The Sleeping World: Rolling Under the Milky Way with a Dung Beetle

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.

Dung beetles might sound dirty, but the ancient Egyptians believed their god took the form of a dung beetle to roll the morning sun across the sky every day. In this episode, we roll with dung beetles around the world as they push their precious dung—often in balls many times larger than they are—over Florida pastures, Armenian highlands, and the vast South African savanna.

This is the world in its natural state, defined by seasons, routines, and cycles. As we roll with these glittering beetles, we can imagine a giant dung beetle slowly rolling our planet through the solar system, rotating us gently into each coming night, and safely into each new day.

Produced by Audible and Mumble Media
Written by Cara Ehlenfeldt and Jake Young
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
The Mumble Media team is Jaymeson Catsouphes, Cara Ehlenfeldt, Chester Gwazda, Liz Mak, Lee Mengistu, Renée Vargas, and Jake Young
Dung Beetle Consultant: Rachel Stone
Fact-Checker: Andrea López-Cruzado
Head of Creative Development at Audible: Kate Navin
Chief Content Officer at Audible: Rachel Ghiazza

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

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

Enjoying "The Sleeping World"

I started with the Fennec Fox in this "The Sleeping World" series and was surprised at what it was. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this series but for those that are wondering, you get about 30-40 minutes of information about the chosen animal, where they live, their lifestyle, etc. Then the last 10 or so minutes are soundscape noises (such as rain or ocean waves) that mimic sounds from the animals habitat.

The narrator isn't my favorite, but she does have an overall very calming voice so it's very peaceful to listen to.

My favorite part about these is definitely all the facts that I've learned about various animals.

Since these are included in my Audible membership, I definitely plan to listen to all of them. I love to listen to them when I'm on a walk because they are the perfect amount of time and a good distraction from potentially getting bored.

They might not be everyone's cup of tea but I definitely think people should give one a go and see if they like it!

wonderful sleep story

Very relaxing and helpful to get to sleep. I've listened to it twice. I'd recommend it!

Entrancing!

Great narration, soundscape, and story. I learned so much about dung beetle biology, mythology and personality while drifting off to sleep. This
One is a keeper.

Loved it. Very relaxing

Fun, informative, relaxing. Loved the narrator. Love the sounds in the background. Love the respect for the little beetle

ideal for gently drifting to calm sleep

soporific while engaging my mind with visions and gentle facts about the natural world we live on. excellent narrative style . holds my attention on a tender embrace as I drift off to sleep.