In this inspiring and insight-packed episode, Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso explore themes of creativity, family, disruptions, health, resetting, and slowing down with Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur, Rich Speeney. The conversation covers one of Rich's most challenging and surprising experiences of his life: mold exposure, which caused severe health challenges and led to starting over completely. Rich and his wife sold their house, got rid of all of their belongings, and moved in with R...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 103
For the first time on the podcast, Rachael and Elizabeth are interviewing a third-time-guest! We're joined by author, speaker, and friend, Marla Taviano, who is on a quest to be on 50 podcasts in her 50th year. Marla tells us all about her experiences making goal lists and achieving some interesting milestones (52 zoos in 52 weeks!). Then, she shares about her love of books and her journey to read more books by people of color. This episode is your permission slip to let go of perfectionism and ...
May 12, 2025•55 min•Ep. 102
Today's episode of "Everyday Thin Places" is all about somatic experiencing! We kick off the episode with an introduction to Jim Donnelly and his path toward healing through somatic work and follow up with the role somatic work plays in addressing trauma. Then we hear from Jim about the process of becoming reacquainted with his body's sensations and how it changed his relationship with his body. Plus, we explore the connection between somatic work and the Enneagram. Tune in now to hear all this ...
Apr 09, 2025•40 min•Ep. 101
Tricia Hersey has been such an inspiration in our own lives, and having her on the podcast would be an absolute dream...but Tricia is protective of her time and really walks the walk of resting. So, we dedicate this episode to Tricia. In this episode, Rachael and Elizabeth are going to be chatting about everything from creating space for rest, the impact of rest, and rest as personal, spiritual, and political practice. Thank you for listening! Follow Everyday Thin Places on Instagram. Support th...
Feb 17, 2025•46 min•Ep. 100
We first aired this episode 2 years ago when the Philadelphia Eagles were preparing to meet the Kansas City Chiefs at the Super Bowl. With a rematch scheduled this Sunday, we figured a replay of one of our favorite episodes was in order. From 2023 - Joining us for the first time is Erik Johanson, Philadelphia sports fanatic. In the last 5 months, Philly fans have gotten quite a bit of excitement with both the Phillies and the Eagles competing in championship games. We talk to Erik about how his ...
Feb 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 99
Rachael and Elizabeth discuss their *latest* update before diving into the timely topic of Imbolc. We talk about aligning our energy with the wheel of the year, how people have marked transitions through generations (think bonfires, planning for harvests, and slowly setting intentions), and Elizabeth shares a personal story about her sheep farm experience (spoiler alert: baby lambs can't control their bladders). And, of course, we get into some suggestions for listeners who want to mark Imbolc i...
Jan 31, 2025•45 min•Ep. 98
Another October, another sad ending for Philadelphia Sports fans. BUT. We were given a sweet consolation on 10/18 when Netflix released a short documentary - "The Turnaround." This 25 minute film, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, digs deeper into the story of the man who inspired the country's most notoriously brutal sports fans to pick someone up when they were down. Rachael & Elizabeth shared this story last October and think that you should both give this episode a re-listen, and ch...
Oct 24, 2024•45 min•Ep. 97
We’re releasing this magical episode again to remind our steady listeners and to engage our new listeners around the amazing songs and monologues we call Elderland. When this episode was initially published, things were looking good and we thought we were on our way to a 2023 presentation of Elderland, but we encountered so many obstacles along the way that a year has passed and it hasn't happened yet...but it WILL! Dan Martin and Michael Biello are committed to creating something beautiful to s...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 96
Slowly but surely making our way back into the podcast feed! Diane Manser is here to talk about being a highschool teacher and an author of the new book, I Didn't Sign Up For This: One Teacher's Journey Through Emotional Fatigue To Personal Empowerment. Diane shares how her debut book came to be and what her goals are for who it will reach now that it's out in the world. What causes pain and difficulty in teaching? How can teachers recognize it and make changes before they burnout? Whether you'r...
Jul 01, 2024•50 min•Ep. 95
We're celebrating a seven year plan coming together! Ever dreamt of seeing a solar eclipse in totality? Well, buckle up because Elizabeth and her whole family traveled to northeast Ohio and got to see a gorgeous day complete with 2024's solar eclipse. Join us as we share our favorite things about the sun, the moon, and the stars. Imagine experiencing a 100% total solar eclipse. Elizabeth experienced it and talking about it brings tears to her eyes. If Rachael's still in South Florida in 20 years...
Jun 17, 2024•43 min•Ep. 94
We're so excited for another Everyday Thin Places episode after quite a while away! We chat about our energy coming back as we move from winter to spring. We're diving deep into all things spring! The ladies discuss Elizabeth's spring plans of the Broad Street Run , throwing the windows open, spring cleaning on Leap Day, as well as Rachael's "Elderland" update, the relativity of seasons, and connecting with Mother Nature. We're feeling a little rusty as we come out of our winter hibernation, but...
Mar 11, 2024•32 min•Ep. 93
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso return with guest Rob Bell to discuss Rob's new book, "Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?". Starting with a discussion about this being a departure from Rob's previous works of nonfiction, we assure you that this sci-fi fiction book is very "Rob Bell". We're pretty sure Rob just became best friends with all of his readers as he weaves a story about other planets that helps us all to better understand Rob Bell the friend. We talk about our expectations of the ...
Oct 30, 2023•55 min•Ep. 92
It's Red October in Philadelphia, and Phillies fever is spreading. Symptoms include yelling, cheering, and . . . kindness? Elizabeth has been gushing to Rachael about Phillie's short stop Trea Turner for weeks now, so it's only right that we share his story with our listeners and invite you all to jump on the bandwagon of postseason baseball and truly living. But we're not just talking baseball - we're talking about rabbits, cholesterol, kindness, the Green House model of nursing care and Childr...
Oct 16, 2023•45 min•Ep. 91
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso interview Nicki Cowan, psychotherapist, end-of-life doula, and co-founder of the Philly Death Doula Collective. In this special episode, Nicki discusses awe, existential intensity, and the greater-than-human world. It was very interesting for us to learn more about Nicki's perspective. In this episode we cover Nicki's apprenticeship in Botswana, her post-graduate training, how she found herself in Philadelphia, and her time in the Peruvian Amazon and the cl...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 90
Rachael and Elizabeth are back with Kay Bruner. They start the episode with some quick life updates from Kay, then begin talking about Kay's favorite aspects of life in the desert, "Agave Watch", and learning how to be okay with letting go. Featuring: Sedona, AZ Broken Arrow Hiking Trail Verde River Bitter Creek Villa The Trevor Project Reach Rachael and Elizabeth - everydaythinplaces@gmail.com Contribute to the show at https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces...
Aug 14, 2023•50 min•Ep. 89
On this episode, our new friend Josiah Haken, CEO of City Relief in NYC shares about serving those stuggling with housing insecurity and food insecurity. Josiah skillfully walks us through how serving people experiencing homelessness is a thin place and how each of us can offer hospitality to our neighbors regardless of our context. Mentioned in today's episode: City Relief Neighbors With No Doors Give to City Relief Follow City Relief on Instagram Josiah's blog Thanks for listening! Follow us o...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 87
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso are joined by life partners and creative collaborators, Dan Martin and Michael Biello to discuss telling stories through art, music, and light. Dan and Michael skillfully walk us through how they create thin places for audiences all over the world and how they're currently working with Rachael and making new songs about growing older. They remind us that when a piece of art is right, it doesn't have to be forced. You don't want to miss this episode, and you...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 86
After being coy for a while, on this episode, Elizabeth finally shares what has kept her busy most summers, and what's been keeping her busy this year. Featuring: human milk oligosaccharides finally welcoming a baby into the world without a mask! https://www.facebook.com/center.nonreligious.spirituality/ reclaiming and redefining "bedlum" with the Philadelphia Phillies Better Call Saul Midnight Mass on Netflix The Woodlands Cemetery in West Philadelphia Follow Elizabeth's most recent social medi...
Jun 19, 2023•43 min•Ep. 85
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso reflect on this past year and catch up on what Rachael's been doing this year. Featuring: "season" in south Florida and how locals enjoy summertime being challenged professionally buying a condo on the water in "the Venice of America" and feeling "home" therapy https://e2mfitness.com/ a sneak peek of our next episode (SPOILER ALERT: there's an amazing creative project on the way!) Find us on Instagram: @everydaythinplaces Support the show: https://ko-fi.com...
Jun 19, 2023•40 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, Rachael and Elizabeth talk through the story of calling this episode an "anniversary" and we talk about what to expect in the future from Everyday Thin Places. Thank you for listening and letting us celebrate this special occasion!
Jun 15, 2023•44 min•Ep. 83
In this very special episode, it's time for the Super Bowl. Joining us for the first time is Erik Johanson, Philadelphia sports fanatic. In the last 5 months, Philly fans have gotten quite a bit of excitement with both the Phillies and the Eagles competing in championship games. We talk to Erik about how his love for Phladelphia and it's sports teams developed, and how it has become a thin place for him. And we explore one more important piece of Erik's story: his complicated relationship with h...
Feb 13, 2023•55 min
Rachael and Elizabeth react to Everyday Thin Places turning two years old, before reflecting on the amazing guests we have had the privilege to host. Plus, what’s next for Everyday Thin Places?! As promised, click here to read about the astounding good news announced this week that is a game changer in cancer research.
Jun 15, 2022•38 min•Ep. 82
Elizabeth has been keeping busy making teacher appreciation gifts, and Rachael has been watching her teacher friends on social media as they wrap up the school year. It feels like a great time to talk about teachers and the impact the have made on our lives. •To share a teacher/student story for a future episode, reach us at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com •Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Everydaythinplaces).
May 23, 2022•41 min•Ep. 81
This is a second episode with Marla Taviano because she HAS A NEW BOOK in the world! We explore the poetry within " Unbelieve - Poems on the Journey to Becoming a Heretic ". From "I was wrong" to "God Loves Everyone" to "growing up evangelical" to "chirp chirp", every poem in this new book is eye-opening and relatable and honest and authentic. Everyday Thin Places appreciates its supporters. Want to support? Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces Follow along on the "Everyday Thin...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 80
Rachael and Elizabeth record an actual conversation about silence! In their conversation, Rachael discusses her thoughts on how silence can be used as a weapon. Plus, Elizabeth talks about how she's gotten curious and open to silence. SPOILER: She's starting to offer spiritual direction and is using silence as a tool. Don't forget to rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can email the podcast at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com. Visit https://www.everydaythinplaces.com/ for more infor...
Apr 25, 2022•47 min•Ep. 79
Nope, this isn't a glitch or a mistake. We'll be back to talk about silence in our next episode. But for today we invite you to take 7 minutes of silence for yourself. Think of this as an experiment. As a treat. As an opportunity to experience an everyday thin place. Because sometimes there aren't words. Because sometimes silence is the friend that you need. Because there is an inner wisdom that you may not be able to hear until you turn down the noise. Because silence can be a sacred, thin plac...
Apr 11, 2022•9 min•Ep. 78
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso are joined by Angela Dobrynski, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Grief Specialist. While Angela has a wealth of professional experience in the world of grief and loss, this conversation focuses on her own personal story of grief, loss and the surprises that led to her building the family that she has today. You can connect with Angela on her website angeladora.org or follow her on Facebook. Follow Everyday Thin Places on Instagram to check ou...
Mar 28, 2022•46 min•Ep. 77
Rachael and Elizabeth talk all about ADVANCING (most notably, the Battle of Little Round Top, chemotherapy, and athletic training). Also, Elizabeth shares about an advance she received in order to help her neighbors and her family. Everyday Thin Places appreciates its supporters! Want to support? Buy us a coffee! Sign up: https://www.everydaythinplaces.com/donate.html Follow along on the Everyday Thin Places Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaythinplaces/...
Mar 14, 2022•42 min•Ep. 76
On this very special edition of "Everyday Thin Places", it's finally time for our first ever Everyday Thin Places RETREAT!!!!! We discuss our differing opinions on taking baths, our motivations for being in water, what we think about retreat, and some ideas for small everyday opportunities for retreats before we make the big announcement that we're hosting a retreat! To register for our upcoming virtual retreat on Saturday, May 14, make sure to head to www.everydaythinplaces.com/retreat To reach...
Feb 28, 2022•36 min•Ep. 75
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso break down the everyday thin places we experienced in the Disney film, Encanto. Encanto is amazing, and if you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and go watch this movie on Disney+. We will share some spoilers in this episode, but the movie is still worth watching even if it's been "spoiled". And of course, because this IS Everyday Thin Places, we talk about birth and death and the magic and gifts that these universal experiences are. Encanto is not j...
Feb 14, 2022•43 min•Ep. 74
