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

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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.

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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:

1. Envision your own creative “flight plan”—seeing what others might think impossible.

2. Build character through preparation and courage—acting boldly even under uncertainty.

3. Adapt and celebrate along the way—finding joy in the process, not just the destination.

4. 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.

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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”:

1. Speak intentionally – choose words that reflect empathy and truth.

2. Listen actively – honor others’ stories while staying grounded in your own.

3. 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

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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.

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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.

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠

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.

You can learn even more by following on:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/briancbarlow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/briancbarlow/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancbarlow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.creatorsopposition.com/⁠⁠