Plain View

Elise Joseph James, Kristine Claghorn
  • 5.0 (11)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Plain View is a podcast and community exploring self-worth, connection and personal growth. Through individual stories and vulnerable conversations, close friends Kristine Claghorn and Elise Joseph James navigate topics like stress, imposter syndrome, loneliness, aging and more. Plain View shares science-backed practices and tools for cultivating new skills and creating positive change.

Episodes

  1. What's My Age Again?

    JUN 16

    What's My Age Again?

    In the season one finale of Plain View, Elise and Kristine explore the rich, complex, and often surprising experience of aging. From a 4-year-old to a 79-year-old sharing her "granny-isms," the episode features intimate stories from nearly every decade of life. Listeners will hear touching reflections on nostalgia, personal growth, physical changes, and the emotional terrain of getting older, from teenagers navigating anxiety, to women in their 30s and 40s finding confidence, women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s embracing freedom, a better sense of self-worth, and confidence. Along the way, Elise and Kristine share personal anecdotes, community responses, and research-backed insights on aging, and end with a guided practice to help you think more positively about aging.  Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00–01:20 — Intro and why this episode matters 01:21–04:18 — How we think about aging, community poll results, and key findings from Breaking the Age Code by Becca Levy 04:30–06:11 — Reflections from a 4-year-old and a 14-year-old on happiness and memory 06:55–08:30 — Childhood nostalgia from Elise, Kristine, and community submissions 08:30–11:49 — Surprises about growing older and teen insights on emotional growth 12:51–14:59 — When life really begins: answers from ages 22 to 36 16:06–18:28 — Finding freedom in doing things your own way and early identity shaping 18:45–21:45 — A poetic reflection on complexity and the beauty of both/and 21:54–24:51 — What women in their 30s and 40s want younger people to know 25:04–26:43 — Aging as strength: learning to do pull-ups and letting go of fear 26:43–32:21 — Tensions around beauty, youth, wisdom, and physical limitations 33:24–35:06 — Nostalgia for missed moments and the influence of grandmothers 35:06–37:07 — Positive surprises about aging from Kristine’s mom and community 37:07–39:13 — Sweet reflections from a 79-year-old about joy in the simple things 39:13–40:46 — What concerns people most about aging 40:46–44:42 — Guided reflection and visualization on positive aging by Kristine 44:42–45:30 — Outro and final thoughts 45:30–end — How to call the Plain View hotline and contribute Resources we mentioned in the episode: Breaking the Age Code by Becca Levy Atomic Habits by James Clear David Bowie quote: "Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been."  Connect with Us: ⁠⁠plainview.world⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠@plai.nview⁠⁠ Elise Joseph James –⁠⁠ elisejosephjames.com⁠⁠ Kristine Claghorn –⁠⁠ claggie.com⁠⁠ You can also find us over on Substack:⁠ ⁠Elise⁠⁠ &⁠ ⁠Kristine⁠⁠ The Episode 10 cover is a photo by Elise Joseph James.

    46 min
  2. There Will Be Boundaries

    JUN 9

    There Will Be Boundaries

    We all start out with boundaries (just think about a two-year-old yelling “no!”), but along the way, many of us were taught to grow out of them in order to stay liked, accepted, or safe. In this episode, Kristine and Elise explore how to notice when a boundary is needed, what makes boundaries hard to set and hold, and why boundaries are a skill that helps us deepen relationships, not shut them down. They share stories, community responses, and walk through six types of boundaries (from Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book Set Boundaries, Find Peace). Plus: what to do when someone doesn’t respect your boundary, how to set boundaries with yourself, and a short guided practice by Kristine to help you return to what you need. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:16 – Why we wanted to talk about boundaries and how they’re often misunderstood 01:29 – How our boundaries are trained out of us in childhood 02:55 – Personal story about early boundary-setting 04:21 – Poll results: Are you good at setting boundaries? 06:13 – Codependency and blurred boundaries in close relationships 06:48 – Signs a boundary might be needed (resentment, burnout, etc.) 09:07 – What makes it hard to set boundaries: guilt, people-pleasing, fear of confrontation 10:36 – Guilt doesn’t mean you did something wrong; it’s part of the process 12:31 – Examples of boundaries that improved relationships 16:32 – Poll results: Do you have a hard time saying no? 19:55 – What are boundaries? Sharing Nedra Glover Tawwab’s definition 22:01 – How to communicate boundaries clearly and contextually 24:02 – The six types of boundaries (physical, sexual, intellectual, emotional, material, time) 31:53 – How to identify which boundaries might be missing in your life 33:38 – Boundaries as self-protection and a form of self-respect 34:56 – What to do when someone responds poorly to a boundary 36:31 – Reflecting on the therapy-speak backlash and misusing “boundaries” as control 38:48 – The 4 C’s of boundaries: Clarity, Consistency, Compassion, Consequence 40:31 – Setting boundaries with yourself (time, habits, inner voice) 42:13 – A short guided practice by Kristine to visualize and reinforce a needed boundary Resources we mentioned in the episode: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab Untamed by Glennon Doyle Connect with Us: ⁠plainview.world⁠ on Instagram ⁠@plai.nview⁠ Elise Joseph James –⁠ elisejosephjames.com⁠ Kristine Claghorn –⁠ claggie.com⁠ You can also find us over on Substack: ⁠Elise⁠ & ⁠Kristine⁠ The Episode 9 cover is a photo by Elise Joseph James.

