From the village of nothing much

Let's get sleepy

Bedtime stories are like 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. Each week we donate to a non-profit. View past episode and charity list.

 

Unwind like never before with the Nothing Much Happens Wind-Down Box—a curated selection of Kathryn’s favorite relaxation essentials! 

Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Over the Fence

Our story tonight is called Over the Fence and it’s a story about two friends and their plans for the New Year. It’s also about shooting stars seen from the beach, letting go of things that no longer serve, and a bag of pastries passed over the fence.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

The Innkeeper's Holiday

Our story tonight is called The Innkeeper’s Holiday and it’s a story about a favorite time of year celebrated at the Inn by the lake. It’s also about glass ornaments and pinecones, twinkle lights on the water and caring for a place where cheer and merriment can live.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

The Holly and The Ivy

Our story tonight is called The Holly and the Ivy and it’s a story about a trip into the woods on the first snowy day of winter. It’s also about handmade gifts given in friendship, refreshing your perspective, and snowy owls hidden in plain sight.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Winter Market

Our story tonight is called Winter Market, and it’s a story about a bustling marketplace on a bright December morning. It’s also about cups made on a spinning pottery wheel, pride in the skills and talent of one’s community, and hot chai and chestnuts from a street cart.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Light a Candle

Our story tonight is called Light a Candle and it’s a story about reminding each other about the light that lasts through the long nights of winter. It’s also about a busy kitchen full of family, cinnamon, and walnuts, and a memory of something shared that felt very special.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

At the Parade

Our 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.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

First Frost

Our story tonight is called First Frost and it’s a story about enjoying the sparkle of the first signs of winter. It’s also about a kitty watching the birds on a cold morning, pinecones scented with cinnamon, and something precious waiting to be found.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Autumn at the Cabin

Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Cabin and it’s a story about some time away to rest and restore. It’s also about a stack of books waiting to be read, popcorn and apples, and the feeling of having truly nothing to do but enjoy the passing days.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Table for One

Our story tonight is called Table for One and it’s a story about a rainy afternoon watched from a favorite place. It’s also about an old radiator that hisses and bangs under the window, a meal that feels like love and enjoying the pleasure of your own company.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Trick or Treat

Our story tonight is called “Trick or Treat” and it’s a story about roaming the streets on All Hallow’s Eve. It’s also about a gust of wind that turns you around, lit porch lights, and making memories with the people you love.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Fall Fair

Our story this week is called “Fall Fair” and it’s a story about a day with loved ones out where the blue ribbons are handed out and the cider is being served. It’s also about a scarf wrapped twice around your shoulders, horses grazing in an open field, and the way simple good feelings show up when you’re paying attention.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

The Pumpkin Farmer

Our story tonight is called “The Pumpkin Farmer” and it’s a story about a family tradition and the harvest that comes after a season of careful tending. It’s also about a long table set out beside the barn with every chair taken, a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and living in step with the seasons.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

The Crow's Nest

Our story tonight is called “The Crow’s Nest” and it’s about a hike to a high spot when the trees are turning in the Autumn. It’s also about the generosity of a stranger, a bowl of granola, and a chance meeting where the forest thins and the view is best.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Fall Foraging

Our story tonight is called Fall Foraging and it’s a story about the first signs of the changing seasons and the foods that go along with them. It’s also about a tart lemony spice harvested from a plant growing freely along the road, crabapples, and the bounty of autumn when you know where to look.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Harvest Moon

Our story tonight is called “Harvest Moon” and it’s a story about a night around the bonfire under the full moon. It’s also about resetting when your mind gets jumbled up with details, the best way to cut chives, and the closing in of the welcome autumn.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Marmalade and Crumb

Our story tonight is called “Marmalade and Crumb” and it’s a story about a face looking up at you from a newspaper, its also about a new collar and leash, a first meeting that feels like a reunion and trusting your heart when it steers you in a direction you didn’t expect.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

At the Diamond

Our story tonight is called “At the Diamond” and it’s a story about a warm day, stretched out on a blanket under a tree. It’s also about jumping through a sprinkler on soft green grass, a dried flower with blue petals and a home run hit out past center field.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

The Main Sail

Our story tonight is called “The Main Sail” and it’s a story about the end of the summer traditions up at the cottage on the river. It’s also about penny candy in a brown paper bag, the sun just before it sets, and the ways we mark the time we spend with people we love.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

Summer Storm

Our story tonight is called Summer Storm and it’s a story about a cool cloudy day enjoyed from a favorite spot. It’s also about a simmering pot of soup on the stove, taking a day for pure rest, and an old friend to learn lessons.

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Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai Season 8 Kathryn Nicolai

The Phone Booth

Our story tonight is called “The Phone Booth” and it’s a story about a trip downtown with a forgotten envelope in hand. It’s also about a table of books for sale at the library, music coming from an open window in an alley, and a message delivered years ago that becomes a way to live day to day.

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