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 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

The Hardware Store

Our story this week is called “The Hardware Store” and it's a story about finding all the right things for a few projects at home. It’s also about stacks of fresh-sawn wood, a packet of peanut butter cups, and the ride home, with the window down.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

A Dance in the Park

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.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

Old Houses

Our story tonight is called “Old Houses” and it’s a story about a wandering amble through an unknown neighborhood. It’s also about a forgotten piece of music in an old piano bench, a penny pressed into a sidewalk, and the stories we tell about the places we live.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

The Front Door and The Back Door

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 just the right moment, and seedlings waiting for their chance to grow.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

At the Hideaway

Our story tonight is called “At the Hideaway” and it’s a story about getting away to a tiny cabin in the woods. It’s also about seeing signs of Spring, a long walk, and finding a way to feel connected even when we’re far apart.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

The Jewelry Box

Our story tonight is called “The Jewelry Box” and it’s a story about an heirloom handed down through a family. It’s also about a jeweled broach pinned on the lapel of a jacket, Spring sunlight, and some good advice for when things break.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

The Tea Shop

Our story tonight is called “The Tea Shop” and it’s a story about a carefully prepared cup of tea drunk on a cool morning. It’s also about a cat with a crooked tail, a memory of belonging, and the days on the edge of a new season.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

All day, at home

Our story tonight is called “All Day, At Home” and it’s a story about tucking yourself away from the world for a bit. It’s also about watching winter from a window seat, red pepper flakes from the Italian coast, and the joy of minding one’s own business.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

Hearts and Flowers

Our story tonight is called “Hearts and Flowers” and it’s a story about showing someone what’s in your heart. It’s also about a Valentine’s Day card signed with a flourish, a shop full of flowers, and the moment that you decide to take a risk.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

Fresh Snow

Our 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.

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Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai Season 5 Kathryn Nicolai

A Break in the Weather

Our story tonight is called “A Break in the Weather” and it’s a story about a day in the sun. It’s also about a heart drawn on a window pane, dripping icicles, and that fresh open feeling that comes with a little bit of change.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Little Rituals

Our story tonight is called “Little Rituals” and it’s a story about a simple way to shift into a calmer place. It’s also about tiny cups and saucers, a memory from a favorite place and lessons learned from mom.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Under the Tree

Our 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 the past.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Skating in the Park

Our 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.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Over the River and through the Woods

Our 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.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

The Cabin in the Woods

Our story tonight is called “The Cabin in the Woods” and it’s a story about a trip along winding roads and a special place at the end of them. It’s also about pine cones high in their branches, a jigsaw puzzle spread out on the kitchen table, and a calm quiet feeling that comes from being far away from everything.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Grandmother's Grimoire

Our story tonight is called “Grandmother’s Grimoire” and it’s a story about a family heirloom that arrives in the crispy cool days of October. It’s also about an afternoon in the attic with old trunks and photographs, a cup of sugar from the pantry, and the return of an old friend.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Rosemary for Remembrance

Our story tonight is called “Rosemary, for Remembrance” and it’s a story about preparing a garden for the coming frost. It’s also about a row of pumpkins waiting to be claimed, what the poets have to say about herbs, and the unending generosity of nature.

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Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai Season 4 Kathryn Nicolai

Back to School

Our story tonight is called “Back to School” and it’s a story about the tingling anticipation of a new school year. It’s also about freshly sharpened pencils neatly tucked into a case, Halloween candy eaten a bit early, and the thrill of learning something new.

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