Artists for Joy

• 227: Joy Session: Being a Beginner Again (Rene)

  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 of turning her passion into her profession, and how that shift introduced pressure, shame, and sky-high expectations that made creativity feel more like a performance than a joy.  Merideth and Rene explore the connection between being a beginner at speaking a new language and rediscovering the wonder of music. Leveling up a skill can feel uncomfortable, but it can also be an opportunity to grow and restore a sense of awe. Rene’s exploration is a gift to anyone who’s ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure if they can still do the thing they used to love. If you’re trying to find your way back to creativity — or moving forward to a new find a version of it — this one’s for you. Apply to record a joy session with Merideth Support the show on Patreon Learn about the Creative Leap Mini-Mastermind Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG  

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• 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. Apply to record a joy session with Merideth Support the show on Patreon Learn about the Creative Leap Mini-Mastermind Subscribe to the Email List Tell us what resonated about the episode on IG

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• 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. Join the next Creative Leap Mastermind Maria Bowler's Substack

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• 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.  Tell me what you think about this episode on IG Read the transcript on Substack here Content warning: birth and medical trauma

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• #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! Register or check out the replay when it becomes available here.  Check out the Spotify playlist 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 other enneagram resources. 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 Connect with Lee Submit a "Sounds of Joy" video: [email protected] Love the show? Buy Merideth a coffee.

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