As any working creative knows, the work never stops—and that includes work on ourselves. I was first introduced to Julia Cameron’s seminal book on creativity, “The Artist’s Way,” when I was an aspiring singer/songwriter in New York. My guitar teacher had it sitting on his bookshelf and recommended it to me. 

Back then, my ego got in the way. “I don’t need someone to tell me how to be creative or how to be an artist. I’m already an artist!”

As the years went on, I learned many lessons on my creative journey but I can’t help but think I could have learned so much faster had I picked up this book and worked through it early on.

But here we are, many many years later and despite having matured a ton as a creative person, I still hadn’t read “The Artist’s Way.”

I decided to change that in January 2024 and set up an online group to do the book together.

Despite everything I learned about creativity over the years, there was still so much to be uncovered in “The Artist’s Way” for me. To say it’s been transformational would be an understatement. 

I chronicled my journey through “The Artist’s Way” these last 12 weeks on my podcast, “Creative Space,” in the hopes it would inspire some sparks of insight in whoever may be listening. (There are 2 bonus episodes as well: one that covers the introductory chapter and one that recaps my overall experience.)

And it’s important to note—you don’t need to wear the label of a traditional “artist” to do “The Artist’s Way.” Everyone from bankers to lawyers to software developers has an inner artist child that’s waiting to be nurtured. (Heck, even writers for the New York Times have given it a go!) Even if your goal isn’t to publicly produce creative work of some kind, it will, in the very least, make you a much happier and fulfilled person.

Here’s a link to purchase your own copy of “The Artist’s Way” and below, you’ll find a podcast episode on each chapter as I went through the book myself for the first time.

Enjoy! 

BONUS: Introduction: Diving into “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron

Join me on a 12-week journey of creative rediscovery, inspired by Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.” Together with a vibrant creative cluster from across the U.S. and Canada, we’ll explore concepts like morning pages and artist dates. In this episode, I’ll delve into these fundamentals, setting the stage for a transformative adventure ahead.

Episode 1: Week 1—Recovering a Sense of Safety

In this episode of “Creative Space,” we explore concepts from Week 1 of Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” centered around reclaiming a sense of safety within our creative journey.

I delve into three fundamental ideas: shadow artists, core negative beliefs, and affirmations, drawing from personal experiences as a journalist and the nuanced struggles of shadow artists. Together, we uncover the layers of suppressed creativity and the lasting impact early discouragement can have on our creative drive.

Episode 2: Week 2—Recovering a Sense of Identity

This week, we examine how external influences and internal skepticism can hinder our creative growth, using relatable anecdotes like my own struggles with self-doubt. Through introspection, we confront these barriers, paving the way for a deeper understanding of ourselves as creatives. One standout concept from this chapter is the power of attention—finding delight in the present moment and noticing the small joys around us. As we learn to pay attention, we uncover what truly moves us, fostering a deeper connection with our creative identity.

Episode 3: Week 3—Recovering a Sense of Power

This chapter brought some major shifts for me. Cameron talks about the importance of anger, synchronicity, and shame. Anger actually isn’t something to suppress but a map showing our boundaries and desires. And synchronicity? It’s like an answered prayer from the universe, nudging us along on the right path. Doing the work this week has made me feel braver and more grounded than ever. 

Episode 4: Week 4—Recovering a Sense of Integrity

The focus for this week is “Recovering a Sense of Integrity,” and it’s all about letting go of previously accepted limits and experimenting with spiritual open mindedness.

There is so much to cover but there are three core principles we’ll talk about: honest changes, kriya, and reading deprivation.

Episode 5: Week 5—Recovering a Sense of Possibility

In this episode, I discuss the notion of breaking free from self-imposed limitations and embracing spiritual open-mindedness, regardless of individual beliefs. Drawing from personal experiences and excerpts from the chapter, I explore the importance of surrendering control and remaining open to new possibilities in our creative pursuits. I share insights into Cameron’s powerful questions and concepts, such as:  finding the river and the virtue tra