Abbey Normal

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 skat...

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...

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...

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, ...

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 ...

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 hal...

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 share...

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 ...

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 humani...

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 insi...

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. Wel...

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 af...

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...

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 ...

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 AbbeyNormalPodcast@gmail....

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 ...

“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 Mo...