Best David Couto Podcasts (2025)

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REPOST - The Republic by Plato 39:16

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1d ago39:16

39:16

Philosophy seems the ideal thing to listen to to help you sleep. I recorded this in the middle of the day and completely zoned out and nearly dozed off so I can barely tell you what the conversation between Socrates and his friends was about. So I’m confident that the discussion of whether God can create evil, whether children should learn from fal…

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A Sleepy Tale of Intrigue – Bellarion The Fortunate 38:23

9d ago38:23

38:23

Let the intrigue of Renaissance Italy lull you into a peaceful slumber as we follow Bellarion, the clever yet unwitting hero, who stumbles into a noblewoman’s garden—only to find himself tangled in a plot far beyond his understanding. Rafael Sabatini’s lush prose, read in a slow pace, transforms this tale of mystery and fortune into the perfect bed…

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Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature: The Whispering Language of Truth (A Sleepy Reading) 36:33

16d ago36:33

36:33

Drift into serenity with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s timeless essay Nature, where he reveals language as a mirror of the natural world’s deepest truths. Let his poetic musings on rivers, stars, and the silent wisdom of the earth wash over you in this slow, soothing reading. With a tranquil pace, this episode transforms transcendental philosophy into a dr…

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Anne of Green Gables: A Joyful Home & A Stormy Temper (A Sleepy Retelling) 39:41

23d ago39:41

39:41

Let Anne Shirley’s bright spirit and fiery emotions lull you into a peaceful slumber. Tonight’s Sleepy Time Tale follows Anne’s heartwarming discovery of her new home at Green Gables—full of hope and happiness—until a run-in with a prickly neighbor sparks her infamous temper. Told in a slow, soothing voice, this beloved story becomes the perfect co…

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Sleep Through Time: The Goths vs. Rome’s Last Light 39:01

29d ago39:01

39:01

Let the distant echoes of history lull you to sleep as we drift into the shadowy world of the Dark Ages. Tonight’s episode follows the epic clashes between the Goths and the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I—wars that shaped empires, yet now fade into whispers. Told in a slow, soothing voice, this tale of conquest and intrigue becomes a tranquil bedtim…

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Mary Shelley’s The Last Man – Raymond’s Rise & Quiet Reflections 38:38

1M ago38:38

38:38

Let the hauntingly beautiful prose of Mary Shelley’s The Last Man ease you into slumber as we follow Raymond’s election as Protector—a moment of triumph shadowed by quiet doubts and personal tensions. With soft, melodic narration and a gentle rhythm, this episode transforms Shelley’s post-apocalyptic vision into a soothing bedtime story, perfect fo…

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Sleepy Steam Trains: A Soothing Reading of Rides on Railways – Repair, Construction & Calm Travel Tales 37:13

1M ago37:13

37:13

If you're lying awake tonight, let the slow, droning account of 19th-century steam trains rock you to sleep. This episode features a particularly unexciting reading from Samuel Sidney's Rides on Railways, where we meander through endless details about engine repairs, rivet counts, and the thrilling scenery of Wolverton's railway workshops. Story (0…

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Soothing Bird Stories for Sleep “Birds and Their Nests" by Mary Howitt | Bedtime Tales of Jackdaws, Wagtails & Doves 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Struggling to fall asleep? Let the gentle, unhurried reading of Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt lull you into a deep, peaceful slumber. This podcast is intentionally slow, calm, and yes—even a little boring—to help quiet your mind and ease you into sleep. No dramatic voices, no sudden sounds, just soft narration about delightful birds and thei…

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Sleepy Time Podcast: The Great Gatsby – Chapter 5 (Gatsby Reunites with Daisy) | Boring Bedtime Stories to Help You Sleep 37:56

