Skimming stones across the stilled waters of a restless mind
Nighttime on Still Waters

Nighttime on Still Waters

This is the Narrowboat 'Erica' narrowcasting into the night from somewhere on Britain's canals and waterways.
A podcast that gently explores life afloat (and on land), the elements, nature, and, most of all, the beauties of the night.
Perfect night-time listening.

If you would like to support the podcast: Lock-wheeling for Nighttime on Still Waters (bottom of page)

Recent Episodes

215
Aug. 23, 2026

Slipping beneath the surface

Welcome to the Erica on a still summer’s night. The canal may seem quiet, but below the surface the fish are busy and it is far from silent. Join us tonight as we listen in to their world and find out what it sounds when ducks swim above your head. We also get to step aboard the NB Precious Jet and take a look at the view from her duck hatch. Journal entry: 20th August, Thursday “An oak leaf. Parched and crisp by summer drought Floats on the surface of the ...
214
Aug. 9, 2026

The impression of remembered light

It is a glorious summer’s night, but the canal is officially closed. Join us tonight, as we ponder over what this shutdown means for permanent liveaboards and the fragile ecosystem left behind. Plus, we playfully ask: does the canal miss us when we are gone? Journal entry: 6th August, Thursday “From here, the alders look black The sky behind them afire With the sun’s setting. Ducks swim through Clouds of baby pink The fish are rising. The water is warm...
213
July 26, 2026

Boater (Summer Readings - 8)

Summer is finally here, and nothing quite beats finding a cool and last spot (preferably in the dappled shade of a willow tree or two) and idling away a few hours while losing yourself in a captivating book. Why not wrap up your evening with us tonight for this year’s review and recommendation for your Summer Reading? Join us as we explore a wonderful book that gently carries you along England’s peaceful (and not so peaceful) waterways while drifting through centuries of hist...
212
July 12, 2026

The Gentleness (of the shortening days)

A welcome breeze plays among the reeds and carves ripples on the canal. Tonight, the Erica is moored on a perfect summer’s night. We welcome you to join us as enjoy the quiet and go searching for older attitudes to summer, the shifting dates of Midsummer's Eve, and just why Midsummer Night’s Dream was so unsummery.
211
June 28, 2026

In the Cool of the Evening

As the heat begins to settle, join us tonight on the narrowboat Erica as we enjoy that special time of a summer’s day, when evening falls and cool breezes ripple the water’s surface. The heat and work pressures have meant that tonight we are freewheeling a little. We also take a peak out of The Land of Green Ginger's window. Settle back in the cool and enjoy a gentle ride to wherever. Journal entry: 24th June, Wednesday “Back from a hot city In a hot field ...
210
June 14, 2026

How old is Mindful's Vanessa (and other questions I don't have the answer for)

As we edge towards midsummer night, we’re reminded how everything is in constant change. This is particularly the case in the fast-moving world of podcasting. It is a good opportunity to reflect on what it all means for this podcast; the challenges and plans for the future, and also why is everyone suddenly so interested in Vanessa's age (and why would they think that I know what it is)? Journal entry: 12th June, Friday “Soft the wash of rain So...

Reviews

A rare gem

"It’s difficult to express how much I enjoy and have come to rely on this podcast. It’s my 4am nightlight; a grounding and inspiring listening space. Richard really welcomes you into his world which i…"

Josie.wren | April 3, 2026

Beautiful, soothing, poetic listening

"What a stunning podcast. It is a meditation, a love letter to the night time, a nature observation, an extended poem. Factual and poetic in equal measure, it is an utter delight and leaves you wantin…"

FKJ67 | April 6, 2021

Stunningly soothing and entertaining

"I’m not sure if my title adequately expresses how good this podcast is. It is full of insight about life in general along with a view on canal life. The presenters compassion and interest in life th…"

Mark Stowe | Jan. 10, 2022

Perfect for bedtime

"With a voice absolutely made for radio or podcasting, Richard Goode’s regular ‘narrowcasts’ from ‘somewhere on Britain’s waterways’ are perfect for relaxation at the end of the day. Richard has a ver…"

christineburns | June 5, 2022

This is not just a Podcast....

"This is a nighttimeonstillwaters podcast - A rich concoction of words & images, thoughts & reflections; Coated in the warmth of a smiling voice, and drizzled with gentle background sounds; Fille…"

MJ(Margaret) | June 16, 2022

Only 5 Stars?

"If allowed, I would rate Nighttime on Still Waters dozens of stars rather than a measly 5. The world would be a nicer place in which to live if everyone were tuned into this podcast. Focusing on work…"

Marilyn Mann | June 20, 2022

It is a rare mind that can present ideas that are so varied yet so familiar, and all with a gentleness that beguiles.

"By chance an American friend, and narrow boat lover, suggested this podcast. I've been listening for some months, and feel blessed to be indulged with a rare experience of transportation out of my ow…"

C.S. | Jan. 23, 2023

My favourite pod!

"I’ve been listening to nosw pod from almost the beginning. My favourite of all the podcasts that I listen to, I listen at night when driving the motorways of the UK! Keep up the great work Richard. …"

Narrowboat Precious Jet | Feb. 21, 2023

'Respectful of place and our deep hunger for belonging'

"A beautiful podcast and online presence that is inviting, intimate and respectful of place and our deep hunger for belonging. Small everyday observations and stories, epic and ancient ones as well. …"

A.H. | May 22, 2023

Kindness and comfort

"A friend introduced me to this beautiful podcast just when I needed it most, after the sudden death of my brother. The podcast host extends such kindness and hospitality across distance and differen…"

Andie in WI | April 13, 2023

Soothing, informative, easy listening

"I have been listening to “Nighttime” as I call it since last November. Richard has the perfect voice, calming, informative so easy to listen to that you don’t want the episode to stop..but because it…"

Tracie11 | June 5, 2023

Like a Terence Davies Film

"To me your stories resonate gently in the night, like a Terence Davies film. Beautiful."

Zeno | June 14, 2023

'Words like ripples of water that ebb and flow through the mind and the soul'

"Nighttime on Still Waters - This is set on Narrowboat Erica and Richard, a friend of mine, imparts words like ripples of water that ebb and flow through the mind and soul; I honestly feel my brain ex…"

Vanessa (Mindful Narrowboat vlog) | Sept. 19, 2025

Soothing

"Just what I need to help me relax. I am so appreciative of this podcast’s format. It’s unlike anything I’ve heard before. Thank you."

mrenee32 | June 6, 2023

A great way to calm my mind.

"I love listening to this podcast, having recently started listening from the very beginning. I find them a great way to calm my mind. Thank you"

C.V. | Sept. 3, 2023

A still-point of the turning world.

"A weekly still-point of the turning world. Beautiful."

Zeno | Oct. 1, 2023

A Weaver and Teacher

"Richard Goode is a genius and gentle weaver and teacher. He pulls the threads of our common and individual experiences through deep nsights from literature, philosophy, religion, and the n…"

Andrea Hansen, WIsconsin USA | Aug. 5, 2024

What a gift this is

"Thank you Richard for the most nurturing, thought provoking and soothing nighttime listening. Your podcasts have become my evening ritual where I relax and learn in the most natural way. My dog, Tach…"

Tania Yorgey | Sept. 15, 2024

One of the best Podcasts.

"The welcoming, soothing voice of Richard leads you into a wonderful, informative and relaxing podcast. Perfect for listening to either at bedtime or snuggled up on the sofa on a rainy afternoon."

Tracie Thomas | Sept. 24, 2024

A Touch of Autumn (Apple picking time)

"I have been an avid listener to the NOSW podcasts produced by Richard, for many years now, and every so often one episode will stop me in my tracks by bring back such wonderful memories like the rec…"

Geoff Taylor | Oct. 9, 2024

Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.

Erica in the dusk