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!

275: Through Art's Open Door with Heather Lanier 07/17/2026

275: Through Art's Open Door with Heather Lanier Heather Lanier is a writer, poet, memoirist, speaker, and professor. She is also my friend! Heather returns to the podcast to discuss the profound connection between creativity and spirituality. From the meditative discipline of centering prayer to the "forgetting of self" that occurs in the flow state, Heather shares how writing can serve as both a craft and a spiritual practice. We explore the concept of "ultimate reality," the power of art as a spiritual "thin place," plus the intersection of motherhood, creative momentum, and the joys of the mundane. Whether you're a writer, an artist, or simply someone longing to experience more wonder in everyday life, this conversation is an invitation to slow down and step through art's open door. Resources & Links Music: Art Exhibit: Books: Connect with Heather Lanier: Instagram: Substack: Website: Upcoming Event: Join Merideth and Heather for a live event in the Philadelphia area! Date: July 25th Location: Chadds Ford, PA Details: This is a free event featuring lively conversation and a musical salon exploring creativity as a spiritual practice. Join us as we explore creativity as a spiritual practice and discover how being present to beauty can ground, heal, and transform our everyday lives. Please to attend. I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/42113545

274: Through Art's Open Door: Don Pape 07/11/2026

274: Through Art's Open Door: Don Pape Literary agent Don Pape joins me for a conversation about a lifetime in the publishing industry, the sacred work of shaping stories, and how creativity shows up in both the books we write and the ordinary rhythms of our everyday lives. Don shares what it really looks like to walk alongside an author as they steward their message from a rough draft to a published work. We explore the tension between the "striving" of the industry and the "stewarding" of a creative calling, and why art is ultimately an invitation to see God’s love in the world around us. Don also shares a deeply personal “thin place” experience: simple pieces of artwork made by his granddaughters—pieces that have become a doorway into prayer, presence, and love. Whether you’re an aspiring author or simply someone looking to reconnect with the joy of creating, this conversation is an invitation to trust the process. Resources & Links Order: Leave a review of the book on and Share your story: We are doing a call for guest-post submissions on Substack. You can learn more and submit your own essay about a time art opened a door for you by visiting: I would love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. You can share them by submitting to our guest post series via the link above. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/42041255

Bonus: A Launch-Day Reading from "Art Is How God Loves Us" 07/07/2026

Bonus: A Launch-Day Reading from "Art Is How God Loves Us" It’s officially launch day! Art Is How God Loves Us: The Sacred Beauty of Created Things is finally out in the world today. To celebrate this milestone with you, I wanted to skip the usual book-launch chatter and invite you straight into the heart of the book itself. In this special bonus episode, I’m reading an excerpt from the introduction. Whether you consider yourself an artist or simply someone trying to keep a tender heart in a heavy world, this episode is an invitation to stop striving, open the door, and listen to the spiritual song all created things are singing. Thank you for being on this journey with me. Art Is How God Loves Us is available wherever books are sold today! Links /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41987865

272: Through Art's Open Door: Lisa Kloskin 07/03/2026

272: Through Art's Open Door: Lisa Kloskin Lisa Kloskin is the Editorial Director at Broadleaf Books and the editor of Art Is How God Loves Us. Lisa joined me for a delightful conversation about the sacred work of editing. She shares how walking alongside authors through the creative process has become a form of accompaniment, listening, and care. We explore the vulnerability of writing, collaboration, the art of shaping a book, and the stories that have the power to transform us. Through Art’s Open Door, Lisa shares a novel that has profoundly shaped her faith and imagination: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Whether you're a writer, artist, or simply someone who loves books, this conversation offers a beautiful glimpse into the unseen partnership behind every published work. Resources & Links: by I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41954860

271: Through Art's Open Door with David Gungor 06/26/2026

271: Through Art's Open Door with David Gungor This week on the podcast, musician, songwriter, producer, and pastor David Gungor joins me for a conversation about creativity, spirituality, and the surprising relationship between craftsmanship and inspiration. Known for his work with The Brilliance and The Good Shepherd Music Collective, David reflects on art as a path of transformation, the role of play in the creative life, and why some of our most meaningful work emerges through community. Through Art's Open Door, David shares Leonard Cohen's song "Suzanne," a work that continues to shape his understanding of beauty, patience, and the spiritual life. We explore what it means to slow down, embrace mystery, and trust that creativity is born not from necessity, but from love. If you've ever wrestled with perfectionism, burnout, or the tension between making art and enjoying it, this conversation offers a refreshing invitation to rediscover wonder, play, and the mercy that meets us exactly as we are. I also give you an update from the tour, so listen to the end! Resources & Links I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41810085

270: Through Art's Open Door: Mara Eller 06/19/2026

270: Through Art's Open Door: Mara Eller Writer, editor, book coach, and podcast host Mara Eller joins me to explore the spiritual dimensions of writing, self-reflection, and creative partnership. As the developmental editor who walked alongside me through the drafting of Art Is How God Loves Us, Mara offers a unique perspective on the ways creativity can become a gateway to deeper self-knowledge, connection, and encounter with the divine. We discuss the trust between writer and editor, the importance of spaciousness in the creative process, and how writing can help us uncover what Thomas Merton called the "true self." Through Art's Open Door, Mara brings Denise Levertov's poem To Live in the Mercy of God. Through imagery of towering forests and a waterfall crashing endlessly against stone, the poem offers a striking vision of divine love as an overwhelming force of mercy that continues to pour itself out despite our resistance. The poem invites us into awe, reminding us that the spiritual life is not always comfortable, but it is always held within a love larger than ourselves. If you're feeling spiritually dry or creatively stuck, Mara offers two simple invitations: spend time noticing something beautiful in nature, and revisit a song that mattered deeply to you when you were younger. Through attention, memory, and reflection, these small practices can help us reconnect with beauty, integrate our stories, and step once again through art's open door. Resources & Links I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41693650

