In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the origins and unexpected global impact of the “like button” with business thinker and strategist Martin Reeves, co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World. Together, we uncover not just the technical and historical story behind one of the internet’s most recognizable icons, but also how something so small has fundamentally rewired our ideas about validation, success, identity, and creativity.

We explore the messy, iterative invention process behind the like button, dispelling the myth of the “lone genius” and highlighting the chain of small, serendipitous problem-solving moments that led to its creation. Through Martin’s research and stories—ranging from ancient Roman gestures to the algorithmic engines of the digital age—we examine how cultural symbols embed themselves in new technologies, how our need for validation can become a trap, and why creative leaders must be wary of chasing applause over substance.

Finally, we reflect on how the very tools we invent end up shaping us, for better or worse, and what that means for our own creative paths today, especially as technologies like AI quickly raise similar questions about identity, taste, and agency.

Key Learnings from This Episode:

1. External Validation vs. Inner Conviction: When we start creating primarily for immediate recognition and “likes,” we risk losing sight of our core values and true creative voice.
2. Messy Invention, Not Lone Genius: The like button didn’t come from a single visionary, but from a series of iterative solutions and small tactical problems—reminding us that progress often happens in unexpected, collaborative ways.
3. Cultural Resonance Matters: The thumbs-up icon succeeded because it was already deeply embedded in culture, making the digital transition intuitive and frictionless for users.
4. The Double-Edged Sword of Instant Feedback: While instant feedback can enhance connection and learning, it also reshapes our tastes, identities, and behavior—sometimes with serious unintended consequences for mental health, social norms, and democracy.
5. Let Curiosity Lead: The most transformative creative breakthroughs often come not from rigid objectives, but from following curiosity and allowing projects to evolve organically.

Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Brave Habit is available now

My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to be human in today’s workplace. We push back against the efficiency-obsessed culture and explore how bringing more humanity, joy, and intention into work leads to better results and more meaningful lives.

First, we’re joined by Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun! and consultant and expert in organizational transformation. Bree breaks down why work doesn’t have to be drudgery and makes a compelling case for infusing fun and playfulness into our daily grind—not in a frivolous way, but as the key to unlocking creativity and doing our best work. She shares actionable tips for reclaiming joy, such as “do nothing days” for creative recharge and learning to defend our most valuable asset: our attention and creative energy.

In the second half, we sit down with Emily Kasriel, journalist and author of Deep Listening. Emily reveals why truly listening is not just a soft skill but a transformative, radical act. She offers insights into overcoming distractions—both internal and external—and shows us how deep, empathetic listening can fuel connection, innovation, and motivation at work.

Whether you’re leading a team, managing up, or navigating your own next steps, this episode is packed with fresh perspectives and practical advice for bringing more humanity to your workday and life.

Five Key Learnings from this Episode:

1. Work isn’t just about output, it’s about experience. When we let go of the “grind” and invite fun and play, we create better work and a richer life.
2. Protecting creativity means defending our headspace. Scheduling time for exploration and resisting performative productivity unlocks genuine creative ideas.
3. Listening is a radical act. Deep, empathetic listening goes beyond hearing words; it’s about using the whole of us to understand the whole of another person.
4. Attention is our most valuable resource. Eliminating distractions—especially phones and to-do lists—allows us to be fully present and build stronger connections.
5. Curiosity builds bridges. Approaching others with genuine curiosity opens us to new ideas, breaks down barriers, and encourages respect—even when we disagree.

Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreative.app.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Brave Habit is available now

My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

Summer's in full swing, our routines are upside down, and creative disciplines are as vital as ever. In this special episode, we share Todd Henry's live talk from Scottsdale, Arizona, exploring the heart of creative work and what it really takes to thrive as a “create on demand” professional. Todd unpacks why producing brilliant work isn’t as simple as following steps 1-2-3, and why most of the real magic happens in the messy space in between.

He also discusses the hidden forces that sabotage our creativity—dissonance, fear, and expectation escalation—and introduces the five elements of creative rhythm that can help us stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy. You’ll learn why true creative success is about intentional daily practices, not bursts of last-minute inspiration, and how building disciplines now will help you build a body of work you can be proud of.

Five Key Learnings from This Episode:

1. Brilliance Requires Discipline: Great creative work doesn’t just “happen.” It comes from consistent, intentional practices that help us manage our focus, relationships, energy, stimuli, and hours.
2. Manage Dissonance, Fear, and Expectations: Unaddressed gaps between our “why” and “what,” fear of failure, and ever-escalating expectations are stealthy assassins to creative output—recognizing and addressing them is critical.
3. Creative Rhythm Is Key: Cultivating five elements—Focus, Relationships, Energy, Stimuli, and Hours (“FRESH”)—creates the foundation for sustainable, high-quality creative work.
4. Brilliance Emerges in Community: Collaboration, feedback, and support from others fuel our best ideas—creativity isn’t a solo pursuit.
5. Die Empty: Our goal shouldn’t just be doing more, but making sure we give our best effort. Leave nothing of value unshared, unattempted, or undiscovered—so we reach the finish line without regret.

Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreative.app.

Mentioned in this episode:

To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

The Brave Habit is available now

My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.