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 donations.
Unwind in mind and body with the Quiet Mind x Nothing Much Happens Weighted Pillow! Hug, hold, and relax deeply as you listen.
The Leaf House (Encore)
Our story tonight is called The Leaf House, and it’s a story about an autumn day spent working in the yard. It’s also a game remembered from childhood, a spider’s web spun on a chrysanthemum, and different ways to think about home.
Needle & Thread (Bonus)
Our story tonight is Needle and Thread, and it’s a story about a broken zipper in a favorite garment and the confident hands that repair it. It’s also about locust leaves and bird nests, new neighbors and red and green thread, and the gift of living among people who care about the work they do and the art they make.
September Leaves
Our story tonight is called September Leaves, and it’s a story about some time outside as the wind blows and the acorns fall. It’s also about the scent of bonfire, the weight of a dog laid across your legs, spaces where you feel safe and among friends, a memory of last summer and a glimpse of the coming winter.
Fall Foraging (Encore)
Our story tonight is called Fall Foraging, and it’s a story about the first signs of the changing seasons and 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.
Lightning Glass
Our story tonight is called Lightning Glass, and it’s a story about a long beach walk spent looking for something magical after a storm has passed. It’s also about geese flying south for the winter, driftwood, and sandbars, bracing cold water lapping at the shore, and excitement of discovery.
The Librarian (Encore)
Our story tonight is called The Librarian, and it’s a story about the quiet of the closed-up library at the end of the day. It’s also about the books that sometimes get overlooked on the top shelf, a string of lights over an outdoor table, and knowing what your next book will be.
Thunder & Lightning
In this episode of Nothing Much Happens, relax and unwind as Kathryn Nicolai tells a soothing bedtime story called "Thunder and Lightning." Fall asleep as she describes the comforting sounds of a storm and the cozy embrace of a quiet afternoon indoors.
In The Bleachers (Encore)
In this soothing bedtime story, unwind as Kathryn takes you on a nostalgic journey to a crisp autumn evening at a high school football game. Embrace the calming details of pumpkins on doorsteps, flannel shirts, and the comforting sounds of the game, perfect for easing your mind into a peaceful sleep.
New Owners at the Orchard
Experience the charm of a village orchard as it comes alive with fresh energy just in time for apple season. From pumpkins ripening in the patch to the joy of breathing new life into an old, beloved spot, this story offers a peaceful escape into the rhythms of rural life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Main Sail (Encore)
This cozy story reflects on summer traditions at the cottage, featuring penny candy, sunset views, and cherished moments with loved ones.
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.
A Midsummer Afternoon's Nap (Encore)
This soothing story captures the essence of summer with a swaying hammock, green tomatoes, hydrangeas, and the cozy feeling of being nestled in nature. It is perfect for unwinding and drifting off to sleep.
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.
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.
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.