The Sleeping World: Singing with a Humpback Whale

By: Mumble Media, Audible Sleep

Narrated by: Cynthia Kimola

Wind down by escaping into nature. Part soundscape and part bedtime story, The Sleeping World is an intimate journey through ecologies around the world.

Humpback whales are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. Some scientists believe they might even surpass humans in self-awareness, empathy, and communication skills. In this episode, we swim with a whale as he teams up with other humpbacks to use bubbles to catch fish, rescues a sea lion, and puts his own spin on melodies sung by whales across the Pacific Ocean.

This is the world in its natural state, defined by seasons, routines, and cycles. By the time this whale is ready to close one eye and go to sleep, you will be too.

Produced by Audible and Mumble Media
Written by Bonnie Swift
Narrated by Cynthia Kimola
Executive Producers for Mumble Media: Cara Ehlenfeldt and Jake Young
Executive Producer for Audible: Anna Stitt
Sound Design and Mix: Mumble Media
Additional Recordings: Lisa Walker and Fred Sharpe
The Mumble Media team is Jaymeson Catsouphes, Cara Ehlenfeldt, Chester Gwazda, Liz Mak, Lee Mengistu, Renée Vargas, and Jake Young
Whale Consultants: Lisa Walker and Fred Sharpe
Fact-Checker: Andrea López-Cruzado
Head of Creative Development at Audible: Kate Navin
Chief Content Officer at Audible: Rachel Ghiazza

This production includes sounds collected under NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service Research Permit 19703.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

©2025 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.

Grand slam home run listen

The documentary story is easy to understand and listen. Topic is different which provides intrigue. Easily worth a re- listen which I did. House in length - perfect for any listen.

Calming yet captivating

Beautiful cant wait to listen to the rest in this series when they release. I felt like I was there in the water with the whales.

Interesting and I fell asleep

Accomplished the goal perfectly. It gives you a soothing voice with enough calm serene factual data to help your mind hang onto then release. For people with sleep anxiety or adhd it works great!

So relaxing

This may be one of my favorite sleep audios. The soft whale sounds and the soothing narrators voice really works here.

Great sleep story

I love the sounds in the background, and the speakers voice is very calming and I’m leaning something as well.