Speech Writing, Summer Jobs & Scent Preferences with Mia On today’s episode of The Insomnia Project , Marco is joined by a very special guest—his niece Mia! Together, they ease into a gentle conversation about writing speeches, as Mia shares her recent experience crafting one. She discusses how she balanced pacing, levity, and meaning to make it resonate with her audience. From there, the two shift into a nostalgic chat about Marco’s memorable summer jobs as a teenager, while Mia shares her ...
Jul 02, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 14
Episode Title: Hair Dye, Pet Rocks & Other Oddities In this delightfully meandering episode of The Insomnia Project , Amanda and Marco take a gentle stroll down memory lane and back again. From nostalgic laughs about childhood TV shows and the pet rock craze, to musings on hair dye adventures and the oddest things they've ever sipped—this episode is packed with quirky charm. They even chat about the iconic Tonight Show and how late-night TV shaped their sense of humour. It’s the kind of ligh...
Jun 11, 2025•29 min•Season 10Ep. 13
On today’s episode of The Insomnia Project , Amanda and Marco let their thoughts drift like lily pads on a still pond. From musings on the most ordinary things to whimsical observations, this episode is all about embracing the calm in the everyday. Amanda shares a lovely metaphor, comparing listening to the podcast to being a fish in a pond—quiet, unhurried, and at peace. Let this episode wash over you and bring you some much-needed stillness. 🫧 Remember, we're here to help you find calm, one m...
Jun 04, 2025•26 min•Season 10Ep. 12
On today’s mellow episode, Marco and Amanda are both feeling a little under the weather—but that doesn’t stop them from bringing you a gentle, meandering conversation perfect for winding down. Amanda shares the story behind their sniffles and reminisces about her days in university. Meanwhile, Marco offers up a few handy hot tips, and reveals some of his most memorable (and mischievous) gift-giving pranks for friends and family. All this and more on The Insomnia Project —the podcast that’s desig...
May 28, 2025•30 min•Season 10Ep. 11
In this delightfully meandering episode of The Insomnia Project , Marco walks us through the peaceful (but precise) process of staining his deck, from prep work to final brushstrokes. Amanda shares highlights from her latest thrifting adventure—and a few unexpected treasures she found along the way. Things take a fun turn when a trivia question goes sideways, launching a new running gag: “Hi Boomer!”—born from a perfectly imperfect trivia moment. Amanda dreams of joining a bar trivia team, and t...
May 14, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 10
The Insomnia Project – Travel Films and Listener Messages On today’s episode of The Insomnia Project , your hosts Marco and Amanda ease you into calm conversation with a little housekeeping and a few wonderful messages from our listeners. Then, as summer begins to peek around the corner, they dive into the world of travel films—those perfect cinematic escapes that inspire wanderlust and relaxation in equal measure. Whether you're dreaming of distant shores or planning your next getaway, this epi...
May 07, 2025•31 min•Season 10Ep. 9
The Insomnia Project – Episode: Loonies, Blooms & Ancestry Welcome to a double episode of The Insomnia Project ! Since we missed last week, today’s show is extra-long—perfect for those who need a little more time to drift off. Join your hosts Marco and Amanda as they ease you into relaxation with a calming conversation about some charming Canadian shortcut sayings, including the iconic “Loonie” and “Toonie.” From there, they delve into the subtle (and soothing) difference between a canteen a...
May 01, 2025•51 min•Season 10Ep. 8
Welcome back to The Insomnia Project, the podcast designed to ease you into a restful night's sleep. Tonight, your hosts Amanda and Marco delve into the soothing world of poetry and the gentle anticipation of spring. In this episode, you'll drift off to: Poetic Musings: Amanda and Marco share some of their favorite poems and poets, exploring what resonates with them in the world of verse. The Cue Card Conundrum: They engage in a robust discussion about their individual feelings on using cue card...
Apr 17, 2025•26 min•Season 10Ep. 7
On today’s gentle journey of conversation, Marco and Amanda begin with Amanda’s recent Aquafit class experience. From the splash of exercise to the curious world of pool noodles, they dive into unexpected comparisons—are pool noodles the candy of the pool? That question leads them, as it often does, down a serene conversational path toward sunglasses. Marco reminisces about a memorable pair of sunglasses he lost and the duo reflect on the curious habit of wearing sunglasses at night, even touchi...
Apr 10, 2025•28 min•Season 10Ep. 6
Hosts Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano kick off this episode of The Insomnia Project with a delightful surprise: an unexpected snow day on April 2nd! They reminisce about the sheer, unadulterated joy of snow days as children, recalling the excitement of building snow forts and sledding down hills, a stark contrast to the slightly less magical adult experience of a late-season snowfall. Their conversation meanders through urban observations, pausing to appreciate the often-overlooked presence of f...
Apr 02, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 5
On today's show Amanda and Marco talk about a purse, tweezers and scents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 26, 2025•28 min•Season 10Ep. 4
The Misadventures of Water Bottles: The Musical Join Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker as they embark on a whimsical journey through misadventures, musicals, and the small joys of life. From the curious case of the squished water bottle to the magic of B-list stars on stage, this episode is filled with lighthearted chatter and calming conversation. Key Takeaways: TV Talk: The Traitors : Marco and Amanda share their thoughts on this gripping show. Gravy and Chips : Amanda explains the origins of th...
Mar 19, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 3
Join Marco and Amanda as they explore the subtle yet fascinating world of game changers. They begin the episode with a lighthearted chat about worms—ear worms and earthworms—before reminiscing about their first fishing experiences. The conversation meanders into memories of desks they've had in school and at home, with a little detour into the charm of Murphy beds. The hosts also share stories of their first airplane trips and discuss game-changing tips for plane travel. As always, the goal is t...
Mar 12, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 2
Back to Basics: Season 10 Kickoff Episode Description: Welcome back to The Insomnia Project! We're thrilled to kick off our 10th season with a special episode reflecting on our incredible journey so far. Join Amanda and Marco as they take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the quirky and comforting topics from our very first episode. In this episode, we delve into: The Return of the Sock Saga: Yes, we're talking compression socks and the art of sock folding! Some things never change. Te...
Mar 05, 2025•29 min•Season 10Ep. 1
In this enchanting season finale, Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano take listeners on a journey into the woods as they recount their recent mushroom foraging adventure. Guided by the charismatic Peter Blush of Puck’s Plenty ( pucksplenty.com ), our hosts dive into the fascinating world of wild mushrooms and the intriguing story of how Peter became a sought-after mushroom guide. As always, Amanda and Marco’s conversation meanders delightfully, pondering quirky hypotheticals like whether King Charle...
Nov 20, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 26
The Penultimate Episode of the Season In today’s episode of The Insomnia Project , our hosts Amanda and Marco settle in for a cozy conversation that's perfect for unwinding and drifting off. As the penultimate episode of the season, they dive into their favorite types of massages and share the delightful details of their go-to treatments. Marco also discovers the proper name for the person giving the massage – and, as usual, his reaction doesn’t disappoint! Later, Marco reads a few listener revi...
Nov 13, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 25
Episode Summary: In today’s episode, hosts Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker embark on the journey of decorating their walls—finally! They break down their meticulous three-tiered process for deciding which pictures deserve a spot on the wall and the tools they’ll need to make it all happen. Marco tries (and hilariously struggles) to remember a classic "wall saying," while Amanda gets into the importance of choosing the right quality of paint. Then they dive into just how narrow their home really ...
Nov 07, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 24
From Podcast Dreams to Travel Schemes: A Chat with Amanda Cupido Welcome back to The Insomnia Project! On this episode, we welcome fellow podcaster Amanda Cupido, author of the acclaimed guide "Let's Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right" (now in its second edition!). We chat about how Amanda's book was instrumental in getting The Insomnia Project off the ground, a true resource for any aspiring podcaster. But it's not all business! We also delve into our favourite tech and Aman...
Oct 30, 2024•29 min•Season 9Ep. 23
In this cozy and laid-back episode of The Insomnia Project , hosts Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano dive into an eclectic mix of topics designed to lull listeners into relaxation. First up, they discuss the surprisingly captivating world of windshield washer fluid. From the different colours and a new dispenser Marco discovered, it’s a conversation that somehow becomes more soothing than you’d ever imagine. Next, baking adventures take center stage when Marco shares a story about their recent bis...
Oct 23, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 22
Episode Summary: In today’s episode, Marco and Amanda are back to soothe your restless mind with an engaging conversation about two films that Marco has fond memories of—one featuring the iconic Demi Moore and another that does not. Tune in as they dive into cinematic nostalgia and reach out to friend of the podcast, Daniel Krolik, for insights and answers about these films. The duo also takes a moment to reminisce about a recent Garlic Festival, and Marco reads a thoughtful listener message tha...
Oct 02, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 21
Discovering Saskatoon: A Prairie Adventure On today’s episode of The Insomnia Project, hosts Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker take you on a delightful journey to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city famously described by Bob Dylan as “the Paris of the Prairies.” Join Marco and Amanda as they recount their enchanting trip to this charming city known for its bridges and beautiful landscapes. In this episode, you'll hear about: - Saskatoon’s Charms : Marco and Amanda share their experiences exploring the...
