Artists for Joy

Artists for Joy is a space for creative people to reconnect with that joy that made them want to be an artist in the first place. Join host Merideth Hite Estevez and special guests as they debunk the "tortured artist" stereotype and explore how the creative life can be sustainable...how being an artist needn't be a life of pain and turmoil...that we can choose joy. New episodes go live every Friday!

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. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/36386520

225: Joy in Long Form 04/25/2025

225: Joy in Long Form This week on the podcast, author Maria Bowler (Making Time) returns to talk with Merideth about the creative process behind long-term projects. They dive into the emotional highs and lows—from starting something big, navigating the messy middle, facing self-doubt, and detaching identity from the work. Learn how to find support, balance creativity with marketability, and celebrate the finish line—with a mantra to carry you through the whole journey. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/36295650

224: Art's Open Door: Let go let go let go 04/18/2025

224: Art's Open Door: Let go let go let go This week on the podcast, I have another installment of our Art's Open Door series. Through the lens of Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel," for piano and violin, we explore the profound act of letting go: in parenting, in art, and in our relationship with the divine. Content warning: birth and medical trauma /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/36213420

#223: Throwback: Creative Archetypes 04/11/2025

#223: Throwback: Creative Archetypes A throwback episode to remind you to join us live on Patreon for our Enneagram & Motivation workshop on April 11th at 3 PM EST! or check out the replay when it becomes available Check out the t with all the episodes of the Enneagram series here. Original shownotes: Without further ado, our summer Enneagram series begins now! Merideth chats with enneagram coach Lee Fields (the impetus for this entire series) about how each Enneagram number's energy is needed in bringing a creative project from ideation to completion. Invitation: read through the list and circle a few that resonate with you. If you don’t know your type yet, check out these . 8’s strive to feel powerful, resist other peoples’ boundaries 9’s strive to feel peaceful, resist their own priorities 1’s strive to feel perfect, resist relaxing 2’s strive to feel connected, resist tending to their own needs 3’s strive to feel outstanding, resist slowing down 4’s strive to feel unique, resist ordinary tasks 5’s strive to feel detached, resist engaging with others 6’s strive to feel secure, resist trusting others, the process, or themselves 7’s strive to feel excited, resist stillness, savoring, or appreciating what they have Submit a "Sounds of Joy" video: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/36090160

222: Joy Session: Courage + Chronic Illness (Amber) 04/04/2025

222: Joy Session: Courage + Chronic Illness (Amber) In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Amber, a seminary graduate who desires to have the courage to try launching a business in spiritual direction in the midst of chronic illness. She has already done the brave work of dreaming what’s possible, but the next step is to figure out how to make it happen while honoring her capacity and maintaining her energy. Together, they unpack the challenges of fear, self-doubt, grief, and financial uncertainty. Amber reminds us that bravery is a practice, there isn’t only one way to be a successful and fulfilled entrepreneur, and that no action is too small. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35999615

221: Joy Session: Abundance + Impact (Margie) 03/28/2025

221: Joy Session: Abundance + Impact (Margie) In today’s Joy Session, Merideth chats with Margie, an author and speaker, who struggles with financial abundance despite having plenty of work. She reveals a complex relationship with money stemming from her upbringing and shares her desire to make a global impact through speaking and client work. Margie also explores the challenges of balancing her energy at this specific time in her life, as she longs to pursue her true potential. Don’t miss this deeply relatable and inspiring conversation about overcoming blocks and becoming the person you long to be. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35894235

220: Throwback: Creating in the Cracks 03/21/2025

220: Throwback: Creating in the Cracks Today’s episode is a throwback from Season 3 and was originally titled “Creative Lies: All or Nothing.” Original show notes: Merideth debunks a common creative conundrum this week: “It’s all or nothing.” She shares what she is learning, creating in the cracks during her own life stage, plus thoughts from listeners from all creative disciplines and experience levels. Listen for some truths to replace the all-or-nothing thinking and get inspired! (We need just five more to reach our goal!) Leave us a voicemail: 302-415-3407 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35794040

219: Shadow Careers and Simple Gifts 03/14/2025

219: Shadow Careers and Simple Gifts Another installment of Merideth's "Art's Open Door," this week on the podcast, Merideth reads a personal essay about finding her true path as an artist, moving away from "shadow careers" and discovering the joy of "Simple Gifts" in her musical journey. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35679260

