Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep

iHeartPodcasts

Having 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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Our Editor's Take

Listeners can drift off with the soothing words of Kathryn Nicolai. Her podcast is Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep. Stressful days wind people up so much at times that counting sheep to sleep doesn't work. TV shows mean more screen time and stimulating blue light. Things come up in some audiobooks that trigger worries for many. That goes doubly for those who already suffer from things like anxiety. This podcast is a sleepy alternative.

Nicolai draws on her experience as a yoga and meditation instructor to calm the mind and body. She crafts her podcast stories with alluring sensory detail and gentle character arcs to distract minds. Her stories take listeners on a walk in the woods or a stroll to a magical tea shop after a good day. Sounds and smells and mellow ambiance team up to calm the mind. Simple and pleasant experiences help listeners get their minds off the day.

Nicolai crafts stories with ideal meter and repetition to lull listeners to sleep. Her pace is slow, but not too slow in Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep. Like hypnosis, Nicolai's voice talent is as effective as her writing. Her resonating voice is soft but not too soft.

She recites each story twice. (So, each podcast is about 30 minutes.) The first, faster read works as a step down to the second, slower read. Her style makes her bedtime stories great for many audiences with trouble sleeping. She welcomes the wandering mind to do so and drift off at its own pace. Her sensation and forward motion blend can lure even the most distracted listeners.

Nicolai first started using her storytelling technique to help older kids wind down. Eventually, she employed the approach in her yoga and meditation classes. Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep is primarily for adults. However, Nicolai encourages parents to listen along with their kids. Her podcast has a large following, and listeners report better sleep and health. Many find it to be a quiet celebration of comfort and joy at the end of a long day.

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Play Trailer

Nothing Much Happens - Trailer

Nothing Much Happens - Trailer

Having 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

Opening Up The Cottage (Encore)

Opening Up The Cottage (Encore)

Our story tonight is called “Opening the Cottage,” and it’s a story about the first day back in a well-loved, familiar place. It’s also about the little traditions that make up the history of a family, a sandwich eaten on the end of a dock, and the soft, happy feeling of summer arriving. So get cozy and ready to sleep. Save over $100 on Kathryn’s hand-selected wind-down favourites with the Nothing Much Happens Wind-Down Box. A collection of products from our amazing partners: Eversio Wellness: Chill Now, Vellabox: Lavender Silk Candle, Alice Mushrooms: Nightcap, NutraChamps: Tart Cherry Gummies, A Brighter Year: Mini Coloring Book, NuStrips: Sleep Strips, Woolzies: Lavender Roll-On. 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.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Listen to our new show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app. https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/stories-from-the-villagePurchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our story tonight is called Tell the Bees, and it is a story that so many of you have asked for. I know that the podcast has seen many of you through difficult times, and often, you’ve asked for a story that might be a balm to a heavy or grieving heart, and this is my first attempt at that. If you want to avoid any heaviness tonight, that’s understandable. Marmalade and Crumb are always there for you instead. Tell the Bees is a story about a long walk through the clover on a path toward good listeners. It’s also about a rosebush with a new home, four-leaf clovers, a house with shutters and gopher trails, and saying things aloud when you’re ready to take your finger out of the dam. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Wellness Together, which is working to provide integrated mental health interventions for every student who needs help every single day. Save over $100 on Kathryn’s hand-selected wind-down favorites with the Nothing Much Happens Wind-Down Box. A collection of products from our amazing partners: Eversio Wellness: Chill NowVellabox: Lavender Silk CandleAlice Mushrooms: NightcapNutraChamps: Tart Cherry GummiesA Brighter Year: Mini Coloring BookNuStrips: Sleep StripsWoolzies: Lavender Roll-On. 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 belownothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favoritepodcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petrichor (Encore)

Petrichor (Encore)

Our story tonight is called "Petrichor," and it’s a story about things getting greener as the spring rain falls. It’s also about a record player with a favorite album on the turntable, deer dozing in the grass and making a habit out of enjoying yourself.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Month of Sundays

