PODCAST · society
Abbey Normal
by Abbey Normal
You’re weird. That’s normal. Join an exploration of all the ways we feel abnormal, from homeroom to the boardroom.
Episodes
-
PREVIEW: Welcome to the Hinge
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…
more -
116. Crash Landing (Rerelease!)
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...
-
115. VM: He's Not a Bad Man, But He's a Bad Man
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…
more -
114. Bodies, Beauty, and Botox
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…
more -
113. I Am Boy
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...
-
112. Long Lost Sisters
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...
-
111. Heart Puzzle
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...
-
110. The Evil Trifecta
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…
more -
109. Skinny Minnie
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…
more -
108. Changing the World from Within
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...
-
107. Self-Connection & Social Change
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...
-
106. VM: Body Tawk Intro
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...
-
105. Pee Your Pants Scary
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...
-
104. Phantom Friend or Foe?
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…
more -
103. Sexy Paranormal Moment
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…
more -
102. Car NOT For Sale
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…
more -
101. One Hundred and One Ums
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…
more -
100. The Square Peg
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...
-
99. De-escalation Dee Dee
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...
-
98. Dear Dee Dee
“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,...
-
97. Girl On Girl Crime
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.
-
96. Forever a Rescuer
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...
-
95. No Video Evidence
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...
-
94. Welcome to Aquatics Culture
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?...
-
93. Best Job Ever
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:...
-
92. The Principles of Punk Rock
Abbey embarks on a riotous weekend of punk rock and bowling in Las Vegas, Nevada. She learns some life lessons from the weirdest of them all- Old Punk Rockers. *This episode contains many curse words.*
-
91. Alterna-Brides
Why is the wedding industry so freakin expensive, and also generic and boring?? Why is it so hard to find a non-traditional bridal look? Abbey explores these questions with an industry expert, who provides some insight into wedding apparel, makeup and lashing artists, and photography!
-
90. My Best Friend’s Wedding | Part 4: Show Up
Part 4 is the grand finale, her wedding weekend. When all of Vicky's family, friends, and dogs, SHOW UP to celebrate. You get an inside look into the beauty of committing to long-term, later-in-life love. Plus, discover if Vicky can keep her chill in the face of event coordination hassles.…
more -
89. My Best Friend’s Wedding | Part 3: Soak It Up
After three short months of wedding planning, riding the emotional highs and lows, it's time for Vicky to step back and soak it all up. To decide now how to protect her peace on the big day. And to soak up the love, encouragement, and advice from her besties during the Bachelorette weekend. Plus,...
-
88. My Best Friend’s Wedding | Part 2: The Grow Up
Part 2 is Vicky's Grow Up, the discoveries she makes about herself and her relationship once the glow of engagement fades. She's sharing three short months of wedding planning, including all the weird that comes along with being an Adult Woman Bride. Abbey's best friend is finally getting…
more -
87. My Best Friend’s Wedding | Part 1: The Glow Up
Abbey's best friend is finally getting married. Her dreams are coming true, it's time to say "I do"! These are the three short months of wedding planning, including all the weird that comes along with being an Adult Woman Bride. Part 1 is Vicky's Glow Up, floating on a cloud of love and…
more -
86. We Live in a Floating Rock
*Teen gayness!* Abbey gets the lowdown on life from her LGBTQ teens- Max and Eddie. And talks with Max' mom about parenting a gay teen. We share what's hard for teens (school bathrooms), and for parents (we're confused...), and offer some advice to all the olds out there. As Max says: "We live in…
more -
85. The Skeptic & The Saint / Part 2: We’re Here F*ckers
After getting kicked out of their church community and spending a decade outside, these crazy kids decide to go back. But this time they have their own mission. Songs by Kim Taylor: The Abyss Cover Me Build You Up Raise Me From The Dead Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
-
84. The Skeptic & The Saint / Part 1: Not the Place for You
Raised in Evangelical fundamentalism, these young marrieds thought they were pursuing a path of righteousness- living life outside the box, serving in a neglected community, studying holy scripture. So when they questioned the church's teachings and were told "this is not the place for you", it...
-
83. The Big Red ”A”
What is it like for men, or boys, to participate in an abortion decision? Aaron shares his experience handling an unintended pregnancy while in high school. And reflects upon the messages received in church, how his theology of "life" has evolved, and what the Christian church should be doing now.
