[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome back my friend! Just a few months ago, we ventured into the Maida Series world with the first book of the series called "Maida's Little Shop" by Inez Haynes Irwin. A tale that warmed our hearts about a wealthy little girl who is sickly and lame and finds happiness living in an ordinary neighborhood with ordinary children while tending her little shop.  Tonight we continue that journey with the second book called "Maida's Little House. We will go on a magical journey with Maida and...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome back my friend!  Tonight’s bedtime story is a masterpiece penned by legendary Oscar Wilde called ‘The Nightingale and the Rose’, a beautiful story of love, sacrifice, and the beauty of nature. A tale that transports us to a garden not so different from one you might find in a dream, where a nightingale overhears a young student who is weeping over unattainable love and decides to embark on a heartfelt quest.   The storytelling begins with a beautiful short guided relaxation with...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome back! Tonight's bedtime storytelling is 'The Tears of Prunella' by Evelyn Sharp. In this dreamy fairytale, we follow a young lad who is deaf due to an enchantment bestowed upon him by the whims of fairyland. This enchantment separates him from the world he so dearly wishes to be a part of and, with unwavering determination, he seeks to become a real boy—not for the sake of hearing the songs of birds or the rustle of the wind, but to hear the tears of his princess and offer the comfort...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome back to another Drift Off episode! Tonight's storytelling is a silly whimsical tale called "Lady Daffodilia' by author Evelyn Sharp.  Let the soothing narration and music carry you all the way to the land of restful sleep. I hope you enjoy this bedtime reading! Sweet dreams! Your friend, Joanne Become a Drift Off Premium member today and receive: intro free listening to all episodes NO ADS or sponsorship announcements access 2 monthly bonus episodes get early access and listen...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome back sleepy listeners :) Tonight, I have a special tale to share with you called ‘The Brave Grenadier' by Henry Beston. This enchanting tale will transport you to an imaginary world of bravery, kindness, and adventure whilst enveloping you in a warm, comforting blanket of relaxation and tranquility.  I hope this delightful tale brings you a peaceful sleep! Sweet dreams, Joanne  *All background music via Epidemic Sound  Become a Drift Off Premium member today and receive: intro...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Tonight, I have the pleasure of whisking you away on a journey with the top 3 bedtime stories that captured the hearts of Drift Off listeners in 2023. We begin with Chapter 1 of Maida’s Little Shop by Inez Haynes Irwin, followed by The Story of Pretty Goldilocks, a French fairytale by Madame D’Aulnoy and lastly a tale from Finland called ‘The Princess Mouse’.   So snuggle up under those blankets and let the magic of these delightful stories be your gentle guide to the land of dreams! Your...

Welcome back my sleepy listeners! This evening’s storytelling reminds us of the magic of bedtime stories and how they’re able to whisk us away to imaginary realms far beyond our dreams. Captivating our imagination while providing solace and comfort as we prepare for a deep restful sleep. So go ahead and snuggle deeper down under the covers or fluff up that pillow a bit more until everything feels just right. And...get ready to be transported as I read for you “The Wood Beyond the World” by...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome this rain sleep story featuring the classic fairytale of 'Jack in the Beanstalk'! Immerse yourself in the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops as you I take you on a tranquil journey into dreamland. The sleep story is followed by a sleep-inducing talk down to rain sounds designed specifically to bring you relaxation and comfort, making it the perfect companion for a restful night's sleep.  Sweet dreams! Joanne  Become a Drift Off Premium member today and receive: intro free listening...

Welcome back sleepy listeners! I hope you had a safe and happy holiday season :) I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful support throughout this past year! Also, a very special thank you to my Drift Off Premium subscribers! You make my heart happy and you help me stay inspired to keep this podcast going! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Whatever makes you happy...whatever brings you joy...may it all be yours in 2024! Tonight we're going to embark on a journey...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Welcome back my friend! Tonight we will drift off to a couple of "feel good" Christmas stories! The first story is called "Paulina's Christmas" and the second is "The Star". Both stories have similar themes about two sweet little girls, Paulina and Ruth, who show kindness to a stranger and then both receive an unexpected surprise at the end of the story. I hope you enjoy these heartwarming tales that inspire hope, faith and love this Holiday Season.  As always, the storytelling begins with a...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Tonight we have 5 HRS of sleepy tales to tuck you in! That's right! 5 full hours of uninterrupted storytelling and cozy cabin ambience perfect for sleeping.  But before we begin, I will guide you to visualize being in a warm and safe, cozy cabin. The crackling fire sounds and gentle tapping of rain will make you feel comfy, cozy and relaxed which is so important when trying to fall asleep. Maybe these sleepy tales will take you back in time when things seemed a little more simple then our...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...

Tonight’s bedtime reading is from The Starlight Wonderbook called ‘The City of the Winter Sleep’ by Henry Beston. This delightful tale follows the journey of Princess Theolette, who lives in a city that goes down into slumber during the winter months. According to their law, anyone who tries to escape the winter sleep would receive dreadful penalties. Princess Theolette wants to explore the wonder of winter regardless of this law and the brave princess runs away during the winter sleep and...

[CONTENT WARNING: This story contains imagery of weapons and hunting animals as they were needed for survival during the late 1800's. The story also has racist elements in its portrayal of Native American Indians and may be offensive to some listeners.  Although these racist elements are disturbing, it is part of our history and offers an opportunity for open and honest discussions about our past. Hopefully, it will be taken in the context of the times it was written in and...