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.
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 (60)
Autumn at the Inn, Part 4
Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Inn, Part Four, and for now it’s the last in this series. It’s a story about a new routine that heals as it unfolds, a morning cup of tea drunk from a window...
The Porch Steps (Encore)
Originally presented as Season 12, Episode 19, October 2, 2023
Our story tonight is called The Porch Steps, and it’s a story about tending to a satisfying chore on a cool day. It’s also about...
Our story tonight is called The Porch Steps, and it’s a story about tending to a satisfying chore on a cool day. It’s also about...
Autumn at the Inn, Part 3
Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Inn, Part Three. And, you guessed it, it is a continuation of the last two episodes. Though you don't need to go back and listen to those if you slept...
Chef and Sycamore (Encore)
Our story tonight is called Chef and Sycamore, and it’s a story about an afternoon in the kitchens at the Inn, as jars of pickles are lowered into the canner. It’s also about sheets of labels ready to...
Autumn at the Inn, Part 2
Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Inn, Part 2, and it’s the second in this series, though you don't need to go back and listen to Part 1, if, I don't know... you might have slept through it?...
Thunder and Lightning (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 31 of Season 14, September 16, 2024
Our story tonight is called Thunder and Lightning, and it’s a story about slowing down and getting comfortable as the rain comes...
Our story tonight is called Thunder and Lightning, and it’s a story about slowing down and getting comfortable as the rain comes...
Autumn at the Inn, Part 1
Our story tonight is called Autumn at the Inn, Part One, and it’s a story written for all of you who have ever dreamt of taking a little trip to the Village of Nothing Much. It’s about a faded...
The Librarian (Encore)
Originally aired on Season 10, Episode 14
Our story tonight is called The Librarian. It’s a story about the quiet of the closed-up library at the end of the day. It’s also about the books that...
Our story tonight is called The Librarian. It’s a story about the quiet of the closed-up library at the end of the day. It’s also about the books that...
Autumn World
Our story tonight is called Autumn World, and it’s a story about a morning with the windows open and fresh fall air blowing through the house. It’s also about crows cawing in a field, coffee and brown...
Sleeping Weather (Encore)
Originally aired as Episode 15 of Season 10
Our story tonight is called Sleeping Weather, and it’s a story about a break from the heat and humidity. It’s also about the view from the porch swing at...
Our story tonight is called Sleeping Weather, and it’s a story about a break from the heat and humidity. It’s also about the view from the porch swing at...
The Swim Platform
Our story tonight is called The Swim Platform, and it’s a story about one of the last swims of the season. It’s also about remembered cues from long ago diving lessons, the sound of water lapping...
Summer Harvest (Encore)
Originally aired as Episode 3 of Season 4, August 26, 2019
Our story tonight is called Summer Harvest, and it’s a story about the result of a season’s worth of hard work and planning. It’s also about...
Our story tonight is called Summer Harvest, and it’s a story about the result of a season’s worth of hard work and planning. It’s also about...
New Path
Our story tonight is called New Path, and it’s a story about a late-summer stroll through high grasses and shaded glens. It’s also about coneflowers and crushed stone, lifting the hair from the back...
The Corner Store (Encore)
Originally Aired: August 28th, 2022 (Season 10, Episode 13)
Our story tonight is called The Corner Store, and it’s a story about the aisles of the neighborhood grocery where there are always...
Our story tonight is called The Corner Store, and it’s a story about the aisles of the neighborhood grocery where there are always...
Early Signs of Autumn
Our story tonight is called Early Signs of Autumn, and it’s a story about turning leaves and a slight spicy scent on the breeze. It’s also about zucchini bread and hot coffees traded for iced, school...
Yard Sale (Encore)
Originally presented as Season 10, Episode 10, August 8, 2022
Our story tonight is called Yard Sale, or, Another Man’s Treasure, and it’s a story about a neighborhood event on a summer day. It’s...
Our story tonight is called Yard Sale, or, Another Man’s Treasure, and it’s a story about a neighborhood event on a summer day. It’s...
The Journal
Our story tonight is called The Journal, and it’s a story about the blank pages of a beautiful book, and the freedom to finally write in them, no matter what comes from your pen. It’s also about tonic...
The Labyrinth (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 3 of Season 6, August 10, 2020
Our story tonight is called The Labyrinth and it’s a story about a slow walk on a gravel path in mid-summer. It’s also about hidden...
Our story tonight is called The Labyrinth and it’s a story about a slow walk on a gravel path in mid-summer. It’s also about hidden...
Pool Day
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...
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...
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...
