Share

cover art for The Wooden Deck

Insomnia Project | Calm Conversations to Help You Sleep

The Wooden Deck

Season 6, Ep. 18

🌙 Staining the Deck & The Yard vs. Garden Debate

Looking for a calm podcast to help you relax, unwind, and gently fall asleep? In this soothing episode of The Insomnia Project, Marco and Amanda settle into a quiet conversation about the surprisingly detailed process of staining a backyard deck.

What begins as a simple home project turns into a pleasantly mundane exploration of brushes, rollers, and the mysterious staining tool that looks suspiciously like a broom. Together they try to remember what the tool is actually called while walking through the slow, methodical steps of staining the deck — the kind of everyday task that becomes oddly relaxing when described in full detail.

Along the way, Marco and Amanda also wander into a gentle debate about the space behind their home. Is it a yard? Is it a garden? Or perhaps something in between? Their thoughtful pondering turns the ordinary into something quietly amusing.

Amanda also shares a small but charming story about picking up a birthday cake for Nidhi, adding another simple moment of daily life to the conversation.

If you enjoy calm podcasts, relaxing conversations, or sleep podcasts designed to ease racing thoughts and help with insomnia, this episode offers the perfect soft distraction. Follow along loosely — or drift off before the end.

Host: Marco Timpano

Co Host: Amanda Barker

Producers: Drumcast Productions

Theme Music: Royalty Free: Bass Walker, Kevin MacLeod

The Insomnia Project is a top sleep podcast featuring mundane conversations designed to help you relax, reduce anxiety, and drift toward sleep. Not every episode will put you to sleep, but our goal is to help you reach a calm, restful state.

📸 Follow us on Instagram:

www.instagram.com/theinsomniaproject

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@theinsomniaprojectpodcast

☕ Support the show and get bonus chats on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/theinsomniaproject

😴 Enjoy ad-free episodes and extras on Supercast:

www.theinsomniaproject.supercast.com

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 8. Pens and Ink | A Calming Conversation for Sleep and Relaxation

    32:48||Season 11, Ep. 8
    Pens and Ink | A Calming Conversation for Sleep and RelaxationIn 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 small pleasures of discovery and craftsmanship. Amanda brings a practical perspective, discussing the importance of reliable, leak-free pens for everyday life—especially when tossing them into a backpack without worry.As the conversation meanders in true Insomnia Project fashion, Amanda and Marco take an unexpected and cozy detour into 1980s sitcoms, focusing on the work of Ann Jillian and her memorable television roles. This nostalgic tangent adds a comforting, familiar rhythm that listeners can drift along with.Perfect for listening while falling asleep, relaxing at home, or even unwinding at work, this episode continues The Insomnia Project’s reputation as a top sleep podcast designed to ease anxiety and quiet your thoughts.#sleep #insomniapodcast #relaxingpodcast #sleepcast #calmconversation #stationerylove #fountainpens #nostalgia #80stv #relaxation
  • 7. The Art of Folding Towels | Quiet Conversations for Deep Rest

    26:51||Season 11, Ep. 7
    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 conversation unfolds, Marco and Amanda chat about a few courses they’re taking through the city — though not necessarily the ones you might expect. It’s a light, curious moment that invites listeners to wonder: what would your guess be?In true Insomnia Project fashion, Amanda also pulls back the curtain a little, sharing her appreciation for showing “how the sausage is made” — offering listeners a relaxed peek behind the scenes of the podcast itself.This episode is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing sleep podcast to help quiet the mind, ease anxiety, and gently drift toward rest. Whether you’re lying awake at night, winding down after a long day, or listening at work for a sense of calm, this soft and meandering conversation is here to keep you company.The Insomnia Project is a top sleep podcast for overthinkers — where simple conversations help you slow down, unwind, and fall asleep naturally.Listen when:You can’t fall asleepYou need a calm distraction from racing thoughtsYou’re folding laundry and want companyYou’re looking for a peaceful sleepcast#sleeppodcast #insomniarelief #fallasleepfast #calmpodcast #sleepcast #relaxingaudio #bedtimeroutine #mindfulnessuViJ3SNIF5fq3mgVhMZw
  • 6. Packing a Suitcase | Cozy Travel Rituals to Quiet Your Mind

