Artists for Joy

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 pers...

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. 🌳...

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 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 pra...

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...

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 ap...

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...

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, positive "what ifs" of life help us become agents of change...

This week on the podcast, we explore how to overcome creative blocks at the start and find your unique entry point into a project. This metaphor of "finding another way in" is useful when the traditional "front door" is locked. Listen for some reflective questions about navigating creative challenges that plague us all when we are just getting started.  Any Madeleine L'Engle fans out there? This e...

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 Cind...

Season 6 debut! New season, new podcast cover art, new intro!  Listen for six things bringing me joy this season.  Links:    Slippers Become a JOYSTER Subscribe to Artists for Joy Substack (new posts every-ish Wednesday) Register for the next Artist's Joy Creative Cluster Learn more about one-to-one coaching with Merideth Email the show: hello@artistsforjoy.org  

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

This week, I'm recovering from an unexpected surgery! I will have more to say about this soon, but for now, enjoy these words I wrote about rest back in 2020, the first year of this podcast. What are your favorite ways to creatively rest? Tell me in the comments for this post on IG Burnout Talk @ International Double Reed Society Convention in Indy June Joyster Meet-Up Original Show notes: Do you...

This week: a rare unscripted episode! Merideth chats candidly about what's bringing her joy this spring. From shoes to hair accessories to writing playlists and everything in between, give it a listen and let us know what brings you joy in the comments for this episode on IG: @artistsforjoy. Some links (non-affiliate) Gola sneakers from Anthropologie Robe curls Writing playlist on Spotify  Become...

In today's Joy Session, Merideth coaches Rene, a musical theater writer and composer. Rene opens up about navigating a creative block that feels a bit like living in the show Severance. Despite a lifelong connection to the piano, she finds herself staring at 88 keys like they're strangers. So what happens when something you love becomes inaccessible? Rene shares candidly about the emotional weight...

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...

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...