Nocturne

Our Precious Time 02.03.2026 37мин

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 music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling and Jeffrey Foster Find 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 Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast

Live Event Info + Rebroadcast of Tree People 19.12.2025 39мин

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 Credits Nocturne 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 Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Also by Kent Sparling: Callum; Farther You Are; Galvin Needle; Wait; Silent Night; Oh Christmas Tree; Cuttings; Carbon Source, Unreleased Rue Royale: Deck the Halls Pollen: Jingle Bells Swing Aldrine Guerrero: Source recording for Carol of the Bells Episode Artwork: Robin Galante

How We Say Goodnight 24.11.2025 26мин

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 Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling and Jeffrey Foster Find out more about Night Air, by Karen Werner at karenwerner.net/about . 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 Lisa Pezzulich. Thank you to all the others who lent their voices. Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast

Ultra 06.08.2025 40мин

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 Special thanks to Tim Harincar for the idea for this episode! 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

Shared Space 02.06.2025 34мин

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 Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Kent Sparling and Kid Otter. Find Dr. Aparna Venkatesan at usfca.edu/faculty/aparna-venkatesan 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.

The Night Self 18.03.2025 31мин

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.

Impression 28.01.2025 30мин

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.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

Henry 1 28.11.2024 33мин

"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 theme music by Kent Sparling Additional 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 Metrycka Support 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.

Into Under Through Again 26.09.2024 34мин

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

Tom and Savannah 02.08.2024 37мин

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

Noctalgia 01.06.2024 39мин

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 Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music by Jeffrey Foster; Kid Otter; Kent Sparling Find 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 Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective Extra thanks to Kim Thomas! Noctalgia was featured on San Francisco public radio station, KALW.

Balaclava 05.04.2024 28мин

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

Merlin Tuttle 02.03.2024 37мин

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 theme music by Kent Sparling Find out more about Merlin Tuttle and Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation. I highly recommend his memoir, The Secret Lives of Bats, My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals. 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

Nocturnalia 18.01.2024 42мин

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 Nocturnalia Credits Nocturne is produced by Vanessa Lowe Music Nocturne theme music by Kent Sparling Find more info about the book, Nocturnalia, by Charles Hood and Jose´ Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca Learn about the organization, Wide Awake 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

Season of Night 21.12.2023 30мин

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.

East of Nowhere 30.11.2023 33мин

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.

The Light That Gives 18.10.2023 28мин

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 theme music by Kent Sparling Additional music: Jeffrey foster Find out more about Illuminate 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.

On the North Face 21.09.2023 42мин

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 // Jeffrey foster // Kid Otter 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.

The Nyctalops 18.07.2023 34мин

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: Kent Sparling // Jeffrey foster // Kid Otter Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Find Andrew Leland, as well as information about his new memoir, The Country of the Blind, here. Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.

Angel Shot 26.06.2023 37мин

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 Additional music: Kent Sparling // Myles Boisen // Kid Otter Episode art by Magdalena Metrycka Support Nocturne by donating at www.Patreon.com/nocturnepodcast Find info about Safe Bars and Lauren Taylor’s other work. Nocturne is a proud member of Hub and Spoke audio collective.