The Common Creative

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 crea...

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. Di...

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 adv...

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 whe...

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 Au...

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 experien...

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 h...

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 powerfu...

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, pe...

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,...

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....

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...

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...

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 ae...

What really drives someone to buy art? In this episode, Miriam Schulman unpacks the powerful role of self-awareness, storytelling, and emotional insight in increasing art sales. Drawing from her journey from Wall Street to becoming a leading art sales coach, Miriam reveals why selling isn’t about pushing products, it's about creating connections. You’ll learn how to tap into the emotio...

In this episode, Dave Brown explores the depths of creativity through playful inquiry, long-term projects, and the interplay of whimsy and logic. This episode delves into creative principles, the art of collaboration, and how to foster innovation in both arts and business. Dave shares seven foundational principles he's developed over 40 years from limiting your palette to mapping and reflecting th...

In this episode, Chris explores why creativity in business means accepting that things won’t always go to plan and how leaders can create cultures where experimentation and learning are encouraged. Chris Meredith is the author of The Spice Project, a book about unlocking creativity in the workplace and beyond. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of exploration, he shares practical ideas to h...

In this episode, Kylee Leota shares her journey from accidental entrepreneur to trusted leadership advisor. We explore how curiosity fuels creativity, how leaders can create psychologically safe cultures, and the practical frameworks Kylee uses to help people think differently, lead with confidence, and unlock human potential. Kylee Leota is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Elements 4 Succe...

In this episode, we are joined by Dale Beaumont, serial entrepreneur, author, and technology innovator. Dale shares his entrepreneurial journey, the mindset shifts required to thrive in a fast-changing world, and how technology and AI are reshaping the way we build businesses and think creatively. The conversation explores creativity in business, staying ahead of technological waves, and practical...

In this episode, Paul and Chris are joined by Johanna Fink, who shares the story behind Yellow Shelf, a platform designed to help busy people discover books and podcasts through short, focused interviews. Joe reflects on his transition from corporate life to creative storytelling, and how clarity and brevity can help ideas cut through the noise. The conversation explores concise communication, con...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Kelly Stoetzel, curator, creative producer, and former Head of Conferences at TED. Kelly shares her journey from the art world to shaping some of the world’s most influential idea-driven stages, and how powerful ideas are discovered, refined, and brought to life. The conversation explores idea curation, storytelling, speaker development, and what makes a me...

In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Paul and Chris are joined by Nina Sunday, educator, author, speaker, and host of the global podcast Manage Self, Lead Others. Nina shares her creative journey across education, film, television, and leadership, and offers sharp insights into how ideas live or die inside organisations. The conversation explores psychological safety, constructive conve...

In this episode of The Common Creative Podcast, Chris Meredith speaks with Robin Moon, a former nurse who reinvented her life to become an accomplished wildlife photographer. Robin shares her transition from a high-pressure healthcare career to discovering photography later in life, finding connection, creativity, and meaning through the natural world. The conversation explores the role of change...

In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Chris interviews award-winning crime writer Natalie Conyer about her journey from a career in administration to becoming a successful author later in life. Natalie shares her love of crime fiction, the pivotal moment that led her to pursue writing full-time, and insights into her creative process including the challenges, discipline, and rewards of f...

In this episode of the Common Creative Podcast, Toni Powell shares her journey from marrying young and raising a family to becoming one of Australia’s most loved storytellers and keynote speakers. She explores the power of gratitude, the role of creativity in overcoming life’s challenges, and how pain can be a powerful teacher when met with perspective and purpose. Renowned for her hil...