    49 min
  3. Putting The Pro In Procrastination

    JUN 2

    Putting The Pro In Procrastination

    In this episode of Plain View, Kristine and Elise explore the hidden emotional layers behind procrastination: fear of failure, perfectionism, unclear goals, identity, and even past experiences with shame. They reflect on the neuroscience and psychology of procrastination, share their personal struggles with avoidance, and offer reframes that are gentler, more productive, and rooted in self-compassion. For our fellow pro procrastinators, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more curious about what your resistance might be trying to tell you. This episode closes with a short guided practice led by Kristine to help you take meaningful, compassionate action without needing to get it perfect. Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00 – Intro: We are both “pro” procrastinators. 4:30 – Strategic delay vs. procrastination: what’s the difference? 7:20 – “I procrastinate the things I care about most.” — Elise opens up about perfectionism and pressure. 11:15 – Community question: “How has procrastination impacted your life?” 13:45 – Kristine on the research: procrastination as emotional regulation (Sirois) 17:30 – Why shame and early experiences (like family and schooling) shape our avoidance 22:05 – Community question: “What is something you’re currently procrastinating?” 24:40 – Fear of starting, identity, and the myth of “the right time” or “when I feel motivated” 28:10 – How boredom and overstimulation make it harder to focus 30:40 – Community question: “When you procrastinate, what feelings tend to come up?” 34:15 – What might your resistance be trying to protect? 37:20 – The emotional weight of undone tasks and the stories we tell ourselves when things are left hanging 42:00 – Taking imperfect action, trust, and self-worth 46:25 – Community question: “How do you usually talk to yourself after you procrastinate?” 48:40 – A small-step practice for building momentum with compassion Resources we mentioned in the episode:  Procrastination: What It Is, Why It's a Problem, and What You Can Do about It by Fuschia M. Sirois Atomic Habits by James Clear The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler How Long Does It Actually Take by Christi Newrutzen on TikTok Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 8 cover is a photo by Elise Joseph James.

    41 min
  4. Good Grief!

    MAY 26

    Good Grief!

    In this episode of Plain View, Elise and Kristine talk about the topic of grief: what it is, how it shows up, and the many forms it can take. They share their own stories of navigating infertility and the grief that comes with longing, uncertainty, and the less visible forms of grief that often go unnamed. This is a deeply personal conversation about how we grieve the things we’ve lost, the futures we imagined, the identities we once held, and the changes we never saw coming. Through community reflections and small moments of meaning-making, they explore how we might live alongside grief without rushing to move past it. The episode closes with a short guided practice from Kristine to support you in whatever version of grief you may be carrying. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Introduction & why this is the most personal episode yet 01:00 – Deep breaths before a heavy conversation 02:00 – Rituals for grounding and preparing to talk about grief 03:00 – Why structure didn’t feel right for this topic 04:18 – Community responses: Have you experienced grief? How do you view it? 05:30 – Defining grief beyond death: infertility, identity, dreams, transitions 07:00 – Feeling less alone through the podcast and community 08:48 – Elise shares her fertility story, grief, and healing 13:06 – Societal expectations vs. personal desire 16:46 – Kristine shares what it’s like to be in the uncertainty of infertility 19:39 – Grieving something that’s never existed 21:32 – The pain of comparison and stacked grief 24:15 – Yearning as the heart of grief 27:00 – The financial and emotional toll of fertility treatments 29:27 – Unexpected growth, identity shifts, and finding meaning 33:19 – How to support someone who is grieving 36:19 – What grief feels like: vivid metaphors and physical sensations 41:00 – Elise shares how she and Dan came to the decision not to have children 50:00 – Identity, release, and rebuilding life without a role you once imagined 52:10 – Community reflections: what helps you cope with grief 53:08 – Grief and time: the science of experience and memory 57:47 – Beauty and love in new forms: being a present aunt, friend, and guide 01:09:49 – The quote: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” 01:11:00 – Guided grief practice with Kristine Resources we mentioned in the episode: The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O'Connor “There are years that ask questions and years that answer” – Zora Neale Hurston Elise’s personal Substack essay It Only Has To Make Sense To You “To Plant A Garden Is To Believe In Tomorrow” IG post Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 7 cover is a photo by Elise Joseph James.