    27:55||Season 11, Ep. 6
    Packing a Suitcase | A Calming Conversation for SleepLooking 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, Amanda shares a “spilly” day, and Marco reflects on the unexpected discovery of a birthday card found three months late.As always, the conversation is low-stakes, gentle, and designed to quiet the mind, making it perfect for bedtime listening, reducing anxiety, or creating a peaceful background while you work or relax.So whether you’re preparing for a trip or simply looking for a soothing sleep podcast, let this cozy conversation guide you toward rest.If you enjoy the show, consider sharing this episode with a friend who could use a little calm.We’d love to hear from you: What’s one essential item you always pack in your suitcase?#sleeppodcast #insomniapodcast #relaxingpodcast #sleepconversation #calmpodcast #bedtimepodcast #fallasleepfast
  • 5. Who’s Crockett and Who’s Tubbs? | A Calm Sleep Podcast

    27:01||Season 11, Ep. 5
    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 does, into the world of The Insomnia Project itself. Marco mentions that the entire catalogue of episodes is now available on YouTube, which he believes gives the show a bit of a Miami Vice vibe. Amanda isn’t entirely convinced and naturally asks the important question: if this podcast were Miami Vice… who would be Crockett and who would be Tubbs?Along the way, the hosts also share their love for two wonderful spots in Ottawa, Ontario — The Scone Witch, known for their legendary scones, and Bar Cosenza, a cozy Italian café that feels like a hidden neighbourhood gem.Even though Amanda was feeling a little under the weather during this recording, the conversation turned into one of those warm, gentle episodes that The Insomnia Project does best — a calm and meandering chat about everyday things that might just help you relax, unwind, and drift toward sleep.You may find yourself nodding off somewhere between podcast gear talk, Broadway trivia, and a craving for a really good scone.If you enjoy relaxing conversations that wander through curious little topics, press play and spend a quiet moment with us. And if the episode helps you unwind or fall asleep, consider sharing The Insomnia Project with a friend who could use a little calm in their day.• Follow The Scone Witch – https://www.instagram.com/sconewitch/• Follow Bar Cosenza – https://www.instagram.com/barcosenza• Add Free episodes available on Supercast – https://theinsomniaproject.supercast.comFollow The Insomnia ProjectYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theinsomniaprojectWebsite – https://theinsomniaproject.comLeave a review and help other listeners discover the podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com
  • 4. Waiting Rooms & Quiet Moments | A Calming Solo Episode with Marco Timpano

    25:51||Season 11, Ep. 4
    🌙 The Quiet World of Waiting RoomsLooking 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 on the coffee table, the quiet anticipation shared with strangers, and the gentle rhythm of simply waiting.The conversation drifts through different kinds of waiting rooms — medical offices, hair salons, airports, and service shops — highlighting the calm, mundane details that often go unnoticed but can feel surprisingly soothing when we pause to observe them. From the quiet flipping of outdated magazines to the subtle background sounds of reception desks and hallway footsteps, Marco explores how these everyday spaces can create unexpected moments of stillness.As always, The Insomnia Project is designed to be just interesting enough to listen to, but relaxing enough to help quiet racing thoughts and ease you toward sleep. Whether you're dealing with insomnia, nighttime anxiety, or middle-of-the-night wake-ups, this gentle solo episode offers peaceful background listening and calm companionship in the quiet hours.If you drift off before the episode ends, we take that as the highest compliment.✨ You can now enjoy The Insomnia Project completely ad-free with a 10-day free trial at theinsomniaproject.supercast.com.Topics mentioned in this episode include the quiet rituals of waiting rooms, doctors’ office magazines and coffee tables, barbershop and salon waiting areas, airport gate lounges and travel pauses, mechanic and service shop waiting rooms, the surprising calm of everyday spaces, and why waiting can sometimes be one of the few moments where nothing is expected of us.The Insomnia Project is a weekly podcast featuring calm, mundane conversations designed to help listeners fall asleep, quiet racing thoughts, ease nighttime anxiety, and relax during late-night wake-ups. Hosted by Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker, the show embraces slow conversation, everyday observations, and the soothing power of ordinary moments.Follow along for updates and more calm conversation on Instagram @theinsomniaproject, Twitter/X @listenandsleep, and at theinsomniaproject.com.
  • 3. Gentle Stories for Sleep Inspired by Opera, Abalone Shells, and Roxy Music

