First Creatures provides inspiration and moral support for lingering.
The Podcast
The First Creatures podcast is for anyone who’s looking to develop their own capacity for stillness, contemplation, lingering, and the enjoyment of leisure. Hosted by Ellen Riccio, the podcast
examines commonly held beliefs and attitudes which prevent or discourage us from lingering,
explores ideas and cultural traditions that offer new (to us) ways of viewing life, time, and each other,
discusses methods for encountering various art forms,
and offers practical suggestions for how to incorporate these values into a modern, busy life.
Gatherings
The gatherings of First Creatures offer opportunities to practice and embody themes discussed in the podcast. Based in Richmond, Virginia, these events include concerts, dinners, and other kinds of gatherings which open up space for dwelling and lingering as a community. Events include:
Meet the Founder
Ellen Cockerham Riccio started First Creatures in 2023 as a way of bringing together her many passions: music, writing, and community. She hopes her work inspires thoughtfulness, engagement, and an increased feeling for life.
Photo credit: Peter McElhinney
How to support First Creatures
First Creatures is a fiscally-sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)3 organization, meaning that all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Donate to First Creatures here!
Become a member. If you sign up for monthly recurring donations of at least $5, you will become a member of First Creatures! Members receive:
monthly Letters From Ellen: end-of-month emails with updates on current projects, what’s coming up next, and Ellen’s latest inspirations.
an invitation to a special annual event,
advance notification for all ticketed events
a shoutout on the podcast
monthly Member Meetups