Today I am here with Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the wonderful sleep podcast Nothing Much Happens, the amazing mindfulness podcast First This, and the lively and delightful podcast Stories from the Village of Nothing Much. Kathryn'new book, On the Street Where You Live, comes out next month, in July 2026. Here is her Instagram, a great place to see what’s going on with Kathryn and her creations!
Kathryn is intentionally cultivating joy. She began drawing earlier this year, despite having aphantasia (lack of visual imagery – no sound, colours, shapes or forms) and is loving the playful creativity. She’s taking online courses and filling her walls with new designs.
In our conversation today, Kathryn reflects on letting go of perfectionism and claiming the identity of ‘writer’ simply because she chooses to.
How she got here
Kathryn once believed she wasn’t creative, surrounded by artistic friends and family. Over time she learned creativity is a practice. She’s now 400+ episodes into Nothing Much Happens, on her second book and running three podcasts.
Growing up in Flint, Michigan, she told herself bedtime stories from the age of four. After 20 years teaching yoga/meditation, storytelling was a more accessible way to help people rest and regulate.
Kathryn has known sound designer Bob Wittersheim for some time and when she started working with him on Nothing Much Happens, he worked for free. Kathryn describes his compassionate and protective energy and credits him with grounding her.
Characters and perspectives
Kathryn realised early on that all her stories lived in the same universe. Writing in first person helps listeners to ‘pull the story around them’ and she includes a broad range of representative characters. Her upcoming book expands this catalogue of characters. She is now experimenting with a more eagle‑eyed view of the village while keeping her intuitive, centered style. She wants to stay inspired and genuine.
Inclusivity
As a queer woman, Kathryn values creating spaces where everyone feels safe. We discuss the joy of stories where characters live freely and fully.
Anorexia and Orthorexia
Kathryn speaks openly about her eating disorders, now seven years into recovery. She reflects on the years lost and the creativity gained since healing; she wants to model recovery.
Recovery and identity
Here is a lovely moment in our conversation – I share how First This supported me during a period of reclaiming my name and intuition. Kathryn emphasises that creators often help people they’ll never meet. She quotes the Regina Spektor song ‘Better’, with the line ‘If you never say your name out loud to anyone they can never ever call you by it’.
Kathryn describes bodily awareness, connection, her dog beside her, and the joy of this conversation as what feels present for her in this moment.
I’m filled with gratitude, to have had this conversation and to be able to bring it to you.
Invitations to Play with Kay
* I’m offering online workshops throughout 2026, and an in-person retreat here in Maine in September - see more at https://kaylockkolp.com/events
* If community is something you value, consider joining Dreamers & Doers. Here is where you can check it out: https://www.skool.com/dreamers-and-doers-8465/about
* Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation
* Or, apply to work 1-1 with me (currently waitlisted)
Cheers and lots of love to you today!
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