Artists for Joy
More than a hobby or a hustle, creativity can be a deeply resonant spiritual practice that connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to the sacred. If you’re stuck or uninspired or if you’re curious about how the creative life might bring you deep satisfaction, healing, and even joy, pull up a chair. Juilliard-trained oboist, author, and coach Merideth Hite Estevez helps the self-proclaimed artist and the creatively curious discover (or recover) the joy of making. New episodes go live every Friday!
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255: "Give me a word" with Christine Valters Paintner
12/26/2025
255: "Give me a word" with Christine Valters Paintner
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 (a virtual monastery and global community celebrating its 20th year). Book:
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254: Christmas Bloopers
12/19/2025
254: Christmas Bloopers
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: What did you think of the Advent Songbook series? Hit reply or comment on this post on ,
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What child was this?
12/12/2025
What child was this?
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 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 to see what you've missed on Substack. Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to 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 to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5
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252: Major Prophets and Minor Chords
12/05/2025
252: Major Prophets and Minor Chords
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 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 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" . Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to 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 to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5
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251: Holy Indifference with Sara Billups
11/28/2025
251: Holy Indifference with Sara Billups
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.
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250: Holiday Survival Guide
11/21/2025
250: Holiday Survival Guide
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 Links: Read (and add your own) Holiday Gig Fails from and Get the Subscribe to the podcast: , , or .
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249: Joy Session: Self-Judgment (Alicia)
11/14/2025
249: Joy Session: Self-Judgment (Alicia)
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: .
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248: When words sting
11/07/2025
248: When words sting
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. 🌳 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!
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247: Creative Cauldron: Finding Freedom from the Unfinished
10/31/2025
247: Creative Cauldron: Finding Freedom from the Unfinished
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 . If you’re listening after the fact, check back for the link to purchase the replay.
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246: What's bringing joy this fall
10/24/2025
246: What's bringing joy this fall
This week on the podcast, one of our most popular episode types, I'm sharing what's bringing me joy this fall, including how I'm embracing "turtle mode" to recharge, some helpful tools, reflections on my creative journey, and one very comfortable pullover. I put all the links and pics in one post on , but make sure you listen to the podcast for some bonus content at the end--- some practical application! What's bringing you joy this fall? Tell us on or Links:
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245: Finding your flow when motivation dips
10/17/2025
245: Finding your flow when motivation dips
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 .
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244: The Art of Technique (5 things for when you're discouraged)
10/10/2025
244: The Art of Technique (5 things for when you're discouraged)
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:
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243: Joy Session: Finding Your Voice When Life Changes (Rachel)
10/03/2025
243: Joy Session: Finding Your Voice When Life Changes (Rachel)
This week's episode is a Joy Session, a recorded coaching call with Rachel, a writer and creative, awaiting the arrival of her first child. She shares her fears about losing her creative voice amidst new responsibilities and her desire to integrate her past creative self with her new chapter of motherhood. If you are struggling to balance creative dreams with life changes, or if you've ever feared the loss of your creative voice, this one is for you. We've got insights into shifting routines, finding flexibility, and nurturing one's creative self even in chaotic times. (And listen all the way to the end for an update on how Rachel is doing since her son was born!) Links:
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242: The power of "what if"
09/26/2025
242: The power of "what if"
This week we explore the power of "iffirmations" – positive statements prefaced with "what if" – as a way to navigate anxiety and foster hope, especially when traditional affirmations feel inauthentic. Through the lens of Ruth Duckworth’s mural “The Creation,” we name how even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, embracing the creative, positive "what ifs" of life help us become agents of change in a broken world. Link:
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241: Find a way in
09/19/2025
241: Find a way in
This week on the podcast, we explore how to overcome creative blocks at the start and find your unique entry point into a project. This metaphor of "finding another way in" is useful when the traditional "front door" is locked. Listen for some reflective questions about navigating creative challenges that plague us all when we are just getting started. Any Madeleine L'Engle fans out there? This episode is for you! Links:
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240: Micro Joys for Macro Grief
09/12/2025
240: Micro Joys for Macro Grief
Today's episode was inspired by Glo Atanmo's quote, "Micro joys are how we survive macro grief." Listen for an invitation to shift your posture and practice joy as an act of resistance when life feels uncertain and full of grief. Links:
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239: What's bringing me joy this summer
09/05/2025
239: What's bringing me joy this summer
Season 6 debut! New season, new podcast cover art, new intro! Listen for six things bringing me joy this season. Links: Email the show:
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238: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 9s
08/15/2025
238: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 9s
This 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 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 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: Email the show:
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237: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 8s
08/08/2025
237: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 8s
This 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 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 Original Show Notes: In the penultimate installment of our Creative Archetypes Series, we chat with Enneagram 8s. Authors Shannan Martin and Meredith Boggs, as well as hornist and educator Johanna Burian, share what life is like as a Challenger. We explore how creativity can feel like a full body experience to 8s, how vulnerability and levity are key to health, and something we can all do to help the 8s in our lives feel known and loved. Invitation: Take this prompt to your journal or answer the questions with a friend or therapist: What creative challenge(s) am I facing right now? What beliefs underneath the challenge(s) need to be challenged? Email the show:
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236: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 7s
08/01/2025
236: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 7s
This 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 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 Original show notes: In this week’s episode of Artists for Joy, we talk creative joy with some of our favorite Enneagram 7s. Christa Hardin, marriage counselor and author, Molly Wilcox, author and editor, and pastor, writer, and percussionist, Rev. Edwin Estevez share what life as an Enthusiast is like and what they believe they offer in the creative process. They also discuss how the Enneagram can shed a special light on all our relationships, what 7s can do to find more focus, and the most important fact we all should know about the 7s in our lives. Email the show:
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235: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 6s
07/25/2025
235: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 6s
This 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 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 Original show notes: This week on the podcast, the Creative Archetype series continues with Enneagram 6: The Loyalist. We chat with writer Cheri Hudspith, visual artist L. Camille Calloway, writer and therapist Camden Morgante, and visual artist Kate McEnroe, all about what life as an artist 6 is like, how they manage the anxiety, get unstuck, and create with joy. Our BFF Enneagram coach, Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic, also returns to educate on a notable polarity with 6s. Invitation: Find your ragtag team of people and invite them to support you and one another. Accept Love’s invitation, listen to where and with whom you can find your creative community, and show up faithfully for yourself and others. Email the show:
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234: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 5s
07/18/2025
234: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 5s
This 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 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 Original Show Notes: In this episode of our Creative Archetypes Series, Merideth chats with Enneagram 5s about their internal experience as artists. Guests Marsha Crockett (spiritual director and author), Kate Riney (creative marketing strategist, content creator, storyteller, and coach), and Morgan Strehlow (literary agent and freelance author) chat about the castles 5s create in their minds, how to overcome analysis paralysis, and the 5s secret weapon in the creative process: enthusiasm. Plus, our favorite Enneagram coach, Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic, pops on to share some insights, including how to be a good friend to a 5. Invitation: Follow your enthusiasm wherever it goes. Ask: "What am I curious about? What is that thing, maybe random or seemingly silly, that I really care about?" Do some research about it and explore it, let your enthusiasm lead the way. After you do some research, call your favorite friend and share with them what you are learning.
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233: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 4s
07/11/2025
233: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 4s
This 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 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 Original show notes: This week on the podcast, the Creative Archetype Series continues with Enneagram 4. Merideth chats with Lee Fields of Enneagrammatic about life as a 4. Plus, writers Kristin Vanderlip and Mara Eller, and painter Jennifer Hintz Eggers, share their insights on how to move beyond feelings and into doing and what we can all try to channel our inner Enneagram 4 to foster creative joy. Invitation: Listen to a few tracks from this Don't journal or try to fix anything yet. Ask yourself: "How are you feeling today?" and let the emotions come. When you are done, take whatever has come up for you and use it as creative fodder for something small-- a poem, painting, letter, card, or a meal that makes you feel comfort. Respond to whatever feelings you feel by making something.
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232: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 3s
07/04/2025
232: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 3s
This 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 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 Original show notes: This week in the Creative Archetypes Series, we hear from Enneagram 3s. Merideth chats with Ashley Hall-Tighe, trumpet player and certified life coach, Nii Codjoe, product researcher and career coach, and Tombo Hite, attorney, whose biggest claim to fame is that he’s Merideth’s older brother. :) They explore the 3’s secret weapon for getting things done, how to calm the chaos when you’re going 100 mph, plus how to find your true worthiness outside of your achievements. Invitation: 3's Super Power—The To-do List Before you start your day or a creative session, make a list of things that you’d like to accomplish. Imagine what you’d like to say you’ve done by the end of the day. Hold the list loosely. Check in with yourself as you work. Let the list push you forward when you are feeling uninspired or unsure of what to do next. And if you get to the end of the day and your list is unfinished, take a deep breath and try again tomorrow. Remember: you are not defined by all you get done or don’t. Email Merideth with a question or comment: hello@artistsforjoy.org
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231: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 2s
06/27/2025
231: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 2s
This 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 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 Original show notes: Our Creative Archetypes Series continues this week with Enneagram 2’s “The Helper.” Merideth chats with author Holly Oxhandler. Holly is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Associate Professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health, and mental health, and as a studio art minor in college, she embeds creativity into every aspect of her life and work. Merideth and Holly explore how to be a helper without burning out and seeing creativity as an act of self-care and connection. Other 2 voices in the episode: piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock and author/spiritual growth coach Stephanie Miller. Invitation: Put your oxygen mask on first. Write 3 pages of longhand stream of consciousness first thing upon waking. After you finish writing, step outside of yourself, re-read your pages and look for clues about what it is you need. What is one thing you could give to yourself today that you need? Be your own helper, mother, giver, or friend. Having taken care of yourself, look at those around you and ask the same question. What needs do I see? How can I serve them personally— with a phone call or a bouquet of fresh flowers— or creatively—with a handmade card or homecooked meal? Use your creativity to find connection and collaboration, to comfort yourself and others.
