252: Advent Songbook: Major Prophets and Minor Chords

This week, Merideth records live from New York City (!) and continues the new Advent Songbook series. Using her musical expertise, she 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.

The challenge this week is to find a piece of Christmas music or art that is popular and familiar to you, and intentionally seek to hear or see it for the first time.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org 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.

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, 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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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!

247: The Creative Cauldron: Finding Freedom in 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 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

246: What's bringing me 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 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!

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 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!)

 

244: The Art of Technique (5 things for when you're discouraged)

This week on the podcast, I've got 5 essential principles for anyone who struggles with their craft and finds themselves frustrated and discouraged.

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.

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: 

Join the next Artist's Way Creative Cluster

Support the podcast and become a Joyster on Patreon

Learn more about private one-to-one coaching with Merideth

Learn more about recording a Joy Session

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 and positive "what ifs" of life help us become agents of change in a broken world.

Link:

Join Let Art Be Light on Friday September 26th at 12PM Noon Eastern or grab the replay

Buy Merideth’s book, “The Artist’s Joy”

Learn more about one-to-one coaching with Merideth

241: Find a way in

This week on the podcast, I'm excited to offer you some thoughts on overcoming creative blocks as you're getting started and explore one way to find your unique entry point into a project. 

This metaphor of "finding another way in" was so useful when the "front door" of my new book was locked tight.

I've got some personal reflections on when I've been inspired (and when I haven't), plus a growing list of reflection questions for when you are struggling to find the path forward. 

Any Madeleine L'Engle fans out there? This episode is for you! 

Links:

Substack poem: Communion

Let art be light: September Joyster monthly meet up 

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: 

Joseph Cornell 

Become a JOYSTER

Join The Artist’s Joy Creative Cluster

Subscribe to Artists for Joy Substack (new posts every-ish Wednesday)

Glo Atanmo’s IG

Cindie Speigel’s book about Microjoys

Resources for artists' health and well-being

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 here.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org

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. 

Ariel Curry, author and editor

David James, bassist and author

Lori Melton, author, spiritual director, and retreat leader

David Gate Enneagram Poems

Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy

Playlist of the Creative Archetypes Series

Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster

Buy Merideth a coffee

Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org 

Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org 

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 here.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org

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? 

Shannan Martin, author and speaker

Meredith Boggs, author and nurse

Johanna Burian, hornist and educator

David Gate Enneagram Poems

Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy

Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster

Buy Merideth a coffee

Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org 

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 here.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org

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.

Christa Hardin’s new book, Enneagram + Marriage

Molly Wilcox’s substack, Threshold

Rev. Edwin Estevez, Kirk in the Hills

David Gate Enneagram Poems

Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy

Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster

Buy Merideth a coffee

Playlist for the Enneagram Series 

Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org 

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 here.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org

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.

Cheri Hudspith, writer and spiritual director

Kate McEnroe, mixed media artist

Camden Morgante, writer and therapist

L. Camille Callaway, visual artist

David Gate Enneagram Poems

Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy

Register for the next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster

Buy Merideth a coffee

Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org 

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 here.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org

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.

Marsha Crockett, Spiritual Director and Author

Kate Riney, Content Creator, Storyteller, and Coach

Morgan Strehlow, Literary Agent and Freelance Author (including Morgan’s manuscript wishlist)

David Gate Enneagram Poems

Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy

Buy Merideth a coffee

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 here.

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 hello@artistsforjoy.org 

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 album and feel your feelings. 

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. 

Mara Eller Website 

Kristin Vanderlip 

Jennifer Hintz Eggers

Burnout: Completing the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

David Gate Enneagram Poems

Enneagram Workshop with Artists for Joy

Buy Merideth a coffee