Holding hope in a heavy world with Shannan Martin
Artists for Joy
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....
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262: Big Toe Ego
Artists for Joy
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: Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content. Tell me what you think of this episode via IG or via email hello@artistsforjoy.org and read the
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261: Maker vs. Manager
Artists for Joy
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...
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260: What's bringing me joy this winter
Artists for Joy
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 essay about this one next week!) New Writing Rhythm A and an that are helping me parent with more joy. PS: I definitely got the numbering wrong on the episode (told you it was unscripted!) So please feel free to ignore that!
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259: Why art matters in tough times
Artists for Joy
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:
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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...
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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.
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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:
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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...
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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_outlineIn 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.