What if fun wasn't something you earned after the work was done — but something that actually made the work better?

In this episode of No More Mondays, Angie Callen sits down with Mike Brennan, creative consultant, professional artist, and author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative Playbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, to explore why so many of us have lost touch with play — and what happens when we intentionally bring it back.

In a world that rewards busyness, seriousness, and constant productivity, Mike challenges the idea that fun is frivolous or optional. Instead, he makes a compelling case that creativity, curiosity, and joy are not luxuries — they're necessities for sustainable work, innovation, and well-being.

This conversation is thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly grounding — especially for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who don't consider themselves "creative," but feel something missing in how they work and live.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why modern work culture has trained us to equate seriousness with success

• How "being busy" has become a badge of honor — and what it's costing us

• The difference between being artistic and being creative (and why everyone is creative)

• How creativity shows up in unexpected ways: systems, strategy, organization, and problem-solving

• Why fun works best when it's part of the process — not a reward at the end

• How curiosity opens the door to new ideas, energy, and possibility

• The power of small creative habits (10–15 minutes a day) and their cumulative effect

• Why perfectionism and efficiency can actually block innovation

• How play and rest help us solve problems more effectively than pushing harder

• Mike's personal journey through burnout, depression, and rediscovering creativity

• What it looks like to integrate creativity into real life — even during "sucky" tasks

• Why ambition and joy don't have to compete with each other

A key takeaway:

Fun doesn't mean pizza parties or forced cheerfulness. Creativity doesn't mean painting or performing.

It means allowing space for curiosity, play, and enjoyment — so you can bring your best thinking, energy, and humanity into the work you're already doing.

If you've been feeling burned out, stuck, or disconnected from your work — or if your inner voice has been nudging you that something needs to change — this episode will meet you right where you are.

About Mike Brennan

Mike Brennan is a creative consultant, professional artist, live sketcher, and host of the Creative Chats podcast. He helps individuals and organizations reconnect with creativity as a practical, everyday tool for better work and a more joyful life. His work blends art, storytelling, and mindset to help people rediscover curiosity, purpose, and play.

Resources & Links

• Mike Brennan's website: https://mikebrennan.me

• Book: Make Fun a Habit: The Creative Playbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again

• Newsletter: Daily Creative Habit (weekly creative prompts delivered every Monday)

• Podcast: Creative Chats

Final thought

You don't need more time, permission, or talent to bring creativity into your life.

You just need curiosity — and the willingness to try something small.

Because ambition doesn't have to come at the expense of joy.