In this inspiring episode of Happiness Through Creating, we explore the empowering message of “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman and how it calls us to step out of the shadows and into our full creative truth. Together, we reflect on what it means to embrace every part of ourselves—the light, the flaws, and the fears—and transform them into authentic expression. Through themes of courage, resilience, and vulnerability, this conversation invites you to claim your creative identity, face opposition with strength, and declare unapologetically, “This is me.” No matter your creation, this episode reminds us that our uniqueness is our greatest contribution—and that when we share it, we help others do the same.
Link to listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxugyZCfuw
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What if happiness could be found in a single flash of light?
Not sunlight, not candlelight — but a spark born from human imagination.
In this illuminating episode of "Happiness Through Creating," we delve into the story behind the ruby laser and its inventor, Theodore Maiman. Patented on November 14, 1967, the ruby laser began as a dream that the world doubted — and became a symbol of how opposition refines creation.
Through the lens of Maiman’s quiet determination, we explore what I mean when I say 'Creator’s Opposition': the idea that obstacles aren’t barriers to creativity, but the very forge that shapes a creator’s character. From rejected ideas and late-night tinkering to that first pulse of red light, this episode invites you to see your own challenges as part of the creative process that leads to joy.
You’ll discover how:
Opposition reveals purpose — every setback can refine your vision.
Creation builds character — persistence transforms frustration into fulfillment.
Joy is found in the process — true happiness comes not from ease, but from becoming.
Maiman’s story reminds us that every act of creation carries resistance — and that resistance can become the spark that lights the way.
🎧 Listen now and let “The Ruby Laser” inspire you to embrace opposition, create boldly, and find happiness in the flash of your own creative light.
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On November 12, 1919, brothers Ross and Keith Smith lifted off from England on a daring flight to Australia—a 17,000-kilometer journey that reshaped aviation history. In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, we revisit their bold adventure as a living metaphor for the creative process itself.
Through the lens of the Smiths’ historic flight, we explore how vision, preparation, courage, and resilience form the flight path of every creator. From facing uncertainty to celebrating progress, their journey reminds us that happiness doesn’t come from comfort—it grows from meaningful action, connection, and discovery.
You’ll learn how to:
Envision your own creative “flight plan”—seeing what others might think impossible.
Build character through preparation and courage—acting boldly even under uncertainty.
Adapt and celebrate along the way—finding joy in the process, not just the destination.
Invite others into your creation—because what we create together carries meaning beyond ourselves.
Just as the Smith brothers charted new skies, you can chart your own path of creation—one step, one idea, one brave beginning at a time.
🎧 Listen now to discover how bold beginnings and steady perseverance can help you create happiness through meaningful action.
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In this Music Monday episode of Happiness Through Creating, we delve into the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles as a powerful guide to understanding the connection between courage, creativity, and happiness.
What does it really mean to be brave with your words? Beyond boldness, true bravery lies in speaking with honesty, listening with openness, and creating stories that reflect truth. Through thoughtful reflection and storytelling, we explore how intentional speech and mindful creation can foster stronger relationships, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate authentic joy.
You’ll hear how every word we speak—and every silence we keep—shapes the stories we live and share. Drawing from Bareilles’ inspiring lyrics, this episode offers three practical ways to “be brave”:
Speak intentionally – choose words that reflect empathy and truth.
Listen actively – honor others’ stories while staying grounded in your own.
Reflect through creation – express your truth through action and creativity.
If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up, tell your story, or pursue a creative dream, this short episode will remind you that your voice matters—and that happiness often begins with one brave word.
🎧 Listen now and discover how brave expression can create connection, clarity, and joy.
Here is a link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4
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In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, we reflect on the powerful life and legacy of Jeannette Rankin — the first woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress — and how her courage to create in the midst of opposition continues to inspire today. Her story reveals that creation isn’t always easy or popular; it often requires standing alone for what’s true. From leading the fight for women’s suffrage to voting her conscience against war, Rankin modeled a life of integrity, resilience, and purpose. This episode explores how happiness can be found not in comfort or approval, but in the deep fulfillment that comes from aligning our creativity with our values. Through her example, we’re reminded that even in resistance, we can build, stand, and create joyfully — one act of courage at a time.
