
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
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.
Latest episodes

May 15, 2025 • 37min
Date Night (Encore)
Originally aired May 27, 2024, Season 13, Episode 43
Our story tonight is called Date Night, and it is a story about a bike ride to a place where X marks the spot on a hand-drawn map. It’s also about lavender lemonade, minnows in the shallows, wagging tales, and a toast made while the dogs wind a leash around your ankle.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
BIOptimizers’ Sleep Breakthrough: Click here and use code NOTHINGMUCH for 10% off any order!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%!
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app.
Join us tomorrow morning for a meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 2025 • 32min
Dandelions and Moss
Our story tonight is called Dandelions and Moss, and it’s a story about a craft project made from things gathered in the yard. It’s also about wishes and wire, memories of schoolyard games, making something with your hands at the picnic table in the afternoon sun and the magic of a moment preserved under glass.
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 Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center, working to empower patients and families through advocacy, education, treatment, and research.
Make your own dandelion craft! Inspired by Julieanne on TikTok. Watch here.
AquaTru water purifier: Click here and get 20% OFF with code NOTHINGMUCH.
Beam Dream Powder: Click here for up to 40% off with code NOTHINGMUCH.
BIOptimizers’ Sleep Breakthrough: Click here and use code NOTHINGMUCH for 10% off any order!
Cornbread Hemp’s CBD gummies: Click here to save 30% on their first order!
Cymbiotika products: Click here for 20% off and free shipping!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%!
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app.
Join us tomorrow morning for a meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 8, 2025 • 32min
The Book Fair (Encore)
Originally aired May 22, 2023, Season 11, Episode 22
Our story tonight is called The Bookfair, and it’s a story about a love of reading and the creativity that inspires. It’s also about the last days of school before summer vacation, taking class outside into the open air, and the feeling of watching little ones grow up and expand their worlds.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Go to Cymbiotika.com/NOTHINGMUCH to get 20% off plus free shipping.
Visit moonbird.life/nothingmuchhappens to save 20% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 2025 • 32min
The Lilac Booth, Part 2
Our story tonight is called The Lilac Booth, Part Two, and it’s a story about a lovely spring day at the farmer’s market and the sweet smell of a favorite flower. It is also about street food and sunshine, memories pulled forward by a breath of perfume, crumpled dollar bills, and the kind of beauty that can sit on your windowsill.
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 Humane League. Helping animals live better lives.
AquaTru water purifier: Click here and get 20% OFF with code NOTHINGMUCH.
Beam Dream Powder: Click here for up to 40% off with code NOTHINGMUCH.
Buffy and use code NOTHINGMUCH for a great deal
BIOptimizers’ Sleep Breakthrough: Click here and use code NOTHINGMUCH for 10% off any order!
Cornbread Hemp’s CBD gummies: Click here to save 30% on their first order!
Cymbiotika products: Click here for 20% off and free shipping!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%!
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app.
Join us tomorrow morning for a meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 30min
The Hardware Store (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 11 of Season 5, June 1, 2020.
Our story this week is called The Hardware Store, and it's a story about finding all the right things for a few projects at home. It’s also about stacks of fresh-sawn wood, a packet of peanut butter cups, and the ride home, with the window down.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
AquaTru water purifier: Click here and get 20% OFF with code NOTHINGMUCH.
Beam Dream Powder: Click here for up to 40% off with code NOTHINGMUCH.
BIOptimizers’ Sleep Breakthrough: Click here and use code NOTHINGMUCH for 10% off any order!
Cornbread Hemp’s CBD gummies: Click here to save 30% on their first order!
Cymbiotika products: Click here for 20% off and free shipping!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%!
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app.
Join us tomorrow morning for a meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2025 • 39min
The Lilac Booth, Part 1
Our story tonight is called The Lilac Booth, and it’s a story about a Spring morning at a familiar farm house. It’s also about bullfrogs and garden clogs, old vases collected from friends, armfuls of fresh flowers, driving with the window down on a warm day, and the small decisions that add up to make a new path in life.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
We donate to a different charity each week, and this week we're giving to the Knuckle Bump Farms Foundation, which empowers animals and enriches communities.
AquaTru water purifier: Click here and get 20% OFF with code NOTHINGMUCH.
Beam Dream Powder: Click here for up to 40% off with code NOTHINGMUCH.
BIOptimizers’ Sleep Breakthrough: Click here and use code NOTHINGMUCH for 10% off any order!
Cornbread Hemp’s CBD gummies: Click here to save 30% on their first order!
Cymbiotika products: Click here for 20% off and free shipping!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%!
NMH merch, autographed books and more!
Pay it forward subscription
Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much on your favorite podcast app.
Join us tomorrow morning for a meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 28min
Sunrise at the Cabin (Encore)
A calming journey unfolds as the beauty of sunrise is embraced, inviting tranquility and reflection. The soothing narrative highlights morning rituals at a cozy cabin, with the joy of dry leaves crunching underfoot. Connections with nature and a loyal dog bring mindfulness to the forefront. Sipping steaming coffee in the crisp morning air, listeners are reminded of the charm in life's imperfections and the gift of starting the day with a friend.

Apr 21, 2025 • 35min
Spring Recital
A piano waits in the spotlight, poised for a heartfelt spring recital. The narrative unfolds with themes of self-discovery and the deep emotional ties among family and friends. As young musicians perform, listeners feel the warmth of nostalgia and community. The story highlights the joy music brings, capturing personal growth and support. Meanwhile, a charity initiative for shelter dogs showcases compassion beyond the stage. This enchanting journey reminds us of the beauty in shared moments and the melodies that resonate within us.

Apr 17, 2025 • 33min
At the Tower Mill (Encore)
Experience a serene morning at a windmill, where the sails turn gently in the spring breeze. Delight in the simple joys of breakfast outdoors beneath cherry trees. Hear stories of community spirit and collaboration to preserve local heritage. Enjoy a reflective stroll that captures the beauty of nature's revival, intertwining personal rituals with the essence of togetherness. Discover how these moments foster connections and celebrate the tranquility of life.

Apr 14, 2025 • 34min
Tiny House
Explore the soothing joys of cozy living in a snug tiny house. Discover how embracing tranquility and minimalism can enhance well-being. The narrative reflects on personal journeys toward decluttering, fostering connections with nature, and finding happiness in simplicity. Learn how a positive mindset expands hospitality, proving that small spaces can host big gatherings. Embrace gratitude and the joy of everyday experiences in a serene, intentional lifestyle.