051 - When Inspiration Strikes: The Taylor Swift Album Event That Sparked a Scottish Folk Album

In this episode of Building a Life and Business Together, Stephanie and I take you along for a relaxed fall walk and an unexpected creative adventure that unfolded over the weekend. We start with a simple reflection on what we love most about being self-employed, the freedom to take a Friday off for a spontaneous date day. That freedom, as it turns out, led straight into an experience that reignited a creative spark in a way I didn’t see coming. Stephanie shares her excitement over Taylor Swift’s latest album and how the theater release event was put together with lyric videos, behind-the-scenes clips, and Taylor’s commentary about her creative process. Hearing her talk about it reminded me of what happens when an artist gives themselves full permission to explore. Sitting there in that movie theater, I felt a wave of inspiration hit. Before the credits even rolled, I was jotting notes in my phone for something completely unexpected: a Scottish folk album. Back at home later that day, I went downstairs to my studio and opened Suno.ai. Two hours later, I had written and produced seven original tracks, complete with album art inspired by a photo I took in the Highlands of Scotland. The result became my new album, Highland Whispers. It’s a collection of modern Scottish folk songs that capture the same sense of beauty, mystery, and freedom I felt while driving through Glencoe years ago. I share two of those songs. It Will All Work Out can be heard in the middle of the episode and Highland Shadows can be heard at the very end. Lyrics and links to the full album are available at the bottom of these show notes. We also talk about the conversation that followed. Stephanie’s honest reaction to my process, the difference between “creating from scratch” and co-creating with new tools, and how technology can open doors for people who’ve always had music in their heart but not necessarily the traditional skills to bring it forward. I share why this project wasn’t about business strategy or branding at all. It was simply about creating for joy. From there, our walk turns toward everyday life again: our family outing to Homearama, where we explored seven custom-built homes and talked about design, personality, and what makes a space feel alive. And finally, I share a few updates on what’s happening inside my business such at the Building an Online Business course, possible new mastermind experiences, and what’s next on the creative horizon. Key Themes The freedom that comes with designing your own schedule.Inspiration as something you can’t plan for, but can make space for.How creativity and technology are blending in new ways.Doing things purely for joy, without attaching them to business outcomes.The importance of trusting your creative flow and letting it lead where it will. The Path Forward This episode is a reminder that inspiration rarely arrives when we’re forcing outcomes. It shows up in the in-between moments. When we stay open, anything can happen… even an entire Scottish folk album in a single afternoon. Find Highland Whispers Full Album With These Links Album Promo Link: https://artists.landr.com/057829749382Apple MusicSpotifyYouTube MusicAmazon MusicPandora It Will All Work Out [Verse 1] Clouds are heavy but they drift away The darkest nights still lead to day The river bends but finds the sea What’s meant to be will always be [Prechorus] You can’t see the stars through the storm But they’re there Keeping warm [Chorus] It will all work out It will all work out When the doubts come loud Shout them out shout them out Through the twists and turns and the fear and doubt Hold on tight It will all work out [Verse 2] The road is cracked but it still goes on A broken clock still finds the dawn Every puzzle piece has its place Every fall gives you the space [Prechorus] To rise again To try once more Every closed door hides a door [Chorus] It will all work out It will all work out When the doubts come loud Shout them out shout them out Through the twists and turns and the fear and doubt Hold on tight It will all work out Highland Shadows The heather sways The winds they cry A lone stag watches the fading sky Stone walls crumble Moss grows deep Ancient whispers where the mountains sleep Oh Highland shadows Where do you roam? Through the mist To the heart of home Carry my longing Carry my name Through the glens Through the rain The same The loch lies still Dark and wide Secrets ripple just beneath the tide A blackbird's song cuts through the grey Echoes fade Then drift away Clouds roll heavy Skies weep low Do they grieve for what we’ll never know? Oh Highland shadows Where do you roam? Through the mist To the heart of home Carry my longing Carry my name Through the glens Through the rain The same The piper’s wail on a distant hill A sound that lingers Quiet Still I’ve walked this land I’ve called it mine But the shadows They belong to time Find Highland Whispers Full Album ...