PODCAST · education
How To Sleep
by Mike Shafer
I'm here to help you fall asleep, one instruction manual at a time. Each episode features a full read through of the instructions of everyday products like toilets, typewriters, board games, with the occasional food package thrown in for good measure.
Episodes
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Pour a Perfect Concrete Slab
The show returns with a topic near and dear to my heart: pouring a concrete slab, or driveway. I hail from a long line of brick masons and have poured many a driveway and basement. Whether helpful to aid in your sleep or DIY house needs, I hope you enjoy. Follow along:...
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Crosley Record Player
I spent all day Saturday cleaning the house and listening to the sweet sounds coming from my Crosley Record Player. That's all the inspiration I needed for this week's episode. I hope you can find the time to put on your favorite music and relax and have fun like I did. Enjoy! Follow along:...
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Super Bowl Sunday Recipe Extravaganza!
It's not Super Bowl Sunday without an endless supply of delicious snacks. Numerous recipes are covered, from deviled eggs to chicken wings to winter sangria. It might be best to listen on a full stomach. Enjoy! Follow along…
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Campfires and S'mores
A recent trip to North Georgia led to a cold night, a warm fire, and tasty s'mores. Thus, an inspired look into building various types of campfires effectively and efficiently, and once the fire's going, cooking the perfect s'more. Enjoy! Follow along:...
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Sleep and the Theories of Its Causes (FLASHBACK)
Hello! My birthday weekend has been a blast but all-encompassing. Thus, a flasbhack to one of my favorite episodes. I hope you enjoy as well. Original show notes: The Scientific American Supplement is back again, this time from 1898, with an article offering various theories on the causes of…
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Sanus Full-Motion Wall Mount
Whether you're binging another TV series, catching up on old movies, or watching the NFL playoffs, it's a joy to do it on a mounted TV. I mounted my TV a few months back and have been meaning to feature the manual from my Sanus Full-Motion Wall Mount. The time has come. Enjoy! Follow along:...
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Balance Basic Body Composition Scale
The calendar flips to 2021 and health resolutions abound. While I do believe in a year-long focus on health, I'm like plenty of others who slack from time to time during the year, notably from mid-November through December. Therefore, when I glanced down in my bathroom and thought of a recent...
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Scientific American Supplement, Architects and Builders Edition: Selected Readings
I have forever been fascinated and entertained by the buiding process. This Scientific American Supplement, Architects and Builders Edition, shares many examples of construction from the late 1800s. I've selected and read several of them for a sleep aid and your listening pleasure. Enjoy! Follow...
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Prime Rib & Ginger Molasses Cookie Recipes
You didn't think I'd close out the end of 2020 without sharing some favorite recipes did you? Not a chance. Listen in to learn about cooking a Prime Rib Roast and follow it up with a delicious Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookie (or ten). Happy Holidays! Sleep tight! Follow along:...
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Sorry! (FLASHBACK)
As I return from time spent home for the holidays, I smile at instant memories of playing Sorry! (and coming in 2nd place :) ) with my family. There's nothing better than laughs and cherished time with all of them. So, due to travels, I bring to you the intsructions of still one of my favorite...
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Next up in the holiday series: My favorite video game of all-time: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, for the Super Nintendo. This jam-packed manual runs 46 pages long and boasts a Hyrule backstory, a breakdown of the use of each button, a list of items to collect, a bestiary catalogue, and...
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Street Fighter II: Turbo
One of my favorite video games and one of the most popular video games of all time, Street Fighter II influenced slews of modern fighting video games. The manual runs nearly 40 pages and includes detailed descriptions of each fighter, all the way from height, weight, DOB, their backstory and why...
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How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree
The festive spirit isn't slowing down in the How To Sleep world. Next up: Picking the perfect Christmas tree. Whether real or artificial, both articles have something for anyone looking for that exact tree to lighten up their space. From blue spruce to balsam fir, from white lights to...
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Monopoly (FLASHBACK)
Board games are about to get dusted off during this stay-in holiday season. Which means it's time to flashback to one of my favorite episodes. Don your top hat, head on down to Boardwalk, and do your best to stay out of jail. Board games are back with the most iconic and popular board game of all...
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How to Survive the Holidays
As I prepare to pack my car for a long road trip up north to see friends and family, I am also preparing mentally for all the craziness that can come with spending an abundance of "quality" time with all of them. The holidays are a time to cherish time spent with loved ones. They are also a time…
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Lionel Honda Flyer Train Set
A tale as old as time: Halloween ends and everyone breaks out the Christmas decorations. It's been a long 7+ months. I don't blame people for their flourish and glee in spreading holiday cheer around their house. It got me thinking about the holidays, which turned to my favorite toy as a kid: a...
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Daylight Saving Time
Wake up at a different time than normal this morning? Perhaps an hour or two early? Ever cherish the extra hour of sleep only to find yourself drowsy later in the day? Desperately in need of a nap? You and millions of others around the world who live in countries that observe the clock-changing...
