

Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
Wellness Loud
Can’t sleep? You’re not alone—and there’s help.Nothing Much Happens is a bedtime story podcast beloved by millions. Yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai tells soothing, cozy stories where—just as the title says—nothing much happens. That’s the magic.Instead of spiraling thoughts or anxious scrolling, you’ll be gently guided to a calm, comfortable place. Each episode is read twice, with a slower second telling to ease you into rest.Trusted by listeners for over seven years and streamed more than 180 million times, it’s a ritual of safety, comfort, and sleep.Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙Find our bestselling book Nothing Much Happens in over 20 languages worldwide.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 33min
The Corner Store (Encore)
Originally Aired: August 28th, 2022 (Season 10, Episode 13)
Our story tonight is called The Corner Store, and it’s a story 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.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 2025 • 31min
Early Signs of Autumn
Immerse yourself in the cozy vibes of autumn with a delightful exploration of turning leaves and spicy scents. Savor the joys of baking zucchini bread and making the switch from iced to hot coffees. Experience the excitement of stocking up on school supplies and discovering new mysteries at the local bookshop. Enjoy reflections on nostalgic summer memories while anticipating the warmth of orange candles and the shifting light of the season. This soothing journey captures the essence of seasonal change.

Aug 14, 2025 • 30min
Yard Sale (Encore)
Originally presented as Season 10, Episode 10, August 8, 2022
Our story tonight is called Yard Sale, or, Another Man’s Treasure, and it’s a story about a neighborhood event on a summer day. It’s also about sidewalk chalk art, a collection of salt and pepper shakers, and red petunias growing in a flower box.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 11, 2025 • 33min
The Journal
Our story tonight is called The Journal, and it’s a story about the blank pages of a beautiful book, and the freedom to finally write in them, no matter what comes from your pen. It’s also about tonic water and espresso, deep breaths in child’s pose, a garden at midnight, and small prompts reminding us to let go of some things and dive deeper into others.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to Seal Rescue Ireland, a charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, or orphaned seals.
Moonbird: Listeners can get 15% off at moonbird.life/nothingmuchhappens
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2025 • 32min
The Labyrinth (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 3 of Season 6, August 10, 2020
Our story tonight is called The Labyrinth and it’s a story about a slow walk on a gravel path in mid-summer. It’s also about hidden places, unseen acts of kindness, the way cats sit in their windows, and always looking for magic.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2025 • 35min
Pool Day
Our story tonight is called Pool Day, and it’s a story about a cool dip in the water on a hot summer day. It’s also about the tiled walls of the changing rooms, broad open umbrellas, and rows of lounge chairs. A book by your side, droplets on your skin, and the heavy sleep that swallows you up after a day in the sun and water.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to the Footprint Project. Their work is to provide cleaner energy for communities in crisis.
NMH merch, autographed books, and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 2025 • 31min
Beach Walk (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 8 of Season 10, July 25, 2022
Our story tonight is called Beach Walk, and it’s a story about meeting the morning light where the water meets the land. It’s also about the first step into the cool water, a dog chasing a stick into the waves, and a beach towel laid out neatly in the sand.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 28, 2025 • 32min
Sidewalk Chalk
Our story tonight is called Sidewalk Chalk, and it’s a story about a journey through the park on a bright day. It’s also about a cold drink from the coffee shop, a frog blinking from a pond, Alice and the Caterpillar, birch trees and drawings on the sidewalk, and paying more attention when small happy moments wash over you.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Midwest Small Breed Rescue. A volunteer-based rescue for small breed and mixed dogs where they receive love and care until they find that special home to call their own.
Mary Oliver Merch! Use code nothingmuchhappens for 10% off.
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24, 2025 • 22min
At the Summer Fair (Encore)
Originally Aired: July 14th, 2019 (Season 3 Episode 13)
Our story tonight is called At the Summer Fair, and it’s 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.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 21, 2025 • 32min
Rainy Day Rituals
Our story tonight is called Rainy Day Rituals, and it’s a story about small tasks attended to as a storm blows through. It’s also about a fuzzy radio playing in the background, terrycloth and tidily-folded towels. Thunder and lightning, flickering lights and candle flames, and allowing yourself to do less and enjoy more.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to The Asher House. Each year, they take in dozens of new dogs, cats and other large animals and livestock. Some of whom live out their lives on the property, while this who would do well in loving homes are adopted out.
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much.
First This, Kathryn’s guided mediation podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices