The Common Creative

Hosted by Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith

Business Education Society Culture Arts Design

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Episodes

205

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202633 min

S9E203: Episode 203 - Mitchell Kwanten: Good Vibrations

Join Chris Meredith as he chats with musician, composer, producer, and choir master Mitchell Kwanten about the transformative power of singing. Together, they explore how music fosters connection, supports mental wellbeing, breaks down barriers, and unlocks creativity in all of us. Mitchell is a Sydney-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer who has performed and toured with some of Australia's leading artists, including David Campbell, Shannon Noll, Casey Donovan, and Marcus Corowa. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he is also a member of the band Bow and Arrow and has released several original works, including Triad and 7 Forces. If you've ever felt self-conscious about singing or believed you weren't "musical enough," this episode will inspire you to find your voice and embrace creativity in a whole new way. LINKS: Mitchell Kwanten- Special Guest Website - https://sydneyvocalarts.com/portfolio/mitchell-kwanten/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 5, 202631 min

S9E202: Episode 202 - John Sharpe: Sharpe Creativity

Discover how John Sharpe (“Sharpey”) turned a passion for art, engineering, and adventure into some of Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences. From the Story Bridge Adventure Climb to Brisbane’s upcoming Flying Fox project, Sharpey shares lessons on creativity, entrepreneurship, navigating challenges, and bringing bold ideas to life. With more than 25 years of experience creating innovative and inclusive adventure attractions, Sharpey reveals how curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty can transform passions into experiences that inspire people of all abilities. John is the founder of several renowned adventure tourism ventures, including the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Riverlife Adventure Centre, Vertigo, Walkabout Creek Adventures, and Tangalooma Water Sports. A leader in accessible tourism, he continues to develop pioneering experiences that help position Brisbane and Queensland as world-class destinations ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. LINKS: John Sharpe- Special Guest Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brisbaneflyingfox/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589836615814 Website - https://www.sharpey.co/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 202630 min

S9E201: Episode 201 - Megan Forward: Patch of Creativity

Discover how creativity and nature are deeply intertwined and how this connection can shift the way you see the world. In this episode, award-winning author and illustrator Megan Forward shares how observation, storytelling, and visual art can deepen our relationship with the natural environment even in the middle of busy urban life. Beyond children’s books and illustrations, Megan reveals how artistic curiosity can become a powerful tool for understanding, appreciating, and protecting the world around us. Megan Forward is a Brisbane-based author and illustrator of twelve children’s picture books, twice shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. With a background in visual arts and education, she creates stories and workshops that connect creativity, science, and nature. Megan is passionate about sustainability education and inspiring young people to explore the natural world through curiosity, play, and artistic expression.  This conversation is an invitation to start where you are using creativity as a lens to reconnect with nature, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful action.  LINKS: Megan Forward - Special Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganforwardstudio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganforwardstudio/ Website: https://www.meganforwardstudio.com.au/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 28, 202640 min

S9E200: Double Century Not Out - 200 shows in review

Unlock the secret to harnessing your innate creativity, it’s not just for artists or entrepreneurs, it’s for everyone.  In this special milestone episode celebrating 200 inspiring shows, hosts Paul and Chris reveal the surprising lessons, stories, and science behind the creative mind that can transform your personal life, career, and wellbeing. Discover how creativity is a powerful form of self-expression, no matter your profession or background. From a young doodler turned successful artist to neuroscientists explaining the brain’s hidden networks, this episode unpacks actionable insights on how to unlock your creative potential whenever you need it most. Learn why rest, curiosity, and playfulness are your secret weapons, and how you can switch your brain into a creative mode on demand. Join us for a lively conversation packed with stories, science, and practical wisdom that will inspire you to see yourself as a creator every day. Essential listening for anyone eager to unlock their potential and bring more joy, innovation, and authenticity into their life. Hit play and start your creative journey today. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 202634 min

S8E199: Episode 199 - Alex Soojung-Kim Pang: Creative Rest

Most of us are unknowingly wasting hours each day that could fuel creativity, improve focus, and boost productivity. But what if the secret to achieving more isn’t working harder, it’s learning how to rest better?  In this insightful episode, bestselling author and future-of-work expert Alex Soojung-Kim Pang shares how intentional rest can become a powerful tool for creativity, performance, and well-being. Drawing on research from elite athletes, Nobel Prize winners, and high performers, Alex explores how practices like microbreaks, physical activity, deep play, and shorter workweeks can help unlock better thinking and sustainable productivity. This conversation offers practical ways to integrate meaningful rest into everyday life so you can work smarter, think clearer, and feel better. He is the Director of Research and Innovation at 4 Day Week Global and the bestselling author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, Work Less, Do More: Designing the 4-Day Week, Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less Here’s How, and The Distraction Addiction. LINKS: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang - Special Guest Strategy+Rest: www.strategy.rest LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/askpang Twitter and Instagram: @askpang Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 7, 202627 min

