Abbey Normal

After a quiet 2025, Abbey has a new show! You get a preview of the first episode- Welcome to the Hinge- of The Faithful Resistance show. Those who have been hurt by the Church have a role to play in what happens next with Christianity in America. We are in a “hinge” period- a time for reformation- where the old fades away and new forms of religious community are birthing. We don’t know what will b...

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...

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-c...

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...

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...

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 adopti...

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 n...

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 con...

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...

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,...

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...

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.  S...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Em...

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 stude...

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 Vernouille...

“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 Ma...

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.

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-...

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.]   Musi...

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 w...

 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