The Common Creative
Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris MeredithThe 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/
https://thecommoncreative.co/
https://www.paulfairweather.com/
https://chrismeredith.com.au/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 3, 2025 • 5min
S7E134: Episode 134: Paul and Chris - Notion of Respect
In this week's conversation, Paul and Chris dive into Indigenous Australian perspectives on problem-solving and respect with our guest, Paulina Larocca. Drawing on the work of Tyson Yunkaporta, Paulina explores the idea that true respect begins with acknowledging our own ignorance, an approach that contrasts sharply with conventional problem-solving methods. 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.
Jan 29, 2025 • 6min
S7E133: Episode 133: Paul and Chris - The Daily-ish Habits
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.
Jan 23, 2025 • 38min
S7E132: Episode 132 - Neil Wilson : The Creative Groove
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.
Jan 20, 2025 • 37min
S7E131: Episode 131: Dr. Chloe Preece - Artistic Business
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.
Jan 19, 2025 • 10min
S7E130: Episode 130: Paul and Chris - Quarter by Quarter
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.
Jan 16, 2025 • 35min
S7E129: Episode 129: Paulina Larocca: The Creative Catalyst
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.
Jan 14, 2025 • 8min
S7E131: Episode 128: Paul and Chris: The Ministry of Optimism
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.
Jan 8, 2025 • 42min
S7E127: Episode 127: Rachel Barnard - Creative Justice
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.
Dec 16, 2024 • 37min
S7E126: Episode 126: Rowena Meredith - Olympic Creativity
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.
Dec 12, 2024 • 43min
S7E125: Episode 125: Marion Deuchars - Make Everyday Creative
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.
