Tales by the Fireside - Bedtime stories and sleep meditation

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Weekly stories for both adults and children, Specially crafted to reduce anxiety and help you sleep. Old favourites, new creations, obscure stories and independent authors work, all carefully selected and lovingly read for you, with the crackling of the fire to soothe you, and the story to play out in your mind. -


Check out our website for to listen to all the episodes and join the mailing-list: www.talesbythefireside.com -


Support the show - www.talesbythefireside.com/support -


All Tales told are with the express permission of the rights holders or are in the public domain.

Support Tales by the Fireside and Get Bonus Content on Patreon!

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Recent Episodes
  • Tales for Everyone - Sherlock Holmes in A Case of Identity
    Feb 10, 2024 – 40:05
  • Tales for Everyone - Paul Bunyan - First Chapter
    Jan 28, 2024 – 38:22
  • Wonders by the Fireside - A Matter of Scale - 1 Million Listen Special
    Dec 19, 2022 – 12:53
  • Tales for Everyone - Foundation
    Dec 19, 2022 – 20:06
  • Tales for Adults - The Empty House
    Oct 22, 2022 – 43:39
  • Tales for Everyone - The Ransom of Red Chief
    Oct 11, 2022 – 25:00
  • Tales for Adults - The Star
    Sep 26, 2022 – 33:54
  • Tales for Everyone - Viking Tales - Part 2
    Sep 19, 2022 – 36:46
  • Tales for Everyone - The Haunted House
    Sep 13, 2022 – 46:03
  • A Message from Joe Fireside
    Sep 6, 2022 – 10:59
  • Tales for Everyone - Viking Tales - Part 1
    Oct 27, 2021 – 54:30
  • Wonders by the Fireside - The Legends of the Gods - Part 1
    Oct 23, 2021 – 41:21
  • Tales for Everyone - Sindbad The Sailor
    Sep 3, 2021 – 32:59
  • Tales for Adults - Feline Red
    Aug 11, 2021 – 40:35
  • Tales for Children - The Girl Who Dreamed of Sleep
    Aug 8, 2021 – 16:55
  • Tales for Adults - Josephine: A Woman With A Past
    Aug 5, 2021 – 52:21
  • Tales for Children - Little Snow White
    Jul 31, 2021 – 20:30
  • Tales for Adults - Kiera's Quest - Sacrifices
    Jul 30, 2021 – 2:06:50
  • Tales for Children - The Jungle Baby
    Jul 24, 2021 – 13:25
  • Tales for Adults - Kiera's Quest - Awakenings
    Jul 22, 2021 – 2:23:37
  • Tales for Everyone - Jack and the Giants
    Jul 17, 2021 – 32:32
  • Meditation by the Fireside - Bad Day Remedy
    Jul 14, 2021 – 29:41
  • Tales for Children - Rhyming Story Collection
    Jul 10, 2021 – 24:17
  • Tales for Adults - The Last Evolution
    Jul 7, 2021 – 51:04
  • Tales for Everyone - Sadie, A Story About a Girl Who Just Didn't Know
    Jul 6, 2021 – 22:44
  • Tales for Adults - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
    Jun 30, 2021 – 1:13:37
  • Tales for Children - Tahj the Brave Kite Speaks Up
    Jun 26, 2021 – 10:35
  • Tales for Adults - Sherlock Holmes in "The Adventure of the Speckled Band"
    Jun 23, 2021 – 56:12
  • Tales for Everyone - Fenrir, the Giant Fox
    Jun 21, 2021 – 20:03
  • Fathers Day Special Episode - My Dad's Jokes Are Very (Terribly, Awfully, Painfully) Bad!
