From race speed to "Rich Speed" with Rich Speeney Artwork

Everyday Thin Places

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.

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Everyday Thin Places

From race speed to "Rich Speed" with Rich Speeney

June 16, 2025 • Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso • Episode 103

In this inspiring and insight-packed episode, Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso explore themes of creativity, family, disruptions, health, resetting, and slowing down with Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur, Rich Speeney.

The conversation covers one of Rich's most challenging and surprising experiences of his life: mold exposure, which caused severe health challenges and led to starting over completely. Rich and his wife sold their house, got rid of all of their belongings, and moved in with Rich's parents. This experience has changed everything and has forced Rich to slow down to "Rich Speed".

Rich delivers a transparent and inspiring look at accepting reality while clinging to hope - and how staying curious and community-focused keeps him believing in 100% recovery.

This episode delivers clarity, honesty, and encouragement.

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Hosts: Rachael Gallagher and Elizabeth Varaso

Guest: Rich Speeney

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