S15 E15: Resistance and Flow (Season Finale)

In this season finale, Stephen Roach closes out our exploration of creative flow with a rich conversation with several artists from the Makers & Mystics Patreon community. Joining the discussion are artist and educator Angela Houk, writer and branding expert Steve Brock, and poet and visual artist Corey Frey.Together, the crew explores the interplay between resistance and flow—how creative blocks, limitations, and even frustrations can actually become the conditions that allow new work to emerge and personal character to develop. As Wendell Berry reminds us, “the impeded stream is the one that sings.”This episode examines:Why resistance can be a gift in the creative process.How Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of flow connects to happiness and fulfillment.The balance between focus and receptivity in both art and relationships.How preparation, practice, and openness set the stage for flow.The “radical middle” where challenge and skill convergeConnecting the experience of flow to the Holy SpiritThis is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation on navigating resistance, finding flow, and staying open to the creativity that emerges when we least expect it.Connect with the guests:Angela HoukSteve BrockCorey Frey–––Support the Podcast If you’d like to go deeper in these conversations and be part of the Makers & Mystics creative collective, consider joining us on Patreon. You’ll gain access to monthly online gatherings, bonus content, creative prompts, and a vibrant community of artists pursuing faith and imagination together.👉 Join the community on PatreonSend us Fan MailSupport the showVISUAL ARTS RETREAT:  If you're looking for creative renewal, meaningful connection, and space to deepen your artistic practice,  I want to invite you to our upcoming retreat in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, July 10th through 12th.  Applications are open, but space is limited. Sign Up for Our Newsletter! http://eepurl.com/g49Ks1Give a one-time donation https://buy.stripe.com/9AQeYj7431fD12waEOJoin the Makers & Mystics Creative Collective https://www.patreon.com/c/makersandmystics