2M ago37:56

37:56

🎙️ Sleepy Time Podcast: The Great Gatsby – Chapter 5 (Gatsby Reunites with Daisy) | Boring Bedtime Stories to Help You Sleep 😴 Story (02:44) Struggling to fall asleep? Let the soothing, monotonous reading of The Great Gatsby lull you into a deep slumber. This podcast is intentionally slow, calm, and yes—even boring—to help quiet your mind and ease …

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The Book of the Ancient Greeks – A Sleepy Telling of Xerxes’ Invasion 38:13

2M ago38:13

38:13

Drift into the ancient world with this tranquil retelling of one of history's most epic clashes. As the Persian King Xerxes leads his vast army into Greece, a small band of Spartan warriors, led by King Leonidas, makes its legendary stand at the narrow pass of Thermopylae. Narrated in a slow, calming tone, this episode transforms the dramatic tale …

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After the Party - Night and Day by Virginia Woolf 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

Step into the quiet aftermath of a gathering where unspoken tensions linger in the air. This week’s Sleepy Time Story brings you Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day. As the guests depart, the real drama begins—subtle glances, veiled confessions, and the quiet power struggles between men and women take center stage. Let Woolf’s rich prose and keen observ…

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The Flourishing of Romance and the Rise of Allegory by George Saintsbury 36:19

3M ago36:19

36:19

Apologies for the Latin pronunciations as I share the history of literature and languages, and the study thereof to help you sleep. You’re sure to be counting sheep very quickly as we discuss the subtleties of Latin poetry and how local languages struggled to become a medium for expression. Story (02:37) Find The Flourishing of Romance and the Rise…

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On the Nautilus - Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea 38:39

3M ago38:39

38:39

Things settle down as you prepare for sleep. M. Arronax and his companions are safe, if confused on board the Nautilus as they meet Nemo and learn about how he has left the world behind. They are given an unpleasant choice, but a great meal. Story (02:41) Find Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/164…

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The Homes of Egypt - Manual of Egyptian Archaeology 01 43:17

3M ago43:17

43:17

Tonight, drift back in time to the golden sands of Ancient Egypt, where the Nile’s gentle currents shaped lives and homes for both commoners and nobles. In this soothing episode, we explore the quiet beauty of Egyptian dwellings—from the sunbaked mudbrick houses of workers to the grand villas adorned with lush gardens and cooling courtyards. Discov…

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Fallout of the South Sea Bubble - Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions 42:11

3M ago42:11

42:11

This week’s boring non fiction is the ideal sleep aid as we learn about the many people who were fined for their part in the South Sea Bubble. Peers, lords and businessmen alike faced massive consequences for taking part of the scam. Story (02:47) Find Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Mackay https://www.gutenb…

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Colin’s Day Out 42:08

4M ago42:08

42:08

It’s all happening in this week’s bedtime story as the children prepare to take Colin out to the Secret Garden for the first time. There’s a lot of excitement and joy, but there’s an unpleasant surprise towards the end that may mean disaster. Story (02:31) Find The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17396 Supp…

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Glaciers and Wind - The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton 39:26

4M ago39:26

39:26

We return to some sleepy non-fiction for this week’s bedtime reading. Learning about the erosion caused by various types of glacier gets you off to a boring start, and I’m sure you’ll be fast asleep by the time we get to the subtleties of the wind. Story (02:44) Find The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/…

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The Blazing World – Episode 09 – Building Worlds and Spirit Travels 37:53

4M ago37:53

37:53

In this strange story we pick up with the Duchess and the Empress building worlds with their minds. They then move on to traveling as spirits to our own world. I’m fairly sure you’ll be asleep before the strange adventure ends with a court case about Fortune’s treatment of the Dutchess’s husband Story (02:48) Find The Description of a New World, Ca…

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On the Origin of Species - 09 33:51

4M ago33:51

33:51

This week we continue learning about he actual mechanism of evolution by natural selection. It’s pretty boring, I can barely remember what I just read, so I’m pretty sure this will help you sleep. :D Story (02:46) Find On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1228 Supporting Sleepy Ti…

