Happiness through Creating

In this special November episode of Happiness Through Creating , we explore how the act of democracy itself is one of humanity’s greatest creations — and how opposition can become the forge that shapes both leaders and citizens. Through the inspiring story of L. Douglas Wilder , the first elected African American governor in U.S. history, we reflect on how courage, vision, and persistence can tran...

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, res...

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...

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 r...

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 thoug...

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 suf...

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 r...

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 —spirit...

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 in...

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 usi...

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...

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 elec...

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 impac...

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 sp...

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 psycho...

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 p...

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...

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 accep...

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 shap...

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 aw...

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 lear...

What does it mean to create happiness in the face of opposition? In this inspiring episode of Happiness through Creating , host Brian Barlow shares the groundbreaking stories of Kathrine Switzer and Bobbi Gibb —two women who ran their way into history by defying the rules of the Boston Marathon in the 1960s. At a time when women were told they were physically unfit to run long distances, Bobbi and...

In this episode of Happiness Through Creating , I explore what it really means to keep moving forward — especially when life feels heavy. Inspired by Whitney Houston’s powerful anthem “Step by Step,” this episode dives into how happiness isn’t found — it’s built . Brick by brick. Stone by stone. Step by step. I reflect on the emotional truth of feeling hurt, blue, or stuck — and how we can still c...

In this short but powerful episode, host Brian Barlow shares the timeless Cherokee parable of the two wolves, one representing bitterness, anger, and ego, the other peace, compassion, and joy. But this isn’t just a story, it’s a mirror to our inner world and a call to intentional living. Brian explores the science, spirituality, and soul behind why the “wolf we feed” shapes not only our character,...

What if just 5 minutes a day could make your life more joyful? In this uplifting episode of Happiness through Creating , host Brian Barlow explores how small, intentional rituals—backed by new research from the Big Joy Project—can significantly boost happiness, lower stress, and bring deeper meaning to everyday life. From gratitude journaling and micro-moments of awe to the science of emotional gr...