Hello creators,In this episode, we continue with chapter 7 of Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.On another note, those of you who follow us on Instagram will have already seen that at the end of this year, Sleepless Creatives will be coming to an end.   It's been a hard decision to make after running the show for 5 years, but after our final episode in December 2026, I'll be stepping away to focus on a new and exciting project, Build Without Breaking, a performing arts interview series launching on October 12th. Follow us on social media and all your streaming platforms to be one of the first listeners on launch day: <a href="https://instagram.com/buildwithoutbreakingpod">@buildwithoutbreakingpod</a>All episodes of Sleepless Creatives will remain available after this year, so you'll never be without a good night's sleep.Sweet Dreams,Florence x <a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk/">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk/">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a> Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios.The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Carmilla Chapter 7: Drifting Through a Dangerous Obsession

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello creators,In this episode, we have our next guest reader, performer, and voice actor, Adam Smith, who talks about the power of creative imagination from childhood to adulthood and reads us to sleep with the enchanting and addictive dreamscape of Celephais by H.P. Lovecraft.Find out more about Adam and his work: <a href="https://www.adamsmithperformance.com/">www.adamsmithperformance.com</a>On another note, those of you who follow us on Instagram will have already seen that at the end of this year, Sleepless Creatives will be coming to an end.   It's been a hard decision to make after running the show for 5 years, but after our final episode in December 2026, I'll be stepping away to focus on a new and exciting project, Build Without Breaking, a performing arts interview series launching on October 12th. Follow us on social media and all your streaming platforms to be one of the first listeners on launch day: <a href="https://instagram.com/buildwithoutbreakingpod">@buildwithoutbreakingpod</a>All episodes of Sleepless Creatives will remain available after this year, so you'll never be without a good night's sleep.Sweet Dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Exploring Our Creative Dream World with Voice Actor Adam Smith

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello creators,Put your phone down for ten minutes and feel what happens, a short walk outside with no music, no scrolling, just fresh air and your own thoughts settling.  It sounds small, but for busy performers and creators, that tiny gap from noise can be the difference between lying awake and actually drifting off. Today, we ease into a nostalgic sleep story: Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.  If you love bedtime stories for adults, relaxation audio, and practical sleep tips that don’t feel complicated, this is a gentle listen designed to calm your mind and soften you into rest.  Subscribe for more, share with a fellow tired creative, and leave a review telling us what helps you unwind before bed.Sweet dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

The Tale Of Squirrel Nutkin: A Springtime Wind-Down

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello creators,You know that feeling when your body is tired but your mind keeps pacing the room? Tonight we try something different: a classic story read with enough calm to let your thoughts loosen their grip.  For our April Guest Reader we’re joined by voice actor Luke Jones, who brings a steady, intimate performance to the first three cantos of Dante’s Inferno from The Divine Comedy. Luke starts by sharing what first pulled him towards Dante: the strange magnetism of hell as an idea, the human need to map fear and faith, and the craft of dramatic poetry beyond the usual Shakespeare canon.  If you love sleep podcasts, bedtime stories, guided relaxation, or simply want a soothing way back into great literature, this one is designed to carry you until you drift off.  Subscribe for more readings, share it with a fellow sleepless creative, and leave a review telling us what scene stayed with you.Sweet dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

The Devil and a Forest Dark: Dante's Inferno with Voice Actor Luke Jones

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello CreatorsComing soon: Build Without Breaking, a new performing arts interview series releasing toward the end of the year. Follow us on Instagram to follow the launch: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/buildwithoutbreakingpod">instagram.com/buildwithoutbreakingpod</a>Let me guide you into a bedtime poetry reading inspired by the renewed buzz around Wuthering Heights and the world that shaped Emily Brontë.  We talk about her deep love of animals, nature, and home, and why Yorkshire’s wild moors and harsh wind feel stitched into the rhythm of her lines.  The poems move through darkness, devotion, and doubt: a storm you cannot leave, love and friendship measured by seasons, hope that turns away, moonlight that settles the room, a rose that withers, mist that softens tomorrow, and a final walk that holds grief with quiet honesty.   If you’re looking for a sleep podcast for performers and creatives, calming narration, and Emily Brontë poems to help with insomnia and anxious nights, press play and get comfortable.  Subscribe, share this with a fellow sleepless creative, and leave a review so more listeners can find a gentler way to end the day.Sweet dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Bedtime Brontë: Poetry for Creative Minds

