Nocturne

Our Precious Time Mar 2, 2026 37:12 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 Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme

Live Event Info + Rebroadcast of Tree People Dec 19, 2025 39:45 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 tr

How We Say Goodnight Nov 24, 2025 26:57 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 Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Mu

Ultra Aug 6, 2025 40:08 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 b

Shared Space Jun 2, 2025 34:37 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/nocturne

The Night Self Mar 18, 2025 31:50 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

Impression Jan 28, 2025 30:22 Nathanael Gray paints dramatic landscapes of wild nature. He paints them in the dark. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast [meta_gallery_slider] Impression Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling and Jeffrey Foster. Find out more about Nathanael Gray's art www.nathanaelgray.c

Henry 1 Nov 28, 2024 33:32 "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 1Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne t

Into Under Through Again Sep 26, 2024 34:18 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 produce

Tom and Savannah Aug 2, 2024 37:51 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 Sparl

Noctalgia Jun 1, 2024 39:05 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

Balaclava Apr 5, 2024 28:41 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 Noctu

Merlin Tuttle Mar 2, 2024 37:12 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 last 65 years. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Merlin Tuttle Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne

Nocturnalia Jan 18, 2024 42:46 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 Nocturnal

Season of Night Dec 21, 2023 30:01 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

East of Nowhere Nov 30, 2023 33:38 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 Additio

The Light That Gives Oct 18, 2023 28:04 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 Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne them

On the North Face Sep 21, 2023 42:00 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. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast On the North Face Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Kent Sparling

The Nyctalops Jul 18, 2023 34:31 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. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast The Nyctalops Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music:

Angel Shot Jun 26, 2023 37:24 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 www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Angel Shot Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Ad

Nightways May 22, 2023 41:02 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. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/noct

Bump in the Night Apr 28, 2023 37:15 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

In Shadow Places Mar 24, 2023 31:32 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 ur

Hot for Teacher Feb 24, 2023 31:44 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 t

Meals 4 Heels Jan 18, 2023 27:47 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. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Meals 4 Heels Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Find out more about Meals 4 Heels . Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Spa

Tree Time Dec 20, 2022 36:34 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. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Tree Time Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe. Find out more about Tree Climbers International Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Kent Sparling

Fresh Out the Grease Nov 18, 2022 33:24 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. Support Nocturne by donating at www.patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Colonial Donuts has a great Instagram feed @colonialdonuts. It has MUCH better pictures than the shots below 😉 Fresh Out the Grease Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe.

Manhunt on Bohemian Highway Sep 21, 2022 49:52 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?

Dream Walk: The Gate Jun 15, 2022 21:46 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.

Light Enough May 22, 2022 27:00 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.

What Would You Do? Apr 20, 2022 32:56 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.

Into the Wave Mar 17, 2022 33:50 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.

Time Warp Feb 18, 2022 27:05 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.

Happy Rumbles Jan 19, 2022 30:03 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.

Dogma Dec 15, 2021 35:05 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.

Erosion Nov 10, 2021 41:43 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.

Elemental Oct 13, 2021 29:17 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. Nocturne is having a 30 day special offer on https://www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast ! Sign up to become a supporter at the $5 level

3-2-1! Sep 22, 2021 32:29 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 be

The Red Flower Aug 17, 2021 27:48 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.

Through the Fog Jul 21, 2021 30:48 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 b

Traveler Jun 16, 2021 38:29 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.

The Same Stars May 19, 2021 28:17 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.

A Whole Night for the Future Apr 22, 2021 45:19 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.

Notes in the Trees Mar 17, 2021 28:35 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.

86 Days Feb 17, 2021 49:31 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.

Perimeter Jan 13, 2021 26:03 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.

Rest for Them Dec 17, 2020 29:54 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."

One Road Out Nov 17, 2020 32:16 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.

Home Oct 9, 2020 33:23 The challenges of being unhoused are almost too many to count. They take on a distinct flavor at night.

The Drop Sep 8, 2020 27:03 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.

The Last Dream Aug 11, 2020 31:16 When Sally lost her brother to suicide, a friend advised her to be open to the possibility that he would try to visit her from beyond. Despite her initial skepticism, what she experienced in the ensuing months changed her mind completely.

Can You Hear That? Jul 14, 2020 35:39 What if, out of nowhere, you started hearing a low-frequency rumble, like a truck idling right outside your home, in the middle of the night, every night for weeks and months on end -- and no one else could hear it?

Two Owls Jun 9, 2020 32:39 To connect with an owl, even in a small way, is a rare gift. There is no animal more emblematic of the night. Elusive, mysterious and powerful: owls inspire both fear and awe.

Zebra May 12, 2020 28:19 While graffiti is seen by some as blight, and by others as art, the act of hiding in the shadows and stealthily scrawling your name on a wall is ultimately about being seen, rather than doing damage. This was definitely the case for a boy who went by the tag, "Zebra" in Philadelphia back in 1975.

Filling in the Blanks Apr 14, 2020 30:55 In this high tech world, you're never without a camera, and can take a picture anywhere you go. But do these images convey the feelings of awe, excitement, wonder and fear you had while you were in those places? Adam Katseff discovered a way to do this by taking landscape photographs in the dark of night, revealing more by showing less.

Newt Brigade Mar 10, 2020 38:01 If you look closely enough at this seemingly idyllic stretch of road, nestled between a lake and a steep hillside in Northern California, you'll notice it's not so idyllic — at least not for the newts and salamanders determined to cross to the other side.

Do the Thing Feb 11, 2020 39:48 The black belt test at Studio Naga is a 48-hour ordeal with no sleep. By the second night, students are running on pure adrenaline when they arrive to an unknown location blindfolded in the dark. Then, it's time to fight.

