Drift Off - Bedtime Stories for Adults

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight, I'm sharing The Ploughman and the Gnome, a charming tale filled with old-world folklore and a little touch of magic. Originally aired on January 16, 2025, this bedtime story is making its return to the regular Drift Off podcast feed.

Step away from the busyness of the day and settle into a world where ordinary life meets the unexpected. With its traditional fairytale charm and g...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off Premium info & more:
https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Tonight, we're returning to Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, an episode that first aired on February 14, 2023.

Set in the romantic city of Verona, this timeless tale of love, fate, and two feuding families has captivated audiences for centuries. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or returning to this familiar classic, I hope tonight's storytelling brings you a little peace and comfort as you settle in for the night.

So get cozy, relax...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off Premium info & more:
https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Tonight, enjoy a short preview of The Seller of Dreams, a dreamy tale from the Drift Off Premium collection.

Settle in and enjoy a little taste of this enchanting bedtime story before drifting off for the night.

The complete episode is available exclusively on Drift Off Premium, where you can enjoy the full story along with fresh new bedtime episodes every Tuesday and Thursday—all ad-free.

If you’d like to continue listening, you...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is Chapter 9 of The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, calmly narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift off to sleep. Whether you're rediscovering this timeless classic or experiencing it for the first time, I hope this peaceful audiobook narration becomes a comforting part of your bedtime routine.

So settle in, get comfortable, and let tonight's soothing narration carry you gently t...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off Premium info & more:
https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Tonight, we drift back to A Tale for Halloween by Loretta Ellen Brady, a whimsical story first published in 1920.

Filled with the playful magic and enchantment of Halloween, this lighthearted tale is a lovely one to curl up with on an autumn night. So get cozy beneath the covers, settle in, and let the storytelling carry you away.

After the story, stay with me for a brief relaxation to help you unwind and ease gently...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight, escape to an enchanting castle and settle in for a collection of cozy princess tales accompanied by the gentle sound of falling rain.

Tonight’s stories include Prince Hyacinth and the Dear Little Princess, The Princess of Canterbury, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses—three charming tales filled with princesses, faraway kingdoms, and a touch of fairy-tale magic.

Let the soothing rain and s...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off Premium info & more:
https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Tonight, we drift back to The Story of Pretty Goldilocks by Madame d’Aulnoy, an enchanting old fairy tale later collected by Andrew Lang in The Blue Fairy Book.

This charming tale takes us into a world of kings and princesses, impossible tasks, unexpected helpers, and a little fairy-tale magic along the way.

Whether you’re returning to this story or discovering it for the first time, get cozy beneath the covers, settle in, and allo...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is Chapter 8 of The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, calmly narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift off to sleep. Whether you're rediscovering this timeless classic or experiencing it for the first time, I hope this peaceful audiobook narration becomes a comforting part of your bedtime routine.

So settle in, get comfortable, and let tonight's soothing narration carry you gently t...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off Premium info & more:
https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Tonight, we drift back to The Werewolf, a Swedish folktale from The Swedish Fairy Book, published in 1921.

Despite its title, this isn’t a frightening tale. It’s an old-fashioned fairy tale about a young princess, a devious stepmother, and the unexpected journey that unfolds when magic enters their lives.

So get cozy, settle beneath the covers, and allow this enchanting Swedish folktale to carry you away as you wind down for the night.

Sw...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off premium info & more: https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Hello, my sleepy friend.

Tonight, we're returning to the quiet beauty of Japan with two enchanting folktales: Reflections and The Star Lovers. Passed down through generations, each story offers its own gentle wisdom, weaving together themes of love, longing, wonder, and the quiet mysteries of the natural world.

We'll begin with a short settling-in relaxation before drifting into the storytelling, so you can fully unwind and leave the day behind.

I hope these timeless...

