Artists for Joy: Recent Episodes
Merideth Hite Estevez
Artists for Joy is a space for creative people to reconnect with that joy that made them want to be an artist in the first place. Join host Merideth Hite Estevez and special guests as they debunk the "tortured artist" stereotype and explore how the creative life can be sustainable...how being an artist needn't be a life of pain and turmoil...that we can choose joy. New episodes go live every Friday!
Artist and writer Kristin Vanderlip joins me to explore the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and healing. Kristin shares her deeply personal journey of using journaling and oil pastels as tools for tending to the heavy, messy reality of loss, and why she believes the blank page can be a safe place to land when the world feels overwhelming.
We discuss the importance of "quiet community" in grief, the symbiotic relationship between her writing (prose) and painting (pastels), and the challenge of resisting the urge to produce for the sake of results. Kristin also shares a deeply meaningful work of art from her own family history—a watercolor painting by her great-grandfather—that serves as a "thin place" and a reminder that our creative work often has an impact we may never see.
Whether you are a multifaceted creative or simply navigating a season of "waves," this conversation is an invitation to listen to your spirit, honor your humanity, and find rest in the process.
Resources & Links:
Painting: Ed Snow, 1974, Untitled watercolor: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C72JvbnSc2Y/
Books referenced:
Listening to Your Life by Frederick Buechner
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
Connect with Kristin Vanderlip:
Website: kristinvanderlip.com
Instagram: kristinvanderlip
Substack: kristinvanderlip.substack.com
Virtual events and community for those interested in writing as a healing practice: penandmend.substack.com
Fall Writing Retreat: https://kristinvanderlip.myflodesk.com/retreat
Join our Summer Check-in on Patreon
My friend Ryan Webb is not a full-time creator, but that doesn't mean he's not creative. Ryan is a full-time marketer, husband, and father. He shares his journey of spending ten years writing his debut novel Saving Will, which was born out of loss and a hyper-realistic dream, using the writing process as a decade-long space for therapy, healing, and spiritual reflection.
We discuss why you don't need to make 100% of your income from your art to call yourself an artist, how to weave creativity into a full life, the spiritual tension between human willpower and divine grace, and the beauty of finding "happy accidents" in both photography and life.
We also touch on the power of finding a support network, the necessity of giving yourself grace, and why we should never keep our creative pursuits a secret.
Listen to the end for an update from the final leg of the summer book tour!
Resources & Links Book: Saving Will by Ryan Webb Photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZD-52HSA0J/?igsh=MTA5M2JtcWtxNTV1ZA==
Email: rjwebb22@hotmail.com
Leave a review of Art Is How God Loves Us on Amazon and Goodreads Book Launch Events I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
Maria Bowler—author, coach, and host of the Make Human podcast–is back for the third time! This time our conversation focuses on creativity, embodiment, and the sacred work of becoming more fully human.
Maria shares her journey of launching a new medium, the transition from writing books to podcasting. She also reflects on the difference between creating from the mind and creating from a place of deeper presence, sharing how movement, conversation, and community have become essential parts of her creative practice.
Maria introduces a poem that met her during a season of heartbreak and spiritual upheaval. Christian Wiman's "And I Said to My Soul, Be Loud" became a companion that invited her beyond fear, control, and self-reliance into a deeper awareness of God's presence.
Together we remember how works of art often find us exactly when we need them most, becoming unexpected gateways to healing, hope, and transformation.
Resources & Links:
- Podcast: Make Human
- Book: Making Time by Maria Bowler
- Poem: "And I Said to My Soul, Be Loud" by Christian Wiman
- Website: www.mariabowler.com
- Leave a review of Art Is How God Loves Us on Amazon and Goodreads
- Book Launch Events
I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
Heather Lanier is a writer, poet, memoirist, speaker, and professor. She is also my friend! Heather returns to the podcast to discuss the profound connection between creativity and spirituality.
From the meditative discipline of centering prayer to the "forgetting of self" that occurs in the flow state, Heather shares how writing can serve as both a craft and a spiritual practice. We explore the concept of "ultimate reality," the power of art as a spiritual "thin place," plus the intersection of motherhood, creative momentum, and the joys of the mundane.
Whether you're a writer, an artist, or simply someone longing to experience more wonder in everyday life, this conversation is an invitation to slow down and step through art's open door.
Resources & Links
Music: "White Horses" by DarlingsideArt Exhibit: Selected History of the Space-Time Continuum by Rachel SussmanBooks:
- Art Is How God Loves Us by Merideth Hite Estevez
- Raising a Rare Girl by Heather Lanier
- Psalms of Unknowing by Heather Lanier
- Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck
- Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler
Connect with Heather Lanier:
- Instagram: heatherklanier
- Substack: The Slow Take
- Website: https://heatherlanierwriter.com
Upcoming Event:
Join Merideth and Heather for a live event in the Philadelphia area!
- Date: July 25th
- Location: Chadds Ford, PA
- Details: This is a free event featuring lively conversation and a musical salon exploring creativity as a spiritual practice. Join us as we explore creativity as a spiritual practice and discover how being present to beauty can ground, heal, and transform our everyday lives. Please register here to attend.
I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
Literary agent Don Pape joins me for a conversation about a lifetime in the publishing industry, the sacred work of shaping stories, and how creativity shows up in both the books we write and the ordinary rhythms of our everyday lives.
Don shares what it really looks like to walk alongside an author as they steward their message from a rough draft to a published work. We explore the tension between the "striving" of the industry and the "stewarding" of a creative calling, and why art is ultimately an invitation to see God's love in the world around us.
Don also shares a deeply personal "thin place" experience: simple pieces of artwork made by his granddaughters—pieces that have become a doorway into prayer, presence, and love. Whether you're an aspiring author or simply someone looking to reconnect with the joy of creating, this conversation is an invitation to trust the process.
Resources & Links
- Pape Commons
- Order: Art Is How God Loves Us
- Leave a review of the book on Amazon and Goodreads
- Share your story: We are doing a call for guest-post submissions on Substack. You can learn more and submit your own essay about a time art opened a door for you by visiting: artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
I would love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. You can share them by submitting to our guest post series via the link above.
It's officially launch day!
Art Is How God Loves Us: The Sacred Beauty of Created Things is finally out in the world today. To celebrate this milestone with you, I wanted to skip the usual book-launch chatter and invite you straight into the heart of the book itself.
In this special bonus episode, I'm reading an excerpt from the introduction.
Whether you consider yourself an artist or simply someone trying to keep a tender heart in a heavy world, this episode is an invitation to stop striving, open the door, and listen to the spiritual song all created things are singing.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Art Is How God Loves Us is available wherever books are sold today!
Links * Order the Book (Hardback, Kindle, and Audio Available now) * Grab the Pre-Order Bonus Audio Companion * Leave a review on Amazon * Leave a review on Goodreads
Lisa Kloskin is the Editorial Director at Broadleaf Books and the editor of Art Is How God Loves Us. Lisa joined me for a delightful conversation about the sacred work of editing. She shares how walking alongside authors through the creative process has become a form of accompaniment, listening, and care.
We explore the vulnerability of writing, collaboration, the art of shaping a book, and the stories that have the power to transform us. Through Art's Open Door, Lisa shares a novel that has profoundly shaped her faith and imagination: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.
Whether you're a writer, artist, or simply someone who loves books, this conversation offers a beautiful glimpse into the unseen partnership behind every published work.
Resources & Links:
- Preorder Art Is How God Loves Us
- Mostly What God Does is Love You by Savannah Guthrie
- The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
- Broadleaf Books
- Lisa Kloskin
I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
This week on the podcast, musician, songwriter, producer, and pastor David Gungor joins me for a conversation about creativity, spirituality, and the surprising relationship between craftsmanship and inspiration. Known for his work with The Brilliance and The Good Shepherd Music Collective, David reflects on art as a path of transformation, the role of play in the creative life, and why some of our most meaningful work emerges through community. Through Art's Open Door, David shares Leonard Cohen's song "Suzanne," a work that continues to shape his understanding of beauty, patience, and the spiritual life. We explore what it means to slow down, embrace mystery, and trust that creativity is born not from necessity, but from love. If you've ever wrestled with perfectionism, burnout, or the tension between making art and enjoying it, this conversation offers a refreshing invitation to rediscover wonder, play, and the mercy that meets us exactly as we are. I also give you an update from the tour, so listen to the end! Resources & Links * Preorder Art Is How God Loves Us * Suzanne by Leonard Cohen * This Table is Yours by Good Shepherd Collective * The Brilliance * Good Shepherd Collective
I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
Writer, editor, book coach, and podcast host Mara Eller joins me to explore the spiritual dimensions of writing, self-reflection, and creative partnership.
As the developmental editor who walked alongside me through the drafting of Art Is How God Loves Us, Mara offers a unique perspective on the ways creativity can become a gateway to deeper self-knowledge, connection, and encounter with the divine. We discuss the trust between writer and editor, the importance of spaciousness in the creative process, and how writing can help us uncover what Thomas Merton called the "true self."
Through Art's Open Door, Mara brings Denise Levertov's poem To Live in the Mercy of God. Through imagery of towering forests and a waterfall crashing endlessly against stone, the poem offers a striking vision of divine love as an overwhelming force of mercy that continues to pour itself out despite our resistance. The poem invites us into awe, reminding us that the spiritual life is not always comfortable, but it is always held within a love larger than ourselves.
If you're feeling spiritually dry or creatively stuck, Mara offers two simple invitations: spend time noticing something beautiful in nature, and revisit a song that mattered deeply to you when you were younger. Through attention, memory, and reflection, these small practices can help us reconnect with beauty, integrate our stories, and step once again through art's open door.
Resources & Links * Preorder Art Is How God Loves Us * To Live in the Mercy of God by Denise Levertov * New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton * The First Nations Version of the New Testament
- Maraeller.com
- The Soul and Science of Great Writing podcast
I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
In the first installment of Through Art's Open Door, I chatted with Broadway actress Jennafer Newberry Peery, who plays Glinda in Wicked on Broadway.
Jennafer shares what it's really like to perform in one of the most beloved musicals in the world while balancing family life, motherhood, and the demands of eight-show weeks. We explore art as a spiritual practice, the courage it takes to remain tender in a world that rewards efficiency, and why changing our minds may be one of the bravest acts of justice available to us.
Jennafer reflects on the works of art that have become thin places in her own life–from film and poetry to sunsets, theater, and holding her daughter in her arms.
Whether you're an artist, a parent, a person of faith, or simply someone longing to reconnect with wonder, this conversation offers an invitation to notice the beauty that is already speaking to you.
Works of Art Mentioned * Arrival (2016) * Hamnet * "There Is Something" poem by Ted Loder * "On the Nature of Daylight" by Max Richter
Resources & Links * Preorder Art Is How God Loves Us * Follow Jennafer Newberry Peery on Instagram: Instagram * Sacred Salon: An Evening of Music and Conversation in New York City * Other launch events
I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor
In this episode, I share a personal look at the "gremlins of self-doubt" that arrive during a book launch. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic, let's discusses how to treat fear as a passenger rather than the driver, using a "Fear to Focus" framework to turn anxieties into actionable truths.
Links: * Joyster Monthly Meetup: Friday, June 12th. Topic: "Courage to share your work without losing your joy." Free for Joysters or $5 for a one-time pass. * Book Tour: Stops include NYC, South Carolina, Williamsburg, VA, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Visit artistsforjoy.org/launch for more info. * Support the Show: Join the community at patreon.com/artistforjoy. * Follow Along: Follow @ArtistsForJoy on Instagram for daily updates leading up to July 7th.
Life is moving fast! Today we are slowing down for our quarterly check-in on the big and small things saving our creative lives right now. From medical advocacy and fitness apps to custom book merch and the magic of a 3:00 PM dinner routine, we're celebrating the "professional confetti explosion" season in full force.
The "OMG It's Happening" Meme
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Follow Aileen Weber on Instagram: @Aileen.Webber
Join the Vitality Coaching App ("Buns to Sun"): Sign Up Here(Tell her Merideth sent you!)
Favorite Protein Powder #1 (mix with coffee): Ancient Nutrition Collagen (Vanilla)
Favorite Protein Powder #2 (for smoothies and drinking plain mixed with water): Ballerina Farm Farmer Protein
Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Perfume: Nordstrom link
Aerin Fragrance Discovery Set: Estee Lauder
The "Art is How God Loves Us" Book Launch Hub: * See all Summer 2026 Tour Stops & RSVP: artistsforjoy.org/launch * Reserve Your Custom Launch Mug (4 Glaze Options!): Fill Out the Waitlist Form Here * Check out our wonderful partners: Black Oak Arts Pottery & The Inspired Foundry
Join the Joysters on Patreon! This podcast is 100% listener-supported. Become a paid supporter to get access to hours of creative recovery content and join our next Monthly Meetup on June 12th at 12:00 PM EST as we talk about "The Courage to be Known." 👉 patreon.com/artistsforjoy
Amazon links are affiliate and allow me to receive a small commission!
This week on the podcast, I'm sharing a story about a "no" that truly leveled me. As I head into the studio this Monday to record the audiobook for my new book, Art Is How God Loves Us, I couldn't help but think back to the moment I found out I wouldn't be narrating my first one. I was sitting in a middle seat on a cross-country flight when the email arrived, and I spent the rest of the trip quietly crying.
I'm replaying this episode now because it's a powerful reminder that no feeling is final. We often interlace our identity with our creative output, making rejection feel like a verdict on our very selves. Through the story of my friend Ian's "failed" rockstar dreams and the incredible resilience of the migrating salmon, I explore how we can sit with our tender disappointments without letting them keep us stuck. Whether you're nursing a fresh wound or an old one, I hope this encourages you to keep swimming toward the open waters of your next chapter.
Listen in to hear my thoughts on why we aren't "tortured" but simply "tender and trying," plus a listener question about whether finding your artistic "style" actually matters.
Original show notes:
This week's episode explores the challenge of persevering through creative disappointment. We meet Ian, a musician whose band falls apart, and learn the tool that is helping Merideth cope with a recent and painful rejection. Listen for encouragement to embrace your sensitivity and vulnerability and to find ways to move beyond disappointment to create with more joy and freedom.
Read last week's podcast on Substack
Submit a question or comment to Merideth:
via IG
via email: hello@artistsforjoy.org
via phone: 302-415-3407
Support us on Patreon
Join the next "The Artist's Way" Creative Cluster
Leave a review on Apple Podcast
Learn how to leave a review
In the middle of a busy season—like, say, launching a new book—it is so easy to view time as a resource to be earned rather than an experience to be felt. In this episode, I explore the "Workaholic Quiz" from Week 10 of The Artist's Way and ask: Is your busyness fueled by joy, or is it a shield against the vulnerability of being still?
Using Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's "7 Types of Rest" and the design concept of White Space, we discuss how rest isn't a reward for finishing your work—it's the fuel that makes the work possible.
- Pre-order the New Book: Art Is How God Loves Us (Coming July 2026!)
- Join the Launch Team: The Sacred Studio Google Form (Last call to read with Merideth in June!)
- Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: Learn more about her research at RestQuiz.com or her main site, DrSaundraDaltonSmith.com.
- The Joyster Community: Join us on Patreon for a 7-day free trial and watch the full replay of our "The Artist's Rest" Meet-Up.
- Connect on Substack: Art's Open Door
- Instagram: @artistsforjoy
Today on the podcast, Merideth chats with Winfield Bevins—author, artist, and founder of Creo Arts—to talk about his latest book, How Beauty Will Save the World.
In a world that feels loud, fast, and fractured, Winfield invites us back to something slower and truer: beauty. Not the surface-level kind, but the kind that heals and reconnects us to God, ourselves, and each other.
Links:
Read more about Winfield BevinsGet How Beauty Will Save the WorldLearn more about Creo ArtsFollow Winfield on Instagram
*Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on Patreon: Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content
*Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
*Tell me what you think of this episode via IG @artistsforjoy or via email hello@artistsforjoy.org
*Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us and read the latest sample chapter on Substack now!
This week, I'm joined by Shannan Martin to talk about her new book, Counterweights and how we can hold hope when life feels unbearably heavy.
Counterweights aren't about denying pain or replacing grief with surface-level happiness. It's a way of naming what steadies us: the ordinary, specific things that help us stay upright. We cannot counter what we won't weigh.
In our conversation, we talk about the evolving creative life, the grief and celebration of finishing a book, and how the practice of counterweights helps artists stay soft and grounded when everything feels like too much.
Also:
- Why more time and space don't necessarily make creativity easier
- The every-hour crisis of writing a book and learning to surrender it imperfectly
- How introverts can build a real, local community by simply noticing who's nearby
Shannon shares how working in a community kitchen, watching the sky, and paying attention to the particulars of her own neighborhood all become spiritual practices. These are reminders that we don't have to choose between being honest about what's hard and delighting in what's good.
Links:
Get Counterweights
Sign up for Shannan's Substack, The Soup
Our Enneagram 8 episode featuring Shannan
Download the Curtain Call Questions
We all grapple with that hyper-sensitive, judgmental part of ourselves, the ego, which is an integral—yet often painful—aspect of being an artist. This week on the podcast, I've found a new, surprisingly visceral metaphor and a spiritual practice that is helping me embrace less defensiveness and find a much deeper resonance.
Links:
- Join us for "The Art of 'Yes And'" with Sara McMahon on Patreon
- Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on Patreon: Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
- Tell me what you think of this episode via IG @artistsforjoy or via email hello@artistsforjoy.org
- Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us and read the latest sample chapter on Substack now!
Have you ever felt like your creative self (your inner Maker) and your get-it-done, logistical self (your inner Manager) are constantly battling it out? We all need both of these energies to create a sustainable, joyful life—but getting them to play nicely together is the real trick.
In this episode, I dive deep into the Maker vs. Manager dynamic, including my own recent creative block, and share four practical ways to finally get them working in sync. Learn how to reorient your inner Manager to become an enthusiastic Artist Manager—someone who is dedicated to creating the perfect conditions for your inner artist to thrive.
Links
- Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on Patreon: Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content, including the monthly Joyster meet-up from Friday, Feb 13th, Filling the Well
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
- Tell me what you think of this episode via IG @artistsforjoy or via email hello@artistsforjoy.org
- Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us and read the latest sample chapter on Substack now!
This week we are diving into my quarterly practice of naming what's bringing me joy this season. It's a fun, unscripted (!) episode full of big and small things that are truly "saving my life right now."
Links:
- A question that's helping me take action (Read a Substack essay about this one next week!)
- A Cohort that I'm participating in this year
- New Writing Rhythm
- This item saved our sweaters
- This is my favorite Galentine's gift
- A deck and an IG account that are helping me parent with more joy.
- A book launch update!
- Writing and sharing poetry
PS: I definitely got the numbering wrong on the episode (told you it was unscripted!) So please feel free to ignore that!
Are you struggling to focus and create when the world feels chaotic? This week: a much-needed pep talk. Four vital reasons why making art is not a luxury, but an essential act of perseverance, resilience, and hope.
Links:
Beauty will save the world: Substack Essay
Burnout Book
Burnout Podcast Episode
Become a Joyster and join February 13th's Filling the Well Workshop
Join The Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
We're back with our first new episode of 2026! I'm sharing a pep talk for anyone (including myself!) who is stepping into the new year with trepidation. This episode is especially for you if you're in the process of submitting your work to be judged or critiqued. Inspired by the "whiplash" I felt after submitting a major grant application this week, I encourage you to shift your focus from the outcome (the product) to the sheer effort and the vulnerable act of trying.
Links and Calls to Action Mentioned:
- Support the Show: Become a Joyster on my Patreon for hours of creative discovery and recovery content.
- Joyster Monthly Meet Up: Learn more and register for our next meeting on February 13th at noon EST to chat about inspiration and "filling the well."
