Episode 55

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Published on:

7th Aug 2025

From Empty Streets to Hard Truths with Barry Walton

Filmmaker and adventurer Barry Walton shares how failure became a foundation for growth—and why the stories we tell ourselves are rarely the full truth. He explores the idea that truth isn’t something we own but something we test and refine in community. From early childhood setbacks to major film projects that didn’t go as planned, Barry reflects on reframing failure, pushing through doubt, and the courage it takes to truly listen.

Barry and I dive into the nuanced tension between persistence and knowing when to pivot. We explore how decision-making isn’t always logical—it’s often guided by heart, spirit, and the deeper questions we’re willing to ask ourselves. We also touch on how language shapes perception, and why shifting our focus change everything.

Barry shares his experience filming Empty America during the 2020 lockdowns—capturing a nation in eerie stillness. From deserted highways to ghost-town cities like Vegas and NYC, the compliance was staggering. What began as a trip to the Utah desert turned into a haunting cross-country quest for truth. The silence raised questions many were too afraid to ask. Many bonded over one key factor, and that bond makes it hard to look back and question. Barry likens it to unaddressed trauma: one moment can reshape a life, especially when no one wants to revisit it.

About Barry Walton:

Barry Walton from Florida is an Emmy Award-winning producer and author whose work spans documentary, commercial, and narrative storytelling. As the founder of Endless Media, he’s spent his career bringing impactful stories to life for brands, sports franchises, and networks like FOX Sports and IPG | Mediabrands. His documentary and branded content have earned multiple industry accolades, including the Golden Matrix Award. As an author, Barry has published two books — Empty America, a haunting exploration of the U.S. during the first global pLan-demic, and his latest, The Unknown Adventurer, a deeply personal journey that explores love, God, philosophy, and life’s biggest questions. Barry’s work — whether on screen or on the page — is driven by a commitment to truth, curiosity, and storytelling that connects us to something greater.

www.endlessmedia1.com

www.endlessmedia1.com/reel

www.facebook.com/WaltonBarry

www.linkedin.com/in/barry-g-walton/

www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3q2CEGwwmqaxoYOzVrC1A

www.endlessmedia1.com/free

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About the Podcast

RISE TO LEAD
Fearless Voices, Bold Leadership, Unconventional Thinkers
Welcome to the hub of leadership inspiration with Regina Huber. Tune in for candid conversations and invaluable wisdom from bold leaders across industries and cultures. Rise to Lead is where fearless voices and unconventional minds share how they shape movements, businesses, teams—and themselves. This show celebrates creative leadership in all forms, from the stage to the boardroom, from community spaces to solo ventures. We explore creative, sometimes unexpected expressions of leadership—from business innovators and band leaders to movement makers. Come for bold heart, audacious action, and the kind of leadership that creates greater freedom for you and those you get to impact.
Learn more about your host, Regina Huber, at www.transformyourperformance.com, www.linkedin.com/in/reginahuber, and www.youtube.com/@reginahuber.

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Regina Huber

As the dynamic CEO of TRANSFORM YOUR PERFORMANCE, Regina Huber champions bold, heart-centered leadership. She coaches her clients to become Thriving Leaders by enhancing their leadership of self and others.
Regina's eclectic career spans five continents, beginning in Germany and including leadership roles at Boston Consulting Group across Europe, South America, and the U.S. She also founded businesses in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S., cultivating a rich, multicultural and multilingual background. This journey has shaped her into a premier Transformational Leadership Coach, International Inspirational Speaker, and the Author of Speak up, Stand out and Shine. Additionally, she has co-authored three other books and contributes visionary articles to magazines globally. Her passion for sharing wisdom and inspiration has garnered her features across various media outlets in the U.S., Latin America, and Africa, including TV, radio, and press. She is a highly sought-after guest on podcasts and radio shows and previously hosted the TV show “What’s Your Spark?” on WIN WIN Women/Roku TV.
Over the years, Regina has facilitated workshops and spoken at events such as conferences and summits across the U.S., Africa, Latin America, Asia/Middle East, and Australia. She is also a Speaker at Innovation Women and has volunteered in numerous roles internationally.
Regina has developed several proprietary coaching frameworks: Powerful Leadership Transformation (PLT)™, New-Paradigm Leadership (NPL)™, The T.h.r.i.v.i.n.g. Leader Formula (TTLF)™, Unique Assets Framework™, and Get Your Dream Salary™. She is also a Conversational Intelligence (C-IQ)® Enhanced Skills Practitioner and certified in BodyTalk, Human Design, and other holistic methodologies.
With a profound passion for travel and dance, Regina's life is dedicated to the pursuit of freedom. She is driven to inspire others to express their unique brilliance as thriving leaders and to live a Freakin' Amazing Life.