    1h 18m
  5. This Might Sound Boring

    MAY 19

    This Might Sound Boring

    In our dopamine-driven world, productivity and stimulation are the standard. Boredom can feel like a problem to avoid, which we can do easily now by scrolling our days away. But what if boredom is actually an important signal? One that can lead to creativity, presence, and emotional clarity? In this episode of Plain View, Kristine and Elise explore the lost art of boredom: why we avoid it, what it stirs up in us, and how learning to sit with it might reconnect us to what we actually need.  They reflect on the psychology of boredom, its link to desire and discomfort, and how overstimulation might be making it harder for us to feel fulfilled.  The episode also includes a short guided practice written by Kristine to help you welcome boredom not as something to fix, but as something to listen to. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Welcome & theme intro: Why boredom matters 01:02 – Why it’s hard to say “I’m bored” out loud as an adult 02:20 – The connection between boredom, desire, and overstimulation 04:56 – The endless scroll: how digital life keeps us from experiencing boredom 07:43 – Boredom and restlessness as a signal—not a problem 09:19 – The paradox: wanting to escape boredom while longing for slowness 10:46 – Emotional intimacy, silence, and fear of being alone with our thoughts 13:02 – Boredom in grief, healing, and transitional seasons 14:38 – Avoidance behaviors: organizing, online shopping, numbing, fixing 17:40 – The difference between gentle distraction and true avoidance 19:01 – Making space for “boring” moments without needing to optimize them 20:27 – What we miss when we bypass boredom 21:10 – Bringing reverence to the ordinary: boredom as a bridge to creativity 23:15 – Guided practice: welcoming boredom & softening into stillness 27:50 – Closing reflections: the gift of doing nothing Resources we mentioned in the episode:  Kristine’s Substack article Let Yourself Be Bored. Elise’s puzzle book DisarrayKristine's snail mail project Proud of YouOut of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom by James Danckert Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell Tiny Floral Arrangement Video by Elise Apffel Connect with Us:plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 6 cover is a photo by Zachary Gray.

    45 min
  6. Guided Practice: Completing The Stress Cycle

    MAY 12 · BONUS

    Guided Practice: Completing The Stress Cycle

    This 12-minute guided practice (one of Kristine’s favorites to lead) is designed to help you move through stress rather than stay stuck in it. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just caught in a mental spiral, this exercise offers a grounding way to release tension, reconnect with your breath and body, and find a clearer path forward. Kristine guides you through four steps: naming your fears, reconnecting with your strengths and vision, integrating self-compassion, and identifying a skillful next step. Perfect for when you're holding something heavy or just need a moment to reset. Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Bonus Episode cover is a photo by Elise Joseph James.

