Artists for Joy

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 Bevins*Get How Beauty Will Save the World*Learn more about Creo Arts*Follow 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

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.