    Jun 20, 2021 – 5:27
  • Tales for Everyone - Doctor Dolittle Part 2
    Jun 19, 2021 – 1:44:34
  • Tales for Children - Cinderella
    Jun 16, 2021 – 20:32
  • Tales for Children - The Tales of Punky Dunk, the Cat
    May 1, 2021 – 10:32
  • Tales for Everyone - Doctor Dolittle Part 1
    Apr 28, 2021 – 29:46
  • Tales for Children - Sleep Story Collection
    Apr 24, 2021 – 18:45
  • Meditation by the Fireside - Stroll Along the Beach Visualisation
    Apr 21, 2021 – 34:34
  • Tales for Children - Jacob's Tales
    Apr 17, 2021 – 46:31
  • Tales for Everyone - The Parchment
    Apr 14, 2021 – 1:57:49
  • Tales for Children - The Three Little Pigs
    Apr 10, 2021 – 9:49
  • Tales for Everyone - A Place to Rest Your Paws
    Apr 7, 2021 – 12:25
  • Tales for Children - The Wise Mamma Goose
    Apr 3, 2021 – 15:04
  • Tales for Adults - In The Year 2889
    Mar 31, 2021 – 40:32
  • Tales for Children - Powerful Me Series
    Mar 27, 2021 – 9:47
  • Tales for Adults - Twelve Times Zero
    Mar 24, 2021 – 2:18:19
  • Tales for Everyone - Prosperity Lane
    Mar 20, 2021 – 1:48:50
  • Meditation by the Fireside - Guided Meditation for Stress Relief
    Mar 17, 2021 – 26:12
  • Tales for Children - The Tales of Tom Kitten and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
    Mar 13, 2021 – 19:38
  • Tales for Adults - The Song of Hiawatha
    Mar 10, 2021 – 3:29:08
  • Tales for Children - A World Beyond the Rainbow
    Mar 6, 2021 – 19:55
  • Tales for Adults - The Canterville Ghost
    Mar 3, 2021 – 1:11:15
Recent Reviews
  • Ursy V
    Nice narrators voice but commercials are way too loud
    Commercials are way too loud!!
  • RaeDaKitty
    Amazing 🤩
    I have been listening to Prosperity Lane for months now, and fall asleep before I finish it! Truly amazing for my sleepless ADHD brain!
  • UPENN2016
    Wonderful
    Just at the voice, reading pace and story lengths I was waiting for. I just wish there were more of them. A real blessing for a struggling insomniac. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
  • Alexaaah F
    Excellent Nightcap!
    Thanks for making such a wonderful show and taking the time to deliver interesting content! I hardly ever make it to the end of the episodes, haha! I sincerely hope things improve in your personal life so you can keep doing the show for us! Wishing you all the best! P.S. Looking forward to when you can release ‘The Legends of the Gods - Part 2’ !!
  • csmith0626
    Love the stories
    I have listened to most stories several times. My favorite story for bed time. I wish it would come back. I would love new stories for this fall and winter!
  • yldaisy
    Sleepy & Obsessed 🩵
    I’m super picky when choosing sleep stories and Joe is a gem! I love the different types of stories he offers and the honesty and love he pours into something as ‘simple’ as a bedtime story. If he ever adds Anne of Green Gables…I’ll never be getting out of bed! Thanks for what you do, friend. Cheers and sweet dreams!
  • JaeSmythe99
    Fireside every time grands visit
    I greatly enjoy these stories & Joe’s calming voice. Now when my grandchildren visit they listen as well. They have a routine now which includes a cup of lavender tea and a story by Fireside and promptly fall asleep! My grandson has Autism and even he listens and falls asleep quickly! I usually listen to one story then fall asleep during the next one since I try to pay attention to the story line but it does calm me and get me ready for a good nights sleep! Thank you for all you do!
  • KelO'S
    Stories made me very anxious
    I don’t get how this is supposed to curb anxiety… these stories amplified my anxiety.
  • hopingfor thebest
    Thank you
    Always nice to hear you read. Your recent “Scale” talk was soothing and helpful for when one feels what they are or do doesn’t matter in the scheme of things. Everyone can be a true spirit
  • CGAMD15
    Love this Podcast!! Thank you Joe!!
    Thank you for coming back Joe!! I loved getting the second part to the Viking story!! Now I need part three!! You are very appreciated, wanted, and needed!! My husband is out of town a lot for work, and your stories help me fall asleep when he can’t be here with me. Thank you for the hard work you put into these stories!! I hope you are able to continue doing stories long term because you have a gift that is helping more people than you could ever know!! I love listening to Joe’s voice and hearing the stories. He has such a peaceful, soothing voice!! I really hope he comes out with more stories…BUT I can never finish a story!! I always fall asleep within 10 minutes!! 😂 I’ve listened to one story all week and still haven’t finished it! Last week I listened to the story during the day so I could hear the whole thing!!! He puts me to sleep in no time!! I work at a daycare, and today, I am letting them listen to one of his children stories, and they have never laid so still before falling asleep!!!
  • spaceghost2022
    I don’t usually write reviews but…
    This is a great podcast man, you have a great story telling voice and tone. I was so happy when you came back. Everything about it makes it great to sleep please keep it up!!
  • kjrybolt
    Crackling sounds like chip bag
    Is there any way you can find a different fire crackling sound...your voice is amazing but the crackling is just annoying.
