Podcast
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.
- Health & Fitness chart
- #10
- Episodes
- 529
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 36 min
- On air since
- 2018
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
529 episodes, newest first
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37 min
Closing Up for the Season, Part 1
Season 18, Episode 36
Show notes
Our story tonight is called Closing up for the Season, Part One and it’s a story about a day of chores at the Inn that starts off nice and slow. It’s also about fog on the lake and the view from the window seat on the second floor. Breakfast dishes and wheel barrow rides, and a time for calmly putting things away before the snow flies.
We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to Bees in the D. Building a Buzz for Pollinators Through Education and Conservation in and around Detroit.
→ OneSkin | Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at
https://www.oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH #oneskinpod
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookOn the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,Stories from the Village of Nothing Much
Follow us onInstagram
VisitNothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhere to be in the know!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1 hr
The Secret Stair (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 35
Show notes
Originally presented as Season 14, Episode 43 (Oct 27, 2024)
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.
→ Beam | Go to https://shopbeam.com/NOTHINGMUCH and use code NOTHINGMUCH to get 50% off during Beam’s Cyber Sale. Only available while flavors are in stock.
→ Warby Parker | Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/NOTHINGMUCH — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookOn the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,Stories from the Village of Nothing Much
Follow us onInstagram
VisitNothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhere to be in the know!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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48 min
Doug the Pug and Dory in the Village for Halloween
Season 18, Episode 34
Show notes
Our story tonight is called Doug the Pug and Dory in the Village for Halloween, and it’s a story about an afternoon at the end of October in the Village Square. It’s also about catnip bats and a wagon full of pumpkins, homemade costumes, and apple turnovers, wagging tails and ruby slippers, and a new tradition made with new friends.
We give to a different charity each week and this week we are giving to Tiny Paws Pug Rescue which is a cause that Doug, Dory, and I care a lot about. Tiny Paws Pug Rescue rehabilitates, rehomes, educates, and advocates for pugs and pug mixes.
→ Quince | Make your bed your favorite place to be this season with Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com . Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. And when Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep.
→ Talkiatry | Head to https://talkiatry.com/NOTHINGMUCH to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‐network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookOn the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,Stories from the Village of Nothing Much
Follow us onInstagram
VisitNothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhere to be in the know!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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42 min
All Hallows' Eve at the Inn (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 33
Show notes
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.
→ Nature's Sunshine | Try Nature’s Sunshine and experience the difference with supplements that are better for you and the planet. Go to https://naturessunshine.com today and use the code NOTHINGMUCH for 20% off your first order, plus free shipping.
→ Quince | Make your bed your favorite place to be this season with Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com . Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. And when Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep.
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookOn the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,Stories from the Village of Nothing Much
Follow us onInstagram
VisitNothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhere to be in the know!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1 hr 2 min
The Moon and the Maker's Mark
Season 18, Episode 32
Show notes
Our story tonight is called The Moon and the Maker’s Mark, and it’s a story about a friendship born on an autumn day and plans made in the dark of night. It’s also about quart jars and canned pumpkin, burnished copper and baking cookies and a soft spell made by loving hands.
We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving tohttps://www.lookingoutfoundation.org/Looking Out Foundation, amplifying the impact of music by awarding grants, engaging community, and creating powerful partnerships.
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
→ OneSkin | Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at https://www.oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH #oneskinpod
→ Shopify | 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 https://www.shopify.com/nothingmuch
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/On-the-Street-Where-You-Live/Kathryn-Nicolai/9781668158272On the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/stories-from-the-villageStories from the Village of Nothing Much
Sit Meditation with Kathryn
Follow us onhttps://www.instagram.com/nothingmuchhappens/Instagram
Visithttps://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhttps://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/newsletterhere to be in the know!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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39 min
Crows and Candles (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 31
Show notes
Originally presented as Season 14, Episode 39 (Oct 14, 2024)
Our story tonight is called Crows and Candles, and it is the next in this month’s special Halloween episodes. While it isn’t at all a scary story, it is meant to be a bit of balm for those that are grieving, and if that feels too heavy for tonight, that’s understandable; might I recommend The Leaf House instead tonight?
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.
→ Nature's Sunshine | Try Nature’s Sunshine and experience the difference with supplements that are better for you and the planet. Go tohttps://www.naturessunshine.com/ today and use the code NOTHINGMUCH for 20% off your first order, plus free shipping.
