THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Creating Holiday Magic 50 Feet in the Air

In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam climbs 50 feet into the air to talk with Ryan Palmer of Iron, Wood & Glitter Productions while taking down a massive Christmas tree in Newport News, Virginia. What starts as a conversation about lights, cables, and holiday displays quickly becomes a deeper look at what it really means to pursue happiness—and the risks, mindset shifts, and life decisions that make it possible.Ryan shares how he blended his background in commercial construction and the arts to build a career designing large-scale entertainment installations for cities, theme parks, and seasonal events across the country. From haunted houses and cruise ships to community Christmas spectacles, he explains how creativity and logistics work together—and why seeing families enjoy the displays makes the long hours worth it.🎄 Want to see Adam 50 feet in the air on the Christmas tree? Check out the full episode video on YouTube and Spotify.The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, perfectionism, and the fear that comes with starting something new. Ryan opens up about launching his company to spend more time with his family, the uncertainty of finding the next job, and the mindset shift that helped him move forward anyway. To close, Adam and Ryan zoom out to talk about THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS—why taking the first imperfect step matters, how one opportunity can change everything, and what it really means to build a life you don’t need to escape from.If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, working in a creative trade, or building a career that blends passion with practicality, this episode will leave you inspired.Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions.Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dcOther ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast:Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcastCredits:Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce