Nocturne

In the documentary film, Nocturnes, the tiny fluttering nocturnal creatures who inhabit the Himalayan forest between India and Bhutan offer an exquisite and irresistible invitation - to experience the natural world with more love and attention.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Our Precious Time CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music by Kent Sparling and Jeffrey FosterFind out more about the film, Nocturnes, at https://grasshopperfilm.com/film/nocturnes/ All natural sounds in this episode were original to the film, and provided by the filmmakers, Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan.Thank you to Hunter Longshore.Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast

Hello dear listener, Vanessa here. First off, I want to let you know about a unique in-person event that Nocturne will be part of in the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday, January 10th.Way back last January we released the episode, Impression, in which I followed artist, Nathanael Gray out to the wilds of the Point Reyes National Seashore, and chronicled his process of creating a large triptych painting of the ocean, in the dark. If you'll be in the Bay Area on January 10th, I'd like to invite you to an intimate immersive experience in which we'll gather together from 6:30-9pm, listen to the episode, AND reveal the painting that Nathanael created for the first time, along with his newly created series, Ocean Fields. What's more, they'll be time to mingle in the lovely art/gathering space - A Loft of One's Own, in Emeryville, purchase yummy pop up food, amidst a newly created soundscape by Nocturne composer, and co-creator, Kent Sparling. The event is free, but there are limited spots available, so RSVP is required. You can find event details at https://www.aloftofonesown.com/impression .And speaking of past episodes, I thought I'd drop an old holiday favorite into the feed as a rebroadcast. The episode is Tree People, from back in 2017, featuring Joel Shupack, who worked for years guarding Christmas Trees at night in NYC. Joel is highly entertaining as he recalls the ins and outs of this very unique nocturnal gig. So, whether you're revisiting this story or hearing it for the first time, I hope you enjoy it.There’s a funny thing about Christmas in New York: In a city where most of the living trees are clumped together in just a few areas, right around Thanksgiving new clumps of trees start popping up all over this mostly concrete and asphalt setting. The tree stands sprinkled throughout the city create a festive air, but there’s another dimension to the world of Christmas trees in New York City at night.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast  Tree People CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe.Production help on this episode from Joel Shupack.You can find Joel Shupack's podcast, Square Mile, here.Find out about the live art event in Emeryville, featuring work by Nathanael Gray, on January 10th, 2026 here: https://www.aloftofonesown.com/impression MusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAlso by Kent Sparling:Callum; Farther You Are; Galvin Needle; Wait; Silent Night; Oh Christmas Tree; Cuttings; Carbon Source, UnreleasedRue Royale:Deck the HallsPollen:Jingle Bells SwingAldrine Guerrero:Source recording for Carol of the BellsEpisode Artwork: Robin Galante

Lullabies and goodnight wishes are thought to soothe both the giver and the receiver.  They're an anchor in time, as we send each other off into the dark unknown, hoping that the world will reassemble recognizable, and that we might have more moments together.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast How We Say Goodnight CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music by Kent Sparling and Jeffrey FosterFind out more about Night Air, by Karen Werner. The Night Air singers in this episode were Aleksandra Gorzkeiewicz, Trine Hansen, Wench Haukland (flute and voice), and Alan Ó Raghallaigh.Other voices in this episode include Rhodes (guitar playing busker), Heidi Bagnall, Josh LaBaw, Jared Moore, Mario DeSio, Stephanie Rubin, Kent Sparling, Finn Sparlowe, and Lis Pezzulich. Thank you to all the others who lent their voices.Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast

When Michael Koppy was a kid, he fell in love with running, logging a thousand miles in one summer. In his eighth decade, he's still pushing himself, breaking records, and following his dreams, one step at a time. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Ultra Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling and Kid Otter Find info about Michael Koppy at https://www.duluthymca.org/runkoppy Sled recording by Dan Kraker Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

Scientists have dubbed this time period the Lunar Anthropocene, a new geological epoch in which human's have become the dominant force shaping the moon's environment.  As humans race forward into deeper exploration and utilization of the moon and beyond, astronomer, Dr. Aparna Venkatesan, urges us to consider the shared nature of the cosmos.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Shared Space CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music by Kent Sparling and Kid Otter.Find Dr. Aparna Venkatesan at aparnavenkatesan.com Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.

Many of us have struggled with insomnia at various times in our lives. Annabel Abbs' journey through insomnia led her to discoveries that completely changed her life. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast The Night Self Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling. Find Annabel Abbs at www.annabelabbs.com Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.