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Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
The first book from Alvin Schwartz's famous horror collection for children laid the foundation for millions of fans of the macabre. Illustrations from Stephen Gammell helped it sell over seven million copies. The 3-book series scares from start to finish. We celebrate Halloween by reading…
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Pumpkin Beer
A crisp, spicy, and aromatic beverage is just the ticket this autumn. Articles from Craft Beer & Brewing and Brooklyn BrewShop teach us more about the history and how-to make a perfect pumpkin beer. Cheers! Read along at: https://beerandbrewing.com/brewing-the-perfect-pumpkin-ale/...
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Mummification, or, Embalming the Dead
This spooky October episode shares the background and process of one of the most interesting How-Tos in the show's history: mummification. Scary? Sure. Precious and important to ancient cultures who believed in the importance of the afterlife? Absolutely. Enjoy! Read along at:...
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Risk: The Game of Global Domination
Risk, one of the most popular board games of all time, gets The How to Sleep treatment. Enjoy! Read along at https://www.hasbro.com/common/instruct/risk.pdf With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook...
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Apparatus For Printing By The Blue Process
We're heading back to December 30, 1882 for another article from The Scientific American Supplement. This one details a printing process that is certain to entertain and lull the mind right to sleep. In short: The Perfect Combo. Read along at…
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Homemade Apple Cider
Fall is in the air! I can't think of any better way to get into the spirit and enjoy the season than to cook a batch of fresh and crisp homemade apple cider. Listen in to dream all about this delicious fall beverage. Read along and find the recipe at...
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Philips Norelco Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer
Ever fall asleep to learning the best way to trim the back of your neck? Or inside your nose? Wonder no more. This week's episode gets back to a manual read, this from a trusty product I use: the Philips Norleco Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer. Read along at...
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All American Diner
The podcast returns with a menu to both put you to sleep and make you hungry: The All American Diner. Skippy Peanut Butter and Welch's Jam Sandwich for $2.75? Meatball hero for $7? 12 oz of hot Columbian coffee for $1.25? Count me in. Listen in to find out more about the options. Or read along at...
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An Important Update! STAY TUNED!!!
More to come, Sleepyheads.
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Mini Manual #31: Homemade Gelato
It somehow took over 60 episodes and 31 Mini Manuals to get to gelato, but here we finally are. Ice cream and gelato are similar but also much different. Listen in to learn what makes this Italian dessert taste so pure and vibrant. Follow along at Food Nouveau:...
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Clue
I have the perfect summer weekend plans: break out an old Clue board game (or borrow from a friend or buy a new version), enjoy this classic murder mystery with friends and family, and then finish up by watching the 1985 movie based off the game. And then get a great night of sleep. What could go...
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Mini Manual #30: Cut a Watermelon Like a Pro
Mini Manual #30 is back from travel hiatus to provide various methods on how to easily cut everyone's favorite summer snack: watermelon. Follow along with visuals at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a27198230/how-to-cut-a-watermelon/ With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show…
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Frigidaire Dehumidifier (FLASHBACK)
The hot and humid summer has me flashing back to the dehumidifier episode. Basement musty and dusty? Laundry room far too humid? Check out this week's manual on the Frigidaire Dehumidifier. Read through the manual at https://www.manualslib.com/manual/255890/Frigidaire-2020266a0107.html#manual…
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Pet Rock (FLASHBACK)
Work travels for the next week mean we're on summer break and flashbacks to older episdoes. Let's first Flashback to the funniest manual ever written, and perhaps the funniest thing ever written. If you zonk out to this one, congrats. Please enjoy Gary Dahl's wonderfully witty manual for the Pet...
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Mini Manual #29: Two Toiletries
Mini Manual #29 checks in with two of the more important toiletries in my life: Salonpas, the pain relieving patch, and Cremo Shave Cream, the smoothest and most invigorating cream I've used in my many years of shaving. Check out all of the Cremo products and labels at: https://cremocompany.com/...
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On the Molding of Porcelain
Porcelain molding has been around for ages. The Scientific American Supplement helps us peak behind the curtain to learn a bit more about this fascinating this process from 1885. Head over to Project Gutenberg for the article: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13939/13939-h/13939-h.htm With host…
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Mini Manual #28: Ice & Water Refrigerator Filter
I've made no secret about the importance of staying hydrated. As it heats up, that's more important than ever. Today's Mini Manual goes over the packing information on my refrigerator water filter. With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over…
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Suncast Auto Rewind Hose Reel
We're celebrating the first day of summer by covering a manual for one of the most used items during summer time: a common, everyday hose. And more specifically, a fancy hose reel to make using and rewinding your hose a breeze on those hot summer days. Find the manual at:...
