Best David Couto Sleepy Time Tales Podcasts (2024)

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Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt 38:54

2d ago38:54

38:54

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 38:53

9d ago38:53

38:53

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…

1
On Greeks and Persians - The Book of the Ancient Greeks 34:33

18d ago34:33

34:33

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…

1
An Interesting Gathering - Night and Day by Virginia Woolf 37:32

23d ago37:32

37:32

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…

1
Finding the Fakes - Old Glass and How to Collect it by J. Sydney Lewis 38:35

1M ago38:35

38:35

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)…

1
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne – Pt 3 – All at sea! 40:20

1M ago40:20

40:20

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…

1
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions - Fallout of the South Sea Bubble 40:23

1M ago40:23

40:23

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…

1
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Colin learns the Truth 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

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 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

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…

1
The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World by Duchess Margaret Cavendish 37:50

2M ago37:50

37:50

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…

1
On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

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 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

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…

1
REPOST: Woman's Work in Music by Arthur Elson 37:28

3M ago37:28

37:28

*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 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

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…

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A History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture 35:39

3M ago35:39

35:39

A History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture As you get ready to sleep tonight, find yourself engrossed in the stories of some of the great Florentine master of renaissance art. We pick up the story of the great Leonardo Da Vinci and he moves from patron to patron. Then as you doze off in your bed we move on to the…

1
A Mysterious Tale for Bedtime The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris 38:13

4M ago38:13

38:13

A Mysterious Tale for Bedtime The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris In this week's episode of "Sleepy Time Tales," close your eyes and listen along to the tale of Golden Walter as he travels across the mysterious new world and encounters a strange Dwarf, a beautiful maiden with whom he promptly falls in love and the beautiful and intimidating…

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Sleep time - Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by David P. Todd – Telescopes, Spectrographs and Altitude 36:41

4M ago36:41

36:41

Sleep time - Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by David P. Todd – Telescopes, Spectrographs and Altitude In this week's episode of "Sleepy Time Tales," we dive into the mesmerizing world of astronomy with a soothing exploration of "Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies" by David P. Todd. We'll discuss the invaluable role of the …

1
The Republic by Plato - Sleepy Philosophy 40:36

4M ago40:36

40:36

The Republic by Plato 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…

1
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 37:58

4M ago37:58

37:58

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen For this week’s bedtime story for all ages, drift off to sleep amidst tales of romantic shenanigans, manipulation, and gossip from the world of Jane Austen. Join us as we recount the latest entanglements in Meryton: Jane's romance seems doomed, Lizzy's cousin shifts his attention to a neighbor, and Mrs. Bennet is …

1
Bedtime Philosophy to help You Sleep - Stories for all ages 39:04

5M ago39:04

39:04

The ethics of rhetoric by Richard M. Weaver Ever wondered about the differences between rhetoric and dialectic? Or the moral obligations of the rhetorician? Probably not, and I’m not sure if you will learn anything here because this is truly the most boring thing to read to you at bed time. I make very few guarantees, but this *will* help you sleep…

1
Bellarion the Fortunate – Historical Adventures to Help You Sleep 41:04

5M ago41:04

41:04

Bellarion the Fortunate – Historical Adventures to Help You Sleep We pick up out classic bedtime tale as Bellarion and the strange friar accept the hospitality of a family of peasants. The friar nearly leaves Bellarion behind and his strange behaviour becomes stranger until they get a ride with some mules. After lunch, and hopefully after you’ve fa…

1
A Series of Letters to Help You Sleep 41:24

5M ago41:24

41:24

A Series of Letters to Help You Sleep Elizabeth Montagu was a power player in politics and women’s suffrage later in life, and her earlier letters are a fascinating insight into the precocious mind and attitudes of a woman of her day. But if like me the appeal of gossip is limited, I’m sure this will help you fall asleep. Story (03:04) Find Elizabe…

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Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery – Heartbreak and Hope at Bedtime 43:27

5M ago43:27

43:27

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery – Heartbreak and Hope at Bedtime We return to this popular classic bedtime story as Matthew Cuthbert is bringing home his unexpected new family member. While he was expecting a boy for manual labour he finds himself charmed by the lively and gregarious Anne. But as you start to fall asleep, they get to Green…

1
The Dark Ages - A Sleepy History 39:26

6M ago39:26

39:26

The Dark Ages, 476-918 by Charles Oman – The Eastern Emperors This week’s sleepy episode sees us return to the ‘dark ages.’ When the mighty Roman Empire split in half the western half, the part actually based in Italy, was ruled by a succession of barbarian kings. But in the East, based in Constantinople, the empire was ruled by a number of Emperor…

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The Sword of Welleran and Other Stories by Lord Dunsany – The Fall of Babbelkund 39:53

