LiL: 27 | The Creative Journey w/ Scott Barnhardt

This episode features Scott Barnhardt, an actor-writer and independent education consultant (college coach) who guides creative students through goal-setting, applications, and college decisions.Scott shares his path from a theater-loving childhood and professional acting career to earning an MFA in playwriting at UCLA, discovering a passion for teaching, leading as director of the Musical Theater Conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts, and launching his own consulting business. Scott reflects on performing in the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon, using that period to transition careers, and explains he is finishing a book, The Creative College Journey. He also speaks about caregiving, grief after losing his mother and best friend, choosing love over fear through acts of service, and how self-compassion and service define a life leaning into love.00:00 Meet Scott00:15 What Scott Does01:21 From Theater to Consulting04:19 Building a Values Business06:48 Entrepreneur Advice09:51 Artists and Money12:38 College Costs and ROI15:06 Early Theater Roots17:33 Finding Safety in Art20:07 Supportive Stage Parents22:52 Original Book of Mormon28:21 Eight Shows a Week29:35 Broadway Mental Grind31:03 Choosing Grad School Exit32:19 Aging In Entertainment34:58 Teaching Sparks New Path37:05 Pandemic Theater Leadership38:30 New Business And Book39:53 Grief Choosing Love45:32 Boundaries In Caregiving48:05 Living With Grief51:38 Afterlife And Synchronicity53:46 Numbing Versus Rest56:27 Leading With Love57:51 Where To Find ScottInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarnhardtWebsite: https://www.creativecollegejourney.com/If this conversation resonated with you:💛 Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their pain—physical or emotional—is interconnected and worthy of care.💛 Leave a review to help more listeners find conversations like this.💛 Visit www.ginavelezwellness.com to begin working together! Therapy in CA, Coaching everywhere.