Speak San Pedro Jan 14, 2020 35:28 The night is a perfect canvas for the ancient magic of Peruvian shamanism. In the darkness, your mind opens, allowing spirits to find a place to land

You Are a Candle Dec 10, 2019 18:04 Candles were a lifeline until they became merely ornamental. So, how do the candles feel about this?

As a Weapon Nov 12, 2019 39:30 Comfort turns to horror when the night becomes weaponized - used to terrorize and control. This is the most ominous embodiment of the night. Its most salient symbols are those of burning crosses, and the nightriders delivering their messages of terror.

I’m a Monster Oct 8, 2019 37:01 Getting into character and scaring people silly is one of Campbell Harmon's favorite things in life. But his relationship to being a monster goes deeper than playing one in a haunted attraction.

Like a Light Bulb Sep 10, 2019 33:33 Kristin’s daughter was just 16 years old when she began to struggle with drug addiction - methamphetamine, heroin, and more. It brought Kristin to her knees. Of all the painful challenges, the worst was not knowing where her daughter was in the middle of the night.

In Magdalenian Footsteps Aug 13, 2019 35:29 There is a cave in southern France that contains some of the world’s most deeply hidden secrets. To get there you must crawl on your belly through a long tomb-like passage, with your only light held between your teeth.

The Sound of Moonlight Jul 9, 2019 30:49 There are over 3500 species of crickets and each has a different song. One man fills his apartment in Brooklyn with their music, and then takes them out in public to perform alongside them. And then he eats them.

Elk River Road Jun 11, 2019 34:51 Zoe and Sarah were young, free explorers on a spontaneous summer road trip. As darkness began to fall, the map on Zoe’s phone directed them to a short cut that would speed up their drive and get them to a safe place to spend the night. But that's not what happened.

The Dark Revolt May 14, 2019 34:05 Ever since he was a child, Clark Strand has awoken in the middle of the night and gone out walking. One night a voice spoke directly in his ear, saying, “Don’t go out tonight. Remain calm and be very very still.” His life has never been the same.

Overnights (Bonus Episode) Apr 23, 2019 41:57 What is it about the night, about what happens in the darkness, when most people are asleep? Vanessa and radio host, Rod Quinn muse about this and much more, on this week's bonus episode. They also chat with callers from across Australia sharing their feelings and observations about the night, in an excerpt of Overnights from ABC Radio in Australia.

On The Air Apr 9, 2019 31:52 There’s really nothing else like late night call in shows on the radio – other humans, in real time, just chatting. It can bring comfort and normalcy to the hours that can feel like anything but comforting or normal.

Big Life Mar 12, 2019 25:29 Katie Nelson is a journalist based in Kenya, where she covers human rights and global health issues. Her work puts her in dangerous and challenging situations, far from home. But not that long ago, Katie could barely get out of bed.

The Blue Time Feb 12, 2019 28:28 For two months a year, in a small Norwegian city, the sun never goes above the horizon. One researcher visits to find out why its citizens are happy despite the lack of light.

Quiet Transmission Jan 8, 2019 28:35 Poetry and the night are some of the last remaining domains of “unknowing”; places where it’s acceptable to digest the world slowly and without conclusion, and where one can linger in, and traverse, experiences like solitude, impermanence, and wonder. Poets Cecily Parks and Tom Harding are both drawn to explore the intersection between the quiet tender moments of night and the act of writing and r

Finding the Void Dec 11, 2018 29:07 What makes a place home? Is it a place that feels like a refuge? Is it somewhere you sleep really, really well? What if the place that feels like home is a secret apartment in the bowels of a giant mall?

Stay Warm, Be Careful Nov 13, 2018 30:33 This crazy thing happens in NYC as night approaches – as rush hour picks up and the streets get evermore hectic than normal, delivery men on bikes start racing through the streets to get people their restaurant food while it’s still hot. Many New Yorkers expect this service that is intrinsic to the city, yet they often view these men on bikes as a menace and a threat to public safety. Cesar wor

I Don’t Get Lost Oct 2, 2018 28:19 Sometimes it takes losing your way in the dark, to realize that you were already lost.

Ubiquitous Terrifying Force Sep 5, 2018 28:17 Something is happening to the animals. Can we all coexist on a crowded planet?

Into the World Aug 8, 2018 28:33 The shift into the darkness of night triggers our bodies to relax. Perhaps this is why so many babies begin their journey into the world at night. That adds a whole new dimension when they're born at home.

Careening Jul 9, 2018 26:01 Traveling at night as a passenger is an act of trust. As the sensations of movement lull you to the edge of sleep or beyond, you surrender to dislocation; disconnecting from place and time. The only constant is motion. As your consciousness bobs up into the present moment, in the darkness you could be anywhere, or nowhere at all.

Candle Hour Jun 6, 2018 27:21 There has never been a world without tragedy and heartache and injustice. But there has also never before been a time when human beings have had constant access to the breadth of human suffering. Our technology bathes us in this information, and it can be a challenge to not dissolve into a mass of emotion, or just go numb. Julia Scott found herself facing this dilemma, and intuitively creating a r

The Dark Triad May 9, 2018 28:29 Research in 2013 found a connection between night owls and those with a sinister constellation of personality traits, ominously labeled, “The Dark Triad”. The study got a lot of attention in the media, with headlines claiming that night owls are more likely to be psychopaths and narcissists. There was just one problem.

Blackfish Apr 11, 2018 44:18 Malcolm Saunders is a fisherman in Cornwall, on the southern tip of the UK. While most of the old fishing ports have transformed into tourist attractions, there are still some working fishing boats, manned by seasoned weathered fisherman. They’re holding onto to an almost forgotten way of life – one that ties their livelihood to nature, with all of the thrill and hardship that goes along with it.

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