Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
284 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2.6K ratingsHaving trouble sleeping? Join Yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai for bedtime stories where nothing much happens to help you relax and sleep peacefully. The stories are a soft landing spot for your mind. Rather than letting your brain race through the same thoughts you’ve been chasing all day, we are taking a detour to a calm and comfy place. We tell the story twice and go a bit slower the second time.
You can find our book, "Nothing Much Happens," in over 20 languages. Request your local bookseller to shelve it: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens
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Episodes
A Block From Home - Revised (Encore)
April 18, 2024 04:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBOur story tonight is called A Block From Home, and it’s a story about the feeling of coming home after a long day and finding a quiet place to rest. It’s also about the feeling of being on your own time and having the space to do something or to do nothing at all. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Piano Lessons
April 15, 2024 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBOur story tonight is called Piano Lessons, and it’s a story about a well-loved upright and the boy who plays it. It’s also about a little cottage where ivy grows up the bricks, middle C, lesson books and metronomes, and finding the things that feel like they were always meant for you. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Save the Music Foundation. Helping kids, schools, and communities realize their full potential through the power of making music. ...
In The Bakery (Encore)
April 11, 2024 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBOur story tonight is called “In the Bakery” and it’s a story about a weekend morning among bagels and breads. It’s also about old cookbooks full of notes, being proud of what you do, and a secret ingredient handed down from baker to baker. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now, as well as ad-free and early episodes of Stories from the Village of Nothing Much! Search for the NMH Premium channel on Apple Podcasts, or follow the link below: https://www.nothingmuchhappens.co...
New Friends at Weathervane Farm
April 08, 2024 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBOur story tonight is called New Friends at Weathervane Farm, and it’s a story about a busy Spring morning at the sanctuary. It’s also about branches full of singing birds, fresh straw, and rubber boots, new babies born in the stalls of the barn and helping each other out along the way. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Agia Marina Donkey Rescue. There, no donkey will ever be turned away; each will be cared for and loved for the remainder of its life. ...
The Front Door and The Back Door (Encore)
April 04, 2024 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBOur story tonight is called The Front Door and the Back Door, and it’s a story about a bit of Spring Cleaning inside and outside the house. It’s also about butterflies drawn in chalk on the sidewalk, a message arriving at the just the right moment, and seedlings waiting for their chance to grow. So get cozy and ready to sleep. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now, as well as ad-free and early episodes of Stories from the Village of Nothing Much! Search for NMH Premium ...
Sunrise at the Cabin
April 01, 2024 04:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBOur story tonight is called Sunrise at the Cabin, and it’s a story about welcoming the coming day with a friend at your side. It’s also about dry leaves left over from Autumn crunching under your feet, the beauty of imperfect things, changing light, a coffee cup steaming in the morning air, and the gift of an early start. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels works to support our senior neighbors and extend their indepe...
Begin Again (Encore)
March 28, 2024 04:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBOur story tonight is called Begin Again, and it’s a story about a reset scheduled for the equinox. It’s also about sunrise watched from an open hatchback on a road outside of town, birds and squirrels ringing in the spring, and making your own rituals to mark a moment. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On The Rooftop
March 25, 2024 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBOur story tonight is called On the Rooftop, and it’s a story about the giddy first flush of real spring weather. It’s also about baseball cards tucked into bike spokes, the benefits of small talk, barbecue grills lighting up for the first time in months and the joy of seeing the world from a new perspective. We give to a different charity each week, and as a proud Flintstone, I’m glad that this week, we are giving to Shelter of Flint. Working for safe housing, independence, and stability. ...
The Pantry (Encore)
March 21, 2024 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBOur story tonight is called “The Pantry,” and it’s a story about a chore that becomes a sort of meditation. It’s also about neat rows of cans with their labels all turned the same way, the satisfaction of a job well done, and taking care of little you, even once you’re all grown up. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Out Like a Lamb
March 18, 2024 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBOur story tonight is called Out Like a Lamb, and it’s a story about the changeable month of March and a day spent enjoying a bit of both winter and spring. It’s also about a book read in the bath, the luxury of a slow start to the day, sunlight warming the floorboards, a pot of pansies dusted with snow, and making peace with a bit of chaos, in and out. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Bat Conservation International. Their work is to conserve the worl...
Sugar Snow (Encore)
March 14, 2024 04:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBOur story tonight is called “Sugar Snow,” and it’s a story about shifting seasons. It’s also about pots of pansies, breakfast for dinner, and the people and places that teach us to play. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mudlarking on the River, Part 2
March 11, 2024 04:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBOur story tonight is called Mud Larking on the River, Part 2, and it’s a story about a search for ordinary treasures in the sand on a bright spring morning. It’s also about a coin with a hole through its center, the red and white pole of a barber shop, forsythia stems and curiosity and imagination and seeing the things around us with new eyes. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. Working for healthy coral reefs, clea...
