The Habit

Charlie Peacock, a Grammy-winning musician and producer, shares his rich journey in the music industry and beyond. He discusses his new memoir, touching on themes of identity, success, and the tension between familial expectations and self-approval. Embracing failure and suffering as growth catalysts, he dives into how these experiences reshape authenticity. The conversation also navigates the complexities of fame, the importance of community support, and living with a sense of divine presence in creativity.

Andrew Osenga is a singer-songwriter, a guitarist, a record producer, a podcaster, a writer, and a friend and mentor to countless artists. For twenty years and more, he has been right in the middle of things in Nashville’s creative community. In this episode, recorded live at The Habit 2025 Winter Writers’ Weekend, Andy speaks with Jonathan Rogers about being a jack of all trades, the importance of community, and Andy's journey from bitterness to joy and purpose in his work.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Grimes, an award-winning poet and artist known for her powerful exploration of African American experiences, dives into thought-provoking topics. She discusses the significance of the Harlem Renaissance in shaping identity and creativity. Grimes sheds light on the role of scripture in poetry and how imagination fuels artistic expression. The conversation also touches on the challenges of doubt in art, reflecting on personal growth and community support. With her latest poetry collection, Glory, Too, she continues to inspire and resonate with audiences.

Kori Morgan, author of "Why I Dyed My Hair Purple & Other Unorthodox Stories" and founder of Inkling Creative Strategies, shares her journey of creativity and faith. She delves into the influence of Flannery O’Connor on her work and the significance of flash nonfiction as a way to capture vivid moments. Kori discusses the pros and cons of MFA programs, reflecting on her creative upbringing and the support found in artistic communities. She also humorously reveals the story behind her purple hair, showcasing her unique blend of art and spirituality.

Maria Bowler, a writer and retreat leader dedicated to nurturing imaginative souls, joins the discussion to share insights from her book, "Making Time." She emphasizes the shift from a producer mindset to a creator mindset, advocating for a more fulfilling approach to work. Maria explores the concept of collaborating with reality, viewing challenges as partners in the creative journey rather than obstacles. She also highlights the significance of intention over goals, encouraging authenticity in creativity and personal growth.

Quina Aragon, an author and spoken word poet, shares her journey of faith and storytelling. She discusses the surprising four-year process of writing her book, 'Love Has a Story,' and the deep connection between counseling and writing. Quina explores feelings of being unqualified yet compelled to express her experiences. The conversation highlights the power of vulnerability in creativity and how performing poetry enriches her written work, making it a captivating blend of personal narrative and spiritual insight.

Sarah Clarkson is a writer whose work centers on beauty and grief, story and quiet. She has written of herself, “I’m trying to write well about my own sorrow, and my own encounters with the beauty that defied my darkness and drew me into a life of creativity, quiet, and wonder.” She studied theology at Oxford University. She is the author or co-author of six books, most recently Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, which she wrote to answer her own questions about what it means to have a quiet mind in a fallen, screen-driven world. In this episode, Sarah and Jonathan Rogers discuss a better definition of quiet, the importance of physical presence, the dangers of screens, and the value of boredom. This episode is sponsored by The Focus Retreat, a four-day writing getaway, March 16-20 in Nashville. Find out more at TheHabit.co/retreats.  Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know Sam (SD) Smith as the author of the Green Ember series–#RabbitsWithSwords. Sam and his son Josiah (JC) Smith have joined forces as the co-authors of the Jack Zulu series–Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key and Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings (so far). In this episode, Jonathan Rogers speaks with the the Smiths about what it’s like to co-write a book and, more to the point, what it’s like to co-write a book with your offspring…or with your parent, as the case may be.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Besides being a novelist, Pete Peterson is a playwright and the head of Rabbit Room Theater. He is also the publisher at Rabbit Room Press. Matt Logan is the director, set designer, and costume designer who has brought all of Pete’s plays to vivid life. Matt and Pete are putting the finishing touches on a new stage adaptation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Its inaugural run will be December 7-December 22 in Franklin, Tennessee. You can get your tickets at RabbitRoom.comSupport the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Eiler Thompson is a podcast producer and writer. Her work has been featured on Apple Podcasts, The Guardian, Nashville Public Radio, Christianity Today, Rabbit Room, and beyond. Her newest audio project, Niche to Meet You, is an investigative storytelling podcast about little-known niche interests and hobbies where we make and find meaning. One of the niche interests she has investigated is wild turkey conservation. Since it’s Thanksgiving Week in the United States, Jonathan Rogers is talking to Leslie about turkeys, podcasting, and her creative process.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.