Flow begins with attentiveness. In this episode, Stephen Roach shares how tuning the room became a creative and spiritual practice.Welcome to Season 15 of Makers & Mystics. In this opening episode, host Stephen Roach invites listeners into the unfolding journey of Finding Flow—not just as a creative high, but as a sacred rhythm and intentional spiritual practice.Anchored in a story from his experience as a touring musician, Stephen shares how he developed a pre-show ritual: using a sustained drone and improvised melody to “tune the room”—to draw the audience (and himself) into a space of collective attentiveness. It became more than a musical practice; it became a way of entering flow, of opening space for something beyond performance to emerge.In this episode, Stephen explores:What it means to prepare a space for creativityHow flow requires attentiveness and surrenderThe parallels between creative flow and spiritual presenceWhy the environment we create—internally and externally—matters to our artWhether you’re a musician, painter, poet, or simply someone longing to move through the world with greater presence, this episode will help you begin to tune your own room—and step into your creative flow.Featured Music: Songs of WaterJoin the Creative Collective: PatreonSupport the Podcast with a one-time donation: SupportFollow Us on Instagram: @makersandmysticsFive Creativity Killers Book: Get the book mentioned in this episode. Send us a text
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Finding Flow | An Introduction to Season 15
Have you experienced those moments when the grind gives way to an effortless grace? When a poem or painting tells you what it wants to become, or when a melody sings itself into being? This state of creative flow is one that artists and athletes, saints and mystics alike, each aspire to attain. It is a state where time bends low and reveals a slice of eternity. When our minds are absorbed, the world around us dissolves. Five minutes becomes five hours. Attentiveness and reverie are caught in a kiss that transcends technical ability and becomes magic.In flow, we become the act we give our hands to accomplish. The painter becomes the painting. The dancer becomes the dance. We enter into something greater than ourselves, a move of the Spirit that is ever in flux and available to us all. This season on Makers and Mystics, we’re going to explore how to find flow,Not just as a creative high—But as a practice.A rhythm.A spiritual discipline And a way of life.We’re going to talk about what keeps us from entering it, and why it matters—not just for our art, but for our own development and well-being.You’ll hear from painters, poets, musicians, and makers of all kinds - each sharing stories of what enables them to find flow and the challenges that have kept them from it. You’ll hear from theologians and thinkers who see creativity as a sacred conversation.We’re going to talk about the discipline behind flow, the resistance that rises against it, and the mysterious grace that shows up when we least expect it.So if you’ve struggled to find flow —Or if you’ve ever wondered how to maintain your creative inspiration —Or if you’re simply longing to move through the world more awake and more alive…This season is for you.Send us a text
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BC25 | Risk Art vs. Shock Art
In this final conversation of our BC25 introductions, Stephen Roach, Corey Frey, and Dr. Marie Teilhard discuss the complexities of art that challenge conventional boundaries. They explore themes of heretical art, the distinction between shock art and risk art, and the importance of trust and exploration in the creative process. **Trigger Warning: This episode deals with sensitive subject matter such as self-harm and cutting. Join The Breath and The Clay virtually or in person Connect with Dr. TeilhardConnect with Corey FreySpecial Thanks to our patrons and friends who help us keep this train running. If you've been inspired by the Makers and Mystics podcast and would like to show the love, you can give a one-time donation here or become a monthly patron here. Send us a text
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BC25 Presenter | Amanda Cook
Amanda Cook is a writer/musician/lover of books whose music explores the intersections of faith/doubt, love/loss, hope/despair, and fun/notfun. In this episode, Amanda talks with Stephen Roach about her latest EP Survey: Part 2 along with her thoughts on reconciling faith and art and the motivations behind her creative process. This episode continues our introductions to the presenters who will be with us at BC25.Resources: The Breath and The Clay (virtual & In person tix available.)Follow us on InstagramHelp us continue our work by becoming a monthly patron or by giving a one time donation. Send us a text
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BC25 Theme | The Integrating Center of All Things with John Eldredge
What role does contemplative prayer have in healing the fractures of our modern culture and those of our own fragmented lives? And how can our spiritual and creative practices offer an antidote to the chaos of contemporary life?In today’s episode, we’re exploring these questions with best-selling author, counselor, and teacher John Eldredge. Drawing insights from his latest book, Experience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God, John highlights several themes that align with those of our upcoming Breath and Clay creative arts gathering. He shares insights on what it means to live in the hour of fragmentation and how we can reconnect to the integrating center of all things. Resources: Makers and Mystics Creative CollectiveThe Breath and The Clay event! March 21-23rd in Winston Salem, NC. Use the code DREAM25 for a discount on registration! Credits: Episode Sponsor: Be. Make. Do. Podcast. Music: Some Were At Sea Produced by Stephen Roach and Brightbell CreativeSend us a text
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