258: A Litany for Trying
Artists for Joy
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 for hours of creative discovery and recovery...
info_outline
257: Throwback: Harmony vs. Hustle
Artists for Joy
Links: 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.
info_outline
256: Breath Prayer with Christine Valters Paintner
Artists for Joy
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 (a virtual monastery and global community celebrating its 20th year). Book:
info_outline
255: "Give me a word" with Christine Valters Paintner
Artists for Joy
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...
info_outline
254: Christmas Bloopers
Artists for Joy
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...
info_outline
What child was this?
Artists for Joy
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...
info_outline
252: Major Prophets and Minor Chords
Artists for Joy
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...
info_outline
251: Holy Indifference with Sara Billups
Artists for Joy
Today on the podcast, Merideth chats with Seattle-based writer Sara Billups, who explores faith and culture in her new book, . 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.
info_outline
250: Holiday Survival Guide
Artists for Joy
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?...
info_outline
249: Joy Session: Self-Judgment (Alicia)
Artists for Joy
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: .
info_outlineThis 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.
Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org