Stream of Art

Michelle returns for another solo episode to reflect on why changing our minds can be a challenge and when it’s important to lean into change. Recorded on October 16th, 2025 Timestamps: [0:19] Intro [1:34] Story 1 [6:28] New lesson and mentorship offers [17:41] Story 2 [25:06] Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Blog post - What If?: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/what-if Blog post - How I Healed My Relationship With Music: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/how-i-healed-my-relationship-with-music Blog post - Do As You Say: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/do-as-you-say Lessons with Michelle: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/lessons Mentorship with Michelle: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/mentorship The sunk cost fallacy: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/the-sunk-cost-fallacy Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Art by: Robyn Lester Music by: Michelle Monette Editing by: Michelle Monette

In this solo episode, Michelle shares her current thoughts on musical flourishing and her new music mentorship offerings.  Recorded on September 2nd, 2025 Resources, references, and further exploration: ”How I Healed My Relationship With Music” - Blog Post by Michelle: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/how-i-healed-my-relationship-with-music Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Explore music mentorship with Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/mentorship Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Art by: Robyn Lester Music by: Michelle Monette Editing by: Michelle Monette  

In our season one finale, we tackle the topic of change—how do we handle our everchanging lives and selves, and how might be approach making changes in an effective way? Our conversation leads us to discussions on grief, articulating our needs, and how to better support people. Robyn goes to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Michelle loves that she doesn’t have to shovel.  Recorded on December 8th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (0:42) Robyn’s check-in (4:54) Michelle’s check-in (12:45) Main topic: Change (19:13) Identity and change as failure (28:09) Self-protection, doing the best we can, and making different choices (40:32) Communicating your needs (46:14) Supporting people who are grieving (50:51) Learning to listen (57:56) Building a flexible identity (1:04:19) When you want to change something (1:18:30) Podcast changes (1:27:43) Our intentions going forward Resources, references, and further exploration: Trans Siberian Orchestra: https://www.trans-siberian.com/ Jamie Cullum’s Song Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk8E9b6preU&list=PL_xCVmPYrLMhkNFVQh0kUrH7TcZASwvTe Books mentioned: Songwriting Without Boundaries by Pat Pattison https://www.patpattison.com/store Master of Change by Brad Stulberg: https://www.bradstulberg.com/books Quotes, ideas, and insights: Amor Fati: https://dailystoic.com/amor-fati/ “slow moments are common after a period of serious growth they should not be feared but embraced as opportunities to get to know the new you as you mature, you release so many layers that you sometimes change radically, and your mind and body feel like a new home slow moments are for renewal and integration of recent lessons learned but a slow pace often finds a way to test how you have grown; this is an important time to observe your progress and notice where you need further work” - yung pueblo (Diego Perez) - Clarity and Connection, Page 173 “Well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing.” - Zeno (Source: https://dailystoic.com/remember-little-things-are-not-small/) Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Art by: Robyn Lester Music by: Michelle Monette Editing by: Michelle Monette

In a society that lionizes “hustling” and “the grind”, rest can feel like a revolution. In this episode, we talk about the different types of rest, why rest is important, and how we think about it in our own lives. We also dive into why modern work isn’t working for our brains and how it makes it harder for us to rest and recover the way we need. Robyn sees the wonderful poet Shane Koyczan live and Michelle tries to save (digital) fox cubs from extinction.  Recorded on November 24th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (0:47) Robyn’s check-in (3:10) Michelle’s check-in (9:03) Main topic: Rest (9:54) The 7 types of rest (15:43) Sensory overload (26:26) Modern knowledge work is broken (40:54) Michelle’s three-stage journey with rest (55:52) Some of our favourite ways to rest (59:53) Our intensions for the next few weeks (1:01:57) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Shane Koyczan: https://www.shanekoyczan.com/ Endling - Extinction is Forever: https://www.handy-games.com/en/games/endling/ Seven types of rest that every person needs: https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/ Books mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/#TheBook Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/593398/peak-performance-by-brad-stulberg-and-steve-magness/9781623367930 Essentialism by Greg McKeown: https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/ Deep Work by Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/writing/ Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/writing/ A World Without Email by Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/writing/ Never Play it Safe by Chase Jarvis: https://chasejarvis.com/never-play-it-safe/ Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Listen to This Month’s Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3P2200N82lBZFKReAphD4u?si=5c31aded448a4617 Credits: Art by: Robyn Lester Music by: Michelle Monette Editing by: Michelle Monette