218: What's bringing me joy this winter 03/07/2025

218: What's bringing me joy this winter In today’s episode, Merideth shares six things that are bringing her joy this winter. From bathrobes to new mindsets to female medieval theologians, you’re gonna love this one. Tell her what is bringing you joy in the comments on or (or catch the replay!) /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35570290

217: The Artist's Oath with Christina, Jennifer, and Janet 02/28/2025

217: The Artist's Oath with Christina, Jennifer, and Janet In today's podcast episode, you'll hear inspiring artist oaths from Christina Mathis, Jennifer Gatz, and Janet Parker, members of the inaugural Artist's Joy Creative Cluster last year. These inspiring artists crafted a powerful manifesto as part of our work in the cohort and have transformed their lives by embracing imperfection, quieting the inner critic, and prioritizing their creative lives and well-being. If you want to write your own oath, check out my book and which launches in September of this year. I am grateful to Christina, Jennifer, and Janet for sharing these inspiring oaths on the podcast! Links from the show notes: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35462370

216: Creating through grief with author Rebe Huntman 02/21/2025

216: Creating through grief with author Rebe Huntman Today, Merideth’s guest is Rebe Huntman, author of "My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic and Miracle." Rebe shares her journey as a multi-passionate artist, from her early days as a professional Latin dancer and choreographer to becoming a writer. She discusses her deep connection to Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and the importance of pushing past the "tortured artist" stereotype to find joy in creativity. Rebe opens up about the long and winding path to publishing her memoir, including the challenges of finding an agent and the importance of believing in her unique story. She also delves into the themes of grief, loss, and healing and how her experiences in Cuba helped her reconnect with her mother and explore a variety of rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Get /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35367260

215: Joy Session: Being Present (Katie) 02/14/2025

215: Joy Session: Being Present (Katie) In today’s Joy Session, Merideth coaches Katie, an interdisciplinary artist who desires to be more present with her daughter, plus pursue her art and movement in a sustainable and nurturing way. Merideth and Katie explore weaving together identities of Mother, Mover, and Maker. They talk about Katie's struggle with negative self-talk and judgment, plus a fear of monetizing her art. Katie identifies ways to be present in the moment, even when it's murky or uncomfortable. She feels a weight lifted realizing she can take the pressure off herself and make progress toward her desires even in the midst of uncertainty. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35255700

214: Art's Open Door: A Portfolio Life 02/07/2025

214: Art's Open Door: A Portfolio Life In today’s episode, Merideth shares an essay from her Substack series, "Art's Open Door," which explores the intersection of creativity and spirituality. Through the lens of Billy Collins’ poem “Introduction to Poetry,” the essay reflects on the challenges of a "portfolio career" and offers a new more hopeful perspective when life feels overwhelmingly full. Show notes: /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35184785

213: It's never too late with Angie Kim 01/31/2025

213: It's never too late with Angie Kim In this episode, Merideth chats with Angie Kim, award-winning author of Miracle Creek and Happiness Falls. Angie shares her journey of publishing her first novel at 50, her evolving creative process, and how her experiences as a Korean immigrant have shaped her storytelling. We talk about: How Angie’s creative process has changed from periods of intense, long hours to a more balanced approach using a timer to write for two hours a day. The importance of integrating a myriad of life experiences into creative work and never believing it’s too late to write the book or create the work you dream of making. A new perspective on finding lasting happiness and joy in creative pursuits and life in general. won the Edgar Award and ITW Thriller Award and was named one of Time's "100 Best Mysteries and Thrillers of All Time." an instant New York Times bestseller and has been featured by Good Morning America, Barnes & Noble, Belletrist, and the Book of the Month Club. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/35087025

212: Making Time with Maria Bowler 01/24/2025

212: Making Time with Maria Bowler Today, Merideth's guest is the delightful Maria Bowler, a writer, coach, and retreat leader who views creativity as a spiritual, political, and existential issue. She struggled with creative blocks early in life and found that the typical advice of focusing on craft or routine didn't solve the deeper issue. Her new book, "Making Time: a New Vision for Crafting a Life beyond Productivity," offers a different perspective on overcoming resistance and embracing imperfection. In this powerful book, Maria encourages all with this truth: creativity is not about what we produce but about who we are as makers. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34972210

