226: Joy Session: Why not me? (Lexy)

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.

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225: Joy in Long Form with Maria Bowler

Today’s guest is Maria Bowler, author of Making Time: A New Vision for Crafting a Life Beyond Productivity, returning for a second conversation on the podcast. This episode dives deep into the realities of cultivating creativity and sustaining joy throughout a long-term project.

Maria and host Merideth share candid reflections on the emotional terrain of large-scale creative work. From the daunting moment of beginning to the pitfalls of tying your identity too closely to your art, they unpack the internal hurdles that can accompany the creative process. You’ll hear the surprisingly sneaky tactics both used to move past intimidation and complete their first books.

They explore the “messy middle” of a project—when the work starts to take on a life of its own, self-doubt creeps in, and direction can feel elusive. Along the way, they discuss how to find helpful reinforcements, strike a balance between creative integrity and marketability, and stay grounded when the finish line finally comes into view.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of practical tools—including a mantra for the long haul—and ideas for how to celebrate when your work is finally out in the world.

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224: Art's Open Door: Let go let go let go

This week on the podcast, I have another installment of our Art's Open Door series, especially for Good Friday. Through the lens of Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel," we explore the profound act of letting go: in parenting, in art, and in our relationship with the divine. 

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Read the transcript on Substack here

Content warning: birth and medical trauma

223: Throwback: Creative Archetypes

Today, 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

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222: Joy Session: Courage + Chronic Illness (Amber)

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. 

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221: Joy Session: Abundance + Impact (Margie)

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.

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220: Throwback: Creating in the Cracks

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

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219: Shadow Careers and Simple Gifts

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

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218: What's bringing me joy this winter

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!)

217: The Artist's Oath with Christina, Jennifer, and Janet

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. 

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216: Creating through grief with author Rebe Huntman

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.

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215: Joy Session: Being Present (Katie)

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 as 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. 

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214: Art's Open Door: A Portfolio Life

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

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213: It's never too late with Angie Kim

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.

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212: Making Time with Maria Bowler

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. 

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211: Hang on to the thread

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

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210: Joy Session: Taking Yourself Seriously (Sarah)

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.

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Register for the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster

Support the show on Patreon

209: Joy Session: Procrastination (Robyn)

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.

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208: Word(s) of the Year 2025

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. 

1. 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?

1. 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. 

1. 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.

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207: Advent Art: Creator Sets Free

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 nature of the human experience and how Christmas reminds us that each effort of creativity is an act of love.

Read the full essay on Substack

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