First This, Then That (Encore)
March 07, 2024 05:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBOur story tonight is called First This, Then That, and it’s a story about a bit of Spring cleaning on a sunny day. It’s also about watching birds at their feeder, sharing things with your neighbors, and the joy of finding something forgotten in an old coat pocket. So get cozy and ready to sleep. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mudlarking on the River, Part 1
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBOur story tonight is called Mudlarking on the River, Part 1, and it’s a story about a sunny morning in early spring that inspires a walk along sandy banks. It’s also about ordering your usual at the bakery counter, Canada geese and garden gloves, being gentle with yourself, and hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Direct Relief. Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and over 80 ...
People Watching & The Coffee Shop (Encore)
February 29, 2024 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBOur story tonight is called People Watching and the Coffee Shop, and it’s a story about the view from a table in the back corner; it’s also about found family, a neatly shoveled sidewalk, and simple ways to feel connected. Originally from Season 7, Episode 4. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bridge in the Woods
February 26, 2024 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBOur story tonight is called The Bridge in the Woods, and it’s a story about a break in the cold weather and the boost that comes from warm sunlight on your face. It’s also about woodpeckers and spring melt flowing fast, the wonders of libraries, and the kindness of people who you might never meet but have cleared a path for you. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Mountain Humane and Paws for Hunger Pet Pantry. Saving Animals and Changing Lives. Subsc...
Mixtape (Encore)
February 22, 2024 05:00 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBOur story tonight is called Mixtape, and it’s a story about a box of memories tangled up with songs. It’s also about the messages we send with the tracks we pick out, new batteries in an old Walkman, and finding the music that helps you find yourself. This episode is from Season 9, Episode 6. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Muddy Paws
February 19, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBOur story tonight is called Muddy Paws, and it’s a story about a walk outside with Village pups Crumb and Birdie, and the inevitable aftermath. It’s also about a rubber ducky, a field full of good spots to stop and sniff, a bed laid out in the sunshine and the feeling of being safe and content at home with family. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Mondays at Racine Cancer Care, providing hands-on integrative wellness and beauty services to anyone unde...
Quiet Celebration (Encore)
February 15, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBOur story tonight is called Quiet Celebration, and it’s a story about softly stepping into the next year of your life. It’s also about a good dream that lingers after waking, a glass raised with best wishes and a cake decorated with orange slices and rosettes. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Greenhouse
February 12, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBOur story tonight is called The Greenhouse, and it’s a story about flowers and vases and the deep green scent of plants in a warm space in the winter. It’s also about a silver wine bucket, music playing while you work, pine needles and mint, and the small and big ways of building the life you want. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to ParaCliffHangers, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to overcome mountains. Subscribe for ad-free, bon...
A Little Romance (Encore)
February 08, 2024 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBOur story tonight is called A Little Romance, and it’s a story about the beginnings of Spring in the city. It’s also about fond memories of young love, a picture tucked into the back of a wallet, and the sweet realization that someone somewhere is thinking of you. Originally from Season 3, Episode 2. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Museum Trip
February 05, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBOur story tonight is called Museum Trip, and it’s a story about a school bus pulling into the lot at a grand old house where local history is preserved. It’s also about welcoming rooms to explore, fires to warm yourself at, apples and popcorn, and finding yourself on the map. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to The Kangaroo Sanctuary. They rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned baby kangaroos back into the wild. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and e...
Fog and Light (Encore)
February 01, 2024 05:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBOur story tonight is called Fog and Light, and it’s a story about a day of simple pleasures meant to clear out the winter blues. It’s also about a little girl in a red hat, the Latin names for rare flowers, and good advice from an old friend. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sycamore Settles In
January 29, 2024 17:17 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBOur story tonight is called Sycamore Settles In, and it’s a story about the newest resident at the Inn on the Lake. It’s also about a sunny winter day, and neighbors spotted from the window, roses and cat nip, toy mice and freshly pressed curtains, and a growing bond between two friends getting each other through the winter. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, Providing home, herd, rest, refuge, and individualized ca...
Clean Slate (Encore)
January 25, 2024 05:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBOur story tonight is called Clean Slate, and it’s a story about a room of one’s own. It’s also about a jade plant on a window sill, a bit of still useful old technology, and figuring out what’s worth keeping and what’s not. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now, as well as ad-free and early episodes of Stories from the Village of Nothing Much! Search for the NMH Premium channel on Apple Podcasts or click here. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing ...