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Beth Gets Sick, But All Ends Well – Little Women 36:42

4M ago36:42

36:42

We pick up this classic bedtime story as things take a bit of a dark turn. Beth is sick with scarlet fever, and it’s touch and go for a while, but don’t let it prevent your sleep. She’s fine in the end. The family makes some hard choices and their love is tested, but the fever breaks and all is well. Story (02:39) Find Little Women by Louisa May Al…

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Raphael, Michaelangelo, Rome and Florence - A History of Art for Beginners and Students 05 38:57

5M ago38:57

38:57

Find yourself drifting to sleep learning the history of the Italian renaissance in Rome, from Raphael to Titian. Raphael’s great rivalry with Michaelangelo and how art changed over their lifetimes. Lots of name, dates and jargon are the perfect recipe for your restful repose. Story (02:44) Find A History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting,…

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In the House of the Lady - The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris 41:24

5M ago41:24

41:24

For this week’s sleepy story we return to this mysterious classic to help you sleep. Walther our protagonist feels out of place in the house of the mysterious and beautiful Lady, who seems both hostile and friendly. Walther meets the Maid once again, but as he goes hunting he feels like his situation is dangerous. Story (02:42) Find The Wood Beyond…

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REPOST - Halloween and Christianity - The Book of Hallowe'en by Ruth Edna Kelley 44:02

5M ago44:02

44:02

Hi friends. Unfortunately my chest and voice are still wrecked from having the flu so I can’t record anything that people would want to listen to. So here’s the second part of 2023’s Halloween reading. Be warned that traditional Halloween traditions may be a bit disturbing, but I left out the nasty stuff. This spooky episode shouldn’t leave you sle…

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REPOST - The Book of Hallowe'en by Ruth Edna Kelley 40:42

5M ago40:42

40:42

Sorry friends, back to school time means my daughter has brought home a fun new illness which means I have no voice or energy, so I’m pulling this weird one out of the archive. Be warned that traditional Halloween traditions may be a bit disturbing, but I left out the nasty stuff. This spooky episode shouldn’t leave you sleepless. Learn some of the…

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Astronomy The Science of the Heavenly Bodies – The Sun and Our Solar System 40:42

6M ago40:42

40:42

A century old Astronomy text book is a fascinating thing. It’s amazing to see what was known 100 years ago, and what was still speculation based on very logical application of physics. As you fall asleep you will learn about how it was believed the sun produces heat, how long it will continue to shine, and about the structure of the solar system. S…

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Pride and Prejudice Part 07 – Jane’s Heartbreak and a Wedding 36:55

6M ago36:55

36:55

Pride and Prejudice Part 07 – Jane’s Heartbreak and a Wedding A return to the Jane Auten bedtime classic this week as we pick up on a conversation between Lizzy and Jane Bennett. Jane won’t believe that her romance was interfered with by her beau’s family, and will you be asleep by the time she learns the truth? Story (02:57) Find Pride and Prejudi…

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The Republic by Plato - Part 07 39:30

6M ago39:30

39:30

The Republic by Plato This one should help you sleep as we pick up in the middle of a discussion about the morality of representing the negative aspects of the behaviours of the Gods. And then it moves in to whether actors should be allowed to pretend. It’s all confusing and self-indulgent so I’m sure this will be the recipe to a night’s rest. Stor…

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REPOST - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens 40:56

6M ago40:56

40:56

REPOST - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens As the year draws to a close and we keep occupied with holiday celebration and organising we are replaying an older episode from 2022. I keep life away from Sleepy Time Tales, as it’s intended as a refuge and respite, but I do want to acknowledge that for me, and many others, it’s been a rough year. Alt…

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Christmas Present to the Future 38:48