- New Book Pre-order: My newest book, Art is How God Loves Us, is available for pre-order now.
- Art's Open Door, Substack Subscription: I'm moving to bi-monthly podcast episodes, and on the "off weeks," I'll be publishing some writing over on Substack. You can subscribe to that separate email list to get my voice and words in your inbox each Friday.
- Connect Online:
- Instagram: @artistsforjoy
- Email: hello@artistsforjoy.org
Links:
Join our Word-of-the-year Art Party (or watch the replay!)
Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us
Original show notes:
Any other artists out there tired of thinking/talking/obsessing about marketing? This week, Merideth shares the first of a three-part series based on her words of the year. The first word—anti-hustle—calls her to a simpler, quieter, more harmonious way of life. She also answers a question about morning pages, all to the beautiful music of Debussy, Beethoven, and Brahms performed by Marnie Laird of Brooklyn Classical.
Leave us a question via email
Join the FREE Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Podcast Transcript
In this deep and delightful conversation, Merideth and Christine Paintner explore the ancient practice of breath prayer and how it can be a transformative tool for contemplation, creativity, and navigating moments of transition. Listen to the end for a blessing for 2026!
Links:
Guest: Christine Valters Paintner, Online Abbess of Abbey of the Arts (a virtual monastery and global community celebrating its 20th year).
Book: Give Me a Word: The Promise of Ancient Practice to Guide Your Year
Become a Joyster and join us for the January "Word of the Year Art Party" on January 9th.
This week, I speak with Christine Valter Paintner about the contemplative practice of "receiving a word" for the year, an alternative to traditional New Year's resolutions and goal setting.
- The Ancient Practice: The "Give Me a Word" practice is inspired by the Desert Mothers and Fathers (monks of the 2nd–4th centuries), who would offer a word of wisdom—sometimes a single word, a phrase, or a scripture line—to seekers. The word is meant to be wrestled with and explored for a long time, not a quick fix.
- Receiving vs. Striving: The core of the practice is about opening the heart to receive wisdom from a source greater than oneself, rather than trying to find or force a word (the "try hard" or "productivity hack" approach).
- The Listening Process: Listening for the word can be integrated into everyday life—through silence, noticing synchronicities in books, shows, or nature, or even by asking a trusted friend for a word of wisdom.
- Working with Dissonance: They discuss how to work with a word that might feel "bristly" or difficult, exploring the idea that resistance and dissonance can touch on "shadow" aspects of the self (perfectionism, fear of visibility) that hold the deepest creative gifts.
-
Embodying the Word: Suggestions for keeping the word present all year include creatively embodying it through:
- Creating a collage or visual art.
- Making a playlist of inspired songs.
- Writing an acrostic poem.
- Journaling a narrative explanation of the word's arrival.
Links:
Guest: Christine Valters Paintner, Online Abbess of Abbey of the Arts (a virtual monastery and global community celebrating its 20th year).
Book: Give Me a Word: The Promise of Ancient Practice to Guide Your Year
Become a Joyster and join us for the January "Word of the Year Art Party" on January 9th.
Today's podcast is the penultimate installment of our Advent Songbook series, and I've decided to keep it real. 🫠 For your listening pleasure-- three creative mishaps: Christmas edition. Not only the bloopers themselves, but the three epiphanies I'm learning from these instances of things not going perfectly. (Understatement!)
Listen for the mystery of the lost reeds, a humiliating high note situation, and the surprising history of one of our most beloved carols.
This one will (hopefully) make you laugh and feel just a little less alone as you navigate your own festive fiascos this holiday season.
Links:
Silly Affirmation Stickers
Read the Advent Songbook installments on Substack
What did you think of the Advent Songbook series? Hit reply hello@artistsforjoy.org or comment on this post on IG.
Join the Artist's Oath workshop on Patreon on December 19th, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST (or check back in the show notes for the recording link a day or two later!)
Today on the show, we dive into the unreliable nature of memory—inspired by my daughter's new favorite show, Brainchild—and how our identity is not something we make, but something revealed and cultivated. Against the backdrop of a return to New York City and Juilliard, I reflect on old memories of shame and self-doubt, contrasting them with the searching question of the Christmas carol, "What Child Is This?" ultimately proposing a spiritual practice of self-compassion: that, like a 400-year-old melody, our memories can be recast in the spirit of redemption and grace.
- Buy Merideth's first book: Click here to read more about "The Artist's Joy."
- Read the series: The Advent Songbook devotional series began last week over at Art's Open Door, Merideth's Substack newsletter. Monday's installments are on Substack, and Fridays are on the pod. Click here to see what you've missed on Substack.
- Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to hello@artistsforjoy.org or via the Instagram post for the episode at @artistsforjoy.
- Support the work: This podcast is made possible by generous paid supporters on Patreon. Our next Joyster monthly meet up is December 19th at 12:00 PM noon EST to explore and edit our Artist's Oaths. Visit patreon.com/artistsforjoy to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5 here.
This week, Merideth records live from New York City (!) and continues the new Advent Songbook series. The series, which goes live on Mondays on Substack and Fridays on the podcast through the rest of the year, pairs rich examples of Christmas art with devotional reflections and practical spiritual postures to shape this season of waiting and wonder.
Today's installment, "Major prophets and minor chords," explores Handel's Messiah, specifically the very first aria, "Comfort Ye," based on Isaiah 40:1-4. Merideth shares a powerful, personal reflection on how this music broke through a time of professional striving and spiritual distance, reminding her that what makes music great is the same thing that makes God great: persistent nearness, or "Withness." It's an invitation to surrender, not strive, and to listen with the heart.
Links:
- Buy Merideth's first book: Click here to read more about "The Artist's Joy."
- Read the series: The Advent Songbook devotional series began on Monday over at Art's Open Door, Merideth's Substack newsletter. Click here to see what you've missed.
- Listen to the music: Full essay from today's show on Substack, including another recording of Handel's "Comfort Ye" here.
- Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to hello@artistsforjoy.org or via the Instagram post for the episode at @artistsforjoy.
- Support the work: This podcast is made possible by generous paid supporters on Patreon. Our next Joyster monthly meet up is December 19th at 12:00 PM noon EST to explore and edit our Artist's Oaths. Visit patreon.com/artistsforjoy to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5 here.
Today on the podcast, Merideth chats with Seattle-based writer Sara Billups, who explores faith and culture in her new book, Nervous Systems. They discuss the connection between anxiety and creative drive, and Sara shares a powerful spiritual practice called "holy indifference," which can free artists from the tyranny of outcome. They chat about sharing work when you're an Enneagram 4 and also offer practical steps for setting boundaries with social media to protect your most vulnerable work.
Get Nervous Systems
Read more about Sara
Download the Curtain Call Questions
Learn more about the Creative Leap Mastermind
Grab your free discovery call with Merideth
Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Support the podcast by becoming a Joyster on Patreon
Happy 250th episode of Artists for Joy! This week, just in time for your Thanksgiving commute, I have a brand-new Holiday Survival Guide —one of our most popular episodes every year. I even made up a holiday-appropriate acronym to help us remember the three-part strategy to navigating the chaos and stress of the holiday season without losing creative joy: E.L.F. Learn how to "E.L.F." your holiday and listen to the end for an extra special Ars Nova, inspired by the work of George Seurat. What's helping you survive the holidays this year? Hit reply or tell me on the post for this episode on IG. Links: Read (and add your own) Holiday Gig Fails from IG and Facebook Get the Advent Songbook Monday posts in your inbox Subscribe to the podcast: Apple, Spotify, or get the episodes sent to your inbox each Friday Support the podcast on Patreon Grab the link to our next Joyster monthly meet-up--Stress Cycle Completion Clinic on Friday, November 21st. Grab your seat in the 2026 Mastermind
In today's Joy Session, I chat with Alicia, an academic writer with a deep-seated block when writing fiction. Alicia's dream novel—one that speaks to the hearts of those who have felt "caged"—is so personal that the pressure and self-judgment are blocking creative flow. We explore the nature of pre-judgment, withdrawing from your artist self, and discuss concrete strategies like generative personal journaling and writing what moves your own heart. I think this one speaks to anyone who sits down to create and feels blank. Links: Support the podcast on Patreon Grab the link to our next Joyster monthly meet-up--Stress Cycle Completion Clinic on Friday, November 21st. Creative Coaching Sign up to record a Joy Session Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster Grab your seat in the 2026 Mastermind
This week, I share three powerful shifts for navigating the sting of hurtful words. Drawing on my experience with negative feedback, I've gained insights into recognizing the impact of our words, distinguishing between facts and opinions, and finding empowering truths to ground us. May these help you turn pain into purpose and cultivate a joy-filled life, even when the winds of criticism blow. 🌳
Read the Substack essay: A Pep-Talk for when words sting
Read Merideth's book The Artist's Joy
Support the podcast on Patreon
Joyster monthly meet-ups in November and December 2025:
November 21st, 12 PM EST--- Stress Cycle Completion Clinic: 3-5 micro-rituals that will help complete the stress cycle and prevent/heal burnout.
December 19th, 12 PM EST --- The Artist's Oath: Renewal & Clarity Session: Don't let your Oath gather dust! Debrief, revise, and recommit to a clearer, more powerful Artist's Oath that reflects your current values. If you haven't written yours yet, stay tuned for more info on how!
In this episode of Artists for Joy, we explore how to find freedom in unfinished projects (and just in time for Halloween!) to prevent them from "haunting" us. I've got some encouraging words from Brian Eno on keeping projects simmering, and invite you to embrace your unfinished work for what it is—a potent brew of potential masterpieces, emphasizing our true value is not tied to finished products.
This episode previews a live Zoom workshop happening on October 31st at Noon EST within our Joyster Community on Patreon. To grab the link beforehand, click here. If you're listening after the fact, check back for the link to purchase the replay.
Learn more about becoming a Joyster
Get the link for the Art of Not Finishing Workshop
Get the replay
This week on the podcast, one of our most popular episode types, I'm sharing what's bringing me joy this fall, including how I'm embracing "turtle mode" to recharge, some helpful tools, reflections on my creative journey, and one very comfortable pullover. I put all the links and pics in one post on Substack, but make sure you listen to the podcast for some bonus content at the end--- some practical application! What's bringing you joy this fall? Tell us on Subtack or IG! Links: Substack post with all the links Become a Joyster and join the "Art of Not Finishing" Workshop on Patreon!
As a creative coach, I have more than enough tools (too many probably!) to lean on when I lack motivation. But what turned the creative tables this week surprised me…so, of course, I wrote an episode about it! ;) What helps you when you feel inexplicably disinterested and unmotivated? Tell me on IG. Merideth's book: The Artist's Joy
Become a Joyster and attend our "The Art of Not Finishing" on October 31st at 12PM EST (Costumes welcome!)
This week on the podcast, I've got 5 essential principles that help when you're feeling discouraged about technique. I name a powerful mantra I will repeat to myself and my coaching clients until I'm blue in the face. Plus, we'll explore what sustainably motivates us and discuss the necessity of good practice. This one is full of practical tips and tricks from a seasoned musician and will apply to all artists, regardless of discipline. For you, I have loads of encouragement and compassion…and maybe some tough love, too. Links:
October Joyster Meet-Up: The Art of Not Finishing
Read the essay about technique and craft "Music of the Logos" on Substack
Book a coaching call with Merideth
Was this episode impactful? Tell us on IG.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
This week's episode is a Joy Session, a recorded coaching call with Rachel, a writer and creative, awaiting the arrival of her first child. She shares her fears about losing her creative voice amidst new responsibilities and her desire to integrate her past creative self with her new chapter of motherhood.
If you are struggling to balance creative dreams with life changes, or if you've ever feared the loss of your creative voice, this one is for you. We've got insights into shifting routines, finding flexibility, and nurturing one's creative self even in chaotic times. (And listen all the way to the end for an update on how Rachel is doing since her son was born!)
Links:
Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Support the podcast and become a Joyster on Patreon
Learn more about private one-to-one coaching with Merideth
Learn more about recording a Joy Session
This week we explore the power of "iffirmations" – positive statements prefaced with "what if" – as a way to navigate anxiety and foster hope, especially when traditional affirmations feel inauthentic. Through the lens of Ruth Duckworth’s mural “The Creation,” we name how even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, embracing the creative, positive "what ifs" of life help us become agents of change in a broken world.
Link:
Join Let Art Be Light on Friday September 26th at 12PM Noon Eastern or grab the replay
Buy Merideth’s book, “The Artist’s Joy”
Learn more about one-to-one coaching with Merideth
This week on the podcast, we explore how to overcome creative blocks at the start and find your unique entry point into a project. This metaphor of "finding another way in" is useful when the traditional "front door" is locked. Listen for some reflective questions about navigating creative challenges that plague us all when we are just getting started.
Any Madeleine L'Engle fans out there? This episode is for you!
Links:
Substack poem: Communion
Let there be light: September Joyster monthly meet up
Today's episode was inspired by Glo Atanmo's quote, "Micro joys are how we survive macro grief." Listen for an invitation to shift your posture and practice joy as an act of resistance when life feels uncertain and full of grief.
Links:
Joseph Cornell
Become a JOYSTER
Join The Artist’s Joy Creative Cluster
Subscribe to Artists for Joy Substack (new posts every-ish Wednesday)
Glo Atanmo’s IG
Cindie Speigel’s book about Microjoys
Resources for artists' health and well-being
Season 6 debut! New season, new podcast cover art, new intro!
Listen for six things bringing me joy this season.
Links: Slippers Become a JOYSTER Subscribe to Artists for Joy Substack (new posts every-ish Wednesday) Register for the next Artist's Joy Creative Cluster Learn more about one-to-one coaching with Merideth Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
Today on the podcast: our final Creative Archetype….Enneagram 9s. Teachers call this type The Peacemaker. Merideth chats with author and editor Ariel Curry, bassist and author David James, and author, spiritual director, and retreat leader Lori Melton, all about life as a creative 9. They discuss figuring out how you feel, cultivating a relationship with conflict, and making room for individuality through creative expression.
(Side note: All 3 of these 9s are married to Enneagram 8s. How about that!)
These 9s invite you all to celebrate the space you inhabit in your personality as we encourage them to step into and celebrate theirs.
Invitation:
Take a moment to grab a pen or pencil and draw what you see with your non-dominant hand. 9s are great at not judging, so as you create, sustain judgment of yourself. Be open, playful, and imaginative as you take up space on the page. Allow whatever comes up to come up, and whatever you do, don’t stop until you are done. When you feel finished, journal about the experience.
What was your inner dialogue like? Do not let the noise of your critic shake your inner peace. Give yourself permission to try and try again.
Ariel Curry, author and editor David James, bassist and author Lori Melton, author, spiritual director, and retreat leader David Gate Enneagram Poems Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy Playlist of the Creative Archetypes Series Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Buy Merideth a coffee Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original Show Notes:
In the penultimate installment of our Creative Archetypes Series, we chat with Enneagram 8s. Authors Shannan Martin and Meredith Boggs, as well as hornist and educator Johanna Burian, share what life is like as a Challenger. We explore how creativity can feel like a full body experience to 8s, how vulnerability and levity are key to health, and something we can all do to help the 8s in our lives feel known and loved.
Invitation:
Take this prompt to your journal or answer the questions with a friend or therapist:
What creative challenge(s) am I facing right now? What beliefs underneath the challenge(s) need to be challenged?
Shannan Martin, author and speaker
Meredith Boggs, author and nurse
Johanna Burian, hornist and educator
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Buy Merideth a coffee
Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
In this week’s episode of Artists for Joy, we talk creative joy with some of our favorite Enneagram 7s. Christa Hardin, marriage counselor and author, Molly Wilcox, author and editor, and pastor, writer, and percussionist, Rev. Edwin Estevez share what life as an Enthusiast is like and what they believe they offer in the creative process. They also discuss how the Enneagram can shed a special light on all our relationships, what 7s can do to find more focus, and the most important fact we all should know about the 7s in our lives.
Christa Hardin’s new book, Enneagram + Marriage Molly Wilcox’s substack, Threshold Rev. Edwin Estevez, Kirk in the Hills David Gate Enneagram Poems Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Buy Merideth a coffee Playlist for the Enneagram Series Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
This week on the podcast, the Creative Archetype series continues with Enneagram 6: The Loyalist. We chat with writer Cheri Hudspith, visual artist L. Camille Calloway, writer and therapist Camden Morgante, and visual artist Kate McEnroe, all about what life as an artist 6 is like, how they manage the anxiety, get unstuck, and create with joy. Our BFF Enneagram coach, Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic, also returns to educate on a notable polarity with 6s.
Invitation:
Find your ragtag team of people and invite them to support you and one another. Accept Love’s invitation, listen to where and with whom you can find your creative community, and show up faithfully for yourself and others.
Cheri Hudspith, writer and spiritual director Kate McEnroe, mixed media artist Camden Morgante, writer and therapist L. Camille Callaway, visual artist David Gate Enneagram Poems Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Buy Merideth a coffee Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original Show Notes:
In this episode of our Creative Archetypes Series, Merideth chats with Enneagram 5s about their internal experience as artists. Guests Marsha Crockett (spiritual director and author), Kate Riney (creative marketing strategist, content creator, storyteller, and coach), and Morgan Strehlow (literary agent and freelance author) chat about the castles 5s create in their minds, how to overcome analysis paralysis, and the 5s secret weapon in the creative process: enthusiasm. Plus, our favorite Enneagram coach, Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic, pops on to share some insights, including how to be a good friend to a 5.
Invitation: Follow your enthusiasm wherever it goes. Ask: "What am I curious about? What is that thing, maybe random or seemingly silly, that I really care about?" Do some research about it and explore it, let your enthusiasm lead the way. After you do some research, call your favorite friend and share with them what you are learning.
Marsha Crockett, Spiritual Director and Author
Kate Riney, Content Creator, Storyteller, and Coach
Morgan Strehlow, Literary Agent and Freelance Author (including Morgan’s manuscript wishlist)
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Buy Merideth a coffee
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
This week on the podcast, the Creative Archetype Series continues with Enneagram 4. Merideth chats with Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic about life as a 4. Plus, writers Kristin Vanderlip and Mara Eller, and painter Jennifer Hintz Eggers, share their insights on how to move beyond feelings and into doing and what we can all try to channel our inner Enneagram 4 to foster creative joy.
Invitation:
Listen to a few tracks from this album and feel your feelings.
Don't journal or try to fix anything yet. Ask yourself: "How are you feeling today?" and let the emotions come. When you are done, take whatever has come up for you and use it as creative fodder for something small-- a poem, painting, letter, card, or a meal that makes you feel comfort. Respond to whatever feelings you feel by making something.
Mara Eller Website Kristin Vanderlip Jennifer Hintz Eggers Burnout: Completing the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski David Gate Enneagram Poems Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy Buy Merideth a coffee
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
This week in the Creative Archetypes Series, we hear from Enneagram 3s. Merideth chats with Ashley Hall-Tighe, trumpet player and certified life coach, Nii Codjoe, product researcher and career coach, and Tombo Hite, attorney, whose biggest claim to fame is that he’s Merideth’s older brother. :)
They explore the 3’s secret weapon for getting things done, how to calm the chaos when you’re going 100 mph, plus how to find your true worthiness outside of your achievements.
Invitation:
3's Super Power—The To-do List
Before you start your day or a creative session, make a list of things that you’d like to accomplish. Imagine what you’d like to say you’ve done by the end of the day. Hold the list loosely. Check in with yourself as you work. Let the list push you forward when you are feeling uninspired or unsure of what to do next. And if you get to the end of the day and your list is unfinished, take a deep breath and try again tomorrow. Remember: you are not defined by all you get done or don’t.
