Podcast · Arts & Books

Closet Philosophy

by Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski · English · Arts & Books

Think it doesn't matter what you wear? Hosts Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski uncover the ways your personal style is not just personal. What you choose to wear every day is a political act, whether you're aware of it or not. And putting thought into your personal style is not superficial, unin

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 11 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026 · 25 minNew

Ep. 45: How getting dressed can improve your day and maybe even your life

In this episode of Closet Philosophy , Jennine and Kristen discuss why getting dressed can feel overwhelming and pointless, but how it can actually make a difference (sometimes big, sometimes small) in your day and maybe even your life. Jennine shares how her struggles with ADHD, depression, and anxiety can impact her executive functioning. When thinking, planning, and decision-making are depleted, even simple tasks like dishes, cooking dinner, or choosing an outfit can feel monumental. She shares personal stories of times when she pushed past that barrier (by getting dressed), and it paid…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · E44 · 4 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Ep. 44: Sneakergate: Why is the vast majority of the population wearing sneakers?
Jennine took an unofficial survey on the streets of San Francisco on a Saturday evening out and found that more than 90% of people were wearing sneakers. In this episode, Kristen and Jennine discuss why this might be. We may not have found a definitive answer, but we know it goes beyond the simple fact that sneakers are comfy. And it might even have something to do with fascism creeping into American life.
S3 · E43 · 27 Sep 2026 · 1 hr
Ep. 43: An OG plus-size influencer reflects on how her work has changed the fashion industry
Marie Denee started blogging even before it was cool, and before size inclusivity was a buzzword. After more than 15 years as a content-creator, she looks back at the influence her work has had on the fashion industry. We've seen progress to be sure: once banished to dark corners, plus-size merchandise is now more easily found at more stores. But there's still a dearth of choices when it comes to color and styles. Denee discusses a path forward. Marie Denee's website
S3 · E42 · 20 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Ep. 42: If you don't think you look thin enough in your outfit, it might be thanks to fascism
In this episode, Jennine and Kristen discuss how thinness has been used as a method of social control throughout history. From tuberculosis chic to heroin chic to GLP-1 chic, how women's bodies are analyzed and judged changes as politics chance. If you suddenly feel you're not thin, pretty, or feminine enough, this episode will help you determine where those thoughts are coming from. They're ideas that have been planted by outside forces—not objective truths. Remember, everything is made up.
S3 · E41 · 13 Sep 2026 · 26 min
Ep. 41: When a feminist gets a facelift, how are the other feminists supposed to feel?
Rosie O'Donnell has been an outspoken feminist throughout her career. So, as feminists, should we be OK with her getting a facelift, or taking GLP-1 medication? In this episode, Kristen and Jennine discuss the fallout when we question the morality of other women's decisions about their own bodies. Whether it's Rosie, Ariana Grande or Demi Moore, is it useful to judge their personal choices, or is there a more productive approach to grappling with the challenges and pressures facing women today? Rosie O'Donnell's Substack
S3 · E40 · 6 Sep 2026 · 21 min
Ep. 40: Everything is made up, so don't get hung up on size, beauty, or anything else
This episode kicks off the 4th season of Closet Philosophy, so we had lots to talk about. The overarching theme is that beauty ideals are mercurial. Jennine and Kristen have lived through the whiplash of body type and beauty "trends," and they dug back further into history for even more proof that everything is made up and your best strategy for sanity is to love and accept your physical form wherever it happens to be. That's easier said than done, no doubt, but we hope that after listening, you'll feel closer to freedom from society's fickle standards.
S2 · E39 · 29 Mar 2026 · 51 min
Ep. 39: Author Christine Morrison on how style has guided her life decisions—from relationships to where she lives to her career and publishing her first book at 56
We are so excited to welcome author Christine Morrison to the pod this week! Christine is a seasoned writer, editor, and brand builder who recenlty published her first book, a fashion essay collection entitled Clothes Minded: Fashionable Essays About Finding Yourself . As you'll hear in the conversation, the title is apt. Fashion was Christine's guiding light when it came to which boyfriends to dump and which jobs to move accross the ountry for. And style is still leading the way—she explores on her substack Writing in Black and White what it means to value personal style into your 50s and…
S2 · E38 · 22 Mar 2026 · 27 min
Ep. 38: What to wear over 50—don't Google it
This will not be a surprise to anyone who's been following along with the pod: We think fashion rules, especially when they correspond to age, are really dumb and you should ignore them. It's shocking to us that these rules persist, and saddens us that when a woman Google's "how to dress after 50," she is fed all sorts of nonsense. For this episode, we dive into those Google results. We walk you through why the results are a travesty, and what to do instead. The main takeaway? "F*ck you Lloyd." We hope you enjoy this episode, and if you do please leave us a review. We'd be so grateful!
S2 · E37 · 15 Mar 2026 · 27 min
Ep. 37: What happens when you wear the wrong thing?
The desire for acceptance and belonging is deeply human. And fashion is one way that we signal who we are and what group we belong to. So it's not weird to freak out a little bit if you find yourself at an event wearing something that feels way different from everyone else. In this episode, Kristen describes a recent occasion when she had exactly that experience. Even at 57 and with a lifetime of getting dressed behind her, she still freaked out a little! Jennine offers some perspective and tips on how to get dressed so that it's less likely to happen, and when it does, how to remain calm.…
S2 · E36 · 8 Mar 2026 · 26 min
Ep. 36: Your insecurity is probably your superpower
We all can be really hard on ourselves at times. And it's no wonder, with messages all around us about the things we should really fix on our faces and bodies. Its never-ending, espcially on social media. But what if we embraced our perceived flaws and recognized them as superpowers. Whether it's a large, distinctive nose or earned lines on your face, letting go of the insecurities we tend to feel around these characteristics can be magical. It's much easier said than done, of course. On this week's episode, Jennine and Kristen talk about ways to approach embracing your insecurities and all…
S2 · E35 · 1 Mar 2026 · 58 min
Ep. 35: Alicia Rose is giving menopause the punk rock treatment it needs
Our guest this week is Alicia Rose , who is bringing a revolution to the conversation about perimenopause and menopause with an upcoming documentary called Menopunks . The film will examine the travesty of the Women's Health Initiative through a decidedly GenX lens. In 2002, the WHI was halted with reports of increased breast cancer risk linked to hormone therapy. We know now that the analysis of the data was deeply flawed. Still, the majority of the women who at the time were reaping the benefits of HRT abruptly stopped taking it. Hormone replacement held an undeserved stigma for the next…
S2 · E34 · 22 Feb 2026 · 44 min
Ep. 34: Style cheerleader and Sr. UX director Asta Gaur on how to dress for the occasion, the location, and still be fully you
Asta Gaur is a Google exec by day and your internet style cheerleader by night. On Instagram , she shares unfiltered takes on dressing in a male-dominated industry, daily GRWMs showing how she dresses intuitively, and the mindset shifts women can take to stop playing small with their style. This week on Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen go deep into Asta's styling process and what she's learned about getting dressed by wearing what feels completely her to her job as a Sr. UX director at Google. We talk about the male gaze, the many problems with "flattering," and how she went from…
S2 · E33 · 15 Feb 2026 · 24 min
Ep. 33: Dress for the Life You're Actually Living
In this episode, Jennine and Kristen talk about something that's often overlooked in personal style advice: how your wardrobe needs to match the life you're actually living, not just your Pinterest boards. Jennine shares her recent experience moving from San Francisco's busy Mission District to the quieter, beach-adjacent Sunset neighborhood—and how it's making her completely rethink her wardrobe. City loafers don't work on sandy beach paths, and those pristine sneakers aren't cutting it on dirt trails. Her style is evolving out of necessity, and it's raising a bigger question: are you…
S2 · E32 · 8 Feb 2026 · 24 min
Ep. 32: What happens when you stop trying to be pretty
In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine explore what it means to age visibly, dress authentically, and resist the pressure to always be striving for youth and prettiness. We start with a reflection on the cultural impact of Catherine O'Hara, her premature passing, and the rare visibility of older women who embrace their faces, bodies, and style without apology. From there, we dive into a wide-ranging discussion about beauty standards, midlife identity, and the complicated relationship many women have with being seen. We unpack how personal style can serve as both armor and…
S2 · E31 · 1 Feb 2026 · 55 min
Ep. 31: From big tech and law to gold and clay: Two founders on creativity, identity, and the courage to pivot
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 Erin Hupp Ceramics in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating sculptural dinnerware, lighting, and objects…
S2 · E30 · 25 Jan 2026 · 32 min
Ep. 30: Less is really more: Limitations are the secret to better style
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…
S2 · E29 · 18 Jan 2026 · 33 min
Ep. 29: How to find your style by editing, not adding to your closet
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…
S2 · E1 · 11 Jan 2026 · 36 min
Ep. 28: Season 2 kickoff! Why Shopping Won't Give You Good Style (and What Will)
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 isn't a personal…
S1 · E27 · 20 Oct 2025 · 35 min
Ep. 27: Jennine's tips on how to rescue, restore, and love your clothes again
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 rescue…
S1 · E26 · 13 Oct 2025 · 53 min
Ep. 26: Beyond body positivity—A conversation about body liberation with Chrissy King
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 justice,…
S1 · E25 · 6 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 25: Plus size representation, photography, and finding beauty in every body with Lydia Hudgens
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…
S1 · E24 · 22 Sep 2025 · 43 min
Ep 24: Jennine and Kristen explore beauty, aging, and authenticity
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,…
S1 · E23 · 15 Sep 2025 · 51 min
Ep. 23: Midlife career reinvention, authentic style, and navigating change with Dilara Casey
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…
S1 · E22 · 8 Sep 2025 · 49 min
Ep. 22: Menopause, perimenopause, and personal power with 'The M Factor' producer Denise Pines
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 health…
S1 · E21 · 2 Sep 2025 · 46 min
Ep. 21: Jennine and Kristen on the power of visibility after 40
Jennine and Kristen dive deep into the complex experience of visibility for women as they age, sharing candid stories and discussing cultural, psychological, and societal shifts that impact self-expression and confidence beyond 40. This episode explores the challenges women face in retaining visibility, feeling confident, and expressing authentic style, offering hope and actionable insights for listeners. Key Topics: The first personal experiences of feeling invisible: Jennine and Kristen recount moments in retail and influencer settings where age influenced how they were treated. The myth…
S1 · E20 · 25 Aug 2025 · 49 min
Ep. 20: Persistence and reinvention: Musician and creator Cat Pierce on creativity, confidence, and personal style
In this episode of the Closet Philosophy podcast, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with Cat Pierce —writer, artist, entrepreneur, and musician, best known as half of the band The Pierces . Cat shares her inspiring journey of continual reinvention, highlighting how creativity flourishes at every stage of life, especially beyond the age of 40. The conversation delves into themes of overcoming societal expectations, building inner and outer confidence, and finding empowerment through personal style, beauty rituals, and creative experimentation. Cat discusses launching her beauty and lifestyle…
S1 · E19 · 18 Aug 2025 · 46 min
Ep. 19: Style, confidence, and redefining beauty with Angel Edme
This week on Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen sit down with fashion creator Angel Edme. Her bold style and fearless approach to self-expression embody what it means to use style as self-expression. Angel Edme is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creator based in New York—known for her razor-sharp style, unfiltered honesty, and a deep passion for helping people show up as their boldest, truest selves. She started behind the camera as a storyteller, and now she's in front of it—empowering real people to reclaim their confidence through fashion, skincare, and creative self-expression.…
S1 · E18 · 12 Aug 2025 · 53 min
Ep. 18: Revealing yourself through style, story, and self-trust with model and author Alicia Johnson
in 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…
S1 · E17 · 4 Aug 2025 · 56 min
Ep. 17: Leah Elson on Science, Style, and Showing Up Fully As Yourself
In this episode we are very thrilled to talk with Leah Elson—scientist, author, and viral science communicator—about the power of showing up fully as yourself, whether in a lab coat or a leather jackets. Leah has degrees from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and USC, and has published more than 87 scientific manuscripts. But she's just as known for her incredible eyeliner, tattoos, and bold, unapologetic personal style. We talk with her about how embracing her full self—pink hair and all—actually enhanced her work as a neuroscientist. We cover: Why personal style isn't superficial—it's essential,…
S1 · E16 · 28 Jul 2025 · 33 min
Ep. 16: Jennine and Kristen on reinventing yourself: fashion, work, and meaning in midlife
Welcome to a special episode of Closet Philosophy where Jennine and Kristen open up about the challenges and rewards of reinventing yourself—especially after taking a work break to care for family or shifting gears in midlife. They share their personal journeys of returning to the workforce, navigating ageism, career gaps, and finding new purpose. In this episode, we discuss: Personal experiences of leaving and re-entering the workforce after motherhood or caretaking The surprising roadblocks and opportunities that come with a career gap Ageism and the difficulties faced by midlife women in…

About Closet Philosophy

Closet Philosophy is a English arts & books podcast from Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 11 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1808105903
Rights: Closet Philosophy 2025

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