Best Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso Podcasts (2025)

1
Somatic Practices with Jim Donnelly 40:10

28d ago40:10

40:10

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 an…

1
Rest is Resistance: A conversation about (but not featuring) Tricia Hersey 45:38

3M ago45:38

45:38

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 …

1
REPLAY: Special Episode: Philly Sports Fanaticism as a Thin Place featuring Erik Johanson 55:19

3M ago55:19

55:19

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, P…

1
Celebrating Imbolc - we are halfway to Spring! 44:44

3M ago44:44

44:44

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 exp…

1
REPLAY: Trea Turner and The Rabbit Effect 44:50

7M ago44:50

44:50

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 someo…

1
REPLAY: Art, Music and Light with Dan Martin and Michael Biello 1:08:50

8M ago1:08:50

1:08:50

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…

1
Teaching is Emotional with Diane Manser 50:29

10M ago50:29

50:29

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…

1
Grandmother Stars, Mother Earth, Auntie Moon 43:02

11M ago43:02

43:02

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 experienci…

1
We're Still Here! 32:08

1y ago32:08

32:08

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 "Elderl…

1
Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?: An Interplanetary Tale of Love, Loss, and Bread by Rob Bell 55:03

1+ y ago55:03

55:03

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 h…

1
Trea Turner and The Rabbit Effect 44:50

1+ y ago44:50

44:50

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 tr…

1
Psychedeladoula: Nicki Cowan 1:01:34

1+ y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

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…

1
Healing and Learning in the Desert with Kay Bruner 50:24

1+ y ago50:24

50:24

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 Racha…

1
Neighbors With No Doors featuring Josiah Haken 1:03:49

2y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

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 to…

1
Art, Music, and Light with Dan Martin and Michael Biello 1:08:50

2y ago1:08:50

1:08:50

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 s…

1
Where Possibility Plays - Rachael's Year of Truly Living 40:21

2y ago40:21

40:21

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 …

1
Come on in, the water's fine! - Elizabeth's Year of Truly Living 43:04

2y ago43:04

43:04

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 …

1
Cheers to three years! Happy Third Anniversary Everyday Thin Places! 43:30

2y ago43:30

43:30

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!By Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso

1
Special Episode: Philly Sports Fanaticism as a Thin Place featuring Erik Johanson 55:19

2y ago55:19

55:19

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 tea…

1
Happy (2nd) Birthday, Everyday Thin Places! 38:05

3y ago38:05

38:05

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.…

1
The Thin Places that Teachers Create 40:44

3y ago40:44

40:44

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@gmai…

1
Unbelieve with Marla Taviano 1:07:48

3y ago1:07:48

1:07:48

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. Everyd…

1
Silence - Let's talk about it! 46:59

3y ago46:59

46:59

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 subsc…

1
Silence as a Thin Place 8:47

3y ago8:47

8:47

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…

1
Building a Blended Family featuring Angela Dobryznski 45:40

3y ago45:40

45:40

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 sh…

1
Advance 42:21

3y ago42:21

42:21

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.everydaythinpl…

1
Retreat 36:05

3y ago36:05

36:05

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…

1
Oruguitas y Mariposas 43:03

3y ago43:03

43:03

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 cour…

1
Your Chrysalis with Melissa Jill Clark 32:58

3+ y ago32:58

32:58

Life Coach, Melissa Jill Clark joins us on the Everyday Thin Places podcast to talk about having all we need within us now, yoga as embodied prayer, and Melissa's poem that was recently published in book form: Your Chrysalis: A Message of Hope for End of Life. We really talk about everything. Yoga? Yes. Fulfilling our legacies? Obviously. Birth and…

1
Stories for Community-building featuring Matt Gorkos 40:51

3+ y ago40:51

40:51

Today on the podcast, hosts Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso talk with Philadelphia-area-based pastor and author, Matt Gorkos. Matt has built Storied Church Ministry Consulting , focused on cultivating connections through stories. One of his latest efforts: The Storied Church: A Strategy for Congregational Renewal explores the power of a good…

1
Happy Old Year, Happy New Year! (Again!) 22:18

3+ y ago22:18

22:18

Today on the podcast we go down memory lane - 2021 has been another doozy. We reflect on our hopefulness and cautious optimism last year at this time. Rachael reflects on the struggles that existed in 2021 as well as her ideas of how life would be once vaccines became available, and then Elizabeth shares her resolution that she made last year and t…

1
Rachael's Recent Thin Places 24:37

3+ y ago24:37

24:37

In this special mini episode, Elizabeth interviews Rachael about the last six months of living back in her home state of Florida! Rachael talks about her latest projects and how this new lifestyle has become a thin place for her. Thanks for listening! Contribute to the show at https://ko-fi.com/everydaythinplaces. Email us at everydaythinplaces@gma…

1
Elizabeth's Latest Thin Places 22:24

3+ y ago22:24

22:24

On this week's episode, Elizabeth Varaso shares about her latest thin place endeavor. Featuring: How she went from being the proud owner of 25 fragrance oils to owning 122 fragrance oils. Why she receives 55 pound bags of salt delivered to her home regularly. How Sharon Weiss fits into all of this. Everyday Thin Places is powered by subscribers lik…

1
Miniature Thin Places 16:12

3+ y ago16:12

16:12

Rachael and Elizabeth celebrate miniature things. Elizabeth shares about her household's delight in the thin places of miniature things and Rachael talks (again) about her love of small dogs. Then, we talk about the power of miniature things working their ways into places that larger things cannot: little things can have huge impacts. You can email…

1
REPLAY (Episode 29): Hanukkah featuring Dr. Liam Robins 45:20

3+ y ago45:20

45:20

Just in time, it's the last night of Hanukkah and so we are replaying this episode from last year. In this episode, Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso are joined by Dr. Liam Robins to discuss Hanukkah, embracing Judaism as an adult, the "thin place" experience of lighting the Hanukkah candles, and more. Buy us a cup of coffee: https://ko-fi.com…

1
Cycle of Lives featuring David Richman 47:16

3+ y ago47:16

47:16

This week Rachael and Elizabeth are hosting a conversation with David Richman, author of the book Cycle of Lives: 15 People's stories, 5,000 miles and a Journey through the Emotional Chaos of Cancer. After losing his sister June to cancer, David was inspired to push the limits of what his body was capable of, and to engage his heart and mind with t…

1
Happy Thanksgiving (& Receiving)! 7:05

3+ y ago7:05

7:05

Rachael and Elizabeth give thanks for each other, for this podcast, and for our listeners. Plus, we take some time to share how you can help to support the podcast. Everyday Thin PLaces is powered by subscribers like you! To keep all our Everyday Thin Places content ad-free, consider making a donation by buying us a cup of coffee! To support the po…

1
Generosity as a Thin Place 43:41

3+ y ago43:41

43:41

This week, we bring you a conversation about generosity as a thin place. More than anything, this episode felt like a really fun, yet super meaningful time of reflection. Featuring: different motivations for generosity the spiritual practice of generosity barriers to generosity Elizabeth's research into the origins of the word generosity a challeng…

1
Nostalgia as a Thin Place 40:00

3+ y ago40:00

40:00

In celebration of the 65th episode of our podcast, this episode is all about nostalgia (New Kids on the Block, I Love Lucy, Goosebumps, etc.)! We are honored to take you on a nostalgic journey! To reach us, email [email protected]. Visit https://www.everydaythinplaces.com/ Follow the podcast on Instagram (@everydaythinplaces).…