Ashley Hall-Tighe, Trumpeter/Life Coach Coachingthewholemusician IG Nii Codjoe, Product Researcher/Career Coach Tombo Hite, Attorney at Law David Gate Enneagram Cards Buy Merideth a Coffee Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy Email Merideth with a question or comment: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
Our Creative Archetypes Series continues this week with Enneagram 2’s “The Helper.” Merideth chats with author Holly Oxhandler. Holly is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Associate Professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health, and mental health, and as a studio art minor in college, she embeds creativity into every aspect of her life and work. Merideth and Holly explore how to be a helper without burning out and seeing creativity as an act of self-care and connection.
Other 2 voices in the episode: piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock and author/spiritual growth coach Stephanie Miller.
Invitation:
- Put your oxygen mask on first. Write 3 pages of longhand stream of consciousness first thing upon waking. After you finish writing, step outside of yourself, re-read your pages and look for clues about what it is you need. What is one thing you could give to yourself today that you need? Be your own helper, mother, giver, or friend.
- Having taken care of yourself, look at those around you and ask the same question. What needs do I see? How can I serve them personally— with a phone call or a bouquet of fresh flowers— or creatively—with a handmade card or homecooked meal? Use your creativity to find connection and collaboration, to comfort yourself and others.
Holly’s website
Holly’s newsletter
Holly’s book
Jerome Lubbe’s teaching
Connect with Christina Whitlock: Piano Instructor, Beyond Measure Podcast
Connect with Stephanie Miller: Author, Writing Coach, Spiritual Growth Coach
David Gate Enneagram Poem Postcards
Buy Merideth a Coffee
Register for the Artists for Joy enneagram workshop
This summer, while I continue to heal from surgery and dream up Season 6, I am re-airing our most popular series: Creative Archetypes!
If you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, you can listen to the intro episode from the original 2023 series here.
And if you are familiar and know your number, might I suggest you listen to each episode (even those that aren't about your number) to develop empathy and understanding of those who see the world differently. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and relationship transformation, for artists and everyone!
If you have episode ideas, dream guest suggestions, or other feedback for me, drop me an email hello@artistsforjoy.org
Original show notes:
Perfectionism can keep us from starting altogether, stop us mid-art, and suck the joy out of the finished creative project. Can you relate?
This week on the podcast, Merideth chats with Enneagram One, Kendra Adachi (aka The Lazy Genius) about holding creative goals loosely, embracing imperfection, and becoming the architecture of your creative life.
Invitation:
-
Kendra's advice: "Ask someone you trust what they believe you bring to the creative process."
-
Explore The Lazy Genius' Magic Question: "What can I do now to make something easier later?"
-
Kendra says she lives by Suzanne Stabile's question, "What is mine to do?" Take this question to your journal and see what comes up.
Kendra Adachi’s Lazy Genius Collective
Elizabeth Joy Hooker’s IG
David Gate, poet, Enneagram Postcards
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Enjoy the episode? Buy Merideth a coffee
This week, I’m recovering from an unexpected surgery! I will have more to say about this soon, but for now, enjoy these words I wrote about rest back in 2020, the first year of this podcast.
What are your favorite ways to creatively rest? Tell me in the comments for this post on IG
Burnout Talk @ International Double Reed Society Convention in Indy
June Joyster Meet-Up
Original Show notes:
Do you know how to rest? This week Merideth explores the full spectrum of rest from an artist's perspective-- from mind-numbing TV to the REM cycles of the coveted 8 hours of sleep. She explores one writer's idea on how to do nothing, how we might translate our knack for creativity into a practice of restorative rest, and how this idea is built right into the creative process itself.
Read more about Jenny Odell's book here. Listen to Jessica X. Osborne here. Download Jason Blythe's music here.
This week: a rare unscripted episode! Merideth chats candidly about what's bringing her joy this spring. From shoes to hair accessories to writing playlists and everything in between, give it a listen and let us know what brings you joy in the comments for this episode on IG: @artistsforjoy.
Some links (non-affiliate)
- Gola sneakers from Anthropologie
- Robe curls
- Writing playlist on Spotify
Become a Joyster on Patreon and support the podcast
Subscribe to Merideth's email list
Read some early material from my new book, Art is How God Loves Us
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Rene, a musical theater writer and composer. Rene opens up about navigating a creative block that feels a bit like living in the show Severance. Despite a lifelong connection to the piano, she finds herself staring at 88 keys like they’re strangers. So what happens when something you love becomes inaccessible?
Rene shares candidly about the emotional weight of turning her passion into her profession, and how that shift introduced pressure, shame, and sky-high expectations that made creativity feel more like a performance than a joy.
Merideth and Rene explore the connection between being a beginner at speaking a new language and rediscovering the wonder of music. Leveling up a skill can feel uncomfortable, but it can also be an opportunity to grow and restore a sense of awe.
Rene’s exploration is a gift to anyone who’s ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure if they can still do the thing they used to love. If you’re trying to find your way back to creativity — or moving forward to a new find a version of it — this one’s for you.
Apply to record a joy session with Merideth
Support the show on Patreon
Learn about the Creative Leap Mini-Mastermind
Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth sits down with Lexy, a writer and illustrator on the verge of releasing her first poetry collection. Though she had hoped to include her own artwork, Lexy found herself creatively blocked. As the conversation unfolds, she realizes she’s been overlooking just how far she’s come. Shifting from the lens of an “abused child” to one of “why not me?” opens a new sense of possibility, allowing her to embrace her strength and resilience rather than fear of vulnerability. Lexy recalls the courage it took to ask for help with the illustrations and feels pride in the accomplishment of collaboratively moving forward with a lifelong dream of getting her work published.
Lexy reminds us that while both encouragement and criticism can shape how we see ourselves, we ultimately hold the power to decide our own self-view. By choosing kindness and gentleness over guilt and shame, we create a more joyful and sustainable path forward.
Apply to record a joy session with Merideth
Support the show on Patreon
Learn about the Creative Leap Mini-Mastermind
Subscribe to the Email List
Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG
This week on the podcast, author Maria Bowler (Making Time) returns to talk with Merideth about the creative process behind long-term projects. They dive into the emotional highs and lows—from starting something big, navigating the messy middle, facing self-doubt, and detaching identity from the work. Learn how to find support, balance creativity with marketability, and celebrate the finish line—with a mantra to carry you through the whole journey.
Join the next Creative Leap Mastermind
Maria Bowler's Substack
This week on the podcast, I have another installment of our Art's Open Door series. Through the lens of Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel," for piano and violin, we explore the profound act of letting go: in parenting, in art, and in our relationship with the divine.
Tell me what you think about this episode on IG
Read the transcript on Substack here
Content warning: birth and medical trauma
A throwback episode to remind you to join us live on Patreon for our Enneagram & Motivation workshop on April 11th at 3 PM EST! Register or check out the replay when it becomes available here.
Check out the Spotify playlist with all the episodes of the Enneagram series here.
Original shownotes:
Without further ado, our summer Enneagram series begins now! Merideth chats with enneagram coach Lee Fields (the impetus for this entire series) about how each Enneagram number's energy is needed in bringing a creative project from ideation to completion.
Invitation: read through the list and circle a few that resonate with you. If you don’t know your type yet, check out these other enneagram resources.
8’s strive to feel powerful, resist other peoples’ boundaries
9’s strive to feel peaceful, resist their own priorities
1’s strive to feel perfect, resist relaxing
2’s strive to feel connected, resist tending to their own needs
3’s strive to feel outstanding, resist slowing down
4’s strive to feel unique, resist ordinary tasks
5’s strive to feel detached, resist engaging with others
6’s strive to feel secure, resist trusting others, the process, or themselves
7’s strive to feel excited, resist stillness, savoring, or appreciating what they have
Connect with Lee
Submit a "Sounds of Joy" video: hello@artistsforjoy.org
Love the show? Buy Merideth a coffee.
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Amber, a seminary graduate who desires to have the courage to try launching a business in spiritual direction in the midst of chronic illness. She has already done the brave work of dreaming what’s possible, but the next step is to figure out how to make it happen while honoring her capacity and maintaining her energy. Together, they unpack the challenges of fear, self-doubt, grief, and financial uncertainty.
Amber reminds us that bravery is a practice, there isn’t only one way to be a successful and fulfilled entrepreneur, and that no action is too small.
Apply to record a joy session with Merideth
Become a Joyster and join the Enneagram and Motivation Meet-Up
Read Merideth’s latest Substack
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth chats with Margie, an author and speaker, who struggles with financial abundance despite having plenty of work. She reveals a complex relationship with money stemming from her upbringing and shares her desire to make a global impact through speaking and client work. Margie also explores the challenges of balancing her energy at this specific time in her life, as she longs to pursue her true potential. Don’t miss this deeply relatable and inspiring conversation about overcoming blocks and becoming the person you long to be.
Apply to record a joy session with Merideth
Become a Joyster and join the Enneagram and Motivation Meet-Up
Read Merideth’s latest Substack
Today’s episode is a throwback from Season 3 and was originally titled “Creative Lies: All or Nothing.”
Original show notes:
Merideth debunks a common creative conundrum this week: “It’s all or nothing.” She shares what she is learning, creating in the cracks during her own life stage, plus thoughts from listeners from all creative disciplines and experience levels. Listen for some truths to replace the all-or-nothing thinking and get inspired!
Sergio Sandí’s new Beethoven Piano Sonatas Album
How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review
Leave us a review here (We need just five more to reach our goal!)
Tell us how you create in the cracks
Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407
Support the work of Artists for Joy
Another installment of Merideth's "Art's Open Door," this week on the podcast, Merideth reads a personal essay about finding her true path as an artist, moving away from "shadow careers" and discovering the joy of "Simple Gifts" in her musical journey.
Read the text version of the essay on Substack
Leave a comment on IG
Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts
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In today’s episode, Merideth shares six things that are bringing her joy this winter. From bathrobes to new mindsets to female medieval theologians, you’re gonna love this one.
Tell her what is bringing you joy in the comments on IG or Substack.
Check out all the links mentioned in the show on Substack
Join our next Joyster Monthly Meet-Up on March 10th (or catch the replay!)
In today's podcast episode, you'll hear inspiring artist oaths from Christina Mathis, Jennifer Gatz, and Janet Parker, members of the inaugural Artist's Joy Creative Cluster last year. These inspiring artists crafted a powerful manifesto as part of our work in the cohort and have transformed their lives by embracing imperfection, quieting the inner critic, and prioritizing their creative lives and well-being. If you want to write your own oath, check out my book “The Artist's Joy" and sign up for our next cohort which launches in September of this year. I am grateful to Christina, Jennifer, and Janet for sharing these inspiring oaths on the podcast! Links from the show notes: Get your copy of “The Artist's Joy” Support the Show on Patreon Join the next Artist’s Joy Creative Cluster
Today, Merideth’s guest is Rebe Huntman, author of "My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic and Miracle." Rebe shares her journey as a multi-passionate artist, from her early days as a professional Latin dancer and choreographer to becoming a writer. She discusses her deep connection to Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and the importance of pushing past the "tortured artist" stereotype to find joy in creativity. Rebe opens up about the long and winding path to publishing her memoir, including the challenges of finding an agent and the importance of believing in her unique story. She also delves into the themes of grief, loss, and healing and how her experiences in Cuba helped her reconnect with her mother and explore a variety of rich cultural and spiritual traditions.
Get My Mother in Havana
Read More about Rebe
Rebe’s Artist’s Oath
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In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Katie, an interdisciplinary artist who desires to be more present with her daughter, plus pursue her art and movement in a sustainable and nurturing way. Merideth and Katie explore weaving together identities of Mother, Mover, and Maker. They talk about Katie's struggle with negative self-talk and judgment, plus a fear of monetizing her art.
Katie identifies ways to be present in the moment, even when it's murky or uncomfortable. She feels a weight lifted realizing she can take the pressure off herself and make progress toward her desires even in the midst of uncertainty.
Tell us what resonated about this episode on IG
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In today’s episode, Merideth shares an essay from her Substack series, "Art's Open Door," which explores the intersection of creativity and spirituality. Through the lens of Billy Collins’ poem “Introduction to Poetry,” the essay reflects on the challenges of a "portfolio career" and offers a new more hopeful perspective when life feels overwhelmingly full.
Show notes:
Read the essay on Substack
Support the podcast on Patreon
Join the next creative cluster
In this episode, Merideth chats with Angie Kim, award-winning author of Miracle Creek and Happiness Falls. Angie shares her journey of publishing her first novel at 50, her evolving creative process, and how her experiences as a Korean immigrant have shaped her storytelling.
We talk about:
- How Angie’s creative process has changed from periods of intense, long hours to a more balanced approach using a timer to write for two hours a day.
- The importance of integrating a myriad of life experiences into creative work and never believing it’s too late to write the book or create the work you dream of making.
- A new perspective on finding lasting happiness and joy in creative pursuits and life in general.
Angiekimbooks.com
Angie Kim’s first novel: Miracle Creek won the Edgar Award and ITW Thriller Award and was named one of Time's "100 Best Mysteries and Thrillers of All Time."
Angie Kim’s second novel: Happiness Falls an instant New York Times bestseller and has been featured by Good Morning America, Barnes & Noble, Belletrist, and the Book of the Month Club.
Angie's Instagram
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Join the next FREE Creative Cluster with Merideth
Today, Merideth's guest is the delightful Maria Bowler, a writer, coach, and retreat leader who views creativity as a spiritual, political, and existential issue. She struggled with creative blocks early in life and found that the typical advice of focusing on craft or routine didn't solve the deeper issue. Her new book, "Making Time: a New Vision for Crafting a Life beyond Productivity," offers a different perspective on overcoming resistance and embracing imperfection. In this powerful book, Maria encourages all with this truth: creativity is not about what we produce but about who we are as makers.
Get Making Time
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Maria’s Substack
Maria’s IG
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Today on the podcast, our first newly recorded show of 2025! Merideth gets honest about what she was up to during the break and offers a simple mantra that has replaced her word of the year. This one is for all of us feeling overwhelmed and longing for some gentle encouragement to keep showing up, especially when life feels "lifey."
See pics from the trip and read the essay on Substack
Patreon
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In today’s Joy Session, Merideth chats with Sarah, who longs to commit more fully to her creative practice while balancing the demands of work and family. They explore the values driving Sarah's artistic pursuits and a perceived conflict with her desire for stability and security. The session delves into the internal shifts necessary for Sarah to embrace her artistic identity and prioritize her creative expression amidst life's responsibilities. As she redefines what taking her art more seriously means for her, she uncovers a powerful message for anyone living the complexities of a seeking fulfilling artistic life while juggling multiple roles and expectations.
Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Support the show on Patreon
Mara Eller's "Wake Up Wanting to Write" Workshop (where she describes writing as a relationship)
This week on the podcast, Merideth coaches Robyn, a writer and editor who struggles with procrastination. Through the Joy Session, Robyn identifies the underlying fear and shame associated with her procrastination and explores ways to cultivate self-compassion. Merideth and Robyn explore deadlines and plans of action to reduce stress, and Robyn develops rituals of reflection and introspection so as to feel more grounded in her innate sense of worthiness.
Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Support the show on Patreon
This week on the podcast, we will choose your word(s) of the year! Grab your journal and earbuds and explore the prompts paired with meditative music to craft an intentional, creative year with joy.
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Reflect on 2024: looking through your phone at photos of the last year, ask yourself: what do I wish there had been more of? If you had a word(s) of the year, in what ways did you see them reflected in your life? If you didn’t, based on the last twelve months, what words might you have been living by?
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Now looking forward: Answer this question with a stream-of-consciousness list–
This year, regardless of my circumstances, I want to feel…
Write as many words as possible about how you want to show up in 2025.
- Read your list and circle the words that resonate most. Look especially for verbs or action words. Take the list of circled words and make a fresh list. If anything is missing, add it now.
Sit with this list of words for a few days. Talk to a loved one, therapist, or coach about it.
What activities, deadlines, trips, and events are coming up in 2025, and which of these word(s) will help you show up as you most want to, regardless of the outcomes or circumstances?
Narrow it down to one (or more) words you’ll live by this year.
Please share yours with me on Instagram on the post for this episode @artistsforjoy so we can cheer you on.
Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster
Support the show on Patreon
This week on the podcast, our annual Christmas episode: a meditation originally released in essay form for the Advent Art series on Substack. This reflection explores the intersection of faith and creativity, delving into a lesser-known carol, "Of the Father's Love Begotten." It reflects on the beautiful-terrible human experience and how Christmas reminds us that each effort of creativity is an act of love.
Read the full essay on Substack
Creative Leap Mastermind
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Learn more about the First Nations Translation
This week on the podcast, Merideth answers one listener question with a WHOLE episode: how do you cultivate a more joyful daily practice routine? She offers five ideas for how to find joy in the creative process, even when you're faced with challenges like unproductive or frustrating practice sessions, writer's block, lack of inspiration and more. Whether you're an artist seeking to reignite your passion or simply someone who yearns to embrace your creativity, this one has practical advice and inspiration for infusing your creative journey with joy. Creative Leap
Energy episode
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Submit your question to Merideth
Check out the GRAMMY nominee for Best Folk Album: American Patchwork Quartet
Read the crowd-sourced poem "Creativity Is..." by the Sage Cohort of "The Artist's Joy" on IG
This week is my 41st birthday! In celebration, I've got a throwback episode featuring my favorite coaching exercise to use with artists. Grab your journal and give it a listen.
Do this exercise with me live this month in our Patreon community! Learn more here.
___
Original show notes:
Whatever you are feeling about fall, bring it on over to this the podcast equivalent of a fire pit and we’ll talk it out. This week Merideth shares a coaching exercise that will help you name your inner team members, resource their skills, and cultivate a sense of self-compassion for the multitudes you contain.
Graydin
Episode 75
Beethoven's Heiligenstadt Testament
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Transcript
Today on the podcast: a mini-episode to keep you company during this holiday time! Festive Focus–how to manage your time and not lose your joy during the holidays. Listen for practical tips and good questions to ponder when facing a crazy schedule laden with emotionally taxing--if joyful--time with friends and family. Stay to the end to hear an exciting announcement about a new offering in 2025.
Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG
Support the podcast on Patreon
Get the Spark Joy with Play workshop replay
Review the podcast
Join the email list to get the Friday episode in your inbox
Creative Leap Mastermind
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth pulls back the curtain on creative coaching with Carrie who is longing to finish her memoir. They explore how finding the right tool at the right time is central to overcoming fears of not being good enough and making progress that feels sustainable and joyful. Carrie leaves with two new practices that will help her shift her lens around writing and surrender to the power of the creative process.
Apply to get a free coaching call and be featured on a Joy Session
Subscribe to Merideth's email list
Learn more about coaching
Join Patreon
Buy Merideth’s book
Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG
This week on the podcast, Ask Merideth Anything!
Merideth answers listener questions about creativity, burnout, parenting, and spirituality. You'll learn how to meet the inner artist's resistance with compassion, recognize creative burnout, and explore the intersection of artistic expression and spiritual practice. She shares insights on cultivating gratitude and creativity in children and navigating the challenges of parenting young artists. Merideth reflects on her evolving definition of success, and the episode concludes with a message of encouragement for listeners who are struggling at this moment in time. This one is full of wholehearted honesty and encouragement.
Burnout book
Burnout episode of Artists for Joy
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Subscribe to Merideth’s Substack
Support the podcast on Patreon
Review the podcast
Email your question to be answered in future AMAs: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This week, Merideth shares a vulnerable story of a recent self-hatred spiral. She explores how and why artists are particularly hard on themselves. If you've ever wondered if your mistakes are moral failings, this one is for you. Merideth gives practical advice for when you are stuck and shares how turning up the voices of self-compassion in the face of shame is crucial for sustainable growth and change.