211: Hang on to the thread 01/17/2025

211: Hang on to the thread Today on the podcast, our first newly recorded show of 2025! Merideth gets honest about what she was up to during the break and offers a simple mantra that has replaced her word of the year. This one is for all of us feeling overwhelmed and longing for some gentle encouragement to keep showing up, especially when life feels "lifey." /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34888760

210: Joy Session: Taking Yourself Seriously (Sarah) 01/10/2025

210: Joy Session: Taking Yourself Seriously (Sarah) In today’s Joy Session, Merideth chats with Sarah, who longs to commit more fully to her creative practice while balancing the demands of work and family. They explore the values driving Sarah's artistic pursuits and a perceived conflict with her desire for stability and security. The session delves into the internal shifts necessary for Sarah to embrace her artistic identity and prioritize her creative expression amidst life's responsibilities. As she redefines what taking her art more seriously means for her, she uncovers a powerful message for anyone living the complexities of a seeking fulfilling artistic life while juggling multiple roles and expectations. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34395515

209: Joy Session: Procrastination (Robyn) 01/03/2025

209: Joy Session: Procrastination (Robyn) This week on the podcast, Merideth coaches Robyn, a writer and editor who struggles with procrastination. Through the Joy Session, Robyn identifies the underlying fear and shame associated with her procrastination and explores ways to cultivate self-compassion. Merideth and Robyn explore deadlines and plans of action to reduce stress, and Robyn develops rituals of reflection and introspection so as to feel more grounded in her innate sense of worthiness. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34395290

208: Word(s) of the Year 2025 12/27/2024

208: Word(s) of the Year 2025 This week on the podcast, we will choose your word(s) of the year! Grab your journal and earbuds and explore the prompts paired with meditative music to craft an intentional, creative year with joy. Reflect on 2024: looking through your phone at photos of the last year, ask yourself: what do I wish there had been more of? If you had a word(s) of the year, in what ways did you see them reflected in your life? If you didn’t, based on the last twelve months, what words might you have been living by? Now looking forward: Answer this question with a stream-of-consciousness list– This year, regardless of my circumstances, I want to feel… Write as many words as possible about how you want to show up in 2025. Read your list and circle the words that resonate most. Look especially for verbs or action words. Take the list of circled words and make a fresh list. If anything is missing, add it now. Sit with this list of words for a few days. Talk to a loved one, therapist, or coach about it. What activities, deadlines, trips, and events are coming up in 2025, and which of these word(s) will help you show up as you most want to, regardless of the outcomes or circumstances? Narrow it down to one (or more) words you’ll live by this year. Please share yours with me on Instagram on the post for this episode @artistsforjoy so we can cheer you on. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34395125

207: Advent Art: Creator Sets Free 12/20/2024

207: Advent Art: Creator Sets Free This week on the podcast, our annual Christmas episode: a meditation originally released in essay form for the Advent Art series on Substack. This reflection explores the intersection of faith and creativity, delving into a lesser-known carol, "Of the Father's Love Begotten." It reflects on the beautiful-terrible human experience and how Christmas reminds us that each effort of creativity is an act of love. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34394985

206: How to practice with joy 12/13/2024

206: How to practice with joy This week on the podcast, Merideth answers one listener question with a WHOLE episode: how do you cultivate a more joyful daily practice routine? She offers five ideas for how to find joy in the creative process, even when you're faced with challenges like unproductive or frustrating practice sessions, writer's block, lack of inspiration and more. Whether you're an artist seeking to reignite your passion or simply someone who yearns to embrace your creativity, this one has practical advice and inspiration for infusing your creative journey with joy. Submit your question to Merideth /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34394950

Throwback: How to be you 12/06/2024

Throwback: How to be you This week is my 41st birthday! In celebration, I've got a throwback episode featuring my favorite coaching exercise to use with artists. Grab your journal and give it a listen. Do this exercise with me live this month in our Patreon community! Learn more . ___ Original show notes: Whatever you are feeling about fall, bring it on over to this the podcast equivalent of a fire pit and we’ll talk it out. This week Merideth shares a coaching exercise that will help you name your inner team members, resource their skills, and cultivate a sense of self-compassion for the multitudes you contain. or call us 302-415-3407 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34304170

204: Festive Focus 11/29/2024

204: Festive Focus Today on the podcast: a mini-episode to keep you company during this holiday time! Festive Focus–how to manage your time and not lose your joy during the holidays. Listen for practical tips and good questions to ponder when facing a crazy schedule laden with emotionally taxing--if joyful--time with friends and family. Stay to the end to hear an exciting announcement about a new offering in 2025. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34193545

203: Joy Sessions: Perfectionism (Carrie) 11/22/2024

203: Joy Sessions: Perfectionism (Carrie) In today’s Joy Session, Merideth pulls back the curtain on creative coaching with Carrie who is longing to finish her memoir. They explore how finding the right tool at the right time is central to overcoming fears of not being good enough and making progress that feels sustainable and joyful. Carrie leaves with two new practices that will help her shift her lens around writing and surrender to the power of the creative process. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/34082396

202: Q&A: Burnout, Gratitude, Spirituality, and more 11/15/2024

202: Q&A: Burnout, Gratitude, Spirituality, and more This week on the podcast, Ask Merideth Anything! Merideth answers listener questions about creativity, burnout, parenting, and spirituality. You'll learn how to meet the inner artist's resistance with compassion, recognize creative burnout, and explore the intersection of artistic expression and spiritual practice. She shares insights on cultivating gratitude and creativity in children and navigating the challenges of parenting young artists. Merideth reflects on her evolving definition of success, and the episode concludes with a message of encouragement for listeners who are struggling at this moment in time. This one is full of wholehearted honesty and encouragement. Email your question to be answered in future AMAs: [email protected] /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/33940222

201: Beyond Self-Criticism: Take the Wheel 11/08/2024

201: Beyond Self-Criticism: Take the Wheel This week, Merideth shares a vulnerable story of a recent self-hatred spiral. She explores how and why artists are particularly hard on themselves. If you've ever wondered if your mistakes are moral failings, this one is for you. Merideth gives practical advice for when you are stuck and shares how turning up the voices of self-compassion in the face of shame is crucial for sustainable growth and change. /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/33842392

200: We are not alone 11/01/2024

200: We are not alone Celebrate 200 episodes of Artist for Joy with listeners offering their best advice for artists + something they've learned from Artists for Joy. Merideth also shares what to do when you're hesitant to celebrate, reflections on finding your voice, a surprise peek into an early recording, and more. What a joyful ride! Thank you for listening. Here's to the next 200! /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/33724902

199: Joyful Mashup 10/25/2024

199: Joyful Mashup This week on the podcast, Merideth celebrates (almost) 200 episodes by looking back on everything we've learned in joyful mashup form! Listen for a turbo-sized creative pep talk, a love letter to you, my podcast listeners. <3 /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/33607462

198: 10 things bringing me joy this fall 10/18/2024

198: 10 things bringing me joy this fall This week on the podcast, I’ve got 10 things that are bringing me joy this fall. Some are deep and others may, at first glance, seem trivial, but this collection of what’s bringing me joy adds up to a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts: in a profoundly simple way, these small wonders are saving my life in this season. By consciously bringing good things to mind, we teach our brains to look for the good, and we relive those joyful moments through the remembering. Hit reply and let me know what's bringing you joy these days! Links: (some are Affiliate, which means I make a few dollars when you purchase) /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/33507842

197: Throwback: How can we go on? 10/11/2024

197: Throwback: How can we go on? This episode originally aired in October 2023. Enjoy this throwback while Merideth practices some self-care ;) Original Show Notes: This week on the show, Merideth answers a question we all tend to ask when the world is on fire. How can I feel creative joy in the face of violence, injustice, and brokenness? She explores why art matters in these moments, especially, and how our creativity offers us a place to process the pain and turn our anxiety into energy that can make a difference. The late famous conductor, Leonard Bernstein, answers the age-old question, “How can we go on?” and we learn about two fantastic non-profits using creativity to change the world. Email your question to be read on the air: [email protected] Photo cred: littlesun.org /episode/index/show/artistsforjoy/id/33409117

Artists for Joy

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