Sidewalk Chalk
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...
At the Summer Fair (Encore)
Originally Aired: July 14th, 2019 (Season 3 Episode 13)
Our story tonight is called At the Summer Fair, and it’s a story about a yearly tradition, and how it changes in the different summers of...
Our story tonight is called At the Summer Fair, and it’s a story about a yearly tradition, and how it changes in the different summers of...
Rainy Day Rituals
Our story tonight is called Rainy Day Rituals, and it’s a story about small tasks attended to as a storm blows through. It’s also about a fuzzy radio playing in the background, terrycloth and...
Back to the Bakery (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 1 of Season 8
Our story tonight is called Back to the Bakery, and it’s a story about the early morning preparations made in the kitchen before the Village of Nothing...
Our story tonight is called Back to the Bakery, and it’s a story about the early morning preparations made in the kitchen before the Village of Nothing...
Street Sweepers
Our story tonight is called Street Sweepers, and it’s a story about an early morning tending of the village lanes. It’s also about hoppers and windrows, zinnia heads and locust pods, clearing small...
When the Streetlights Come On (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 11 of Season 14
Our story tonight is called When the Streetlights Come On, and it’s a story about a trip to the mailbox through the last lit moments of the day. It’s...
Our story tonight is called When the Streetlights Come On, and it’s a story about a trip to the mailbox through the last lit moments of the day. It’s...
The Evening of the 4th
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...
Heirloom (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 6 of Season 12.
Our story tonight is called Heirloom, and it’s a story about a garden in the middle of summer. It’s also about things handed down through generations,...
Our story tonight is called Heirloom, and it’s a story about a garden in the middle of summer. It’s also about things handed down through generations,...
The Last Train Home
Our story tonight is called The Last Train Home, and it's a story about a few moments at the end of a long day. It's also about dogwood flowers and sodium lights, a seat on a bench, the long summer...
Magic Words (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 3 of Season 12
Our story tonight is called Magic Words, and it’s a story about a trip into town on a summer morning. It’s also about the scent of fresh-cut lumber, a...
Our story tonight is called Magic Words, and it’s a story about a trip into town on a summer morning. It’s also about the scent of fresh-cut lumber, a...
The Cabin in Summer
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...
From the Hammock (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 13 of Season 7
Our story tonight is called From the Hammock, and it’s a story about naps, and where and when, and under what circumstances we take them. It’s also...
Our story tonight is called From the Hammock, and it’s a story about naps, and where and when, and under what circumstances we take them. It’s also...
W-A-L-K
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...
The Lake at the Inn (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 12 of Season 7, June 14, 2021
Our story tonight is called The Lake at the Inn, and it’s a story about a misty summer morning on the water. It’s also about a mug of...
Our story tonight is called The Lake at the Inn, and it’s a story about a misty summer morning on the water. It’s also about a mug of...
Cloud Club
Our story tonight is called Cloud Club, and it’s a story about an afternoon stretched out under the open sky. It’s also about the friends you’ve known since you were young, a polka-dotted blanket,...
Joyride (Encore)
Originally aired June 26, 2023, Season 12, Episode 4
Our story tonight is called Joyride, and it’s a story about a spontaneous trip for two friends on a summer day. It’s also about music coming from...
Our story tonight is called Joyride, and it’s a story about a spontaneous trip for two friends on a summer day. It’s also about music coming from...
Wallpaper and Paint
Our story tonight is called Wallpaper and Paint, and it’s a story about a room in a cottage by the lake, that is ready for redoing. It’s also about a claw foot tub and an airy kitchen with beams...
A Month of Sundays (Encore)
Originally Aired May 13, 2024, Season 13, Episode 39
Our story tonight is called A Month of Sundays, and it’s a story about finding a way to make time for rest and enjoyment. It’s also about a tin...
Our story tonight is called A Month of Sundays, and it’s a story about finding a way to make time for rest and enjoyment. It’s also about a tin...
The Fountain in the Square
Our story tonight is called The Fountain on the Square, and it’s a story about a place to make a wish as the season tips to summer. It’s also about local lore and shared customs, cool running water,...
Tell the Bees (Encore)
Originally aired May 20, 2024, Season 13, Episode 41
Our story tonight is called Tell the Bees, and it is a story that so many of you have asked for. I know that the podcast has seen many of you...
Our story tonight is called Tell the Bees, and it is a story that so many of you have asked for. I know that the podcast has seen many of you...
Nothing Much Happens - Trailer
Having trouble sleeping? Join Yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai for bedtime stories where nothing much happens to help you relax and sleep peacefully. The stories are a soft landing spot for...
