259: Why art matters in tough times

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: Join us for "The Art of 'Yes And'" with Sara McMahon on Patreon Become a Joyster (Paid Supporter) on Patreon: Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Tell me what you think of this episode via IG @artistsforjoy or via email [email protected] Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us and read the latest sample chapter on Substack now!

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 Patreon: Get access to hours of creative discovery and recovery content, including the monthly Joyster meet-up from Friday, Feb 13th, Filling the Well Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Tell me what you think of this episode via IG @artistsforjoy or via email [email protected] Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us and read the latest sample chapter on Substack now!

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 Substack essay about this one next week!) A Cohort that I'm participating in this year New Writing Rhythm This item saved our sweaters This is my favorite Galentine's gift A deck and an IG account that are helping me parent with more joy. A book launch update!  Writing and sharing poetry PS: I definitely got the numbering wrong on the episode (told you it was unscripted!) So please feel free to ignore that!

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: Beauty will save the world: Substack Essay Burnout Book Burnout Podcast Episode Become a Joyster and join February 13th's Filling the Well Workshop Join The Artist's Way Creative Cluster Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

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 Patreon for hours of creative discovery and recovery content. Joyster Monthly Meet Up: Learn more and register for our next meeting on February 13th at noon EST to chat about inspiration and "filling the well." New Book Pre-order: My newest book, Art is How God Loves Us, 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 Substack. You can subscribe to that separate email list to get my voice and words in your inbox each Friday. Connect Online: Instagram: @artistsforjoy Email: [email protected]

Links: Join our Word-of-the-year Art Party (or watch the replay!) Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster Pre-order Art Is How God Loves Us 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.  Leave us a question via email Join the FREE Artist's Way Creative Cluster Podcast Transcript

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 Abbey of the Arts (a virtual monastery and global community celebrating its 20th year). Book: Give Me a Word: The Promise of Ancient Practice to Guide Your Year Become a Joyster and join us for the January "Word of the Year Art Party" on January 9th. 

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 Abbey of the Arts (a virtual monastery and global community celebrating its 20th year). Book: Give Me a Word: The Promise of Ancient Practice to Guide Your Year Become a Joyster and join us for the January "Word of the Year Art Party" on January 9th. 

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: Silly Affirmation Stickers Read the Advent Songbook installments on Substack What did you think of the Advent Songbook series? Hit reply [email protected] or comment on this post on IG. Join the Artist's Oath workshop on Patreon on December 19th, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST (or check back in the show notes for the recording link a day or two later!)

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.