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 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Pillow Forts and Treehouses

Our story tonight is called Pillow Forts and Treehouses and it’s a story about a rainy afternoon tucked into a hideaway. It’s also about the big ideas of children, a bowl of pretzels and apple slices, and remembering that you are never too old to enjoy a fort.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Hyacinths

Our story tonight is called Hyacinths and it’s a story about a sneak peek at Spring from the tail end of Winter. It’s also about sweet potatoes and shelves full of sauces and spices, a gift given while a back is turned, and the patience that comes with a bit of hope and fresh air.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Opening Night

Our story tonight is called Opening Night and it’s a story about the moments before the curtain rises. It’s also about flowers in the green room, the electric feeling of stepping out from the wings, and an armful of programs waiting to be passed out.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

The Dog Days of Summer

Our story tonight is called “The Dog Days of Summer” and it’s a story about a day with a best friend. It’s also about a cucumber picked from the garden, meeting friends in the park the most important lessons we learn from the animals we share our lives with.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Supper Club

Our story tonight is called Supper Club and it’s a story about adventures in cooking and friendship. It’s also about less being more, a bubbling pandowdy, and the patience it takes to carefully fold a dumpling.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Mixtape

Our 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.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Breathe in, Breathe out

Our story tonight is called “Breathe in, Breathe out” and it’s a story about setting aside some time to just be in a special place. It’s also about a cup of green tea, learning to hop away a little less, and the goodness of knowing you are welcome.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Cold Snap and Crosswords

Our story tonight is called Cold Snap and Crosswords and it’s a story about a midwinter morning when you’ve got no plans to leave the house. It’s also about feeling snug and tucked well away from the winter wind, books of puzzles, and the view from the top floor.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Crumb Comes Home

Our story tonight is called Crumb Comes Home and it’s a story about a little dog and his first few months with his new family. It’s also about learning new things, Christmas sweaters, and taking long naps when you know you’re home for good.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

The Solarium

Our story tonight is called The Solarium and it’s a story about a sunny break in a cold month. It’s also about sweet-smelling citrus, a warm bright place to read a book, and taking the time to charge your battery all the way up.

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Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai Season 9 Kathryn Nicolai

Auld Lang Syne

Our story tonight is called Auld Lang Syne, and it’s a story about daybreak on a new year. It’s also about a little book with a page missing, what we let go of and what we keep, and the scent of woodsmoke on a January morning.

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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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