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

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. I think this one speaks to anyone who sits down to create and feels blank. 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

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!

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

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!

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!)

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 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.

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

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 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

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 episode is for you!

Links:

Substack poem: Communion

Let there be light: September Joyster monthly meet up