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 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Dandelions and Mayapples

Our story tonight is called Dandelions and Mayapples and it’s a story about a trip down to the creek on a spring afternoon. It’s also about a bench on the bank where the sound of the water echoes, rhododendrons, and stone steps, and giving yourself grace to ebb and flow.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

At the Tower Mill

Our story tonight is called At the Tower Mill and it’s a story about the sails of a windmill turning in the Spring breeze. It’s also about a warm morning and breakfast in the open air, cherry trees, carved burstone, and the things that bring neighbors together.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Old Houses (Reprise)

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 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Five Year Anniversary Special!

Let's celebrate five years of bedtime stories and sweet dreams together with this special Q&A episode with Kathryn and Bob! While still relaxing and calm, this episode is best saved for a time other than bedtime.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Back Home Again

Our story tonight is called Back Home Again and it is the final chapter (for now) in the great saga of Marmalade the cat and her dog friends, Crumb and Birdy. It’s about the end of a trip away and the memories that are carried home after. It’s also about a sunny plaza and cups of lemonade, falling in love, and a tea party that serves catnip and biscuits.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Marmalade at the Inn Part 3

Our story tonight is called Marmalade at the Inn Part Three because I just have too much to tell you about Marmalade the cat, and her dog friends Crumb and Birdy. It’s a story about a bit of the Inn’s history. It’s also about fresh sheets, a package waiting at the front door, and the sweet sound of ringing bells.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Marmalade at the Inn Part 2

Our story tonight is called Marmalade at the Inn Part Two and if you didn’t hear part one, it couldn’t matter less. It’s a story about the beautiful old Inn that sits on the edge of the lake and the Innkeeper who takes care of all who stay there. It’s also about enjoying a new routine, the healing result of a bit of affection, and a bright morning at the end of a long winter.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Sticks and Stones (special bonus)

Our story tonight is called “Sticks and Stones” and it’s a story about solitude and slowing down for a long walk. It’s also about a stream full of colored rocks, one man’s treasure and a spot in the forest for admiring beautiful things.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Marmalade at the Inn

Our story tonight is called Marmalade at the Inn and it’s a story about a few days at the Inn on the Lake. It’s also about dog beds laid out in front of the fire, three cups of coffee poured in the library, and a small adventure for three of our favorite souls in the village of Nothing Much.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Catnap

Our story tonight is called Catnap and it’s a story about Marmalade the cat and Crumb the dog as they find ways to play through the winter. It’s also about a spark of something sweet that begins to grow between friends, a pup cup enjoyed on a heated patio and a suitcase ready to be packed.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Snowfall at the Bakery Part 3

Our story tonight is called Snowfall at the Bakery Part Three and it’s a story about the snowmen in the park and the sledding hill beside them. It’s also about a memory of a grandfather in front of the fire, a pocketful of dog treats, and the simple joy of playing in the snow.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Snowfall at the Bakery Part 2

Our story tonight is called Snowfall at the Bakery Part Two and it’s a story about closing up shop and stepping out into falling flakes. It’s also about a bag full of wrapped treats, knowing today that you’ll be snowed in tomorrow, and a lost glove on its way back to its owner.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Snowfall at the Bakery

Our story tonight is called Snowfall at the Bakery and it’s a story about the reappearance of winter after a few weeks of mild weather. It’s also about hot chocolate made with care, schoolchildren let out early, and the prospect of snowmen in the park.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Quiet Celebration

Our 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.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Winter Views

Our story tonight is called Winter Views, and it’s a story about some different things to enjoy or look forward to in the winter. It’s also about a cardinal singing from the branches, a jar of huckleberry jam, and the extra minutes of light that come with each day after the solstice.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

The Innkeeper's Blanket

Our 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.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Winter Getaway Part Three, Chef's Kitchen

Our story tonight is called Winter Getaway Part Three, or Chef’s kitchen, and it’s a story about a humble meal cooked for a friend. It’s also about handwritten notes in the margins of a cookbook, a gift wrapped in brown paper, and the steam rising up off of a bowl of soup.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Winter Getaway Part Two or The Chalet

Our story tonight is called Winter Getaway Part Two or The Chalet and it’s a story about an abundance of time to do nothing with. It’s also about a steaming bathtub, catching a moment with all of your senses, and a way to say I love you.

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Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai Season 11 Kathryn Nicolai

Winter Getaway

Our story tonight is called Winter Getaway, and it’s a story about an invitation that arrives on the back of a postcard. It’s also about glittering snow and a cabin tucked into a mountainside, a stack of new books, and deep, deep rest.

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Season 10 Kathryn Nicolai Season 10 Kathryn Nicolai

Shooting Stars

Our story tonight is called Shooting Stars and it’s a story about a wish made in the quiet of the new year. It’s also about shaking off the chill of winter, a soft towel fresh from the laundry and the deep peace of being at home with yourself.

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