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 14 Kathryn Nicolai Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai

At The Diamond (Encore)

In this episode of Nothing Much Happens, titled "At the Diamond," enjoy the simple pleasures of a warm day spent under a tree, jumping through a sprinkler, and watching a home run soar past center field. This gentle, nostalgic tale is perfect for winding down and finding calm.

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School Supplies (Bonus)

Our story tonight is called School Supplies, and it is a story about a way to mark the end of warm weather and the beginning of crisp days. It’s also about planners, paper goods, tiny scissors, and which color folder for math, and treating yourself to something new just because it makes you smile.

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Chef & Sycamore

In this episode of Nothing Much Happens, titled "Chef and Sycamore," we continue the charming tale from last week’s "Pickle Season." Spend a cozy afternoon in the kitchen at the Inn as pickles are canned, labels are prepped, and a playful kitty waits for attention. This soothing story is a perfect way to unwind and relax.

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Retreat (Encore)

This tranquil story takes you through a quiet pine forest, capturing the essence of living in the moment and the beauty of a butterfly discovering Jasmine among the plants.

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Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai

Pickle Season

A day was spent in the kitchen at the Inn, batch after batch, and pickles were made and canned. It’s also about the old farmhouse sink, aprons strings and dill flowers, jars on the pantry shelves, tomato sandwiches, and the quiet companionship of a shared chore.

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Backyard Sniffari

An afternoon in the grass with some of our favorite furry friends. It’s also about dragonflies and warm patio stones, a fresh lemon slice in your glass of iced tea, a new friend on the other side of the fence, and the warm, settled feeling of a family living their real life.

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Garden Tour, Part 2

A calming journey through serene, green spaces. Experience a cozy day featuring a grey cat in a window, iced tea, moonflowers, and a breathtaking rooftop view of the village.

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Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai

The Corner Store (Encore)

About the aisles of the neighborhood grocery where there are always interesting things to discover. It’s also about a display of school supplies, a recipe from a neighbor, and the feeling of belonging in a particular place.

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The Old School, or, Garden Tour, Part 1

A story about the start of a gentle adventure on a brisk, bright day. It’s also about the long, quiet hallway of an empty building, seed vaults and blackboards, the layers of history in a special space, and a day ahead of beautiful sights.

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The Dog Days Of Summer (Encore)

This heartwarming tale explores a day spent with a best friend, a fresh cucumber from the garden, and the valuable lessons learned from our beloved pets. Perfect for winding down and drifting off to sleep.

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Beach Day

A story about cooling off by the water on a hot summer day. It’s also about watermelon and the sloping sandy lake bottom, getting everything from the car in just one trip, a new book that you can’t put down, pinwheels, and the magic of floating in the waves.

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Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai

The Turnaround (Encore)

About a trip down a gravel road on a summer day, bulrushes, bonfires, family stories, and coming back to a place you know well. So get cozy and ready to sleep.

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Lightning Bugs at Oxbow Lake

a story about an evening spent on soft pine needle paths beside the water. It’s also about cattails and crested herons, the changing paths of rivers, a small voice reminding you that you can, and the spell of a good night’s sleep.

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In the Map Room (Encore)

About the pleasures of looking at the world drawn out on paper, a gasp of koi fish in a pond, a bike ride that leads somewhere surprising, and the view from the upper room of an old house.

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The Village Races

Our story tonight is called The Village Races. It’s about a group of runners setting out on a bright, sunny morning. It’s also about butterflies and bagels, lucky numbers and picnic blankets, and the joy of being a part of something you’re proud of.

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At The Summer Fair (Encore)

A story about a yearly tradition and how it changes in the different summers of your life. It’s also about plums taken from the icebox, a handmade cup wrapped in paper, and strolling along the river as the streetlights blink on above you.

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When the Streetlights Come On

A trip to the mailbox during the last lit moments of the day. It’s also about bikes being wheeled into the garage for the night, things learned from the farmer’s almanac, layers of paint peeling away under your hand, and a tender way to be shepherded home and sent to dreamland.

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