Shows
The Common CreativeEpisode 160 - Paul and Chris: The Creative BrainIn this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris and Paul explore the intricate relationship between creativity and the brain. They discuss the latest neuroscience findings on how the brain generates ideas, emphasizing the importance of mind wandering and the role of different brain networks. Paul shares his personal experiences with doodling as a tool for enhancing creativity and offers practical advice for integrating creative practices into business. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and intentionality in fostering creativity, suggesting that scheduling time for mind wandering can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. Paul Fairweather...2025-07-1114 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 153 - Andy Balzat: A-peeling CreativityIn this episode Paul and Chris sit down with Andy Balzat, founder of the (very a-peeling) Banana Life, a Brisbane-based consultancy that’s been bringing creativity and team building to the workplace for over a decade. They dive into how practical hands-on experiences like scavenger hunts and skateboard building can transform workplace dynamics and liberate creativity. Andy also shares why inclusiveness, and “a little bit of weird” are essential ingredients for high-performing teams. With a background in organisational psychology and a passion for adventure, Andy suggests that curiosity, craft and courage are the foundation stones for business succes...2025-05-2334 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 152 - Paul Fairweather: Quiet CharismaIn this episode of The Common Creative Podcast, Chris and Paul explore the heart of creativity. How it connects us, and why authenticity matters more than ever in public speaking. Paul offers a behind-the-scenes look at his new keynote, Bold, Brave, Better Together, revealing how creativity is a process of constant evolution and how courage and vulnerability on stage can create deeper, more meaningful connections. Together, the hosts unpack the common fears around public speaking, the value of truly seeing and being seen by others, and the growing crisis of authenticity in today’s digital wo...2025-05-1622 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 151 - Paul and Chris: CREATIVE SNIPPET (Frank Newman)In this insightful snippet, Frank Newman unpacks the complex dance between ego and creativity. He explains how ego, often seen as a creative force, must be kept in check with empathy, collaboration, and an openness to audience feedback. Frank also highlights the often-overlooked power of play in adult creativity, suggesting that structured play can lower defences and unlock fresh thinking. Whether you're leading a team or pursuing personal projects, this conversation offers practical wisdom on how to harness ego without letting it hijack your creative process. LINKS: Frank Newman - Special Guest 2025-05-1411 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 144 - Amy Climer: Teaming with CreativityWhat makes a team truly creative? In this episode, Dr. Amy Climer joins us for a second time and dives into the key ingredients of teamwork and innovation, drawing from her new book Deliberate Creative Teams. She explores how a clear team purpose, strong dynamics, and a structured creative process can transform any group into a powerhouse of fresh ideas. Amy unpacks the role of psychological safety in fostering innovation, the evolving impact of AI on creativity, and the personal journey behind writing her book. She highlights how creativity isn’t just a talent, it's a skill th...2025-03-2736 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 143: Trudi Boatwright- Playing with CreativityIs play just for kids? Think again! In this episode, Trudi Boatwright, global Playful Experience Designer reveals how play is the secret ingredient to creativity, innovation, and human connection. Trudi takes us on her journey from acting to designing playful experiences that transform workplaces and communities. She shares why play isn’t just about having fun, it's a game-changer for problem-solving, communication, and unlocking fresh ideas. Discover how to use play to spark creativity and innovation, create safe spaces for bold ideas to flourish, and shift to a playful mindset in work and life. W...2025-03-2036 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 142: James Sills - On A Creative NoteIn this week’s episode of the Common Creative Podcast, James Sills shares how singing connects people, builds community, and enhances well-being. From football chants to leading choirs, he explores the joy of group singing, its mental health benefits, and why the process matters more than performance. Chris and James also discuss singing’s role in overcoming loneliness and rekindling human connection. James Sills is a musician, author, and TEDx speaker passionate about connecting people through singing. Founder of Sofa Singers and author of Do Sing, he works globally to inspire community and well-being through music. His late...2025-03-1439 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 141: Neo Aplin - Buddy Up to AIThis week on The Common Creative Podcast, we dive into the game-changing role of generative AI in creativity and productivity. Neo Aplin, a full-time AI trainer at Inventium, shares how AI is more than just a tool. It's a creative partner. He explores the balance between authenticity and automation, the power of human-AI collaboration, and the ethical considerations shaping the future of creativity. With over 20 years in tech and innovation, Neo has helped businesses harness AI for smarter work, better customer experiences, and sustainable growth. In this episode, he breaks down how to integrate AI into creative...2025-03-0639 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 140: James Victore: Weird CreativeIn this week’s episode of the Common Creative Podcast, James Victore shares his journey as a designer and artist, emphasising the importance of embracing one's weirdness and creativity. He discusses the challenges of self-motivation, the impact of childhood experiences on creativity, and the significance of teaching and supporting creative expression in children. James encourages listeners to rediscover their passions and define their purpose, ultimately advocating for a life of creative freedom and authenticity. LINKS: James Victore- Special Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesvictore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co...2025-02-2733 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 139: Tim Duggan: Creative BackwardsWhat is the future of work? How hard should we work? How can we navigate work life balance? Meet Tim Duggan, author of Work Backwards, who answers many of these questions (and more!) in this weeks episode. And as an added bonus, Tim takes us through the KILLER ideas framework from his book on creativity called Killer Thinking. Stand by for a deep-dive into his MAP framework for navigating and understanding your relationship with the world of work (Meaning, Anchors and Priorities) also an explanation of why the “Movember” charity fund raising scheme fits his K.I.L.L...2025-02-2041 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 138: Neal Foard - Surefire Storyfire CreativityThis week, we welcome back the brilliant Neall Foard to The Common Creative Podcast for a deep dive into the evolving world of storytelling especially through video. Neal inspired us so much with his first Common Creative conversation (see episode no 83 “Grateful Creativity”) that he’s the first ever guest to be invited back for more. Over the past 18 months, Neil has been honing his craft and discovering what resonates in today’s fast-moving digital story telling landscape, whilst launching a new training program for story telling on-line called “Storyfire”. Neil, with his 25+ years in advertising...2025-02-1338 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 137: Paul and Chris - PARA Filing SystemIn this week’s conversation of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather discuss the PARA filing system, a method for organizing projects, areas, resources, and archives. They explore the simplicity and effectiveness of this system, emphasizing the importance of keeping current projects front and center while maintaining a disciplined approach to archiving. The conversation highlights the challenges creatives face in organising their work and the potential future role of AI in streamlining this process. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.ch...2025-02-1006 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 136: Ian Stephens: A Creative PunchIn this week’s episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Ian Stephens shares his inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming one of Australia's leading speakers. He shares so many insights, including the courage it took to step away from the security of a career to follow his passion, and an area where he had no idea what to do. The hall mark of a creative act. Ian Stephens is a top-rated business speaker, trainer, and award-winning educator specializing in sales, leadership, and mindset. A master of NLP, he equips teams and leaders with practical tools to...2025-02-0631 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 135: Paul and Chris - A Creative Life LessonIn this conversation of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather discuss the importance of being prepared for spontaneous opportunities in life, using the metaphor of always carrying swimming trunks and a beach towel. They explore how creativity is tied to being observant and taking notes, whether through sketches, words, or photographs. The conversation emphasises the value of curiosity and an open mind as essential tools for embracing life's adventures. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au ...2025-02-0505 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 134: Paul and Chris - Notion of RespectIn this week's conversation, Paul and Chris dive into Indigenous Australian perspectives on problem-solving and respect with our guest, Paulina Larocca. Drawing on the work of Tyson Yunkaporta, Paulina explores the idea that true respect begins with acknowledging our own ignorance, an approach that contrasts sharply with conventional problem-solving methods. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-0305 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 133: Paul and Chris - The Daily-ish HabitsIn this week’s conversation, Paul and Chris delve into the concept of 'daily-ish' habits, inspired by Oliver Berkman's insights. They discuss the importance of flexibility in habit formation, especially for those with busy lives or distractions. The conversation transitions into the relationship between creativity and mindset, emphasizing that a creative approach to life can be more beneficial than rigid daily outputs. They explore how journaling and curiosity can enhance creativity without the pressure of constant production. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.ch...2025-01-2905 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 132 - Neil Wilson : The Creative GrooveWould you have the courage to sell your house in order to fund a retro startup in the music industry? Neil Wilson is co-owner of Suitcase Records, a family-owned vinyl pressing business based in Brisbane, Australia. Neil shares his fascinating journey from the safe world of urban planning and architecture to co-founding one of only three vinyl record manufacturers in the country. He provides a unique perspective on the challenges of making the commitment to the startup (“burn your bridges”) and also the many rewards and frustrations of running a manufacturing business that operates in a crea...2025-01-2437 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 131: Dr. Chloe Preece - Artistic BusinessHow can businesses embrace artistic processes and become more innovative? Chloe Preece works at the intersection of arts and marketing, focusing on how businesses can learn from artists' creative processes. Drawing on her observations of the way real artists work, she beats the drum for concepts such as play, experimentation, and embracing failure in fostering a creative culture within business. Chloe is a Professor of Marketing at ESCP Business School and Academic Director of the MSc in Marketing & Creativity. Her research focuses on marketing within the arts and creative industries, exploring how the arts generate s...2025-01-2037 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 130: Paul and Chris - Quarter by QuarterIn this mini episode, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather discuss the concept of 'Quarter by Quarter', inspired by Anne Lamott's book 'Bird by Bird'. Paul shares his personal struggle with completing self-initiated projects due to his tendency to get distracted by new ideas. He introduces his plan to undertake 100 side projects over the next 25 years, with each project lasting approximately 90 days. The conversation emphasises the importance of deadlines, accountability, and the motivation to create meaningful work before it's too late. Chris highlights the beauty of recognising our limited time and the urgency it brings to our creative endeavours. 2025-01-2010 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 129: Paulina Larocca: The Creative CatalystWho wouldn’t want to be a “Creative Catalyst”! With a background as both a practicing and academic creative, Paulina Larocca shares her powerful insights about the role of respect, the importance of ‘movement’ and the need to ask the right questions when developing creative ideas. For her, ideas are easy - it's framing the questions in the right way that generates results. With over 20 years of experience leading global innovation teams and lecturing in creativity, she explains how asking the right questions can unlock creativity and how organizations can foster innovation through curiosity, authenticity, and collaboration. As th...2025-01-1635 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 128: Paul and Chris: The Ministry of OptimismIn this engaging conversation, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith explore the intersection of creativity, woodworking, and personal organization. Chris shares his unique approach to organizing his workshop, using whimsical 'ministries' to categorize tools and materials. The discussion evolves into a broader reflection on the importance of creativity in organization and the balance between following frameworks and embracing personal expression. Chris also humorously highlights his 'rule of chocolate recipes' as a metaphor for personalizing experiences. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith...2025-01-1407 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 127: Rachel Barnard - Creative JusticeWe’re re-publishing this incredible episode with Rachel Barnard because we want more people to hear her amazing story of creativity and social change. She’s the founder of Young New Yorkers, a program that uses art and creativity to help young offenders avoid criminal records. (Yes! Art can be used to avoid a criminal record!) An Australian-born architect and with no experience of the legal system,, Rachel turned a pandemic career hiatus into an opportunity for change. Through her unique “Mapping” process, she’s helped over 1,400 young people exit the criminal legal system, partnering with agencies like NYC C...2025-01-0842 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 126: Rowena Meredith - Olympic CreativityIn the world of elite sports, discipline, commitment and resilience tend to reign supreme. So, is there a role for creativity? In this episode, Rowena Meredith (double olympian and also Chris’ daughter) shares her journey from a young athlete trying various sports to becoming a medal-winning Olympian. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to take rowing seriously, the competitive nature of the sport, and the balance between individual ambition and teamwork. Rowena also reflects on the importance of creativity within the highly structured discipline of rowing, her experiences with art as a form of re...2024-12-1736 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 125: Marion Deuchars - Make Everyday CreativeIn many ways, Marion Deuchars is the ultimate poster child for the Common Creative. A successful illustrator and author and illustrator of her own books, she also has a powerful creative philosophy. Key elements of her creative formula are embracing deadlines (even if they’re self-imposed) curiosity, observation and playfulness. Faced with the overwhelming amount of material that’s now available on-line, Marion emphasizes the value of creating for oneself rather than for others, highlighting the meditative benefits of engaging in creative activities. She also explores the use of non-conventional materials in art-making, encouraging listeners to embrace their...2024-12-1343 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 124: Hanne Kristiansen- Creative IntelligenceIn this week’s episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Hanne Kristiansen shares her journey from Denmark to Barcelona and her evolution into a creativity consultant. She introduces the Creative ID concept, which emphasizes that everyone is creative in their own way. Hanne discusses the importance of breaking down traditional views of creativity in corporate settings and presents five distinct types of creativity. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration and understanding individual creative preferences to foster a more innovative corporate culture. Hanne also shares insights on building a community of certified consultants to amplify the impact of creative in...2024-12-0439 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 123: Lewis Rossignol - Storytelling and Creative ComedyIs Lewis Rossignol an illustrator, visual storyteller or a comedian? And what IS the secret of drawing an Australian or a person with Down’s Syndrome? In this episode Lewis shares his journey from a non-creative background to becoming a successful visual artist with a jittery, nervous style that somehow captures more of the essence of his subject than a more traditional portrait In the discussion, Lewis emphasizes the importance of humor in his work, the value of embracing negativity, and the idea of drawing what you think rather than what you see. Lewis...2024-11-2844 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 122: Paul and Chris - Spirits of BalmoralIn this conversation, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith delve into the themes of creativity, visual art, and storytelling, particularly focusing on Chris's upcoming photographic exhibition titled 'Spirits of Balmoral.' The discussion explores the unique aspects of Chris's digital art, its resemblance to Renaissance paintings, and the deeper narratives behind the images, including the representation of sirens and the interplay of history and imagination. The conversation also touches on audience engagement and the importance of storytelling in art. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https...2024-11-2508 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 121: Mark Shayler- Presenting CreativityIn this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Mark Shayler shares his journey as a sustainability and innovation consultant, delving into the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and personal growth. He discusses the power of visual communication, and the humorous yet impactful story of his singing experiences. Mark also explores the symbolism of lemons and how they relate to creativity and resilience, ultimately emphasizing the need to unlock creativity in others through safe spaces and storytelling. In this engaging conversation, Mark and Paul explore the interconnected themes of authenticity, creativity, and sustainability. They discuss the importance of seeing b...2024-11-2238 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 120: Paul and Chris - Bird by birdIn this episode of The Common Creative, Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather delve into the insights from Anne Lamott's book 'Bird by Bird'. They discuss the intersection of writing and life, emphasising how humour and authenticity play crucial roles in storytelling. The conversation highlights the importance of self-discovery through creative expression and the lessons learned from both fiction and non-fiction writing. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast2024-11-2009 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 119: Mark Truelson - Be a (Beer) CreativeSparketypes, “One” Beer, and a singer who is a semi-tone out! Mark Truelson fits the mold of the passionate creative. Join us as he shares his journey from leading innovation at Foster's to becoming a consultant focused on sparking creativity in organizations. Mark explores how leaders can build supportive environments, engage employees, and lower the stakes to drive innovative projects. He introduces the concept of “sparketypes” a framework to uncover and harness our innate creative impulses. And if evidence of his practical creativity were needed, Mark also tells us how he launched his own beer brand (“One”) at the heigh...2024-11-0538 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 118: Shivani Gupta- Engineered CreativityIn this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Shivani Gupta. Shivani shares her transformative journey from being an engineer to becoming an entrepreneur and educator. She discusses the pivotal moment during her travels in Nepal that led her to reassess her life choices and pursue a path that aligns with her passions. Throughout the conversation, Shivani emphasizes the importance of creativity, the value of learning from failures, and the significance of finding joy in one's work. She offers insightful advice for those looking to reinvent themselves and pursue a more meaningful career. Shivani is an award winning...2024-10-1641 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 117: Masami Sato - Think Globally Act GloballyIn this week’s episode of The Common Creative our guest, Masami Sato, founder of B1G1, shares her journey in creating a social good enterprise that’s making a global impact. B1G1 (Buy1GIVE1) aims to foster a world of giving, where everyday actions lead to real change. Businesses can choose high-impact projects and link their daily activities to measurable outcomes. With over 300 million giving impacts and support for 450+ projects across 50 countries, B1G1 is transforming the way we give back. Masami’s personal journey, from overcoming shyness and feeling disconnected to launching multiple ventures, reflect...2024-10-0943 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 116: Mark Schenk - The Example-TellerIn this week’s episode of The Common Creative, we sit down with Mark Schenk, co-founder of Anecdote, to explore why he feels business communication is broken. Interestingly, Mark suggests that the word "story" is too soft or irrelevant in a corporate environment, and flips the script arguing that simple, everyday events are the key to engaging, authentic communication. Mark shares the value of building a "story bank" , a collection of real-world examples that leaders can draw upon to illustrate points, foster connection, and communicate more effectively. By grounding events in relatable, concrete experiences, Mark demonstrates how relating events and...2024-10-0238 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 115: Matthew Dicks - StoryworthyMatthew Dicks is one of the world’s storytelling greats. In this show, Chris and Paul challenge him to reveal the secrets of his storytelling tricks and probe for ideas on how to use stories in the world of work. (Listen out for ideas like “life homework” and how to spot those “five second moments” which are central to every great story) The result is a 30 minute pot of “podcast inspiration” for anyone who is keen to get better at communicating. Matthew is an award-winning elementary school teacher with 26 years of experience, a columnist, and the internationally bestselling auth...2024-09-2637 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 114: Paul & Chris: National Creativity Day!In this special episode of The Common Creative podcast, Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith celebrate Australia Creativity Day 2024, emphasising the importance of creativity in everyday life. Paul and Chris engage in a lively discussion about how businesses and individuals can benefit from fostering a creative mindset to navigate the rapidly changing world. The conversation touches on various themes such as the human connection needed for innovation, the paradox between interpersonal interactions and digital engagements, and the importance of embracing both AI technology and nature to fuel creative thinking. As they work on writing a book encapsulating their...2024-05-3014 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 113: Dean Merlo - Caffeinated CreativeIn this caffeine-loaded episode of The Common Creative podcast, hosts Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather explore the stimulating connection between caffeine and creativity with guest Dean Merlo, the founder of Merlo Coffee. The discussion brews with insights into the impact of coffee culture on business innovation and how simple changes revolutionise consumer experience. Dean shares his journey from the practice of law to pioneering café culture in Australia, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of the crowd, As a young man, Dean spent some time in California and was inspired by the quality of the American service m...2024-05-1328 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 112: Scott Andrew James - A Poetic Creative TypeThis week’s episode, Scott Andrew James is a multifaceted creative located in Austin, Texas, who operates in the dual roles of a book coach and a roving poet. Scott found his true calling in the world of words. He ultimately discovered his passion for creating interactive, co-creative poetry. Using his grandfather's 1946 Smith Corona typewriter, Scott's creative journey began with an unconventional path as he chose the wilderness over the classroom. Eventually settling in Austin, Texas, his passion for poetry took an interactive turn when he began composing personalised poetry at events. Scott's technique of tapping into his...2024-04-2449 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 111: Paul & Chris: World Storytelling DayWorld Story Telling Day was originally created in Sweden to encourage people to tell stories and build better connections. This year’s theme “Building Bridges” seems particularly poignant. In this snippet, Paul and Chris celebrate World Story Telling Day 2024 with a conversation about the history of the event, the role of story telling in bringing people together and a review of some of the episodes of The Common Creative with particular powerful story tellers. Neal Ford (episode 83), James Hegarty (episode 99), Gavin Blake (episode 94), Brock Swinton (episode 96), Professor Uri Hassen (episode 56), Rachel Barnard (episode 72) and Mir...2024-03-2013 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 110: Miranda West - Do Creative“When you first see a new idea [for a book cover], don’t judge it immediately. Instead,sleep on it and let it mull” “It really helps to trust great creatives - they need the space to do their best work” “A real, printed book avoids information overload. It is a one-to-one connection with the author” Our guest this week is Miranda West, the visionary founder and publisher behind The Do Book Co., an independent publishing venture established in 2013 in partnership with The DO Lectures.The Do Book Co. stands out for its exceptional com...2024-03-1134 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 109: Roger Dennis - Future CreativeRoger Dennis is a seasoned expert in the art of “foresight” - guiding leaders beyond conventional strategic planning and short time frames. Drawing from his academic background in psychology and zoology, Dennis offers a distinct perspective on long-term trends and their impacts on businesses and society. Renowned for his skill in crafting powerful narratives, he helps business leaders to think beyond the near-term and prepare for the possibilities ahead. Dennis consults with top-tier companies on future strategies, distinguishing himself as an expert in foresight rather than a traditional futurist. Leveraging insights from psychology and zoology, he employs a di...2024-03-0537 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 108: Dan Golden & Jen Huh : U Turn Me CreativityWelcome to The Common Creative with Dan Golden and Jen Huh. Dan Golden and Jen Huh are a dynamic creative duo known for their playful and humorous design approach. Dan's expertise in design and rug collections merges seamlessly with Jen's background in poetry and photography, resulting in their unique brand, "U ME U," offering cozy throws infused with creativity. Join us as Dan and Jen share their journey from New York's design scene to their collaborative ventures. Discover how their latest project, "U ME U," embodies their ethos of blending creativity with humour and simplicity.2024-02-2834 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 107: Nick Jaffe : Crafty CreativityWelcome to the 101st episode of The Common Creative podcast! In this week's episode, we sit down with Nick Jaffe, a multifaceted individual who embodies the ethos of not just creative thinking, but also creative execution. With a diverse array of experiences under his belt, Nick has ventured into solo sales across the globe, established successful businesses centered around Canvas and leather products, and delved into philosophical realms of thought. Nick wears many hats - he's a freelance photographer, filmmaker, sailor, overlander, craftsman, and a writer. Currently he is based in Tasmania, Australia and holds a...2024-02-1938 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 106: David Hieatt : Creative Jeanius“Work hard and deep focus are the most important things we can do” “You shouldn’t try to be someone else - you have to be you” “I’m a stubborn mule” "The quest isn't becoming less, the quest is how to become more. How do we dial up the crazy shit more?” “Sometimes you're in a part of your life where you're at a crossroads and you have to turn left or right. You just don't know which one.” Welcome to the 100th episode of The Common Creative podcast! To ce...2024-01-1741 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 105: James R. Hagerty: The Last Word on Creativity"If obituaries can't be fun, what's the point of dying?" - James Hagerty Known to his friends as Bob, James Hagerty has an illustrious career as a staff reporter and editor for The Wall Street Journal spanning over four decades, covering stories across the U.S., Asia, and Europe. James Hagerty is the author of "Yours Truly," a remarkable guide to crafting life stories. This exceptional book has garnered acclaim from prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and, of course, The Wall Street Journal. Currently a freelance writer for The WSJ, J...2023-12-2034 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 104: Kat Driscoll : Creativity with BlingWelcome to this week's episode featuring Kat Driscoll, the visual artist, designer, and creator behind Bobbi Frances jewelry. Kat shares a captivating story of how she entered the business of statement jewelry, and her brightly coloured vibrant work is a testament to joy, happiness, and brightness, delivering a truly uplifting experience. Bobbi Frances specializes in crafting vibrant, one-of-a-kind statement earrings from acrylic. Kat's journey into this creative venture was inspired by a talented artist friend who encouraged her to draw, revealing the innate creativity within. Overcoming fears and doubts, Kat expresses gratitude for her current role in...2023-12-1335 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 103: Troy & Zara Love: Loving CreativityTroy and Zara Love are directors of presentation skills training company “Great Talk”, and renowned Australian stand-up comics. (Fun fact, they’re a married couple who chose the family name “Love” because they love what they do and they love each other!) From award-winning breakfast radio hosts to live event MC’s for major companies, they bring over 30 years of experience, captivating an audience of over 20 million on stage, radio & screen During the podcast, Troy and Zara navigate from lighthearted topics like the role of humour in communication through to deeper thinking on how to achieve a real...2023-12-0738 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 102: Brock Swinson: Creativity by the Barrel“Never pick an argument with someone who buys ink by the barrel”. Brock Swinson is a filmmaker, screenwriter, interviewer for Creative Screenwriting Magazine and presenter of Creative Principles Podcast. His new book “Ink by the Barrel - secrets of Prolific Writers” references a quote by William Greener, which suggests that the key to great creativity lies in delivering work in volume rather than waiting to craft the perfect piece. (For example, Brock references movie director Bong Joon-Ho, who directed ten unsuccessful movies about class struggle before finally breaking through with his Oscar-winning masterpiece “Parasite”)...2023-11-3038 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 101: Stimson Snead: Marvelous Insights Into Creative Direction And Sci-Fi ComedyHow does a film director balance the desire for a high octane creative output with the practicalities of lights, cameras and action? And what draws a talented writer to focus his energy on the crazy world of Sci-Fi comedy? Stimson Snead is based in Los Angeles and is an award-winning director and writer with a passion for independent film, unexpected perspectives, and stories infused with themes of scientific discovery and education. His most recent short, “Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox”, is an official Selection of the Spokane International Film Festival and stars Samuel Dunning and C...2023-11-2234 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 100: Dr. Kristy Goodwin - Creativity and the Digital DiscussionDr. Kristy Goodwin is an expert in digital well-being and productivity and the author of “Dear Digital We Need To Talk” -a guide to developing realistic, research-based ways to cultivate healthy and helpful digital habits. With her extensive background as a speaker, author, researcher, and consultant, Kristy provides invaluable insights into the impact of digital technologies on the health, well-being, and learning of children, adolescents, and adults. Chris and Paul’s big take-outs? Switch off all notifications. And allow time away from technology to immerse yourself in the ‘real world’. Join us for an enlightenin...2023-11-0836 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 99: Mark Williams - Connected Creativity: The Drive for Humans to Connect and DivideIn this week's episode, we are thrilled to introduce Dr. Mark Williams, a distinguished neuroscientist and educator who is on a mission to create a ‘brain healthy world’. During the show, we delve into the intricate relationship between technology and the human brain. Mark, sheds new light on the detrimental effects technology, particularly on our creative faculties. (He suggests a couple of powerful and practical solutions: disconnect from notifications and immerse ourselves in activities that ignite different regions of our brain)s. Mark is an internationally recognised Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, with over 25 years of experien...2023-10-2548 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 98 - Nik Robinson: 20/20 Creative VisionNik Robinson is the founder of Good Citizens, a company dedicated to untrashing the planet by transforming plastic waste into stylish eyewear. Nik's diverse career has taken him from being a radio broadcaster and creative director to a donut maker and lecturer. He's driven by a deep passion for utilizing his creative talents to address critical issues and drive positive change. In 2018, he embarked on his mission with Good Citizens, leading the charge against the global plastic crisis. In this episode, we not only gain insights into building a purpose-driven enterprise but also discover Nik's un...2023-10-1139 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 97 - Avi Liran: Delightfully CreativeThis week's episode features Avi Liran - “The Eternal Optimist”. A professional speaker and trainer, Avi's message is clear: the best way to nurture your soul is through the habit of seeing things positively and bringing delight into the world. (As he points out, if you wake up each morning in a real bed with access to running water you’re already much more lucky than millions of others). In this delightful conversation, we explore the concept of 'soul food' for personal development and its impact on creativity. Avi Liran is renowned for his engaging and humorous approach...2023-10-0440 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 96 - Steve Sharp: Connecting CreativityWelcome to this week's episode featuring Steve Sharp, the 'workplace whisperer.' Steve shares his wisdom on cultivating workplace creativity and improving teamwork. Discover how to foster a culture where individuals feel empowered to contribute and collaborate effectively. With over 25 years of experience leading large teams and conducting more than 150 leadership development and high-performance culture workshops, Steve's insights are invaluable. He was recognized as Young Executive of the Year by the Australian Financial Review. Steve's approach blends neuroscience, psychological safety, and evidence-based leadership frameworks, all delivered in an engaging and enjoyable manner. Join u...2023-09-2740 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 95 - Scott Belsky: Behancing Creativity: Entrepreneurial Insights from the Master of Making Ideas HappenA creative powerhouse with a reputation that most can only dream about,, Scott Belsky wears many hats: entrepreneur, author, investor, and now an integral part of Adobe's leadership team. He's the genius behind Behance, the go-to online platform for the creative industry, where talent is showcased and discovered. Scott led Behance as CEO until Adobe's acquisition in 2012. His influence extends beyond Behance; Scott has been an early product advisor and investor in noteworthy ventures like Pinterest, Uber, Carta, Flexport, sweetgreen, and Ro, to name a few. He's also a prolific author with two national bestselling bo...2023-09-2034 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 93: Lenny Ravich: Creative ChuckleLenny Ravich, 87, joins us from Tel Aviv in Israel at 1:00 AM local time - a supremely youthful presenter, teacher and author of the best-selling book, "Everlasting Optimism." Lenny is also the co-creator of “Delivering Delight” alongside Avi Liran, where they offer crazy-sounding keynotes on "Dance Life. Don't Drag It" and workshops on "Humour and Laughter as a Way of Life." But there's more to his humour than meets the eye; beneath every punchline lies a profound message about the upsides of being able to re-frame every day events and way that humour can unleash creative thinking.2023-09-1137 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 91: Joey Coleman: Creative RetentionWelcome to this week's episode, featuring Joey Coleman - lawyer, coach, singer, and watercolorist. Joey weaves creativity into the world of business, with a particular focus on visual and cyber creativity. (If there's one thing Joey exemplifies, it's the power of showing someone something in a way that makes them believe so that they’re motivated to help). Joey's Wall Street Journal #2 best-selling book, "Never Lose a Customer Again," serves as a treasure trove of strategies and tactics for transforming one-time buyers into lifelong, loyal customers. Furthermore, his upcoming book, "Never Lose an Employee Again," unveils a fram...2023-09-0540 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 89: Kristi Herold: The Creative PlayIs play something to be reserved for the safety of home or ring fenced as something that’s only for the kids? In this week's conversation, Kristi Herold, author of “It Pays to Play” and the CEO of JAM we learn that there’s a reason we should all embrace play as a fuel for business and also creativity. As Kristi explains, even simple playful structures such as a company sports team or a ‘shout out slack channel’ help people to get to know each other as people (perish the thought!) and build a relationship of trust. T...2023-08-2833 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 87: Maz (Speaks) Farrelly : Producing CreativityHow do TV producers juggle the need to ride the creative wave whilst keeping the show on-budget and on-time? What is the secret behind the success of TV favourites like Big Brother, The X-Factor, Dancing with the Stars? In her stellar career as an international TV producer, Maz Farrelly has commanded the biggest teams, budgets, and audiences, and worked with superstars. She co-created the long-standing ABC Current Affairs show, Q&A, and many of the hit shows that have enthralled the UK and Australia over the past 20 years. Her content has been interacted with over eight...2023-08-2138 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 83: Neal Foard - Grateful CreativityIn this week's episode, we welcome Neal Foard, a seasoned advertising and marketing expert who has worked with renowned brands such as Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony. With over 25 years of experience. The show is peppered with Neal’s own personal stories, which showcase not only the way stories communicate meaningful ideas but also how a story is richer and deeper if delivered in a straightforward unassuming style. (Or maybe it’s just Neal’s beautifully rich voice that does the work!) Did you know the best stories are personal stories? Have you ever thought that, if your...2023-07-1738 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 82: Jeremy Wagstaff - Hallucinating with CrA.I.tivityDid you know AI bots can hallucinate? The term doesn’t mean that Chat GPT is taking drugs (!!) - instead it’s a technical term to reflect the fact that AI can ‘invent or derive answers to questions that it doesn’t have a direct answer for. In other words, not everything that a bot states is true and, in their own way, bots are gaslighting or promoting ideas that appear to be based on fact. In this episode, Jeremy Wagstaff, technology journalist, explains more about AI’s “hallucination” and raises other thought-provoking questions such as the fact that t...2023-07-1042 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 81: Mark van Rijmenam - Creativity, AI and the Genie’s Third WishThis week's guest on The Common Creative, Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, CSP—a trailblazing strategic futurist and highly sought-after international keynote speaker. With his knack for simplifying complex ideas and captivating audiences, Mark has inspired over 100,000 leaders across more than 25 countries on all continents. In this episode, we dive deep into the captivating realm of future tech, with a special focus on artificial intelligence and the metaverse. Mark's expertise in these cutting-edge fields makes for a ripper conversation. Get ready to have your mind blown as Mark delves into the potential repercussions of AI - inc...2023-06-2641 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 80: Marcus Byrne - AI and the Future of CreativityMarcus Byrne is an accomplished designer and Photoshop professional. As Head of Art at Thinkerbell, he's a design leader in creative production and AI. Father of eight-year-old illustrator Charlie Marker - a previous guest on The Common Creative. Marcus's recent personal projects have captured global attention. His explorations into AI have led to viral sensations such as "What if Antoni Gaudi designed regular household appliances" and "What if graffiti tags influenced the architecture of the buildings they once adorned?" These projects gained significant traction, being featured in renowned publications like Forbes, Trendhunter, Designboom, C...2023-06-1238 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 79: Paul and Chris - National Creativity Day!Welcome to a special episode of our podcast as we join the world in celebrating National Creativity Day! and today we are diving deep into the boundless power of imagination and honouring the remarkable capacity for creativity within all of us.In this short but impactful episode, we will explore the wonders of creativity and its profound impact on our lives. From art to music, writing to design, and everything in between, creativity encompasses a vast spectrum of expressions that enrich our world.Let us remind ourselves that we are all creative beings, and our...2023-05-3007 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 78: Derek Leddie - Creativity ReimaginedDerek Leddie, our special guest this week, is a visionary entrepreneur who built a global market research consultancy by combining the perfect blend of a vibrant culture and agile creative leadership. He is the founder of The Leading Edge, Australia's most successful market research company, known for its cutting-edge approaches. After selling his company, Derek embarked on a transformative journey, exploring his passions for teaching yoga and running a grade school in Bali. Today, he is recognised as one of Australia's most successful business coaches, renowned for his unique style that blends spirit, biology, and the power of the...2023-05-2937 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 77: Liz Soutar and Lauren Tan- Creativity by StyleIn this episode, we have two special guests, Lauren Tan and Liz Soutar, who are both specialists in human-centered design that help teams inside organisations to solve complex problems using empathy and creativity. Lauren and Liz are both Design Thinking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with over 17 and 20 years of experience respectively. They have worked at the intersection of design and business, published papers and books on design, and presented at conferences. Lauren currently works as a Specialist Director in Deloitte Australia's Consulting practice, while Liz is a Specialist Senior Manager. They both apply creative thinking to solve...2023-04-1138 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 76: Chris Lutkin - The Voice of CreativityThis week’s guest is the multi-talented Chris Lutkin, an award-winning audiobook narrator, actor, content creator, and a writer. Chris is a professional, full time creative. He knows what it's like to be creative and earn money as a creator, throughout his career. He emphasises the importance of understanding the material and being able to take direction in having a good voice. Chris started his audiobook career in 2014 and has since narrated over 60 titles, receiving recognition with a Parent's Choice Silver Award and an EarPhones Award for his exceptional work. He's now converting his screenplay, which has be...2023-04-0339 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 75: Andrea Sampson - Call to CreativityAndrea Sampson has a natural talent for developing compelling stories and persuasive content. Her job is to help bright people communicate their ideas to an audience. She talked about the role of storytelling, visuals, and how she assists people. With over 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising, Andrea Sampson is a former Strategist and Consultant. She has presented and developed strategies for Fortune 100 companies. Andrea is sought after for her assistance in helping teams and executives develop their presentations or pitches. Four years ago, Andrea's passion for ideas led her to volunteer at TEDxToronto a...2023-03-2738 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 74: Donna Loughlin - The Creativity Before it HappenedIf you’ve ever considered launching your own business, this is the show for you. Donna Loughlin has helped over 500 businesses come to market and is full of insights for budding entrepreneurs. Donna Loughlin is the Founder of LMGPR and known for her work with futurists and innovators. She has launched more than 500 companies taking them from stealth to market leaders since forming her agency in 2002. She is also the host of “Before It Happened”, a leading narrative podcast featuring visionaries and the moments, events, and realisations that inspired them to change our lives for the bett...2023-03-2036 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 73: Melissa Marsden- The Creative WorkplaceLooking for insights about the role of a physical space in building creativity and community? This is the episode for you! To Melissa Marsden, a workspace isn't just the place to come to work. Instead, it is a place that should elevate the employee experience. An interior designer and a workplace design strategist, Melissa shares insights about what a workplace is really for and the role of ‘neighbourhoods’ in the workspaces. A Workplace Dynamics Strategist and founder of COMUNiTI who reimagines work environments to drive high-performing teams, Melissa's unique Workplace Dynamics Blueprint (™) guides organisations to create...2023-03-1333 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 72: Rachel Barnard - Creative JusticeRachel Barnard's project, “Young New Yorkers”, is a powerful example of creativity as a force for good. It’s a diversion program for young people who have been arrested in NYC that uses art and creativity as an alternative to the criminal legal system. An Australian-born architect, Rachel won a fellowship in 2011 from Columbia University's architecture school for her proposal for "Young New Yorkers", a public art platform for teens who had been arrested as adults. Her project went on to become a radical new alternative to jail for teenagers who had been arrested and prosecuted clas...2023-03-0541 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 71 (Snippet): Paul and Chris - The Rough Ends of the PineappleWhat do home grown pineapples teach us about creativity? In this “snippet” Paul shares the heartbreaking story of the home-grown pineapple that was not-to-be. But luckily for fans of The Common Creative, the pineapple disaster has borne fruit in the form of three powerful lessons about life, the universe and (of course) creativity. Tune in to find out more about the importance of patience, the need to “strike while the iron is hot” and the meaning of what things are really worth. (Sorry, no lessons about growing pineapples) LINKS: Paul Fairweather - Co-host ht...2023-03-0105 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 70: Peter Edwards - The Creative CityPeter Edwards an award-winning Architect, an accomplished and recognised urbanist and a leading figure in Queensland’s urban design community. He brings over 30 years of experience in architecture and urban design to provide leadership, design expertise and strategic thinking to the major projects shaping our nation’s cities. He is regularly sought as a design leader, city making expert, public speaker, and is a consistent advocate for better cities through design. Here are some juicy quotes from Peter Edwards that you don't want to miss. [11:30] - “It's very hard to come in, and to be a...2023-02-1648 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 69: John Kounios - “Aha!” The Science Of Creative BreakthroughA professor of psychology at Drexel University in Philadelphia USA John Kounios is a world expert on understanding “aha moments”. Using fMRI scanners to map brain activity, John has shed new light on the way people are able to get new insight on challenges they’re facing, either through the classic “aha-moment” or through deliberate analysis. His findings crystallise many of the themes that have emerged from earlier episodes of our Neurocreativity season including: The importance of mind wandering The role of psychological safety The difference between exploratory and exploitativ...2023-01-2639 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 68: Imogen Randell- Creative Tension- The Science of Research vs The Creativity of InsightsMarket research companies are front and centre of the challenges of building creativity in business - they are constantly challenged to strike a balance between being faithful to the data they've gathered, whilst being creative about the insights they generate. This week’s guest, Imogen Randell, is the CEO of both Quantum Research, and Hall & Partners (part of Clemenger Group) and ideally placed to judge how to get that balance right. Join us to hear why Imogen describes herself as an adventurer and to learn about her ideas on creative flow, creative tension and creativity on t...2023-01-0942 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 67: Alina Gozin’a - Interdisciplinary CreativityIn this week’s episode, we welcome Alina Gozin’a, who describes herself as an interdisciplinary artist. She’s not only one of Australia's most celebrated photographers, but also an artist and a keynote speaker. Alina has lived and worked in Odessa, Sydney, Berlin, Amsterdam, LA and New York. In her ‘former life’ she was a tax advisor in Banking & Finance at PwC but her passion for storytelling led her to pursue a postgraduate degree in Media Arts and Production at UTS. She went on to become a Cannes Lions nominated award winning creative artist using photography, film and art to tel...2022-12-1934 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 66: Renai Grace - Curating CreativityThis week’s guest is Renai Grace. She's the CEO of the Museum of Brisbane and she revolutionised the museum and brought it into the public eye. She's a visionary and her whole thing about telling the story in the social fabric of Brisbane has been incredibly successful in her six-year tenure. Renai has dedicated her career to raising awareness of the impact of creativity to connect and inspire communities and create vibrant cities. Renai Grace was appointed Director/CEO of the Museum of Brisbane in November 2016. Since joining Museum of Brisbane, Renai has led popular exhibitions inc...2022-12-1233 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 65: Nigel Marsh - Creative, Committed and a Little CrazyNigel Marsh is the poster-boy for any professional looking to navigate the tricky balance of family, career and personal goals, whilst having some fun along the way. A former ad-man, he is now a professional coach, speaker, best-selling author and award-winning podcaster. The author of four books including his latest book ‘Smart, Stupid and Sixty’, he is the co-founder of Earth-Hour which is recognized as one of the most successful brand launches anywhere in the world. Nigel also founded and runs The Sydney Skinny - a mass nude swim that’s all about celebrating body positivity. His TED spe...2022-12-0152 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 64: Caroline Weaver - Sharpening Up CreativityIn this week’s episode is Caroline Weaver, who talked about the freedom of principle brought to rediscovering the pleasure of a graphite pencil on paper and how a pencil is permanent, and yet erased. Caroline Weaver is the founder of the former CW Pencil Enterprise, a pencil specialty shop in New York City, and an expert on stationery and small business retail. She lives in New York and spends her time working on ways to better support the independent businesses in her community. Caroline Weaver - Special Guest LinkedIn - https://www.lin...2022-11-2536 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 63: Ben Gardiner - Raising the Bar on CreativityIn this week’s episode Ben Gardiner who is a practicing Barrister in IP law, which means he's the person who helps creatives protect their thinking of their ideas. And it's interesting, you'd imagine it'd be a rather dry, dusty topic but also has some fascinating past times outside of his day job, and they all inform the way he practices law. Ben Gardiner has tertiary qualifications in pharmacy, business and law and completed post-graduate studies in law (BCL) at the University of Oxford in 2005. The Australian Financial Review’s Best Lawyers lists Ben as a leading junio...2022-11-1733 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 62 - Kerry Sulkowicz - Couched in CreativityIn this week’s episode Dr. Kerry Sulkowicz talks about his journey from pre-eminent psychiatrist to successful business leader and business coach. He describes how he made that change, why he made that change, and shares his lessons for anyone considering a change of direction. Kerry J. Sulkowicz, MD serves as a trusted advisor on people and culture to some of the world’s most well-known and respected CEOs and corporate boards. He is the founder and Managing Principal of the Boswell Group LLC, a management consultancy based in New York since 1998. Dr. Sulkowicz is President of the...2022-11-1143 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 61- Roger Beaty - NEUROCREATIVITY 7: Creative ThinkingEpisode 61: Roger Beaty - Creative Thinking How does the brain develop new ideas? And are different neural networks involved in different types of creativity? In this week’s episode Dr. Roger Beaty talks about the three neural networks that drive the way we think and shares insights about managing your own personal creativity. Big insights include: Take a break to help ‘re-set’ the mind Harness the power of a positive mood to boost creativity Focus on the tiny details of something (anything!) before generating new ideas Dr. Roger Beaty is an assistant professor of psych...2022-11-0443 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 60 - Jonathan Schooler - NEUROCREATIVITY 6: MindWonderingAre there different kinds of mindwandering? What is the difference between mindwandering and mindfulness? What is the link between creativity and curiosity? In this week's episode, Professor Jonathan Schooler helps to answer these complex-sounding questions in plain english and help us continue to navigate the world of creative neuroscience. Jonathan is a distinguished professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara and research attempts to understand the nature of mental life, and in particular consciousness. Jonathan Schooler - Special Guest https://psych.ucsb.edu/peop...2022-10-2848 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 50 - Chris & Paul: Incredibly Special 50th Episode CelebrationFinally, we've reached our 50th episode!!! Tune in to this half-century celebration as we talk about some of the highlights and lessons for creativity. Curiosity, bravery, doubt, stand-up, and mind wandering are just some of the learnings that we discussed. A big 'thank you' to our lovely guests, listeners and to everyone who we're part of our journey! What will the next fifty bring? More amazing insights and even more superb guests. See you there! Links: Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/2022-07-1937 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 45 - Chris and Paul: Ideas & Stories That MatterIntroducing, Ideas & Stories That Matter! This episode of The Common Creative lifts the hood on Chris and Paul’s new workshop, Ideas and Stories that matter. They discuss the science behind the benefit of finding new ideas in a group environment, and how good story tellers and translate their stories into the mind of their audience. Plus lots more about their experiences of holding a live version of the workshop! Links: Ideas & Stories that Matter: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/workshop Two Common Creatives: https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/2022-05-1317 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 16 - Glen Boyle: Creativity in a Coco-NutshellHave you ever had a conversation that changed your life? Meet Glen Boyle, the co-founder of KokoNiu who got the idea for the business after a conversation at a 5th birthday party. KokoNiu is a business that is transforming Global Coconut Replanting to help combat declining productivity rates of existing trees at a time when the demand for coconuts is soaring. This story is one about curiosity, risk and entrepreneurship and it's one that all creatives should listen in to! Links/References The Common Creative (Mailing List Subscriptions): http://eepurl.com/hg...2020-12-0139 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 15 - Enid Fairweather: The Arts and Craft of CreativityThis week on The Common Creative we have a very special guest… Paul’s mum! Once told by a boarding school superior that she “had no business playing the piano”, Enid Fairweather has lived a life filled with creativity and at 89 is still creating things daily. (She also left boarding school and continued to play the piano!) From music to crochet, cake icing to porcelain dolls, Enid’s ability to shift between creative mediums is remarkable, and a wonderful reminder that creativity is a transferable skill that can be expressed in a multitude of ways. 2020-11-2326 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 14 - Troy Smyth: Creativity and a Tale of Two TurkeysHow “the ripple effect” can deliver a creative impact well beyond a simple decision. Troy Smyth is an award winning Brisbane-based architect and director of Ryall & Smyth Architects. He’s also a personal friend of Paul’s. Troy was invited to join the show to tell a low-key story about a quiet moment of reflection at the side of the street when he’d observed two turkeys in action: Turkey No 1: a brush turkey which busily (and quietly) cleared the pavement of leaves as it made its nest Turkey No 2: a garden mai...2020-11-1626 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 13 - Kath Blackham: There's No Ai In CreativityKath Blackham is the founder and CEO of Versa – a digital agency whose mission has ignored tech jargon and instead is all about facilitating conversations between their clients and customers. Kath appeared on our radar when we spotted an ABC story about her agency moving to a four day week and doubling profits in the process. In this inspirational interview, we discover how Kath has used creativity to create the ultimate flexible working environment that not only delivers great work and increased profits but also boosts the mental health of her work force. As...2020-11-0841 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 12 - Dani Venn: The Pressure Cooker of CreativityDani Venn is a three-time Masterchef contestant, founder of Eat It Up Creative (consultancy) and The Wholehearted Cook and the driving force behind a delicious Sri-Lankan style Pineapple Curry, which is available in Coles Supermarkets. In this super-fresh and tasty interview, we learned that even under the pressure of performing as a Masterchef contestant, Dani unleashes her creativity by applying a playful and almost child-like approach to her cooking. (Her Korean Rice Burgers are still a growing trend!) But despite a seemingly light-hearted approach to business (and life) Dani’s creative streak is complemented by a...2020-11-0237 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 11 - Camille Woods: Creative Accounting at a Stretch.Creative Accounting at a Stretch When Chris and Paul challenged Camille Woods (accountancy teacher, yoga teacher and founder of www.mondaymind.com) to explain how she has managed to combine two such different disciplines into one career, she said “you have to let your creativity come out”. In this powerful interview, Camille reveals a range of deep insights about what drives her and how everyone can understand and embrace their own passions. Or as she puts it “when you have a passion, the job is going to happen” Camille has carved out her own ‘ble...2020-10-2633 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 10 - Garry Flynn: Fermenting CreativityCreativity and risk go hand in hand. New ventures often require a step into unknown territory and this uncertainty can be scary. Sometimes those risks pay off and other times... they don’t. The name elderflower sounds delicate and sweet… so how was it that this flowering plant caused so much trouble for chef Garry Flynn? This week on The Common Creative, Paul and Chris chat to Garry about a business venture that didn’t go to plan and the creative lessons we can take away from misfortune. Plus: the importance of asking that crucial yet elusive “one last...2020-10-1943 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 9 - In Tune with Creativity“Frisson" is the feeling you have when you get up on stage for a first performance or the moment when an inner idea goes public. It's the mid-point between fear and excitement and we’ve discovered it's one of the vital fuels for creativity. In this episode, Paul describes how as a teenager and as an adult various teachers told him ‘you can’t sing’. Driven by a need for “frisson”, he persevered. He took lessons, he took risks and finally learned to hit the right notes so that he could sing to his kids. If ever there w...2020-10-1220 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 8 - Lexi Airey: Banking on CreativityShould the business title CEO mean “Creative Empowerment Officer”? Confronted by a gunman who had raided the bank branch where she worked, our special guest Lexi Airey realised that, in her short life, she hadn’t had a chance to experience life to the full.So, she declared that she would never work in a bank again and took a job glassing the bottom of boats. After taking two degrees and moving from the UK to Australia, Lexi is now one of the youngest CEOs in the Australian financial services industry (she’s CEO of...2020-09-1832 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 7 - Michael Fairweather: Armed with CreativityMichael Fairweather (AM) - the guest on this episode is a business heavyweight and a retired Major General in the Australian Army (Reserve). He is also Paul Fairweather’s big brother.Despite what may seem to be a background I’m highly structured and disciplined environments, Michael reveals that there is a streak of creativity running throughout the army - from the everyday ranks (who have learned to create new flavours with their rations via the use of spicy sauces) through to the officers whose selection for army depends in part on their creative skills, through to the C...2020-09-1128 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 6- Build a BridgeBuild a Bridge - Episode 6 of The Common CreativeMany of us harbour a secret desire to create something or do something a bit different but “life” seems to get in the way. In this episode, Chris shares a story about how he discovered how to unlock his secret passion for photography via a ‘moment of clarity’ while motorcycling across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.The lessons for creatives everywhere are:Allow the mind to wander - whether on a motorbike, swimming in the sea or gazing out of the window of an aircraft. In a semi-meditative state, th...2020-09-0320 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 5 - Chilli “Chillis" - Episode 5 - The Common Creative Chris and Paul share a passion for chillis - and not just because they enjoy the flavour. Chris’ consultancy business is called Chilli Sauce and Paul has been painting chillis for many years. Inspired by this passion, Chris and Paul explore the impact of chilis on creativity and discover some surprising lessons: In order to create ‘new new’ ideas, it’s important to break the hard-wired “rivers of thinking’ which exist inside the brain. A jolt - such as the heat of a chilli or the sti...2020-08-2818 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 4- ShampooThe Common Creative Episode 4 “Shampoo” What is the role of creativity in the cut-and-thrust of the business world? In this episode, Chris Meredith shares a story about his experience as a junior brand manager in charge of a shampoo brand. Despite having a creative idea to boost sales the idea was squished by the all-powerful Marketing Director who explained that ideas like that are not what we do around here. The creative lessons for business are: Sometimes without even knowing it, businesses kill creativity. For creativity...2020-08-2021 min
The Common CreativeEpisode 3 - What can nuts teach us about Creativity?What can nuts teach us about creativity?Paul and Chris take an unusual angle in this episode by challenging each-other to use ‘nuts’ as their inspiration for sharing ideas about creativity. And despite their initial misgivings, both end up pleasantly surprised about the rich insights it reveals:Too much of a good thingJust like nuts, too much creativity on a single theme can be a handicap. (For example, too many Brazil nuts can cause selenium poisoning and loss of hair!) Everyone, eventually, has to move on and stretch themselves in a new creative direction. Some nuts aren’t...2020-08-1322 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 2- Water RatsIn this show, hostsPaul and Chris use a single personal story as a vehicle to explore different aspects of creativity. Paul kicks things off with his light heated story about his disastrous attempt to be an extra on the TV Show “Water Rats”. (Paul failed in his role as a corpse and fluffed a scene where his only task was to shuffle some pieces of paper!)Despite his disastrous experience, there are five important learnings about creativity: Give it a go - even if you have no idea where it will lead, it’s worth it to try so...2020-08-0719 minThe Common CreativeEpisode 1 - What is Creative Energy?In this episode, Paul and Chris draw on their personal experiences of daily acts of creativity (daily watercolour and a daily photograph) to understand what creative energy is and how to maintain it.The big theme that Chris and Paul draw out are that creative energy is like a rechargeable battery that has to be used regularly to keep it working well but which also needs to be re-charged (through rest and reflection) in-between uses. Even though they are each known for their one daily act of creativity, they agree that creativity is a life’s work and...2020-07-2938 min