    15 min
  7. The Space Between Words

    APR 28

    The Space Between Words

    Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of every relationship, and also one of the most meaningful opportunities for connection. In this episode of Plain View, Kristine and Elise explore why these conversations can feel so overwhelming and share tools to help you navigate them with more clarity, calm, and compassion. Through personal stories and reflections from the Plain View community, they talk about the nervous system's role in conflict, the importance of deep curiosity, and how we can better understand both ourselves and others in moments of tension. They also introduce the framework of nonviolent communication and reflect on why people are more likely to change when they feel seen, not when they feel like they have to defend themselves. The episode ends with a guided practice by Kristine to help you prepare for or recover from a hard conversation with more self-trust and compassion. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Why we avoid difficult conversations, and why they matter 01:14 – Defining a difficult conversation: anything we’d rather not have 01:24 – Community poll: how comfortable are you with conflict? 03:44 – “Three conversations” model from Difficult Conversations What happened The feelings conversation The identity conversation 07:59 – What happens in the brain during conflict (losing access to reasoning & empathy) 09:06 – “Defensiveness isn’t weakness—it’s your nervous system trying to keep you safe” 10:03 – How people tend to react when they feel defensive (freeze, fix, withdraw, cry) 12:10 – Taking space vs. giving the silent treatment 13:22 – Emotions in conflict: community shares (frustration, shame, sadness, guilt) 14:57 – “You’re not broken for struggling with conflict. You’re human.” 15:20 – Tools for staying grounded in hard conversations 95/5 attention rule (on other person vs. self) Grounding sensations in the body Pausing before responding “Are you looking for comfort or solutions?” Slowing your pace & naming what’s happening internally 19:15 – Micro-movements, bilateral stimulation, reflecting back what you hear 20:43 – Deep curiosity as a mindset and biological antidote to fear 21:55 – How cognitive bias shapes conflict & conversation 23:30 – Curiosity is not agreement. It’s a refusal to give up on connection. 26:02 – Questions that open up connection instead of defensiveness 28:31 – When conversations move from hard to harmful 30:54 – Boundaries, debates vs. dialogue, and honoring emotional safety 31:53 – I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán 32:39 – “People are more likely to change when they feel seen, not shamed” 33:16 – Nonviolent Communication (NVC) framework: Observation, Feeling, Need, Request 35:27 – Guided reflection practice: preparing for a hard conversation Resources we mentioned in the episode:  Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen of the Harvard Negotiation Project Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott Shigeoka You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why it Matters by Kate Murphy Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg I Never Thought of it That Way by Mónica Guzmán Speak Peace in a World of Conflict by Marshall B. Rosenberg Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication  Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center Bridging Differences Initiative Living Room Conversations Braver Angels Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 5 cover is a photo by Elise Joseph James.

    42 min
  8. Stressed Spelled Backwards Is Desserts

    APR 21

    Stressed Spelled Backwards Is Desserts

    Stress is something we all experience, yet so many of us believe it’s something harmful we need to avoid at all costs. In this episode of Plain View, Kristine and Elise explore how our mindset about stress may be just as important as the stress itself. They talk about the ways we’ve been taught to fear stress, the common symptoms we tend to misinterpret, and the research that suggests our beliefs about stress shape how it impacts us. With stories from their own lives and reflections from the Plain View community, they offer language and tools to better understand stress, and a healthier way to respond to it. The episode ends with a guided practice from Kristine to help you recognize what your stress might be telling you, and how to meet it with more clarity and care. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Opening check-in: Feeling stress while talking about stress 01:42 – Feeling like stress is in the driver’s seat 02:10 – Stress-shaming headlines & how we internalize them03:09 – Community poll results: 78% report high stress; 90% say it’s harming their health 04:27 – Why modern stressors are harder to complete (and why burnout is so common) 06:23 – How to complete the stress cycle: movement, breath, connection, laughter, crying 09:07 – The healing nature of water: crying, showers, oceans, hydration 10:32 – Comfort shows and background YouTube as nervous system regulation 11:03 – Art, affection, and 20-second hugs: more ways to release stress 12:10 – Kristine’s “aha” moment: study from The Upside of Stress 13:57 – “Stress is what arises when something you care about is at stake” 15:26 – What’s causing us stress now: community responses & personal reflections 19:36 – How mindset influences the chemical effects of stress 20:09 – Stress mindset theory: harmful vs. enhancing 21:28 – How mindset shifts change not just thoughts—but behavior 24:45 – “See it, own it, use it”: three steps to rethink stress 27:52 – What stress feels like: jaw clenching, panic, brain fog, stomach issues 28:35 – Symptoms = your body trying to help 30:11 – Challenge stress, tend-and-befriend, performance stress, and fight-flight-freeze 31:26 – Reframing stress as part of learning and nervous system growth 32:56 – Normalizing nervousness, asking for help, and honoring your humanness 35:39 – Guided practice: reframing your stress and channeling its energy Resources we mentioned in the episode:  The Episode of Stress by Kelly McGonigal Rethinking Stress: The Role of Mindsets in Determining the Stress Response (Crum, et AL 2013)  Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 4 cover is a photo from Kristine’s old family photo album.

