Making Space for Creative Community: Behind the Scenes of Breath and Clay 2026

In this episode, Stephen Roach sits down with creative collaborators Justin McRoberts, Whitney Hancock, and Corey Frey for a conversation about the art of building authentic creative community. From introducing their new online offering, "The Light Between," to a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Breath and the Clay 2026 event, themed "Making Space," this conversation explores how artists can create meaningful spaces for vulnerability, process, and mutual discovery in their creative work. This episode is a celebration of artistic collaboration, meaningful friendship, and the quiet transformation that happens when we make room for mystery. About the Guests: Corey Frey is a visual artist, poet, and musician based in Frederick, Maryland. Alongside his wife Christy, he co-founded The Well Collaborative , a community devoted to wonder, hospitality, and creativity. Corey serves as Exhibitions Manager at the Delaplaine Arts Center and is also a co-host of the Makers & Mystics Creative Collective book clubs. Justin McRoberts is an author, speaker, musician, and spiritual director whose work bridges storytelling, faith, and creative formation. Through books, retreats, and mentorship, Justin helps people uncover their voice and live with greater authenticity. His work invites individuals and communities into deeper reflection, meaningful transformation, and a more embodied approach to creativity and spiritual life. Whitney Hancock is an embodiment coach and creative director whose work centers on restoring presence, emotional honesty, and embodied spirituality. A former founding director of the Redding City Dance Company, Whitney now leads spaces—online and in person—where movement, breath, and nervous system awareness help people reconnect with the sacred intelligence of their bodies. Stephen Roach is the founder of The Breath & The Clay and host of the Makers & Mystics podcast. He is a poet, creative mentor, and multi-instrumentalist with a background in ethnomusicology and film composition. His forthcoming book, How To See Invisible Things , will be published in October 2026 with Zondervan Reflective. Opportunities & Resources: 🎟 Get tickets for The Breath & The Clay 2026 thebreathandtheclay.com 🖋 Connect with Corey Frey coreyfrey.substack.com 📘 Justin McRoberts’ new book InTheLow.com 🌿 Learn about Whitney Hancock’s Woven Method The Woven Method 🤍 Support the podcast & join the Makers & Mystics Creative Collective patreon.com/makersandmystics ✨ REGISTER HERE: “THE LIGHT BETWEEN” Gathering — January 8 Send us a text Support the show Join the Makers and Mystics Creative Collective Get Tickets to The Breath and The Clay 2026 featuring Malcolm Guite, Jon Guerra, and Jonathan Pageau! March 20-22 in Winston Salem, NC.