Join the November 11th "Sparking Joy through Play" Workshop
Become a Joyster to try "Who's in your car?" with Merideth next month
How to be you, Season 3, Episode 2
Musical Meditation: Inner Team Huddle
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Celebrate 200 episodes of Artist for Joy with listeners offering their best advice for artists + something they've learned from Artists for Joy. Merideth also shares what to do when you're hesitant to celebrate, reflections on finding your voice, a surprise peek into an early recording, and more.
What a joyful ride! Thank you for listening. Here's to the next 200!
Support the show with your dollars on Patreon
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
This week on the podcast, Merideth celebrates (almost) 200 episodes by looking back on everything we've learned in joyful mashup form! Listen for a turbo-sized creative pep talk, a love letter to you, my podcast listeners. <3
Support us on Patreon
Taming the Inner Gremlin Workshop
Enneagram series playlist
Record a 200-episode celebration voice memo to be featured in next week’s episode
Help us reach 200 reviews on Apple Podcasts
This week on the podcast, I’ve got 10 things that are bringing me joy this fall. Some are deep and others may, at first glance, seem trivial, but this collection of what’s bringing me joy adds up to a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts: in a profoundly simple way, these small wonders are saving my life in this season. By consciously bringing good things to mind, we teach our brains to look for the good, and we relive those joyful moments through the remembering. Hit reply and let me know what's bringing you joy these days! Links: (some are Affiliate, which means I make a few dollars when you purchase) See pictures and find all the links in one place in this week's Substack NY Times Reader’s Choice Top 10 List Amazon storefront with all the products mentioned here (+ other things I love!) Home Chef: Get 18 meals for free when you sign up here Created Colorful: $20 off your color analysis with code FORJOY
This episode originally aired in October 2023. Enjoy this throwback while Merideth practices some self-care ;)
Read "Let Art Be Light," Merideth's latest substack piece
Original Show Notes:
This week on the show, Merideth answers a question we all tend to ask when the world is on fire. How can I feel creative joy in the face of violence, injustice, and brokenness? She explores why art matters in these moments, especially, and how our creativity offers us a place to process the pain and turn our anxiety into energy that can make a difference. The late famous conductor, Leonard Bernstein, answers the age-old question, “How can we go on?” and we learn about two fantastic non-profits using creativity to change the world.
Peace Drums Project
Little Sun
Pre-order Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy
Buy Merideth a coffee
Email your question to be read on the air: hello@artistsforjoy.org
Photo cred: littlesun.org
In today’s podcast, the final installment of our Joy Sessions series, Merideth chats with Christina, a musician, coach, and teacher who wants to reexamine the beliefs and negative inner dialogue she’s been having about performing. They explore perfectionism, performance anxiety, how to show up authentically when we cannot stop judging ourselves, and so much more. By the end of the call, Christina begins to give herself permission to live out the advice she offers her students, to embrace and enjoy the very human and authentic experience of making music, and to offer herself self-compassion along the way.
Coach with Merideth (non-recorded)
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This week’s episode features a Joy Session with Mara, a writer who wants to write a novel but struggles to find the time or energy. We watch Mara identify the underlying reasons for her creative block, including fear of failure and too much focus on the product rather than the process. She names a deep desire for community and encouragement from other writers. BONUS: At the end of this week's episode, Merideth shares an update from Mara about a week or so after the session, naming how an epiphany renewed her hope and motivation to continue pursuing her creative writing goals. Links: Join the email list to get the Friday episode in your inbox Support us on Patreon Apply to get a free coaching call and be featured on a Joy Session Buy Merideth’s book, The Artist’s Joy
Continuing our new series, Joy Sessions, I chat with Jessi, a musician and educator who reflects on how, as a multipassionate artist, she could engage with music in a more meaningful way. We explore the idea of experimentation and taking small, sustainable steps towards this goal, recognizing the need for a different kind of energy than the usual "discipline button" approach. The conversation highlights the importance of keeping the thread of musical engagement alive through exploration and connection, allowing for a more fulfilling and sustainable relationship with the art form. If you are interested in doing a coaching call for a future Joy Sessions episode, click here. Links from the show notes: Subscribe to Merideth's email list Learn more about coaching Join Patreon Buy Merideth’s book Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG
Introducing: Joy Sessions. Each week I'll feature excerpts from real sessions with artists of all disciplines, pulling back the curtain on creative coaching as we focus on overcoming creative challenges and finding joy in the artistic process.
This week, Merideth chats with Ericka, a writer who longs to set herself free from the shame cycle of past and current criticism.
Learn more about coaching
Join Patreon
Buy Merideth’s book
Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG
This week on the podcast, the first installment of a new series started earlier this week over on Substack called “Art’s Open Door,” where we’ll explore the profound ways creativity and spirituality intersect and how viewing art through a spiritual lens is a powerful tool for well-being, connection, and joy.
Usually, these essays will only exist in blog form at artistsforjoy.substack.com, but this week, I am giving you a sneak peek into this new content.
If you enjoy these more spiritual writings, subscribe to Substack here.
The Common Heart: An Experience of Interreligious Dialogue
Register for the Creative Enneagram 2.0 Workshop
This week on the podcast: a musical meditation for making sense of life. In this guided reflection, explore the following: 1. Consider your life’s puzzle. Hold a couple of pieces in your hand, and consider now the growth that each piece represents. What do you see? 2. Look for the piece(s) that don’t seem to fit. What experiences or areas of growth or interest, disparate parts of your journey of life–good or hard—have you yet to accept as your own? Even though you may not yet be able to make sense of certain pieces, ask: what might they be teaching me? 3. Find the jagged edge of the puzzle, and consider the ways you are growing, the piece you are filling in now. How can you love yourself as you are becoming? What do you want yourself to remember now, in this season?
Links from the show notes: Join the next Creative Cluster Buy Merideth's book Get your printable journal Register for the Creative Enneagram 2.0 Workshop
This week on the podcast, a new metaphor to cultivate more resilience, perspective, and joy while we work to make sense of our lives.
Join the next Creative Cluster
Buy Merideth's book
Get your printable journal
This week on the podcast, Merideth offers a pep talk for artists and creatives who feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, particularly during transitional periods like the month of August.
Grab your worksheet, so you can:
- Name your season
- Decide if you need a new routine or rhythm (or both!)
- Discover the small step you'd like to take toward your goal
Join the next Creative Cluster
Buy Merideth's book
Watch the replay of the Procrastination Workshop by becoming a paid supporter on Patreon
This week Merideth offers some strategies to overcome procrastination to embrace a more joyful and fulfilling creative life. She offers 3 common lies we tell ourselves when we are having a hard time getting things done:
- I'm lazy.
- I just need the right routine.
- I'll wait for inspiration to feel motivated.
She then translates these less-than-helpful thought patterns into questions to unlock what we really need to keep moving.
Buy Merideth's book The Artist's Joy
Check out K.C. Davis' book "How to Keep House While Drowning"
Join the next Creative Cluster
Leave a review of Merideth's book: Amazon and Goodreads
Get your printable journal:
Join Merideth for a Procrastination Workshop (or watch the replay) by becoming a paid supporter on Patreon
Stream "Oath to Joy" by Angela Sheik (The Artist's Joy theme song!)
Back from the first leg of her book tour, Merideth shares a little about how she’s still learning how to celebrate in this throwback from October 2022.
Original show notes:
Why is it so much easier to celebrate the accomplishments of others than it is our own? Merideth shares two things she is forcing herself to celebrate these days and why she believes celebration should be a core value for every artist.
Support the podcast
Celebrate with us by leaving us a review
Write to Merideth
Catherine Ricketts, essayist, songwriter, writing instructor, and author of The Mother Artist: Portraits of Ambition, Limitation, and Creativity, is my guest today.
We talk about:
- The historical underrepresentation of mothers in the art world and the societal factors contributing to this.
- The tension between caring for children and dedicating time to creative work.
- The importance of support systems, self-belief, and a sense of purpose for mothers.
- The value of art created by mothers and how we can all support all caregivers in their creative pursuits.
Connect with Catherine on IG
Catherinedanaricketts.com
Order “The Mother Artist”
Find Merideth on her book tour
Order “The Artist’s Joy”
In the final installment of this inspiring series, Robin White, Joshua Long, Lorrie Fredette, and Merideth Hite Estevez read their Artist's Oath.
The culmination of Merideth's book, "The Artist's Joy," the Artist's Oath is a powerful coaching exercise that helps artists name how they want to show up in the world and what they believe. When we stay connected to our values, we are able to move through creative challenges and tough decisions with confidence and grace for ourselves and others.
In this episode:
Robin White
Joshua Long
Lorrie Fredette (photo cred Deborah DeGraffenreid)
Merideth Hite Estevez
Connect with Merideth on her book tour
This episode features Artist's Oaths, written and read by Elmer Perry, David Westerlund, Sara McMahon, and Sila Wolf. The culmination of Merideth's book, "The Artist's Joy," the Artist's Oath is a powerful coaching exercise that helps artists name how they want to show up in the world and what they believe. When we stay connected to our values, we are able to move through creative challenges and tough decisions with confidence and grace for ourselves and others.
In this episode: Elmer Perry, Jr David Westerlund Sara McMahon's IG and website Sila Wolf Connect with Merideth on her book tour
This episode features Artist's Oath's written and read by Kelsey Bogan, David James, and Karen Rege.
The culmination of Merideth's book, "The Artist's Joy," the Artist's Oath is a powerful coaching exercise that helps artists name how they want to show up in the world and what they believe. When we stay connected to our values, we are able to move through creative challenges and tough decisions with confidence and grace for ourselves and others.
About the artists in this episode:
Kelsey Bogan:
Kelsey IG
Kelsey's Facebook
bravelightart.com David James:
David James IG
The Moonlit Wild (David James, bass)
Karen Rege:
Connect with Karen on Facebook
Karen’s LinkedIn
Listen to Karen’s Music
Connect with Merideth on her book tour
In today's episode, Merideth chats with artist, composer, and songwriter Angela Sheik. Angela (whose name you may recognize from every episode's credits as our resident theme songwriter here at Artists for Joy) composed a full-length anthemic jam for Merideth's new book "The Artist's Joy." In this episode, you'll hear the complete track for the first time!
They also discuss how central community is in finding sustainable creative practice and what to do when you feel like quitting.
"The Artist's Joy" theme song, "Oath to Joy," will be available to stream and download in August, but for now, enjoy this world premiere here on the podcast.
Follow Angela on Spotify
Angelasheik.com
Buy Merideth's book (a best-seller new release in the creativity category on Amazon!)
Join The Artist's Joy Creative Cluster
This week on the podcast, Merideth gives the mic to Kenneth Moton, a TV news journalist and childhood friend, and together they dive deep into her new book, The Artist's Joy.
Kenneth and "Meri" explore the book's relevance to a broad audience, Meri's motivation for writing the book, her journey of creative recovery, and the concept of using creativity as a means of self-discovery. They explore themes of vulnerability, the healing power of music, and the spiritual dimension of creativity.
Order The Artist's Joy
Grab your pre-order bonuses
Get your FREE printable journal
Follow Kenneth on IG
This week, I am reading an excerpt from The Artist's Joy-- this time from the Prelude (that's what I call the Introduction) of the book. I explore why I believe seeking joy is a worthwhile pursuit for all people, but especially artists, as well as more about my “why” behind the book and who exactly it is for. (Hint: its for you!) Give it a listen and if you can, would you mind sharing this episode with a friend who might enjoy it? I'd really appreciate it. Links: Merideth's book: The Artist's Joy Get your pre-order bonuses Become a Patreon Supporter Catch the replay of the Enneagram Workshop The Artist's Joy Printable Journal
Do you ever worry they will figure out you actually have no idea what you are doing? Studies show that imposter syndrome, the feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of success, affects everyone. It reared its ugly (and soul-sucking) head in my life this week during one of the busiest times of my career, maybe ever. And so here's what I did: I sat down and wrote a podcast that we could all hopefully learn from. This week’s episode— The 5 C's of Inner Strength: * Confide in someone * Cultivate consistent practice * Offer Compassion to others and yourself * Consider the "spotlight effect" * Craft your worthiness words.
My hope for us is that we'll remember our value and embrace the joy and hope in the creative journey. Links: Merideth's book: The Artist's Joy Artists for Joy IG Become a Patreon Supporter Join our Enneagram Workshop on June 10th The Artist's Joy Printable Journal
This week, Merideth chats with two fellow writers, Sarah E. Westfall and Jenai Auman. They explore ways to foster joy for the long haul as they discuss their experiences writing and publishing their first traditionally published books together. (They come out within weeks of each other!) Merideth, Sarah, and Jenai emphasize the importance of community, celebrating milestones, and managing vulnerability, and offer encouragement for finding joy in the creative process itself and staying true to oneself despite challenges.
Merideth's book: The Artist's Joy
Artists for Joy IG
Jenai Auman, author and artist
Jenai's book: Othered
Sarah E. Westfall, author and speaker
Sarah's book: The Way of Belonging
This week, Merideth reads an excerpt from Chapter 3, "Ode to Creative Devotion," from her forthcoming book, The Artist's Joy.
THE most important tool for creative joy (after taking care of yourself) is the creative devotion routine. Are you in a practice rut? Too busy to create in this season of life? Do you have a time management challenge? Maybe you’re good at getting things done, but you feel like you’re going through the motions—joyless and blocked? Let's craft a sustainable creative practice that sparks joy with creative devotion.
Download your printable workbook for The Artist's Joy and flip to Chapter 3 (pages 8-9) to read the self-coaching questions and the exercise for crafting your routine with joy.
Pre-order The Artist's Joy
The Artist's Joy Printable Journal (Flip to Chapter 3 (pages 8 and 9) for the creative devotion questions!)
Join the launch team
Support us on Patreon
In today’s episode, I give you a sneak peek into the overarching structure of my new book, The Artist’s Joy, and share a bit about the meaning behind its central metaphor. I also chat with Rebe Huntman, author and multi-passionate artist, who shares her Artist’s Oath. Links: The original Artist's Oath podcast Pre-order Merideth’s book “The Artist’s Joy” Connect with Rebe on IG Pre-order Rebe’s book, “My Mother in Havana” Join “The Artist’s Joy” Launch Team Rebe quoted the following artists in her Artist’s Oath: Elizabeth Gilbert, Emily Dickinson, Rumi, Buckminster Fuller, Maira Kalman, Ocean Vuong, & Rachel Held Evans.
Today’s episode encourages us all to “mind the gap” between our dreams and reality, between the current state of a creative project and where we long for it to be.
Listen for encouragement to keep going despite all the gap's perils!
See the first Call for Art submission created by Elmer Perry
Join “The Artist’s Joy” Launch Team
Citytransportinfo video of the London tube
BBC article about Oswald Laurence
Season 5 Premiere!
What if inside every creative block is an invitation? Today on the show: a story about what a chance traffic encounter taught me about responding to block. Links: The Instrument Is You Episode Mental Health Resource Page Book Launch Call for Art Book Launch Team Sign-Up Form Pre-Order The Artist's Joy Submit your Sounds of Joy video to the show
SEASON 4 Finale!
This openhearted, vulnerable conversation with author and knitter Sarah Bessey is the perfect way to tie a bow on Season 4 of Artists for Joy.
In this interview, Merideth and Sarah discuss:
- The spiritual nature of creative practice
- The important difference between self-care and self-comfort
- Processing the grief of losing friend and fellow author Rachel Held Evans
- What Sarah does when she's creatively blocked
Merideth shares some of what she'll be doing during the upcoming podcast hiatus and how you can stay updated on what's new with Artists for Joy, so listen all the way to the end!
Buy Sarah’s new book, Field Notes for the Wilderness
Connect with Sarah
Evolving Faith Conference
Book Merideth to speak
Become a paid subscriber on Patreon
Artists for Joy IG
Artists for Joy Substack
Emily P. Freeman is a writer and spiritual space-maker. She is the author of six books, including the Wall Street Journal Bestseller "The Next Right Thing: A Simple Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions" and "How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away."
In this episode, Emily joins host Merideth Hite Estevez to discuss discernment, creativity, and joy. They talk about how to make every aspect of life creative, how to overcome people-pleasing (the answer will surprise you!), and the most valuable creative inspiration Emily's received lately.
This episode is perfect for anyone looking to create a more soulful and intentional life. Whether you're struggling with decision fatigue, feeling stuck in your creative process, or simply want to learn more about how to live with more joy, Emily’s insights and advice are sure to be helpful.
How to Walk Into a Room (Emily’s newest book)
Emily’s Substack: The Soul Minimalist
The Artist’s Joy: A Guide to Getting Unstuck, Embracing Imperfection, and Loving Your Creative by Merideth
This week, Merideth offers a self-coaching exercise to help you create your path.
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Name what’s on your mind before we begin: Is there a fork in the road you see coming around the bend? Is there a question you’ve been asking yourself about your creative practice or life that you want to explore with gentleness and grace? Or take a cue from Emily P. Freeman, in her new book, "How to Walk Into a Room," and ask, "What are the primary rooms of my life right now?" Spend some time naming whatever comes up.
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Choose one line of inquiry to explore in this creative reflection session. Write the question down on a sticky note or note card and put it somewhere you can see it while creating.
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Create in whatever medium sounds fun. You are not necessarily setting out to answer the question you’re holding; you are just creating and reflecting alongside this inquiry. Let your mind wander, and invite whatever thoughts that show up move through. Set a timer for half an hour or more if you can spare it.
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When you finish this session, look at the question again. What came up? Pretend your very best friend wrote that question. What would you like to tell that friend now? How did the creative process help you hold space for the uncertainties and complexities of your life?
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Email Merideth at hello@artistsforjoy.org or post your creation on IG and tag @artistsforjoy
What scripts are holding you back from creating your own unique path? What would you do if you weren’t so afraid? What parts of yourself have you been ignoring, squashing down, so you can fit in where you are? Are you ready to move forward but unsure of how or where to go?
This week's episode will meet you right where you are.
Inspired by author Emily P. Freeman, Merideth reflects on what role creativity plays in our discernment process and ways we can shift our mindset to become empowered decision-makers and artists creating the most important thing we make: a life.
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More than 100 new species of sea life found on ocean mountains off Chile
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This week, a coaching exercise we're calling "Rewriting the Unhelpful Story."
- Take a few moments and fully realize the unhelpful story you’re telling yourself. Write it all down in the third person. What does the rejection mean to her? What is the main character in your story currently letting this rejection mean, or what is he/she/they afraid it means? Spend time writing it out in your journal or speak your thoughts out loud to a safe and helpful friend, therapist, or coach.
- Zoom in again and focus on the main character of your story. Write about him/her/them for a second. What is she like? What is her creative potential? What do you like about her? Personify the lead in that story, and write 3 to 5 compassion-filled phrases or truths you want her to know.
- Flip to a new page and write a new story. Make the ending good, surprising, outlandish, even fanciful. Be as creative and generous as possible, write a new tale as unbelievable as you can, and fill in all the details you are longing to know.
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This week's episode explores the challenge of persevering through creative disappointment. We meet Ian, a musician whose band falls apart, and learn the tool that is helping Merideth cope with a recent and painful rejection. Listen for encouragement to embrace your sensitivity and vulnerability and to find ways to move beyond disappointment to create with more joy and freedom. Read last week's podcast on Substack Submit a question or comment to Merideth: via IG via email: hello@artistsforjoy.org via phone: 302-415-3407 Support us on Patreon Join the next “The Artist’s Way” Creative Cluster Leave a review on Apple Podcast Learn how to leave a review
This week on the podcast, Merideth offers three simple (non-judgmental!) steps for taking action when faced with chaos. This episode will help you accept the invitation that life's raw material offers and find more creative joy.
