Episodios

  • Loonies, Blooms & Ancestry
    May 1 2025

    The Insomnia Project – Episode: Loonies, Blooms & Ancestry

    Welcome to a double episode of The Insomnia Project! Since we missed last week, today’s show is extra-long—perfect for those who need a little more time to drift off.

    Join your hosts Marco and Amanda as they ease you into relaxation with a calming conversation about some charming Canadian shortcut sayings, including the iconic “Loonie” and “Toonie.” From there, they delve into the subtle (and soothing) difference between a canteen and a cafeteria—yes, they are different, and yes, we’re going there.

    As the flowers start to bloom, so too does one of our favourite themes—nature. We revisit poetry, a recurring and gentle thread on the show, and explore Amanda’s ancestry in a way that’s thoughtful, quiet, and curiosity-driven.

    All this and much more, softly delivered to help guide you into rest.

    Sweet dreams.


    Follow us on social media for updates and more relaxing content:

    • Instagram: @theinsomniaproject
    • Twitter: @listenandsleep


    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 m
  • Poetry, Peonies, and Peaceful Slumber
    Apr 17 2025

    Welcome back to The Insomnia Project, the podcast designed to ease you into a restful night's sleep.

    Tonight, your hosts Amanda and Marco delve into the soothing world of poetry and the gentle anticipation of spring.


    In this episode, you'll drift off to:

    • Poetic Musings: Amanda and Marco share some of their favorite poems and poets, exploring what resonates with them in the world of verse.
    • The Cue Card Conundrum: They engage in a robust discussion about their individual feelings on using cue cards, offering insights into their different approaches to presenting and speaking.
    • Marco's Note-Taking Secrets: Marco provides a peek behind the curtain, describing his personal method for creating effective and manageable notes.
    • A Moment of Verse: Amanda lends her calming voice to a reading of a beautiful poem by the beloved Mary Oliver.
    • Marco's Layton Attempt: Marco bravely takes on the challenge of reading a poem by the iconic Canadian poet, Irving Layton (expect a touch of charming imperfection!).
    • The Earth Awakens: Transitioning from the literary to the natural, Amanda and Marco discuss the simple wonder of soil and the exciting arrival of peony shoots, a gentle reminder of the season's quiet progress.

    We hope this episode provides a peaceful soundscape to guide you towards a restful night.


    Connect with us and continue the journey to sleep:

    • Twitter: @listenandsleep
    • Instagram: @theinsomniaproject
    • Web: theinsomniaproject.com
    • Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/theinsomniaproject


    Sweet dreams from Amanda and Marco.

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    26 m
  • Pool Noodles, Sunglasses, and Fruit Trees
    Apr 10 2025

    On today’s gentle journey of conversation, Marco and Amanda begin with Amanda’s recent Aquafit class experience. From the splash of exercise to the curious world of pool noodles, they dive into unexpected comparisons—are pool noodles the candy of the pool? That question leads them, as it often does, down a serene conversational path toward sunglasses.


    Marco reminisces about a memorable pair of sunglasses he lost and the duo reflect on the curious habit of wearing sunglasses at night, even touching on a certain familiar song lyric. And just when you think you know where things are headed, the discussion blossoms into a talk about fruit trees. How exactly does that transition happen? You’ll have to listen to find out.


    Settle in, relax, and let the conversation drift you gently to sleep.


    Connect with us on:

    Twitter: @listenandsleep

    Instagram: @theinsomniaproject

    Website: theinsomniaproject.com

    Patreon: patreon.com/theinsomniaproject

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    28 m
  • Snow Day (in April??)
    Apr 2 2025

    Hosts Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano kick off this episode of The Insomnia Project with a delightful surprise: an unexpected snow day on April 2nd! They reminisce about the sheer, unadulterated joy of snow days as children, recalling the excitement of building snow forts and sledding down hills, a stark contrast to the slightly less magical adult experience of a late-season snowfall. Their conversation meanders through urban observations, pausing to appreciate the often-overlooked presence of fire hydrants and their potential for artistic interpretation. Amanda and Marco then shine a spotlight on the wonderful art of Michelle Miracle, encouraging listeners to explore her unique style.

