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The Common Creative

Author: Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith

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The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity.  From an early age, we’re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive.  The Common Creative is all about bringing creativity back into everyday life - understanding the essence of creativity and making creativity a common as a loaf of bread and as well understood as a common language.
Hosts Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith are both creative thought-leaders and have been bonded by a common passion for creating and sharing something new and inspiring every day. Paul paints a watercolour of the household object and posts the image on IG “@everythink”, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG “@thisisbalmoral”
By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author,  mentor,  architect and artist. Chris Meredith is a Sydney-based, business coach, innovation consultant, and award-winning photo-artist.
Each podcast explores a different aspect of creativity. Recent topics have included: Energy, Time, Constraints and even the Impact of Covid-19 (why not?!) 
The podcasts are ideal for anyone looking to get out of a rut and deliver stuff that goes beyond the norm.
Join us for our conversations and surprising guests to unlock your own creativity. 


 


https://thecommoncreative.co/


https://www.paulfairweather.com/


https://chrismeredith.com.au/

134 Episodes
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In 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.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Would 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 creative field. (Did you know that there’s often more stress in getting the artists to agree on the cover design than the music itself?) Throughout the conversation, Neil highlights the deeper engagement that vinyl offers in today's digital age and emphasises the importance of fostering community and connection in both business and creativity. LINKS: Neil Wilson- Special Guest Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/neilawilson Instagram - @suitcaserecords Website - http://suitcaserecords.com.au/ 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.
How 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 social, cultural, and economic value. She has published in top journals, co-edited Marketing the Arts (2023), and has an upcoming book, The Power of Consumer Creativity (2024). Chloe has presented her work globally and been featured in outlets like The Financial Times and Newsweek. She holds degrees from McGill University and King’s College London LINKS: Dr. Chloe Preece- Special Guest Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chloe-preece-2798246/ X -  @chloempreece Website - https://escp.eu/preece-chloe 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.
In 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. 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.
Who 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 the author of three books on creativity (including “The Holey Bible”)  and a soon-to-be PhD in creativity and innovation, Paulina offers practical insights to help business people develop sustainable, innovative solutions.  (And, listen out for a very special “ bonding moment” as Paul and Paulina discover a shared interest in watercolour painting!). LINKS: Paulina Larocca - Special Guest Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paulina_larocca_creative?igsh=OTNzdWhqdHdxcHI1&utm_source=qr Website - https://paulinalarocca.com/ 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.
In 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.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’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 Criminal Courts and the Department of Probation. Rachel is also a coach, entrepreneur, and artist, known for her proprietary Map process that helps creative entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. With multiple awards and fellowships, she’s a true example of how creativity can change lives. LINKS: Rachel Barnard - Special Guest  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-g-barnard-49335751/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/redgwenblue/ Website - http://mapwithrachel.com Young New Yorkers - https://www.youngnewyorkers.org 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.
In 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 relaxation during competitions, and offers advice for young athletes and their parents.  The conversation culminates in her reflections on the surreal experience of standing on the Olympic podium and what the future holds for her after her competitive career.  Tune in for olympic insights and a dash of father-daughter chemistry. LINKS: Rowena Meredith- Special Guests LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rowena-meredith-oly-00a63a64 Instagram: www.instagram.com/roorows/ 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.
In 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 creativity without fear of judgment. (Listen in and you’ll never see a pebble in the same way again!) Marion Deuchars, a Scottish illustrator and author, is celebrated for her award-winning books that inspire creativity and imagination in both children and adults. Her latest book, Make Every Day Creative, encourages adults to experiment with various art techniques and materials, including painting, drawing, and collage.  LINKS: Marion Deuchars- Special Guests LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marion-deuchars-4997342 Instagram: @mariondeuchars Website: www.mariondeuchars.com 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.
In 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 intelligence in various fields. Hanne’s mission is to put creative intelligence within reach of everyone so the world of work becomes a more human, agile and inclusive place to be. She spent the first half of her career working for McVitie’s, Diageo and latterly Kellogg’s where she was Head of European Innovation. For the last 15+ years, Hanne and her partners at the University of Sheffield have developed a psychometric tool (Creative ID™) which pinpoints your preferences across 5 creative styles and helps you discover how you are creative. LINKS: Hanne Kristiansen- Special Guests LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannekristiansen | https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourcreativeid/ Instagram: @yourcreativeid Website: www.yourcreativeid.com                 www.wearecreativecreatures.com 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.