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This week on the podcast, the final word-of-the-year installment (less word, more motto): "Order the Chaos."
What freedom awaits when we stop resisting the chaos of life and instead embrace it as an invitation to creative possibility and joy?
Merideth explores how this mindset shift is helping her leave guilt and doubt behind and find a more hopeful and gentle way of being in 2024.
Plus, she'll share stories of 18th-century buildings mended with legos, a deep truth she learned from a 5-year-old, and the tale of one Holy Goose.
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Coaching Questions:
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Think of a time when you transitioned or crossed one of life’s thresholds. What was it like for you? Who did you become in the "after"? What gifts were waiting for you on the other side?
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What creative offerings have you released into the world? And what chaotic trajectory did they take? How did it surprise you?
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What are you feeling led to give away, to release from your hands, in this season? How can you love yourself well during the vulnerable, sometimes scary process of opening your hands?
Nathalie Duflos Open-handed painting
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This week on the podcast, the second installment of my words of the year: Open-handed. What are we missing when we hold too tightly to our expectations? What role does letting go play in the creative process and how can we get better at opening our hands and releasing work into the world? Merideth answers a listener's question about how to stay well and inspired on social media and shares a powerful story of an artist seeking joy.
Episode 2.20: Who do you create for?
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3 ways to cultivate abundance in your life today:
- Enjoy what you have. Say out loud what you're grateful for and what delights you.
- Give more than you get.
- Believe in benevolence. Feed Life's algorithm and watch what happens.
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Where is the line between the power of positivity and foolish denial?
How do we become more comfortable asking for more, hoping for more, believing there’s more?
Merideth lets us in on some of her inner chatter this week as she launches a big project, and she'll answer a listener's question about the spiritual nature of creative blocks.
Support our new PATREON!
Join us for the Word of the Year Workshop on January 8th or get the recording
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This week on the podcast, Merideth helps you choose your word(s) of the year. Grab your journal and earbuds and explore the prompts paired with meditative music to craft an intentional, creative year with joy.
- Reflect on 2023: looking through your phone at photos of the last year, ask yourself: what do I wish there had been more of? If you had a word(s) of the year, in what ways did you see them reflected in your life? If you didn’t, based on the last twelve months, what words might you have been living by?
- Now looking forward: Answer this question with a stream-of-consciousness list–This year, regardless of my circumstances, I want to feel… Write as many words as possible about how you want to show up in 2024.
- Read your list and circle the words that resonate most. Look especially for verbs or action words. Take the list of circled words and make a fresh list. If anything is missing, add it now.
Sit with this list of words for a few days. Talk to a loved one, therapist, or coach about it.
What activities, deadlines, trips, and events are coming up in 2024, and which of these word(s) will help you show up as you most want to, regardless of the outcomes or circumstances?
Narrow it down to one (or more) words you’ll live by this year.
Please share yours with me on Instagram on the post for this episode @artistsforjoy so we can cheer you on.
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What if all your feelings were welcome this season? This week on the podcast, Merideth offers a meditation on persistent joy, an invitation to a wholehearted holiday where grief + excitement or sorrow + joy can coexist. She'll share a story of when joy appeared in the most unlikely place and answer a listener's question about maintaining creative routines when everybody's home. Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday, whatever you're carrying.
Ardie Son's December album
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Podcast transcripts
Have you felt a spiritual stirring during a long walk or a workout? What connection do creativity and movement have? Why did so many famous artists throughout history take long walks in the afternoon? This week, Merideth explores how movement helps us connect to something larger than ourselves and invites us to practice self-acceptance, deep listening, and completing the stress cycle. Body Image Episode Kristin Vanderlip's Shop Sara Delighted's Shop Submit your question: hello@artistsforjoy.org or leave us a voicemail 302-415-3407 Buy Merideth a coffee Erin Ellis, cellist Let us know what you think of this episode on IG Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the February Artist’s Way Creative Cluster New: Podcast transcripts
This week on the podcast Merideth offers 3 ways to thrive this month. "Gigmas," or the holiday creativity vortex that hits freelancers like a polar express, is upon us. Listen for things you can do to keep your head above water during "the most wonderful time of the year."
This week, Merideth chats with writer Heather Lanier about creating in the cracks, why she writes, and how to become more comfortable with the inherent uncertainty of making a new work of art.
Heather's bio:
Heather is a poet, essayist, teacher, speaker, and thrift-store shopper. An assistant professor of creative writing at Rowan University, she is the author of the memoir, Raising a Rare Girl (Penguin Press, July 2020), a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, along with two award-winning poetry chapbooks, The Story You Tell Yourself, and Heart-Shaped Bed in Hiroshima. She is the recipient of a Vermont Creation Grant and an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. Her full-length poetry collection, Psalms of Unknowing, is forthcoming from Monkfish Publishing.
Heather often writes at the intersections of spirituality, motherhood, and feminism. Her essays and poems have been published in The Atlantic, TIME, The Sun, Salon, Brevity, Vela Magazine, Longreads, and elsewhere. Her TED talk, “’Good’ and ‘Bad’ Are Incomplete Stories We Tell Ourselves,” has been viewed three million times and translated into 18 languages. Her essay, “Out There I Have to Smile,” was among the top 10 most-read Longreads essays of 2021.
With an MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins and an MFA in Creative Writing from Ohio State, Heather has taught Shakespeare to ninth graders in Baltimore, conversational English to housewives, ship workers, and executives in Japan, and expository and creative writing to undergraduates at places such as UC Berkeley, Miami University, and Southern Vermont College. After seven years in the Green Mountain State, she is learning to live—and drive—in New Jersey. If you follow her on Twitter or Instagram, she vows never to post a post-workout selfie… although if you do, she’ll cheer you on!
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This week on the podcast, something we all need to remember: no creative act is wasted. If you find yourself wondering what the point of all the tiny efforts are or if you need a reminder of the long game that is being an artist, this one is for you.
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This week on the podcast, a Mini-Joys episode all about something that's really helping me recently: an off/on ramp!
Listen to learn more, and tell us on Instagram if this worked for you!
Design your own off/on ramp:
Think of something you’ve been avoiding or dreading, something you've been worried about starting or finishing.
Ask yourself:
- What might future-me need?
- Is there a task, activity, or decision that will help to do or make before or after?
- How do you want to feel?
Make space and set boundaries to give yourself what you need.
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It's hard to podcast when you have no voice! This week in lieu of Ariel from The Little Mermaid (post- encounter with Ursula), you're getting a throwback… one of Merideth's favorite episodes from Season 1. How can letting go be a creative act? What is it in you that only letting go can reveal?
Original show notes (updated):
This week, Merideth explores the the art of letting go. Is it beautiful or just plain painful? She’ll share her thoughts on how it can be an expected part of the creative process and even a road to healing.
Learn more about artist Emie Hughes: https://bit.ly/3kFUkcx
Blue Jar Studio Instagram: https://bit.ly/3jOqGkp
Pyxis Piano Quartet: https://www.pyxispianotrio.com/
Submit a creative conundrum here: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
In today's episode, a loving-kindness meditation to some music by Franz Schubert.
As you listen to each selection, repeat the mantras:
"May I be well."
"May you be well."
"May all manner of things be well."
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This week on the show, Merideth answers a question we all tend to ask when the world is on fire. How can I feel creative joy in the face of violence, injustice, and brokenness? She explores why art matters in these moments, especially, and how our creativity offers us a place to process the pain and turn our anxiety into energy that can make a difference. The late famous conductor, Leonard Bernstein, answers the age-old question, “How can we go on?” and we learn about two fantastic non-profits using creativity to change the world.
Peace Drums Project
Little Sun
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Photo cred: Littlesun.org
This week on the podcast, a Musical Meditation for Inspiration featuring music of Chopin performed by Emile Pandolfi, Gleb Ivanov, and Yuval Vilner. Settle in and make some space for quiet time to reflect as you listen. Self-Coaching Questions 1. When have I felt the most inspired? Remember a time when you couldn’t wait to sit down and make something? What transpired that brought this frenzy of creativity on? What activities or actions inspire you most? 2. What is a way to embed more inspiration into your daily creative life? Where is there white space for inspiration to strike? If you don’t see any room, can you work to create larger margins for yourself so that inspiration can find you? 3. And lastly, what creative endeavor or project is just for you right now? Take out your calendar and find an hour to get out the watercolors or dust off the guitar or take out the novel you were writing.
Artists for Joy Classical Playlist Leave us a rating or review Comment on IG Buy Merideth a coffee The Artist's Way Creative Cluster Pre-order “The Artist's Joy”
Season 4 opener! Let's discuss the ephemeral, mystical, inevitable miracle that is creative inspiration. Merideth shares about a hobby she is not monetizing (yet) and a powerful story of a chance encounter at Staples. How do we escape the constant pull to monetize our creative work? How do we become the kind of person who is more inspired and connected to the spiritual invitation of creativity?
Angela Sheik's Music
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The Artist's Way Creative Cluster
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Today's episode of Artists for Joy is one of our Mini-Joys episodes, and in this one, Merideth answers alllll the listener questions. From creative routines to how it feels being edited to creating in the cracks...she tells a little of what life has been like on the book-writing journey and how you can shift your lens and make space for creative joy. Even if you don't call yourself a writer (yet!), this one is for everybody.
Creating in Cracks Episode
Beau Soir Album
Artists for Joy Classical Playlist
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Today on the podcast, Merideth shares a central thing she’s been learning on her journey back to joy for music. Plus, she has some exciting personal news and a sneak peek inside a big project coming soon.
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Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This week on the podcast, a new bonus episode series: Mini-Joys. Got 10 minutes? Listen for three questions to ask yourself if you’re struggling with time management.
- What is possible?
- What is the percentage I need?
- Where is the “ma”?
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Today on the podcast: our final Creative Archetype….Enneagram 9s. Teachers call this type The Peacemaker. Merideth chats with author and editor Ariel Curry, bassist and author David James, and author, spiritual director, and retreat leader Lori Melton, all about life as a creative 9. They discuss figuring out how you feel, cultivating a relationship with conflict, and making room for individuality through creative expression. (Side note: All 3 of these 9s are married to Enneagram 8s. How about that!) These 9s invite you all to celebrate the space you inhabit in your personality as we encourage them to step into and celebrate theirs. Invitation: Take a moment to grab a pen or pencil and draw what you see with your non-dominant hand. 9s are great at not judging, so as you create, sustain judgment of yourself. Be open, playful, and imaginative as you take up space on the page. Allow whatever comes up to come up, and whatever you do, don’t stop until you are done. When you feel finished, journal about the experience. What was your inner dialogue like? Do not let the noise of your critic shake your inner peace. Give yourself permission to try and try again. Ariel Curry, author and editor David James, bassist and author Lori Melton, author, spiritual director, and retreat leader David Gate Enneagram Poems Playlist of the Creative Archetypes Series Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Buy Merideth a coffee Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
In the penultimate installment of our Creative Archetypes Series, we chat with Enneagram 8s. Authors Shannan Martin and Meredith Boggs, as well as hornist and educator Johanna Burian, share what life is like as a Challenger. We explore how creativity can feel like a full body experience to 8s, how vulnerability and levity are key to health, and something we can all do to help the 8s in our lives feel known and loved.
Invitation:
Take this prompt to your journal or answer the questions with a friend or therapist:
What creative challenge(s) am I facing right now? What beliefs underneath the challenge(s) need to be challenged?
Shannan Martin, author and speaker
Meredith Boggs, author and nurse
Johanna Burian, hornist and educator
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Playlist of the Creative Archetypes Series
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
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Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
In this week’s episode of Artists for Joy, we talk creative joy with some of our favorite Enneagram 7s. Christa Hardin, marriage counselor and author, Molly Wilcox, author and editor, and pastor, writer, and percussionist, Rev. Edwin Estevez share what life as an Enthusiast is like and what they believe they offer in the creative process. They also discuss how the Enneagram can shed a special light on all our relationships, what 7s can do to find more focus, and the most important fact we all should know about the 7s in our lives.
Christa Hardin’s new book, Enneagram + Marriage
Molly Wilcox’s substack, Threshold
Rev. Edwin Estevez, Kirk in the Hills
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Playlist of the Creative Archetypes Series
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Buy Merideth a coffee
Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
This week on the podcast, the Creative Archetype series continues with Enneagram 6: The Loyalist. We chat with writer Cheri Hudspith, visual artist L. Camille Calloway, writer and therapist Camden Morgante, and visual artist Kate McEnroe, all about what life as an artist 6 is like, how they manage the anxiety, get unstuck, and create with joy. Our BFF Enneagram coach, Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic, also returns to educate on a notable polarity with 6s.
Invitation:
Find your ragtag team of people and invite them to support you and one another. Accept Love’s invitation, listen to where and with whom you can find your creative community, and show up faithfully for yourself and others.
Cheri Hudspith, writer and spiritual director
Kate McEnroe, mixed media artist
Camden Morgante, writer and therapist
L. Camille Callaway, visual artist
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Buy Merideth a coffee
Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org
In this episode of our Creative Archetypes Series, Merideth chats with Enneagram 5s about their internal experience as artists. Guests Marsha Crockett (spiritual director and author), Kate Riney (creative marketing strategist, content creator, storyteller, and coach), and Morgan Strehlow (literary agent and freelance author) chat about the castles 5s create in their minds, how to overcome analysis paralysis, and the 5s secret weapon in the creative process: enthusiasm. Plus, our favorite Enneagram coach, Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic, pops on to share some insights, including how to be a good friend to a 5.
Invitation: Follow your enthusiasm wherever it goes. Ask: "What am I curious about? What is that thing, maybe random or seemingly silly, that I really care about?" Do some research about it and explore it, let your enthusiasm lead the way. After you do some research, call your favorite friend and share with them what you are learning.
Marsha Crockett, Spiritual Director and Author
Kate Riney, Content Creator, Storyteller and Coach
Morgan Strehlow, Literary Agent and Freelance Author (including Morgan’s manuscript wishlist)
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Buy Merideth a coffee
This week on the podcast, the Creative Archetype Series continues with Enneagram 4. Merideth chats with Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic about life as a 4. Plus, writers Kristin Vanderlip and Mara Eller, and painter Jennifer Hintz Eggers, share their insights on how to move beyond feelings and into doing and what we can all try to channel our inner Enneagram 4 to foster creative joy.
Invitation:
Listen to a few tracks from this album and feel your feelings.
Don't journal or try to fix anything yet. Ask yourself: "How are you feeling today?" and let the emotions come. When you are done, take whatever has come up for you and use it as creative fodder for something small-- a poem, painting, letter, card, or a meal that makes you feel comfort. Respond to whatever feelings you feel by making something.
Mara Eller Website
Kristin Vanderlip
Jennifer Hintz Eggers
Burnout: Completing the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
David Gate Enneagram Poems
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
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This week in the Creative Archetypes Series, we hear from Enneagram 3s. Merideth chats with Ashley Hall-Tighe, trumpet player and certified life coach, Nii Codjoe, product researcher and career coach, and Tombo Hite, attorney, whose biggest claim to fame is that he’s Merideth’s older brother. :)
They explore the 3’s secret weapon for getting things done, how to calm the chaos when you’re going 100 mph, plus how to find your true worthiness outside of your achievements.
Invitation:
3's Super Power—The To-do List
Before you start your day or a creative session, make a list of things that you’d like to accomplish. Imagine what you’d like to say you’ve done by the end of the day. Hold the list loosely. Check in with yourself as you work. Let the list push you forward when you are feeling uninspired or unsure of what to do next. And if you get to the end of the day and your list is unfinished, take a deep breath and try again tomorrow. Remember: you are not defined by all you get done or don’t.
Ashley Hall-Tighe, Trumpeter/Life Coach
Coachingthewholemusician IG
Nii Codjoe, Product Researcher/Career Coach
Tombo Hite, Attorney at Law
David Gate Enneagram Cards
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Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
Email Merideth with a question or comment: hello@artistsforjoy.org
Our Creative Archetypes Series continues this week with Enneagram 2’s “The Helper.” Merideth chats with author Holly Oxhandler. Holly is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Associate Professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health, and mental health, and as a studio art minor in college, she embeds creativity into every aspect of her life and work. Merideth and Holly explore how to be a helper without burning out and seeing creativity as an act of self-care and connection.
Other 2 voices in the episode: piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock and author/spiritual growth coach Stephanie Miller.
Invitation:
- Put your oxygen mask on first. Write 3 pages of longhand stream of consciousness first thing upon waking. After you finish writing, step outside of yourself, re-read your pages and look for clues about what it is you need. What is one thing you could give to yourself today that you need? Be your own helper, mother, giver, or friend.
- Having taken care of yourself, look at those around you and ask the same question. What needs do I see? How can I serve them personally— with a phone call or a bouquet of fresh flowers— or creatively—with a handmade card or homecooked meal? Use your creativity to find connection and collaboration, to comfort yourself and others.
Holly’s website
Holly’s newsletter
Holly’s book
Jerome Lubbe’s teaching
Connect with Christina Whitlock: Piano Instructor, Beyond Measure Podcast
Connect with Stephanie Miller: Author, Writing Coach, Spiritual Growth Coach
David Gate Enneagram Poem Postcards
Buy Merideth a Coffee
Register for the Artists for Joy enneagram workshop
Perfectionism can keep us from starting altogether, stop us mid-art, and suck the joy out of the finished creative project. Can you relate?
This week on the podcast, Merideth chats with Enneagram One, Kendra Adachi (aka The Lazy Genius) about holding creative goals loosely, embracing imperfection, and becoming the architecture of your creative life.
Invitation:
-
Kendra's advice: "Ask someone you trust what they believe you bring to the creative process."
-
Explore The Lazy Genius' Magic Question: "What can I do now to make something easier later?"
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Kendra says she lives by Suzanne Stabile's question, "What is mine to do?" Take this question to your journal and see what comes up.
Kendra Adachi’s Lazy Genius Collective
Elizabeth Joy Hooker’s IG
David Gate, poet, Enneagram Postcards
Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy
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Without further ado, our summer Enneagram series begins now! Merideth chats with enneagram coach Lee Fields (the impetus for this entire series) about how each Enneagram number's energy is needed in bringing a creative project from ideation to completion.
Invitation: read through the list and circle a few that resonate with you. If you don’t know your type yet, check out these other enneagram resources.
8’s strive to feel powerful, resist other peoples’ boundaries
9’s strive to feel peaceful, resist their own priorities
1’s strive to feel perfect, resist relaxing
2’s strive to feel connected, resist tending to their own needs
3’s strive to feel outstanding, resist slowing down
4’s strive to feel unique, resist ordinary tasks
5’s strive to feel detached, resist engaging with others
6’s strive to feel secure, resist trusting others, the process, or themselves
7’s strive to feel excited, resist stillness, savoring, or appreciating what they have
Connect with Lee
Register for the Enneagram Workshop: August 29th, 2023 @ 7:00 EST
Submit a "Sounds of Joy" video: hello@artistsforjoy.org
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This week, Merideth takes us back to Episode 11 in Season 1! Enjoy the throwback to a baby podcaster exploring an ever-green topic: belonging.
Original Show notes:
Where do you belong? This week Merideth dives into this question, reflecting on her own upbringing in small-town South Carolina. She explores how artists might find community and friendship by showing up as themselves and using their artist's eye to love others well.
Music from the podcast: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Blake Chamberlain’s Artwork: https://blakeart.work/
Join The Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Kate Shepherd is an artist, silversmith, writer, and host of the popular podcast, The Creative Genius Podcast.
From Kate's artist's statement: “I am an artist down to the very core of my being, it is infused into every single aspect of my life. Stones, leather, textiles, eco-printing, quilting, knitting, weaving, basketry, sculpture, beadwork - something deep within me wants to, needs to experience the act of making with my heart and hands."