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,In this special bonus episode, we’re taking part in Podcaston 2026, where thousands of shows spotlight a charity they believe in. Ours is the Entertainment Community Fund, formerly the Actors Fund. They’ve been supporting the entertainment community since 1882, with practical help that can change everything when life gets shaky: emergency financial assistance, mental health support, housing resources, career coaching, and more. If you work in the performing arts, or you love someone who does, this is one to know. How to Support: <a href="https://entertainmentcommunity.org/">entertainmentcommunity.org</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/alifeinthearts">Follow them on Instagram</a> To fit the performing arts theme, I asked our acting community on Instagram to inspire the readings, a soothing collection of favourite monologues from classic plays.  You’ll hear voices wrestling with betrayal and self-respect, the shock of beauty on a scrappy stage, the clarity of a calling, the dreamlike logic of memory, the moment a “doll” becomes a person again, and a king who remembers he is made of the same dust as everyone else.  It’s a calm, spoken-word listen designed for winding down, easing insomnia, and giving your nervous system something steady to follow. If it helps you rest, please subscribe, share it with a friend, support the Entertainment Community Fund via the links, and leave a review with the monologue that stayed with you.Sweet dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Bonus Episode: A Bedtime Collection Of Classic Theatre Monologues

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,In the first Guest Reader episode of 2026, we invited voice actor, director, and producer Rachel Naylor to share how to build a purposeful, patient, and community-driven life in voiceover—and then we will slow the room down together with a tender reading from The Jungle Book. It’s a blend of clear-eyed creative advice and comfort, designed for performers and makers who need both courage and quiet. Rachel opens up about twenty-five years behind the mic across commercials, promos, games, animation, and documentary, and why mentoring newer voices isn’t a side project but part of the craft.  She talks demos, directing sessions, and the daily habits that make a career resilient rather than brittle. If you’ve ever wondered how to follow your dream without burning out, her perspective is a calm, practical map: honour process, protect your energy, and keep showing up for the work you love. This episode is for the sleepless creative who wants sustainable growth, kinder routines, and a bedtime ritual that actually works. Press play for a grounded take on voiceover life, stay for the soothing lullaby of a classic tale, and wake up with fresher focus for the work that matters. If this helped you rest or rethink your path, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a calm night, and leave a short review to help more creatives find us.Sweet dreams, Florence x Find Rachael: <a href="https://www.elementsdemos.com">www.elementsdemos.com</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/rachaelnaylor">www.instagram.com/rachael.naylor</a><a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Wolves, Tigers and Wise Words: The Jungle Book with Voice Actor Rachael Naylor

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,January doesn’t care about your calendar. The days are short, the air bites, and all those loud resolutions feel out of tune with a body that still wants to hibernate. We lean into that truth with a slower, kinder approach to creative momentum, and then dim the lights for a lush reading of Carmilla, Chapter Six, where devotion blurs into danger, and a silent figure stands at the foot of the bed. We start by resetting expectations for the new year, tracing why many cultures once marked a renewal in spring and how that rhythm can help modern creatives.  Instead of sprinting into 2026, we map small, low-friction habits.  So if you’re ever burned out by February, this is your permission to pace yourself without guilt. Then we settle into the velvet unease of Carmilla. The chapter unfolds with tender politeness, unspoken vows, and the unsettling promise that love can be both shelter and threat. You’ll hear the father’s protective refusal, Carmilla’s cryptic confessions, and the narrator’s night ritual of lit candles and locked doors, followed by a dream sequence: a monstrous cat, a stinging bite, and a woman in a dark dress. Curl up, press play, and let the mood carry you.  If the show resonates, follow us on social media, share it with a friend who’s pushing too hard, and leave a quick review. Sweet dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Carmilla Chapter 6: Darkness, Discipline, And The Lure Of Blood