6M ago39:53

39:53

The Sword of Welleran and Other Stories by Lord Dunsany – The Fall of Babbelkund Lord Dunsany can be relied on for something whimsical and mystical, and this week’s reading of The Fall of Babbelkund, an ancient and wondrous city. As you try to doze off the protagonist meets several people telling of the wonders and mysteries of the city carved from…

1
Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney - A Tour To Help You Sleep 38:04

6M ago38:04

38:04

Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney - A Tour To Help You Sleep Hop aboard for a soothing journey from the bustling town of Woburn to the historic spires of Oxford in this special episode of our podcast. We'll be taking a leisurely ride on the railways, exploring the picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the way. But beware, dear listeners!…

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The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 38:13

6M ago38:13

38:13

The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley I was worried picking what was supposedly the first post apocalyptic novel for this podcast, but it’s taking forever to get there and we pick up this week with out protagonist returning home with his sick friend, and a budding romance with the distractingly named young woman Idris. But Idris and Adrian’s …

1
Birds and their nests by Mary Howitt – Nightingales, Larks and More Oh My! 38:37

6M ago38:37

38:37

Birds and their nests by Mary Howitt – Nightingales, Larks and More Oh My! We pick up with this listener favourite and learn the mating and nesting habits of several birds, including beloved songbirds like Nightingales, Skylarks and more. We learn how they migrate, about attempts to introduce some of the birds to new areas and the parenting habits …

1
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Pt 03 – Sleepy Stories of Parties and Scandal 41:59

7M ago41:59

41:59

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Pt 03 – Sleepy Stories of Parties and Scandal This week’s bedtime story for all ages picks up with our protagonist at a party at the house of his cousin’s husband’s mistress, and it is every bit as awkward as you expect. The story then moves to another party that’s awkward in its own way as he receives an inv…

1
The book of the ancient Greeks by Dorothy Mills – Part 06. Athens and the Greek Colonies 37:40

7M ago37:40

37:40

The book of the ancient Greeks by Dorothy Mills – Part 06. Athens and the Greek Colonies We pick up in this week’s boring episode with Solon establishing the new rules of what we might call democracy in Athens, the resistance to the new way and the founding of the Greek colonies in Asia Minor. It’s a fascinating period of history, but as always I’m…

1
Night and Day by Virginia Woolf 39:42

7M ago39:42

39:42

Night and Day by Virginia Woolf This is a meditative reading from Viginia Woolf’s classic novel at Katharine Hilbery and her mother are going through the process of compiling the letters and information for the biography of their great ancestor. We learn a lot about the family, but I’m sure I won’t keep you awake as we discuss Katheirne’s methods f…

1
Old Glass and How to Collect it by J. Sydney Lewis 36:46

7M ago36:46

36:46

Old Glass and How to Collect it by J. Sydney Lewis We return to the popular non-fiction work, Old Glass and How to Collect it by J. Sydney Lewis which is just the recipe to help you sleep. We pick up learning about the glass produced in Ireland, the taxes and levies that wiped out the Irish glass industry, then move on to learning about novelty gla…

1
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne 39:02

8M ago39:02

39:02

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne We continue this classic adventure on the frigate Abraham Lincoln as it passes from the Atlantic through the Straits of Magellan and into the Pacific Ocean. As we meet legendary harpooner Ned Land the ship searches for the mysterious and dangerous ‘Narwal’ only to find nothing. The ocean shows kn…

1
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions by Charles Mackay 40:03

8M ago40:03

40:03

Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions by Charles Mackay We pick up this week learning about how private enterprise came up with the plan to save the English economy by exploiting the new frontiers of South America through forming the South Sea Company in 1711. Driven by the promise of ships full of gold coming from the native tribes of the New…

1
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 40:10

8M ago40:10

40:10

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett In this sleepy time reading of The Secret Garden we pick up with Dickon and Mary in the garden, deciding whether poor Colin will be helped by some fresh air and sunshine. They decide to try persuade him to come out with them, but events take a turn when she’s too busy to visit Colin and the two of them h…

1
The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton 41:10

8M ago41:10

41:10

The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton For this week’s sleepy story we return to the popular Elements of Geology. Learning about the formation of rivers valleys and geological deposits will definitely not keep your attention as you lie down to sleep. I recorded this yesterday and I can barely remember the specifics, but learn about how de…

1
The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World 39:05

9M ago39:05

39:05

Discussions With Spirits And Worms Will Help You Sleep The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World by The Duchess of Newcastle This novel is supposedly one of the first science fiction novels, and it’s certainly an artifact of its time, even if not exactly a rollicking story. The Empress, from out world, is still investigating the natu…