For 15 years her work as a professional artist has been through Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and over the past two years her love of painting has been reignited.
Merideth and Kate chat about taking up space, creative intelligence, and, of course, some of what Kate has learned from interviewing creative greats on her successful podcast.
Read more and support Kate: https://bit.ly/3NCzko4
We know by now that the items we don’t need affect our creative impulse, but what about the items we do? This week on the podcast, we explore the topic of The Artist’s Altar (from Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way.”) Listen and learn some tips for taking up space in the world, sparking joy as you support your inner artist child, and relearning how to play.
Clutter episode
Rachel Bell, Powerhouse Accordion and Irresistible Tunes
Submit your music to be featured on the pod: hello@artistsforjoy.org
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Worthiness episode
How to rate and review a podcast
This week on the podcast, a musical meditation to help you take the time you have to create with joy. Merideth walks you through three coaching questions and offers music to deepen your reflection. Grab your journal and your earbuds and get ready to be mindful.
Self-Coaching Questions:
- How much creative time is enough? Name an expectation for what, in an ideal world, you’d like to accomplish each week. What would you need to do to feel ready, productive, and creatively satisfied? Imagine a completely wide-open schedule as you do.
- Our lives are full. Take stock of where your days go, witness your schedule without judgment or with any intent to change it, yet.
- Brainstorm a few new cracks in the schedule where you can make something you care about or relish in the creative choices you already have. What other creative things can you do that would not require you to be standing in front of a desk or an instrument? How can you take the time that you have today and be gentle with yourself as you work to believe that it is enough?
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Tell us what resonates on IG
Merideth debunks a common creative conundrum this week: “it’s all or nothing.” She shares what she is learning, creating in the cracks during her own life stage, plus thoughts from listeners from all creative disciplines and experience levels. Listen for some truths to replace the all-or-nothing thinking and get inspired!
Sergio Sandí’s New Beethoven Piano Sonatas Album
How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review
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Tell us how you create in the cracks
Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407
Self-Coaching Questions:
- Consider the big and small avenues in your life for rejection and reflect on what boundaries you may need to set.
- What painful rejection are you still holding on to after all this time? What painful words do you need to let go of, helpful or not? As you listen, imagine setting the rejection down and walking away.
- What ritual might you use to tell a story of your creative work that uplifts you and helps you feel resilient and strong?
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This week on the podcast, Merideth shares what professional musician life and pending published authorship are teaching her about rejection. Late author Rachel Held Evans was said to have had a Post-it above her writing desk that said, "Tough skin, tender heart." Merideth offers 3 ways to be tough and tender, to find joy in the process of bravely living into your creative calling.
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This week on the podcast, some coaching questions and beautiful music for your earbuds. Explore these questions and reflect in your journal or with a friend as you listen:
- Reflect on how you want to grow. Imagine yourself being the person you dream of being. What is it like to be that person in your imagination?
- What do you need to practice? How can you break down your specific fear into smaller and smaller pieces that you can work through in your time?
- In the face of fear, how can you love yourself well? What do you want your inner artist-child to know? What concrete things can you do to love yourself more today, this minute?
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The most requested topic ever is the theme of this week's show: FEAR. How do we overcome it? Take action despite it? Merideth names the number one thing that helps assuage her fears as she creates.
The most requested topic ever is the theme of this week's show: FEAR. How do we overcome it? Take action despite it? Merideth names the number one thing that helps assuages her fears as she creates. Drawing Olive IG Post Join the Fall Artist’s Way Creative Cluster with Merideth Summer Sessions for Writers with Kristin Vanderlip Submit Listener Mail to Merideth
This week on the podcast, a bonus coaching conversation + musical meditation with harpist, Grace Browning of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Grace and Merideth walk through the Curtain Call Questions from last week's episode and discuss how enjoying the process over the product makes for a more joyful creative life. Grace and flutist Rebecca Gilbert, accompanied by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, serenade us with Mozart's only piece for harp.
Connect with Grace on IG
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This week on the podcast, Merideth returns with what she’s been learning while attempting to finish a manuscript. She’ll offer you a set of “Curtain Call Questions” to help you celebrate, grieve, and otherwise process all that needs to be felt when creative projects end.
Artist’s Oath Workshop April 21 + 22
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TheGracefulHarpist IG
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In our final episode of this round of The Artist's Oath Interview Series, Merideth chats with improvisor, facilitator, and leadership coach David Westerlund.
David delights in listening to the aspirations of leaders and helping them unlock hidden resources by facilitating meaningful engagement. This unleashes innovation and leads to resilient, supportive, joyful, and agile workplace cultures that allow organizations to have greater momentum and impact toward their mission. His work as a consultant, designer/facilitator, and coach is informed by the philosophy and practice of Liberating Structures and Applied Improvisation, both of which remind us that there is a lot of wisdom in the room and amplify our ability to tap into that and experience collective synergy.
He believes that in order to solve the complex problems we are facing, we must be collaborative and intentionally develop skills of presence, agility, relating, collaboration, and creativity.
David reads his inspiring Oath and encourages you to be present and discover joy.
David Westerlund’s website
Artist’s Oath Workshop April 21 + 22
Join the Fall Artist’s Way Creative Cluster with Merideth
In the penultimate installment of our interview series, Merideth chats with jazz pianist and photographer Karen Rege. Merideth and Karen discuss academia, perfectionism, and everything Karen’s been learning riding the river of creative flow. She’ll share an inspiring Artist’s Oath and reveal an amazing not-to-be-missed summer opportunity for artists of all disciplines and experience levels.
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Karen’s LinkedIn
Listen to Karen’s Music
Join the Artist’s Oath Workshop to Write Your Own
Star Arts
This week, Merideth chats with upright and electric bassist, author, and software engineer, David James. As a multi-genre freelance musician around the Colorado Front Range, David spends most of his time performing in musical theater productions. Between sitting in small, dark orchestra pits with too many people and instruments, David resides in Broomfield, CO, with his wife, two kids, and entirely too many pets.
In this episode, David reads his Artist’s Oath and shares his story of the intentional decision to seek gigs again after some time off the instrument. He’ll inspire you to ask the right questions before you say yes to a gig and share what he is learning from viewing his creative life through a secular lens.
David James IG
The Secular Artist: An Atheist’s Companion to The Artist’s Way
The Moonlit Wild Album
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Join the email list to learn about Merideth’s book beta group launching soon
This week, Merideth chats with a coaching client, musician Joshua Long. Josh is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for creating music that moves the soul and inspires change. With almost 20 years in the industry, he has honed his skills in a variety of genres, ranging from hip-hop, soul, pop, and contemporary Christian & gospel music. Josh is also a dedicated faith-based climate activist.
In this episode, Joshua reads his Artist’s Oath and shares the journey of reconciling his multiple passions to find his true calling as an artist.
Joshua’s website
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Book Announcement Reel
Book Launch Team
This week on the podcast, Merideth chats with Sara McMahon. Sara is a classically trained actress with tendencies to fly by the seat of her pants. She is an improv instructor and performer who teaches others how to enhance listening skills, playfulness, empathy, connectedness, and liberation from fear of failure. She performs and teaches at Unexpected Productions in Seattle and is an emerging papercut artist.
Sara shares her Artist Oath and reminds us to love the scene we’re in.
You can view her work on Instagram @saramacpapercuts and her website: www.saradelighted.com
Register for the Artist’s Oath Workshop to write your own.
Podcast Transcripts
This week on the podcast, we begin a new series featuring the topic of one of our most downloaded episodes from Season 2: The Artist’s Oath.
What is your relationship like with your creative impulse? How do you feel when you show up to the blinking cursor, the studio, and the rehearsal? Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to change the patterns in your mindset, the inner chatter, the lens through which you see your creative self and your work?
Join us this March to explore how crafting your Artist’s Oath can bring more joy to your creative life and hear from listeners from the Artists for Joy community.
Support the work of Artists for Joy
Register for The Artist’s Oath Workshop, April 21-22
Self-Coaching Questions:
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Name your "why." What do you most dream of doing? What do you want your life to be like? How can your greatest gifts meet one of the world's greatest needs?
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What is your current creative routine like now? Are you able to find a rhythm of consistent small acts of creative devotion? What obstacles are getting in the way of you practicing your art form with joyful consistency, so you can feel that net of safety under you as you leap?
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What do you believe to be true about the nature of creative work? If the metaphor of comparing it to a game isn’t helpful for you, what metaphor is? If you return to those questions around your "why," do you believe that reaching your goals and living your dreams is possible? If you don’t believe that today, what roadblocks stand in your way?
Musician with original or public domain music? Email merideth@luminaarts.org
Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
How do we cultivate more courage? Why is it an essential attribute for the artist? How do we become more assertive and brave in the face of hard things? Merideth shares one of the moments of her career as an oboist that required some significant courage, plus inspiring results of a listener poll. Listen to learn three concrete ways to be more creatively courageous.
Emily A. Pastor IG
Emily A. Pastor Website
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Submit a question
Leave us a review
Podcast transcript
This week on the podcast, a creative pep talk for when you feel shame. Find a quiet place and some earbuds. Listen as you reflect + cultivate self-compassion and shame resilience.
Our Spotify playlist
Podcast transcripts
This week on the podcast, the final installment of the words-of-the-year series. Merideth explores how shame affects artists specifically and lays out the four steps to becoming shame-resilient according to Brené Brown’s research.
Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407
Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart
Buy Merideth a coffee
Connect with Merideth on IG
Learn more about the next Creative Cluster
Podcast transcript
Self-coaching questions to work with your resistance:
- When you look at the distance between who you are today and your dreams or goals, what would it take to get you where you want to go? What stands in your way? Write down a few goals and the resistance that shows up when you take steps in that direction.
- Take one or two of the obstacles you are experiencing as resistance, lift them up, and look under them with curiosity. What feelings, fears, or resentments do you find there?
- How are you benefiting from staying blocked? (That question is inspired by Julia Cameron). How are your blocks serving you? How does the resistance benefit you?
Podcast transcripts
This week on the podcast, the second of our three-part words of the year series: resonance & resistance. Merideth explores an exciting reason why resonance is a word of the year, plus she’ll offer some concrete takeaways for how to find your voice and get unstuck.
Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407
Submit a question to the podcast
Join our mailing list
Buy Merideth a coffee
Sign up for the enneagram workshop
Learn more about the next Creative Cluster
Podcast transcript
Musical meditation BONUS, featuring music of Debussy and Brahms played by Marnie Laird of Brooklyn Classical.
Self-Coaching Questions:
- What is the current balance between your push to succeed and climb the ladder with rest, recalibration, and restorative solitude? What needs to shift for you to feel more harmony, peace, and deep creative joy?
- What do you want those who see, hear, and experience your work to feel or know? Do you feel or know those things yourself?
Leave us a voicemail by calling: 302-415-3407 Register for the Enneagram Workshop Register for the Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Podcast Transcripts
Any other artists out there tired of thinking/talking/obsessing about marketing? This week, Merideth shares the first of a three-part series based on her words of the year. The first word—anti-hustle—calls her to a simpler, quieter, more harmonious way of life. She also answers a question about morning pages, all to the beautiful music of Debussy, Beethoven, and Brahms performed by Marnie Laird of Brooklyn Classical.
Leave us a voicemail by calling: 302-415-3407
Leave us a question via email
Join the FREE Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Enneagram Workshop
Podcast Transcript
This week on the podcast, Merideth leads you through the process to find your own word(s) of the year. Grab your journal and earbuds and explore the prompts paired with meditative music to craft an intentional, creative year with joy.
Reflecting back: Browse the photos of your phone from the last year. What do you wish there had been more of? Regardless of whether you had a word(s) of the year, what would you say your word of the year might have been, based on how you lived and what you did?
Looking forward:
- Answer this question with stream-of-consciousness writing– “This year, regardless of my circumstances, I want to feel….“ Write as many words as you can about how you want to show up in the year ahead.
- Now go back through those words you wrote and circle the ones that resonate most. Look especially for verbs or action words. Take the list of circled words and make a fresh list.
- Lastly, sit with this longer list of words for a few days. Talk to a loved one about it. What activities, deadlines, trips, events are coming up in the next year and which of these words will help you show up as you most want to, regardless of the outcomes or circumstances? Try to narrow the list down to the few that matter most. Share your word(s) with me on IG so I can cheer you on.
Register for the Enneagram Workshop
Register for the Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
This week on the podcast Merideth offers a musical meditation for when you need joy. Listen for the coaching prompts and use your journal to explore each one.
Pick a work of part (perhaps one that is not in your usual art form) and as you listen/view, consider the three G’s of finding joy:
- Gratitude: What are you most grateful for? What is most precious and important to you right now?
- Grief: Right next to your gratitude, you might find feelings of disappointment, pain, loss…in one hand hold the gratitude and in the other grief. What needs to be grieved?
- Goodness: What goodness do you believe to be true? Regardless of your faith background or religious affiliation, preach the truths you believe to yourself. Whatever is good, whatever is noble, whatever is TRUE, remind yourself of all of that now.
Enneagram Workshop
Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Podcast Transcripts
This week in our annual holiday episode, Merideth discusses the waiting and wanting stage of the creative life, how she's managing the hurry-up-and-wait phenomenon of trying to get traditionally published, and all she's learning this advent. Plus, listen for tips for managing those holiday questions from well-meaning loved ones we all dread. Sarah Brooks Christmas piano Melinda DeRocker Christmas Album
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Register for the new enneagram workshop Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster Submit a listener question or sounds of joy Podcast transcript
In this week's bonus self-coaching episode, consider the following as you listen:
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What are your expectations for your work, your family, your creative life? Take a few moments and write down what you expect of others and yourself. Where and to whom do you need to communicate those expectations?
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What boundaries need to be set? Write a few statements that begin with "I" to claim your space and directly name what you need.
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Where in your schedule can you fit in some rest? Set a boundary and keep the appointment with yourself.
Today's music features Andrys Basten performing Amy Beach, Roxana Pavel Goldstein playing Dvorak, and Merideth Hite Estevez and Sookkyung Cho playing Schubert.
This week on the podcast, a frequently requested topic: burnout. What is it? How do you keep it from happening? And how do you bounce back? Merideth shares a story of the biggest burn out moment in her career, plus 3 tools or frameworks to consider for reducing or recovering from burnout, with a fun twist.
Submit a question to Merideth
Join the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Leave a birthday review for Merideth
Podcast Transcript
Being a joyful artist means cultivating an attitude of gratitude. What art or artist(s) are you most grateful for? Merideth shares a brief gratitude meditation for exploring that question and more. (This episode was originally published in 2021.)
Listen to Merideth and Jani's album
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Brené Brown said, “Unused creativity is not benign. It metastasizes. It turns into grief, rage, judgment, sorrow, shame.” How is that for a mic drop? In this episode, Merideth explores how to use your creativity even when you are scared.
Leave a question for Merideth by calling 302-415-3407 or emailing artistsforjoypod@gmail.com
Submit Mail to the Podcast
Buy Merideth a coffee
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster
Some questions for daydreaming....
- What do you need?
- What do you want?
- What do you dream of experiencing, being, doing, having?
Share your thoughts with me on IG here: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
Some questions for daydreaming....
- What do you need?
- What do you want?
- What do you dream of experiencing, being, doing, having?
Share your thoughts with me on IG here: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
This week on the podcast Merideth shares some tips and tricks for how to best manage your creative time. (Spoiler alert: the first step is to stop using those words.)
Energy episode: Season 2, Episode 9: https://bit.ly/3ND2D8j
Paul Graham’s article: https://bit.ly/3UpRXMx
Submit Mail to the Podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Buy Merideth a coffee: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
This week on the podcast Merideth shares some tips and tricks for how to best manage your creative time. (Spoiler alert: the first step is to stop using those words.)
Energy episode: Season 2, Episode 9: https://bit.ly/3ND2D8j
Paul Graham’s article: https://bit.ly/3UpRXMx
Submit Mail to the Podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Buy Merideth a coffee: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Meet Ariel K. Curry: a book coach, editor, writer, and pianist who helps creatives cultivate self-efficacy. Ariel discusses how she learned to celebrate along the journey and balance enjoying the creative process with creating marketable offerings.
Ariel and Jeff Goins coaching group: https://bit.ly/3SC7SpK
Ariel's website: https://bit.ly/3FnDah3
Respond to the episode in the comments here: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
Podcast Transcript: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
Self-coaching questions:
- How are you benefiting from not celebrating? What is your current mindset and how is it serving you?
- What benefits could a mindset of celebration, joy, and abundance offer?
- Make a list of as many things as you can that are cause for celebration today, this minute. What can you cheers to right now, without lifting a finger?
Why is it so much easier to celebrate the accomplishments of others than it is our own? Merideth shares two things she is forcing herself to celebrate these days and why she believes celebration should be a core value for every artist.
Support the podcast: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Celebrate with us by leaving us a review: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
Write to Merideth: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
This week on the podcast, Merideth offers a musical meditation with some reflection questions around the idea of an Inner Team from Episode 2 in Season 3.
While you listen, reflect on the following:
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Who are your inner team members? Where do they sit in your car in any given moment? What activities bring out which parts of your team?
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What resources do the negative presenting members have to offer you? Ex: executive function, protection, safety, boundaries
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Show a close friend or loved one your inner team list and ask if you missed anyone. Just because one or two of your team members are the loudest, doesn’t mean there aren’t others who are just as valuable and central to the team, waiting to be attended to.
Today’s music features Marnie Laird performing a movement from Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
Podcast transcript: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
Whatever you are feeling about fall, bring it on over to this "the podcast equivalent of a fire pit" and we’ll talk it out. This week Merideth shares a coaching exercise that will help you name your inner team members, resource their skills, and cultivate a sense of self-compassion for the multitudes you contain.
Graydin: https://bit.ly/2FHiTGx
Episode 2.20: https://bit.ly/3fpbv4p
Beethoven's Heiligenstadt Testament: https://bit.ly/3E9thTP
Financially support the podcast https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Schedule a one-on-one with Merideth https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
Leave a listener question https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Or Call us 302-415-3407
Podcast survey: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
Whatever you are feeling about fall, bring it on over to this "the podcast equivalent of a fire pit" and we’ll talk it out. This week Merideth shares a coaching exercise that will help you name your inner team members, resource their skills, and cultivate a sense of self-compassion for the multitudes you contain.
Graydin: https://bit.ly/2FHiTGx
Episode 2.20: https://bit.ly/3fpbv4p
Beethoven's Heiligenstadt Testament: https://bit.ly/3E9thTP
Financially support the podcast https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Schedule a one-on-one with Merideth https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
Leave a listener question https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Or Call us 302-415-3407
Podcast survey: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
Self-coaching Questions:
-
What is my base-line stress level like?
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In the face of this upsetting thing I am taking personally, what am I afraid this means about me?
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What am I meant to learn here?
Podcast survery: https://bit.ly/3xp9KKW
Self-coaching Questions:
-
What is my base-line stress level like?
-
In the face of this upsetting thing I am taking personally, what am I afraid this means about me?
-
What am I meant to learn here?
Podcast survery: https://bit.ly/3xp9KKW
Season 3 debut! Merideth shares what she's been learning from chatting with artists of all disciplines on social media and in her coaching practice: specifically about how to talk to creators about their work—what comments feels good and why. Plus: the number one thing she believe creatives long to hear in their most vulnerable moments.
Saxophonist Kirsten Edkins https://bit.ly/3BoBi4i
Composer Angela Sheik https://bit.ly/3l8dkSt
Submit a question for the show: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Schedule a one-to-one with Merideth: https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
BRIEF Podcast Survey https://bit.ly/3xp9KKW
Season 3 debut! Merideth shares what she's been learning from chatting with artists of all disciplines on social media and in her coaching practice: specifically about how to talk to creators about their work—what comments feels good and why. Plus: the number one thing she believe creatives long to hear in their most vulnerable moments.
