Ep. 18: Revealing yourself through style, story, and self-trust with model and author Alicia Johnson
Release Date: 08/12/2025
Ep. 31: From big tech and law to gold and clay: Two founders on creativity, identity, and the courage to pivot
Closet Philosophy
What does it really take to leave a prestigious, intellectually demanding career and step fully into a creative life? Two women who did exactly that join us for this episode of Closet Philosophy. Erin Hupp and Subikksha Balaje come from wildly different professional backgrounds (law and data science, respectively), yet both found their way back to creativity through clay, metal, and a pull toward working with their hands. Erin Hupp is a former child welfare and land use lawyer who now runs in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating sculptural dinnerware, lighting, and objects for restaurants and...
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Ep. 30: Less is really more: Limitations are the secret to better style
Closet Philosophy
In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine dig into a counterintuitive idea: less really can be more — especially when it comes to personal style. Jennine shares how her attempt to curb overconsumption led her to experiment with a 40-piece wardrobe ecosystem, not as a deprivation tactic, but as a creative framework. What started as a practical solution quickly became a powerful way to clarify her style, reduce spending, and build confidence. Together, Kristen and Jennine explore how creative limitations fuel innovation across disciplines—from art and graphic design to...
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Ep. 29: How to find your style by editing, not adding to your closet
Closet Philosophy
In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen explore one of the most misunderstood ideas in personal style: that having more clothes actually makes getting dressed harder, not easier. What begins as a conversation about Kristen’s long-standing 70s, bohemian California aesthetic opens into a much deeper discussion about identity, decision fatigue, creativity, and why true personal style comes from editing rather than accumulation. Jennine shares how style is not about finding the perfect piece or chasing trends, but about making intentional decisions. Drawing parallels between...
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Ep. 28: Season 2 kickoff! Why Shopping Won't Give You Good Style (and What Will)
Closet Philosophy
We're kicking off season 2 of Closet Philosophy with a conversation about overconsumption, emotional shopping, and the cultural forces that keep us chasing “more.” Jennine shares a personal reckoning: years of daily thrifting, racks sagging with clothes, garbage bags stuffed into closets — all while telling her audience they didn’t need to shop. What started as reselling and “style experimentation” slowly revealed itself as something else: a way to soothe anxiety, regulate emotions, and chase an external version of identity. Together, Kristen and Jennine unpack why this...
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Ep. 27: Jennine's tips on how to rescue, restore, and love your clothes again
Closet Philosophy
In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine dive deep into the art and satisfaction of caring for your wardrobe. From repairing damaged handbags to reviving old leather jackets and removing stubborn stains, Jennine shares practical, proven methods to extend the life of your favorite garments. What we cover in this episode: How Jeannine learned to restore thrifted clothing and leather goods through reselling Easy DIY fixes for suede shoes, handbags, and faded leather jackets Using household products—like dish soap and vinegar—for cleaning and stain removal Tricks to...
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Ep. 26: Beyond body positivity—A conversation about body liberation with Chrissy King
Closet Philosophy
In this episode, Jennine and Kristen speak with writer, speaker, and educator Chrissy King, author of The Body Liberation Project. Chrissy dives deep into how fashion, fitness, and wellness intersect with social justice, race, and body image. The conversation moves beyond “body positivity,” exploring body liberation as systemic social change—not just self-love. Listeners will learn why true inclusion requires rethinking everything from clothing access to medical practices, and how concepts of beauty and thinness are tied to politics and control. Chrissy merges expertise in social...
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Ep. 25: Plus size representation, photography, and finding beauty in every body with Lydia Hudgens
Closet Philosophy
In this episode, Kristen and Jennine talk with photographer Lydia Hudgens, whose new book Plus: Expanding the Frame features 100% plus-size models and is the first of its kind. Lydia shares her journey from street-style photographer to celebrating body diversity through her lens, the state of plus-size representation in fashion today, and how posing can empower confidence for every body type. They also explore how the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, post-pandemic beauty standards, and internalized fatphobia are reshaping conversations about body image and inclusivity. Lydia discusses her...
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Ep 24: Jennine and Kristen explore beauty, aging, and authenticity
Closet Philosophy
Ep. 24: Exploring beauty, aging, and authenticity In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen dive deep into the complicated relationship between beauty standards, aging, and authenticity. The conversation weaves together personal stories, cultural analysis, and feminist perspectives to unpack the pressures women face to look younger, thinner, or more polished—and the freedom that can come from rejecting those expectations. From hair extensions and Botox to the social media anti-aging industrial complex, the hosts examine how personal choices intersect with social norms,...
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Ep. 23: Midlife career reinvention, authentic style, and navigating change with Dilara Casey
Closet Philosophy
In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with career consultant Dilara Casey to explore what it takes to reinvent your career and style in midlife. Even if you've taken a decade out from your career, Dilara has tops for everything from making confident pivots to navigating ageism. She shares practical strategies for reframing your story, updating your resume, and embracing change with authenticity. She also opens up about reclaiming personal style during challenging times and why staying true to your look can be a source of power. The conversation touches on...
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Ep. 22: Menopause, perimenopause, and personal power with 'The M Factor' producer Denise Pines
Closet Philosophy
In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with Denise Pines, an influential filmmaker and leader in the effort to normalize conversations about perimenopause and menopause. She’s a Peabody-winning filmmaker, health advocate, founder of Tea Botanics and WisePause Wellness, and president of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. Together, they unravel the cultural silence around menopause and perimenopause, discuss Denise’s influential documentaries (The M Factor and upcoming Before the Pause, and explore how personal style, society, and women's...
info_outlinein this inspiring conversation, we talk with Alicia Johnson—global marketing strategist, Ford model, and author of Buried Treasure: A Field Guide to the Life-Changing Magic of Revealing Yourself. Alicia shares how she re-entered the modeling world in her 60s through a twist of serendipity, the challenges and biases that still exist for older plus-size women in fashion, and how personal style can be a radical act of self-acceptance.
We explore the deeper meaning of authenticity, why self-trust is the foundation of showing up fully, and how movement—not dieting—can be a key to reclaiming joy. Alicia also offers practical tools for reconnecting with your body, noticing where emotions live physically, and using clothing to express your most powerful self.
Other highlights include:
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The magical story of Alicia’s unexpected contract with Ford Models
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The ongoing cultural double standard for older women’s bodies
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How hope differs from optimism (and why it matters)
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Practical style advice from tailoring to designer investment pieces
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Why authenticity is an active, ongoing practice—not a buzzword
If you’ve ever wondered how personal style intersects with healing, agency, and joy, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to reveal yourself—inside and out.
Find Alicia online: alicialjohnson.com | Instagram & Substack: @alicialjohnson