Is 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 Rossignol is an American visual artist known for his loose illustrations where he uses multiple mediums and collage. Rossignol has worked for many clients, including Tyler the Creator, Adult Swim, Brad Garrett, and Mark Hoppus' clothing brand, I am Mark. LINKS: Lewis Rossignol- Special Guests Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewisrossignol Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lewisrossignol YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVlj1wtUKUS2cOn8_HBnOxg Website: www.lewisrossignolart.com Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 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://www.chrismeredith.com.au Two Common Creatives https://www.twocommoncreatives.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 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 beyond superficial appearances to connect deeply with others, the joy of cycling as a metaphor for freedom, and the transformative power of creativity in addressing global challenges. Mark emphasizes the need to imagine a better future and the role of every individual in fostering creativity within organizations. LINKS: Mark Shayler- Special Guests Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shayler-778ab64 Instagram: @markshayler X : @greenape Website: http://www.thisisape.co.uk/ 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.
In 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/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sparketypes, “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 height of the Covid Pandemic. Either tune in now and learn how to start igniting creativity in your workplace OR head to the free Sparketype questionnaire to learn about your own creative style. (link below) LINKS: Mark Truelson- Special Guests Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/marktruelson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktruelson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.truelson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCdiz6JtTfh0LAtC5ZypJYQ Slideshare: https://www.slideshare.net/MarkTruelson Website: marktruelson.com Sparketype Questionnaire https://sparketype.com/ 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.
In 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 entrepreneur, speaker, coach and author and obsessed with Engaging Talent. She’s the first woman in my lineage to work and moved from India to Australia at the age of 11. Over the last 21 years, I have presented to over 250,000 people across 19 countries, worked with over 1500 leaders and authored 8 books. LINKS: Shivani Gupta - Special Guests Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askshivani/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askshivani/ Website: www.askshivani.com Book: Getting Your People To Step Up here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Getting-People-Step-Up-Strategies/dp/139424875X 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.
In 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, reflects her deep passion for a more equitable world. Her upside-down approach to business is captured in her books like ‘JOY - The gift of acceptance, trust, and love’, ‘GIVING BUSINESS – Creating the maximum impact in the meaning-driven world’ and ‘Better Business, Better Life, Better World’. She’s also sought-after TEDx speaker and global advocate for purposeful business. Tune in to hear how Masami’s innovative ideas can inspire you to create meaningful impact in your business. LINKS: Masami Sato - Special Guests Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masami_b1g1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/ Website: https://b1g1.com/ Other links: https://www.forbes.com/sites/afdhelaziz/2024/05/07/how-masami-sato-and-the-b1g1-movement-help-companies-to-create-a-world-full-of-giving/ 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.
In 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 examples becomes a natural and powerful communication process for business leaders. With over two decades of experience as a business communications practitioner, Mark has made it his mission to help organizations cut through the noise, reduce misunderstandings, and save time, energy, and money. His journey, from a career in the Royal Australian Air Force to becoming CEO of Anecdote, is packed with insights that leaders around the world can apply today. Join us as we dive into how examples and events (aka “stories”) can become a practical, everyday solution to tackling communication challenges. LINKS: Mark Schenk- Special Guests LinkedIn    - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mschenk1/ Website     - www.anecdote.com 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.
Matthew 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 author of several novels including Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend and Twenty-one Truths About Love. He is also the author of the acclaimed nonfiction books Storyworthy and Someday Is Today. As the CEO of Storyworthy and the founder of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization, Matthew has been inspiring audiences and teaching storytelling across the globe. LINKS: Matthew Dicks- Special Guests Instagram  - @matthewdicks  X - @matthewdicks    Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/matthewdicks LinkedIn    - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dicks-84a95711/ Website     - matthewdicks.com |  storyworthy.com 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.
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 learnings from over 100 podcast episodes, Paul and Chris highlight that creativity isn’t just found in designated spaces or days—it is a ubiquitous aspect of the human experience that thrives on connectivity and collaboration. Through a live creative exercise, the Paul and Chris illustrate that spontaneous creativity can be simple, yet profound, suggesting a challenge for listeners to connect and create with others through a 'blind contour drawing'. This episode is not only a celebration but also serves as a reminder of the power and need for creativity in the modern world. 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.
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