
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

Apr 10, 2025 • 33min
Dandelions and Mayapples (Encore)
Journey into the tranquil world of nature with a soothing story about a spring afternoon by the creek. Experience the beauty of dandelions and mayapples as the seasons transition, reflecting on the cycles of change. The narrative evokes nostalgia, inviting listeners to reconnect with hidden gardens and serene landscapes. Through vivid imagery, discover the calming memories and the emotional ties we share with the natural world. It's a gentle reminder to embrace growth and find peace in life's ebbs and flows.

Apr 7, 2025 • 38min
Color Walk
Immerse yourself in a tranquil spring narrative, where a simple color walk elevates everyday moments. Discover the joy of mindfulness as the speaker observes the vibrant world around them, choosing colors to deepen their connection with nature. Relive nostalgic memories with crayons that spark unstructured creativity. Each detail, from a cool breeze to a reflective penny, emphasizes the beauty in simplicity, promoting calm and appreciation as a gateway to restful sleep. Plus, a highlight on supporting the White Rock Bear Sanctuary adds a heartwarming touch.

Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
Spring at the Allotment (Encore)
Immerse yourself in the cheerful journey of spring gardening with friends. Discover the joy of planting herbs and vegetables while sharing a delightful picnic. Experience the warmth of community as neighbors gather to exchange stories and homemade meals. Enjoy the tranquility of nature and the simplicity of nurturing growth. This soothing narrative captures the essence of connection, self-care, and the anticipation of a vibrant garden on a sunny day.

Mar 31, 2025 • 36min
Dogs and Dust Mops
Dive into a soothing story that blends spring cleaning with the heartwarming chaos of pets. An orange kitty gazes out the window while a playful puppy brings joy to the home. Experience the calming presence of a rescued hound and the simple bliss of cherished moments with loved ones. Delight in lighthearted antics among furry friends and reflect on emotional connections that make life special. Plus, discover a meaningful charity initiative supporting unhoused individuals, enhancing the calming experience.

Mar 27, 2025 • 32min
The Jewelry Box (Encore)
This soothing narrative revolves around a cherished heirloom jewelry box, embodying family legacy and acceptance. Listeners are invited to immerse themselves in the sentimental journey of its creation by a grandfather, emphasizing the love and memories shared. Themes of valuing relationships and the precious lessons from life's moments create a comforting backdrop. With a gentle reminder to embrace relaxation, the tale serves as a serene guide for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Mar 24, 2025 • 35min
Rain on the Lake
The story unfolds with the unexpected arrival of rain on a serene spring afternoon. Vivid imagery evokes memories of rainbows, rowboats, and the calming scent of rain mingling with lake water. A nostalgic reflection on childhood adventures by the lake brings warmth, while the soothing sounds of rain encourage introspection. The serene ambiance wraps listeners in tranquility, inviting them to embrace the beauty of nature and the comfort of home. A charitable note highlights support for Ukraine, merging relaxation with a greater cause.

Mar 20, 2025 • 33min
Out Like a Lamb (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 23 of Season 13, March 18, 2024
Our story tonight is called Out Like a Lamb, and it’s a story about the changeable month of March and a day spent enjoying a bit of both winter and spring. It’s also about a book read in the bath, the luxury of a slow start to the day, sunlight warming the floorboards, a pot of pansies dusted with snow and making peace with a bit of chaos, in and out.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17, 2025 • 38min
Bike Bus
Our story tonight is called Bike Bus, and it’s a story about a joyful ride to school on a spring day. It’s also about a dog enjoying a sunny patch on the lawn, neighbors on porches, music playing from a bike basket, paper sack lunches, and the joy of a trip taken together.
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 a group and movement that inspired tonight’s story. They are called Bike Bus World and they transform communities and our planet through the simple act of riding bikes to school together.
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Moonbird: Save 20% on the world’s first handheld breathing coach!
NMH merch, autographed books, and more!
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

Mar 13, 2025 • 32min
Catnap (Encore)
Originally presented March 6th, 2023 as Episode 10 of Season 11
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.
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!
Cymbiotika products: Click here for 20% off and free shipping!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 2025 • 33min
The Willow Tree
Our story tonight is called The Willow Tree, and it’s a story about the first signs of spring on an open field beside a lake. It’s also about stepping stones, a bench up high on the bluff, geese paddling at the shore, tall rubber boots, a breeze that blows the hat from your head and the calm quiet that comes when you stop chasing some other moment and make a home in this one.
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 A Home for Hooves Sanctuary. They offer a forever home for rescued farmed animals.
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!
Cymbiotika products: Click here for 20% off and free shipping!
Moonbird, the world’s first handheld breathing coach: Click here and save 20%!
Order your own NMH weighted pillow now!
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