The Habit

Katherine Ladny Mitchell is a mystery-writer. Not To Be is the first in her Pen and Paintbrush mystery series, in which a writer and a painter, two sisters, work together as amateur sleuths. In this episode, Katherine and Jonathan Rogers talk about the rules of mystery stories, and how they apply to other kinds of storytelling. And they discuss the ways that the habit of art could make artists of all kinds good crime solvers.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace Hamman, a writer and scholar specializing in late medieval poetry, dives deep into the fascinating world of virtues and vices. She shares how her studies reshaped her understanding of these concepts, revealing their richer meanings. Grace discusses meekness as a space for holy anger and redefines creativity, emphasizing the importance of creatureliness and humility in artistic expression. She even connects unicorn symbolism to chastity and hospitality, offering a unique medieval perspective. Grace's insights on love and virtue are both timeless and transformative.

In this engaging conversation, Karen Walrond, an author and blogger behind Chookooloonks, shares her insights on embracing amateurism through hobbies. She emphasizes the joy found in dabbling, reframing failure as a path to self-discovery. Karen discusses how intentional amateurism fosters curiosity and happiness, contrasting playful exploration with perfectionism. She encourages a ‘menu of dabbles’ to inspire lifelong learning and connection with others. With anecdotes on reclaiming joy through creativity, Karen showcases the brilliance of being a total amateur.

Kate Gaston, a talented essayist and the mind behind the Substack That Middle Distance, shares her insights on creativity and hospitality. She discusses how confessing envy can free creative work, emphasizing vulnerability's role in relationships. Kate reflects on the transformative power of community and generosity, highlighting her journey from medicine to writing. She also explores how sharing the messy process of creativity fosters connection among artists and praises the hospitable spaces at Northwind Manor that nurture creative growth.

Dr. Louis Markos, a Professor of English and authority on C. S. Lewis, discusses classical thought and creativity. He explores the differences between wishes and choices, emphasizing the moral implications of our decisions. Markos connects Aristotle's eudaimonia to Christian joy and highlights how adopting virtues can be likened to developing tastes through habit. He also champions active contemplation as key to creativity, revealing how it fuels inspiration and the creative process. Markos draws on influential thinkers, providing a rich tapestry of ideas.

Carey Wallace, an inspiring author and speaker committed to supporting writers and artists, shares her insights on creativity and spirituality. She discusses the delicate dance between inspiration and discipline, emphasizing that artists shouldn't just wait for inspiration to strike. Incorporating anecdotes from musicians like Peter Frampton, she highlights the element of surprise in creative breakthroughs. Carey also advocates for the power of rest, showing how taking breaks can enhance creative thinking and enrich literary expression.

Speaker and author Vicki Courtney has been writing books for women since the late 90s. Her new book is Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Calling: The Grace of Being a Good-Enough Mother. Vicki says iIt’s the book she would have liked to read when she was a young mother unable to shake the idea that motherhood defined her identity. In this episode, Vicki and Jonathan Rogers talk about swapping “perfect” for “good enough.” We talk about fitting a writing life into motherhood. And we talk a little about what it’s like to change your mind about something you published twenty years ago.  This episode is sponsored by The Habit's Focus Retreat, October 26-30 in Nashville. Find out more at TheHabit.co/Retreats.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging conversation, David Taylor, an Associate Professor of Theology & Culture, teams up with Steve Guthrie, a Professor of Theology and the Arts. They delve into the fascinating relationship between the Holy Spirit and artistic inspiration, negotiating how divine influence shapes creativity. The duo shares insights on interdisciplinary collaboration in their essay collection, ‘Naming the Spirit,’ and reflects on the church's historical role in fostering the arts. Their lively dialogue emphasizes the significance of acknowledging spiritual presence within communal creativity.

Jason M. Baxter, a college professor and author, dives into the enduring importance of literature in our tech-driven age. He discusses how storytelling can heal and connect people, emphasizing literature as a 'technology for inwardness.' Baxter highlights literature's role in countering the superficiality of online content and stresses the need for critical thinking. He also reflects on the power of immersive experiences in deepening self-understanding and championing beauty in art. Inspirations from literary greats like C.S. Lewis and Dante further enrich the conversation.

Father Damian Ference, a Cleveland priest and philosophy professor at Borromeo Seminary, discusses the philosophical roots of Flannery O’Connor’s storytelling. He argues that O'Connor’s 'hillbilly Thomist' perspective is deeply influenced by Thomas Aquinas. Delving into how sensory experience shapes our understanding of art and reality, Father Ference emphasizes the interplay between meaning and human experience. He also explores the nuances of storytelling, the pursuit of virtue, and critiques the limitations of artificial intelligence in grasping true human existence.