The Houseboat
Our story tonight is called The Houseboat, and it’s a story about a calm morning on the water and the small joys of observation. It’s also about a kettle on the stove, orange zest and Sweetgum...
Date Night (Encore)
Originally aired May 27, 2024, Season 13, Episode 43
Our story tonight is called Date Night, and it is a story about a bike ride to a place where X marks the spot on a hand-drawn map. It’s also...
Our story tonight is called Date Night, and it is a story about a bike ride to a place where X marks the spot on a hand-drawn map. It’s also...
Dandelions and Moss
Our story tonight is called Dandelions and Moss, and it’s a story about a craft project made from things gathered in the yard. It’s also about wishes and wire, memories of schoolyard games, making...
The Book Fair (Encore)
Originally aired May 22, 2023, Season 11, Episode 22
Our story tonight is called The Bookfair, and it’s a story about a love of reading and the creativity that inspires. It’s also about the last...
Our story tonight is called The Bookfair, and it’s a story about a love of reading and the creativity that inspires. It’s also about the last...
The Lilac Booth, Part 2
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 is also about street food and...
The Hardware Store (Encore)
Originally presented as Episode 11 of Season 5, June 1, 2020.
Our story this week is called The Hardware Store, and it's a story about finding all the right things for a few projects at home. It’s...
Our story this week is called The Hardware Store, and it's a story about finding all the right things for a few projects at home. It’s...
The Lilac Booth, Part 1
Our story tonight is called The Lilac Booth, 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...
Sunrise at the Cabin (Encore)
Originally Aired: April 1, 2024 (Season 13, Episode 27)
Our story tonight is called Sunrise at the Cabin, and it’s a story about welcoming the coming day with a friend at your side. It’s also...
Our story tonight is called Sunrise at the Cabin, and it’s a story about welcoming the coming day with a friend at your side. It’s also...
Spring Recital
Our story tonight is called Spring Recital, and it’s a story about a piano waiting in the spotlight at auditorium. It’s also about lesson books and rows of family and friends listening with pride,...
At the Tower Mill (Encore)
Originally Aired: April 24, 2023 (Season 11, Episode 18)
Our story tonight is called At the Tower Mill and it’s a story about the sails of a windmill turning in the Spring breeze. It’s also about...
Our story tonight is called At the Tower Mill and it’s a story about the sails of a windmill turning in the Spring breeze. It’s also about...
Tiny House
Our story tonight is called Tiny House, and it’s a story about a snug, small space to relax in. It’s also about impatiens for the flower bed, sunny days on the edge of the woods, hammocks and reading...
Dandelions and Mayapples (Encore)
Originally Aired: May 1, 2023 (Season 11, Episode 19)
Our story tonight is called Dandelions and Mayapples, and it’s a story about a trip down to the creek on a spring afternoon. It’s also about a...
Our story tonight is called Dandelions and Mayapples, and it’s a story about a trip down to the creek on a spring afternoon. It’s also about a...
Color Walk
Our story tonight is called Color Walk, and it’s a story about a soft way to move through the
world on a spring day. It’s also about a box of crayons in the desk drawer, a thin jacket, a...
world on a spring day. It’s also about a box of crayons in the desk drawer, a thin jacket, a...
Spring at the Allotment (Encore)
Originally Aired: April 22, 2019 (Season 3, Episode 7)
Our story tonight is called Spring at the Allotment, and it’s a story about setting up a garden of herbs and vegetables with a friend. It’s...
Our story tonight is called Spring at the Allotment, and it’s a story about setting up a garden of herbs and vegetables with a friend. It’s...
Dogs and Dust Mops
Our story tonight is called Dogs and Dust Mops, and it’s a story about some spring cleaning on a warm afternoon. It’s also about an orange kitty in the window, the sound of the vacuum running...
The Jewelry Box (Encore)
Originally Aired: March 23rd, 2020 (Season 5, Episode 6)
Our story tonight is called The Jewelry Box. It’s about an heirloom handed down through a family, a jeweled broach pinned on the lapel of a...
Our story tonight is called The Jewelry Box. It’s about an heirloom handed down through a family, a jeweled broach pinned on the lapel of a...
Rain on the Lake
Our story tonight is called Rain on the Lake, and it’s a story about a sudden arrival of drops and dark clouds on a spring afternoon. It’s also about a broach in a jewelry box, the smell of rain...
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...
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...
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...
About this Podcast
Copyright
2025 Wellness Loud
Language
en
Categories
Health & Fitness, Fiction