    28:33||Season 11, Ep. 3
    🌙 The Insomnia Project – Rossini, Opera Glasses & Figaro’s WorldStruggling 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 playful debates about who the lead singer of Roxy Music was. The conversation meanders to Figaro himself, the barber at the heart of Rossini’s classic, uncovering the small joys and curiosities that make live performance and music so enchanting.The episode is intentionally calm and unhurried, weaving together cultural exploration, humorous tangents, and reflective observations designed to help you relax. Listeners can settle into the gentle rhythms of conversation, allowing the mind to wander as the day winds down.The Insomnia Project is a weekly podcast featuring calm, mundane conversation intended to help you achieve a peaceful, restful state. Not every episode will put you to sleep, but the goal is always to help you reach relaxation. You don’t need to listen closely, and if you drift off before the end, that’s the highest compliment you can give us. Please do not operate heavy machinery while listening.Host: Marco Timpano Guest: Amanda Barker Produced by: Drumcast Productions Theme Music: “Bass Walker” by Kevin MacLeod (Royalty-Free)
  • 2. That 70s Episode: Organizing, Masterpiece, and Gentle TV Memories

    29:28||Season 11, Ep. 2
    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 television: slightly eccentric, softly remembered, and easy to listen to with your eyes closed.Music adds another gentle layer of nostalgia, with reflections on Helen Reddy and Mel Tormé, bringing warmth and calm to the late-night atmosphere.As always on The Insomnia Project, the conversation is unhurried and softly spoken — ideal for:falling asleepcalming racing thoughtseasing nighttime anxietylistening during middle-of-the-night wake-upsIf you’re listening in bed, it’s safe to let your eyes close now.Ad-Free ListeningYou can enjoy ad-free episodes of The Insomnia Project by visiting:👉 theinsomniaproject.supercast.com
  • 1. A Gentle Island Chat to Help You Fall Asleep

    26:27||Season 11, Ep. 1
    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 season begins.As always, the conversation is softly spoken and intentionally unrushed — ideal for:falling asleepcalming racing thoughtseasing nighttime anxietylistening during middle-of-the-night wake-upsIf you’re listening in bed, it’s safe to let your eyes close now.Ad-Free Listening Enjoy uninterrupted episodes by visiting: 👉 theinsomniaproject.supercast.com
  • 26. Trailers, Top Hats, and Taking a Bow

    26:24||Season 10, Ep. 26
    In this episode of The Insomnia Project, a relaxing sleep podcast for insomnia, Marco and Amanda gently close out Season 10 with a calm, unhurried conversation about trailers, top hats, and the quiet ritual of dressing up for special occasions. As always, the discussion begins with something simple and slowly meanders through memories and observations—moving from old-school movie trailers and cinema traditions to the small pleasure of putting on something special and letting the moment linger.As the conversation drifts along, Marco and Amanda reflect on comfort, personal style, and the familiar routines that turn getting ready into a calming experience of its own. Like many Insomnia Project episodes, the charm lies in the gentle wandering of the discussion—soft thoughts about everyday details that allow your mind to settle and slow down.This final episode of the season also offers a moment of gratitude. Marco and Amanda take time to thank listeners around the world who have joined them for calm conversations throughout the season, helping make The Insomnia Project a peaceful place for bedtime listening, relaxation, and quiet reflection.The Insomnia Project is an award-winning, highly rated relaxing sleep podcast designed to help quiet racing thoughts and gently guide listeners toward rest. Whether you’re settling into bed, winding down after a long day, or navigating a middle-of-the-night wake-up, this softly spoken conversation provides a comforting place for your thoughts to drift.If you’re listening in bed right now, it’s perfectly fine to let your eyes close and allow the conversation to fade into the background.If this episode helped you relax or fall asleep, consider sharing The Insomnia Project with someone who might enjoy a calming podcast for insomnia and bedtime listening.