Alone Together
Plain View Episode 1
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 & 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:
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:
Elise Joseph James – elisejosephjames.com
Kristine Claghorn – claggie.com
You can also find us individually over on Substack:
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