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.
Recent Episodes
20 episodesSomething Old (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 13 of Season 12 (August 28, 2023) Our story tonight is called Something Old, and it’s a story about a gift found on a treasure hunt. It’s also about taking the time to do something well, an embroidery hoop and an orange ribbon, and seeing magic in every day objects that can tell stories from the past. Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com/nothingmuch. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Ferry Landing, Part 2
Our story tonight is called The Ferry Landing, Part 2, and it’s the conclusion to last Monday's episode. If you want to hear both parts, put together with an immersive soundscape made by Bob, you can listen right now on the nothing much happens app. This is a story about a trip across a river at the end of the summer, it’s also about a song playing from the jukebox, a roadside sign missing a few letters and taking a chance on love. We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to H3Project DC. Their vision is to create a future in which all individuals experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking –are given opportunities to live meaningful and self-directed lives, in homes of their choice, with support and services they need for success. Try Nature’s Sunshine and experience the difference with supplements that are better for you and the planet. Go to naturessunshine.com today and use the code NOTHINGMUCH for 20% off your first order, plus free shipping. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH #oneskinpod Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Special Delivery at Weathervane Farm (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 10 of Season 12 (August 7, 2023) Our story tonight is called Special Delivery at Weathervane Farm, and it’s a story about getting chores done in the farmyard on a summer afternoon. It’s also about the animals having their say, a rest with the cows in their pasture, and an invitation stuck to the fridge with a heart-shaped magnet. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Little Spoon Give them meals + snacks that are actually right for where kids are developmentally - balanced, intentional, and made to support real growth. Go to littlespoon.com/NOTHINGMUCH and enter code NOTHINGMUCH for 30% off your first order. Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Ferry Landing, Part 1
Our story tonight is called The Ferry Landing, Part 1, and it’s a story about a river, and the island on the other side of it. It’s also about messages sent through the paper, a pilot house and a carpenter’s pencil, and a small summer mystery that left a mark, still present many years later. Whether it's a hobby, a passion, or a long-held idea, Shopify can help you bring it to life. Start with a free trial at shopify.com/nothingmuch We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to the Healing by the Numbers. Supporting Survivors and Their Healing Journeys. Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the Street Where You Live - Chapter 7
Enjoy this excerpt into Kathryn’s new cozy audiobook, On the Street Where You Live. Order now here. Copyright © 2026 by Kathryn Nicolai. Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio read by Kathryn Nicolai, Javier Munoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Patti Murin, from the audiobook On the Street Where You Live by Kathryn Nicolai, published by Simon & Schuster Audio, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Used with permission from Simon & Schuster, LLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer Feast (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 4 of Season 6 (August 24, 2020) Our story tonight is called Summer Feast, and it’s a story about a meal eaten on a blanket spread over the grass. It’s also about shapes spotted in the clouds, whistle weeds, and taking the time to savor some favorite flavors. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Head to AquaTru.com and use promo code NOTHINGMUCH to get up to 20% off today! Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slightly More Happens - August Abundance
Our stories tonight treat us to some of the loveliest moments of late summer. They are about overflowing gardens and farmers market stalls, heavy rains and nights around the bonfire. They are also about blankets stretched out on the grass, flowering plants and old stately trees, and the sweet moments that come before the fall. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Try Nature’s Sunshine and experience the difference with supplements that are better for you and the planet. Go to naturessunshine.com today and use the code NOTHINGMUCH for 20% off your first order, plus free shipping. Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to TB Alliance. Dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of better, faster-acting and affordable tuberculosis drugs that are available to those who need them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pool Day (Encore)
Originally Aired: August 4th, 2025 (Season 16 Episode 10) 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. 💙 Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com/nothingmuch. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Caught in the Rain
Our story tonight is called Caught in the Rain, and it’s a story about a boat ride as the summer winds down. It’s also about horseshoes and fresh, clean beach towels, the quiet rocking of the waves, the space between dreams and awareness, and the rush of cool air and dim light that comes with a summer storm. Join the Village of Nothing Much App! 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 Canadian Red Cross Wildfire Relief Fund. They are working to help people and communities in need. Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Turnaround (Encore)
Originally Aired: July 26th, 2020 (Season 6 Episode 2) Our story tonight is called The Turnaround, and it’s a story about a trip down a gravel road on a summer day. It’s also about bulrushes and bonfires, family stories, and coming back to a place you know well. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Off the Beaten Path
Our story tonight is called Off the Beaten Path, and it’s a story about a bit of summer adventuring and the delight of coming across something you never knew was there. It’s also about stalks of lavender and a copper still in a field, turkeys and treehouses, and taking a road that leads somewhere new. Quince Make your summer bedding feel better. Go to quince.com/nothingmuch for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Marine Mammal Care Center, inspiring ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH #oneskinpod Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Pre-Order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WNMH
