Paper and Dry Cat Treats

January 21, 2019 13:22 - 13 minutes - 9.1 MB

Mini Manual #6 provides instructions for a fun DIY homemade paper activity. Have animals and wondered what it's like to hear the packaging information for their treats? Wonder no more! Link to the homemade paper instructions: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/homemade-paper/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Frigidaire Dehumidifier

January 18, 2019 13:03 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Basement musty and dusty? Laundry room far too humid? Check out this week's manual on the Frigidaire Dehumidifier.  Read through the manual at https://www.manualslib.com/manual/255890/Frigidaire-2020266a0107.html#manual With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #5: Breathing Exercise and Sleepytime Tea

January 14, 2019 13:24 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Mini Manual #5 shares a few thoughts on different ways to sleep better, including the 4-7-8 breathing exercise and a reading of a box of Sleepytime tea.  With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Imperial 'Good Companion' Typewriter

January 11, 2019 12:48 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

The oldest manual I've read to date brings back the days of the typewriter. Come for the coffee stain on pages 4-5; stay for the detailed instructions on how to fit a new ribbon.  Read through the manual at https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2384/6833/files/Imperial_Good_Companion_Typewriter_instructions_Manual.pdf?8738345546004849702 With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #4: Refresh Contact Eye Drops

January 07, 2019 14:15 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

Mini Manual #4 checks out that tiny folded piece of paper in your box of eye drops. Then it ends with instructions on how to drink a certain can of Old Nation beer. It's true, beer needs instructions now! With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Home Brewed Amber Ale

January 04, 2019 05:02 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

This sudsy episode details how to brew beer. Read through as you listen at: https://52brews.com/how-to-make-beer (Also check out Mark's how-to video at the bottom of the page.) Find out more about Joshua M. Berstein's stellar "The Complete Beer Course" at https://www.joshuambernstein.com/complete-beer-course/. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #3 — Happy New Year!

December 31, 2018 13:36 - 9 minutes - 6.65 MB

Mini Manual #3 shares exercise tips for the most common NYE resolution: get healthier. A special smoothie recipe caps off the holiday season. Top 10 tips for exercising safely can be found here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/10-tips-for-exercising-safely The recipe for Lemon Turmeric Flush Drink (and others!) can be found here: https://www.modernhoney.com/6-healthy-superfood-smoothies/ With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over...

NYE Teaser

December 28, 2018 16:31 - 1 minute - 834 KB

Happy New Year! Listen in for a HINT at the topic for the next main episode to be released on Friday, January 4th. You'll want to tune in for this one. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #2

December 24, 2018 14:36 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Mini Manual #2 answers Christmas questions and adds to the Super Mario Bros. instructions with a special cheats, tips, and tricks addition. Cheats for SMB can be found here: https://www.ign.com/wikis/super-mario-bros/NES_Cheats With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Holiday Toy Manuals, Part 2

December 22, 2018 22:08 - 1 hour - 45.5 MB

Part 2 of the Holiday series goes where millions of super fans have played but never read: the Super Mario Bros. Instructional Booklet. This one starts off small, grows bigger, gets fiery, and ends up invincible. Listen in for exclusive tips and tricks. Happy Holidays! With host Mike Shafer.  EXCLUSIVE TO THIS EPISODE: Have a copy of your old Super Bros. Instructional Booklet WITH MEMO NOTES? Please share screen shots below: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mini Manual #1

December 17, 2018 05:39 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

Mini Manual #1 answers listener questions, talks about top toy rankings over the years, and shares a special short manual. Toys discussed can be found here: https://www.thisisinsider.com/most-popular-kids-toys-2017-7 With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Holiday Toy Manuals, Part 1

December 14, 2018 05:25 - 1 hour - 51.4 MB

Happy Holidays! This episode details instructions for a classic toy (the Lite-Brite), and board game (The Game of Life). A special holiday cocktail recipe caps it off. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Ridgeway Grandfather Clock, Part 2

December 09, 2018 09:39 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

This episode details the second half of instructions to install a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock. No intro this time around. We get right to the good stuff. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Ridgeway Grandfather Clock, Part 1

December 02, 2018 05:57 - 1 hour - 44.4 MB

This episode details the first half of instructions to install a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock. Manual read begins around the 9:20 mark. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Episode 1: American Standard Toilet

November 22, 2018 02:31 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

Welcome to the show and thanks so much for listening. I hope the how-to manuals both interest you and lull you to sleep, in whatever order that works best for you. This first episode details the instructions to install an American Standard Toilet. Instructions start at the 15:00 min mark. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

American Standard Toilet

November 22, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MB

Welcome to the show and thanks so much for listening. I hope the how-to manuals both interest you and lull you to sleep, in whatever order that works best for you. This first episode details the instructions to install an American Standard Toilet. Instructions start at the 15:00 min mark. With host Mike Shafer.  If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram

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