Stream of Art

By Robyn Lester and Michelle MonetteArts Music Visual Arts

Stream of Art episodes

April 30, 2024 Episode 21 - Mentally Regrouping - Part 2
Part two of our mental regroup episode. We pick up where episode 20 left off, sharing ideas for the podcast, identifying the problem with routines, and exploring why so many of us are struggling these days. Robyn prepares for a trip and Michelle longs for a life overhaul.
Recorded on April 20th, 2024
Timestamps:
(1:07) Podcast book club
(3:13) Creative challenges
(6:58) The problem with routines
(10:38) A change of scenery
(11:24) Mentally regrouping
(19:37) A tough season
(23:49) Having a positive creative outlet
(29:04) Self-awareness
(31:12) You are where you are
(32:18) Thoughts and ideas
(38:40) Robyn’s next couple of weeks
(40:11) Michelle’s next couple of weeks
(42:24) Outro
Books mentioned:
Master of Change by Brad Stulberg
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
45 min
April 23, 2024 Episode 20 - Mentally Regrouping - Part 1
In this episode, we give ourselves a chance to mentally regroup. Our conversation touches on multiple topics, including why we feel like we have to fill up all our time with work, the interconnection of art and personal growth, and solving the right problems.
Recorded on April 20th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:28) Intro
(1:14) Robyn’s week
(3:50) We don’t have hobbies anymore
(4:54) Emotional cycles
(11:47) Feeling like we have to fill up all of our time
(19:18) Acknowledging our humanness
(20:49) Michelle’s week
(26:41) Episode 20
(30:17) Art and personal growth
(32:08) Solving the right problems
(37:32) Misconceptions about what it means to be an artist
(40:50) Everyone gets to define their relationship with creativity
(43:05) We don’t have it all figured out
(46:40) People who position themselves as experts
(56:33) Outro
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Ogres have layers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJQmVZSAqlc
Books mentioned:
Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://fs.blog/clear/
Think Again by Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
“In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
59 min
April 16, 2024 Episode 19 - Courage
We know all too well how much fear holds us back—both in art and in life. But what can we do to overcome it? In this episode, we talk about courage. We explore the difference between loud and quiet courage, discuss how courage looks different for everyone, and share ways to cultivate it in our lives. Robyn is feeling the effects of not sleeping enough and Michelle’s cold derails her week.
Recorded on April 14th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:28) Intro
(0:43) Robyn's week
(5:29) Michelle's week
(8:52) Main topic: Courage
(10:35) What constitutes a courageous act in society
(13:44) Courage is about the feeling
(17:18) What feels courageous shifts over time
(18:24) People who big and why that doesn't work for everyone
(25:29) The courage to answer what we're called to do
(26:18) Cultivating courage
(26:31) Fear as a signal
(32:42) Premeditatio malorum
(36:16) Making courage a habit
(41:35) Being prepared - repetition leads to confidence, confidence leads to courage
(46:34) Whether you can prepare or not depends on context
(51:52) Video game tangent
(57:32) Back on track
(58:26) The courage needed to be honest with yourself
(1:08:27) Some final notes on courage
(1:15:19) Robyn's week ahead
(1:17:16) Michelle's week ahead
(1:20:04) Outro
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on courage: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/cultivating-the-courage-to-answer-music-s-call
Books mentioned:
Ryan Holiday’s book Courage is Calling: https://www.courageiscalling.com/
Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
“Be scared. You can’t help that. But don’t be afraid.” - William Faulkner
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” - Seneca
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 22 min
April 09, 2024 Episode 18 - Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a frustrating obstacle many of us struggle to overcome. Our conversation this week stretches wide and goes deep as we explore how imposter syndrome has held us back and what we might do to help us move forward in our lives and art. Robyn ups her social media game and Michelle’s artist date plans are thwarted by a sudden cold.
Recorded on April 7th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:27) Intro
(0:41) Robyn's week
(1:52) Michelle's week
(18:46) Main topic: Imposter syndrome
(19:41) The frustration of knowing it's holding you back.
(21:02) Confidence doesn't always grow alongside experience.
(22:57) Learning and realizing what you still don't know.
(26:21) A fear of being wrong and sharing thoughts that don't add to the conversation.
(28:25) "Fake it 'til you make it"
(32:43) Embracing our flaws and messiness
(39:44) It's all tied together
(42:51) We can't be for everyone
(44:38) Adam Grant's book Think Again
(45:53) Possible benefits of imposter syndrome
(47:17) Confident humility
(48:39) Being afraid of feeling stupid
(51:49) Living with integrity
(53:37) It takes courage
(55:45) One step at a time
(59:05) Being right in the thick of it
(1:02:15) Being a work in progress
(1:06:07) We promise we're not starting a cult...
(1:07:01) Books, books, and more books
(1:10:47) Robyn's week ahead
(1:18:29) Michelle's week ahead
Books mentioned:
Adam Grant’s book Think Again: https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/
Cal Newport’s books Slow Productivity: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/ and Digital Minimalism: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575667/digital-minimalism-by-cal-newport/
Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed: https://untamedbook.com/
Tiago Forte’s book Building a Second Brain: https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/book
Quotes referenced:
“When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly. They are like this because they can’t tell good from evil. But I have seen the beauty of good, and the ugliness of evil, and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own—not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind, and possessing a share of the divine. And so none of them can hurt me. No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative, or hate him. We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone, to turn your back on him: these are obstructions.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 24 min
April 02, 2024 Episode 17 - Inspiration
As artists, we often long for the thrilling feeling of being deeply inspired. But are our current ideas about inspiration actually doing us a disservice? In this episode, we share the ways we find inspiration and explore how thinking about it differently might be to our benefit. Robyn practices pushing past her fear of rejection and Michelle realizes how overwhelmed she feels.
Recorded on March 30th, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:28]
Robyn's week [0:41]
A fear of rejection realization [2:04]
Michelle's week [6:53]
Shifting focus [14:21]
Managing tasks and time [17:54]
Main topic: Inspiration [22:53]
Activities to help foster inspiration [25:06]
Taking care of yourself [26:45]
Inspiration isn't constant [29:12]
Input and output sources of inspiration [30:34]
Deliberately seeking out inspiration [35:33]
Getting outside of our heads [40:29]
Quiet and loud inspiration [41:37]
Inspiration and art business [44:40]
Primary and secondary focus [50:52]
Pursuing art on the side [52:35]
Loud and quiet inspiration support one another [54:30]
The modern myth of only creating from big inspiration [57:10]
Releasing judgment around how other artists make money [1:04:32]
Inspiration, creativity, and money [1:10:31]
Robyn's week ahead [1:13:07]
Michelle's week ahead [1:14:14]
Outro [1:15:21]
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 18 min
March 26, 2024 Episode 16 - How We Approach Learning Art and Music
With so many different ways to approach learning art and music (or any craft, for that matter), we decided to share how we each think about it. We explore how our approaches have differed—while still serving us on each of our journeys—and offer some suggestions to help listeners find their own way through art or music. Robyn celebrates a website win and Michelle feels at home being back in her routine.
Recorded on March 23rd, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:29]
Robyn's week [0:45]
Michelle's week [9:48]
Robyn's approach to learning art [21:14]
Learning methodically versus as you go [22:10]
Find someone who is in your corner [26:13]
How Michelle thinks about learning music [35:23]
Rant regrets [36:53]
There is no key to unlocking music [40:11]
Defining broader categories when learning music [43:39]
Proficiency [45:59]
The difference between technique and techniques [46:10]
Relating to visual art [48:27]
Musicianship [49:06]
Artistry [52:53]
Where to focus when you're starting out [58:08]
Make music with others [1:07:27]
Developing taste [1:10:16]
Building range [1:22:34]
Some final advice [1:25:39]
Robyn's week ahead [1:38:04]
Michelle's week ahead: 1:39:28]
Outro [1:40:15]
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post, related to this episode, on the three areas of musical development: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/the-three-areas-of-musical-development
How to Listen to Jazz by Ted Gioia: https://www.tedgioia.com/books-and-recordings
What to Listen For in Music by Aaron Copland: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/303445/what-to-listen-for-in-music-by-aaron-copland/
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
Quotes, ideas, and insights referenced:
“Don’t be overheard complaining…Not even to yourself.” — Marcus Aurelius, 8.9
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 44 min
March 19, 2024 Episode 15 - Routines
This week's episode is all about routines. We explore the benefits of maintaining a consistent routine, share the routines we’ve built, and offer suggestions for how to build one of your own. Robyn finds a way to enjoy cooking and Michelle rants about misleading YouTube guitar ads.
Recorded on March 17th, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:29]
Robyn's week [0:46]
Michelle's week [1:51]
The necessity of routines and boundaries [2:49]
Building a routine around your goals and trusting the process [4:43]
It's easy to let ourselves off the hook [5:52]
Not letting our energy levels dictate what we do [7:38]
Work smart, not hard [9:01]
Building in flexibility [9:28]
Managing energy levels [11:55]
Sometimes to need to learn the same lesson before it sticks [13:22]
Backsliding helps you learn [15:34}
Getting back into a routine [17:51]
Robyn's routine [19:04]
Michelle's routine [35:55]
Treating yourself with respect [49:25]
The right thing isn't convenient [53:46]
Nobody feels good after going to McDonalds [56:11]
Addressing what's blocking you from doing the thing [1:02:19]
Building a routine through experimentation [1:04:31]
Make it so you don't have to think about it [1:05:14]
Routine review [1:06:32]
The importance of taking action [1:10:39]
The routine building process [1:12:53]
Working with your chronotype [1:17:30]
Stop looking to other people for answers [1:22:50]
No life hacks here, folks [1:24:15]
Michelle's diatribe [1:24:58]
Robyn's week ahead [1:30:35]