Our story tonight is called WNMH, and it’s a story about a Saturday morning broadcast from the radio station in downtown Nothing Much. It’s also about the community calendar and cinnamon buns, still warm at the bakery. A blinking light on the sound board, a bouquet of flowers for someone special, and an ordinary morning that feels just right. For bonus enjoyment, I recommend you think of the character telling this story as our own Bob Wittersheim. Whether it's a hobby, a passion, or a long-held idea, Shopify can help you bring it to life. Start with a free trial at shopify.com/nothingmuch We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to Animal Farm Foundation's Pet Pantry Project. Collaborating with existing food pantries, to help folks access essentials for every family member in one place. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Pre-order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sidewalk Chalk (Encore)
Originally aired July 28, 2025 (Season 16, Episode 8) 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. Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code NOTHINGMUCH. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Join the Village of Nothing Much App! Pre-order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More! Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun! Sign-Up for our Newsletter here to be in the know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the Street Where You Live - Intro & Chapter 1
Enjoy this sneak peek into Kathryn’s new cozy audiobook, On the Street Where You Live, out on July 28th. Preorder now here. Copyright © 2026 by Kathryn Nicolai. Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio read by Kathryn Nicolai, Javier Munoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Patti Murin, from the audiobook On the Street Where You Live by Kathryn Nicolai, published by Simon & Schuster Audio, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Used with permission from Simon & Schuster, LLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slightly More Happens - July Journeys
Our stories tonight treat us to many sunny moments in and around the Inn. They are stories about a stately home at the end of a long drive, a lake shimmering as rowboats glide across it, coffee cake and names in a ledger and a place to rest and enjoy some of the sweetest days of summer. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Try Nature’s Sunshine and experience the difference with supplements that are better for you and the planet. Go to naturessunshine.com today and use the code NOTHINGMUCH for 20% off your first order, plus free shipping. We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to Amma Center of Michigan. Helping people meet each of their five basic needs — food, shelter, education, healthcare and livelihood — wherever and whenever possible. Join the new Village of Much Happens app! Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know. Pre-order Kathryn’s new book, On the Street Where You Live. NMH merch, autographed books, and more Listen to our daytime show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much. Sit Meditation with Kathryn Pay It Forward Subscription Follow us on Instagram. Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the Map Room (Encore)
Originally aired July 7, 2020 (Season 6, Episode 1) Our story tonight is called In the Map Room, and it’s a story about the pleasures of looking at the world drawn out on paper. It’s also about a gasp of koi fish in a pond, a bike ride that leads somewhere surprising, and the view from the upper room of an old house. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Quince Make your summer bedding feel better. Go to quince.com/nothingmuch for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Register for the new Nothing Much Happens app! Launching July 9th! Pre-order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live. NMH merch, autographed books, and more Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Pay it forward subscription Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Out and Back
Our story tonight is called Out and Back, and it’s a story about a calm way to cap a long summer day. It’s also about hickory trees and fresh hay in the field, katydids and kickstands, and letting your senses fill with the sights and sounds around you, being here while here is happening. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Whether it's a hobby, a passion, or a long-held idea, Shopify can help you bring it to life. Start with a free trial at shopify.com/nothingmuch We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Wishbone Pet Rescue in Douglas, Michigan. They work to protect, shelter, and rehome animals in need. Pre-register for the Village of Nothing Much app. Use code VILLAGE-FOUNDER for 25% off for life! Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know. Pre-order Kathryn’s new book, On the Street Where You Live. NMH merch, autographed books, and more Listen to our daytime show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much. Sit Meditation with Kathryn Pay It Forward Subscription Follow us on Instagram. Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun. Stop by The Inn on your adventures with this playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Evening of the 4th (Encore)
Originally aired July 7, 2025 (Season 16, Episode 2) Our story tonight is called The Evening of the 4th, and it’s a story about a day-long event that ends with a picnic and a concert on the grass. It’s also about hand pies and potato salad, a busy kitchen full of aproned volunteers and the sound of the instruments tuning up on the patio. Thyme and lemon zest, and the satisfaction of sharing good times with your neighbors. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us.💙 Pre-register for the Village of Nothing Much app. Use code VILLAGE-FOUNDER for 25% off for life. Pre-order Kathryn’s new book On the Street Where You Live. NMH merch, autographed books, and more Listen to our daytime show Stories from the Village of Nothing Much Sit Meditation with Kathryn Pay it forward subscription Follow us on Instagram Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun. Spend some time at The Inn with this playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slow Life
Our story tonight is called Slow Life, and it’s about changing your pace in lots of small ways. It’s also about the texture of tree bark, your shoulders releasing from your ears, and the feeling of cello music vibrating in your chest. 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 Tiny Paws Pug Rescue, finding pugs their forever homes. Pre-register for the Village of Nothing Much app. Use code VILLAGE-FOUNDER for 25% off for life. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know. Pre-order Kathryn’s new book, On the Street Where You Live. NMH merch, autographed books, and more Listen to our daytime show, Stories from the Village of Nothing Much. Sit Meditation with Kathryn Pay It Forward Subscription Follow us on Instagram. Visit Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun. Stop by the Cabin with this playlist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices