Shows
Plain ViewWhat'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...2025-06-1646 min
Plain ViewThere Will Be BoundariesWe 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...2025-06-0948 min
Plain ViewPutting The Pro In ProcrastinationIn 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...2025-06-0240 min
Plain ViewGood 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 me...2025-05-261h 17
Plain ViewThis Might Sound BoringIn 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 b...2025-05-1945 min
Plain ViewGuided Practice: Completing The Stress CycleThis 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...2025-05-1215 min
Plain ViewThe Space Between WordsDifficult 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...2025-04-2842 min
Plain ViewStressed Spelled Backwards Is DessertsStress 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 offe...2025-04-2143 min
Plain ViewBecause You're Worth ItWhat 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 scie...2025-04-1445 min
Plain ViewA Side Effect Of BecomingIn 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 with...2025-04-0737 min
Plain ViewAlone TogetherIn 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...2025-03-3149 min
Plain ViewStart HereWelcome 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.2025-03-2703 min
The Compassion PodcastTonglen meditation with Kristine Claghorn"Deepen your connection with the art of Tonglen meditation, guiding you through a transformative journey to cultivate compassion, courage, and relief from suffering. Experience the power of breath, visualization, and heart-centered intention as you extend peace and healing to yourself and others."2023-10-3121 minThe Compassion PodcastSettling the Mind with Kristine ClaghornIn this practice you'll be guided through a mindfulness practice to settle the mind, using various anchors such as sounds, bodily sensations, or breath. The practice encourages gentle, non-judgmental awareness, inviting you to return to the present moment whenever their mind wanders. The session concludes with a gentle reawakening and a moment of connection and awareness.2023-10-1910 minThe Compassion PodcastAddressing the difficulties in your life with Kristine ClaghornIn this guided meditation, listeners explore the "transformation technique," a method to address life's challenges through vocalization, positive intention, compassion, and actionable reflection. The session emphasizes self-awareness and acceptance, guiding participants towards a balanced approach to difficulties.2023-09-2611 min