  • Halfpintflip
    Exceptional
    Love Joe from beginning to, well, when I inevitably fall asleep. I’d love to see more of a selection for adults that aren’t scary/spooky/creepy, but the stories for everyone are great and aside from that single gripe this podcast earns five stars from a very picky sleep/podcast listener!
  • clyge
    Reading
    I love a well done reading, not too fast, not too slow. Pronunciation was perfect and so was the inflection. It was a pleasure to listen to
  • KatherineColleenPaine
    So happy you are back!!!!
    Our family loves your podcasts! My son begs to lay by the fireplace and snuggle up on the couch and listen to your podcasts! Please keep going we do love these and will continue to listen as long as you make podcasts!
  • Angwa66
    I stumbled into this Treasure
    I absolutely adore your voice. Its both peaceful and illustrative. Your story selections are perfect— something for everyone. I’ll be sad when I finish all 101. Hope you are doing well and know that this Podcast is a real treasure. Thank You for It. 10/14/22: Update: Missed you & sooo Glad to Hear more Viking stories in your voice!
  • Roseyy
    Love this podcast at night ❤️
    I’m so happy to see Joe back to posting episodes. My kiddo and I both enjoy listening at bedtime to wind down. 100/10 would recommend 😁
  • Word crazy fun
    Tales by the Fireside
    I’m so glad Joe is back. This is one of my favorites podcasts for my insomnia. It works! Joe has the perfect voice & his stories are just right for lulling me to sleep. I check his site often to see if a new episode has been released because I know listening to him will help me have a good night’s sleep.
  • Violalynte
    So wonderful!!!
    I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your podcast. It’s lovely! I especially enjoyed “Benjamin Button”, which I listened to last night and again this morning. Your voice is so soothing yet melodic & your readings a profoundly well done. Thank you! ‘TheCanterville Ghost’ is also wonderful! Keep doing what you’re doing, we love it!
  • Knugent231
    The crackling noise level s a hard pass for me.
    I love the concept and the narrator’s British voice but the intermittent background noise causes a visceral repulsion in me. I wish there were an option to turn that off. And yes, I know it’s supposed to be “fireside.”
  • Flossy K
    Really love listening
    I’ve only recently discovered this podcast, and have really enjoyed the stories. The background noise of the fire is such a nice touch. The last couple of years have honestly messed with my sleep and it’s great that there are people out there like Joe, that are helping people like me just feel a little less alone in the dark. Hope you make some more of these Joe, you’ve done a great job, and hope you know that you’re making a difference
  • kalenesavage
    Oh Joe…
    You are absolutely incredible. I can’t tell you how much your sessions have helped me gain peace and solitude, allowing a safe space to fall asleep in. Thank you so so so much for your most recent update. Thank you for reminding me to always hold on to hope. I just knew you would come back. You are amazing. This community is all because of your work. Thank you a million for your voice, candid truth, and the dedicated time and care you put into all of this. Now off to sleep for me! Full of hope and gratitude ☺️💤
  • alayoli
    Thank you
    Sending good thoughts your way. The new career sounds amazing. Look forward to following your journey. I have enjoyed and benefited from the fireside stories. Keep on keeping on.
  • P.A. fan
    Big fan
    Very excited to find such a great story podcast. Content, delivery, and voice are outstanding. I only wish I would have found it sooner.
  • bahra mariam
    Obsessed!
    I’ve been listening to these sleep stories for about a week now and I’ve never seen something work this well! I can never seem to get past the first few minutes before I’m knocked out asleep. Please do continue with these lovely sleep stories!!!
  • xbox name curlywhirly72
    Great
    Amazing work wish you made more
  • MossyBank
    A+++
    Finally I found the perfect narrator with the perfect bedtime stories. I hope there’s more to come.
  • lilyb🐼
    ✨Amazing! ✨
    I absolutely adore this podcast. It helps me fall asleep. Joe’s voice is so calm and the whole podcast is so easy to listen to. Pls make more! 🔥
  • [Tags] ISS Raven
    This is really good🙂
    I love this podcast I mean I put this on for me in sleep or when I’m still awake. I mean my mom loves this podcast already and she told me of the podcast at first! Anyways you are the best fit for this storytelling job! Keep up the great work👌
  • PattyPeebles
    Thank you
    I am a fan in West Virginia in the USA.
