#185: "I joyfully swear to forgive myself."

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 here 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 here to see what you've missed on Substack. Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to [email protected] 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 patreon.com/artistsforjoy to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5 here.

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 here 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 here 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" here. Connect: Share how this series is landing for you by writing to [email protected] 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 patreon.com/artistsforjoy to learn more. Or purchase this workshop only for $5 here.

Today on the podcast, Merideth chats with Seattle-based writer Sara Billups, who explores faith and culture in her new book, Nervous Systems. 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. Get Nervous Systems Read more about Sara Download the Curtain Call Questions  Learn more about the Creative Leap Mastermind Grab your free discovery call with Merideth Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster Support the podcast by becoming a Joyster on Patreon

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 IG.   Links:    Read (and add your own) Holiday Gig Fails from IG and Facebook Get the Advent Songbook Monday posts in your inbox  Subscribe to the podcast: Apple, Spotify, or get the episodes sent to your inbox each Friday Support the podcast on Patreon Grab the link to our next Joyster monthly meet-up--Stress Cycle Completion Clinic on Friday, November 21st. Grab your seat in the 2026 Mastermind

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:    Support the podcast on Patreon Grab the link to our next Joyster monthly meet-up--Stress Cycle Completion Clinic on Friday, November 21st. Creative Coaching Sign up to record a Joy Session Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster Grab your seat in the 2026 Mastermind

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. 🌳 Read the Substack essay: A Pep-Talk for when words sting Read Merideth's book The Artist's Joy Support the podcast on Patreon Joyster monthly meet-ups in November and December 2025:  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!

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 here. If you're listening after the fact, check back for the link to purchase the replay. Learn more about becoming a Joyster Get the link for the Art of Not Finishing Workshop Get the replay

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 Substack, 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 Subtack or IG!   Links: Substack post with all the links Become a Joyster and join the "Art of Not Finishing" Workshop on Patreon!

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 IG.  Merideth's book: The Artist's Joy Become a Joyster and attend our "The Art of Not Finishing" on October 31st at 12PM EST (Costumes welcome!)  

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: October Joyster Meet-Up: The Art of Not Finishing Read the essay about technique and craft "Music of the Logos" on Substack Book a coaching call with Merideth  Was this episode impactful? Tell us on IG. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.