In this episode we are very thrilld 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, especially for women in male-dominated fields.

• The science behind gut health, nerve regeneration, and outer space.

• Her book There Are No Stupid Questions in Science, why she illustrated it with crayons, and how it came to be.

• Her journey from surviving a tumultuous upbringing to becoming a global role model.

• AI, AGI, and how human creativity might be the last frontier.

This one is inspiring, enlightening, and packed with ideas about fashion, feminism, trauma, science, and how all of it connects.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Leah’s favorite eyeliner

• Miracle Balm by Jones Road

• Leah’s book: There Are No Stupid Questions in Science

• Follow Leah: @gnarlybygnature

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

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 today’s job market

• The importance of meaningful work, creativity, and autonomy—and why these are non-negotiable for some

• Why so many women turn to entrepreneurship in their 40s, 50s, and beyond (with fresh statistics!)

• How personal style is a secret networking weapon and catalyst for engaging with the world

• The unique struggle (and privilege) of figuring out what you really want from work at this stage of life

• The power of community: you are not alone in your quest for reinvention!

Resources & Mentions:

• EvolveMe: an organization supporting midlife women re-entering the workforce

• Recent LinkedIn and demographic statistics on career breaks and entrepreneurship

Whether you're feeling invisible, itching for a new chapter, or struggling to make your experience relevant, you'll find humor, hope, and good company in this conversation. Be seen—by your community, and by yourself!

Share your story! Have you tried to return to traditional work and ended up an entrepreneur? Are you struggling with finding purpose or translating your experience? Email us or leave a review—your story could inspire a future episode!

In this honest and often funny conversation, Jennine and Kristen talk with Isobel Schofield, founder of the iconic clog brand Bryr Studio, about style, aging, menopause, and power. The episode opens with Kristen’s reflections on how her personal style has evolved post-menopause — from abandoning painful heels to embracing the liberating truth of wearing clothes that actually fit.

Then Isobel joins the conversation, and the three dive into how personal style is shaped not just by bodies, but by generational values, cultural shifts, and an ever-present questioning of the patriarchy. From her roots in sculpture and theater design to building a slow fashion brand in San Francisco, Isobel shares the winding path that led to Bryr — and how the creation of her now-iconic “Chonk” shoe became a reclaiming of creative power.

Along the way, they unpack everything from Gen X fashion DNA, London vs. New York style archetypes, menopause visibility, and the radical power of not giving a f*ck. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod furiously, and you might measure yourself for a bathing suit by the end.

Guest:
Isobel Schofield — Founder & Creative Director of Bryr

Topics Discussed:

• How menopause affects personal style and self-perception

• Gen X fashion identity and cultural attitude

• The cultural invisibility of older women and how we fight it

• Designing fashion as a feminist and creative act

• Reimagining aging as power, not decline

Where to find Isobel & Bryr:

• Website: bryrstudio.com

• Instagram: @bryrclogs