Nathanael Gray paints dramatic landscapes of wild nature. He paints them in the dark.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Impression CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music by Kent Sparling and Jeffrey Foster.Find out more about Nathanael Gray's art here.Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

"Henry 1" is the Sonoma Country Sheriff's Office helicopter rescue unit.  They're available 24/7, and are one of the busiest programs of their kind in the country. They're the only one in the country that does long line rescues at night. They're super badass.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Henry 1CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music by Kent Sparling.Music in original episode by David Hughes, Kyron (aka JC Mendizbal), Gunnar Madsen (featuring MCMGM), and Kent Sparling.Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.Watch the video of the Henry 1 rescue featured in the episode here.

Nocturne is turning 10 YEARS OLD next month! In honor of this huge milestone, we are revisiting an early listener favorite, with a twist. It turns out, the night, with it's hidden, pulse quickening, mystery, may not be something to triumph over, it might be something to savor. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Into Under Through Again Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling. Music in original episode by Jeffrey Foster, Janet Feder, and Kent Sparling. Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

An early tragedy led Tom Turcich to examine what he wanted out of life, so over the course of seven years, he and Savannah walked around the globe. Tom is the 10th man to walk around the world, and  Savannah is the first dog. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Tom and Savannah Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by David C . Hughes, Jeffrey Foster; Kid Otter. Find out more about Tom Turcich and the World Walk here. Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

As the world changes around us, how do we balance grief and gratitude? How do we stay connected enough to what we love, to be able to mobilize the energy and spirit to fight for it? Some people in Point Reyes Station, in northern California, are acutely aware of what they have, what they could lose, and why it matters. So they've banded together, harnessing the power of community, to do what they can.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Noctalgia CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music by Jeffrey Foster; Kid Otter; Kent SparlingFind out more about Dark Sky International, Dark Sky West Marin, the work of John Barentine, and the work of Aparna Venkatesan.Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collectiveExtra thanks to Kim Thomas!

As winter fades into memory in the northern hemisphere, many breathe sighs of relief, looking forward to longer days and the warmth of the sun inviting time spent outside. But some are not so excited, hanging on to the wisps of winter with its long cold nights. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Balaclava Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kyron (aka JC Mendizbal); Kid Otter; Kent Sparling Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

This episode is about the only mammal that can fly, one that's reviled, but actually pretty darned gentle, unlike in the vampire stories that sprung up around it. But it's also about the dogged man who's been working on saving them for the the last 65 years.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Merlin Tuttle CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingFind out more about Merlin Tuttle and Merlin Tuttle's Bat Organization. I highly recommend his memoir,The Secret Lives of Bats, My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals.Episode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

There's a lot to be sad, stressed and upset about in the world right now. It's important to give those things our focus and attention and action, but we also need to take the time to appreciate the world around us - the precious, beautiful, strange planet we call home.  There are gifts to be discovered in the darkness.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Season of Night CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa LoweMusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingFind more info about the book, Nocturnalia, by Charles Hood and Jose´ Gabriel Martínez-FonsecaLearn about the organization, Wide AwakeEpisode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective

It's the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere - the longest night of the year. Come along as we gather with a group of strangers and walk through the glowing streets of the Mission District in San Francisco, carrying boomboxes and speakers, creating something unique and beautiful together. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Season of Night Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Find out more about Unsilent Night and musician, Phil Kline. Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.

What leads a 21-year-old to leave the college of her dreams and travel clear across the country to live off grid, in the middle of a vast barren desert, surrounded by art made from trash? The answer is East Jesus. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast East of Nowhere Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music:  Jeffrey foster // Kent Sparling // Kid Otter Find out more about East Jesus here. Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.

In 2013, Ben Davis had the crazy idea to light up the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge for it's 75th birthday, and turn it into a nightly art installation. Ten years later, the Bay Lights went dark, but Davis' mission is brighter than ever.Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast The Light that Gives CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe.MusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music: Jeffrey fosterEpisode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.

The U.S. Forest Service defines wilderness as having, "outstanding opportunities for solitude". When Adam Danielson summited Mount Shasta, he got more solitude than he would ever want.

Many sighted people envision being blind as inhabiting an endless night, but the realities of blindness are often much richer and more varied. Andrew Leland offers glimpses from the Country of the Blind.