Sep 11, 2024•28 min•Season 9Ep. 20
In this episode of The Insomnia Project , hosts Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano dive into a variety of topics sparked by recent messages from their listeners. The conversation takes a poultry-centric turn as Marco expresses his desire to indulge in some fowl cuisine. Amanda, playfully scolds him for his fowl eating talk and how it might disrupt vegan listeners. Shifting gears, they recount a delightful vespa ride through the city, during which they stumbled upon a captivating dragon boat race. A...
Sep 04, 2024•28 min•Season 9Ep. 19
The Insomnia Project: Campfire Chats with Mia. This week on The Insomnia Project, Marco welcomes a very special guest – his niece Mia! Settle in for a cozy conversation filled with warm nostalgia and the sweet sounds of childhood. In this episode, you'll hear about: Camp Adventures: Mia recounts her recent camping trip, from archery and capture the flag to mysterious games ("Floyd?") and the calming presence of trees. Lake Talk with Mia: Get ready for some lighthearted banter about the lake Mia ...
Aug 28, 2024•26 min•Season 9Ep. 18
Get ready for a wild ride as Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano navigate unexpected twists and turns in this episode of The Insomnia Podcast. From watermelon salad mishaps to the importance of a peppermill, our hosts cover a wide range of topics. Key Points: Salad Saga: Marco's struggles with picking ripe watermelon lead to a discussion about the finer points of salad preparation. Honey and Propolis: Discover the health benefits and uses of honey and propolis, and learn why they're essential additi...
Aug 22, 2024•29 min•Season 9Ep. 17
Episode Description: Join Amanda Barker and Marco Timpano on a wild ride as they embark on a mission to replace their sleep-depriving mattress. What starts as a simple shopping trip takes a hilarious turn when they get more than they bargained for...including a surprise bed frame! But the fun doesn't stop there! Amanda dives into the fascinating world of Korean "love hotels," and the duo uncovers a shocking truth about bagged milk (hint: it's not just a Canadian thing!). Will you be able to stay...
Aug 09, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 16
Join Marco and Amanda for another late-night adventure into the world of the bizarre and the mundane. Tonight's episode kicks off with a bang (or maybe a thud) as Amanda reveals her unfortunate toe-stubbing incident. From there, the conversation takes a curious turn into the realm of Canadian staples: bagged milk. But wait, there’s more! Cereal, specifically Shreddies, becomes the focus as we delve into Amanda’s surprising connection to Campbell's Soup. And just when you think the night couldn't...
Aug 01, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 15
Join Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker as they dive into the world of ironing. From mastering the perfect heat setting to conquering stubborn wrinkles, they share their top ironing tips. Get ready for a heated debate about starch and a hilarious discussion about the pronunciation of "hanger." Key Takeaways: Ironing Tips: Heat it up right: Match the heat setting to the fabric type. Work in order: Start with starched items, then delicate fabrics, and finish with cottons and linens. Master the moves:...
Jul 18, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 14
The Insomnia Project: Halifax Wanderers Take You to Dreamland (Maybe) Ever wondered how a city could resemble a shoe? Tonight, we set sail for the Canadian Maritimes with guest James Covey ! James gives Marco a geography lesson, transforming Halifax , Nova Scotia, into a footwear fashion show, so to speak. But wait, there's more! We lace up for another adventure, uncovering the history behind the intriguing name of Halifax's soccer team, the Wanderers. Get ready for a friendly match of mental wa...
Jul 10, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 13
The Insomnia Project: Lawns, Whippersnappers, and Fireworks, Oh My! Can the rhythmic whir of a lawnmower and childhood memories of sparklers lull you to sleep? Join Marco Timpano and Amanda Barker as their conversation takes an unexpected turn from yard work (and yes, even a "whippersnapper" reference!) to a dazzling discussion about the best fireworks displays they've ever seen. This episode, like all episodes of The Insomnia Project, is designed to be both calming and engaging, the perfect com...
Jul 03, 2024•28 min•Season 9Ep. 12
The Insomnia Project: Take Me To The Theatre Hosts: Marco Timpano & Amanda Barker Description: Calling all musical lovers (and tolerators)! In this episode, Marco and Amanda delve into the world of live theatre, with a special spotlight on the glorious (and sometimes groan-worthy) world of musicals. They discuss: Must-See Musicals: Get recommendations for shows that will have you tapping your toes and humming the tunes long after the curtain falls. Melodrama Misfires: We all have those music...
Jun 12, 2024•28 min•Season 9Ep. 11