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,Holiday shine can feel sharp when your brain won’t switch off.  We open with a warm check‑in for creators and performers who feel the December squeeze, then curl up with the first half of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen—read softly to settle your breath and steady your thoughts. The tale unfolds like a mirror to our creative lives. The troll’s shattered glass warps beauty and amplifies flaws, much like the feed, metrics, and self-comparison that creep in after dark.  Looking ahead to the new year, the show returns in January 2026 with five new guest readers and a bigger project taking shape behind the scenes.  For now, make tea, dim the room, and let the cadence of a classic carry you toward rest.  If this brought you a little peace, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a softer night, and leave a quick review to help more sleepless creatives find us.I hope all of you have a lovely holiday season and a happy New Year!Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

The Snow Queen: A Gentle Winters Lullaby

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,Ever meet a classic through its film cousins first? Join our final Guest Reader of 2025, trans voice actor Robyn McConnell, as she traces the surprising lineage between Treasure Planet and Muppets Treasure Island and the book that started it all—then slip into a soft, steady reading of Stevenson’s opening chapter. Robyn shares how adaptations simplify early stakes, why some versions erase Jim Hawkins’ father, and what that choice does to the mood of the Admiral Benbow. Together we map what the films kept—the songs, the myth, the promise of danger—and what the novel restores: the quiet dread of waiting, the texture of a frayed coat, the weight of a debt unpaid. It’s a guided rediscovery that treats story as both study and sanctuary. From the captain’s first knock to Dr Livesey’s unflinching rebuke, the chapter unfolds in calm detail.  Robyn’s performance stays warm and restrained, giving you space to breathe while keeping the thread of the tale clear.  If you’ve only known the story through animation and puppets, you’ll hear why the original opening is a masterclass in atmosphere—rich, patient, and haunting in the gentlest way. If you enjoy thoughtful storytelling, cosy narration, and a little literary myth-busting, this one’s for you.  Follow for more sleep-friendly readings, share with a friend who needs a calmer night, and leave a quick review to help others find their way to rest.Sweet Dreams,Florence xFollow Robyn:<a href="https://rmcconnellva.carrd.co/">https://rmcconnellva.carrd.co/</a>Instagram: @cubixfails<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

A Voice Actor’s Lullaby: Treasure Island’s First Chapter with Robyn McConnell

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,A cloudy October evening begs for a story that knows the road home.  We settle into the second half of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with a reading designed to calm the mind while letting the imagination wander.  From the last warmth of a bustling harvest party to the hush of a moonless lane, you’ll feel the season in full: apples stacked high, violin strings scraping time, and a table so generous it softens even a schoolmaster’s pride. Rivalries smoulder as Brom Bones needles Ichabod with barnyard pranks and knowing smiles.  The dance ends, the porch grows quiet, and talk drifts toward the kind of lore that clings to old places—war exploits retold by pipe-glow, a churchyard set among elms, and a rider who doesn’t need a head to command attention.  We trace the way stories become landmarks, how communities keep memory alive, and why belief itself can shape the turn of a road.  The chase that follows is all suggestion and echo: branches creak, water darkens, a bridge waits like a final rule.  When the hammer falls, it’s a pumpkin, a laugh, and a mystery the village never fully resolves. Told in a gentle, sleep-friendly cadence, this reading pairs classic gothic atmosphere with modern rest cues: rich sensory scenes, measured pacing, and space to breathe.  If you’re here for Halloween comfort, folklore history, or simply a mindful wind-down, you’ll find a lantern-lit path to quieter thoughts and better sleep. Press play, get cozy, and tell us after: prank or phantom? Subscribe or share with a friend who loves autumn nights, and leave a review to help more sleepy creatives, just like you, to find the show.Sweet Dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Drift Off As Ichabod Crane Meets the Horseman in Sleepy Hollow Part 2