    The episode takes a culinary turn as they delve into a spirited debate over the merits of olives and capers, discussing their distinct flavors and culinary applications. This leads to a mouthwatering discussion about a memorable journey to Tottenham, Ontario, in pursuit of the perfect cannoli. They vividly describe the allure of authentic cannoli and the charm of the small town, emphasizing the importance of comfort food during the lingering cold. The conversation weaves in practical tips for staying warm during the unexpected snow, highlighting the comfort of cozy blankets and hot beverages. Amanda and Marco conclude the episode by thanking listeners for joining them on this snowy, cannoli-fueled adventure, urging them to share their own snow day memories and comfort food favorites on social media. They remind listeners to check out Michelle Miracle's art and, of course, to try and get some sleep. Until next time, from Amanda and Marco, good night!


    Connect with us on:

    Twitter: @listenandsleep

    Instagram: @theinsomniaproject

    web: theinsomniaproject.com

    Patreon: www.patreon.com/theinsomniaproject

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    27 m
  • The Lady with the Feet
    Mar 26 2025
    On today's show Amanda and Marco talk about a purse, tweezers and scents.

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    28 m
  • The Misadventures of Water Bottles: The Musical
    Mar 19 2025

    The Misadventures of Water Bottles: The Musical

    Join Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker as they embark on a whimsical journey through misadventures, musicals, and the small joys of life. From the curious case of the squished water bottle to the magic of B-list stars on stage, this episode is filled with lighthearted chatter and calming conversation.

    Key Takeaways:

    TV Talk:

    • The Traitors: Marco and Amanda share their thoughts on this gripping show.
    • Gravy and Chips: Amanda explains the origins of this comforting term.

    Simple Pleasures:

    • The satisfaction of uncancelled stamps.
    • The joy of a clean, sparse fridge.

    The Case of the Squished Water Bottle:

    • Marco explains the story behind the episode's title.

    Book Talk:

    • Marco's continued journey through the works of Agatha Christie.

    Musical Moments:

    • Reminiscing about The Scarlet Pimpernel and Evita.
    • Stories of attending shows with companions who took time to clue in on the characters.
    • B-list stars spotted in productions like Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and Dirty Dancing.

    WhatsApp Wonders:

    • Amanda shares funny anecdotes about Marco's cousins on WhatsApp.

    Additional Highlights:

    • Marco and Amanda's signature playful banter.
    • The comfort of little joys and musical memories.

    Social Media:

    Twitter: @listenandsleep

    Instagram: @theinsomniaproject

    Web: theinsomniaproject.com

    Patreon: www.patreon.com/theinsomniaproject

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    27 m
  • Game Changer
    Mar 12 2025

    Join Marco and Amanda as they explore the subtle yet fascinating world of game changers.


    They begin the episode with a lighthearted chat about worms—ear worms and earthworms—before reminiscing about their first fishing experiences.

    The conversation meanders into memories of desks they've had in school and at home, with a little detour into the charm of Murphy beds.

    The hosts also share stories of their first airplane trips and discuss game-changing tips for plane travel. As always, the goal is to have a conversation that's just interesting enough to keep you company, but not so riveting that you'll stay wide awake.

    Don't forget to tell your friends to listen and follow us on social media.


    Tune in, get comfortable, and let the gentle flow of dialogue be your perfect companion into a restful night.

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    27 m
  • Back to Basics: Season 10 Kickoff
    Mar 5 2025

    Back to Basics: Season 10 Kickoff

    Episode Description:

    Welcome back to The Insomnia Project! We're thrilled to kick off our 10th season with a special episode reflecting on our incredible journey so far. Join Amanda and Marco as they take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the quirky and comforting topics from our very first episode.

    In this episode, we delve into:

    • The Return of the Sock Saga: Yes, we're talking compression socks and the art of sock folding! Some things never change.
    • Tea Time Revisited: How steeped do you like your tea? We discuss our favorite brews and the perfect steeping ritual.
    • Literary Landscapes: Amanda shares her love for book series and the joy of following characters through multiple stories.
    • A Decade of Gratitude: Amanda and Marco express their heartfelt appreciation for the listeners who have made this journey possible.

    After ten seasons, we're still passionate about exploring the world of sleep and finding those little comforts that make a big difference. Thank you for being a part of our community!

    Call to Action:

    • If you've enjoyed The Insomnia Project, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach new listeners and continue creating content you love.

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-insomnia-project.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    29 m
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