Everyday Thin Places
Religion & Spirituality Podcas
In each episode of Everyday Thin Places, birth doula Elizabeth Varaso and interfaith hospice chaplain Rachael Gallagher draw from their experiences supporting birthing people and dying people to explore with honesty, authenticity and humor how we can all become more truly-living people. Although birth and death are two of the only truly universal human experiences, we often think of them as painful, frightening and best kept behind closed doors. But behind those closed doors Rachael and Elizabeth have experienced the wonder and delight of “thin places” - those points in space and time where the line between known and unknown, between temporal and eternal, between the ordinary and the transcendent become beautifully blurred. No matter if you are the kind of person who finds the topics of birth and death thrilling, terrifying or just not all that interesting Rachael and Elizabeth’s conversations with each other and with guests from all walks of life will draw you in and keep you coming back for more. No topic is off-limits and every episode will have you seeking and savoring the everyday opportunities to visit life’s thin places.
Location:
United States
Description:
In each episode of Everyday Thin Places, birth doula Elizabeth Varaso and interfaith hospice chaplain Rachael Gallagher draw from their experiences supporting birthing people and dying people to explore with honesty, authenticity and humor how we can all become more truly-living people. Although birth and death are two of the only truly universal human experiences, we often think of them as painful, frightening and best kept behind closed doors. But behind those closed doors Rachael and Elizabeth have experienced the wonder and delight of “thin places” - those points in space and time where the line between known and unknown, between temporal and eternal, between the ordinary and the transcendent become beautifully blurred. No matter if you are the kind of person who finds the topics of birth and death thrilling, terrifying or just not all that interesting Rachael and Elizabeth’s conversations with each other and with guests from all walks of life will draw you in and keep you coming back for more. No topic is off-limits and every episode will have you seeking and savoring the everyday opportunities to visit life’s thin places.
Language:
English
Episodes
We're Still Here!
3/11/2024
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 we are still here!
Follow us on Instagram @everydaythinplaces. Follow Rachael on Instagram @Rae_rae_s and Elizabeth @mamabirdbirth.
Reach us at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com.
Duration:00:32:08
Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?: An Interplanetary Tale of Love, Loss, and Bread by Rob Bell
10/30/2023
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 book vs what our thoughts were while reading and what the process was like for Rob while he was writing it. This is a good one, friends. We're glad you're here.
Follow us on Tnstagram @everydaythinplaces.
Follow Rachael on Instagram @rae_rae_s
and Elizabeth @reclaimingRAPTURE
Duration:00:55:03
Trea Turner and The Rabbit Effect
10/16/2023
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 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Check out the moment that Elizabeth can't recount without tearing up
Read about The Rabbit Effect
Learn more about Green House Nursing Homes
Donate to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Send a $7 gift to the V Foundation in honor of Trea Turner
Duration:00:44:50
Psychedeladoula: Nicki Cowan
8/28/2023
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 clarity that she received there.
Follow Nicki and her colleagues on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salttrailsphilly/?hl=en
Support and Celebrate Nicki at: Psychedelic Liberation Training
The Collective for Radical Death Studies
Psychedelic Liberation Coll
Connect with Rachael and Elizabeth: everydaythinplaces.com
Thank you for supporting this show by buying us a cup of coffee. Learn more: https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces
Reach Rachae and Elizabeth at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com
Duration:01:01:34
Healing and Learning in the Desert with Kay Bruner
8/14/2023
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, AZBroken Arrow Hiking TrailVerde RiverBitter Creek VillaThe Trevor ProjectReach Rachael and Elizabeth - everydaythinplaces@gmail.com
Contribute to the show at https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces
Duration:00:50:24
Intuitive Therapy with Kimberley Dobbs
7/31/2023
Joining us in this interview is Intuitive Therapist, Kimberley Dobbs! Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso learn what intuitive therapy is and Kimberley walks us through how her practice has evolved. Kimberley challenges us to develop our own intuition and encourages us that intuition is part of what makes us human. You don't want to miss this episode, and you'll most definitely want to share it with anyone and everyone in your life.
Intuitive Counseling and WellnessIntuitive Choices Podcast (coming soon!)Guide Dogs For The Blind
Reach Rachael and Elizabeth at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com
Support the show
Instagram: @everydaythinplaces
Duration:00:49:29
Neighbors With No Doors featuring Josiah Haken
7/17/2023
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 ReliefNeighbors With No DoorsGive to City ReliefFollow City Relief on InstagramJosiah's blogThanks for listening!
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaythinplaces/?hl=en
Reach Rachael and Elizabeth at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com
Contribute to the show at https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces
Duration:01:03:49
Art, Music, and Light with Dan Martin and Michael Biello
7/3/2023
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'll most definitely want to share it with anyone who appreciates creativity and art.
To be inspired by Dan and Michael's art, go to https://biellomartin.com/
https://michaelbiello.com/
https://amazingqueersongbook.com/
https://www.instagram.com/biello.martin.songbook/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ztPgdCXXQQ
To be generous on Dan and Michael's behalf, please find ways to contirubute to artists and their process, and to financially contribute to their friend and neighbor, Sofie, please visit https://www.teamsofie.org/
Be sure to rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces
Instagram: @everydaythinplaces
Email: everydaythinplaces@gmail.com
Duration:01:08:50
Where Possibility Plays - Rachael's Year of Truly Living
6/19/2023
Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso reflect on this past year and catch up on what Rachael's been doing this year.
Featuring:
https://e2mfitness.com/Find us on Instagram: @everydaythinplaces
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces
Duration:00:40:21
Come on in, the water's fine! - Elizabeth's Year of Truly Living
6/19/2023
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:
https://www.facebook.com/center.nonreligious.spirituality/Follow Elizabeth's most recent social media at https://www.instagram.com/yourdeconversiondoula/ and https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingrapture/
Reach Rachael and Elizabeth at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com
Contribute to the show at https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces
Duration:00:43:04
Cheers to three years! Happy Third Anniversary Everyday Thin Places!
6/15/2023
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!
Duration:00:43:30
Special Episode: Philly Sports Fanaticism as a Thin Place featuring Erik Johanson
2/13/2023
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 his father and where Erik is left after his father's death last summer.
Thank you for supporting this show and stay tuned for a whole new season coming soon.
Duration:00:55:17
Happy (2nd) Birthday, Everyday Thin Places!
6/15/2022
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.
Duration:00:38:05
The Thin Places that Teachers Create
5/23/2022
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).
Duration:00:40:44
Unbelieve with Marla Taviano
5/9/2022
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 Places Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaythinplaces/
Duration:01:07:48
Silence - Let's talk about it!
4/25/2022
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.
https://www.everydaythinplaces.com/Instagram.
Duration:00:46:59
Silence as a Thin Place
4/11/2022
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 place.
Duration:00:08:45
Building a Blended Family featuring Angela Dobryznski
3/28/2022
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 out the images that go along with this episode.
Buy us a cup of coffee to help us keep making this podcast and to receive and invitation to our private Facebook community.
Duration:00:45:40
Advance
3/14/2022
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/
Duration:00:42:21
Retreat
2/28/2022
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 us, you can email the podcast at everydaythinplaces@gmail.com.
Follow the podcast on Instagram.
Duration:00:36:05