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 & 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:
David Bowie quote: "Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been."
CoNnEcT wItH uS:
@plai.nview on Instagram
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 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