7M ago38:48

38:48

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Christmas Present to the Future We pick up for this year’s continuation of A Christmas Carol as Scrooge’s time with the Ghost of Christmas Present starts to come to a close, and things take a dark turn. The Ghost of Christmas Future is here, and its somewhat macabre as we learn about a mysterious deceased pers…

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Santa Claus and Select Christmas Stories for Bedtime 45:09

7M ago45:09

45:09

Santa Claus and Select Christmas Stories for Bedtime For this holiday reading we return to the traditional reading of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum to help you sleep. As you doze off he learns how to deal with chimneys disappearing, and he becomes immortal. And the story ends early, so there are a selection of short storie…

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Bellarion the Fortunate : A Romance by Rafael Sabatini 35:22

7M ago35:22

35:22

Bellarion the Fortunate : A Romance by Rafael Sabatini In this week’s sleepy bedtime story we pick up at an exciting time as our protagonist is struggling to escape from authorities after him for a crime he didn’t commit. Bellarion gets away and gets discovered by a noble woman who sees fit to help him, but what are her motivations? Story (02:52) F…

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Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson 36:59

7M ago36:59

36:59

Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson A new pastoral work for your enjoyment and bedtime consideration as we read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature. A tour de force of language and insight into the beauty of the natural world. It is a gorgeous read, but I did struggle to stay awake reading it, so I predict a good night’s sleep for you! Story (03:07) Find Nature…

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Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery – Part 3 – Anne’s History 37:40

8M ago37:40

37:40

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery – Part 3 – Anne’s History We pick up the sleepy story as Marilla takes our enthusiastic your protagonist to find out how they ended up with a girl instead of a boy. The mystery gets solved, plus there’s an opportunity to send Anne to another family who want a girl. But Marilla doesn’t like the woman and deci…

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The Dark Ages, 476-918 by Charles Oman – Part 4 38:09

8M ago38:09

38:09

For our 300th episode we return to the ‘Dark Ages’ by learning of the reign of Emperor Anastasius in the Eastern Roman Empire, his death and the trying times that followed. We then move West and learn about the rise of the warlike Franks. Does this all sound interesting? Maybe but the well I tell it you will fall asleep soon enough Story (02:27) Fi…

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The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 38:33

8M ago38:33

38:33

The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley We pick up after a tense moment when there was an attempted kidnapping, and move soon enough to political manoeuvring. This one is plenty boring as the protagonist and his friends try get someone to run to be the new leader of England and things don’t go according to plan. Story (02:45) Find The Last Man …

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Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney 36:44

8M ago36:44

36:44

Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney This week’s episode picks up learning about the town of Oxford and its various colleges. Learn the histories and traditions of the many education institutions and you may be asleep before we climb back on the train and move off to other industrial cities along the railway line. Story (02:54) (01:33) Find Rides on …

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Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt 38:53

8M ago38:53

38:53

This week we continue our bedtime exploration of the domestic lives of various birds. While you drift off to sleep you will be regaled with stories about swallow migrations, goldfinches and many other delightful birds. Be waned that there is some slightly sad stuff here as nature can be rough. Story (02:43) Find Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt…

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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – The ‘Truth’ about Gatsby 38:52

9M ago38:52

38:52

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – The ‘Truth’ about Gatsby For this week’s bedtime storyu we pick up at the end of one of Gatsby’s legendary parties which finishes off with a (minor) car accident. We learn more about Nick Carraway’s life as you drift off to sleep and Gatsby tells Nick about his life, although is any of it true? We may learn…

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On Greeks and Persians - The Book of the Ancient Greeks 34:32

9M ago34:32

34:32

In this week’s sleep time non-fiction, we learn about the activities of the Persian emperor Darius with the Greek States of Asia Minor. And as you drift off on your restful night he will turn his eyes to the European Greek states and Athens. Learn about he battle of Marathon, to which the Spartans showed up nearly a week late, Darius’ failure and t…

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An Interesting Gathering - Night and Day by Virginia Woolf 37:31