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What does greatness look like—not just at the finish line, but in the quiet, painful, and persistent steps no one sees?
In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, we explore the astonishing story of Faith Kipyegon—two-time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder, and mother—whose career is a testament to the power of resilience, discipline, and the joy found in becoming.
From barefoot races in rural Kenya to Olympic records after childbirth, Faith’s journey defies expectations. She didn’t just return—she redefined what’s possible for female athletes, mothers, and creators.
We dive into:
How setbacks—injury, motherhood, doubt—shaped her mindset
The rivalries that refined her greatness
The deep character work behind her historic comeback
And the quiet force that kept her moving: love for the process
More than a sports story, this is a story about what we create through opposition—not just results, but identity, impact, and joy.
If you’re in a season of rebuilding, doubting, or simply learning to trust your pace, Faith’s story will remind you:
🏃🏽♀️ You don’t have to be winning to be creating something beautiful.
🎧 Listen now and rediscover that happiness isn’t waiting at the podium—it’s rising in the work.
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If you are alive, you are a creator. In this powerful and reflective episode, we explore how creativity helps us navigate life’s challenges, including fear, exhaustion, uncertainty, and change. Inspired by Illenium’s UR Alive and the SPIRE model of well-being, Brian shares a personal story about the birth of a grandchild and the realization that life itself is creation.
Through five lenses —spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional —we uncover how to transform opposition into growth, reconnect with our creative energy, and remember that every breath, every act of care, and every challenge is an invitation to create meaning.
Take a breath. Look around. Don’t forget, you’re alive. And in your living, you are always creating.
Here's a link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgMRB9-u1Vc
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In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, Brian explores the creation of Mount Rushmore not just as a monumental sculpture but as a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore began as South Dakota historian Doane Robinson’s dream to attract visitors and inspire national pride. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum transformed that vision into an ambitious plan to carve four presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln—into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills, each representing a defining ideal of the American spirit.
This episode reminds us of the “creative operating system”. The team faced immense technical, financial, and relational challenges: hard granite, limited resources, dangerous working conditions, and deep cultural opposition, especially from the Lakota Sioux, for whom the Black Hills are sacred. Yet through every setback—fractured rock, funding shortfalls, leadership changes—the workers and leaders adapted, innovated, and grew.
The episode draws powerful creative lessons from the monument’s story. Whether carving a mountain or pursuing a personal project, creation is a journey of transformation. Each challenge refines our skills and shapes our creative spirit. When you face opposition, remember Mount Rushmore—proof that persistence, resourcefulness, and adaptability can turn even the hardest stone into a masterpiece.
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What if the very thing that sets you apart is the key to what you’re meant to build?
In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, we explore the extraordinary life of Temple Grandin—autistic scientist, inventor, and advocate—who transformed the livestock industry and reshaped society’s understanding of neurodiversity.
Temple's story is not just about overcoming obstacles—it's about using her unique mind to create systems that are more humane, efficient, and compassionate. Along the way, she shows us that joy is not found in conformity, but in creating solutions only you can see.
Through her journey, we reflect on:
How opposition can refine vision
Why empathy is an act of invention
And how creating isn't about fitting in—it's about building differently
If you’ve ever felt out of place, misunderstood, or told your brain works “the wrong way,” this story is your reminder:
🧠 Your difference is not your limitation—it’s your superpower.
🎧 Listen now to learn how Temple Grandin found joy, peace, and purpose—not in being like everyone else, but in creating a world where being different is a strength.
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In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, I invite you to explore the power of hope, resilience, and creative agency through the lens of Wilson Phillips’ song Hold On. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to truly take responsibility for our lives, break free of emotional chains, and believe that change is possible, even if it’s just for one more day.
We’ll talk about how holding on is not passive, but an active, creative choice that shapes our story, mindset, and future. I’ll share ways to shift perspective, embrace possibility, and take small but meaningful steps toward transformation. By the end of the episode, you’ll see how staying present, staying hopeful, and staying engaged with your own growth can lead to real change—and how you are the creator of your life.
Here is a link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbXvaE39wM
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What if the very thing standing in your way is the thing shaping who you’re becoming?
