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.

Episodes

Autumn Ride (Encore)

October 1, 2026 • 30 mins

Originally Presented as Episode 19 of Season 10 (Oct 10, 2022) Our story tonight is called Autumn Ride, and it’s about pedaling with friends under falling leaves. It’s also about treats from the bakery, wrapped up and ready to share, rediscovering a pure feeling of joy out on the road, and a hoodie zipped up to your chin. Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠Premium channel⁠⁠⁠. The first month is on us. 💙 ⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠ the Village of...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Stargazing in the Woods

September 28, 2026 • 32 mins

Our story tonight is called Stargazing in the Woods, and it’s a story about a few days away from everything and at the same time closer to everything. It’s also about flat stones for skipping, an old blanket spread under the night sky, and a realigned perspective to take home after the embers die. We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving the Detroit Creativity Project, bringing free impro...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

The Big Day (Encore)

September 24, 2026 • 57 mins

Originally presented on Season 12, Episode 17 (Sept 21, 2023) Our story tonight is about a wedding beside the lake on a soft September day. We’ll hear piano music drifting through the air and champagne corks popping as the whole Village gathers to celebrate love and savor the big and small moments before they slip away. Make your bed your favorite place to be this season with Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclus...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Coat Check at the Supper Club

September 21, 2026 • 35 mins

Our story tonight is called Coat Check at the Supper Club, and it’s a story about a restaurant on the edge of the lake. It’s also about a quiet corridor lined with numbered hooks and cubbies, carefully set tables, matchboxes and bobby pins, and caring about giving your guests a place where they feel well taken care of, unhurried and at ease. We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving Haven T...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Something Blue (Encore)

September 17, 2026 • 35 mins

Originally presented as Episode 16 of Season 12 (Sept 18, 2023) Our story tonight is called Something Blue, and it brings us a little closer to a much-anticipated event in the Village of Nothing Much. It’s a story about autumn skies and turning leaves. It’s also about a kitten wrapped in a shawl, star anise and peppermint, and letting yourself love again after loss. Give them meals + snacks that are actually right f...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Slightly More Happens - September Splendor

September 14, 2026 • 100 mins

Our stories tonight are, if I do say so myself, such a treat. If you have ever wished to book a stay at the Inn of Nothing Much and watch the leaves change while sipping coffee from the back porch. If you love trains and journals and cats and trays of food sent up from the kitchen, these stories are for you. Make your bed your favorite place to be this season with Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go t...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Something Borrowed (Encore)

September 10, 2026 • 41 mins

Originally presented as Episode 15 of Season 12 (September 11, 2023) Our story tonight is called Something Borrowed, and it’s the next installment in our series leading up to a special day here in the Village of Nothing Much. It’s a story about early morning at the Inn. It’s also about pretty plates brought out of the pantry cupboards... cardamom and cinnamon... and remembering that you don’t have to do ev...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Moving In

September 7, 2026 • 34 mins

Our story tonight is called Moving In, and it’s a story about a long drive in a packed car at the beginning of freshman year. It’s also about paper cups of coffee, new towels and beloved memories, turning leaves on the commons and the tender adventure of growing up and letting go. We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving the True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission. Making a difference in the...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Something New (Encore)

September 3, 2026 • 31 mins

Originally presented as Episode 14 of Season 12 (September 4, 2023) Our story tonight is called Something New, and it’s a story about stumbling upon a beautiful place on a late summer bike ride. It’s also about lily pads, an X marked on a map, and the joy of watching a friend step into a new season of their life. Thank You for being a Premium Subscriber. 💙 ⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the Village of Nothing Much App! Order Kat...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

School Supplies

August 31, 2026 • 34 mins

Our story tonight is called School Supplies, and it is a story about a way to mark the end of warm weather and the beginning of crisp days. It’s also about planners and paper goods, tiny scissors and which color folder for math, and treating yourself to something new just because it makes you smile. Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com/nothingmuch. Get free shipp...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Something Old (Encore)

August 27, 2026 • 31 mins

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&n...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

The Ferry Landing, Part 2

August 24, 2026 • 38 mins

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 cha...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Special Delivery at Weathervane Farm (Encore)

August 20, 2026 • 34 mins

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...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

The Ferry Landing, Part 1

August 17, 2026 • 33 mins

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 sh...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

On the Street Where You Live - Chapter 7

August 15, 2026 • 39 mins

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 S...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Summer Feast (Encore)

August 13, 2026 • 34 mins

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...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Slightly More Happens - August Abundance

August 10, 2026 • 87 mins

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 expe...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Pool Day (Encore)

August 6, 2026 • 36 mins

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...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Caught in the Rain

August 3, 2026 • 32 mins

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 g...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

The Turnaround (Encore)

July 30, 2026 • 29 mins

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 S...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

The Breakfast Club

The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us

Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Autumn Ride (Encore)

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Stargazing in the Woods

The Big Day (Encore)

Coat Check at the Supper Club

Something Blue (Encore)

Slightly More Happens - September Splendor

Something Borrowed (Encore)

Moving In

Something New (Encore)

School Supplies

Something Old (Encore)

The Ferry Landing, Part 2

Special Delivery at Weathervane Farm (Encore)

The Ferry Landing, Part 1

On the Street Where You Live - Chapter 7

Summer Feast (Encore)

Slightly More Happens - August Abundance

Pool Day (Encore)

Caught in the Rain

The Turnaround (Encore)

Popular Podcasts

Host

Kathryn Nicolai

Autumn Ride (Encore)

Stargazing in the Woods