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The Common Creative

The Common Creative

Hosted by Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith

BusinessEducationSocietyCultureArtsDesign
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Episodes

211

Latest episode

Aug 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
August 11, 202639 min

S9E209: Episode 209: Stacy Hall - Make Creative

In this episode, Chris and Paul are joined by Stacey Hall, founder of MAKE and Promo Sapien, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and building businesses that people genuinely connect with. Stacey shares how an unexpected start at a struggling clothing manufacturer became her first real business education, eventually leading her to launch Vancouver’s first retail embroidery store and grow it into two successful brands. Along the way, she discovered the power of creating memorable customer experiences, collaborating with artists, and turning creativity into a practical business advantage. Whether you're an entrepreneur, retailer, creative professional, or simply curious about building brands people love, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, customer experience, and the many ways creativity can drive business success. LINKS: Stacy Hall - Special Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-hall-445b524/  Websites :  Promosapien Promo Inc. - www.promosapien.ca Make - www.makevancouver.com Ole Originals - www.oleoriginals.com Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 16, 202629 min

S9E208: Episode 208: Paul and Chris - The Art of Leadership

In this episode, Paul and Chris challenge traditional command-and-control leadership and explore how clear direction, intentional boundaries and creative freedom can help teams do their best work. They unpack the concept of the “three scripts”  fully scripted, ad-lib and improv and how leaders can use each approach to balance structure with creativity. They also explore decision-making, the power of constraints, the “seed model” for developing ideas, and the role of leaders in turning chaos into clarity. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur or creative professional, this episode offers a fresh perspective on leading with curiosity, confidence and the courage to make decisive choices in an ever-changing world. Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 9, 202616 min

S9E207: Episode 207: Graham Bligh - The Art of a Creative Life

What does it mean to stay creative for life?  At 93, retired architect Graham Bligh proves that curiosity, creativity, and connection don't have an expiry date. From designing iconic buildings to embracing art and lifelong learning in retirement, Graham reflects on a remarkable career spanning decades. He shares how staying open to new experiences, nurturing community, and continuing to create has kept his passion alive well into his 90s. Whether you're building a career, exploring a new hobby, or redefining retirement, this conversation is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to learn, create, and make a meaningful impact. Graham Bligh - Special Guest Documentation - https://youtu.be/WVtYdncKda4 Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 2, 202630 min

S9E206: Episode 206 - Shantanu Starick - Creative Trade

In this episode, Paul and Chris speak with architectural photographer Shantanu Starick about his remarkable Pixel Trade journey, where he travelled the world for over three years without spending money, exchanging photography for food, accommodation, and transport instead. Shantanu shares how trading creativity for human connection transformed his understanding of value, community, and success. Discover why relying solely on money can limit creative fulfilment, and how relationships, trust, and reciprocity can unlock entirely new ways of living and working. Shantanu Starick is an architectural photographer and creator of the internationally recognised Pixel Trade project. He works with architecture, design, hospitality, and wellness brands, and is also the creator of Therefore, a book series exploring architecture through photography and conversation. LINKS: Shantanu Starick- Special Guest Website: shantanustarick.com Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 26, 202630 min

S9E205: Episode 205 - Karen Steenkamp - Constrained Creative

How do you stay creative within the structure of a large organisation? Karen Steenkamp shares her journey from designer to creative leader, revealing how constraints can inspire innovation, the balance between artistic expression and commercial outcomes, and how authentic creativity drives better business results. Karen is a marketing and creative leader with over 20 years of experience across advertising agencies, financial services, and in-house creative teams in Africa, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Now leading an in-house agency at one of Australia's Big Four banks, she specialises in combining creativity, strategy, and customer-centred thinking to deliver meaningful business impact. ___________________________________________________________ LINKS: Karen Steenkamp- Special Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-steenkamp-361281171/ Béhance: https://share.google/j6wFcBwWpJcE8BieC  Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 19, 202627 min

S9E204: Episode 204 - Barton Green: Creative Collab

Unlock Brisbane's creative future with Barton Green, Chair of Brisbane Creative Collab. In this episode, Barton shares how bold ideas, unlikely collaborations, and a passion for the arts can shape a city's identity ahead of the 2032 Olympics. From his early days as a drummer and journalist to becoming a respected communications strategist and board leader, Barton reveals how creativity thrives when business, community, and culture work together. Discover why fostering creativity isn't just good for the arts, it's essential for wellbeing, economic growth, and building a city people are proud to call home. With more than 40 years of executive leadership and communications experience, Barton has served on numerous private, public, and not-for-profit boards. As Chair of Brisbane Creative Collab, he champions a vision of a Brisbane where creativity is embedded in everyday life and celebrated as a catalyst for innovation and community connection. ___________________________________________________________ LINKS: Barton Green - Special Guest LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/barton-green-gaicd-843a6314  Website - www.creativebrisbane.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.

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.

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