Coach Parker Reads Sleep Stories

Ep. 6: Sleeping Beauty (Grrimm's Fairy Tales, part 1)

Tonight begins part one of a five-part journey through the original Grimm’s Fairy Tales. These are not the versions you remember from the movies. They’re older. A little stranger. And rich with the kind of wisdome that lingers long after the story ends. Our first tale is Sleeping Beauty — a story of fate and stillness, of acceptance, inner beauty, and the long, slow, yet unavoidable passage of time. “If tonight’s story brings you rest, I hope that tomorrow you’ll share it with someone you care about. We all deserve a peaceful night’s sleep.” Before we begin, we’ll prepare the mind and body for rest. Each night in this series, we’ll begin with four rounds of box breathing. This simple breathing technique is a powerful tool to help you fall asleep, but can also be used at any time throughout your day, any time that you need something to anchor you in the present.

Ep. 5: Richard Scarry's Bedtime Stories

Good evening. I’m Coach Parker, and welcome….to Coach Parker Reads Sleep Stories. Each episode is a gentle invitation to unwind, let go of the day, and ease into sleep. Tonight, we’re reading three selections from Richard Scarry’s Bedtime Stories. This is a book filled with kindness, imagination, and…just the right amount of whimsy. On a personal level, tonight’s episode is very special. Today is Mother’s Day, and these were stories my mom used to read to me when I was small. So tonight, and in all of the nights that follow, I can finally return the gift of storytelling to my mom, which she was gracious enough to give me so many years ago. This episode is dedicated to my mom, Susanna. Mom, thank you for every bedtime story, every warm hug, and every moment you made the world feel safe. I love you. So close your eyes now... I’ll take it from here. Sweet dreams, and we’ll see you on the other side.

Ep. 4: The I Love You Book, by Todd Parr

Good evening. I’m Coach Parker, and this is Sleep Stories. As always, after this story puts you to sleep tonight, be sure to pay it forward and share it with a friend tomorrow. Tonight’s story is very short. In fact, it’s only 20 sentences long. But it is one that holds a special place in my heart. I read The I Love You Book by Todd Parr many years ago to my kindergarten classes, and then, years later, I had the joy of reading it to my own children, the twins, when they were little. I occasionally still read it to them today. Some stories are just that timeless. This book is a warm and gentle celebration of love—a reminder that we are cherished exactly as we are. Whether love is loud or quiet, silly or serious, it’s always there, steady and true. Tonight’s reading is dedicated to Kano, the littlest friend in my life right now. You are full of wonder, and curiosity, and light. And watching the world through your eyes reminds me just how beautiful love can be in its simplest form (even if you still won't let me have a high five). So let these heartfelt words wrap around you like a soft blanket, and allow yourself to drift off feeling safe, seen, and deeply loved. Sweet dreams, and we’ll see you on the other side.

Ep. 2: The Invisible String

I often tell my athletes that love is the most powerful force in the universe. As Dr. Brand said in the movie Interstellar, “love is the only thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends the dimensions of time and space.” Love connects us, far beyond the typical limitations of perception. Love is not simply a human construct, but a powerful, observable force that may hold a deeper meaning; perhaps even an indication of a higher dimension of which we can’t yet fully understand. Tonight’s sleep story is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, and it does an exceptional job of illustrating Dr. Brand’s point. This gentle, heartfelt book reminds us that no matter how far apart we may feel, love…always…connects us. It’s a simple story, written for children, but the message is powerful for all ages. So as you settle in, and put your cheek on the cool side of the pillow, take a deep breath, and close your eyes. And as the pages turn, let The Invisible String soothe your mind, calm your heart, and fill you with gratitude for the love you have in your life, as you drift…off…into dream land. And as always, after this story puts you to sleep tonight, be sure to pay it forward, and share it with a friend tomorrow. Sweet dreams, and we’ll see you on the other side.

Ep. 3: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy

Tonight’s story is The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. This book was gifted to me by Mr. Funk, after I spoke to his student body at Washington High School. His motto was, “Every student. Every day. Whatever it takes.” This is a quiet, yet powerful book about friendship, vulnerability, and the questions we carry inside us. As the pages turn, there is no plot to follow. Just moments. Just truth. The reading of tonight’s sleep story is dedicated to my daughter, Corinne. She sees the world with wonder, feels with her whole heart, and shows others what it means to care deeply. Her spirit is a light that guides and inspires me always. So settle in. Turn your pillow over to rest your cheek on the side that is cool and soft, and let this story remind you that even in silence, you are never alone. Rest well, my friend, and we'll see you on the other side.