1
REPLAY (Episode 22) : Horror Films featuring Jennifer Moorman 36:38

3+ y ago36:38

36:38

Rachel & Elizabeth have referenced this conversation so many times recently that it seemed worthy of a replay! Even with Halloween just having passed, you may still be in the mood for a good horror film, and the insights that film scholar and expert Jennifer Moorman has to offer will have you experiencing, yes, even horror films, as a thin place. J…

1
Activism and Theology as Thin Places featuring Dr. Drew Hart 41:51

3+ y ago41:51

41:51

Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso discuss activism and theology as a thin place with Dr. Drew Hart. Drew is a writer and a speaker on topics of justice black theology, Anabaptism, and white supremacy and he follows in a long line of theologists who have done theology on the fly in the midst of struggling with justice and liberation. You’ll wan…

1
Curiosity as a Thin Place 33:46

3+ y ago33:46

33:46

Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso check in with honesty, authenticity, and humor about curiosity as a thin place. We begin by talking about Elizabeth's far-fetched husband and his skeptical nature versus Elizabeth's curious nature. After talking through all the possible ways to view the world, Rachael and Elizabeth land on a good healthy way t…

1
Changing Your Mind with Halley Kim 56:52

3+ y ago56:52

56:52

It's our first repeat guest! This time last year Halley Kim joined us to talk about the importance of Birth Stories. At the time, she had a secret that only a handful of people in her life knew about. But today, Halley is sharing freely about what she once believed, what she believes now, and how we can compassionately usher people towards changing…

1
The Joy of Pets 41:27

3+ y ago41:27

41:27

Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso discuss what pets have to teach us about birth and death, and truly living. Understanding our personal relationships with pets is an important part of understanding ourselves. We support our life's journey when we embrace caregiving, whether it be another person or an animal. You can email the podcast at every…

1
Truly Living with Autism featuring Eileen Shaklee 40:56

3+ y ago40:56

40:56

Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso enjoy a conversation with Eileen Shaklee, aka "Mama Fry," who blogs at "Autism With A Side of Fries." Eileen first began blogging about life with her french-fry-loving Autistic son 9 years ago, and has built an online community where the unique joys and challenges of living with Autism can be shared. You can f…

1
Building a Family Through Infertility with Tara McAlonan 1:01:18

3+ y ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso have the privilege of talking through how Tara McAlonan's family has come to be, challenge by challenge, heartbreak by heartbreak and how it all led to the adoption of Cade Francis. We are delighted to share this with you! Resources: Resolve Support GroupsBy Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso

1
Grief & Creativity 1:01:26

3+ y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

In this episode, we interview Elizabeth's first Philadelphia friend, Shera Morris. We have the privilege of talking through how creativity helped her to find thin places even when going through grief. We are delighted to share this conversation with you! http://www.everydaythinplaces.com Pathways to Housing PA Project Home…

1
A New Season 32:57

3+ y ago32:57

32:57

In this week's episode we're celebrating being back to regular podcasting! Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso start the podcast off with a recap of the thin places they experienced over the summer. Then, they share some insight on where the podcast is headed in the coming weeks and months. Mentioned in this episode: In the Heights Local 44 Camp…

1
REPLAY (Episode 21): Everything is Spiritual with Rob Bell 56:53

3+ y ago56:53

56:53

One more week of Summer break before new episodes return on September 6th, and we're replaying our most downloaded episode of 2020. Author, speaker and podcaster Rob Bell joins us to talk about his book, "Everything is Spiritual," the power of well-asked questions, and what is giving him hope right now. We begin by talking about the power of a good…

1
REPLAY (Episode 28): Deconstructing and Reimagining Advent with Kaitlin Shetler 49:34

3+ y ago49:34

49:34

You've heard of "Christmas in July" - how about "Advent in August"? We'll be back with brand new episodes in a few weeks, but we're rounding out our final two weeks of summer break with our two most downloaded episodes from last year. In this episode we are joined by poet Kaitlin Shetler to discuss her poem "Sometimes I Wonder," the concept of inca…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rachael Gallagher And Elizabeth Varaso Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen