Have you ever felt like life hit you with everything all at once? Well, grab a cup of coffee and meet my friend Tamera. She faced the chaos of deployment in the midst of her marriage falling apart. You'll hear her journey from college student with hippie dreams to becoming an Air Force Major. She opens up about what motivated her to step into the military right after 9/11, and then drops us into a heart-stopping tale of her plane crash in Afghanistan. She emerged with humor intact (and maybe a b...
Jan 31, 2025•36 min
Ruminations and ridiculousness for your holiday listening enjoyment! This short "VM" episode highlights "cut" topics from Abbey's convo with Stephanie and MaiLee (ep. #114). This one's got it all! Starting out thoughtful - Who do we dress for and do stable romantic relationships produce contentment with our bodies? And ending with a family dinner that takes a surprising R-rated turn. Bonus: meet-cute tale involving puppies and skateboarding. 💕
Dec 16, 2024•15 min
Abbey, Stephanie, and MaiLee discuss why Gen Xers look hella good. It started out rough for us, growing up in the Cruel Kid Era. But things got better and now we have access to the miracle of botox. Abbey knows nothing about beauty products. So Stephanie shares her skin health trials and skin care routine. And, 20+ year clinical aesthetician, MaiLee educates us on what Botox is, what it does, and what the pros and cons are. We talk candidly about what makes us feel good in our bodies, why body n...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 15 min
As a little one, Grey confidently told their parents they were a boy. Yet, in a Pentecostal family in the 1980’s, this was not okay. This episode Abbey and her book club buddy, Grey, explore the intersection of body and spirit. Grey offers insights from a life marked by severe depression and addiction, to one of self-devotion, freedom, inner safety and belonging. Tune in to hear their story, woven with the beautiful words of author Lore Ferguson Wilbert, and interspersed with Abbey's clumsy ques...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Just when Jenene thought all the family secrets had been revealed, a bombshell dropped. Along comes Michelle, the sister she never knew existed. Michelle is just as surprised by this twist as Jenene is. Together they embark on a journey to understand their birth Mother's life, bring the truth to light, and understand their own identities. Join us to hear Michelle's story, beginning with her adoptive Mom's escape from Nazi Germany, through the life they created in America, and finally, to Michell...
Sep 23, 2024•39 min
Lead singer of The Hyperdrive Kittens, Jenene thrives in the spotlight. So when she got an offer to meet her Dad for the first time, on television, she jumped at the chance. This fateful meeting launched a series of revelations that rocked her world, and changed everything one family knew to be true. Join us for a rollercoaster of laughter and tears as we put together Jenene's "Heart Puzzle" and navigate the complexities of family and identity. This is Part One of Jenene's story, tune in to Part...
Sep 20, 2024•28 min
There is a lot of fear swirling around sharing injectable-related weight loss, which leads to secrecy within our relationships. So, where does the judgement come from and is it possible to break free from the negativity? Even if it's coming from your Mother? With knowledgeable guest, Maureen, Abbey explores the disconnection from our food sources. Our relationship with food has spiraled out of control in just a generation and a half. And the Evil Trifecta keeps us eating junk that is neither nut...
Aug 12, 2024•50 min
Ever felt like society's got a million opinions about how you should look and the right way to arrive at their ideal? Lately, Maureen has been receiving compliments, including the particularly grating, “Wow! Skinny Minnie!”. We're going to explore the root of those "compliments", and reflect on the emotional tightrope we walk- caring for yourself, while grappling with patriarchal beauty standards imposed on all of us. Maureen shares her decades-long medical rollercoaster; diets, diagnoses, medic...
Jul 29, 2024•46 min
How can we enact social change, alleviate systemic oppression, and foster a more just and equitable world? Our guest, Dawn, says it all begins with self-connection, our relationship with ourself. This episode we focus on self-connection strategies in the realms of emotions, vulnerability, and beliefs. Dawn encourages us to attune to the data in our bodies, understand where our beliefs come from, and navigate the discomfort of new ideas. She shares stories and insights, from the impact of self-se...
Jul 08, 2024•35 min
Dawn Bulchandani is a speaker, writer, and PhD student with three master's degrees (yep, you read that right). She’s currently taking a hiatus from her PHD to focus her efforts on advocating for Gaza. Part of that advocacy includes her passion- leading people from the micro of self-connection to the macro of social change. Join this inspiring convo to explore how we lose connection with ourselves and how we can return to our humanity. From humming in the grocery store, to sitting on the roof, we...
Jul 01, 2024•38 min
Hey friends! We're introducing a new series of episodes focused on The Body. Please don't be scared, we're not going to rehash old bullsh*t or make you feel bad (worse). This intro gives you an idea of what's coming up. We're going to hear diverse experiences and dive into how society shapes our view of self, the expectations to conform, and the importance of reconnecting with all of ourselves. Stay tuned for some eye-opening insights and relatable experiences. Let's figure out together how to l...
Jun 24, 2024•7 min
Dawn and her housemates made a pact to never speak of what happened in their flat. From day one they were plagued by eerie incidents, escalating to an unexplainable, horrifying encounter. One they wanted to leave behind forever. Prepare yourself for a spine-chilling tale that will make you reconsider what you believe to be real. This is not just a ghost story; it's a journey into the heart of fear, belief, and the supernatural. Welcome to the haunting on Noriega Street.
May 24, 2024•35 min
Dare to venture into a semi-professional paranormal investigation of Dawn's 1940's-era abode. With our very own Medium in tow, this four-level house seemingly weaves its own tale, subtly revealing the possible presence of phantom friends. Yet, there seem to be challenges surrounding historic norms of 'wifely duties', that make us wonder- Is this a Phantom Friend, or Foe? This investigation sparks an array of questions about life after death and the unknown. It's an exploration that blends the or...
May 08, 2024•35 min
With special guests, Stephanie and Dawn, Abbey takes a peek into the supernatural world with a fresh lens. In a profoundly spirited discussion, this episode explores the intriguing world of paranormal investigations and empathic abilities. Our guests recount eerie, paranormal experiences beginning at childhood. Stephanie sheds light on her personal journey developing mediumship skills, and brings forth the crucial aspect of drawing boundaries between “normal” life and the distracting unseen worl...
May 06, 2024•45 min
This episode delves into the significance of acquiring your driver's license and the celebration of a first car. Enjoy an engaging conversation with Liz, a friend who found the path to independence in her iconic pink 'Rambler’. Weaved throughout are the family ties that shape our lives, ultimately leading to that first car and brand new experiences. It's a lively testament to how a car can be more than just an object but a pivotal part of our growing up story. A case in point, the twist in the s...
Mar 26, 2024•35 min
In celebration of 100 episodes (and at least 101 "um"s recorded), Abbey shares the triumphs and tribulations of podcasting. What she's learned in four years of creating this show, the advice she ignores, and the moments that make it worth it. Tune in to hear some of the most memorable episodes, and un-released cringey stories from the cutting room floor. Follow Abbey Normal Podcast on Instagram Email us at [email protected]...
Feb 26, 2024•49 min
Abbey’s middle school Bible teacher was a square peg. An introverted goth, artist, musician, and long-term Christian school educator. He never followed the “normal” path in life, which made him an outsider in his own religious community. Abbey gets the dish on how he landed in this conservative environment, and how he survived it. And she asks an important question: “Was I your most annoying student?”
Jan 29, 2024•51 min
As a youngster, Dawn experienced injury at the hands of other kids (and her own clumsiness). Some of it is hilariously ridiculous, and some is the stuff of Gen X legend. And along the way she learned how to handle herself. Channeling her fight/flight mechanism towards creative de-escalation of tricky situations. Is it enough to keep her safe? And at what cost? Music: Blue Dot Sessions Vernouillet We Collect Shiny Things Fifteen Street Desmontes...
Jan 08, 2024•39 min
“I never felt at home in my body." Dee Dee’s notes and diary are full of misadventure, cringey exploration, and the drama of french kissing. Yet, in the margins of those stories are lessons about how to manage other people's reactions to your body, (ie. Boys, Men, and your own Mother). Listen in, laugh along, and commiserate. Love, Dawn W. Music- Blue Note: Peacoat Crumbletown Glass Runner La Marais Long Time Rye Monder Sebring...