Saxophonist Kirsten Edkins https://bit.ly/3BoBi4i
Composer Angela Sheik https://bit.ly/3l8dkSt
Submit a question for the show: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Schedule a one-to-one with Merideth: https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
BRIEF Podcast Survey https://bit.ly/3xp9KKW
BONUS: This week features a talk Merideth gave recently for a fine arts department at a university in her area. Listen for 3 tips on how to stay joyful as you learn and teach in the arts.
Listen to Merideth's album here: https://spoti.fi/2IxrGfz
See the pictures Merideth refers to here on the post for this episode: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
Prompts from the talk:
- Think of someone from a past, present, and future educational experience.
- Who can help hold you accountable as you try to take better care of yourself?
- What did you enjoy creating as a kid?
- Think of a creative memory that stings. Send yourself a text that says “I forgive you” or “I am trying to forgive you.”
BONUS: This week features a talk Merideth gave recently for a fine arts department at a university in her area. Listen for 3 tips on how to stay joyful as you learn and teach in the arts.
Listen to Merideth's album here: https://spoti.fi/2IxrGfz
See the pictures Merideth refers to here on the post for this episode: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
Prompts from the talk:
- Think of someone from a past, present, and future educational experience.
- Who can help hold you accountable as you try to take better care of yourself?
- What did you enjoy creating as a kid?
- Think of a creative memory that stings. Send yourself a text that says “I forgive you” or “I am trying to forgive you.”
This week in bonus content land, Merideth leads you through a breathing exercise called the physiological sigh. Listen when you are stressed to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Season 3 begins in two weeks!
Join the Artist’s Way Group: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Enjoying the show? Leave us a review: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
Tell me how you listen to the show: artistsforjoypod@gmail.com
Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
This week in bonus content land, Merideth leads you through a breathing exercise called the physiological sigh. Listen when you are stressed to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Season 3 begins in two weeks!
Join the Artist’s Way Group: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Enjoying the show? Leave us a review: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
Tell me how you listen to the show: artistsforjoypod@gmail.com
Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
What effect does stress have on our creative lives? Can stress be good? Merideth shares what she's been learning about how to manage the biological response to stress, including something you can try IMMEDIATELY to regulate it.
Huberman Lab Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3dH9S12
Sara McMahon's IG: https://bit.ly/3dEXy1o
Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Join our mailing list: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
Podcast Transcript: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
Self coaching questions:
- Hearing-
- What’s that one song that makes your heart flutter with joy every time you hear it? What band makes you do a fist bump in the car? Whose voice calms and soothes and reassures you? Is there a poem that you love to hear read aloud? What sounds of the natural world remind you of the glory of creation? Write some sounds down that spark joy.
- Seeing–
- What’s that one show or movie that you could watch over and over? Whose eyes can you look into and feel a release the stress of the day? What pictures, images, or even colors help you feel most like yourself? Write down some things that when you see them, you experience joy.
- Touch–
- What fabric do you most enjoy wearing against your skin? What does it feel like to touch the hand or the arm or the back of the head of your child or significant other? What products feel most luxurious or nourishing on your skin?
- Taste–
- Try to remember the last truly great meal you remember enjoying. What flavors or textures did you experience there? What was something you ate recently that had you saying, "I should eat this more often." What foods or drinks do you associate with joyful memories?
- Smell–
- What are the smells that make you close your eyes and smile? What smells do you associate with the people or experiences you love the most?
After you answer these questions, create a master joy tool kit list and put it somewhere you can see it or find it.
Leave a message about the episode: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Read more about cellist, Erin Ellis: https://bit.ly/3AdYyT2
Read the transcript here: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
This week's show was recorded live in Brooklyn, NY! Merideth shares an idea picked up at this year's Writer's Digest Conference, a practical step in cultivating joy.
Picasso's "Girl in the Mirror" https://mo.ma/3zVTEtE
Erin Ellis, cellist https://spoti.fi/3d0YT2d
Leave a comment or submit a question https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Transcript of this episode https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR (auto-generated, may contain errors)
Today's episode features some listener mail about last week's episode and provides you with some questions to help you name your season.What do you spend most of your time on these days?
- What do you spend most of your energy on these days?
- If you had to give your current life season a name what would it be?
- What is hard in this season?
- What are you grateful for in this season?
- What do you need most right now? How can you be kinder to yourself?
- What do you need less of? What in you needs protection, nurturing, grace?
- What is possible now?
Emily Pastor's painting: https://bit.ly/3JeRtVc
Submit mail to the podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407
Today's episode features some listener mail about last week's episode and provides you with some questions to help you name your season.What do you spend most of your time on these days?
- What do you spend most of your energy on these days?
- If you had to give your current life season a name what would it be?
- What is hard in this season?
- What are you grateful for in this season?
- What do you need most right now? How can you be kinder to yourself?
- What do you need less of? What in you needs protection, nurturing, grace?
- What is possible now?
Emily Pastor's painting: https://bit.ly/3JeRtVc
Submit mail to the podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407
Besides summer (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere), what season are you creating in? Merideth explores how naming and claiming your season of life can help you manage your expectations, guilt, or (lack of) motivation.
Follow The Lazy Genius: https://bit.ly/3aYWgNN
Subscribe to our mailing list: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
Leave us a review: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
NEW transcripts of recent episodes available here: https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR
NEW bonus content featuring a guided visualization for self-protection (inspired by Nicholas Daniel and Louise Hay) with music of Ardie Son and Angela Sheik. Joining our mailing list to get episodes delivered to your inbox every Friday: https://mailchi.mp/e5dcaffdf8ce/luminasignup
This week on the podcast Merideth interviews a mentor and teacher, oboist Nicholas Daniel. They discuss how to become impervious to harmful feedback, keeping the joy in the face of anxiety, and harnessing the power of questions to become your own teacher. Plus, Nicholas shares the mantra he repeats to himself before every performance.
Listen to Nick here: https://bit.ly/3AzCTW4
Self-Coaching Questions
- What does crying look like for you? What helps you feel emotional release?
- What truths do you know that you can use to coach yourself into a more positive mindset? Write them down on post its and put them somewhere you can see them daily.
- What sounds fun to create right now? Don’t over think it. Find something where you get to make your own creative decisions, even small ones. Do it.
Read more about Martha Goldstein here: https://bit.ly/3HGIhqY
Get episodes in your inbox on Fridays: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
An episode featuring the most requested topic Merideth receives. Listen to learn more about how to cultivate resilience and shift your mindset so you can keep creating with joy.
Submit mail to the podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Sign up for a free coaching session: https://bit.ly/39PirW8
Follow artistsforjoy on IG: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
Today's musical meditation features a powerful exercise for putting down your heavy load. Sometimes the show mustn't go on: here's to normalizing this for artists looking for more joy.
Let me know what you think of the exercise here: https://bit.ly/3tEI1DU
Submit mail to the podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Today’s creative lie is the ever popular "the show must go on" mentality. Merideth explores how this way of thinking is not always beneficial or artist-centered. She'll offer a practical exercise for checking in with yourself to help you put down all the baggage that is not yours to carry and love yourself through all that is wrong. Submit Mail to the Podcast: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Leave us a review: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
Self-Coaching Questions:
- What obstacles are in the way of you finding a therapist? If you are in therapy, consider how that relationship is serving you and what you might bring to your therapist or counselor next.
- What matters most to you? How are the things that matter being given the attention or consideration they are longing for?
- Whose critique are you allowing to permeate through the hedge of protection?
- Who can you reach out to today that could share in your creative recovery journey? Take a moment after this meditation to send the text or direct message to an artist friend.
Read more about oboist Nicholas Daniel:
https://bit.ly/3lSYK29
This week Merideth explores how our teachers affect our creative development. She'll offer practical take aways for how to rebound and heal from these interactions when they're painful, including how to create a community that is supportive and restorative.
Mental Health Resources: https://bit.ly/2LR45YW
Atlantic article: https://bit.ly/3GnJsM9
Submit mail to show: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Coaching Course for Arts Educators: https://bit.ly/3xZkccY
Self Coaching Questions: https://bit.ly/3wKDTTQ More about today's musicians: https://artistsforjoy.org/pod
Merideth offers three practical take-aways for how to love your artist-self well.
Ann Patchett Essay: https://amzn.to/3wmDoPv
Join the Coaching Course: https://bit.ly/3xZkccY
Self-Coaching Questions:
- What action do you need to take this week to find more confidence?
- Who can you invite into your process by sharing your experience and vulnerably opening up about your creative life? What might you be missing when you are not letting yourself be fully known?
- Look back at a work of art you made that you are really proud of: was there a coda, or a place towards the end where all the strings were tied up together, that may have just appeared out of nowhere? Study your previous process with curiosity not judgment, and notice what magic, synchronicities, or little graces that were offered to you as you worked.
Today’s music is “I. Allegro non troppo” from Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73 performed by the Czech National Symphony. Read more about them on our website: https://artistsforjoy.org/pod
In celebration of 2 years of podcasting, Merideth reflects on 3 things she's been learning from that practice. Listen to this if you’re feeling stuck and need a little creative pep talk.
Spotify Playlist: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Register for our Coaching Course: https://bit.ly/3xZkccY
- Who are some of "the ones" you have created for in the past? Spend time being grateful for each of them.
- Now flip it— think of someone you have been “the one” for. Spend time being grateful for those artists.
- Jonathan Jones said “…art’s story is not a trajectory of ascent, but more of a looping spiral, constantly retracing its steps.” Look at your current artistic practice and consider the overlap you share with arts of other times and places.
Learn more about the musicians in today's episode here: https://bit.ly/3HGIhqY
How you answer this question may be the key overcoming feelings of discouragement or burn out. I don't know who needs to hear this, but this is for you.
Brooklyn Classical https://bit.ly/364cPFM
Tour the Lascaux: https://bit.ly/3ughVIe
Artcurious Podcast https://bit.ly/3xbCxTC
More about cave paintings: https://bit.ly/3JeWxXT
The Artist’s Oath Workshop: https://bit.ly/3iDFkwp
Reflection Questions:
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What are some of the challenges that you face in your creative life? How is your current lens serving you?
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How do want to show up to your creative life? Make a list of adjectives for how you’d like to be.
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What do you believe to be true about creativity, and how is it springing you forward or holding you back?
Dover Quartet: http:// https://bit.ly/3iOS0Ri
Register for the Artist's Oath Workshop: https://bit.ly/3iDFkwp
Have you ever considered the code of conduct that’s in play in your creative life? Have you ever taken the time to name and claim the ways you want to be with yourself as you go about your creative life? Merideth shares a story of a coaching client’s breakthrough that was contagious. Plus, learn more about how you can join like-minded artists in community to craft an Artist’s Oath of your own.
Submit mail to the show: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Register for the Artist's Oath Workshop: https://bit.ly/3iDFkwp
Reflection questions:
- What are 5 things you love about yourself as a child?
- What stories does your inner child believe about your creative life? (e.g. “I can’t draw” or “if I do that, I’ll fail.”)
- What would you say if you could have a conversation with your younger self? What advice would you give them? What might your inner child being saying to you today?
Music: https://bit.ly/364cPFM
The Inner Child is an artist. Merideth shares some truths she is learning about parenting and how it speaks deeply to that internal struggle toward healing and acceptance of our own inner artist child.
Coaching Questions: https://bit.ly/3t3WREi
Ukrainian Girl Sings: https://bit.ly/369pXc1
Leave a question: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Join my email list: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
This week Merideth interviews someone who makes her inner artist child jump for joy. Pianist Emile Pandolfi's music has been streamed half a billion times across all the platforms. His humor, authenticity, and joy radiate through this talk about his new book, "Play it Like you Mean it." Available now: https://bit.ly/3sFaSIj
Reflection Questions:
- Who is it safe to remove my bandages with?
- Healing takes a lot of energy. What can I say no to or cut back on that would allow me to conserve time and energy for my own healing?
- As new soft tissue forms, gently rubbing along a scar can help improve circulation and healing. As your creative wound is healing, what can you do to encourage that process?
- When you are triggered by something, what wound is asking for your attention?
Find a therapist: https://bit.ly/2LR45YW
Emile Pandolfi: https://bit.ly/3shr56b
This week on the podcast: creative wounds—the tender spots where we have been hurt or disappointed creatively and how we can heal them. Merideth shares some insights she garnered from her own journey with wound care. A brave creative life can leave a mark, but we aren’t alone in our pursuit of healing and wholeness.
Mental Health Resources for Artists: https://bit.ly/2LR45YW
Submit Mail to the Show: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Join the Email List: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
As you listen and reflect this week, consider:
- What obstacles stand in the way between you and creative permission?
2. What sounds fun at this moment? Try to make a list of as many things as you can that sound like fun to you, even if they are impossible for now.
- Finally, I compared the creative impulse in Episode 2.16 to an underground river. Consider what action you can take to "break ground" or reestablish connection with that flow. No action towards creative recovery is too small.
This podcast featured the first movement of W.A. Mozart’s Sonata No 11 in A Major, K. 331 performed by Marnie Laird at the piano.
More about Marnie: https://bit.ly/3HGIhqY
What if your best creative life was just a permission slip away? In celebration of Mozart’s birthday, Merideth shares her true feelings about one of his most popular pieces for oboe. (Also a bonus story about the Bard!)
FREE Artist's Way small group starts Feb 15
Nepperhan (Saw Mill) River Facts
Submit mail to the show
Second installment of our new series, featuring music of Claude Debussy. 1. "Pagodas" from Estampes, L. 100 performed by Jani Parsons
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"Clair de Lune" from Suite Bergamasque performed by Amy Gustafson
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"Beau Soir" transcribed and performed by Merideth Hite Estevez, oboe and Jani Parsons, piano
While you listen:
- What stifles your artistic practice?
- What spoken or unspoken laws are you adhering to in your creative work?
- What would it be like to let joy be the rule or theory that guides you?
- Take a moment to brainstorm some ways you might practice courage, compassion, and connection this week, around any shame you may feel about your worthiness.
This week–worthiness. Merideth shares what she learned from having the same conversation twice in one week with two different friends. She’ll also answer a listener’s question about writing routines.
FREE Artist's Way Group starts Feb 15 https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Book Launch Group https://bit.ly/33s5k9P
Submit a Q: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
NY Times Article on Value in Art: https://nyti.ms/3FJ893F
This week we begin a new series entitled Musical Meditations. Every other week, while Merideth works on the book, she’ll share an episode that puts the music front and center, featuring a piece or pieces that go along with a theme. This week you’ll hear Bach’s Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 and Chopin’s Prelude No 4 in E Minor, both performed by pianist Gabriel Benton. While you listen consider:
What small changes feel possible today?
Where could you be more gentle with yourself as you change?
What else do you need to feel supported now?
Artists for Joy Classical Playlist: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Join the Book Launch Team: https://bit.ly/33s5k9P
New year…but are you feeling new? This week, Merideth shares a story of a coaching client who gets unblocked. Plus she’ll offer one way of viewing a well-known work of art and what it might teach us about how to change. Also EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT about a new project and a change to the show schedule!
Join my list: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
Contact me: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Support the show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
This week on the podcast, a little holiday pep talk—I’ll offer you some spiritual practices to try on your own or with others during this season. May they offer you space for peaceful contemplation, fun, and maybe some “re-joying” that we all so desperately need.
“Breath,” Radiolab: https://bit.ly/3svI2dQ
Leave us a voicemail: (302) 415-3407
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Book Coaching with Merideth: https://bit.ly/3oGCSJi
This week on the podcast….jealousy. Merideth offers a potent question to ask when you’re struggling with comparative thinking. Plus an answer to a listener's question about maintaining a healthy sense of self around family.
Find a therapist https://bit.ly/2LR45YW
Support the Show https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Join the Next Artist's Way Creative Cluster https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Fresh out of quarantine, I’m offering some thoughts on embodiment. I’ll give you 3 spiritual take-aways I garnered from the COVID experience at our house, with a few ideas on how our creative mindset can benefit from being present to the wisdom of our own body.
Book a Coaching Session Now: https://bit.ly/3oGCSJi
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Submit Listener Mail: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Guitarist Rupert Boyd: https://bit.ly/3oEJzvv
Being a joyful artist means cultivating an attitude of gratitude. What art or artist(s) are you most grateful for? Merideth shares a brief gratitude meditation for exploring that question and more.
Listen to Merideth and Jani's album: https://spoti.fi/2IxrGfz
Support the show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Process: naming, working, trusting it….is this week’s focus. When we take a moment to examine the roller coaster that the creative process can be, we can gain key information and wisdom about our creative needs. Merideth offers some tips on how we can get more familiar with our unique creative rhythms, how to care for ourselves well throughout the process, and get better at trusting the ebb and flow of a creative life.
Submit a question: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Rate and Review us: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
Coaching: https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
On today’s show: energy. What the research says about the most important resource for productivity… and no, it isn’t time. Creative energy doesn’t come in just one color or flavor— listen to learn a practical coaching tool for uncovering exactly what puts a “pep in your step” creatively.
Submit a question: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Rate and Review us: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
Harvard Business Review Article: https://bit.ly/3nXozhU
On today’s show, devotion... or practice as a spiritual practice. How the discipline of daily artistic fundamental practice can connect us to something larger than ourselves and help us sustain a joyful creative life.
Submit a question: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Rate and Review us: https://apple.co/3j2ufUm
This week on the podcast, a long awaited update to the Creative Block series from Season 1. Merideth shares something she learned about creative block from a cranky massage therapist in Chicago. She’ll answer a listener question about future thinking and give you some math to consider this week.
Enneagram Orientation to time: https://bit.ly/30Ex35G
BE Curious Workshop: https://bit.ly/3DGZo9J
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
This week on the podcast: curiosity. What purpose does it play in our creative lives? What one of Merideth’s favorite writers says to do when you do not feel passion for your art in a particular moment. She’ll also share info about an exciting new offering coming up next month you don’t want to miss!
Elizabeth Gilbert talk on Curiosity https://apple.co/2YUSGy0
BE Curious Workshop: https://bit.ly/3DGZo9J
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
This week on the podcast, after the truth-talk about self-sabotage last week—an episode devoted to self-sabotage’s first cousin….regret. What can our biggest regrets teach us about who we are and what we want, in our creative life and beyond?
Henri Nouwen: https://amzn.to/3AnzyFQ
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Submit a Question: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Have you ever had an amazing opportunity and just watched it pass you by? Have your once-beloved creative projects suffered a demise at your very own hand? Why do artists self-sabotage? Merideth shares a story about a time she sabotaged herself, she’ll answer a listener question about post-pandemic performance anxiety, and give us something to consider this week.
Submit mail: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Compose your career: https://bit.ly/3ldBIlB
Support the show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
On the podcast this week, Merideth does her best to put coaches (herself included) out of business. She’ll offer you some questions to help you get to the bottom of how you really feel and what you really want, to aid in finding more joy in your creative life.
Submit mail: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Coach with Merideth: https://bit.ly/3CGuUUN
Compose your career: https://bit.ly/3ldBIlB
Support the show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
This week Merideth discusses the harmful “tortured artist” stereotype that plagues artists everywhere. Must we be sad, depressive, melancholy individuals in order to make great art? Spoiler alert—nope :)
Submit mail: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Compose your Career: https://bit.ly/3ldBIlB
Mental Health Resources for Artists: https://bit.ly/2LR45YW
Support the Show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
What better way to begin Season 2 than with stories of artists starting over! Merideth shares the most important question to consider during a restart and offers some thoughts on coping in uncertain times. If you’re standing at the beginning of a new season, this one's for you.
Support the show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Compose Your Career Course: https://bit.ly/3ldBIlB
Submit a Creative Conundrum: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Artist’s Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Angela Sheik: https://bit.ly/3l8dkSt
In the Season Finale, Merideth explores how the creative process can transform us from the inside out, if we just ask the right questions. She’ll answer a special lightning round of listener q’s and offer you something to consider this week before signing off for the summer.
Watercolors and Mindfulness: https://bit.ly/3dJZtzy
The Artist's Way: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Support the show: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
Music from the show: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Mailing List: https://bit.ly/3b6yTi6
How do you answer that pesky, well-meaning question strangers ask: ”What do you do?” This week a debunking of a lie creatives tell--”My work is my worth.” If you aren’t performing well in any given moment, does it affect your self-worth? Merideth explores ways to replace that belief with truth that can help you separate your value from your performance.
Sookkyung Cho's Schubert album: https://spoti.fi/2QLb2xr
Watercolors and Mindfulness: https://bit.ly/3dJZtzy
Support us: https://bit.ly/3
This week guest Carrie Schafer, trumpet pro and addiction recovery coach, talks recovery with Merideth. After winning two big jobs, Carrie hit rock bottom. “My life looked great on paper...but I couldn’t stop drinking." Sober since 2018, she's now a coach for creatives struggling with addiction and newly thriving in her creative work.
Whole Heart Wisdom: https://bit.ly/32HocOC
Watercolors and mindfulness with Heidi Lowell: https://bit.ly/3dJZtzy
Buy Me a Coffee Profile: https://bit.ly/3vdDjeN
How does unstructured alone time affect our creativity? Where is the line between healthy solitude, which can promote important reflection and growth— and social isolation, which may cause loneliness? Merideth shares a little of what science has to say about the difference and explores the importance of restorative solitude for artists and creatives.
Study on the healthy aspects of social withdrawal: https://bit.ly/3cEQW01
The History of Loneliness: https://bit.ly/3mbv4g5
Leave us a comment or question: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
After the popularity of the anxiety episode, a follow up—this time anxiety’s legitimate, responsible, older cousin: worry. How are worry and anxiety different? What does the science say about worrying? Can it be helpful/useful? Merideth will share the results of a recent social media poll about artists’ worries, plus some things that are helping her cope with it lately.
Frederick Buechner’s book
Controlled Burning Makes Forests Healthy
“The Upside of Worrying,” Kate Sweeney
This week on the podcast, the first in a series of new bonus episodes entitled "Meet an Artist Who," where we invite artists to share their stories in their own voice. This week Merideth chats with painter Jaye Schlesinger about her show "Possessed," a collection of 380 oil paintings depicting every item she owned after a two-year decluttering process.
Jaye's website: http://bit.ly/38WJbQP
Purchase a panel from "Possessed:" https://bit.ly/3eFtPUL
Jaye's Etsy Shop: http://etsy.me/3bZH94t
How does what we own affect our creative life? Why is it so hard to let physical things go? This week Merideth offers three mantras she’s using to spark joy during the packing/moving process, thoughts on how clutter can slow us down, keep us scared, and even show us all that we have.
Jaye Schlesinger's "Possessed": http://bit.ly/3eFtPUL
Anna Steinhoff, cello and viola da gamba: http://bit.ly/2OI0ayW
Be in touch with Merideth: https://bit.ly/38bKMSF
This week on the podcast: Mindset. How does the spirit with which we approach things change our experience? How can we learn to cultivate a mindset of growth and gentleness in our creative work, especially as we are trying new things? Merideth shares the story of how she learned the answer to these questions from a certain toddler this week. She also shares insights of Psychologist Carol S. Dweck, specifically how mindset can contribute to success.
Be in touch: http://bit.ly/38bKMSF
Carol S. Dweck's book: https://amzn.to/3eanIqV
Indictus Project: https://bit.ly/2J4qAsu
Respectful Parenting: http://bit.ly/30hoyKm
What stops us from cultivating deep friendships, especially with other artists? This week on the show, Merideth explores how friendship can be a powerful tool in the creative process, offering us not only companionship, but also self-knowledge, inspiration, perspective and healing.
https://artistsforjoy.org/connect
Transactive Memory Systems, The Atlantic: http://bit.ly/3klRdr2
On this week's show, Merideth explores why we are so reluctant to take that initial step towards a creative goal and how we might follow Nike’s call to "just do it." She'll share a story from her marathoning days and offer a deep insight she learned from a successful entrepreneur recently about the relationship between things that are scary and/or dangerous.
Coach with Merideth: https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
Join the Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
In this episode, Merideth takes on the ever-important topic for artists--naming and claiming your “why.” What benefit is there in this singularity of purpose, of making meaning in work and life? She'll share three concrete practices/questions/ways of thinking to help you name yours, plus offer insights from two major thought leaders on the subject.
Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk http://bit.ly/3pSM4sl
Join the Artist’s Way Creative Cluster https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
This week we talk competition, how comparing ourselves to others can drain us and lead to creative drought. Merideth will offer a metaphor for scarcity mindset that will probably make you hungry. Plus she’ll share some tips for choosing abundance and gratitude over jealousy and fear in your creative practice.
Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
This week on the podcast, Merideth explores a topic she and so many artists struggle with: anxiety. She’ll share info from two studies on how anxiety affects our brain health and offer some insights into managing the stress that she found in the most unexpected place.
Study “Positive attitudes reduce dementia risk”: http://bit.ly/35Znyy0
Study: "PTSD doubles dementia risk": http://bit.ly/3ce99Sz
Mental Health Resources: http://bit.ly/2LR45YW
This week on the podcast Merideth explores the strength of being a deep feeler, how artists can use their sensitivity to nurture empathy in others. She'll also discuss the important distinction between being an empath and suffering from clinical depression; how we all might see our potential for deep empathy as a strength, while setting healthy boundaries around our mental health.
Mental Health Resources: http://bit.ly/2LR45YW
The Atlantic article on spiders: http://bit.ly/39wVfrr
Creative Conundrum: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Hear more Todd Groves: http://bit.ly/3id7f5o
This week on the podcast Merideth examines the popular mantra: talent + hard work= success. How much do our unique and innate gifts contribute to our success as an artist? Are those two parts of the equation all there is to a satisfactory life as a creative person? Merideth shares a story of how a complete stranger once called out an unexpected talent that would became a calling. She’ll explore a not so commonly considered third element to that equation which she believes could help all artists along their journey to joy.
Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
What is joy, how is it different from regular old happiness, why is choosing joy an important practice to cultivate as an artist, anyway? This week, Merideth shares some ideas on what to do in between joyful memories on stage, plus more on what is behind the podcast’s name.
Learn more about indictus here: http://bit.ly/2J4qAsu
Should artists be people pleasers? Is it possible (or wise) to stop caring what people think? This week Merideth shares a personal story about a big decision that helped her stop her people pleasing habit, plus she’ll explore how the work of sociologist and writer Martha Beck impacted her perception of her “generalized other” and led to a more joyful life as a musician.
Enneagram Workshop Registration: https://bit.ly/2WSPdvI
Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Registration: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
This week we are talking faith...faith in the creative process, faith in ourselves and each other, and the very light and non-controversial topic of how our concept of a higher power can harm or expand our creative lives.
Read the Margaret Mead article here: https://bit.ly/37xzOpf
Register for the Enneagram Workshop here: https://bit.ly/2WSPdvI
Meditation is proven to relieve stress and improve overall health. Join Merideth for a bonus episode featuring a special guided mindfulness meditation. It features music of marimba player/composer Chris Leich. The Artists for Joy theme song is by Angela Sheik.
This week, join Merideth as she explores mindfulness: why she was so resistant to a mindfulness practice at first, how and why she eventually came around, and what our work in the arts can teach us about living in the now.
Submit a creative conundrum: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Lumina Duo: https://spoti.fi/2IxrGfz
Change—even when it’s for the best—is hard. Merideth shares a time when she was surprisingly resistant to change and offers one way of viewing our creative work as an offering and invitation into hope. She’ll answer a listener’s creative conundrum about creative blocks, plus share a special announcement.
Submit your creative conundrum here: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
This week on the podcast Merideth explores the purpose we may find in play-- how making space for unstructured, unproductive, purely playful activities can lead us all to deeper creative joy and may even help us uncover our next step or truer purpose.
Submit a Creative Conundrum here: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
Listen to pianist Anna Kislitsyna here: https://bit.ly/2Ia9yrS
This week, Merideth explores the the art of letting go. Is it beautiful or just plain painful? She’ll share her thoughts on how it can be an expected part of the creative process and even a road to healing.
Learn more about artist Emie Hughes: https://bit.ly/3kFUkcx
Blue Jar Studio Instagram: https://bit.ly/3jOqGkp
Blue Jar LLC on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3e7fzBy
Pyxis Piano Quartet: https://bit.ly/3oDu0Cr
Submit a creative conundrum here: https://bit.ly/3kFNMLf
This week Merideth takes on the tough topic of failure. She’ll offer 3 tips for processing, bouncing back, and cultivating a healthy sense of self outside of our art form or roles in life.
Hear the complete Beethoven Mandolin Sonatina here: https://bit.ly/2TkPoOe
Hands down the most common statement in Merideth's inbox about the show is, "I love your show but I am not an artist!" This week Merideth explores this conundrum...who gets to call themselves an Artist with a capital A? She'll share an excerpt from an inspiring book about creativity, plus offer some insights on how to unclip the wings of your inner artist and perhaps find healing in the process.
Brenda Ueland quote: https://bit.ly/3j1d98E
Van Gogh Letters: https://bit.ly/3lUhLPs
Beau Soir Album: https://spoti.fi/2IxrGfz
Do you know how to rest? This week Merideth explores the full spectrum of rest from an artist's perspective-- from mind-numbing TV to REM cycles of the coveted 8 hours of sleep. She explores one writer's idea on how to do nothing, how we might translate our knack for creativity into a practice of restorative rest, and how this idea is built right into the creative process itself.
Jenny Odell: https://nyti.ms/3nw8L4W
Jessica X. Osborne: https://bit.ly/2IcoQMY
Jason Blythe: https://bit.ly/3jIXWKv
This week, in our 20th episode, Merideth looks at the themes within the theme. Ever feel like you are losing hope in the face of disappointments or detours? Merideth will share her experience of those feelings, plus something we all have in common with child prodigies. She'll help us all celebrate the twists and turns of the long game that an artist's life often involves.
Listen to Angela Sheik's full version of the theme song here: https://bit.ly/3cu1htV
Do you hear the voices? The inner voices that chastise or criticize you at every turn? This week on the podcast, Merideth explores how we all might tune in to our unique inner dialogues. Listen to learn how defining the negative voices inside your mind can help quiet their chatter, plus other tips. Lastly, don’t miss the exclusive offer for podcast listeners that goes live soon---listen to learn more!
Worksheet: https://bit.ly/3hIkYiT
Graydin: https://bit.ly/2FHiTGx
Special Offer: https://bit.ly/2RzDvDp
Six months into this pandemic (here in the US, anyway), Merideth checks in and offers one idea about why so many of us may be struggling anew right now. She’ll share her experience with the Abraham Hick’s Emotional Guidance Scale, used as a tool for self-regulation of emotions. (Don't worry: the phrases “unprecedented times” or “the new normal” will never appear in this podcast! OK... well... almost never...)
Read about surge capacity here: https://bit.ly/35vDDvX
This week Merideth explores how arts training can burn us out or zap our creativity. She’ll propose some ideas for staying joyful as we study or teach our art form, like naming and claiming your creative impulse, finding your tribe, and more. Don't forget to download your worksheet (link below).
Click here if you are in crisis and need support now: https://bit.ly/31UOXPO
The Mappiness Project: https://bit.ly/2Z549Ix
Depression and Creativity: https://bit.ly/32Vhu75
Types of therapy: https://wb.md/3509tk9
Worksheet: https://bit.ly/2DqeaIq
This week, in lieu of a full episode, Merideth shares a visualization exercise that explores our thirst for self-acceptance and worthiness. Join her on this guided daydream of sorts to explore the concept of an inner well; a source we all might draw from on the journey. This episode features music of Seth Waldron, Joseph McDade and Angela Sheik.
Read more about the science behind visualization here: https://bit.ly/34IzmEP
Read a full transcript of the exercise here: https://bit.ly/3jkPWP5
Ever read the comments and then swiftly regret it? Wonder how to manage criticism, the need for recognition, the desire to be applauded, especially in this age of the internet? Merideth shares some personal advice that one of her favorite writers offered on the subject. Plus, an alternative: how we might draw a sense of value and recognition from a different source.
Give clean water to 1 person for $50 via World Vision: https://bit.ly/3aQSCkI
Join the Artist’s Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
In this episode, Merideth shares some practical tips for taking care of yourself. Interwoven with music of Chopin, Swift/Rose, Piazzolla, and Bach, you’ll hear a special three part “Ode to Taking Good Care” inspired by the email signature of her therapist.
Our Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Enneagram workshop: https://bit.ly/2WSPdvI
The Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
What stories do you tell yourself about your life? This week Merideth explores this concept and how we artists can find courage to change our inner narratives and rewrite the ending. This episode features music of Schubert, Schumann, and Sheik, performed by Andrew Parker, oboe and Alan Huckleberry, piano.
Brené Brown has all the answers: bit.ly/31r882m
Music from the podcast: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Enneagram workshop: https://bit.ly/2WSPdvI
This week Merideth explores the joy in being a beginner. Listen if you’re looking for grace, patience, or courage to try something new, change directions, or attempt a do-over. Merideth shares about her attempts to learn German, answers a piece of listener mail from a fellow artist struggling with the pandemic, and more. This episode features music of Haydn, Sheik, Debussy, and Ravel.
2020 Podcast Awards: https://bit.ly/32pfPrN
Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Italian Renaissance sculptor, Michelangelo, said, "I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free." This week Merideth explores buried dreams, what our tantrums say about us, and the hope we can find when we have the courage to dig. This week’s podcast features music of Sheik, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, and Ravel. Plus, illustrator Mike Cunningham repurposed Michelangelo's "Atlas Slave" for this week's artwork.
Playlist: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Learn more about Michelangelo's process as a subtractive sculptor: https://bit.ly/2WPMfby
Register for the Enneagram workshop here: https://bit.ly/2WSPdvI
Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Nominate us for the 2020 Podcast Awards: https://bit.ly/32pfPrN
Where do you belong? This week Merideth dives into this question, reflecting on her own upbringing in small-town South Carolina. She explores how artists might find community and friendship by showing up as themselves and using their artist-eye to love others well.
Music from the podcast: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Blake Chamberlain’s Artwork: https://blakeart.work/
Join The Artist's Way Creative Cluster: https://bit.ly/32pPZE8
Nominate us for the 2020 Podcast Awards: https://bit.ly/32pfPrN
Are you a procrastinator? This week on the podcast Merideth explores the role procrastination can play in an artist’s life. She proposes a few reasons why we may put things off and some ideas to help us keep moving.
Procrastination Study: https://bit.ly/3fgp2pZ
Playlist: https://spoti.fi/3fiXEIa
Nominate us: https://www.podcastawards.com/
This week Merideth remembers the most meaningful course she's ever taken, and how it reminds her that even with highly trained ears, we can be unconscious to the sounds of our own lives telling us who we are. With music of Milhaud, Bach, Faure, and Ravel, she dives deep into the topic and the task of "hearing" our lives speak.
Check out the bonus content for this episode on our website here: https://artistsforjoy.org/hearing
This week Merideth takes on the topic of body image and how hatred for our bodies stops us from finding joy in the artist life. She shares a bit about her personal struggles with self acceptance and offers an idea that helps her find self-compassion on the darkest days.
Check out the gallery of visual art submissions mentioned in the episode at https://artistsforjoy.org/bodyimage/
Have you been or are you currently creatively blocked? Wanna talk about it? https://artistsforjoy.org/shareyourstory
This week Merideth begins a deep dive into the topic of creative block: sharing stories of artists experiencing it and how the words of James Baldwin spoke to the issue. Plus, she'll explain how a mysterious discovery made by an 18th century violinist held the key to her unblocking this time.
Links mentioned in the episode: https://tatianadaubekphotography.zenfolio.com/
https://www.houseoftimemusic.org/
Share your story about creative block: https://artistsforjoy.org/shareyourstory
There are no words at this moment, and so this episode is different. Merideth passes the mic to others, whose voices she is honored to amplify: artists of color. They share their stories of resilience, creativity in times of anger/frustration/fear, and give us all an important call to action for artists right now.
Shefon Taylor (collage artist and designer) www.byshefon.com
Courtney Porter (mezzo-soprano), IG: Thelightofthesun_
Shawn Okpebholo (composter) www.shawnokpebholo.com
Brandi Bey Neal (spoken word poet), Facebook: Brandi.Bey
How are you persevering right now? What is all the uncertainty, isolation, and concern of the future doing to your creative impulse, your sense of joy? In this episode, Merideth shares stories of artists facing criticism, pandemic panic, and other difficulties, and how Vincent Van Gogh offers some wisdom for how we might choose joy in the face of them.
Learn more about Delaware Blue Rock here: https://www.dgs.udel.edu/sites/default/files/publications/sp20.pdf
Sign up for "The Artist's Way" here: https://artistsforjoy.org/theartistsway
Madonna, Tom Hanks, Maya Angelou...what do all these artists have in common? They struggle with their inner critic. In this episode, Merideth Hite Estevez shares an approach to managing these voices and cultivating a knack for creating from a place of joy instead of insecurity, fear of failure, or a need for approval.
Links mentioned in the episode:
https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/share/bd86a835-b84c-47a7-bbec-60b9af6ea282
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.157.6229&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://ideas.ted.com/how-to-stand-up-to-your-inner-critic/
Playwright George Bernard Shaw famously said, "Life isn't about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself." A quote that might seem at odds with writer and Trappist monk Thomas Merton's adage: "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." So which is it?
Can the act of creation help you live into or find your identity? Does identifying as an artist have to mean a life of turmoil and hardship? Join us for this week's episode to find out.
This episode includes music of Claude Debussy, J.S. Bach, Georges Bizet, and Angela Sheik, including performances by Jani Parsons (piano), Gabriel Benton (piano), Merideth Hite Estevez (oboe) and the Carolina Youth Symphony.
Read more about the whale study Merideth mentions in the episode here:https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/04/coronavirus-pandemic-earth-pollution-noise/609316/
There are still a few spots in the new, recently added section--now on Wednesday evenings-- of the Artist's Way Creative Cluster! Learn more and register here: https://artistsforjoy.org/theartistsway
Pablo Picasso said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." This week host Merideth Hite Estevez explores how our inner artist child can help us to discover what sparks joy in our work as adults. She'll offer ways to make the most of quarantine by (re)discovering the art of true play.
This episode includes music of Angela Sheik, Franz Schubert, George Enesco, and Gabriel Fauré and features Merideth Hite Estevez, oboe, Jani Parsons, piano, Ariana Falk, cello, and Kathleen Winters, flute.
Read more about the "Harvard Center for the Developing Child" mentioned in the episode here: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/
Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster (which starts on May 12 via Zoom) here: https://artistsforjoy.org/theartistsway
Are you an artist who struggles with perfectionism? In this episode, host Merideth Hite Estevez explores an antidote to that feeling and more ways to find joy in the creative process. This episode features music of Angela Sheik, Darius Milhaud, Claude Debussy, and J.S. Bach with Merideth Hite Estevez, oboe with Jani Parsons on piano and Thea Lobo, mezzo soprano with pianist, Eunmi Ko. Learn more about Thea's project at https://www.indictus.org/ and register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster at https://artistsforjoy.org/theartistsway