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Listen "S15 E09: Ecstatic States and the Artistic Impulse P2"
Episode Synopsis
In this concluding segment of our Artist Roundtable, Stephen Roach, Corey
Frey, and Donna Matthews continue their conversation on ecstatic
experiences, flow states, and the artist’s impulse through a Christian
lens. This episode explores ecstatic states in both Pentecostal and
Orthodox traditions, highlighting the shared hunger for transcendent
encounter across streams of faith. The discussion also hits on the need for
a deeper theological framework around flow states, offering both spiritual
and practical insights for artists navigating these immersive creative
moments.
About The Guests:
Donna Matthews is a musician and creative artist. In the 1990’s she played
lead guitar in Elastica and lo-fi, DIY band Klang, and in subsequent years
devised and facilitated creative workshops for people in recovery from
addiction. She is currently in her final year of a practice-based PhD in
Music at the University of Glasgow. Interested in issues such as poetic
intuition, inspiration, and gift, her work explores how the intuitive state
might be conveyed through aesthetic form, while also exploring
improvisation as a means of 'undoing form' to experience the inspired
state.
Corey Frey is a visual artist, poet, and musician. He and his wife,
Christy, are the founders of The Well Collaborative, a community in
Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to wonder, hospitality, and creativity.
Corey works as the Exhibitions Manager at The Delaplaine Arts Center in
Frederick’s downtown area. He is also the co-host of the Makers and Mystics
podcast’s creative collective book clubs.
Stephen Roach is the host of the Makers and Mystics Podcast and the founder
of The Breath and The Clay creative arts organization. He is a published
author, keynote speaker, and multi-instrumentalist with a background in
ethnomusicology and film composition. He has penned five volumes of poetry,
a practical guide for artists titled Five Creativity Killers and How To
Avoid Them, and his most recent book, Naming The Animals: An Invitation To
Creativity, published by Square Halo Books. Stephen lives in North Carolina
with his wife, Sarah, and children Evangelyn Belle and Isaac Brighton. His
next book, published by Zondervan Reflective, is scheduled for release in
October 2026.
Resources:
The Gifted State: Previous episode with Donna Matthews
If you’ve been inspired by this podcast, please consider helping us
continue our work of advocating for the arts by becoming a monthly patron
at http://www.patreon.com/makersandmystics
As an independent creator, your generosity enables us to continue our work!
Thank you!!
Frey, and Donna Matthews continue their conversation on ecstatic
experiences, flow states, and the artist’s impulse through a Christian
lens. This episode explores ecstatic states in both Pentecostal and
Orthodox traditions, highlighting the shared hunger for transcendent
encounter across streams of faith. The discussion also hits on the need for
a deeper theological framework around flow states, offering both spiritual
and practical insights for artists navigating these immersive creative
moments.
About The Guests:
Donna Matthews is a musician and creative artist. In the 1990’s she played
lead guitar in Elastica and lo-fi, DIY band Klang, and in subsequent years
devised and facilitated creative workshops for people in recovery from
addiction. She is currently in her final year of a practice-based PhD in
Music at the University of Glasgow. Interested in issues such as poetic
intuition, inspiration, and gift, her work explores how the intuitive state
might be conveyed through aesthetic form, while also exploring
improvisation as a means of 'undoing form' to experience the inspired
state.
Corey Frey is a visual artist, poet, and musician. He and his wife,
Christy, are the founders of The Well Collaborative, a community in
Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to wonder, hospitality, and creativity.
Corey works as the Exhibitions Manager at The Delaplaine Arts Center in
Frederick’s downtown area. He is also the co-host of the Makers and Mystics
podcast’s creative collective book clubs.
Stephen Roach is the host of the Makers and Mystics Podcast and the founder
of The Breath and The Clay creative arts organization. He is a published
author, keynote speaker, and multi-instrumentalist with a background in
ethnomusicology and film composition. He has penned five volumes of poetry,
a practical guide for artists titled Five Creativity Killers and How To
Avoid Them, and his most recent book, Naming The Animals: An Invitation To
Creativity, published by Square Halo Books. Stephen lives in North Carolina
with his wife, Sarah, and children Evangelyn Belle and Isaac Brighton. His
next book, published by Zondervan Reflective, is scheduled for release in
October 2026.
Resources:
The Gifted State: Previous episode with Donna Matthews
If you’ve been inspired by this podcast, please consider helping us
continue our work of advocating for the arts by becoming a monthly patron
at http://www.patreon.com/makersandmystics
As an independent creator, your generosity enables us to continue our work!
Thank you!!
In God we trust