  • Sanbenito1
    Interesting stories
    I enjoy listening to stories I would not normally read. Not too long, not too short. He has a good voice for narration
  • NewlyBallin
    Hecking great
    Nice voice, and stories that are engaging enough so as to not be boring. Great podcast, wish he would keep uploading!
  • window shopr
    Great podcast!
    This guy is an amazing narrator and his impressions and voices are great. All the stories have been interesting and well done. I highly recommend all of his podcasts. I hope he keeps doing more.
  • Climb the Tree and Break A Leg
    Thank you
    This has helped my anxiety and has allowed me to fall asleep very fast and to sleep deeply. I needed this :). Hope you start making new episodes soon. I really like the sci-fi ones, especially ones dealing with space.
  • ESinger115
    Thank you Joe!
    I feel remiss in not writing sooner, I have been listening to you on Spotify for most of a month. Interestingly, I am not using the podcasts as a sleep aid - I like them when I’m driving. I have not availed myself of the meditations and have only listened to the kid friendly ones a bit with my children. This has been more for me - I started with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, followed with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dipped in Dickens, Fitzgerald, and more recently have enjoyed Feline Red and am in the middle of Keira’s Quest (what an awesome reading of the Guj part - the assistant to the witch queen!) I really appreciate the care you take with your readings - how you honor each character and each writer. Really good stuff Joe - thank you!
  • Milkrz
    ,..
    A bit scary
  • MommyLala
    Great bedtime stories for young and old
    My son and I love these stories. They’re great when us parents are too tired to read 😅. I usually listen to one with him and if I don’t fall asleep one for myself. Thanks!
  • OlyCamasu
    What a treat!
    I have too often fallen asleep (or not) to disturbing current events podcasts, so have given this Fireside a go, and love it! Last night was Sinbad the Sailor, whom I’ve heard of my whole life but never read. It’s comforting to listen to, Joe’s voice and intonation are great, and I’m taken back to the childhood days when I would fall asleep to a story from my parents, and sleep so deeply.
  • Ria from NYC
    Try it BEFORE you need it
    My mind was overactive while my body was exhausted, so I tried a long story for adults. One of the first lines was, “Wake up!” Then the story immediately got very violent. At the very least, I had a pretty good laugh at the situation and searched elsewhere for a more peaceful podcast that could calm my mind- without visions of brutality!
  • astheworldturns333333
    Fireside
    I would like but can’t stand the background clicking that sounds more like a typewriter than a crackling fire. Why have that annoying background? Very distracting
  • gggggggggg..........
    Uuuh…
    Stories are fine but tooooooo short
  • animecorgi234
    Amazing!
    I have really bad anxiety and stress. Joe has helped me fall asleep so fast. I like how there’s some for kids and some for adults. Very good podcast for sleep, would recommend!
  • o_o -_- o_o
    Thank you!
    You help me sleep.
  • Edgewoodcottage
    Five stars
    I can’t say much more than “five stars” since I keep falling asleep so quickly!
  • Connerdoc
    My message
    These stories are amazing so my message to hater are that you guys have no taste in life
  • SlyPrefect12
    Great nighttime podcast
    The first one I listened to was “the girl who dreamed of sleep” it wasn’t long enough that I fell asleep during it so I just made a playlist. I love the crackling fire background noise and I love that the narrators voice is so calming.
  • catalaya online schooling
    Love Kira’s story!!!!! 😍🥰
    Make a third please!!! It’ssss so good 😊. If you haven’t seen this story you have to!!!!! Here’s a preview there’s a guy named Zack who is a prince 👑. The Evil 🦹‍♀️ Queen 👸 who tried to kill him but his mother protected her. Please watch!!!!!! :) PS are you making another one
  • Olivia Combs
    ❤️❤️
    Amazing!!!
  • anneymac
    Joe salvaged my sanity!
    I went through something very traumatic last summer. Because of the pandemic I was left primarily on my own. I had weeks of insomnia with ruminating thoughts. Then, I found Tales by the Fireside and was able to fall asleep, then back to sleep each time I woke up- a lot! The sleep allowed me to feel more in control of everything. I was so sad when it seemed that Joe had stopped producing podcasts a few months ago because I continued to listen every night up to that point. I’m so glad he’s back at it! I am, gratefully, listening every night to help quiet my mind. Three cheers for Joe!!!
  • Mimi Rish
    Ahhh sleep finally. Wonderful stories and soothing voice. Wonderful.
    My life is filled with my hubby having cancer and I have insomnia from stress. This is a blessing to have access to. Thank you so very much for what you do. You have no idea how much this was needed.
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