Pass it Along
January 22, 2024 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBOur story tonight is called Pass it Along, and it’s a story about a good deed passed from one person to another in the Village on Nothing Much. It’s also about a cardinal on a branch, a cup of tea served up by a friend, and sharing the feeling that there are others out there eager to help. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Operation Warm. Providing warmth, confidence, and hope through basic need programs that connect underserved kids to community reso...
A New Leaf (Encore)
January 18, 2024 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBOur story tonight is called A New Leaf, and it’s a story about starting off the new year with a fresh book to write your plans in. It’s also about a memory of something magical, a cup of coffee on a cold day, and the pleasure of a freshly sharpened pencil. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now, as well as ad-free and early episodes of Stories from the Village of Nothing Much! Search for the NMH Premium channel on Apple Podcasts or click here. Listen to our new show, Sto...
The Winter Quilt
January 15, 2024 05:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBOur story tonight is called The Winter Quilt, and it’s a story about a lovingly made piece of art that warms a heart and a bed. It’s also about snowflakes lit up in the headlights of a car, sparrows and bicycles, and the artifacts that we hold to tell us stories from the past. Our charity this week is Children International, https://www.children.org. They work to connect people around the world in the fight to end poverty. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now, as well ...
The Innkeeper's Blanket (Encore)
January 11, 2024 05:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBOur story tonight is called The Innkeeper’s Blanket and it’s a story about a favorite hobby, rediscovered in the quiet of winter. It’s also about a simmering pot in the kitchen, geese gathering before they fly and making something by hand that is perfectly imperfect. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus and extra long episodes now, as well as ad-free and early episodes of Stories from the Village of Nothing Much! Search for NMH Premium channel on Apple podcast or follow the link below https://www...
Lemongrass and Ginger
January 08, 2024 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBOur story tonight is called Lemongrass and Ginger, and it’s a story about fresh flavors and aromas enjoyed in a cozy kitchen. It’s also about a cache of cookbooks discovered in the basement, the winter sun warming your face, a softer way to look at mistakes when you make them, and a quiet, clean house on a snowy day. Our charity this week is Affirmations (Ferndale), a charity close to my heart and home. Affirmations works to provide a welcoming space where people of all LGBTQIA+ folks can f...
Winter Walk (Encore)
January 04, 2024 05:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBOur story tonight is called Winter Walk, and it’s a story about stepping through crisp layers of deep snow on a sunny, cold day. It’s also about a well-made bed, a sleeping kitty, and the welcome way that nature can take your breath away. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Sleeper Car
January 01, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBOur story tonight is called The Sleeper Car, and it’s a story about a trip where the mode of travel is more important than the destination. It’s also about crisp ironed linens, a little notebook that fits perfectly into your pocket, the mystery of strangers across the dining car, and waking up to a snowy sunrise. Our charity this week is Guide Dogs for the Blind. Everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently, and they are helping. https://www.guidedogs.com Subscribe f...
Skating In The Park (Encore)
December 28, 2023 05:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBOur story tonight is called Skating in the Park, and it’s a story about revisiting a yearly tradition. It’s also about a thermos of coffee waiting to warm you up, thick socks, and the kind of friends who, even after a while apart, can pick right back up where they left off. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Winter Getaway Parts 1-3 (Slightly More Happens)
December 25, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBOur story tonight is called Winter Getaway and it tells, from two perspectives, the tale of a snowy mountain and a warm cabin and a meal shared between friends. It's also about taking time to rest deeply, snow flakes and silver needle tea and a book wrapped in brown paper. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus and extra long episodes now, as well as ad-free and early episodes of Stories from the Village of Nothing Much! Search for NMH Premium channel on Apple podcast or follow the link below https...
Christmas Eve (Encore)
December 21, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBOur story tonight is called Christmas Eve, and it’s a story about being with the ones you love at a special time of year. It’s also about plates of home-baked treats, thinking back to the holidays of childhood and the everyday miracle that is dogs. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tree Farm
December 18, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBOur story tonight is called The Tree Farm, and it’s a story about one of the last trees of the season finding its home. It’s also about steam from a thermos rising into the evening air, memories tied to the fresh scent of pine, a good deed passed to a stranger and the reminder that we are made of stars. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Gleaners Community Food Bank. https://www.gcfb.org/ Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now, as w...