269: Through Art's Open Door: Jennafer Newberry Peery 06/12/2026

269: Through Art's Open Door: Jennafer Newberry Peery In the first installment of Through Art’s Open Door, I chatted with Broadway actress Jennafer Newberry Peery, who plays Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. Jennafer shares what it's really like to perform in one of the most beloved musicals in the world while balancing family life, motherhood, and the demands of eight-show weeks. We explore art as a spiritual practice, the courage it takes to remain tender in a world that rewards efficiency, and why changing our minds may be one of the bravest acts of justice available to us. Jennafer reflects on the works of art that have become thin places in her own life–from film and poetry to sunsets, theater, and holding her daughter in her arms. Whether you're an artist, a parent, a person of faith, or simply someone longing to reconnect with wonder, this conversation offers an invitation to notice the beauty that is already speaking to you. Works of Art Mentioned Arrival (2016) Hamnet "There Is Something" poem by Ted Loder Resources & Links Follow Jennafer Newberry Peery on Instagram: in New York City I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41619330

Fear to focus 06/05/2026

Fear to focus In this episode, I share a personal look at the "gremlins of self-doubt" that arrive during a book launch. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, let's discusses how to treat fear as a passenger rather than the driver, using a "Fear to Focus" framework to turn anxieties into actionable truths. Links: Book Tour: Stops include NYC, South Carolina, Williamsburg, VA, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Visit for more info. Support the Show: Join the community at . Follow Along: Follow for daily updates leading up to July 7th. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41547430

267: What's bringing me joy this spring 05/22/2026

267: What's bringing me joy this spring 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 Honeysuckle Perfume: Aerin Fragrance Discovery Set: The "Art is How God Loves Us" Book Launch Hub: * See all Summer 2026 Tour Stops & RSVP: * Reserve Your Custom Launch Mug (4 Glaze Options!): * Check out our wonderful partners: & 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." 👉 Amazon links are affiliate and allow me to receive a small commission! /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41386750

266: Throwback: Write a new story 05/08/2026

266: Throwback: Write a new story 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. Through the story of my friend Ian’s "failed" rockstar dreams and the incredible resilience of the migrating salmon, I explore how we can sit with our tender disappointments without letting them keep us stuck. Whether you’re nursing a fresh wound or an old one, I hope this encourages you to keep swimming toward the open waters of your next chapter. Listen in to hear my thoughts on why we aren't "tortured" but simply "tender and trying," plus a listener question about whether finding your artistic "style" actually matters. Original show notes: This week's episode explores the challenge of persevering through creative disappointment. We meet Ian, a musician whose band falls apart, and learn the tool that is helping Merideth cope with a recent and painful rejection. Listen for encouragement to embrace your sensitivity and vulnerability and to find ways to move beyond disappointment to create with more joy and freedom. Submit a question or comment to Merideth: via email: via phone: 302-415-3407 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/41210630

265: 7 Types of Rest 04/24/2026

265: 7 Types of Rest 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 the Launch Team: (Last call to read with Merideth in June!) Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: Learn more about her research at or her main site, . The Joyster Community: Join us on for a 7-day free trial and watch the full replay of our Connect on Substack: Instagram: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/40991335

264: How Beauty Saves Us with Winfield Bevins 04/10/2026

264: How Beauty Saves Us with Winfield Bevins 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 of this episode via IG or via email hello@artistsforjoy.org * and read the ! /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/40790780

Holding hope in a heavy world with Shannan Martin 03/27/2026

Holding hope in a heavy world with Shannan Martin 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. Also: Why more time and space don’t necessarily make creativity easier The every-hour crisis of writing a book and learning to surrender it imperfectly How introverts can build a real, local community by simply noticing who’s nearby Shannon shares how working in a community kitchen, watching the sky, and paying attention to the particulars of her own neighborhood all become spiritual practices. These are reminders that we don’t have to choose between being honest about what’s hard and delighting in what’s good. Links: Get Sign up for Shannan’s Substack, Our featuring Shannan Download the /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/40612335

262: Big Toe Ego 03/13/2026

262: Big Toe Ego 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 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/40399735

261: Maker vs. Manager 02/27/2026

261: Maker vs. Manager 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 conditions for your inner artist to thrive. Links Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content, including Tell me what you think of this episode via IG or via email hello@artistsforjoy.org and read the /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/40242605

260: What's bringing me joy this winter 02/13/2026

260: What's bringing me joy this winter 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! /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/40091975

259: Why art matters in tough times 01/30/2026

259: Why art matters in tough times 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: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39928405

258: A Litany for Trying 01/16/2026

258: A Litany for Trying 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 content. Joyster Monthly Meet Up: New Book Pre-order: My newest book, is available for pre-order now. Art's Open Door, Substack Subscription: I'm moving to bi-monthly podcast episodes, and on the "off weeks," I'll be publishing some writing over on You can subscribe to that separate email list to get my voice and words in your inbox each Friday. Connect Online: Instagram: Email: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39750740

257: Throwback: Harmony vs. Hustle 01/09/2026

257: Throwback: Harmony vs. Hustle 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. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39666685

256: Breath Prayer with Christine Valters Paintner 01/02/2026

256: Breath Prayer with Christine Valters Paintner 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: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39480950

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: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39480800

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 , /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39457915

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 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39373130

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 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39270185

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. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39191735

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 . /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39113560

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: . /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/39027070

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! /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/38939915

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. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/38849975

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: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/38762140

Artists for Joy

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