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,Autumn leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and for many creators, an uneasy feeling creeps in as we evaluate what we've accomplished this year.  If you're feeling that familiar pressure that comes with seasonal transitions, you're not alone. In this deeply atmospheric episode, we explore how the changing seasons can trigger creative anxiety and the feeling that we haven't achieved enough as the year winds down.  I share some gentle reminders about the importance of self-compassion during these transitional times.  There's absolute wisdom in slowing down, celebrating small victories, and breaking unfinished goals into manageable pieces for the future.  For my fellow ADHD creators, I offer practical tips on keeping those goals visible and achievable. The perfect companion to these autumnal reflections comes as Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's gothic novella "Carmilla."  Chapter 5 takes us into a world where the past mysteriously intrudes upon the present through an uncannily familiar portrait.  As moonlight bathes the castle grounds, Carmilla's passionate confessions and sudden withdrawals mirror our own creative ebbs and flows.  The ancient portrait, dated 1698, connects both women to a forgotten lineage, raising questions about identity and inheritance that resonate with our own artistic journeys. Whether you're wrestling with creative doubts or simply seeking an atmospheric escape as Halloween approaches, this episode offers both practical wisdom and gothic enchantment.  Sleep Tight,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

The Mysterious Portrait: Chapter 5 of Carmilla's Gothic Tale

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,Dreams weave through the night as stories unfold, and tonight we journey to the charming world of Avonlea with voice actor Sarah McPhee as she reads from "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Sarah brings a personal connection to this beloved classic, having visited Prince Edward Island twice to explore the real locations that inspired Montgomery's fictional world.  Her passion for Anne's story shines through as she introduces us to the first chapter of this timeless tale about an orphan girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her with her vibrant imagination and irrepressible spirit. The reading begins with the introduction of Mrs. Rachel Lynde, Avonlea's premier busybody, whose keen observations set our story in motion.  When she spots the shy, reclusive Matthew Cuthbert dressed in his Sunday best and driving his buggy on a weekday afternoon, Mrs. Rachel's curiosity is piqued.  Her subsequent visit to Green Gables reveals the Cuthberts' plan to adopt a boy from an orphanage—a plan that listeners familiar with the story know will take an unexpected turn when a talkative, red-headed girl arrives instead. Montgomery's rich descriptions of Prince Edward Island's landscape create a vivid backdrop for this story about finding family in unexpected places.  The carefully constructed characters—from practical Marilla to shy Matthew to nosy Mrs. Rachel—come alive through Sarah's thoughtful narration, inviting you to lose yourself in their world as you drift toward sleep. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering Anne's story for the first time, this episode offers the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and literary escape.  Close your eyes, get comfortable, and let the gentle cadence of Sarah's voice carry you to Green Gables, where dreams take flight even as you surrender to slumber. Sweed Dreams,Florence x<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Dreams, Identity & Family: Exploring Green Gables with Voice Actor Sarah McPhee