Michelle's week ahead [1:31:44]
Outro [1:32:25]
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on the best routine: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/the-best-routine
Michelle’s blog post on how to recover when your routine is derailed https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/regain-your-rhythm
Michelle’s blog post on working with your chronotype: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/larks-and-owls
Michelle’s blog post on how there’s no key to unlocking music: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/there-is-no-key-to-unlocking-music
Masterson Sta-Wet Palette https://mastersonart.com
Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky https://maketime.blog/
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
"It's really about building this support system that honours who I am now and where I am now, but also sets me up for the version of myself that I want to be." - Michelle
"It really comes down to just treating yourself with respect. And sometimes respect involves doing things that you really don't feel like doing." - Robyn
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 34 min
March 12, 2024 Episode 14 - Fear of Failure
Last week’s conversation about the fear of success inspired us to tackle the topic of fear of failure as well. We look at the ways it holds us back and how reframing the term failure can make us more willing to make mistakes. Robyn heads back to work full time and Michelle begins her Artist’s Way journey.
Recorded on March 10th, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:28]
Robyn's week [0:45]
Boring updates are a good thing [1:39]
100 day project [3:02]
Michelle's week [3:31]
Starting The Artist's Way [5:00]
Losing sleep to the time change [11:11]
Fear of failure [13:28]
Two stream of fear of failure [14:51]
Looking back on core failure with compassion [17:19]
Where am I falling short now? [19:37]
Fear of failure and the approval of others [20:05]
We don't love the word failure [22:27]
Failure is a rite of passage [24:31]
Live performance anxiety [26:21]
Make a lot of mistakes early [30:05]
Seeing where you need to improve and making "bad" art [31:28]
It should sound bad when you practice [34:25]
Knowing how to correct your mistakes [36:03]
Avoid the safety net [36:44]
Mistakes can be corrected [39:53]
Awareness and having the tools to improve [41:47]
As you get better, you make different mistakes [44:36]
Failure can't be defined until the very end [45:35]
Good news, everyone! We've cancelled failure [46:27]
No one can just do something without putting in the work [46:39]
Don't skip the foundational work [47:57]
You don't need a perfect foundation to start creating [52:17]
Tips for people who are afraid of failure [54:31]
Bent Knee lyric quote [1:00:05]
Fear of failing versus fear of not trying [1:00:16]
Dealing with other people's opinions [1:02:04]
Sharing our first email message [1:05:18]
Our future pet picture wall [1:09:06]
Robyn's week ahead [1:11:15]
Michelle's week ahead [1:11:35]
Outro [1:13:04]
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on the fear of failure: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/failure-is-nothing-to-fear
Quotes, ideas, and insights referenced:
“The only thing that matters is not giving up.” Bent Knee, from the song Land Animal
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 21 min
March 05, 2024 Episode 13 - Fear of Success
We hear a lot about the fear of success, but what is it really? In this episode, we explore how it manifests for each of us and consider how to push forward in spite of it. Robyn has fun playing in Notion and Michelle looks forward to returning to normal after RPM.
Recorded on March 3rd, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:29]
Robyn's previous week [0:47]
Michelle's previous week [1:57]
Fear of success [22:13]
Robyn’s week ahead [1:16:14]
Michelle’s week ahead [1:16:37]
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on courage (which includes a discussion on Tim Ferriss’ practice of fear setting): https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/cultivating-the-courage-to-answer-music-s-call
Quotes, ideas, and insights referenced:
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” - Seneca
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” - Marcus Aurelius
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 20 min
February 27, 2024 Episode 12 - Our Personal Philosophies
It’s tangent time! Our weekly catch-up turns into a discussion about the intersection between creativity and self-improvement, who are the best people to receive feedback from, and the merging of our former and current artistic selves. For our main topic, we explore the philosophies that have helped us on our journeys. Robyn paints a lot (and shares her paintings on Instagram!) and Michelle prepares for the final week of RPM.
Recorded on February 25th, 2024
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on how we’re all built to make music: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/we-are-all-built-to-make-music
Samply: https://samply.app/
Learn more about Stoicism: https://dailystoic.com/
Quotes, ideas, and insights referenced:
Kill your darlings: https://slate.com/culture/2013/10/kill-your-darlings-writing-advice-what-writer-really-said-to-murder-your-babies.html
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette
1 hr 25 min

About Stream of Art

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Welcome to the Stream of Art Podcast! Join us as we chat openly about creativity, productivity, and personal and professional growth. This podcast is hosted by visual artist Robyn Lester and musician…

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