Visit my website for sleep audiobooks, Drift Off Premium info & more:
https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Tonight, we drift back to Ripple the Water Spirit, a beautiful and tender Flower Fable by Louisa May Alcott.

This enchanting tale follows Ripple, a kind-hearted water spirit who sets out on a journey to help a grieving mother and her young child. Along the way, she must seek the help of the Fire Spirits and persuade them to share the warmth of their flame. It’s a gentle fairy tale filled with compassion, courage, and a li...

🌙 Get the complete Heidi: Bedtime Edition audiobook: https://joanne-nmq-shop.fourthwall.com/products/heidi-bedtime-edition

Tonight, I’m sharing a little bedtime preview of Heidi by Johanna Spyri. Settle in and enjoy the first 10 minutes of Chapter One as we begin Heidi’s journey into the beautiful Swiss Alps.

If you’d like to keep listening, I recently finished narrating the complete story in early August, and the chapter episodes are waiting for you in the Premium archives. You can become a Premium listener and enjoy Heidi chapter by chapter, along with all...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is Chapter 7 of The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, calmly narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift off to sleep. Whether you're rediscovering this timeless classic or experiencing it for the first time, I hope this peaceful audiobook narration becomes a comforting part of your bedtime routine.

So settle in, get comfortable, and let tonight's soothing narration carry you gently t...

Sleep Audiobooks: Listen anytime and keep them forever → Browse my audiobook collection

Tonight’s story is The Magic Brocade, a traditional Chinese tale retold by Aaron Shepard.

Settle in and journey into a world of wonder as we follow a mother and her sons through a tale of a beautiful brocade, an unexpected adventure, and just a little bit of magic. With its timeless folktale quality and imaginative storytelling, this is a lovely story to help you leave the day behind, quiet your thoughts, and ease gently toward sleep.

So get comf...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight’s story is Green Willow, a beautiful Japanese folktale that was first shared with my Premium listeners back in April 2024, and tonight I’m happy to be sharing it with you here on the regular Drift Off podcast.

This gentle old tale weaves together love, nature, and a touch of the mysterious, carrying us into a world of quiet beauty and Japanese folklore. Its d...

Sleep Audiobooks: Listen anytime and keep them forever → Browse my audiobook collection

Tonight, we’re drifting back to A Fortunate Mistake by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a charming old-fashioned tale from the beloved author of Anne of Green Gables.

Settle in and enjoy this gentle story of an unexpected encounter and the surprising turn of events that follows. With Montgomery’s warm storytelling and a touch of humor, it’s a lovely little tale to curl up with at the end of the day and let your thoughts slowly grow quiet.

So get comf...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is Chapter 6 of The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, calmly narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift off to sleep. Whether you're rediscovering this timeless classic or experiencing it for the first time, I hope this peaceful audiobook narration becomes a comforting part of your bedtime routine.

So settle in, get comfortable, and let tonight's soothing narration carry you gently t...

Sleep Audiobooks: Listen anytime and keep them forever → Browse my audiobook collection

Tonight, we’re drifting back to The Palace of the Night by Henry Beston, a beautifully imaginative tale filled with the quiet wonder and mystery of nighttime.

Settle in and allow yourself to be carried into a dreamlike world beneath the night sky, where the darkness feels peaceful and magical and the worries of the day can begin to fade away. With its gentle storytelling and enchanting atmosphere, this is a lovely tale for quieting a busy mind and easing yourself towa...

UPDATE: The wrong audio file was originally attached to this episode. This has now been corrected — the audio you’re now listening to is the intended episode. 

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight’s story, The Kite That Went to the Moon and Back by Evelyn Sharp, was first shared with my Premium listeners back in 2024, and tonight I’m happy to be sharing it with you here on th...

Sleep Audiobooks: Listen anytime and keep them forever → Browse my audiobook collection

Tonight’s story is Briar Rose, the beloved fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, better known to many of us as Sleeping Beauty. 