S8E198: Episode 198 - Peter Hickson: Creative Accountancy

Unlocking the secret to blending creativity with everyday life, Peter Hickson's surprising journey from accountant to artist reveals how curiosity, humor, and bold experimentation can transform your world. If you've ever felt stuck in a routine or unsure how to start your creative passion, this episode is your blueprint for unleashing the artist within.  Peter Hickson is a former accountant, cattle property owner, and award-winning photographer with deep ties to rural Australia. Born in Sydney and raised partly in the Gulf of Carpentaria, he built an international career with Touche Ross and Price Waterhouse before co-founding accounting firm MHM in 1996, later retiring in 2017 after its acquisition by RSM. He continues to own his family’s cattle property, Melinda Downs, and is passionate about travel, golf, and photography. His acclaimed photographic work has won numerous international and domestic awards, with his current series, Australian Gothic, blending humour, rural Australian landscapes, and a touch of absurdity. LINKS: Peter Hickson - Special Guest Instagram: @peterhicksonphotographer  Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 202628 min

S8E197: Episode 197 - Mark Jones: Creativity for Excellence, Happiness and Profit

In this episode, Paul sits down with , retired architect, author, and educator, Mark Jones to explore the connection between creativity, happiness, and profitability. Drawing from decades of experience and extensive interviews with architects, Mark shares how principles like simplicity, opportunity recognition, and design thinking can improve both business performance and personal fulfilment. Dr. Mark Jones LFRAIA is an Australian architect whose career spans more than 35 years across professional practice, leadership, and academia. He founded Mark Jones Architects, later served as Director at , and has held key roles within the , including Queensland Chapter President. Awarded Life Fellowship in 2023, Mark also holds Masters degrees in Management, Business, and Sustainable Urban Development from , as well as a PhD from . He is currently an Honorary Associate Professor at. LINKS: Mark Jones - Special Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-jones-lfraia-63073746/  Website: https://www.markjonesarchitect.au/  Avail his book here: https://www.andalsobooks.com/#/success-in-architectural-practice-forthcoming/  Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 23, 202628 min

S196E8: Episode 196 - David Hinchliffe: Yes to Creativity

What does it really take to call yourself an artist? In this episode, David Hinchliffe shares the moment that shifted his identity after more than 50 years of creating when a single word on his passport changed how he saw himself. It’s a powerful reminder that confidence often follows belief, not the other way around. A globally exhibited painter with over 100 solo shows, David is known for his contemporary impressionist style and distinctive technique of painting from dark to light using negative space. From oils to acrylics, galleries to global workshops, his career spans decades of evolution and exploration. His message is simple: painting isn’t reserved for the few. With the right attitude and persistence, anyone can learn the craft. LINKS: David Hinchliffe- Special Guest LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-hinchliffe-77277b16  Website: https://www.davidhinchliffe.com.au/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 16, 202631 min

S8E195: Episode 195 - Jenn Just: Brick Chick Creative

In this episode, Jenn Just shares her journey from young entrepreneur to creative force in the LEGO and fandom space. We explore how she leverages neurodiversity as a strength, builds a business around her passions, and why authenticity is a competitive edge in today’s world. Jenn is the founder of The Brick Chick, a niche brand creating custom-printed LEGO elements, fan-inspired merchandise, and small-batch creative products for a global audience. Blending creativity with sharp business systems, she manages everything from product development to cross-border logistics in-house. Through her work, Jenn champions creative independence, ownership, and building unconventional paths to resilience and long-term success. LINKS: Jenn Just- Special Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrickchick/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrickchick/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChickBrick Website: https://thebrickchick.com/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 9, 202633 min

S8E194: Episode 194 - Brad Walls: High Art

Step inside the creative mind of Brad Walls, a photographer redefining perspective through precision, constraint, and bold artistic choices. In this episode, we explore how limitations can unlock innovation, why patience is a creative superpower, and how a clear artistic vision turns everyday subjects into extraordinary work. Brad Walls is an Australian visual artist celebrated for his striking aerial compositions that blend symmetry, space, and form. From synchronized swimmers to ballet dancers, his minimalist bird’s-eye perspective transforms the familiar into something unexpected. Originally from Sydney and now based in New York, Brad gained global recognition through his Pools From Above series launching international exhibitions, awards, and a growing collector following. Like his photography, Brad’s exhibitions are thoughtfully immersive inviting audiences to see the world differently, one perspective at a time. LINKS: Brad Walls - Special Guest Instagram: @bradscanvas LinkedIn: @bradscanvas Website: https://bradscanvas.com Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.