This episode was inspired by Michelle’s reading of Matthew Hussey’s book Love Life. We share our thoughts on self-love and explore some of Matthew’s ideas on self-love. Robyn gets some more sleep and Michelle goes to see Jordan Rakei. Recorded on November 10th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (0:47) Robyn’s check-in (4:28) Michelle’s check-in (11:20) Main topic: Self-love (27:50) Could having core confidence stop us from doing things? (41:29) Focusing on the day-to-day (51:33) Building core confidence (1:06:03) Do we need to tap into who we are? (1:11:36) Our intentions (1:14:13) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Ben Fensome’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somebenfen/?hl=en Jordan Rakei: https://www.jordanrakei.com/#/ Katie Tupper: https://www.katietuppermusic.com/ Books mentioned: Love Life by Matthew Hussey: https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063294387/love-life/ Quotes, ideas, and insights: Selected quotes from Love Life: “We have tried in these pages to rebrand love, to move love from the world of feeling and plant it firmly in the territory of doing. It’s the difference between love, the noun, and to love, the verb, a shift that’s so important it’s even right there in the title of this book. This change helps us set aside how we feel about someone and look instead at what they are actually doing—how much are they investing in us, and what are they doing to progress, nurture, and safeguard the relationship? This shift is just as necessary when it comes to loving ourselves. Too often romantic love is the model for loving ourselves, and that’s precisely why it’s not working. We have it backward. Loving yourself isn’t the goal; it’s the action. Self-love is the starting line. Core confidence is not just a one-time epiphany; it’s a practice, with immediate daily application. It’s actually something you can get better at.” - Page 196 “But when we stop thinking of love in terms of hormonal waves of feeling, and start thinking of love as a verb, we can stop worrying about liking ourselves as a precondition for self-love. Loving ourselves comes first. “Loving ourselves” is proactive here. In this rebrand, we have to start seeing the word loving in this phrase as interchangeable with “taking care of,” “investing in,” “encouraging,” “nurturing,” and “standing up for.” Self-love is a verb.” - Page 197 “Look at how much time we spend worrying about other people and how we treat them. Was I polite enough? Did I talk too much? Did I tip enough? I hope what I said yesterday didn’t upset my sister. I need to call that friend to check in with how he is. Meanwhile, we barely consider how we treat ourselves. We may value being kind to others, but how often do we think of kindness as something we should extend to the person on our driver’s license? We carefully monitor how much we ask of colleagues, then dump a completely unmanageable to-do list on ourselves. We encourage friends knowing it helps them thrive, then berate ourselves for underperforming. We shower people with gratitude for the things they’ve done for us, then barely acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice it’s taken us to get to this point in life. Instead, whenever we have a quiet moment, we pinpoint the exact instances in our personal history where we have failed ourselves and others.” - Page 199 “Imagine someone asking you why you love yourself, and you shaking your head just like the parent who says, “Because that’s my kid.” It has nothing to do with how great you are. No traits, attributes, or achievements are necessary. “Because I’m my person,” you say, as if it were completely obvious. Because, when you think about it, it is.” - Page 201 “This is why loving ourselves has to be taken much more seriously than waiting around for a feeling about ourselves. We have to make the decision to love ourselves like it’s our job . . . because it is. It’s not that the cavalry isn’t coming. It’s that we’re the cavalry.” - Page 201 Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Art by: Robyn Lester Music by: Michelle Monette Editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we discuss the role acceptance plays in being able to manage the expectations we have about ourselves and our lives. Robyn says “yes, and” to more acting and improv classes, and Michelle finishes writing a song.  Recorded on November 3rd, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (0:48) Robyn’s Check-In (3:17) Michelle’s Check-In (13:23) Main topic: Acceptance and managing expectations (51:05) Outro and our intentions for the next couple of weeks Resources, references, and further exploration: David Epstein on Diary of a CEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsERVcx0Qg8&t=217s Books mentioned: Songwriting Without Boundaries by Pat Pattison: https://www.patpattison.com/store Quotes, ideas, and insights: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” - Reinhold Neibur Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv October Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7FOKswk9KfUcmFdUPhutZD?si=a6ca70e4ea7445de Credits: Art by: Robyn Lester Music by: Michelle Monette Editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we discuss the ways we unintentionally hold ourselves back. We explore the importance of understanding ourselves when it comes to addressing unhelpful patterns, and share some of the things we might tell ourselves that repeatedly get in our way. Robyn rewatches Buffy and Michelle still loves her Kindle. Recorded on October 6th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (0:53) Robyn’s check-in (6:47) Michelle’s check-in (13:18) Main topic: Self-sabotage (29:05) What self-sabotage can look like (49:25) Productivity (52:05) Final thoughts (56:00) Robyn’s plans (56:44) Michelle’s plans (58:46) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/ Odd Bunch: https://www.oddbunch.ca/ Caroline Girvan - Personal Trainer - Free YouTube Workouts: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolineGirvan Books mentioned: The Tell Tale by Clare Ashton: https://rclareashton.wordpress.com/books/the-tell-tale/ The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Courage-to-Be-Disliked/Ichiro-Kishimi/9781668065969 The Practice by Seth Godin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/653661/the-practice-by-seth-godin/9780593328972 The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/ Slow Productivity by Cal Newport: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/ Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday: https://perennialseller.com/ Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Apply for lessons or coaching with Michelle here: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/musiclessonsandcoaching Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Listen to October's Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7FOKswk9KfUcmFdUPhutZD?si=d45053bfb7ca4d0d Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Following on the heels of our last episode on stories, this week, we’re each sharing a few of our own favourite stories. We also share a quick overview of the songs from our September playlist. Robyn starts acting classes and Michelle loves her new Kindle.  Recorded on September 22nd, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (1:03) Robyn’s check-in (9:29) Michelle’s check-in (14:56) Main topic: Our favourite stories (16:05) Robyn: Harry Potter (23:10) Michelle: Dresden Files (29:31) Buffy tangent (31:17) Happy 17th Birthday Dresden (31:42) Robyn: Pride and Prejudice (36:12) Michelle: Mass Effect (46:43) Robyn: Free Willy (57:27) Michelle: “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967” by John Mayer (1:01:21) Robyn: Honourable Mentions (1:10:41) Robyn’s September playlist picks (1:13:37) Michelle’s September playlist picks (1:19:52) The next few weeks (1:20:42) Music lessons and coaching with Michelle (1:22:45) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Harry Potter: https://www.wizardingworld.com/ Dresden Files: https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden Buffy the Vampire Slayer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/ ”What’s Your Thing?” commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX6qUFm1HsI Pride and Prejudice 1995 TV Mini Series: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112130/ North and South TV Mini Series: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417349/ Mass Effect: https://www.ea.com/games/mass-effect/mass-effect-legendary-edition?setLocale=en-us Being a PSYCHOPATH in Mass Effect - Video by Kevduit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R3c-wD0N6A&t=9s Free Willy movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106965/ Blackfish Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2545118/ The Walrus and the Whistleblower Documentary (starring Phil Demers): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12286048/ ”Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967” by John Mayer - Lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrcMMyNeJJs Jurassic Park movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107290/ Twister movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117998/ Twisters movie (the new one): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12584954/ Shane Koyczan: https://www.shanekoyczan.com/ Cast Away movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162222/ Ableton Live & APC40 MKII Live Performance - Ships by Rachel K Collier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztYUcOX-yzM Noise Above Our Heads (James Blake cover) by Native Dancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLWTReok4NM Organizations helping whales: https://whale.org/ https://savethewhales.org/ https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/ https://uk.whales.org/ Books mentioned: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/286387/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen-edited-with-an-introduction-and-notes-by-vivien-jones-original-penguin-classics-introduction-by-tony-tanner-cover-by-coralie-bickford-smith/9780141040349 Death at SeaWorld by David Kirby: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250031259/deathatseaworld Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton: https://www.michaelcrichton.com/works/jurassic-park/ Pivot by Jenny Blake: https://www.pivotmethod.com/about-the-book Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Apply for lessons or coaching with Michelle here: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/musiclessonsandcoaching Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Listen to our September playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6fjUTgqUP1JG304gTQ8fkS?si=0adfb3b972ff4c01 Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Story time! We all love a good story, and in this episode, we explore why storytelling is such an important part of being human. We also also consider in what ways stories can work against us, and what constitutes a good story. Robyn arranges flowers and befriends Disney characters, and Michelle (finally!) cleans out her filing cabinet. Recorded on September 9th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:20) Intro (0:51) Robyn’s check-in (7:52) Michelle’s check-in (10:29) Robyn’s bonus fun/interesting thing (11:51) Main topic start: Stories (14:24) Hearing the music more than the lyrics of a song (20:14) The tradition and art of storytelling (24:33) The value and purpose of sharing stories (42:34) The possible pitfalls of storytelling (52:10) What makes for a good story? (56:31) Robyn’s next couple of weeks (56:53) Michelle’s next couple of weeks (1:06:57) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Disney Dreamlight Valley (the game Robyn has been playing): https://disneydreamlightvalley.com/ Parks and Recreation (the television series Michelle has been watching): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/ The Morning Show (the television series Robyn has been watching): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7203552/ Joseph Campbells Hero’s Journey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero's_journey Don’t Shave That Yak! - Seth Godin blog post: https://seths.blog/2005/03/dont_shave_that/ Books mentioned: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr: https://www.thescienceofstorytelling.com/ Walden by Henry David Thoreau: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden The Practice by Seth Godin: https://seths.blog/thepractice/ Definitions, clarifications, and fact checking: For anyone curious, here is the definition of a florist: “A florist specializes in the art of floral design and arrangement. Florists work with various types of fresh, dried, and artificial flowers to create beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, wreaths, and other floral displays for a wide range of occasions and events. They have a keen eye for color, texture, and design aesthetics, allowing them to arrange flowers in visually appealing and meaningful ways that suit the occasion or the customer's preferences. Florists may operate their own floral shops or work in flower stores, garden centers, event planning companies, and other related establishments. In addition to creating floral arrangements, florists also provide valuable advice and recommendations to customers regarding flower selection, care, and appropriate arrangements for specific events or sentiments. They may work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, crafting custom designs to convey emotions, celebrate special moments, and enhance the overall atmosphere of weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant occasions.” Source: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/florist/ Jon Hamm fact check: So, Jon Hamm is listed as being active as an actor from 1996 to the present, so that would make him around 25 when he started. But he did teach eight-grade acting after he graduated college, and one of his students was indeed Ellie Kemper! Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Hamm Article - How Reading Fiction Increases Empathy and Encourages Understanding (there is a link to the study referenced as well, for anyone interested in reading that): https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/how-reading-fiction-increases-empathy-and-encourages-understanding Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv SOA September Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6fjUTgqUP1JG304gTQ8fkS?si=fb80b6eaee894205 Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Life is full of challenges so in today’s episode, we each share a challenge we’re currently facing and what we’re doing to work through them. Robyn practices positivity and Michelle shares some appreciation for Mel Robbins.  