Settle in as we journey into a faraway kingdom of castles, enchantments, a beautiful princess, and a palace hidden behind a wall of thorns. With its timeless fairy-tale atmosphere and dreamlike quality, Briar Rose is a lovely story to leave the day behind with and gently ease into a peaceful night’s sleep.

For a little extra t...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is Chapter 5 of The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, calmly narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift off to sleep. Whether you're rediscovering this timeless classic or experiencing it for the first time, I hope this peaceful audiobook narration becomes a comforting part of your bedtime routine.

So settle in, get comfortable, and let tonight's soothing narration carry you gently t...

 Visit my website: https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Every Sunday evening, I unlock a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to The Adventures of Florian by Henry Beston, first shared here in 2021. This charming tale carries us on a gentle journey filled with imagination, quiet wonder, and the timeless magic of classic storytelling—perfect for ending your weekend on a p...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight, I'm sharing a special preview from Drift Off Premium.

This is the first 10 minutes of Miss Calista's Peppermint Bottle by Lucy Maud Montgomery. If you'd like to continue listening, simply subscribe to Drift Off Premium to enjoy the complete two-part story, along with the full premium library and fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday and Thursday.

I hope you enjoy this l...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is The Palace on the Floor by Evelyn Sharp, a charming classic fairy tale gently narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift peacefully to sleep.

With its delightful imagination, quiet enchantment, and timeless storytelling, The Palace on the Floor invites us into a magical world where extraordinary adventures can unfold in the most unexpected places. Evelyn Sharp's graceful writing creates t...

 Visit my website: https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Every Sunday evening, I unlock a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to The Enchanted Elm by Henry Beston, first shared here in 2021. This quiet and enchanting tale invites us beneath the sheltering branches of an ancient elm, where gentle storytelling and a touch of wonder create the perfect atmosphere for d...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is Chapter 4 of The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, calmly narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift off to sleep. Whether you're rediscovering this timeless classic or experiencing it for the first time, I hope this peaceful audiobook narration becomes a comforting part of your bedtime routine.

As Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis continue adjusting to life in the countryside, they f...

 Visit my website: https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Every Sunday evening, I unlock a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to The Queen of Lantern Land by Henry Beston, first shared here in 2021. This enchanting tale invites us into a world of quiet wonder, glowing lanterns, and gentle imagination, making it the perfect story to accompany you as another w...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight's bedtime story is The Enchanted Baby by Henry Beston, originally released on Drift Off Premium in February 2024 and now shared with all listeners on the regular podcast. This enchanting classic short story is gently narrated to help you relax, unwind, and drift peacefully to sleep.

Filled with quiet wonder, gentle imagination, and the timeless charm of Henry Beston's storytelling, The Enchanted Baby offers a...

 Visit my website: https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Every Sunday evening, I unlock a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to Marianna by Henry Beston, first shared here in October 2021. This gentle and beautifully written tale invites us into a peaceful world where quiet moments and graceful storytelling make it the perfect companion for a restful evening.

A...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight, we continue our journey through the beloved classic The Railway Children by E. Nesbit with Chapter 3.

As the three children continue settling into their new life in the countryside, they discover fresh adventures, unexpected moments of kindness, and the simple joys of the world around them. E. Nesbit's warm storytelling and memorable characters make this timeless classic the perfect companion for a peaceful e...

 Visit my website: https://www.driftoffpodcast.com/

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Every Sunday evening, I unlock a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to The Moon Maiden, a gentle fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, first shared here in September 2021. Filled with quiet wonder, moonlit beauty, and Andersen's timeless storytelling, it's the perfect companion for a peaceful evening.

As the story u...

Join Drift Off Premium for fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday & Thursday.  Subscribe on the Drift Off show page in Apple Podcasts or through Supercast: https://driftoff.supercast.com/

Tonight, I'm sharing a special preview from Drift Off Premium.