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230: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 1s
06/20/2025
230: Summer Enneagram Throwback: 1s
This 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 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 Original show notes: Perfectionism can keep us from starting altogether, stop us mid-art, and suck the joy out of the finished creative project. Can you relate? This week on the podcast, Merideth chats with Enneagram One, Kendra Adachi (aka The Lazy Genius) about holding creative goals loosely, embracing imperfection, and becoming the architecture of your creative life. Invitation: 1. Kendra's advice: "Ask someone you trust what they believe you bring to the creative process." 2. Explore The Lazy Genius' Magic Question: "What can I do now to make something easier later?" 3. Kendra says she lives by , "What is mine to do?" Take this question to your journal and see what comes up. Kendra Adachi’s Enjoy the episode?
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229: Throwback: Rest
06/06/2025
229: Throwback: Rest
This week, I’m recovering from an unexpected surgery! I will have more to say about this soon, but for now, enjoy these words I wrote about rest back in 2020, the first year of this podcast. What are your favorite ways to creatively rest? Tell me in the comments Original Show notes: Do you know how to rest? This week Merideth explores the full spectrum of rest from an artist's perspective-- from mind-numbing TV to the REM cycles of the coveted 8 hours of sleep. She explores one writer's idea on how to do nothing, how we might translate our knack for creativity into a practice of restorative rest, and how this idea is built right into the creative process itself.
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228: What's bringing me joy this spring
05/16/2025
228: What's bringing me joy this spring
This week: a rare unscripted episode! Merideth chats candidly about what's bringing her joy this spring. From shoes to hair accessories to writing playlists and everything in between, give it a listen and let us know what brings you joy in the comments for this episode on IG: @artistsforjoy. Some links (non-affiliate) Read some early material from my new book,
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227: Joy Session: Being a Beginner Again (Rene)
05/09/2025
227: Joy Session: Being a Beginner Again (Rene)
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Rene, a musical theater writer and composer. Rene opens up about navigating a creative block that feels a bit like living in the show Severance. Despite a lifelong connection to the piano, she finds herself staring at 88 keys like they’re strangers. So what happens when something you love becomes inaccessible? Rene shares candidly about the emotional weight of turning her passion into her profession, and how that shift introduced pressure, shame, and sky-high expectations that made creativity feel more like a performance than a joy. Merideth and Rene explore the connection between being a beginner at speaking a new language and rediscovering the wonder of music. Leveling up a skill can feel uncomfortable, but it can also be an opportunity to grow and restore a sense of awe. Rene’s exploration is a gift to anyone who’s ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure if they can still do the thing they used to love. If you’re trying to find your way back to creativity — or moving forward to a new find a version of it — this one’s for you.
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226: Joy Session: Why not me? (Lexy)
05/02/2025
226: Joy Session: Why not me? (Lexy)
In today’s Joy Session, Merideth sits down with Lexy, a writer and illustrator on the verge of releasing her first poetry collection. Though she had hoped to include her own artwork, Lexy found herself creatively blocked. As the conversation unfolds, she realizes she’s been overlooking just how far she’s come. Shifting from the lens of an “abused child” to one of “why not me?” opens a new sense of possibility, allowing her to embrace her strength and resilience rather than fear of vulnerability. Lexy recalls the courage it took to ask for help with the illustrations and feels pride in the accomplishment of collaboratively moving forward with a lifelong dream of getting her work published. Lexy reminds us that while both encouragement and criticism can shape how we see ourselves, we ultimately hold the power to decide our own self-view. By choosing kindness and gentleness over guilt and shame, we create a more joyful and sustainable path forward.
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