Recorded on August 25th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:18) Intro (0:57) Robyn’s check-in (5:37) Michelle’s check-in (8:29) Positivity (11:27) Main topic: challenge deep dive (14:01) Michelle’s challenge (46:48) Robyn’s challenge (1:12:49) Robyn’s next couple of weeks (1:13:44) Michelle’s next couple of weeks (1:14:38) SOA Playlist announcement (1:17:45) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Mel Robbins’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@melrobbins Wheel of Life Assessment: https://wheeloflife.noomii.com/ Notion Charts - Thomas Frank video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_D8MlBAk0A Michelle’s Blog Post “How I Healed My Relationship With Music”: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/how-i-healed-my-relationship-with-music Elyse Myers video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ki-MuGQ0Lyg September’s SOA Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6fjUTgqUP1JG304gTQ8fkS?si=7ede8d2a4cd04d01 Books mentioned: Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend: https://www.hachette.com.au/jessica-townsend/ The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/books#the-5-second-rule The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/books#the-high-5-habit Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Those were the days! In this episode, we explore nostalgia—how we experience it, and how it can get in the way of us being fully present and embodied in the moment. We also discuss the Olympics, gratitude, some of our favourite nostalgia triggers. Robyn is inspired by Céline Dion’s comeback performance and Michelle starts a morning walking routine.  Recorded on August 11th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:27) Intro (0:58) Fun/interesting thing (11:46) Michelle’s win, challenge, and fun/interesting thing (31:29) Main topic: Nostalgia (1:04:55) The role nostalgia plays in creating and consuming art (1:15:32) Favourite nostalgia triggers (1:31:38) Robyn’s upcoming plans (1:32:26) Michelle’s upcoming plans (1:34:12) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Bent Knee’s upcoming album Twenty Pills Without Water: https://bentknee.bandcamp.com/album/twenty-pills-without-water The Office - Andy Bernard - The good old days quote video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gvk0_6p_-s Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/internal-family-systems-therapy Jordan Rakei’s album What We Call Life: https://jordanrakei.bandcamp.com/album/what-we-call-life Grace Helbig’s cottage cheese recipes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItTQH-ZjGlk ”What are we doing tomorrow night, Brain?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJYmyYzuTa8 Books mentioned: Mel Robbins’ book The 5 Second Rule: https://www.melrobbins.com/books#the-5-second-rule Quotes, ideas, and insights: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” - John Lennon, from the song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we attempt to tackle the topic of artistic identity. What is it? When is adopting an artistic identity helpful, and when might it become an issue? Robyn’s dog turns to a life of crime, and Michelle is having a hard time writing the lyrics for a song.  Recorded on July 20th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:30) Intro (0:46) Robyn’s fun/interesting thing (3:01) Michelle’s win, challenge, and fun/interesting thing (11:22) Summertime nostalgia (14:35) Main topic: artistic identity (19:24) The possible benefits of taking on an artistic identity (38:40) The possible pitfalls of taking on an artistic identity (54:19) Robyn’s next few weeks (55:27) Michelle’s next few weeks (58:28) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Mark Lettieri’s new album Can I Tell You Something?: https://www.marklettieri.com/can-i-tell-you-something Michelle’s blog post on doing what you say: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/do-as-you-say Michelle’s blog post on healing her relationship with music: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/how-i-healed-my-relationship-with-music Books mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Master of Change by Brad Stulberg: https://www.bradstulberg.com/books Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we explore regrets and “shoulds”. We consider in what ways they’re related, how they hold us back, and what perspectives might help us to live our lives more on our own terms. Robyn organizes her closet and Michelle goes to the movies. Recorded on July 14th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:28) Intro (0:50) Robyn’s win, challenge, and fun/interesting thing from the last two weeks (2:34) Michelle’s win, challenge, and fun/interesting thing from the last two weeks (8:12) SPOILER WARNING for A Quiet Place: Day One (12:01) End of spoilers (18:51) Main topic: regret and “shoulds” (1:23:48) Michelle’s plans for the next couple of weeks (1:24:53) Robyn’s plans for the next couple of weeks (1:28:49) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Show - Little Bird: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22750834/ Video - Unpopular Opinion: Nothing in Life is a Waste of Time - How to ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=662g7IjfY9s&t=347s Video - Using Lifestyle-Centric Career Planning to Pursue a Life You Love - Cal Newport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpSlr5TYAEw Video - Mel Robbins: 5 Second Rule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI2VQ-ZsNr0 Podcast - Episode 23 - Setting Up Your Creative Environment - Stream of Art Podcast: https://streamofartpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-23-setting-up-your-creative-environment/ Books mentioned: We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen: https://www.lauramckowen.com/books The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: http://www.matthaig.com/books/midnight-library/ Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday: https://www.courageiscalling.com/ Range by David Epstein: https://davidepstein.com/range/ Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://fs.blog/clear/ So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/writing/ (scroll down the page) The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg: https://www.bradstulberg.com/books (scroll down the page) The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule Quotes, ideas, and insights: Amor Fati - The love of fate: https://dailystoic.com/amor-fati/ “What man can you give me who puts any value on time, who counts a day, who understands that he dies daily? This is our big mistake: to think we look forward to death. Most of death is already gone. Whatever time has passed is owned by death.” - Seneca - Sources: https://dailystoic.com/letters-from-a-stoic/?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=convertkit&utm_campaign=dying-every-day https://dailystoic.com/you-are-dying-every-day/ “One way to see Nightingale’s story is that she spent years ignoring her call to service. The other is that she was preparing herself for the mission of her life. It took time for her to see through the smoke and noise of the family and society that attempted to discourage her from doing what needed to be done. It took time for her to acquire the skills she needs to transform nursing.” - Ryan Holiday, Courage is Calling, page 10 “The satisfactions of manifesting oneself concretely in the world through manual competence have been known to make a man quiet and easy.” - Matthew B. Crawford, Shop Class as Soulcraft “Stop shoulding yourself. Shift from an internal dialogue of I shouldn’t be in this situation to I wish I wasn’t in this situation; from I should be going about this differently to I want to be going about this differently. Language shapes reality, and these subtle shifts go a long way toward eliminating guilt, shame, and judgment and fostering self-compassion instead. When you catch yourself shoulding, try using another word and see what happens.” - Brad Stulberg, The Practice of Groundedness, pages 49-50 Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we reflect on the first six months of 2024 and share our plans for the rest of the year. Robyn has a successful art show (despite getting rained out!) and Michelle rekindles her love of reading.  Recorded on June 30th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:33) Intro (0:52) Robyn’s win, challenge, and fun/interesting thing (3:57) Michelle’s win, challenge, and fun/interesting thing (10:20) Robyn’s 2024 check-in (31:17) Michelle’s 2024 check-in (1:10:36) Robyn’s plans for the next couple of weeks (1:11:08) Michelle’s plans for the next couple of weeks (1:19:25) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Clip from The Simpsons episode Lisa’s Wedding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEqsuNwNojI Books mentioned: Apostles of Mercy (Book 3 in the Noumena series) by Lindsay Ellis: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/apostles-of-mercy/ The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselmen: https://dailystoic.com/books/ Push Off From Here by Laura McKowen: https://www.lauramckowen.com/books/push-off-from-here The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: https://marthabeck.com/the-way-of-integrity/ Quotes, ideas, and insights: The End of History Illusion: “In 2013, (Daniel) Gilbert, along with researchers Jordi Quoidbach and Timothy Wilson, conducted an extensive study of more than nineteen thousand people between the ages of eighteen and sixty-eight. They asked a series of questions designed to get at whether the subjects thought they had changed much in the past, and whether they believed they would change in the future. The results across the board, regardless of age, were the same: People uniformly believed they’d grown and changed in the past, but when it came to the future, they predicted they wouldn’t change at all. In other words, we believe history ends here in this moment—that all we’ll experience in the future is what we’re experiencing right now. Especially when we’re in pain.” - Laura McKowen, Push Off From Here, pages 91 and 92. “Every event has two handles, one by which it can be carried, and one by which it can’t. If your brother does you wrong, don’t grab it by his wronging, because this is the handle incapable of lifting it. Instead, use the other—that he is your brother, that you were raised together, and then you will have hold of the handle that carries.” - Epictetus; Source: https://ryanholiday.net/two-handles/ Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we each share five of our favourite creatives. Our conversation also delves into the benefits of laying out your influences, originality, and being part of an artistic lineage. Robyn gets hangry at a Renaissance fair and Michelle starts her drawing journey.  Recorded on June 8th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:30) Intro (1:01) Michelle’s check-in (6:14) Robyn’s check-in (8:38) Main topic: 5 of our favourite creatives (10:54) Robyn - Karina Petersen (18:58) Michelle - Jordan Rakei (23:11) Robyn - Florence and the Machine (28:20) Michelle - James Blake (33:09) Robyn - Sam Boughton (37:05) Michelle - John Mayer (49:42) Robyn - Robyn’s grandfather (1:01:33) Michelle - Courtney Swain (1:11:13) Robyn - Eva Kalien (1:20:50) Michelle - Mark Lettieri (1:28:12) Outro Resources: Brad’s Art School - The Learning to Draw Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz6DrQeQ5rI&list=PLinIGX5eeFZLUdWmbfUu0eDdTgTzYuA51 Books mentioned: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity/ The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: https://marthabeck.com/the-way-of-integrity/ Robyn’s Favourites: Karina Petersen: https://www.karinapetersen.com/ Florence and the Machine: https://florenceandthemachine.net/ Recommended album: Dance Machine Sam Boughton: https://samboughton.co.uk/ Eva Kalien: https://www.evakalien.com/ Michelle’s Favourites: Jordan Rakei: https://www.jordanrakei.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: What We Call Life; The Loop James Blake: https://www.jamesblakemusic.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: The Colour in Anything; Friends That Break Your Heart John Mayer: https://johnmayer.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: Heavier Things; Born and Raised; Continuum Recommended album: Born and Raised Courtney Swain (Bent Knee): https://www.courtneyswain.com/ Favourite/recommended Bent Knee albums: Land Animal; Shiny Eyed Babies Bent Knee performing “Holy Ghost” live at The Record Co.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9QAlYV6qsY Favourite/recommended Courtney Swain albums: Between Blood and Ocean and Silver Lining Mark Lettieri: https://www.marklettieri.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: Spark and Echo; Deep: The Baritone Sessions Mark’s JamPlay guitar course: https://jamplay.com/guitar-lessons/mark-lettieri Links: Sweetly Affordable Art Fair: https://www.wallcandy.art/saaf-2024 Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Being intentional about how we set up our creative spaces can help keep us inspired to make art. In this episode, we suggest ways to make your creative space work for you, explore why creating in solitude might not be necessary for everyone, and why it’s important to not let less-than-ideal circumstances stop you from creating. Robyn continues her creative pause, and Michelle focuses on her album and career. Recorded on May 25th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:29) Intro (0:43) Check-in with Robyn (1:04) Check-in with Michelle (3:36) Main topic: setting up your creative environment (10:26) Reducing friction (14:28) Remove distractions and interruptions…? (24:32) Make your space fun, inspiring, and comfortable (30:38) Create separation in your space (32:13) Keep your space clean enough to be functional (36:09) Don’t compare your space to someone else’s (46:35) Expectations (51:21) Final thoughts (55:47) Robyn’s next couple of weeks (58:11) Outro Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we tackle the topic of building a creative habit. We start by examining how habits work, with the help of James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, and then offer five strategies to help you get started building your own. Robyn plays Stardew Valley and Michelle begins a full life slow overhaul. Recorded on May 12th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:30) Intro (2:35) Robyn’s last few weeks (11:53) Michelle’s last few weeks (15:10) Notion, please sponsor us (15:31) Some albums to check out (16:03) Main topic: Building a creative habit (16:21) How habits work (Atomic Habits) (21:51) James Clear, please sponsor us (22:40) Habit Strategy 1: Start Small (25:08) Habit Strategy 2: Track Your Habit (31:35) Habit Strategy 3: Don’t Break the Chain, and Learn to Recover When You Do (42:09) Habit Strategy 4: Pick the Right Time and Consider Your Energy Levels (47:12) Habit Strategy 5: Develop the Right Mindset (52:50) Final thoughts (57:21) Robyn’s next couple of weeks (57:42) Michelle’s next couple of weeks (59:03) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: The Easiest Way to Create Recurring Tasks in Notion (2024) - Thomas Frank Explains Thing. by Courtney Swain and Kyle Harris The Loop by Jordan Rakei Don’t break the chain The Two-Day Rule - Matt D’Avella Michelle’s blog post How to Build a Regular Practice Habit Michelle’s blog post Regain Your Rhythm Michelle’s blog post Focus on the Process, Not on the Prize Michelle’s blog post Leading and Lagging Indicators Books mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear Quotes, ideas, and insights: “Well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing.” - Zeno, quoted in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, 7.1.26 (from The Daily Stoic) “So in the majority of other things, we address circumstances not in accordance with the right assumptions, but mostly by following wretched habit. Since all that I’ve said is the case, the person in training must seek to rise above, so as to stop seeking out pleasure and steering away from pain; to stop clinging to living and abhorring death; and in the case of property and money, to stop valuing receiving over giving.” - Musonius Rufus, Lectures, 6.25.5-11 (from The Daily Stoic) Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Part two of our mental regroup episode. We pick up where episode 20 left off, sharing ideas for the podcast, identifying the problem with routines, and exploring why so many of us are struggling these days. Robyn prepares for a trip and Michelle longs for a life overhaul.  Recorded on April 20th, 2024 Timestamps: (1:07) Podcast book club (3:13) Creative challenges (6:58) The problem with routines (10:38) A change of scenery (11:24) Mentally regrouping (19:37) A tough season (23:49) Having a positive creative outlet (29:04) Self-awareness (31:12) You are where you are (32:18) Thoughts and ideas (38:40) Robyn’s next couple of weeks (40:11) Michelle’s next couple of weeks (42:24) Outro Books mentioned: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

In this episode, we give ourselves a chance to mentally regroup. Our conversation touches on multiple topics, including why we feel like we have to fill up all our time with work, the interconnection of art and personal growth, and solving the right problems.  Recorded on April 20th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:28) Intro (1:14) Robyn’s week (3:50) We don’t have hobbies anymore (4:54) Emotional cycles (11:47) Feeling like we have to fill up all of our time (19:18) Acknowledging our humanness (20:49) Michelle’s week (26:41) Episode 20 (30:17) Art and personal growth (32:08) Solving the right problems (37:32) Misconceptions about what it means to be an artist (40:50) Everyone gets to define their relationship with creativity (43:05) We don’t have it all figured out (46:40) People who position themselves as experts (56:33) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Ogres have layers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJQmVZSAqlc Books mentioned: Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://fs.blog/clear/ Think Again by Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/ Quotes, ideas, and insights: “In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

We know all too well how much fear holds us back—both in art and in life.  But what can we do to overcome it? In this episode, we talk about courage. We explore the difference between loud and quiet courage, discuss how courage looks different for everyone, and share ways to cultivate it in our lives. Robyn is feeling the effects of not sleeping enough and Michelle’s cold derails her week. Recorded on April 14th, 2024 Timestamps: (0:28) Intro (0:43) Robyn's week (5:29) Michelle's week (8:52) Main topic: Courage (10:35) What constitutes a courageous act in society (13:44) Courage is about the feeling (17:18) What feels courageous shifts over time (18:24) People who big and why that doesn't work for everyone (25:29) The courage to answer what we're called to do (26:18) Cultivating courage (26:31) Fear as a signal (32:42) Premeditatio malorum (36:16) Making courage a habit (41:35) Being prepared - repetition leads to confidence, confidence leads to courage (46:34) Whether you can prepare or not depends on context (51:52) Video game tangent (57:32) Back on track (58:26) The courage needed to be honest with yourself (1:08:27) Some final notes on courage (1:15:19) Robyn's week ahead (1:17:16) Michelle's week ahead (1:20:04) Outro Resources, references, and further exploration: Michelle’s blog post on courage: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/cultivating-the-courage-to-answer-music-s-call Books mentioned: Ryan Holiday’s book Courage is Calling: https://www.courageiscalling.com/ Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/ Quotes, ideas, and insights: “Be scared. You can’t help that. But don’t be afraid.” - William Faulkner “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” - Seneca Links: Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv Credits: Podcast art by: Robyn Lester Theme music by: Michelle Monette Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette