Insomnia Project | Calm Conversations to Help You Sleep

Welcome to The Insomnia Project, the sleep podcast where nothing happens… so you can listen and sleep. Join hosts Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker for a calm, meandering conversation about home intercoms, dumbwaiters, and the things houses used to have that have quietly disappeared. Settle in, relax, and let the conversation wander wherever it happens to go.

Remember when some homes had intercoms on the wall, or a dumbwaiter tucked between floors? Marco and Amanda take a nostalgic stroll through the household features that were once part of everyday life and aren’t really around much anymore. Alon...

Welcome to The Insomnia Project, the sleep podcast where nothing happens… so you can listen and sleep. Join hosts Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker for a calm, meandering conversation about demitasse cups, Bond villains, and the surprisingly villainous task of buying wedding china. Settle in, relax, and let the conversation wander wherever it happens to go.

This episode starts with two unlikely companions: tiny coffee cups and villains. Amanda reveals her ambition to be a Bond villain, while Marco sets the record straight on what exactly a demitasse is. From there, the conversation drifts into the world of...

Rivers, Blue Herons & Lou Diamond Phillips | Sleep Podcast

In this sleep podcast episode of The Insomnia Project, Amanda and Marco settle into a slow, meandering conversation designed to help you relax and fall asleep. If your thoughts tend to wander like a slow river at bedtime, you're in good company.

In this episode:

To kick off Season 12, Amanda and Marco talk about rivers around the world: the Saint John, the Thames, the Seine, the Po, the St. Lawrence and the mighty Murray. They also cover blue herons, the Merlin bird ID app, the...

🌧️ Rainy Days, Lazy Rivers & Bird Talk | The Insomnia Project (Season 5 Repeat)

The Insomnia Project is a relaxing sleep podcast made for anyone who needs help drifting off — whether you're battling insomnia, winding down after a long day, or just looking for a calm, low-stakes conversation to relax to. This episode is a Season 5 repeat, pulled from the archive while we're on a short hiatus, and it feels like the perfect one to bring back: it's raining outside as we post this, and this episode was born from exactly that kind of gentle, pitter-patter afternoon.

Marco and Ama...

Looking for a relaxing sleep podcast with calm conversation to help you unwind or drift toward sleep? We're currently on hiatus, but with the recent passing of the legendary Dolly Parton, we wanted to re-air this gentle, appreciative conversation about her life and legacy — not with sadness, but with gratitude for everything she gave us. In this episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco welcomes special guest Shannon McDonough, a devoted Dolly fan, for a warm look back at a true icon.

Dolly once said, "Find out who you are and do it on purpose," and that spirit ru...

The Insomnia Project is the sleep podcast made for the moments between wide awake and drifting off. If you're here to relax, unwind, and finally fall asleep, you've found your people. This episode closes out season 11 with a conversation that's easy, warm, and just a little indulgent, perfect for a slow wind down before bed.

Marco and Amanda start with cappuccinos and somehow end up in Disney territory, tracing the strange and cozy overlap between the two. The chat wanders the way it always does, from foam and espresso to theme parks and childhood favourites, landing on...

Welcome back to The Insomnia Project, the sleep podcast made for anyone who's ever stared at the ceiling at 2am wishing someone would just talk them to sleep. If you're here to fall asleep, relax, or quiet a racing mind after a long day, you're in exactly the right place — Amanda and Marco are back with the penultimate episode of the season, and it's a slow, cozy one.

This time the conversation starts small: what a perfect rainy day weekend actually looks like, and whether it's better spent doing absolutely nothing or puttering around the house. From th...

On today's episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco and Amanda settle into the kind of meandering, low-stakes chat that makes the perfect sleep podcast — the sort of gentle background noise that helps you relax, unwind, and drift off, whether you're dealing with insomnia or just need something soothing to fall asleep to tonight.

It starts practical: Marco walks through his real-life drywall work, mudding, and the different types of board he's been wrestling with in a home renovation. But this wouldn't be The Insomnia Project without a detour — Amanda drops a bombshell from her past: she used to w...

Shownotes for "Our Not-So-Interesting Path to Acting"

Tonight's episode comes from a listener request, and it's a good one: our lives as actors, where we studied, our favourite classes, and how we actually memorize lines. If you're looking for a sleep podcast to help you fall asleep, this one drifts through drama school nostalgia at the exact unhurried pace insomnia needs.

We start with the listener's original question about our training and processes, but — true to form — we meander from acting school memories into some genuinely delightful (and not very dramatic) origin stories, including Amanda's turn...

Tonight we're joined in studio by a special guest — Nima Kharrazi — for a wonderfully meandering, low-key conversation that's perfect for anyone looking to fall asleep or quiet a racing mind. If you love birds, gentle nature talk, or just need a calm, unhurried podcast to drift off to, this episode is for you.

The conversation starts with birds — specifically the quiet joy of capturing birdsong and chirps using the Merlin app — and drifts naturally into Nima's photography work, the patience it takes to catch the right shot, and eventually (because that's how these conversations go) Nima and Marco en...

Struggling to fall asleep? The Insomnia Project is the sleep podcast for overthinkers — low-stakes, meandering conversation designed to relax your mind and ease you into rest. Tonight, Amanda and Marco wander through Amanda's closet, uncovering a Badgley Mischka dress she's never once worn, and the gentle guilt (and glamour) that comes with holding onto beautiful things "for the right occasion."

As always, the conversation drifts exactly where it wants to. From the mystery dress, Marco somehow lands on wondering whether Mariska Hargitay has ever worn Badgley Mischka herself — a delightfully pointless tangent you'll have to listen to reso...

Manicures, Typing & The Tammys

There's something quietly magical about the way a conversation about nail polish can end up somewhere completely unexpected — and that's exactly what happens in tonight's episode. Amanda kicks things off trying to navigate her manicure (the struggle is real and deeply relatable), and before long your hosts have somehow landed on the lost art of typing, keyboard virtuosos, and the creation of an entirely fictional — but honestly overdue — awards show for typists. They're calling it The Tammys. You're welcome.

From there, Marco and Amanda drift into something a little warmer: a genu...

Some episodes have a plan. This one doesn't — and that's exactly the charm. After putting out a call for listener suggestions, Amanda and Marco let this episode go wherever it wants, bouncing from World Cup fever to napkin etiquette to the age-old bath vs. shower debate, with a detour into one of Amanda's recipes along the way. If you're looking for a sleep podcast to fall asleep to tonight, this is the kind of meandering, low-stakes conversation that's perfect for insomnia and overthinking brains that just need something gentle to hold onto.

It starts with World Cup fe...

Looking for a sleep podcast to help you fall asleep? This week on The Insomnia Project, Amanda and Marco take you on a calm, unhurried journey across Canada — no packing required. If you struggle with insomnia or just need something gentle to relax to at the end of the day, this episode is your boarding pass to drowsiness.

It all starts with Amanda's favourite magazine, Chatelaine, which inspires a leisurely conversation about five Canadian getaways and all the lovely, low-key things you can do there. Along the way, the conversation drifts east as Marco shares the places he...

Sleep Podcast: Placeholders, Costumes & the Movies That Raised Us | The Insomnia Project

There's something quietly reassuring about the things in life that hold space — the cardboard in a new pair of shoes, the familiar rituals of childhood, the movies you knew by heart before you understood why you loved them. Tonight, Marco and Amanda wander through all of it, gently.

It's the kind of conversation that starts with something small and ordinary, and somehow finds its way to something warm. The talk meanders through placeholders we encounter every day — those temporary stand-ins we never quite thin...

In This Episode: Candles, Cork & Linen | The Insomnia Project

Amanda and Marco are back with another slow, wandering conversation — the kind that asks nothing of you and gives your mind just enough to follow without holding on. This week, they drift through the quiet textures of everyday life: pickled wood, the soft weight of linen, the springy underfoot feeling of cork, and the amber glow of a handmade candle. It's the kind of sleep podcast episode that feels like sitting in a warm room with nowhere to be.

How this one meanders

It st...

If your mind won't stop running tonight, we've got just the thing. In this episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco is joined by returning guest Nidhi Kanna for the kind of warm, wandering conversation that's perfect for insomnia, racing thoughts, or anyone who just needs something gentle to drift off to. No stress, no stakes — just the good stuff.

They start where all great conversations start: staring at a wall. Specifically, painting one. Nidhi and Marco get wonderfully sidetracked on the surprisingly fraught world of colours that are easy to commit to and hard to undo — the kind...

Episode: To-Do Lists, Ironed Shirts & the Great Lakes

If you've ever drifted off to sleep mid-thought while running through a mental checklist, this episode of The Insomnia Project was made for you. Amanda and Marco explore the quiet, surprisingly satisfying world of list-making — the kind of slow, meandering conversation that's perfect for winding down, easing insomnia, and letting your mind finally relax into sleep.

How the conversation meanders

It starts with something wonderfully small: a to-do list borrowed from Marco's nephew's day. From there, the conversation drifts into the gentle pleasure of crossing th...

In this episode of The Insomnia Project sleep podcast, Amanda and Marco settle into a warm, unhurried walk down memory lane — the kind of conversation that feels like catching up with old friends late at night. They revisit the small but vivid moments of growing up: first email addresses, rotary phones, and the particular joy of discovering you could binge an entire TV show. It's exactly the kind of gentle, nostalgic chat this relaxing podcast does best — perfect for anyone who needs help winding down, falling asleep, or simply escaping the noise of the day.

The conversation drif...

In this episode of The Insomnia Project sleep podcast, Amanda and Marco ease into a gentle, garden-inspired conversation about the flowers growing in their front yard and the quiet rhythms of tending to them throughout the season. With a calm and thoughtful approach, Amanda shares how she selected blooms that would carry color from early spring through late summer, along with the small delights — and occasional challenges — that come with planning a garden that evolves over time.

As the conversation meanders, Marco shares a childhood confession involving a cherry tree when he was eight years old, leading them...

In this episode of The Insomnia Project sleep podcast, Amanda and Marco settle into a calm, easygoing conversation shaped entirely by listener suggestions. Drifting between the small, expressive world of emojis and the gentle, grounding practice of planting dahlias, this episode offers a soothing blend of digital communication and hands-in-the-soil simplicity.

As the conversation unfolds, they reflect on how tiny symbols can carry surprisingly big meaning — from the subtle differences between heart emojis to the ways we express tone and feeling through text. From there, the discussion softens into Marco’s experience planting dahlias and wondering about seas...

In today’s episode of The Insomnia Project, Amanda and Marco ease into a gentle, meandering conversation about what it means to exist on the periphery of something you understand deeply. Marco reflects on his connection to the world of hairdressing—an industry he knows intimately, yet experiences from just outside the spotlight. Together, they explore that curious feeling of being close to something without being fully immersed in it, and how that perspective can be both comforting and quietly fascinating.

The conversation drifts into the idea of unexpected soothing sounds—those surprising, everyday noises that shouldn’t be rel...

In this calming episode of The Insomnia Project, Amanda and Marco ease into a gentle conversation about their shared love of train travel and the unique charm of slow journeys. From there, they explore North American cities that offer a distinctly European feel, with Quebec City taking the top spot for its old-world beauty and atmosphere. Along the way, Amanda shares a surprising story about almost being cast in a music video for Train, adding a light and unexpected twist to the discussion. The episode then settles into a thoughtful and relaxing chat about frugal living, as the hosts...

Pens and Ink | A Calming Conversation for Sleep and Relaxation

In this soothing episode of The Insomnia Project, Amanda and Marco take a gentle deep dive into the world of pens and ink, exploring personal preferences, favourite writing tools, and the subtle joys of putting pen to paper. Whether you’re a stationery enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing podcast to help with sleep, this quiet conversation offers a calming escape from a busy mind.

Marco shares stories from his travels to Paris and Japan in search of the perfect pen, reflecting on the sm...

On today’s episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco and Amanda ease into a calm and cozy conversation about the surprisingly soothing world of towels, sheets, and everyday routines.

The episode begins with a gentle discussion about towels — how to fold them, how Marco approaches the task, and why something so simple can feel oddly satisfying. From there, the conversation drifts into the ongoing (and very relatable) challenge of folding a fitted sheet. If you’ve ever struggled with that elusive skill, you’re not alone — and you may just find comfort in the shared experience.

As the c...

Packing a Suitcase | A Calming Conversation for Sleep

Looking for a relaxing sleep podcast to help you unwind, quiet busy thoughts, or gently fall asleep? In this episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco and Amanda settle in for a calm, meandering conversation about the simple ritual of packing a suitcase.

From Amanda’s beloved neck pillow (and how she carefully makes space for it) to Marco’s thoughtful packing habits — including what he tucks inside his shoes — the discussion drifts through the small, personal details that turn travel preparation into a comforting routine. Along the way, Ama...

A new piece of podcast gear has Marco feeling especially jazzed in this episode of The Insomnia Project — and naturally that excitement leads the conversation in some unexpected directions.

What begins as a chat about the podcast’s new preamp quickly drifts into the world of jazz hands and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. Marco confidently recalls details about Fosse’s life, only to realize mid-conversation that he may have gotten one key detail wrong… which leads the hosts to rediscover that the answer was, in fact, Anne Reinking.

From there the conversation gently wanders, as it often...

🌙 The Quiet World of Waiting Rooms

Looking for a calm podcast to help you unwind, relax, and gently fall asleep? In this solo episode of The Insomnia Project, host Marco Timpano explores the quiet, often overlooked world of waiting rooms.

From doctors’ offices and barbershops to airport gates and mechanics’ lounges, waiting rooms are small pauses in our day — spaces where time slows down and everyday life briefly holds still. In this softly spoken episode, Marco reflects on the curious details that make these places memorable: the hum of fluorescent lights, the stack of old magazines...

🌙 The Insomnia Project – Rossini, Opera Glasses & Figaro’s World

Struggling to unwind, quiet your thoughts, or find calm at the end of the day? This episode of The Insomnia Project is a softly spoken sleep podcast designed to help with insomnia, nighttime anxiety, and middle-of-the-night wake-ups through gentle, unhurried conversation.

In this episode, host Marco Timpano and guest Amanda Barker drift into a soothing discussion about Marco’s recent night at the opera, where he experienced Rossini’s Barber of Seville. They explore the world of opera glasses, the delicate pronunciation of abalone shell, and linger over...

A weekly podcast designed to help you unwind, quiet your thoughts, and gently fall asleep.

In That ’70s Episode, Marco and Amanda drift into a calm, nostalgic conversation inspired by the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the 1970s — the kind of slow, comforting chat that keeps you company as you settle in for the night.

The episode begins with soothing thoughts on organizing — the quiet satisfaction of putting things in order — before wandering into memories of the board game Masterpiece. From there, the conversation meanders through familiar, comforting characters you might expect to see on 1970s televi...

A weekly podcast designed to help you unwind, quiet your thoughts, and gently fall asleep.

In this episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco and Amanda return a little earlier than expected to welcome listeners to Season 11 with a calm, meandering conversation inspired by a sleep-focused holiday to St. Kitts and Nevis.

The discussion drifts through memories of quiet beaches, slow island drives, and the gentle novelty of an island shaped like a drumstick — small, soothing details that invite the mind to wander without effort. The pace is unhurried and familiar, offering a sense of ease as...

✨🎆 The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • January 1 🎆✨

This episode marks the final chapter of our Holiday Episodes for the year, and we hope they brought you comfort, calm, and a little seasonal joy throughout December.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Amanda and Marco reflect on time spent with relatives over the holidays, the rhythms of being together, and the importance of finding rest and sleep during a busy season. They also share the simple traditions they keep for the New Year, offering a gentle way to welcome what’s ahead.

It’s a calm, thoughtful e...

Happy New Yrear from all of us here at The Insomnia Project!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚✨ The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • December 29 ✨📚

As our holiday episodes begin to wind down, we find a quiet moment away from the post-Christmas bustle to sit and reflect. Today’s episode was recorded while cozied up in the library of Amanda’s parents’ home in Florida, offering a calm retreat from the noise of the season.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Amanda and Marco settle in for a gentle conversation that wanders delightfully—as it often does. They chat at length about fowl, share a few meandering thoughts, and Amanda tells a story that’s a little inap...

📖🍪 The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • December 27 🍪📖

As the holiday season begins to wind down, today’s episode offers a calm and reflective listen filled with storytelling, literature, and a comforting treat.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Marco and Amanda share a tale from just ten days ago, reflecting on a recent moment that still feels very much part of the season. Amanda then talks about her love of Dickens’ stories, and how they continue to shape our understanding of winter, tradition, and holiday spirit.

The episode wraps up with something extra cozy—a simple shor...

🎁 The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • December 26 🎁

After the excitement of the big day, today’s episode invites you to slow down and enjoy the quiet comfort of Boxing Day—a favourite holiday for Amanda.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Amanda shares why Boxing Day holds a special place in her heart, and together she and Marco talk about how they like to spend the day. From rest and reflection to simple traditions and unhurried moments, this episode celebrates the gentle pause that comes after the festivities.

It’s a peaceful, restorative listen—p...

From all of us at the Insonmia project we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings!!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎄 The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • December 24 🎄

The joys of the holidays are often seen most clearly through the eyes of the young—and today’s episode captures that magic beautifully.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Marco is joined by two very special guests—his niece and nephew—as they chat together on the eve of Christmas. Their excitement, curiosity, and sweet reflections offer a heartwarming glimpse into the wonder of getting ready for the big day tomorrow.

It’s a tender, joyful episode filled with anticipation, warmth, and the simple magic that makes Christm...

🎄 The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • December 23 🎄

As we near the heart of the holiday season, today’s episode takes us way back to a cherished conversation Marco recorded with Liz McEachern—a gentle throwback filled with winter charm and seasonal memories.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Marco and Liz reminisce about winter sports, snowy days, and the rhythms of cold-weather living, before drifting into reflections on Christmas on the farm. It’s a soft, nostalgic conversation that captures the quieter side of winter and the simple joys that come with the season.

Perfect for unw...

🎄 The Insomnia Project – Holiday Episodes • December 22 🎄

Today’s holiday episode is a very special one. Christmas on the Farm with Natasha Boomer is not only a listener favourite—it’s Amanda’s favourite episode ever recorded. For us, it simply doesn’t feel like Christmas until this episode airs.

⭐ Today’s Episode

Amanda and Marco are joined by their dear friend Natasha Boomer for a warm, honest, and often hilarious conversation about celebrating Christmas on the farm. While Marco does his best to steer things toward cozy holiday joys, Natasha—known for telling it like...