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/
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.
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, 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
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 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.
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
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 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 Kathrine pushed past barriers with quiet resilience and fearless determination. Their stories are not just about running, but about creating joy, purpose, and change through action.
You’ll learn how happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a form of creative resistance. It’s found in claiming space, breaking silence, and living authentically. This episode is a celebration of courage, creativity, and the belief that small acts can create big waves—in sports, in culture, and in your own life.
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, 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 choose to build a life of joy and meaning in the midst of uncertainty and opposition. You’ll hear about:
The difference between surviving (stone by stone) and intentionally building (brick by brick)
How our inner beliefs shape the way we show up and what we create
Why day-by-day consistency creates long-term clarity
And how to keep showing up even when you’re not sure where the road is leading
This is an invitation to honor your process, trust the pace of growth, and keep building — not perfectly, but intentionally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWa5vE4MUpU
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 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, but our happiness. Drawing from psychology, ancient wisdom, and practical habits, he unpacks how small daily choices determine the people we become. and the joy we experience.
✨ You’ll learn:
Why character is the root of lasting happiness
How negativity feeds a cycle that robs us of peace
3 simple ways to start feeding the right wolf today
How the act of creating aligns us with joy and purpose
This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and choose intentionally, not perfection, but progress. Because you are a creator. And happiness is something you build.
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 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 grounding and relationship rituals, discover how tiny habits can have a huge emotional impact. You’ll learn practical ways to build your own “joy snacks” into your day and experience how even a single intentional breath can lift your spirit.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just a little numb—this episode is your reminder: joy doesn’t have to be big to be real.
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, we explore what it really means to “stand in the light and be seen as we are” — not someday when we’ve fixed all our flaws, but right now. Inspired by Jordan Smith’s powerful anthem "Stand in the Light."
We’ll dive into how showing up authentically, even while we're still growing, leads to deeper happiness, stronger relationships, and greater creative freedom. You'll learn how embracing vulnerability (with wisdom and context) helps people love and understand the real you.
We’ll also talk about:
Why standing in the light doesn’t mean oversharing
How to show up differently depending on the relationship
What kinds of opposition keep us hiding — and how to move through it
And how to shine even through the storms.
This episode is an invitation to show up with courage, clarity, and character — and find joy in the light.
Link to Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDrOVOoTjRU
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 do ferns, coastlines, and your inner life have in common? In this reflective episode, we explore fractals—those endlessly repeating patterns in nature—and how they mirror the patterns in ourselves. Through science, story, and original poetry, we uncover how the smallest choices, habits, and emotions ripple into our larger lives. Plus, we take a fresh look at happiness as a fractal: not something distant, but a pattern of micro-joys that build a beautiful whole. If you're craving a blend of wonder, introspection, and gentle insight—this one's for you.
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/