A Month of Sundays

Our story tonight is called A Month of Sundays, and it’s a story about finding a way to make time for rest and enjoyment. It’s also about a tin box of recipe cards, a neatly made bed with the corner folded down, aunts and idioms, porch swings and school buses and the delight of one of the best days of the week. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to the Trio Animal Foundation; they assist shelters, rescues, and individuals by paying the medical bills of homeless pets. Save over $100 on Kathryn’s hand-selected wind-down favorites with the Nothing Much Happens Wind-Down Box. A collection of products from our amazing partners: Eversio Wellness: Chill NowVellabox: Lavender Silk CandleAlice Mushrooms: NightcapNutraChamps: Tart Cherry GummiesA Brighter Year: Mini Coloring BookNuStrips: Sleep StripsWoolzies: Lavender Roll-On. 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 Podcasts or follow the link belownothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favoritepodcast app. nothingmuchhappens.com/stories-from-the-village Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Dance In The Park (Encore)

A Dance In The Park (Encore)

Our story tonight is called "A Dance in the Park," and it’s a story about coming back into the world after a bit of time spent alone. It’s also about a glass of pink hibiscus tea, window shopping on a downtown street, and moving to the music on a sunny day. So get cozy and ready to sleep.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinder and the Springtime

Cinder and the Springtime

Our story tonight is called Cinder and the Springtime, and it’s a story about a gift given to returning neighbors on a bright warm day. It’s also about moss and pine needles, a bicycle basket made special for a friend, practical magic and gratitude for the ones we share our space with. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to Hot Mess Express. A women-led nonprofit with chapters across the United States. They serve the women in their community with no judgment through cleaning, organizing, and offering a fresh start. 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 nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favoritepodcast app. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Good Things (Encore)

Three Good Things (Encore)

Our story tonight is called "Three Good Things," and it’s about reminding yourself of some of the simple, happy moments that happen during the day. Sometimes, good stuff slips through our brains without leaving much of a trace, while scary, upsetting stuff gets stuck in there. So it helps to notice and highlight sweetness when it shows up, even if that just amounts to us saying to ourselves, “Oh that’s nice.” So get cozy and ready to sleep.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Mow of the Year

First Mow of the Year

Our story tonight is called First Mow of the Year, and it’s a story about a day of yard work as spring arrives in full. It’s also about pinecones and ladybugs, a glass of water enjoyed on the porch step, the sun on the back of your neck, and the shared experiences that connect us. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. Working for a world where all of us, no matter our race, place, or politics, have access to affordable, renewable, and community-controlled energy. Save over $100 on Kathryn’s hand-selected wind-down favourites with the Nothing Much Happens Wind-Down Box. A collection of products from our amazing partners: Eversio Wellness: Chill Now, Vellabox: Lavender Silk Candle, Alice Mushrooms: Nightcap, NutraChamps: Tart Cherry Gummies, A Brighter Year: Mini Coloring Book, NuStrips: Sleep Strips, Woolzies: Lavender Roll-On. 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 Podcasts, or follow the link below https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tulip Farm (Encore)

The Tulip Farm (Encore)

Our story tonight is called The Tulip Farm, and it’s a story about a bright spring day among beds of flowers. It’s also about a gift left at dawn, redwing blackbirds, and soft moments that take your breath away.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Back Stairs

The Back Stairs

Our story tonight is called The Back Stairs, and it’s a story about a bit of spring cleaning at the Inn by the lake. It’s also about the special features and details in old houses, clever engineering, the honesty of patina and a space where imperfection is welcome. We give to a different charity each week, and this week, we are giving to World Central Kitchen provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. It builds resilient food systems with locally-led solutions. 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 Podcasts, or follow the link below https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Block From Home - Revised (Encore)

A Block From Home - Revised (Encore)

Our 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-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our 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. 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 Podcasts, or follow the link below https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In The Bakery (Encore)

In The Bakery (Encore)

Our 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.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Friends at Weathervane Farm

New Friends at Weathervane Farm

Our 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. 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 Podcasts, or follow the link below https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Front Door and The Back Door (Encore)

The Front Door and The Back Door (Encore)

Our 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 channel on Apple podcast or follow the link below https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunrise at the Cabin

Sunrise at the Cabin

Our 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 independence and health as they age. 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 Podcasts. Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favorite podcast app.Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Begin Again (Encore)

Begin Again (Encore)

Our 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-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our 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. 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 Podcasts or follow the link below:https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Listen to our new show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app. https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/stories-from-the-villagePurchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pantry (Encore)

The Pantry (Encore)

Our 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-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Out Like a Lamb

Out Like a Lamb

Our 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 world’s bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet. 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: https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/premium-subscription Listen to our new show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much, on your favoritepodcast app. Purchase Our Book: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-HappensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.