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creators,Remember those childhood stories that wrapped around your imagination like a warm blanket? The ones you begged to hear "just one more time" before sleep? We're tapping into that powerful nostalgia with Beatrix Potter's timeless classic, "The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck." This beloved story follows the determined but naive Jemima, who simply wants to hatch her own eggs away from the interfering farm wife. Her journey leads her to a suspiciously polite "gentleman" with sandy whiskers and a bushy tail who seems all too eager to help. With Potter's signature blend of gentle humor and subtle danger, the story unfolds into a lesson about trust and the sometimes necessary wisdom of others. As creative souls, we often find ourselves searching far and wide for inspiration and comfort when feeling creatively drained. Yet sometimes the most potent creative fuel lies in revisiting the stories that shaped our earliest imaginations. These foundational tales—with their archetypal characters, vivid imagery, and elegant simplicity—can reconnect us with our creative roots in surprising ways. So take a minute to get cosy and comfortable, and drift off with Jemima and her adventures. Which childhood stories still resonate with you? Share your favorites with us, and perhaps they'll inspire a future episode.Sleep Tight, Florence xThe Music in this episode is Dawning by Ian Kelosky.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck: A Nostalgic Bedtime Story for Creative Minds

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creatives,Let's drift into a world of romantic poetry as we celebrate Pride Month with part two of Lord Byron's most beautiful verses.  This special episode invites you to experience the yearning, heartbreak, and profound beauty captured by one of history's most renowned queer poets. Each poem reveals different facets of love, loss, and longing through language that remains powerfully moving and wonderfully inspirational centuries later. This episode features a wonderful collaboration with Ruth Toynton, singer-songwriter and founder of the Green Room, a peer-to-peer support group for musicians. Her passion for building supportive, creative communities mirrors our commitment to fostering connection, well-being, and good sleep among actors, writers, and other creatives. Join The Green Room, Hull on Facebook: <a href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/1605537260216846/">https://m.facebook.com/groups/1605537260216846/</a>  I would also like to take a moment to extend heartfelt Pride Month wishes. Sleepless Creatives is a queer founded and led podcast, and it remains a safe space for all listeners; you are valid and you matter. Whether you're seeking creative inspiration, struggling with sleep, or simply appreciating the beauty of classic poetry, Byron's words offer a timeless refuge. Let the rhythm of these verses carry you toward peaceful rest while celebrating the enduring legacy of queer artistry.Sleep Tight, Florence xThe Music in this episode is Stars, Trees by Outside The Sky.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

The Pathless Woods: Byron's Poetry for Restless Queer Minds

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creatives,The moon's influence on human sleep patterns has long been a subject of mystical tradition, but modern science is now catching up with what yogic wisdom has known for millennia.  Today's Guest Reader, Indian voice actor and Hindi voice dubber Neha Gargava, reads a captivating article from the Isha Foundation that bridges ancient knowledge and cutting-edge research about our connection to lunar cycles. Follow Neha:<a href="http://www.voicedbyneha.com/">www.voicedbyneha.com</a> <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1591843/episodes/17593740-neha-gargava-an-article-on-sleep-and-the-moon/www.instagram.com/nehagargava">www.instagram.com/nehagargava</a>The Isha Foundation:<a href="https://isha.sadhguru.org/uk/en">www.isha.sadhguru.org</a> Dr. Horacio's groundbreaking research reveals that human sleep does indeed synchronize with the lunar cycle. Surprisingly, we experience our shortest sleep duration 3-5 days before the full moon—a pattern that aligns perfectly with how our ancestors would have utilized evening moonlight to extend their daily activities. This evolutionary adaptation continues to influence us today, even when most of us live in environments dominated by artificial light. From the yogic perspective shared by Sadhguru, this connection is fundamental to our existence. Hatha Yoga itself represents the balance between solar and lunar energies (ha=sun, tha=moon). While Western traditions often dismissed lunar influence as causing "lunacy," Eastern wisdom recognized the moon's power to amplify our existing qualities—making the joyful more joyful, the loving more loving, and the meditative more meditative. The article offers six practical tips for better sleep that blend ancient wisdom with modern understanding: taking a shower before bed to cleanse energetic buildup, avoiding late meals, lighting an organic oil lamp in your bedroom, reflecting on mortality before sleep, not positioning your head northward while sleeping (in the northern hemisphere), and practicing conscious release of physical and mental attachments before drifting off. Finally, we learn about Shambhavi Mahamudra, a practice that creates a twilight state between sleeping and waking—a powerful reminder that sleep is not merely rest but a gateway to different states of consciousness. Try incorporating these simple techniques into your bedtime routine to transform your relationship with sleep and tap into wisdom that transcends time. Sleep Tight, Florence x The Music in this episode is Cozy Winter Days by Anthony Catacoli.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www