In this powerful episode of Happiness Through Creating, we journey to Malawi to explore the story of William Kamkwamba, the teenage boy who built a windmill out of scrap parts during a famine—and brought light to his village.
Against poverty, hunger, and ridicule, William created something far greater than electricity. He created hope, identity, and a ripple effect of innovation across the globe.
Through his journey, we unpack the cycle of creation:
How character creates motivation
How motivation creates movement
How movement builds momentum
And how momentum opens doors—not just in the world, but within ourselves
You'll also learn about the “Insight Loop”:
Assess → Adjust → Act—a creative framework to move forward even when everything says you can’t.
This episode isn’t just about a windmill.
It’s about how opposition can become fuel for joy, growth, and transformation.
🎧 Whether you feel stuck, underestimated, or uncertain about what’s next—this story is a reminder:
You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need the courage to create.
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On the three-year anniversary of her passing, this episode honors the life and light of Lauren Bradshaw — a remarkable young woman who inspired everyone around her with quiet strength, compassion, and joy.
Lauren understood something many of us spend a lifetime learning: that connection matters. Through her actions, words, and example, she showed how small acts of kindness can create lasting impact. In this heartfelt tribute, I share stories of Lauren’s life, her deep faith in Jesus Christ, and the simple yet powerful ways she lifted others — even through her own trials.
Whether you knew Lauren or not, her legacy will touch you. This episode is an invitation to carry her light forward — to live with gratitude, serve with intention, and remember that God gives us each other.
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What does it mean to truly own who you are—and create happiness from that truth? In this empowering episode, Brian explores Gloria Gaynor’s iconic anthem “I Am What I Am” as a powerful expression of identity, joy, and creative agency. Drawing from the song’s bold lyrics and deeper themes, he invites you to stop hiding, start creating, and embrace the idea that you are not a problem to fix—but a special creation.
Through the lens of hope, faith, and personal agency, Brian shows how we don’t have to wait for happiness—we can build it by living with intention and truth. Whether you shout it, whisper it, or sing it: your voice matters, your story matters, and your creative journey begins with owning who you are.
Key ideas:
Why authenticity is essential to happiness
How identity is something we create, not wait for
Reclaiming joy through visibility, courage, and self-expression
The role of hope and faith in becoming who you’re meant to be
You are not too much. Not too little. You are just right—and you are a creator.
Here's a link to a YouTube video where you can listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifxKMz_BkDg
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In a world that rushes us toward what’s next, savoring invites us to pause—and fully experience what’s good right now.
In this episode of Happiness Through Creating, we explore the subtle but transformative practice of savoring: the art of stretching out positive moments, noticing joy while it’s happening, and letting even small experiences leave a lasting imprint.
Drawing on insights from psychology, real-life stories, and science-backed strategies, you’ll learn:
What savoring really is (and what it isn’t)
Why your brain resists lingering in good moments—and how to retrain it
How to savor joy even during seasons of stress, loss, or uncertainty
Simple ways to bring more presence, gratitude, and meaning into your day
Whether it’s a cup of tea, a warm breeze, or the sound of laughter—this episode reminds us:
You don’t need more to feel more. You just need to notice.
🎧 Tune in to reclaim the joy that’s already here—and learn how to make it last.
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What do you do when your life changes in an instant—and the future you imagined disappears?
In this inspiring episode of Happiness Through Creating, we follow the true story of Tom Whittaker—a mountaineer and educator who lost his leg in a car accident, but refused to lose his purpose. Instead, he set his sights on a goal no amputee had ever reached before: the summit of Mount Everest.
Through pain, doubt, and two failed attempts, Tom created something more powerful than success—he created resilience, legacy, and joy.
This episode explores:
How creativity isn’t just artistic—it’s the act of rebuilding meaning
Why adversity can become the soil for transformation
What it means to create a new identity after loss
And how the “summit” we’re climbing toward is often within
If you’ve ever been told “you can’t,” or faced a mountain that seemed too steep to climb—this story will remind you:
The joy you seek isn’t only at the top.
It’s in the courage to keep climbing.
🎧 Listen now and be inspired to create your way forward—no matter the terrain.
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In this soul-soothing episode, we reflect on how true joy isn't found in grand achievements, but in quiet, everyday moments. Inspired by George Strait’s lyrics, this episode explores the science of awe, the beauty of noticing, and how seemingly small experiences — a sunset, a smile, a slow kiss — can ground us, heal us, and remind us we’re alive.
Blending research, storytelling, and heart, you'll be reminded that creating happiness doesn’t always mean doing more; it often means simply being present. If you're feeling rushed, disconnected, or in need of a reset, this little pause is your invitation to rediscover joy… in all the little things.
Take a breath. Tune in. Start creating happiness — one quiet moment at a time.
Here's a link to a youtube video where you can listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb9laYOsO2g
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What does it really mean to belong—not just to a group, but to yourself?
In today’s episode of Happiness Through Creating, we explore the deep human longing for belonging—a need so foundational that without it, even the most joyful experiences can feel empty. Through story, science, and practical insight, we’ll look at how belonging is created—not by fitting in, but by being fully seen and accepted as your true self.
You’ll learn:
Why belonging is essential for happiness and creativity
The difference between fitting in and authentic connection
How creators navigate the tension between staying true to their voice and being accepted
Practical steps to create belonging—for yourself and for others
This episode is a reminder that belonging isn’t something we wait to receive. It’s something we create—through honesty, presence, and courage.
Whether you feel like an insider, outsider, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you reclaim the joy of being known—and empower you to offer that joy to others.
🎧 Listen now to discover how the journey of belonging begins not out there, but within.
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What does it mean to find joy in the act of creating—even when everything seems to stand in your way?
In this episode of Happiness through Creating, we explore the extraordinary life of Jon Huntsman Sr., visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Huntsman Corporation. Known for building one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Huntsman’s true legacy lies in the values that shaped his journey: resilience, curiosity, mentorship, and integrity.
You’ll hear how Jon faced enormous opposition—from industry giants, skeptics, and moments of personal loss—and how he transformed those challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and meaningful contribution.
With insights drawn from interviews, speeches, and family recollections, this episode dives deep into:
How Jon turned early failures into creative fuel
Why he believed opposition sharpens, rather than blocks, creativity
His lifelong commitment to learning and ethical leadership
The joy he found in building not just a business, but a legacy of purpose
And how he reframed failure as a stepping stone toward greatness
This is more than a business story. It’s a lesson in how we all can cultivate happiness by creating boldly, learning constantly, and embracing the challenges that refine us.
👉 If you’ve ever faced opposition in your creative path, Jon Huntsman Sr.’s story will inspire you to keep building, keep learning—and to find joy in the process itself.
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In this uplifting episode of Happiness through Creating, host Brian Barlow dives into the timeless classic “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash. Discover the inspiring backstory of the song, written during Nash’s recovery from eye surgery, and how its message of hope, clarity, and resilience resonates deeply in moments of hardship. Brian explores how seeing obstacles clearly—not wishing them away—empowers us to navigate life’s challenges and grow.
From Johnny Nash’s pioneering reggae influence in Jamaica to Jimmy Cliff’s vibrant 1993 cover for Cool Runnings, Brian traces the song’s enduring legacy and cultural impact. He also highlights a memorable scene from the 1998 animated film Antz, where the song underscores the protagonist’s journey toward freedom and self-expression.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBHx5L9_zpI
Bringing it all together, Brian connects the song’s themes to the process of creating, showing how acts of creation bring clarity and meaning in our darkest moments. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own storms and the “Creator’s pyramid” steps that led them to insight and growth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdJwFd4jv9w
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What if the key to more peace, clarity, and joy isn’t changing your life—but changing how you think about your life?
In this episode, we explore metacognition—the quiet superpower of being aware of your own thoughts. From breaking out of negative spirals to responding with wisdom instead of reactivity, metacognition gives us the ability to step back, reflect, and choose a better path.
You’ll learn:
What metacognition actually is—and why it matters
Real-life examples of how it can shift your day, your work, and your emotions
How metacognition helps you stay grounded in conflict, creativity, and self-worth
Simple daily habits to build your metacognitive “muscle”
Whether you're navigating comparison, frustration, creative doubt, or emotional overload, this episode offers a powerful reminder:
You are not your thoughts. You are the thinker of your thoughts.
And when you become aware of that, you unlock the ability to live more intentionally, more joyfully, and more creatively.
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