Whether it’s to hear live music, to hang out, or to hook up, bars and clubs are a big part of nightlife for a lot of people. But going out to a bar is not without risk, particularly for women, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.Support Nocturne by donating at 

An unexplained sound at night is like an actor on a stage, or a mystical beast drawing power from the moon. Without all the other noise competing for attention, sound at night stands out, it travels farther, it bends and shimmers in unexpected ways. It can tantalize, mesmerize, terrify or downright destroy you in irritation. At the very least it can capture the imagination.An unexplained sound at night is like an actor on a stage, or a mystical beast drawing power from the moon. Without all the other noise competing for attention, sound at night stands out, it travels farther, it bends and shimmers in unexpected ways. It can tantalize, mesmerize, terrify or downright destroy you in irritation. At the very least it can capture the imagination.Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Bump in the Night CreditsNocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe.MusicNocturne theme music by Kent SparlingAdditional music:Kent Sparling // Jeffrey FosterEpisode art by Magdalena MetryckaSupport Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.This episode was brought to you with support from Storyworth. Visit Storyworth.com/Nocturne today to save $10 on your first purchase.

Cristina Gil began her career as an architect in Colombia. As she worked and traveled, she started thinking about how lighting could be part of the solution to making cities safer and more inviting, specifically for women at night. An idea began to take form for a project, an initiative really – called The Night-Time Traveller. The mission of the Night-Time Traveller project would be to explore urban night design from a women’s perspective.

Until fairly recently, there was no distinct focus on the archeology of the night. Lacking a specific nighttime lens through which to view relics from the past, archeologists had been missing an opportunity to capture a whole complete portrait of ancient people’s lives. It was kind of like painting a picture and filling in only half the canvas.

In most major urban and suburban areas in the U.S., it’s easy to take for granted that the streets are for cars – that’s just the way it is almost all the time. That’s what we expect to see and experience, day and night. So, when you come across a road taken over by joyful people on bicycles, with cars stuck on the sidelines, it’s kind of a delightful spectacle.  In fact, around where I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, that’s called a bike party. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Hot for Teacher Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Find out more about East Bay Bike Party , and the attacks on riders during the February ride. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Jeffrey Foster Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective. This episode was brought to you with support from BetterHelp for supporting this episode. Visit BetterHelp.com/Nocturne today to get 10% off your first month. This episode was also brought to you with support from Ocusleep. Visit Ocusleep.com and use the code NOCTURNE for $40 off and free shipping. I have a request! If you have a story about a mysterious sound in the night, let me know! I may use it in an upcoming episode! You can leave a voicemail at (510) 982-6959, or send me a recording in an email at vanessa at nocturnepodcast.org.

In a world where the nutritional needs of sex workers is not given much consideration, Nikeisah Newton feeds strippers the most scrumptious, healthy things she can think of. And she delivers.

From tree surfing to sleeping in trees, Peter Jenkins has done it all. And he’s spent more than half his life teaching others how to do it, too.

There are some experiences that, while wonderful at any time, are amplified in their wonderfulness when they happen at night. This is one of them.

Monte Rio is a tiny peaceful Northern California town, nestled in a hilly forest of redwoods, beside a river. Who’s starting all the fires?

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about what it would feel like to take a long walk through a dark, dark night, without fear. So, I decided to take myself on a walk like that, with you. This night feels strange and different. The darkness and the glittering bits of light are not as they usually appear, how they usually feel.

You won't find the word "Tenebrisology" in the dictionary - yet. It means, "the study of natural darkness", and it was created by Jane Slade. Working in the lighting industry woke her up to the darkness we're all missing, and her mission to bring it back.

I rarely talk about the fact that I pretty much always feel hyperaware, if not nervous, when I'm out alone at night. I'm embarrassed to admit that. But I'm not alone. Hannah Drake asked the question, "What would you do out at night if you weren't afraid?", and the answers were illuminating.

Amanda and her husband went out on a guided nighttime kayaking tour for their anniversary. What they'd hoped would be a relaxing, romantic excursion into nature turned into something else entirely.

Some things can only really be experienced in a dark theater full of people. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with its midnight shows spanning more than 45 years, is the longest running theatrically released film in history, but it's more than just a movie.

When you're at the Oakland Zoo at night you can see the glow of the city in the sky overhead. But down on the ground, in amongst the animals, it's an entirely different world.

Pedram's dog, KitKat, is the most important thing in his life - their close emotional bond is a source of comfort and delight. But this bond also comes with constant fear, because they live in Iran where dogs are considered "untouchable", and the only truly safe place is in the dark shadows of the night.

Astronomer James Lowenthal gave a TEDx talk in 2016 warning that with the availability of cheap LED lights, light pollution around the world was about to get much worse very quickly. Little did he know that there was a much bigger threat to the night sky right around the corner.