Sleep, Mysticism, and the Lunar Connection with Voice Actor Neha Gargava

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creatives,Windmills transform into fearsome giants through the eyes of our deluded knight in another captivating exploration of Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, which has been beautifully adapted into plays, musical theatre and film performances many times since its first release.Today we'll be reading Chapter 8 — featuring perhaps literature's most iconic scene — where imagination and reality collide spectacularly. The episode opens with a gentle reminder to embrace spring's renewal through mindful moments. As creative people, we often hurry through life without pausing to notice the beauty surrounding us.  Take a breath, step outside, appreciate the emerging flowers, and listen to the birdsong—these small acts of mindfulness can profoundly impact your creative spirit and overall well-being. What makes Don Quixote's windmill encounter so timelessly relevant is how perfectly it captures the creative tension between vision and reality. Despite Sancho Panza's practical warnings, our knight charges forward, utterly convinced of his heroic mission. When inevitably thrown to the ground, Quixote refuses to acknowledge his mistake, instead blaming an evil magician for transforming his giants into windmills. This remarkable capacity to maintain conviction despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary contains both warning and wisdom for creative souls. Where is the line between visionary persistence and harmful delusion? The chapter escalates as Quixote encounters monks travelling with a lady in a coach, interpreting them as villainous magicians kidnapping a princess. His confrontation with a Biscayan squire culminates in a suspenseful duel that Cervantes masterfully leaves unresolved, perfectly capturing how our imaginations can lead us into unexpected conflicts and adventures. Remember to follow us on Instagram for updates about next month's exciting guest reader. What windmills are you mistaking for giants in your creative journey? Sleep Tight, Florence x The Music in this episode is Whisper by Reveille.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Battling Giants and Windmills in Don Quixote Chapter 8

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creatives,Step into the shadows of gothic horror with our reading of Chapter 4 from Sheridan Le Fanu's queer vampire classic "Carmilla."  This episode takes you deep into the unsettling relationship between our narrator and her mysterious houseguest, whose beauty is as captivating as her behaviour is disturbing. Written 26 years before "Dracula," "Carmilla" established many vampire tropes we recognise today while exploring themes far ahead of its time. The chapter titled "Her Habits - A Saunter" introduces us to the paradoxical nature of Carmilla herself – a woman of extraordinary beauty and grace whose movements are perpetually "languid." Her refusal to discuss her past, strange sleeping habits, and aversion to food hint at her supernatural nature, while her passionate embraces leave our narrator caught between attraction and fear. "I experienced a strange tumultuous excitement that was pleasurable, ever and anon, mingled with a vague sense of fear and disgust," confesses our narrator, capturing the disorienting effect of being simultaneously drawn to and repulsed by someone who whispers, "you are mine, you shall be mine." As mysterious deaths plague the surrounding village, the tension builds toward a revelation our narrator can't yet comprehend. Whether you're a fan of classic horror or simply seeking the perfect accompaniment to drift into dreams, this episode offers the perfect blend of literary richness and haunting atmosphere. Follow Sleepless Creatives on social media or leave us a review to help other creators discover our sleep-inducing storytelling.Before our main story, we talk about our collaboration with 'A Moment of Magic Foundation', a remarkable nonprofit organisation bringing joy to pediatric patients through hospital visits and creative engagement. Their volunteer, Jackie Andrea, shares their mission to improve the mental health and well-being of children facing medical challenges.<a href="http://www.amomentofmagic.org/">www.amomentofmagic.org</a><a href="http://www.instagram.com/amomentofmagic">www.instagram.com/amomentofmagic</a>www.instagram.com/jackiedawackie Sleep Tight, Florence x The Music in this episode is Only by Acreage.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Between Passion and Fear: A Haunting Paradox in Carmilla Chapter 4