Dec 11, 2023•49 min
Mean Girl stories, we've all got em. We're going back to Abbey's notes from middle school to explore these "girl conflicts" and what they do to our psyches. Including how we respond to these horrible feelings of exclusion now- as grown adults.
Nov 20, 2023•23 min
Becoming a lifeguard at 16 years old, you unknowingly make a lifelong commitment to be a First Responder. In what other ways does this "first job" impact your life and career trajectory? Tune in to hear what we did after pool guarding: bay and beach guarding, white water rafting, and teaching Doctors how to do CPR. [This episode describes medical emergencies, and mentions death.] Fresno's Mason-Dixon Line The Atlantic Music- Blue Dot Sessions: Let Go Gecko Kevin MacLeod: Maccary Bay, Easy Jam...
Sep 23, 2023•51 min
Cruise into the afterhours lifeguard scene, complete with pirate costumes, reggae, swims under the moonlight, and running from the cops. Lifeguard parties started at hire- at 16- so we also explore the weirdness of partying with your Coach or Boss, and the awkward (and important) transition from High School to College-age Person in Charge. [This episode describes near-drowning experiences.] Music: Blue Dot Sessions- Hash Out Highway 430 Arizona Moon Plum King Ivory Pillow The Sermon The High Dec...
Aug 28, 2023•37 min
Lifeguarding is part of the "very naked" sports, where you have to get used to being exposed (and cold) all the time. So, what is it like to work in a swimsuit all day every day? Do you feel weird? Are you grossed out or turned on all the time? And what about all the touching inherent in the job? We're gonna answer all those questions, plus share the flirting and hookups that may have come along with it. Music: Blue Dot Sessions Crumbtown Le Marais Setting Up Apple Spice Hash Out...
Aug 14, 2023•31 min
Lifeguarding is weird- especially the fact that sixteen year olds do this job. But it might be the BEST JOB EVER. Discover what a day in the life of a community lifeguard is like- dominos, blood, Code Browns, and "saves". [This episode mentions the existence of near-drowning experiences.] Music: Blue Dot Sessions- Calmion Hash Out Bonbadore Powder Room Vernouillet Via Verre...
Jul 31, 2023•43 min
Abbey embarks on a riotous weekend of punk rock and bowling in Las Vegas, Nevada. She learns some life lessons from the weirdest of them all- Old Punk Rockers. *This episode contains many curse words.*
Jun 19, 2023•41 min
Why is the wedding industry so freakin expensive, and also generic and boring?? Why is it so hard to find a non-traditional bridal look? Abbey explores these questions with an industry expert, who provides some insight into wedding apparel, makeup and lashing artists, and photography!
May 22, 2023•50 min
Part 4 is the grand finale, her wedding weekend. When all of Vicky's family, friends, and dogs, SHOW UP to celebrate. You get an inside look into the beauty of committing to long-term, later-in-life love. Plus, discover if Vicky can keep her chill in the face of event coordination hassles. Abbey's best friend is finally getting married. Her dreams are coming true, it's time to say "I do"! Song: Arizona Moon by Blue Dot Sessions...
May 02, 2023•30 min
After three short months of wedding planning, riding the emotional highs and lows, it's time for Vicky to step back and soak it all up. To decide now how to protect her peace on the big day. And to soak up the love, encouragement, and advice from her besties during the Bachelorette weekend. Plus, do some literal soaking in mineral hot springs! Abbey's best friend is finally getting married. Her dreams are coming true, it's time to say "I do"!
Mar 30, 2023•26 min
Part 2 is Vicky's Grow Up, the discoveries she makes about herself and her relationship once the glow of engagement fades. She's sharing three short months of wedding planning, including all the weird that comes along with being an Adult Woman Bride. Abbey's best friend is finally getting married. Her dreams are coming true, it's time to say "I do"!
Mar 23, 2023•25 min
Abbey's best friend is finally getting married. Her dreams are coming true, it's time to say "I do"! These are the three short months of wedding planning, including all the weird that comes along with being an Adult Woman Bride. Part 1 is Vicky's Glow Up, floating on a cloud of love and happiness, preparing to throw a party for yourself!
Mar 16, 2023•17 min
