<![CDATA[Plain View]]>https://www.plainview.worldhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y3cm!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7360aa79-8169-4c57-819c-d3e7ae724843_1280x1280.pngPlain Viewhttps://www.plainview.worldSubstackWed, 13 May 2026 10:27:36 GMT<![CDATA[What's My Age Again?]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/whats-my-age-againhttps://www.plainview.world/p/whats-my-age-againMon, 16 Jun 2025 14:35:54 GMT
Photo by Elise Joseph James

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or stories to share, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

]]><![CDATA[There Will Be Boundaries]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/there-will-be-boundarieshttps://www.plainview.world/p/there-will-be-boundariesMon, 09 Jun 2025 15:06:51 GMT
Photo by Elise Joseph James

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

Come back next week for our Season 01 finale! 🎉

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or stories to share, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

]]><![CDATA[Putting The Pro In Procrastination]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/putting-the-pro-in-procrastinationhttps://www.plainview.world/p/putting-the-pro-in-procrastinationMon, 02 Jun 2025 15:03:26 GMT
Photo by Elise Joseph James

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or stories to share on procrastination, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

]]><![CDATA[Good Grief!]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/good-griefhttps://www.plainview.world/p/good-griefMon, 26 May 2025 15:23:30 GMT
Photo by Elise Joseph James

Content Warning: fertility struggles, grief and loss

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or stories to share on grief, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

]]><![CDATA[This Might Sound Boring]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/this-might-sound-boringhttps://www.plainview.world/p/this-might-sound-boringMon, 19 May 2025 14:43:45 GMT
Photo by Zachary Gray

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or experiences on boredom, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

]]><![CDATA[Guided Practice: Completing The Stress Cycle]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/guided-practice-completing-the-stresshttps://www.plainview.world/p/guided-practice-completing-the-stressMon, 12 May 2025 14:35:35 GMT
Photo by Elise Joseph James

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

We are halfway through our first season and would love to hear your thoughts! Do you have any advice for us? Topic recommendations? Questions? Personal anecdotes to share? You can respond directly to this email, send us a DM @plai.nview, or leave us a voicemail by calling (925) 247-VIEW.

We hope you enjoy this bonus episode, and we’ll be back next week with Episode 6!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

]]><![CDATA[Meet In The Middle]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/meet-in-the-middlehttps://www.plainview.world/p/meet-in-the-middleMon, 05 May 2025 17:06:43 GMT

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through our first season of Plain View — the podcast is taking a brief two-week intermission to research and chat with this community about our next five episodes!

Do you have any advice for us? Topic recommendations? Questions? Personal anecdotes to share? You can respond directly to this email, send us a DM @plai.nview or email us at plainviewworld@gmail.com.

We are also collecting voicemails through our Plain View hotline (side note: we’ve cried every time we’ve received a voice message 🥹). One of our upcoming episodes is on the topic of aging, and in order to make the episode extra meaningful and varied… we need you to contribute! All stories will be shared anonymously. It doesn’t matter your age, gender, life stage — we’d love to hear from you. We know it can be scary to make a phone call, but all calls go straight to the voicemail box, easy peasy, and listening to your voices in real time makes us feel so connected.

Subscribe now

has been exploring some feelings around growing older on her personal Substack (), and together, we’ve compiled some questions for you below. If anything resonates or brings to mind something personal, we’d love to invite you to share by calling (925) 247-VIEW. Don’t forget to include your age, too — or even ask your kids, your spouse, your parent!

  1. When did it feel like your life really began? Or are you still waiting for this feeling?

  2. What do you want younger people to know about the age you are now?

  3. What are you nostalgic for, or what is one of your favorite memories?

  4. What has surprised you the most about growing older?

  5. What is something you’re looking forward to — big or small?

Thanks for joining us every Monday. We’ve been so blown away by the responses and kind comments, and look forward to continuing to show up here with you.

Talk soon,
Elise & Kristine

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]]><![CDATA[The Space Between Words]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/the-space-between-wordshttps://www.plainview.world/p/the-space-between-wordsMon, 28 Apr 2025 14:36:02 GMT
Photo by Elise Joseph James

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or experiences on this topic, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

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]]><![CDATA[Stressed Spelled Backwards Is Desserts]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/stressed-spelled-backwards-is-dessertshttps://www.plainview.world/p/stressed-spelled-backwards-is-dessertsMon, 21 Apr 2025 15:02:08 GMT
Photo from Kristine’s old family photo album

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 them

  • 03:09 – 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to like and subscribe! It helps others find Plain View. And if you have thoughts or experiences on stress, send us an email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

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]]><![CDATA[Because You're Worth It]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/because-youre-worth-ithttps://www.plainview.world/p/because-youre-worth-itMon, 14 Apr 2025 14:44:42 GMT
Photo by Kristine Claghorn

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

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 self-worth and values, send us a email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

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]]><![CDATA[A Side Effect Of Becoming]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/a-side-effect-of-becominghttps://www.plainview.world/p/a-side-effect-of-becomingMon, 07 Apr 2025 14:05:33 GMT
Photo by Zachary Gray

In the second episode of Plain View, Elise Joseph James and Kristine Claghorn 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, who inspired the title of this episode.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

Subscribe now

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

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 self-doubt and imposter syndrome, send us a email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

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]]><![CDATA[Alone Together]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/alone-togetherhttps://www.plainview.world/p/alone-togetherMon, 31 Mar 2025 14:39:31 GMT
Photo by Zachary Gray

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.

Listen on Spotify or Apple.

TiMeStamPs & 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 mEnTiOnEd iN tHe EpiSoDe:

CoNnEcT wItH uS:

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 email at plainviewworld@gmail.com, or call the Plain View hotline and leave us a voicemail at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. We’d love to hear from you!

💋 LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[Start Here]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/start-herehttps://www.plainview.world/p/start-hereFri, 28 Mar 2025 15:09:53 GMT

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tHiS iS pLaIn vIeW.

We are two millennial friends — Elise Joseph James and Kristine Claghorn (aka Claggie) — both passionate creatives interested in the human experience and how we can continue to learn and grow.

Claggie is a CCARE Stanford University Certified Compassion Educator and Coach focused on self-worth, stress, and getting unstuck. She uses tools like neuroplasticity, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness in her 1-on-1 coaching and events.

Elise is a writer, creative director and interior designer exploring story, form and meaning. We’re both based in Los Angeles.

01. hOw dId pLaIn vIeW cOmE tO bE?

We’ve always bonded over deep discussions around topics like loneliness, imposter syndrome, stress, aging, infertility and more, and longed to connect and hear from others interested in these types of themes as well.

We definitely don’t claim to be gurus or thought leaders. We just find meaning in connecting, relating, and sharing what we’ve learned experientially and from Kristine’s research. We are imperfect, awkward, evolving humans and aim to create a safe space for all of us to explore personal growth and create positive change.

02. wHaT cAn i eXpEcT?

Season One of Plain View includes weekly podcast episodes and newsletter updates via email. We share our personal stories, collected community data, science-backed practices and mindful tools for cultivating new skills. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and you’ll notice we like cheesy jokes.

03. hOw cAn i cOnNeCt fUrThEr?

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail by calling the Plain View hotline at ‪(925) 247-VIEW. If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or any questions, email us at plainviewworld@gmail.com or leave a comment below to say hi. We’re also on Instagram @plai.nview.

You won’t have to worry about missing anything if you subscribe. Every new edition of the podcast and newsletter goes directly to your inbox.

Subscribe now

04. wHeRe cAn i LiStEn?

Our podcast trailer is out now, and our first official episode is coming Monday. You can also find the podcast on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple.

All Plain View content is currently available for free to everyone. However, if you value the topics we cover, please consider becoming a paid subscriber, sharing an episode with a friend, leaving a review or rating, and shouting it from the rooftops!

@softcore_trauma

Thanks for being here! More on Monday…

LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

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]]><![CDATA[‪Call Us 💋]]>https://www.plainview.world/p/call-ushttps://www.plainview.world/p/call-usThu, 27 Mar 2025 20:06:48 GMT

tHe pLaIn vIeW hOtLiNe iS oPeN!

We’d love for you to leave us a voice message by calling 925-247-VIEW, that’s 925-247-8439. Please share any of your own stories on our topics, or if you have any questions or special requests, feel free to share those as well. We can’t wait to hear from you!

LYLAS,
Elise & Kristine

Subscribe now

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