Dvora has interacted with elemental spirits since she was a child.  She's learned to set boundaries, so as not to be attacked or taken advantage of. Sometimes the elementals just want to talk, sometimes they need help,  and sometimes they're the ones offering help.

Danny's first skydiving experience set him on course to do something that most people would never dream of doing, something that for most people would actually be seriously terrifying, and for good reason. This story is about something that is dangerous, illegal, and I don't recommend it, AT ALL. Nocturne is having a 30 day special offer on https://www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast ! Sign up to become a supporter at the $5 level or above and get all the existing benefits (including Night Light bonus episodes), AND I will send you a treat bag with Nocturne stickers and some other cool stuff.

Clustering around the warmth and power of a campfire, it feels like the edges of people get softened - we speak and listen to each other differently - there's a deepening that doesn't happen in many other settings. What use to be the norm, is now a special treat -  gazing into the embers, listening to the mesmerizing crackle, and telling our own secrets and stories in the night.

There are only 6000 tule elk left in the world, all of them found in California. Some of them roam along the coastal hills of Point Reyes National Seashore, an area that is also occupied by cattle and dairy ranches. To protect grazing land for cows, some of the elk are confined by high fences. But as drought worsens, and the elk are cut off from food and water, large numbers of them are dying. A band of activists have been trekking through the fog, in darkness, to try to help them. *The initially released version of this episode was revised on the same day of its release. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Through the Fog Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Kent Sparling  Find more information about Jack Gescheidt. Sounds of the nighttime water drop were recorded by Tony Sehgal, for his film, "Dying of Thirst at Point Reyes National Seashore". More information on the issues related to the tule elk and cattle operations at Point Reyes National Seashore: www.pacificsun.com/death-by-design-how-the-national-park-service-experiments-on-tule-elk/ www.abc7news.com/tule-elk-deaths-protest-endangered/10838764/ https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/tule_elk.htm www.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/09/13/point-reyes-protest-calls-out-park-service-over-tule-elk-water-supply/ www.abc7news.com/tule-elk-deaths-protest-endangered/10860141/ www.ptreyeslight.com/article/elk-activists-stage-protest-ranch-land www.ptreyeslight.com/article/true-boom-and-bust-fenced-herd-shrinks-drought www.ForElk.org www.IDAusa.org Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka

Kim felt an irresistible pull toward life on the road - the traveler's lifestyle, without schedules or responsibilities. Hopping freight trains and searching for places to sleep are now a thing of the past, but she still tries to hold on to the spirit of adventure and surprise she loved from that time.

Grace felt everything deeply from an early age. She was having panic attacks at 9 years old, and separation anxiety in middle school. The anxiety came to a head when she was 12, and nothing she tried helped in any meaningful way. Until one night she looked out her window.

Tonight, as you're lying in bed, take a moment to think about the fact that in the night sky right above you, a massive river of birds is on an epic, death-defying journey of survival.

Most parents would never consider leaving their kids in the dark woods at night, and letting them find their way back. The Dutch do just that, and they call it Dropping, and the kids mostly have fun.

When Lia Ditton set out from San Francisco to row alone across the Pacific Ocean she was  confident that she would make it to Hawaii. But when you leave land, all you really know is that you're going on an adventure.

I've been thinking about fear, and movement, and exploration, and safety. I've been thinking about barriers, and perimeters - those we create and those that are imposed. Pushing yourself into fear on purpose gives some comfort that maybe you'll be able to navigate life when you really have no control, when your thrown into a darkness bigger and deeper than you would ever choose.

The night represents a slowing, quiet contemplation, autonomy, dreams ... the dominion of rest. But Grind Culture tells us that our worth is in our productivity. The Nap Bishop is here to tell us, "No".  Rest is not a privilege, it's a human right. Sleep deprivation is a social and racial justice issue. And, "Resting is actually going to allow you to wake up."

Alec had spent countless summer days near Mammoth Pool Reservoir, in the Sierra National Forest. His memories were filled with fun and relaxation. As Alec and a friend arrived at the lake the first night of the Labor Day Weekend, there was little to indicate that this weekend would be any different than the trove of happy memories he had of this place.

The challenges of being unhoused are almost too many to count. They take on a distinct flavor at night.

A walk through a park, an urban rooftop, a forest trail - all of these are one experience in broad daylight, and entirely another after nightfall. The river, Aare, in Switzerland transforms into another creature in the darkness.