Under the Tree (Encore)
December 14, 2023 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBOur story tonight is called Under the Tree and it’s a story about a day of decorating around the house. It’s also about a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and apples, a box of ornaments wrapped in paper and the things that connect us to where we come from. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mistletoe and Marmalade
December 11, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBOur story tonight is called Mistletoe and Marmalade, and it’s a story about decorating for the holidays with the whole family. It’s also about birds at the feeder, ornaments made in kindergarten that still make it onto the tree, the ways that love can surprise you, and a greyhound in a Christmas sweater. We donate to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to The Good Food Institute. The Good Food Institute works to make the global food system better for the planet, peop...
Fresh Snow (Encore)
December 07, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBOur story tonight is called Fresh Snow, and it’s a story about time spent outside as the flakes fall. It’s also about a late-night bath, a peppermint stick in a cup of hot chocolate, and the easy comfort of long-held friends. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Snow and Street Lights
December 04, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBOur story tonight is called Snow and Streetlights, and it’s a story about an afternoon at the bookshop on the edge of winter. It’s also about a bell jingling on a dog’s collar, the soft buffer of the first snowfall, a door held open by a stranger, and a pack of paper stars. We donate to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Brother Wolf. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue enhances the lives of companion animals and the people who love them. www.bwar.org Subscribe for ad-fr...
Lost & Found (Encore)
November 30, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBOur story tonight is called Lost and Found, and it’s a story about the first snowfall of the year. It’s also about firewood stacked high beside the hearth, paw prints in the snow, and the magic of two paths crossing at just the right moment. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now! https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Winter Evening Yoga
November 27, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBOur story tonight is called Winter Evening Yoga, and it’s a story about stepping into a safe, soothing space after a long day. It’s also about bolsters and blankets, love notes sent to yourself, low lights and soft music, and feeling completely at ease. At NMH, we give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Pups Without Borders working to rescue pups of all ages. pupswithoutborders.org Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now! → nothingmuchhappe...
Over the River and Through the Woods (Encore)
November 24, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBOur story tonight is called Over the River and Through the Woods, and it’s a story about going home for Thanksgiving. It’s also about fresh rolls from the bakery, late-night card games, and sitting at a long kitchen table with people who know you well. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now! https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thanksgiving at Weathervane Farm
November 20, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBOur story tonight is called Thanksgiving at Weathervane Farm, and it's a story about coming together to celebrate on a cool day out in the country. It’s also about a busy kitchen crowded with friends, donkeys lined up along the split rail fence, music played in the open air, and building a family of our friends, furry and otherwise. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes now! → nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription We donate to a different charity, and this week, we ar...
At The Parade (Encore)
November 16, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBOur story tonight is called “At the Parade” and it’s a story about a tradition to start off Thanksgiving morning. It’s also about the sky at dawn, streaked with pink, noticing small things that make life sweet and a marching band coming down Main Street. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus and extra long episodes now! https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Joy of Missing Out
November 13, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBOur story tonight is called The Joy of Missing Out, and it’s a story about recharging your body when your battery has run down. It’s also about frost on the windows, reading a favorite book snuggled deep under the covers, being honest about what you need, and giving others permission to do the same. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus and extra long episodes now! nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription At NMH, we give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Greyhound ...
Sunday Reset (Encore)
November 09, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBOur story tonight is called Sunday Reset and it’s a story about a day set aside to plan for a good week ahead. It’s also about sheets hung on the line, drying in the last warm rays of the autumn, a record spinning on the turntable and a changed outlook after advice from a friend. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus and extra long episodes now! https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
The Middle Path
November 06, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOur story tonight is called The Middle Path, and it’s a story about a trek down an unknown trail at the park. It’s also about red berries on a vine, the fog of your breath in the late autumn air, geese crossing the sky, and making space for the beauty that lives all around you. Our Premium Plus Feed has over 30 exclusive bonus episodes. I’ve just written a really nice story called Afternoon Tea that lives on that feed. It also has extra long episodes, which we call Slightly More Happens. I ...
Bells and Whistles (Encore)
November 02, 2023 04:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBOur story tonight is called Bells and Whistles, and it’s a story about being in the right place at the right time to hear something special. It’s also about seashells on a shelf, stacks of pumpkins on storefront stoops, and the trips we take to bring each other back home. It was inspired by a conversation I had with our pre-order winner, a lovely lady named Ginger. Her memories set my imagination spinning, and this is where it landed. Subscribe for ad-free, bonus, and extra-long episodes n...
Sycamore & the Gravestones, Part 3
October 30, 2023 04:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBOur story tonight is called Sycamore and The Gravestones, Part 3, and is the finale of this year's Halloween special. It’s a story about a good deed undertaken in a forgotten corner of the village. It’s also about train tracks and moss, mending something that was long broken, and being seen for who you are. We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to a charity founded in my own neighborhood. It’s called Natalie Jane’s Book Club, and it supports initiatives that ...