→ Vinted | See what's hiding in your closet, you might be surprised how much you can earn with Vinted. Download the Vinted app for free to start listing with no seller fees. https://www.vinted.com/
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookOn the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,Stories from the Village of Nothing Much
Follow us onInstagram
VisitNothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhere to be in the know!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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2 hr 10 min
Slightly More Happens - October Oracles
Season 18, Episode 30
Show notes
Our stories tonight are some of my favorites. We’ll spend time at the Inn as the pumpkins are lit and the ballroom fills up with costumed neighbors. There will be cats in windows, a rumbling dumbwaiter, and a secret passageway that’s sat shut up for ages. We’ll wander through the alleys at the Night Market and make friends with bump in the night.
Subscribe to ourPremium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 🦋, dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five.
→ Quince | Make your bed your favorite place to be this season with Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://www.quince.com/. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. And when Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep.
→ 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 https://www.littlespoon.com/NOTHINGMUCH and enter code NOTHINGMUCH for 30% off your first order.
Join the Village of Nothing Much App!
Order Kathryn’s new bookhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/On-the-Street-Where-You-Live/Kathryn-Nicolai/9781668158272On the Street Where You Live
NMH Merch, Autographed Books and More!
Listen to our daytime show,https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/stories-from-the-villageStories from the Village of Nothing Much
Sit Meditation with Kathryn
Follow us onhttps://www.instagram.com/nothingmuchhappens/Instagram
Visithttps://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/Nothing Much Happens for more Village fun!
Sign up for our Newsletterhttps://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/newsletterhere to be in the know!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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31 min
The Corn Maze or The Say Yes Club (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 29
Show notes
Originally presented as Season 12, Episode 23 (Oct 16, 2023)
Our story tonight is called The Corn Maze, or The Say Yes Club, and it’s a story about a trip out into the country as the leaves fall. It’s also about the smell of dried corn stalks, kettle corn and wood chips, and finding a group of friends to have adventures with.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Head to https://www.AquaTru.comand use promo code NOTHINGMUCH to get UP TO 20% off today! AquaTru comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, and a 1-year warranty!
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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30 min
Paper Flowers
Season 18, Episode 28
Show notes
Our story tonight is called Paper Flowers, and it’s a story about a place to spend a cozy and creative afternoon. It’s also about the magic of miniature things, having something to look forward to, and the fun of learning something new.
Subscribe to our Premium channel. The first month is on us. 💙
Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NOTHINGMUCH at https://www.oneskin.co/NOTHINGMUCH #oneskinpod
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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30 min
Autumn Ride (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 27
Show notes
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 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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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32 min
Stargazing in the Woods
Season 18, Episode 26
Show notes
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 improv programs to schools and community centers to build confidence, collaboration, and the social skills that students use daily in other classes, at work, and in life.
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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57 min
The Big Day (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 25
Show notes
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-exclusive offers, or go to https://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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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36 min
Coat Check at the Supper Club
Season 18, Episode 24
Show notes
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 They work to empower survivors to heal and engage all individuals and communities to address and prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
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 https://shopify.com/nothingmuch
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
36 min
Something Blue (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 23
Show notes
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 for where kids are developmentally - balanced, intentional and made to support real growth. Go to https://littlespoon.com/NOTHINGMUCH and enter code NOTHINGMUCH for 30% off your first order.
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
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1 hr 41 min
Slightly More Happens - September Splendor
Season 18, Episode 22
Show notes
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 to https://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. 💙We give to a different charity each week, and this week we are giving to Brown Bag Lady. Rooted in using kindness, food and essentials as a way to improve the lives of others throughout Los Angeles.
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 to be in the know!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
42 min
Something Borrowed (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 21
Show notes
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 everything on your own.
MasterClass keeps adding new classes, so there’s never been a better time to get in. Head to https://masterclass.com/nothingmuch to get at least 15% off any annual membership.
Go to https://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!
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
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
35 min
Moving In
Season 18, Episode 20
Show notes
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 lives of these resilient, loving, and devoted senior dogs and giving them the forever homes they deserve.
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 https://shopify.com/nothingmuch
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!
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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
33 min
Something New (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 19
Show notes
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 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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
35 min
School Supplies
Season 18, Episode 18
Show notes
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 https://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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
32 min
Something Old (Encore)
Season 18, Episode 17
Show notes
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 https://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 https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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