-
82. The Secret
Erin found herself in an unexpected, untenable situation. She managed it. In the years after, she matured, and the situation resolved in her mind and heart. So, there was really no reason to share this secret - until now. Now, she knows how much is on the line. Song: Like a Woman Can by Kim Taylor
-
81. Lord Lyft Us Up Where We Belong (Rerelease!)
OG driver, Stephanie, shares her experience Lyfting in the very beginning of rideshare. During the days of the pink mustache, when everyone asked "WHAT do you do??". She loved the serendipity of her driving days, a little bit of magic and a lot of bartender-style therapy. She shares her best…
more -
80. End of the Rope (Rerelease!)
These young love break up stories are both heart-crushing and humorous. They span trivial, yet intense, middle school breakups, to that first love you were trying to "fix". Plus, we go back to Abbey's Notes to determine if any of the relationship advice offered by 12 year-olds holds up in real...
-
79. Growin’ On The Road (Rerelease!)
Families choose to give up stable shelter and take their home on the road. Some for adventure and an unschooled experience. Others to find work, with quality family time on the way. They make memories, mistakes, and reinvent themselves as they go. Originally aired May 2, 2020
-
78. Rebel Genes (Rerelease!)
Do you have a juicy story that's been whispered about during family gatherings? One of Abbey's family legends is the story of a boy embarking upon a cross-country journey to meet a girl, despite his parents wishes. Today we bring the legend into the light- hearing what happened from the…
more -
77. WEN It’s Worth It (Rerelease!)
Inclusion and diversity strategist Amber Cabral, shares candid advice on how to be an ally, build inclusion, and maybe even fix a bro-culture. Offered as an expert perspective on the WEN series, we explore corporate “mistakes”, how to apologize well, and how to speak up for what’s best. She…
more -
76. Anniversary Party
Check in from Abbey on the THREE YEAR Anniversary of this show! From one human to another- thank you for listening. This month we're rereleasing five past episodes. If you missed 'em over the years, now's the time to tune in and enjoy.
-
75. Shades of Gray
As a bookend to the Not The Same series, we're talking to a friend who's still in the EWCCCV*. Choosing to be in the Evangelical community may mean living in the tension, suspending some things to remain in relationships. Katie finds value in that community, so she doesn't get too weighed down by...
-
74. VM: You ARE The Father
In celebration of Father's Day we're talking about unplanned (and VERY planned) pregnancies. Dads share how it felt to get one of life's biggest surprises! And Reverend Maggie is back to explain the big decision she and her wife had to make in family planning.
-
73. Hailing Mary
Religious affiliation can be so closely tied up in ethnic identity, you're not sure where one ends and the other begins. But academically-minded Carmelita found that her faith did not hold up when life fell apart. Battling depression and alcoholism, she wondered where the omnipresent God of the...
-
72. Holy Yoga
Did you know there's yoga specifically for Christians? Yep, it exists because Evangelicals are nervous about the "bad juju" of traditional yoga. But it turns out even "holy" yoga may be too much for the church, at least when it's a woman's idea. This is a story of trauma and betrayal, of pulling...
-
71. Accidentally Chassidic
Sometimes we walk away right quick from our faith tradition of origin and live happily on the outside. Then one day, well into adulthood, G-d shows up unexpectedly. This spiritual journey is full of twists and turns, trauma and healing; a life that accidentally comes full circle.
-
70. Crack to Chasm
Rachel had a tight-knit community growing up in the LDS church. But as cracks in her belief system have widened, she's struggled deciding how she can continue to participate, authentically. Will those cracks become a chasm separating her from the culture she knows best? Will she discover a Truth...
-
Part 8: The End of the World as We Know It...and I feel fine
Ready to burn it down? There's a lot that Evangelical wanderers want to burn away from our early faith, and what it represents now. But there are also changes afloat in the broader church. New ideas being explored, that redefine what church is, what happens there, and who's invited in. Not The…
more -
Part 7: The Reverends
Dynamic duo, Maggie and Spencer, met in seminary preparing for ordination in the Episcopal Church. They explain some of the history and theology of this denomination, how change is made (and what is allowed). Plus, answer some pressing Evangelical-style questions like, How are YOU a Reverend? and...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Abbey Normal have?
Abbey Normal currently has 133 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Abbey Normal about?
You’re weird. That’s normal. Join an exploration of all the ways we feel abnormal, from homeroom to the boardroom.
How often does Abbey Normal release new episodes?
Abbey Normal publishes regularly with 133 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Abbey Normal?
You can listen to Abbey Normal on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Abbey Normal?
Abbey Normal is created and hosted by Abbey Normal.
URL copied to clipboard!