Tonight’s storytelling is a tale from Finland called ‘The Princess Mouse’, a retelling by Aaron Shepherd, about a young man named Mikko. According to his family tradition, in order to find a sweetheart, Mikko must cut down a tree and follow to where it points. Mikko’s brother makes his tree fall how he wants, whereas Mikko’s tree seems to have a mind of it’s own. So what will Mikko do when his tree points him into the forest, where all he finds there is a little mouse who gladly offers to be his sweetheart. Well...let’s find out

To learn more about this tale and The Gifts of Story Series by Aaron Shepherd visit  http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/folk.html

Music in this episode is 'Shimmering Waves' by JJessep

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 includes:

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Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

This is a preview of bonus content available on Drift Off Premium. To listen to the full episode visit driftoff.supercast.com 

Welcome to this soothing sleep hypnosis that is designed for anxiety relief. This sleep hypnosis is delivered with a soft hypnotic voice to help create feelings of comfort and safety while also helping you drift off to sleep.

If you are feeling anxious, this comforting sleep hypnosis uses the power of your own mind to create your safe place where you will feel calm, safe, secure and at ease. Be sure to listen all the way through until the end and tomorrow you will awaken feeling refreshed, calm and wonderful in every way!

Attributions:
Sleep Hypnosis Script (written & produced by Joanne D'Amico Certified Hypnotist)
Background music 'Shimmering Waves' by JJessep (via Pond5)

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 includes:

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• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
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Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

This is a preview of a bonus episode that is available on Drift Off Premium.  Tonight I will be reading ‘The Necklace of Pearls’ a retelling by Elsie Spicer Eels from the 1920’s...about a water nymph and a handsome young lad who lives happily on an island with his loving mother. The water nymph who secretly loves the lad, saves him and his boat from a potential boating accident and takes him far away down in the depths of the sea where she lives. Putting a filter on him so that he forgets about his life on the island with his mother. Will the lad’s mother who is grief stricken and heartbroken ever see her handsome son ever again? Let’s find out! 

Music in this episode is 'Shape of Your Breathing' by Hanna Lindgren via https://www.epidemicsound.com

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

Welcome to this cozy fireside bedtime story of Chapter 4 (Christmas) and Chapter 5 (Sundays) from the beautiful book 'Little House in the Big Woods' by Laura Ingalls Wilder. This book is what started the treasured "Little House Series including 'Little House on the Prairie' by Laura Ingalls Wilder and I hope you enjoy it. If you want more chapters then please let me know?  I used to love this series and it is such a joy reading it! It makes me feel all cozy inside :)
So light's out and sweet dreamzzz...

P.S Once again! I apologize for not announcing the title of Chapter 5 (Sundays) during the narration.

Historical Context Note: This classic story offers an authentic look at pioneer life in the 1800s, including traditional farming and self-sufficiency practices necessary for family survival. Parents may wish to preview this episode if their young listeners are sensitive to realistic historical depictions of early homesteading.

Attributions: Little House in the Big Woods (by Laura Ingalls Wilder, resides in the public domain in Canada and obtained via Faded Page)  

https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20140841

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

For Valentine's day, tonight’s storytelling is the tragic love story of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This retelling by Edith Nesbit is a love story about two young teenagers who fall in love with each other the first time they meet. However, the many years of conflict between their families requires them to remain enemies. Unfortunately their love does not resolve the feud between the families...and ultimately causes the young lovers to escape the world that has kept them apart.

Music in this episode ' Gently Whispering' by 369 via https://www.epidemicsound.com

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

This is a preview of a bonus episode that is available on Drift Off Premium. 
Tonight I will be reading a story by Lucy Maud Montgomery called 'The Finished Story'.   A bittersweet love story that shows us when we try to protect a loved one from the pain of loss and heartache, we can actually end up hurting them even more. So lay back...relax...and enjoy the story! 

Sweet dreams...