    43 min
  9. Because You're Worth It

    APR 14

    Because You're Worth It

    What makes us feel like we’re enough? In this episode of Plain View, Elise and Kristine explore how self-worth, or the sense that you are enough just as you are, differs from self-esteem, how external validation can distort our sense of value, and why we often feel like we have to do something to deserve love, success, or rest. They unpack the societal messages, early experiences, and cultural norms that shaped their own self-worth journeys—from diet culture in the early 2000s to productivity pressure and people-pleasing. Through heartfelt stories, community responses, and science-backed insights, they offer a gentler, more grounded way to relate to yourself. This episode also includes a guided practice led by Kristine to help you shift self-critical thoughts, reconnect with your values, and remember that your worth is not up for debate. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Intro: How we define self-worth (vs. self-esteem) 01:11 – Community shares: “What do you believe determines your worth?” 02:52 – The distinction: Self-esteem is conditional; self-worth is not 05:16 – Rating your current self-worth + how it fluctuates 06:56 – The pressure to “achieve worthiness” and needing external validation 08:16 – Validation is not weakness—it’s part of how we connect 09:01 – How we tie our worth to productivity, success, and appearance 10:10 – APA research on achievement-based self-worth & burnout 12:04 – What we can learn from nature about worthiness 13:56 – Elise reflects on self-worth after closing her shop 16:04 – Trusting your inner knowing—even when it feels like failure 17:57 – The harm of early 2000s beauty culture & diet messaging 19:14 – Negativity bias, confirmation bias & the need for self-compassion 23:11 – Prompt: “If your self-worth didn’t depend on external validation, how would your life change?” 24:25 – Values as a foundation for stable self-worth 26:22 – Elise & Kristine share their personal core values 28:59 – Using values in everyday life to build worth from within 30:45 – How to shift confirmation bias toward positive evidence 31:47 – What to say to your inner critic & the power of self-kindness 34:14 – Reframing comparison: What do I admire? What does this show me about my values? 35:40 – Guided Practice: Reconnecting with your self-worth Resources we mentioned in the episode:  Values Deck by Jaimi Brooks APA Contingencies of Self-Worth Paper Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 3 cover is a photo by Kristine Claghorn.

    45 min
  10. A Side Effect Of Becoming

    APR 7

    A Side Effect Of Becoming

    In the second episode of Plain View, Elise and Kristine explore the everyday experience of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. They reflect on their own winding career paths, the pressures of defining what you "do," and the ways fear of judgment can hold us back from owning our value. Together, they unpack the roots of imposter syndrome—from systemic issues and social comparison to evolutionary biology—and share personal stories that invite listeners to feel less alone. They offer meaningful mindset shifts, research-backed tools, and a practical guide to reframing thoughts and building self-worth from within. The episode wraps with a guided practice by Kristine to help you celebrate small wins and reconnect with your values, no success required. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, like you’re not doing enough, or like you’re “figuring it out” a little too slowly, this conversation is for you. Shout out to Emily McDowell on Substack, who inspired the title of this episode.  Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Introductions and episode intention: why this topic feels so personal 01:39 – Elise shares Kristine’s Moving Through Imposter Syndrome workbook 03:02 – Community poll: how often do you experience self-doubt? 03:52 – Triggers for imposter syndrome (like “What do you do?”) 05:52 – Trying to fit into a brand vs. embracing multidimensionality 07:04 – Kristine’s nuanced take on coaching, marketing, and self-disclosure 08:23 – APA research: 70%+ of people experience imposter syndrome 09:21 – What is imposter syndrome, really? + signs and symptoms 12:25 – What does imposter syndrome feel like? Community responses 14:13 – Challenging the belief that everyone else is more capable 14:54 – Systemic roots of imposter syndrome and structural exclusion 15:53 – Harvard Business Review article: “Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome” 16:24 – When do you feel self-doubt the most? Work, parenting, creativity, money 17:39 – Soft skills, undercharging, and self-worth in creative work 18:40 – Reframing thoughts and building new patterns through neuroplasticity 20:21 – Fear of mistakes, redefining success, and disconnecting worth from work 21:35 – Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation and finding joy in the process 23:38 – The power of sharing your struggles and asking for help 25:29 – “Dream addict” and idea overwhelm—how support can shift our perspective 26:10 – Celebrating wins and savoring moments of progress 28:51 – Community shares: recent little wins, from focaccia to guest lecturing 31:37 – Kristine’s guided practice: celebrating small wins & reconnecting with meaning 36:07 – Closing thoughts: we’re celebrating with you! Resources we mentioned in the episode:  Moving Through Imposter Syndrome Guided Journal by Kristine Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey Imposter Syndrome: Treat the Cause Not the Symptom Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us individually over on Substack: Elise & Kristine The Episode 2 cover is a photo by Zachary Gray.

