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.

Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai Season 14 Kathryn Nicolai

Winter Evening Yoga (Encore)

Our story tonight is called Winter Evening Yoga, and it’s a story about stepping into a safe, soothing space after a long day. It’s also about bolsters and blankets, love notes sent to yourself, low lights and soft music, and feeling completely at ease.

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Pie Making

Our story tonight is called Pie Making, and it’s a story about an evening at the bakery with ready workstations and clean aprons. It’s also about an urn of hot cocoa ready on the counter, pastry cutters and crimped crusts, and the stages of learning that eventually allow us to play.

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First Frost (Encore)

Our story tonight is called First Frost and it’s a story about enjoying the sparkle of the first signs of winter. It’s also about a kitty watching the birds on a cold morning, pinecones scented with cinnamon, and something precious waiting to be found.

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Pies & Pinecones

Our story tonight is called Pies and Pinecones, and it’s a story about an upcoming adventure dreamt up in front of a fire. It’s also about a drawing spotted in the paper, a fence with a shared gate between yards, deep breaths, a shelf full of cookbooks, and delicious plans. 

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Ship In A Bottle (Encore)

Our story tonight is called Ship in a Bottle, and it’s a story about a crate of bequests ready to be unwrapped. It’s also about the dark bark of oak trees after a storm, garden benches waiting to be sat on, and the ordinary magic of handmade things.

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Autumn Sun

Our story tonight is called Autumn Sun, and it’s a story about a day at Weathervane Farm, treating the animals to autumnal enrichment. It’s also about light shifting through orange and red leaves, the pillowy soil of a well-tilled garden, the last pumpkins picked from their vines, and the simple joy of watching kids play.

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Trick or Treat (Encore)

Our story tonight is called Trick or Treat, and it’s a story about roaming the streets on All Hallow’s Eve. It’s also about a gust of wind that turns you around, lit porch lights, and making memories with the people you love.

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The Secret Stair

Our story tonight is called The Secret Stair, and it’s a story about a costume party on Halloween night at the Inn. It’s also about the bonfire down by the lake, a whiskered face at the window, a mystery waiting in the library, and a reminder of what is sacred and worth your attention and what is not.

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Grandmother's Grimoire (Encore)

Our story tonight is called Grandmother’s Grimoire, and it’s a story about a family heirloom that arrives in the crispy, cool days of October. It’s also about an afternoon in the attic with old trunks and photographs, a cup of sugar from the pantry, and the return of an old friend.

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All Hallows' Eve at the Inn

Our story tonight is called All Hallows’ Eve at the Inn, and it’s the third in our special Halloween series this year. It’s about the Innkeeper and her trusty sidekick Sycamore as they ready the Inn for guests on a dark October eve. It’s also about carved pumpkins that line the great staircase, a blurry face in an old photo, a bubbling cauldron of punch in the ballroom, a costume purchased from the thrift store, and a forgotten tradition brought back to life.

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The Pumpkin Farmer (Encore)

Our story tonight is called The Pumpkin Farmer, and it’s a story about a family tradition and the harvest that comes after a season of careful tending. It’s also about a long table set out beside the barn with every chair taken, a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and living in step with the seasons.

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Crows & Candles

Tonight's story is about a walk on a misty day and a place at the bottom of the hill where the gate squeaks when you push it open. It’s also about rosemary and gifts brought by birds, the magic of speaking the names of those we love, and a choice to make friends wherever you go.

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The Lookout (Encore)

Our story tonight is called The Lookout, and it’s a story about a hidden place deep in the woods with a very special view. It’s also about all the different names for Juneberries, a maple leaf, and green stone, and enjoying your time when you’re alone.

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Much More Happens - Autumn Favorites, Parts 1 -4

Our stories tonight take you through the best months of the year... the ‘ber months. We’ll harvest the last bits from the garden, gather kindling for the fire, pick pumpkins, drink cider, and settle in for the coming winter. So come with me now, into the Village of Nothing Much.

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Grey Cat & Grimoire

Our story tonight starts our month of Halloween stories. It’s called Grey Cat and Grimoire, and it takes us into the cozy curios shop where a scarf is being knitted and a very old book with a green velvet cover sits on a stand. It’s also about lavender in the mop water, the domino effect of good deeds, rain dripping through maple leaves, and something hidden waiting to be found.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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