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 episodesSidewalk 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
The Last Day of School (Encore)
Originally presented as Bonus Episode 6 of Season 15 (June 1, 2025) Our story tonight is called The Last Day of School, and it’s a story about a slow parade of proud students through downtown Nothing Much. It’s also about baseball cards and bike spokes, lemon candies and bubbles, bookmarks and summer music, and lazy days ahead. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. Pre-register for the Nothing Much Happens app launching July 9th at nothingmuchhappens.com/village-preregister using promo code: VILLAGE-FOUNDER to lock in the 25% discount 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Family Photos
Our story tonight is called Family Photos, and it’s a story about an afternoon in the village square and moments caught on film. It’s also about oak trees and rowboats, a gate in a fence and the feeling of belonging in your family and in your community. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. OneSkin Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH. #oneskinpod We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to CommUNITY Pride of Saugatuck/Douglas. They support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through events, advocacy, partnerships, and year-round connection. 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. Listen to the adventures of our favorite furry trio with this playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Cabin in Summer (Encore)
Originally aired June 23, 2025 (Season 15, Episode 50) Our story tonight is called The Cabin in Summer, and it’s a story about days spent in the sunny garden and the shaded forest. It’s also about lemon balm and raspberries, the cool water of the creek running over your ankles, mushroom hunting and threshold sweeping, and the wisdom of wild places handed down from one generation to the next. 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. 💙 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. Come to the Cabin with this playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slightly More Happens - June Joy
Our stories tonight have us packing up the car and heading out of town to the cottage. They are stories about lounge chairs and lazy days, sailboats and swimsuits, and listening to the waves as they rock you to sleep. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Start your business today with the industry’s best business partner, Shopify, and start hearing “cha-ching.” Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/nothingmuch. 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. Pre-register for the Village at nothingmuchhappens.com/village-preregister using promo code VILLAGE-FOUNDER to lock in the 25% discount for life. Pre-Order Links for Kathryn's New Book Here! 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! We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World is one in which all people have an abundance of nourishing, plant-based foods that maximize health for people, animals, and the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
W-A-L-K (Encore)
Pre-register for the new Nothing Much Happens App here. Originally Aired: June 16, 2025 (Season 15, Episode 48) Our story tonight is called W-A-L-K, and it’s a story about a little brown dog and his favorite outdoor activity. It’s also about the smell of watered lawns in the evening, a frisbee and friends from down the block, porch lights and watermelon, and the moment when you close the door on the day. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 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
The Gardener's Arms
Our story tonight is called The Gardener’s Arms, and it’s a story about a developing friendship at the Inn by the lake. It’s also about sunrise and suspenders, peonies and paddling in the shallows, and the safe harbor of someone you can count on. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. ShopifyStart your business today with the industry’s leading commerce platform. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/nothingmuch. OneSkinGet 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH. #oneskinpod We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are supporting Fauna & Flora, working to save nature, together. Pre-register for the Village of Nothing Much app. Use code VILLAGE-FOUNDER for 25% off. 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
Paddling on the Canal (Encore)
Pre-register for the new Nothing Much Happens App here. Originally Aired: June 24, 2024 (Season 14, Episode 7) Our story tonight is called Paddling on the Canal, and it’s a story about a quiet morning on the lake. It’s also about dragonflies and water lilies, weeping willows along the shore, a bell ringing from the back porch of the inn, and a connection point felt with people around the world. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 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
Piano Piano
Our story tonight is called Piano, Piano, and it’s a story about replacing rush with something more settled and helpful. It’s also about a walk and a watering can, a dishcloth and a deep breath, and the useful lessons we can learn at any age. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH #oneskinpod We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Solidarity and Snacks. They are a mutual aid group providing supplies along Skid Row every Saturday. Sign-Up for our Newsletter HERE to be in the know! Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 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! Stop by for some tea with the Innkeeper and Chef with this playlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Petrichor (Encore)
Originally Aired: May 15th, 2022 (Season 9, Episode 2) Our story tonight is called Petrichor, and it’s a story about things getting greener as the spring rain falls. It’s also about a record player with a favorite album on the turntable, deer dozing in the grass, and making a habit out of enjoying yourself. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Pre-order Kathryn’s new book here! 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! Bring treats to your favorite furry friends with this playlist! 🐶🐾🐈 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Concert in the Park
Our story tonight is called A Concert in the Park, and it’s a story about a warm evening spent enjoying live music. It’s also about tiger lilies and elephant ears, stone benches and sneakers, and the memories that melodies can bring to the surface. 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 Southern Poverty Law Center, working in partnership with communities to advance the human rights of all people. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH#oneskinpod 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. Bring some treats to Marmalade, Birdie, and Crumb with this playlist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Lilac Booth, Part 2 (Encore)
Originally Aired: May 5, 2025 (Season 15, Episode 36) 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’s 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. 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. 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
The Garden Center (or, The Left-Handed Snail)
Our story tonight is called The Garden Center, or, The Left-Handed Snail, and it’s a story about a quiet corner of the plant nursery where a slow moving community is coming together. It’s also about push brooms and dropped leaves, shadows in the gloaming, and something rarer than a four leaf clover. Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙 Start your business today with the industry’s best business partner, Shopify, and start hearing “cha-ching”. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/nothingmuch. We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Dogs Matter. They provide and promote a safe and healthy environment for pets of those in recovery. Pre-order Kathryn’s new book here! 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! Get Cozy at the Cabin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Lilac Booth, Part 1 (Encore)
Originally aired April 28, 2025 (Season 15, Episode 34) Our story tonight is called The Lilac Booth, Part 1, 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. 💙 Pre-order Kathryn’s new book here! 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