This is the first 10 minutes of Part 1 of The Golden Key by George Macdonald. If you'd like to continue listening, simply subscribe to Drift Off Premium to enjoy the complete two-part story, along with the full premium library and fresh new bedtime stories every Tuesday and Thursday.

I hope you enjoy this l...

Tonight's story is the magical tale Somebody Else's Prince by Evelyn Sharp. This enchanting fairy tale invites us to journey into realms beyond our own, where princes and adventures are never quite as they seem. 

As we embark on this sleepy journey together, let the soothing narration carry you gently to a land of peaceful dreams. I hope you enjoy tonight's bedtime story. So snuggle up, lay back, relax, and enjoy the story.

Sweet dreams!

Your friend,

Joanne

This podcast is 100% listener-supported, completely ad-free, and made possible by wonderful l...

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Every Sunday evening, I unlock a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we settle in with a gentle old classic: Princess Rosette. Written by Madame d'Aulnoy in 1697, this lovely French fairytale unfolds slowly, with soft, dreamlike imagery perfectly suited to easing you toward sleep.

As we follow Princess Rosette's quiet adventures, the story's gentle rhythm will help calm a busy mind...

Welcome back sleepy listeners!  Tonight we will continue with Chapter 2 from the beloved classic, "The Railway Children" by E. Nesbit. So go ahead and settle in, close your eyes, and let the soothing narration transport you to a world of wonder and timeless enchantment. 

Sweet dreams dear listeners!
Joanne

Music in this episode is 'Freeform' by Rannar Sillard via Epidemic Sound

This podcast is 100% listener-supported, completely ad-free, and made possible by wonderful listeners like you. Thank you!

If you'd like even more relaxing stories throughout the week, Drift Off Premium in...

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Starting tonight, and every Sunday evening moving forward, I am unlocking a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to an incredibly meaningful classic from the vault: The City Under the Sea by Henry Beston. This magical story holds a very special place in my heart, as it was my very first episode, originally published on January 28, 2021. It marks the beautiful...

Tonight we embark on a journey into the pages of Andrew Lang's Olive Fairy Book to discover the whimsical Indian Tale called Dorani. 

We begin our journey with a short little relaxation to help you settle in followed by the story narration. The soft background melody will continue for a short while after the story ends and then it too will fade away. 

I really enjoyed reading this whimsical tale and I hope you enjoy it as well! 

Sweet dreams my friend! Sleep well! 
Joanne 

This podcast is 100% liste...

Hello, sleepy listeners, and welcome.

WELCOME TO DRIFT BACK SUNDAY

Starting tonight, and every Sunday evening moving forward, I am unlocking a favorite classic journey from my archive to help you release the thoughts of the weekend and ease into the new week.

TONIGHT'S STORY

Tonight, we drift back to a deeply relaxing classic from the vault: What the Moon Saw. This unique tale is filled with peaceful imagery designed to wash away any lingering stress and carry you gently into a restful night's sleep.

In this episode, I...

Hello sleepy listeners & welcome!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Starting this weekend, I am launching Drift Back Sundays! Every Sunday night, I will unlock a favorite cozy classic from my archive to help you ease into the workweek. Keep an eye on your feed this Sunday for a beloved favorite!

Tonight, we begin the timeless classic The Railway Children by E. Nesbit.

This beloved story follows three siblings whose comfortable lives are suddenly turned upside down, leading them to a quiet cottage in the countryside where unexpected friendships, small adventures, and acts of kindness...

Settle in for a gentle, unhurried reading of Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic story of the Ingalls family enduring a brutal winter of blizzards and scarcity in their small Dakota Territory town. Follow along as the family holds fast together through the hardship — perfect for winding down and drifting off to sleep. 

Historical Context Note: This classic story from the late 1800s reflects the cultural perspectives, terminology, and survival practices of the era in which it was written. Some of these vintage elements do not align with modern values and may be uncomfortable for some audiences. We present thi...