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Mini Manual #27: Mary Ruth's Daily Liquid Probiotic
Staying regular is more important than ever. Probiotics help us do that, and none better than Mary Ruth's Daily Liquid Probiotic. The box is a manual in itself, with not only instructions but helpful FAQs on how and why probiotics work. Learn more about all of their products at:...
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Lasko Box Fan
Looking to stay cool during the summer? Want a steady hum to help you sleep? Listen in to this week's episode on box fans. Find the manual at: https://www.lasko.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/B20573_Lasko_Weather-Shield_Box_Fan.pdf With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show, please subscribe,...
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Mini Manual #26: A Few Summer Essentials
Everyone has their must have items going into the summer season. I have a few, but three essentials: anti-itch gel for bug bites, sun screen, and water. Moquitoes love me as much as the sun does, so I come prepared. When bug spray doesn't work, I turn to my handy Itch Eraser. I put sun screen on...
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Inside the world of instruction manuals
“More than just a practical how-to list, instruction manuals can reveal much about the time and society in which they were written. How they have evolved tells us about how we’ve changed too.” Helene Schumacher from BBC Future takes us deep into the world of instruction manuals. Find the full...
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Mini Manual #25: Berliner Weisse
We're into June and it's warming up. It's time to learn all about the refreshing beer that helps introduce us to the world of "sours". Read along at https://beerandbrewing.com/make-your-best-berliner-weisse/ and find the specific recipe at...
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Home Brewed Amber Ale (FLASHBACK)
To help prepare for a special summer beer episode, we're flashing back to the amber ale episode to learn all about brewing beer. Read through at: https://52brews.com/how-to-make-beer (Also check out Mark's how-to video at the bottom of the page.) Find out more about Joshua M. Berstein's stellar...
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Mini Manual #24: Weed Whacker
Mini Manual #24 provides tips and safety advice before you get out your handy weed whacker to put the finishing touches on your lawn work. Read along at http://www.weedtrimmerline.com/11-tips-to-use-string-trimmer-efficiently/ If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over...
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Out of Office Checklist
The show's hit 50 episodes! I'm celebrating with a work trip out of the country. What better way to prepare than to cover an out of office checklist. Read along at https://verilymag.com/2017/06/ooo-vacation-days-office-prep. If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over...
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Mini Manual #23: Summer Fruit Salad
Mini Manual #23 takes all of that vibrant and tasty fruit and turns it into a refreshing cold dish to serve at summer gatherings. Read along at Jaclyn Bell's blog -- Cooking Classy -- at https://www.cookingclassy.com/honey-lime-rainbow-fruit-salad/ If you like the show, please subscribe, review,...
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Planting Flowers
Tune in to learn whilst falling asleep to this blooming episode on how to plant flowers. Read along at https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Flowers If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product manuals to: Facebook Twitter Instagram
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Mini Manual #22: How to Break in a Baseball Glove
Mini Manual #22 is ready to play ball, describing several ways to break in that new baseball glove. Read along at https://www.baseballmonkey.com/how-to-break-in-a-baseball-glove AND at https://www.fatherly.com/play/how-to-break-in-kids-baseball-glove/. With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show,...
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Sleep and the Theories of Its Causes
The Scientific American Supplement is back again, this time from 1898, with an article offering various theories on the causes of sleep. Read along at https://www.gutenberg.org/files/18265/18265-h/18265-h.htm#art08. With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and...
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Mini Manual #21: Nasacort
Mini Manual #21 shows exactly how to use Nasacort to combat those pesky allergens, during spring and throughout the year. Read along at https://www.nasacort.ca/en/how-to-use With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show, please subscribe, review, share, and send over requests for other product...
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Sorry!
The game has started. You've moved your blue pawn across the majority of the board of play. You're 2 spots from the safe zone. Your turn is up next and all it will take is one card pull to get you in. Then your friend pulls a card, smirks, flips it over, and says "Sorry!" while she swaps out a…
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Mini Manual #20: Pioneer Woman's Restaurant Style Salsa
My favorite recipe of all-time gets the How To treatment, as The Pioneer Woman's Restaurant Style Salsa comes front and center. It's easy, it's delicious. Enjoy. Read along at https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/restaurant-style-salsa/ With host Mike Shafer. If you like the show, please…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
I'm here to help you fall asleep, one instruction manual at a time. Each episode features a full read through of the instructions of everyday products like toilets, typewriters, board games, with the occasional food package thrown in for good measure.
HOSTED BY
Mike Shafer
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does How To Sleep have?
How To Sleep currently has 92 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is How To Sleep about?
I'm here to help you fall asleep, one instruction manual at a time. Each episode features a full read through of the instructions of everyday products like toilets, typewriters, board games, with the occasional food package thrown in for good measure.
How often does How To Sleep release new episodes?
How To Sleep has 92 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to How To Sleep?
You can listen to How To Sleep on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts How To Sleep?
How To Sleep is created and hosted by Mike Shafer.
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