9M ago37:31

37:31

We pick up in the middle of a conversation between Ralph Denham and Mary Datchet as they await the evening’s entertainment. A presentation and discussion of English literature! But if you stay awake through that you will find some prickly interpersonal relationships and uncomfortable conversations. Is romance in the air? Or something unhealthier? Y…

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Finding the Fakes - Old Glass and How to Collect it by J. Sydney Lewis 38:34

9M ago38:34

38:34

Finding the Fakes - Old Glass and How to Collect it by J. Sydney Lewis In the final reading from this popular guide we are going to explore what to look for when looking to collect old glass, and the philosophy of building a quality collection. This will truly help you sleep as there’s nothing exciting, yet it is strangely compelling. Story (02:59)…

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Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne – Pt 3 – All at sea! 40:19

10M ago40:19

40:19

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne – Pt 3 – All at sea! We pick up part way through the hunt for the mysterious ‘whale’ and things get serious. I try not to let it get too exciting at he Abraham Lincoln gives chase, to end with the protagonist getting washed off the ship! All works out so far though as he drifts on the ocean as yo…

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Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions - Fallout of the South Sea Bubble 40:22

10M ago40:22

40:22

Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions - Fallout of the South Sea Bubble This week we return to the bizarre economic bubble that rose up around the opening of the South Sea trade, based on fraudulent claims of treaties and access it was ultimately a method for some people to get very rich, then very poor. And while it reflects modern society in…

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Colin learns the Truth 42:01

10M ago42:01

42:01

For this week’s bedtime story we pick up after Colin’s tantrum and Mary gets him to settle down and fall asleep. The staff in the Manor are mystified at Colin’s relatively good health and humour and Mary and Dickon decide that they can tell Colin about the garden and prepare to take him there. Story (02:47) Find The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson…

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The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton Pt 07 36:14

10M ago36:14

36:14

The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton 07 This geological work is popular with the listeners as the life of rivers and rocks is the idea background for a sleepy night. Listen in as the role of rivers in erosion and geology gets expanded on, we learn more than we ever need to know about glaciers, and find ourselves drifting to the sea, fas…

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The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World by Duchess Margaret Cavendish 37:49

11M ago37:49

37:49

The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World by Duchess Margaret Cavendish I got a fright when reading this section this week. If Jewish people get mentioned in works this age it’s usually a bad thing, but I stuck with it and I felt it was quite respectful as the Empress of the Blazing World summons the spirits and asks them to teach he…

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On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin 39:26

11M ago39:26

39:26

On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin A very boring reading for your sleep tonight as we continue with “On the Origin of Species” Learn in fine detail how evolution works to fill niches in a habitat while I describe diagrams to you. This one really should help you get a night’s rest. Story (02:55) Find On the Orig…

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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Episode 11 42:35

11M ago42:35

42:35

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott For bedtime this week we pick up the story of Little Women. Last episode the March family received a telegram informing them that their father was sick, so it starts out as they prepare for Mother to go see him. Lots of bustling and preparation will help you get to sleep. But be warned that a baby does sadly succum…

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REPOST: Woman's Work in Music by Arthur Elson 37:27

11M ago37:27

37:27

*Hey friends, hopefully this is the last of my reposts as life settles down from an unexpected move, enjoy this one from the achives* Welcome to our latest podcast for those who struggle with insomnia or simply need a calming and relaxing activity before drifting off to dreamland. In today's episode of "Soothing Bedtime Stories," we feature some of…

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REPOST: Birds and their nests by Mary Howitt 36:36

11M ago36:36

36:36

REPOST: Birds and their nests by Mary Howitt *Hey all, I’m super busy with a move so nothing fresh for you this week, for which I’m sorry, but I won’t leave you sleepless, so here’s this lovely introduction to Birds and Their Nests which has been popular with listeners Next week will probably also be a repost as I get settled in and wait for intern…