Listen To Sleep – "The Long Way Home: A Sleepy Tale of Two Dogs, a Mountain, and What They Learned Along the Way"

Host: Erik Ireland
Date: October 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this gentle bedtime story, host Erik Ireland reads a meditative tale from his mountain cabin, featuring two dogs—Bodhi, an aging shepherd mix, and Joey, a younger, energetic companion—who become separated from their human during a mountain walk. Through their journey back, the story explores themes of adaptation, acceptance, trust, and the quiet wisdom found in letting go. Erik's cozy, slow-paced narration is designed to help listeners unwind and drift off to sleep.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Letting Go vs. Giving Up (02:41)

• Personal Reflection: Before the story, Erik shares a personal anecdote about learning to let go of trying to control outcomes and how his older dog Bodhi models adaptation and peace with change.
  • Quote: “He’s teaching me something about the difference between giving up and letting go. About how much harder we make things when we resist what is.” (03:30, Erik)

2. The Dogs Get Lost on the Mountain (07:00)

• First Signs of Trouble:
  • Bodhi and Joey chase each other down a trail, losing sight of their human and familiar paths.
  • Joey’s frantic efforts to retrace their steps contrast with Bodhi’s thoughtful, calm approach.
• Sensory Immersion:
  • Sounds, scents, and the gradual onset of stormy weather set a calming yet immersive scene.

3. Adapting to Uncertainty (14:00)

• Seeking Shelter:
  • As a storm hits, Bodhi leads Joey to a pond with a small overhang for protection.
  • Bodhi’s composure calms Joey.
    • Quote: “There’s a kind of wisdom that only comes from letting go... meeting what actually is.” (03:44, Erik)
• Noticing Details:
  • After the storm passes, both dogs begin to observe their surroundings more closely, highlighting presence and calm in uncertainty.

4. Learning from Each Other (22:00–38:00)

• Morning After:

  • Joey is restless, wanting to act, while Bodhi takes time to recover and observe.
  • Joey learns the value of stillness and careful observation, mirroring Bodhi’s approach.
    • Quote: “That stillness could yield information. That observation was a kind of movement, too.” (36:10, Narration)

• Together on the Trail:

  • As they follow new clues (animal paths, water), Joey’s impulsiveness is tempered by Bodhi’s patience.
  • The importance of trusting others and sharing leadership emerges, especially at obstacles like the creek crossing.

5. Crossing Difficult Terrain (38:00–45:00)

• The Creek Crossing:
  • Joey finds a slick log bridge; Bodhi hesitates, unsure for the first time, but is encouraged by Joey.
  • Role reversal: Joey now leads and supports Bodhi.
    • Quote: “Joey didn’t wait for permission... his tail giving a single wag. It’s safe. Come on.” (43:15, Narration)
    • Notable Moment: The moment Bodhi places trust in Joey is a turning point for both dogs.
  • Both dogs learn to let go—Bodhi of control, Joey of impatience.

6. Finding the Way Home (49:00–59:00)

• Signs of Civilization:
  • Trail markers, campfire rings, and then an overgrown logging road signal they’re nearing home.
• Rest and Reflection:
  • They rest side by side on a warm rock under star-filled skies, sharing a sense of presence and companionship.
    • Quote: “They were lost. They were alone, but they were together, and the mountain held them as it held all things, without judgment or hurry.” (54:48, Narration)
• Night into Morning:
  • The next morning, both dogs walk steadily, no panic, just trust in each other and the path.

7. The Reunion (1:06:00)

• Home at Last:
  • The dogs reach a paved road and soon spot their old man, searchers nearby.
• Emotional Climax:
  • The reunion is understated but deeply felt: the old man drops to his knees, speechless, simply holding the dogs.
    • Quote: “There you are, he finally whispered. There you are.” (1:09:00, Narration)
    • Quote: “Good boys. Such good boys.” (1:10:00, Narration)
• Quiet Return:
  • The story closes with the dogs nestled together in the truck, heading home, the sun and mountains marking the passage of time.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Letting Go:

  • “There’s a kind of wisdom that only comes from letting go... meeting what actually is.” (03:44, Erik)

• On Trust and Leadership:

  • “Joey didn’t wait for permission... his tail giving a single wag. It’s safe. Come on.” (43:15, Narration)

• On Presence:

  • “They were lost. They were alone, but they were together, and the mountain held them as it held all things, without judgment or hurry.” (54:48, Narration)

• On Reunion:

  • “There you are, he finally whispered. There you are.” (1:09:00, Narration)
  • “Good boys. Such good boys.” (1:10:00, Narration)

Important Timestamps

• Personal Reflection & Theme Intro: 02:41
• Dogs Enter the Forest/Begin Journey: 07:00
• Storm and Shelter: 14:00
• Learning Through Stillness: 22:00–38:00
• Creek Crossing and Lesson on Trust: 38:00–45:00
• Rest, Reflection, and Mutual Presence: 49:00–59:00
• Road to Home/Reunion: 1:06:00–1:10:00

Summary Flow & Takeaways

Erik’s story, delivered in a warm, unhurried tone, uses a simple narrative about two dogs finding their way back as a meditation on adapting to change, supporting each other, and letting go of what cannot be controlled. Each moment, whether tense or tranquil, is laced with gentle observation designed to guide the listener toward calm and acceptance. The episode closes on a note of connection, presence, and homecoming, reinforcing the idea that sometimes, finding your way is less about knowing the destination and more about being present for each step—and letting yourself lean on others along the way.

Perfect for:
Anyone seeking a soothing, beautifully-written bedtime story infused with gentle wisdom and the timeless comfort of companionship.