    38 min
  11. Alone Together

    MAR 31

    Alone Together

    In the first episode of Plain View, Elise Joseph James and Kristine Claghorn explore the topic of loneliness, connection, and community in today’s world. They explore creating safe spaces and how social media, modern life, and personal experiences shape our sense of isolation and belonging. With vulnerability and curiosity, they discuss the science behind loneliness, how it impacts our nervous system, and how we can reframe it as a natural signal rather than a personal failure. The conversation also touches on the paradox of loneliness, self-compassion as a helpful tool, and practical ways to foster meaningful connection (with others and with ourselves). The episode wraps up with a guided self-compassion practice led by Kristine. If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles, this episode is here to remind you: you’re not alone in your loneliness. Timestamps & Key Topics: 00:00 – Welcome to Plain View! Elise & Kristine introduce themselves and the heart behind the podcast. 00:48 – The theme of loneliness: Why it’s been on our minds. 01:38 – Creating safe spaces and fostering connection in uncertain times. 03:37 – The difference between exchange vs. communal relationships. 05:14 – "Alone Together" in the post-pandemic world & the loneliness epidemic. 06:56 – Understanding loneliness as a natural signal (not a personal flaw). 07:36 – How loneliness triggers the stress response (fight-or-flight). 08:13 – The remedy for isolation is connection—but what does that actually look like? 09:16 – Feeling like a burden & the guilt spiral of isolation. 12:11 – Nostalgia for a pre-social media world & how constant connectivity affects us. 15:16 – The impact of social media on loneliness and overstimulation. 17:17 – The paradox of loneliness: Why we struggle to reach out when we need connection most. 18:29 – Insights from the Plain View Instagram community on loneliness. 20:56 – Solitude vs. loneliness: The power of intentional alone time. 22:26 – The science of walking: How bilateral stimulation helps our nervous system. 23:21 – Self-compassion as a way to move through loneliness. 27:12 – Naming your inner critic—homework for next episode! 27:52 – Small, actionable ways to combat loneliness (acts of kindness & compliments). 34:03 – The power of showing up as your full, imperfect self. 42:22 – A guided Self-Compassion Break practice led by Kristine. Resources we mentioned in the episode: The John Green quote, "The only way out is through, and the only good way through is together,” is from the book The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet. The Loneliness Paradox was discussed on the Hidden Brain podcast with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: Relationships 2.0 The Antidote to Loneliness. The quote “the remedy for isolation is connection” is from the book How to Breathe by Ashley Neese. In the podcast, Kristine mentions a video from the early 2000s (it’s actually from 1999). You can watch the video here, and the Substack article that talks about it in depth is A Time We Never Knew by Freya India.  Connect with Us: plainview.world on Instagram @plai.nview Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com You can also find us individually over on Substack: Elise & Kristine If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to subscribe — It helps others find Plain View! And if you have thoughts or experiences on loneliness, send us a message, we’d love to hear from you. The Episode 1 cover is a photo by Zachary Gray.

    50 min

  12. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Start Here

    Welcome to Plain View, a podcast about being human. Hosted by friends Elise Joseph James and Kristine Claghorn, Plain View is a weekly ritual where curiosity, creativity and compassion meet. We explore the messy and meaningful parts of life — from stress and self-doubt to joy, aging, and everything in between. Each episode includes science-backed tools, honest conversations, and short guided practices to help you feel a little more connected to yourself and the world around you.

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Plain View is a podcast and community exploring self-worth, connection and personal growth. Through individual stories and vulnerable conversations, close friends Kristine Claghorn and Elise Joseph James navigate topics like stress, imposter syndrome, loneliness, aging and more. Plain View shares science-backed practices and tools for cultivating new skills and creating positive change.

Information

  • Creator
    Elise Joseph James, Kristine Claghorn
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Elise Joseph James, Kristine Claghorn
  • Show Website
    Plain View

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