267: What's bringing me joy this spring
Artists for Joy
Life is moving fast! Today we are slowing down for our quarterly check-in on the big and small things saving our creative lives right now. From medical advocacy and fitness apps to custom book merch and the magic of a 3:00 PM dinner routine, we’re celebrating the "professional confetti explosion" season in full force. Follow Aileen Weber on Instagram: Join the Vitality Coaching App ("Buns to Sun"): (Tell her Merideth sent you!) Favorite Protein Powder #1 (mix with coffee): Favorite Protein Powder #2 (for smoothies and drinking plain mixed with water): Aerin Mediterranean...
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266: Throwback: Write a new story
Artists for Joy
This week on the podcast, I’m sharing a story about a "no" that truly leveled me. As I head into the studio this Monday to record the audiobook for my new book, I couldn’t help but think back to the moment I found out I wouldn’t be narrating my first one. I was sitting in a middle seat on a cross-country flight when the email arrived, and I spent the rest of the trip quietly crying. I’m replaying this episode now because it's a powerful reminder that no feeling is final. We often interlace our identity with our creative output, making rejection feel like a verdict on our very selves....
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265: 7 Types of Rest
Artists for Joy
In the middle of a busy season—like, say, launching a new book—it is so easy to view time as a resource to be earned rather than an experience to be felt. In this episode, I explore the "Workaholic Quiz" from Week 10 of The Artist's Way and ask: Is your busyness fueled by joy, or is it a shield against the vulnerability of being still? Using Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s “7 Types of Rest” and the design concept of White Space, we discuss how rest isn't a reward for finishing your work—it’s the fuel that makes the work possible. Pre-order the New Book: (Coming July 2026!) Join...
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264: How Beauty Saves Us with Winfield Bevins
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 *Get *Learn more about *Follow Winfield on *Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on : Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content *Leave a review on *Tell me what you think...
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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...
info_outlineLife is moving fast! Today we are slowing down for our quarterly check-in on the big and small things saving our creative lives right now. From medical advocacy and fitness apps to custom book merch and the magic of a 3:00 PM dinner routine, we’re celebrating the "professional confetti explosion" season in full force.
Follow Aileen Weber on Instagram: @Aileen.Webber
Join the Vitality Coaching App ("Buns to Sun"): Sign Up Here(Tell her Merideth sent you!)
Favorite Protein Powder #1 (mix with coffee): Ancient Nutrition Collagen (Vanilla)
Favorite Protein Powder #2 (for smoothies and drinking plain mixed with water): Ballerina Farm Farmer Protein
Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Perfume: Nordstrom link
Aerin Fragrance Discovery Set: Estee Lauder
The "Art is How God Loves Us" Book Launch Hub:
* See all Summer 2026 Tour Stops & RSVP: artistsforjoy.org/launch
* Reserve Your Custom Launch Mug (4 Glaze Options!): Fill Out the Waitlist Form Here
* Check out our wonderful partners: Black Oak Arts Pottery & The Inspired Foundry
Join the Joysters on Patreon!
This podcast is 100% listener-supported. Become a paid supporter to get access to hours of creative recovery content and join our next Monthly Meetup on **June 12th at 12:00 PM EST** as we talk about "The Courage to be Known."
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