Joanne
Music in this episode is 'Sleep Waves' by Year of the Deer via https://www.epidemicsound.com

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

Welcome to this cozy fireside bedtime story of Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. This storytelling includes Chapter 2 (Winter Days & Winter Nights) & Chapter 3 (The Long Rifle) This book is what started the treasured "Little House Series including 'Little House on the Prairie' by Laura Ingalls Wilder and I hope you enjoy it! If you want more chapters then please let me know?  I used to love this series and it is such a joy reading it! It makes me feel all cozy inside :)
So light's out and sweet dreamzzz...

Historical Context Note: This classic story offers an authentic look at pioneer life in the 1800s, including traditional farming and self-sufficiency practices necessary for family survival. Parents may wish to preview this episode if their young listeners are sensitive to realistic historical depictions of early homesteading.

P.S. I apologize for not announcing the title of chapter 3 during the narration! 

Attributions: Little House in the Big Woods (by Laura Ingalls Wilder, resides in the public domain in Canada and obtained via Faded Page)  

https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20140841

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

Tonight's episode is very special! This is a rebroadcast of the top 3 episodes of 2022 which will provide you with just under 80 minutes of continuous storytelling. The  top 3 episodes featured are:
1. The Wonderful Ring (by Flora Annie Steel)
2. The Man on the Train (Lucy Maud Montgomery)
3. Jessamine (Lucy Maud Montgomery)

I hope you enjoy this longer episode tonight! I hope it brings you restful sleep!
Sweet dreamzzz...
Joanne

Listener Note: The Man on the Train episode features a classic vintage suspense mystery that includes traditional elements of detective fiction and dramatic plot twists. Parents and guardians may wish to preview this story first to ensure it matches their young listener's comfort level. 

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

This is a preview bonus episode available only Drift Off Premium. Tonight I am sharing this bonus guided sleep hypnosis and relaxation for you to use at bedtime for better sleep!  This hypnosis is designed to help elicit deep relaxation by using an evidence based relaxation technique known as progressive muscle relaxation, followed by hypnotic suggestions for the listener to help attain deep sleep.

Attributions:
Sleep Hypnosis Script (written and produced by Joanne D'Amico Certified Hypnotist)
Background music: 'Breathe Deeply' by STEMS MELODY Megan Wofford via https://www.epidemicsound.com

Hypnosis is commonly misunderstood and often discounted as a promising treatment for better sleep. I have included some links below of some of the research studies that have been done that provides some evidence of the benefits of hypnosis for better sleep. It is important to mention that many more studies are necessary before sleep hypnosis can be a standardized medically approved treatment for sleep problems.

Progressive muscle relaxation has been extensively researched for many years by the medical community and research studies have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is extremely beneficial and effective for those who suffer from insomnia as well as other conditions like anxiety, depression and general muscle tension. I have included links to a few studies here.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24882909/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198290/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31862277/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32379667/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279320/

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space. 

This is a preview of a premium episode a available on Drift Off Premium. Tonight I will be reading a Spanish Fairy Tale by Fernan Caballero, later collected by Andrew Lang in his Orange Fairy Book. This tale is about a fisherman who finds a baby boy and baby girl in a crystal cradle floating on the river. He and his wife decide to keep the babies and raise them along with their other children. However, the little boy and girl eventually run away because they are mistreated by their older brothers. Let’s find out together now, what happens to this little brother and sister on their adventure along the riverbank. I hope you enjoy!
Sweet dreamzzz...

Music in this episode is 'Dimma' by Van Sandana via https://www.epidemicsound.com

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 includes:

• Fresh new premium episodes every Tuesday & Thursday
• Instant access to the complete premium archive
• Intro-free listening so you can drift off without interruption
• Listen first, months—or even years—before episodes reach the public feed
•  Exclusive access to a library of 12 full-length audiobooks 

If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, simply tap 'Subscribe' at the top of the Drift Off show page to join Premium.

Not using Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe through Supercast here:
https://driftoff.supercast.com

If you'd simply like to make a one-time contribution to help support the podcast, you can do so here. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated!
https://driftoff.supercast.com/donations/new

Visit www.driftoffpodcast.com to explore everything happening in the world of Drift Off. 

Thank you for being here, and for helping keep Drift Off a peaceful, ad-free space.