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creatives,Drift into a world of snow-covered Welsh hillsides and childhood Christmas magic as this month's Guest Reader, Welsh actor Ben Bryant, lends his melodic voice to Dylan Thomas's beloved prose poem, "A Child's Christmas in Wales." Perfect for performers and creative minds seeking respite from busy thoughts, this episode wraps you in nostalgic comfort like a warm blanket on a winter's night. Bryant's authentic Welsh cadence brings an extra layer of charm to Thomas's evocative language as we journey through Christmas memories that blur reality and imagination. From snowball fights and smoking sweets, to eccentric uncles slumbering after Christmas dinner and the mystery of midnight carol-singing at a stranger's door – every moment captures the wonder of childhood during the festive season. Thomas's genius lies in transforming ordinary holiday moments into extraordinary memories through sensory-rich descriptions and gentle humor. The "wool-white, bell-tongued ball of holidays" and families gathered around fires while "the high-heaped fire spat, all ready for the chestnuts" create a timeless portrait of Christmas that resonates regardless of when or where you celebrated as a child. Bryant's thoughtful interpretation honors the lyrical quality of the text while maintaining its accessibility. As we conclude with the narrator gazing from his bedroom window at "the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow," you may find your own racing thoughts settling into calm. Let this bedtime story transport you back to simpler times and guide you toward peaceful sleep. Don't forget to follow Ben on social media through the link below, and if this reading brings you comfort, share it with another creative soul who might benefit from a moment of literary escape. Follow Bens: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/mrbenbryantactor">www.instagram.com/mrbenbryantactor</a>  Sleep Tight, Florence x The Music in this episode is Cozy Winter Days  by Anthony Catacoli.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

Snowy Tales and Festive Dreams for Sleepless Performers with Ben Bryant

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1591843/fan_mail/new">Do you have any thoughts or ideas about the show? Send us a text! </a>Hello Creatives,The perfect antidote to New Year pressure arrives in our first 2025 episode, where we explore the gentle art of self-compassion during a season that demands immediate transformation. Just because it's a new year, it doesn't mean that you need to be climbing mountains straight away. Remember to create space for yourself, especially if you're still processing the previous year. This timely message acknowledges that while some friends may be sprinting into January, your walking pace is equally valid. For creatives especially, we often measure ourselves against impossible standards — give yourself permission to progress at your own rhythm, enjoy a cool drink in the desert of life's demands. Drift off with this nostalgic reading of Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Mrs Tittlemouse," creating a perfect bedtime experience for restless creative minds.  I also share my personal connection to Potter's works, recalling how these stories formed a cherished ritual in my childhood, with my mother reading them each night.  We're invited into the world of the fastidiously tidy Mrs Tittlemouse, whose ordered existence beneath a hedge is disrupted by unwelcome visitors. The story's themes of boundaries, intrusion, and reclaiming one's space resonate surprisingly well with the creative struggle to protect our time and energy. Whether you're seeking permission to ease into the new year without guilt, or simply need a comforting story to help you drift off to sleep, this episode wraps you in understanding while gently validating that your pace—whatever it may be—is exactly right. Follow us on social media or leave a review to join our community of sleepless creatives finding rest together. Sleep Tight, Florence x The music in this episode is Dawning by Ian Kelosky.<a href="https://flow.page/sleeplesscreatives">Support the show</a>Our Links:<a href="https://sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk">www.sleeplesscreativespodcast.co.uk</a><a href="https://canarystudios.co.uk">Our producer</a>I<a href="https://instagram.co.uk/sleeplesscreativespodcast">nstagram</a>Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios. The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.

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