1
The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin 39:00

9M ago39:00

39:00

The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin You’re sure to sleep with this week’s reading of Darwin’s colossal work. We really get into the weeds of how plants are constructed to aid pollination, speculating about the rarity of hermaphroditism and the potential downfalls of it. And even more minute and exhausting details. …

1
Joy and Fear in Little Women 39:21

9M ago39:21

39:21

Joy and Fear in Little Women Little Women by Louisa May Alcott In this weeks bedtime story, Jo March gets good news as two of her stories are published in the local paper. There is much joy and excitement as they plan their futures and Jo looks forward to being able to support her family. But their father’s overdue letter is replaced by an ominous …

1
The History of Italian Masters will Help You Sleep 39:38

9M ago39:38

39:38

The History of Italian Masters will Help You Sleep A History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture Indulge in a tranquil journey through the captivating annals of Italian art with tonight's podcast episode, offering a soothing exploration of Giotto's family history and culminating in the triumphant achievements of Leo…

1
Mysterious Strangers and Bear Men Will Carry You To Sleep 39:57

10M ago39:57

39:57

Mysterious Strangers and Bear Men Will Carry You To Sleep The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris In tonight’s story intended to help you sleep Golden Walther continues his voyage after leaving his unfaithful wife in search of mystery. We ended last time with him lost in a storm, but now the storm has abated, and they’ve seen land. They get to …

1
Fall Asleep Learning About Spectroscopy and Nebulae 38:18

10M ago38:18

38:18

Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by David P. Todd This is a relaxing but fascinating read. As an astronomy book published in 1922 it’s fascinating how much was know about the Universe, but while they had discovered galaxies they still believed they were a type of nebula and were still theorising about what they were. But learn about ho…

1
Dancing and Proposals in Pride and Prejudice 39:04

10M ago39:04

39:04

Dancing and Proposals in Pride and Prejudice Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen We pick up for tonight's bedtime story where we left off in the middle of a ball, and continue with the shenanigans around Lizzy Bennett being proposed to by her insufferable cousin. Mr Collins won’t take no for an answer at first, but ultimately realises that Elizabeth…

1
Plato’s Republic. A discussion of the Just and Unjust will help you sleep. 38:14

10M ago38:14

38:14

The Republic by Plato We return again to the rhetoric and philosophy of Plato and pick up where we left off. In the long winded and rather boring discussion of justice and injustice, the just and the unjust and which is better for society. It’s full of confusing, circular arguments and very boring, so I’m sure this will help you sleep. Story (02:55…

1
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 38:48

10M ago38:48

38:48

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens We pick up on this year’s bedtime edition of A Christmas Carol with Scrooge in the company of the Ghost of Christmas Present and watching the festive activities of the Cratchit family. Scrooge finds his heart-strings tugged by the plight of Tiny Tim, and then finds himself flying to observe many other poor folks…

1
Stories of Santa will help you sleep 40:02

11M ago40:02

40:02

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum We continue L Frank Baum’s fables of the beginnings of Santa Claus and Christmas traditions. In this episode we learn the origins of Christmas stockings, the Christmas tree and how Santa became immortal. A charming yet relaxing background to help you sleep. Story (02:45) SleepPhones, our perfe…

1
Exploring the Ethics of Rhetoric will Help you Sleep 37:17

11M ago37:17

37:17

The ethics of rhetoric by Richard M. Weaver An exploration of the ethics of using techniques of rhetoric to influence others. It’s a real web of language and frankly, I don’t know what I read in any of this. It will definitely help you fall asleep. Story (02:55) SleepPhones, our perfect partnership In our experience the best way to experience the b…

1
Historical Fiction for your bedtime – Bellarion the Fortunate 40:34

11M ago40:34

40:34

Embark on a tranquil journey with our soothing podcast, where we delve into the pages of a timeless historical novel. Join our protagonist as he ventures beyond the monastery of his upbringing, seeking knowledge and wisdom. A brief detour leads him into the serene embrace of a forest, where an unexpected encounter with a wandering friar unfolds. Ye…

1
Letter Readings are perfect to help you sleep 42:36

11M ago42:36

42:36

Elizabeth Montagu, the queen of the bluestockings, Volumes 1 and 2 The Blue Stockings were a women’s social and intellectual club of sorts founded in the mid 18th Century and the history of them is quite interesting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Stockings_Society But for now the letters of the young Elizabeth give an interesting insight into …

1
A Surprising Meeting in Anne of Green Gables will help you sleep 46:19

12M ago46:19

46:19

In this new selection we learn of many of the people I’m sure we’ll get to know in Anne of Green Gables. It’s a strange story, apparently people just used to bring orphans home to bring up and put to work? But it doesn’t seem sinister, just odd, so it won’t stress you out and prevent you from falling asleep as we meet the varied cast of characters.…

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David Couto Sleepy Time Tales Podcasts

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