The Common Creative

What if creativity was a muscle you could train just like going to the gym? In this energising episode, writer and creativity advocate Nicoline van Slingelandt shares her fascinating journey from international development to publishing playful, art-inspired books and games for families and lifelong learners. She introduces her latest project, Gymsical, a creative "gym" designed to help you pause,...

Oliver Sheer and Ross Mansfield, are directors of a Be Challenged - company dedicated to unlocking creativity and building stronger teams. They explore how to create safe, engaging spaces for collaboration, the myths around team building, and why human connection matters more than ever. From the impact of COVID to the ever-growing role of AI, it’s a lively, thought-provoking conversation on...

In this vibrant episode, Stephanie shares her wonderfully layered life as a ceramicist, performer, and philanthropy leader. From accidentally discovering ceramics to championing wildlife conservation at Taronga, she opens up about navigating creativity, boredom and how art can give voice to what often goes unheard. We talk about Frumpus, absurdist theatre, working with major donors, and why embrac...

In 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 prac...

In this episode of The Common Creative Podcast, we’re joined by Bill Jennings - educator, facilitator, and founder of Time & Space, a program designed to help young people and their parents or mentors have the kinds of meaningful conversations we often hope for, but rarely make time for. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Bill shares how structured, emotionally honest dialogue...

In this episode of The Common Creative Podcast, marketing maverick Oksana Koriakova shares her journey from Russia to Australia  and how she built a standout brand by mixing bold storytelling, creative thinking, and authentic connection. Known for her unforgettable “Wedding dress keynote” and contagious energy, Oksana dives into why marketing should feel personal, purposeful, and...

Julia Grace is a musician, speaker, and all-round mental health champion. Backed by a deep understanding of the science of mental wellbeing, Julia shares how music, humour, and her iconic pink boots help her (and others) through life’s “wobbly moments”. Julia introduces us to a range of practical wellbeing tips and especially the idea of a “jelly buddy” (everyone need...

Ever wonder what makes someone a great interview guest? Julia Grace shares her secret, and it’s pure gold. Hint: it’s about  listening to yourself while you speak . Catch the full episode this Friday! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Michelle Cox shares her journey of overcoming adversity, embracing creativity, and the importance of personal growth. From her diverse career path to discovering her passion for ceramics, Michelle emphasizes the significance of reinvention and the role of creativity in both personal and professional life. She discusses the lessons learned from failur...

In this episode, Melissa Forbes chats about her bold leap from law to music and why she’s never looked back. She talks about singing, creativity, and why belting out a tune with others might be just what the world needs more of. Melissa shares how music builds connection, boosts well-being, and helps us all find a space to be ourselves. Melissa Forbes is an Associate Professor of Contemporar...

In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Jillian Reilly discusses her journey from the US to South Africa and the inspiration behind her book, 'The Ten Permissions.' She emphasises the need for adults to navigate profound changes in a volatile world, advocating for a new operating system for life that embraces creativity, self-permission, and intentional living. Gillian shares insights on t...

In 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 in...

In 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 meanin...

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...

What happens when you combine a theatre director, teacher and facilitator with a passion for ‘ideas at the edge’? Say ‘hi’ to Frank Newman, who takes us on a fascinating journey from grassroots activism to the world of theatre and education. Along the way, he unpacks the powerful connections between creativity and business, making the case for valuing process over product i...

What does it really take to change a young person’s life? In this episode of The Common Creative podcast, we sit down with John Godwin, an educator, social entrepreneur, and founder of the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation to find out. With over 25 years leading schools, national programs, and community organisations, John has dedicated his life to empowering young people through educati...

 “The key is to recognise that creativity is not connected to your identity. Whether your creative project succeeds or fails, it doesn’t make you a better (or worse) person. Its not about you. All that matters is the process”. This week’s guest on the Common Creative Podcast is author, composer, artist and filmmaker Robert Fritz.  For many, an act of creativity is...

Can art really change the way we do business? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn Lloyd shows us how creativity, curiosity, and a dash of serendipity can unlock fresh thinking and drive meaningful change in the workplace. She takes us on her journey from graphic designer to thought leader at the intersection of art and business. She shares how her year-long creative project, MM365, sparked new ways of se...

What does it take to lead in a way that inspires, not just instructs? In this episode of The Common Creative Podcast, Leadership coach, Jonno White shares his journey from individual contributor to global mentor, offering practical insights on leading with purpose, clarity, and creativity. He talks about the challenges of leading volunteers, why engagement goes beyond money, and how to find meanin...

How does a former lifeguard and accountant become a leader in human-centered design? Denise Belling shares her journey, revealing how creativity, empathy, and storytelling shape meaningful design. They explore the connection between drawing, writing, and communication, highlighting the role of listening, playfulness, and psychological safety in fostering innovation. Denise also unpacks the power o...

What 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 safe...

Is 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...

In 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 h...

This 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 creativit...

In 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 t...