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
Mar 26, 2026 • 35min
S8E192: Episode 192 - Dave Brown: Slow Brewing Creativity
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 that help unlock creative potential at any stage of the process. Learn why patience, persistence, and playful experimentation matter more than you think, and how these elements lead to deeper, more layered outcomes. Join us for a conversation that challenges the conventional, encourages experimentation, and celebrates the wonder of discovery because your next big idea may just be a whimsy away. LINKS: Dave Brown- Special Guest LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sevenwell/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepaperboats/ Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/brownpaperboat Blog- https://sevenwell77.substack.com/ Company- https://thepaperboats.org/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 9, 2026 • 15min
S8E191: Episode 191 - Chris Meredith: The Spice Project
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 help individuals and organisations embrace uncertainty, take creative risks, and turn curiosity into meaningful innovation. Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.au Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 19, 2026 • 34min
S8E190: Episode 190 - Kylee Leota: Creativity on Pause
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 Success and the creator of the INFINITE Leadership™ framework. With over 25 years of experience across education, behaviour support, trauma-informed practice, and leadership development, she works with organisations to build inclusive, high-performing cultures. A TEDx speaker and sought-after advisor to senior leaders, Kylee combines real-world experience with practical tools and big-picture thinking to help leaders lead with clarity, courage, and purpose—one meaningful conversation at a time. LINKS: Kylee Leota - Special Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylee-leota-leadershipexpert/ Instagram: @elements4success Website: https://elements4success.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.
Feb 12, 2026 • 32min
S8E189: Episode 189 - Dale Beaumont: Creative Blueprint
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 strategies for building resilience and momentum as an entrepreneur. Drawing on decades of experience building multi million-dollar companies and authoring 19 best-selling books, Dale offers grounded insights for founders, leaders, and curious creatives alike. This episode is a forward-looking look at how curiosity, technology, and bold thinking combine to fuel meaningful business innovation. LINKS: Dale Beaumont- Special Guest LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dalebeaumont Instagram: @dalejbeaumont Website: https://dalebeaumont.com | https://businessblueprint.com Dale’s Books - https://dalebeaumont.com/books/secrets-exposed/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 5, 2026 • 28min
S8E188: Episode 188 - Johanna Fink: Yellow Shelf Creative
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, content curation, and building a community of authors and podcast hosts from around the world. Joe also discusses how Yellow Shelf was shaped by founder Johanna’s 25+ years in corporate roles across people, culture, and organisational leadership. This episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful curation and short-form storytelling make cultural discovery more accessible, meaningful, and easy to engage with. LINKS: Johanna Fink - Special Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjohanna/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yellowshelf_podcast/ Website: https://yellowshelf.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.
Jan 29, 2026 • 30min
S8E187: Episode 187 - Kelly Stoetzel: creaTED Ideas & Stories
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 message truly resonate with an audience. Drawing on nearly two decades at TED and her current work leading the TEDxGlobal Idea Search, Kelly offers a practical and thoughtful lens on turning raw insight into memorable impact. This episode is a grounded look at how creativity, clarity, and thoughtful curation help ideas travel further and matter more. LINKS: Kelly Stoetzel - Special Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellystoetzel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kstoetzel/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 22, 2026 • 32min
S8E186: Episode 186 - Nina Sunday: Self-starting Creative
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 conversations, vision boards, and why practices like free writing and doodling matter more than we think. Drawing on decades of experience through her company Brainpower Training, Nina brings a practical, human lens to leadership, curiosity, and real change at work. This episode is a thoughtful look at how creativity, communication, and self-leadership shape the way we lead and the cultures we create. LINKS: Nina Sunday - Special Guest Brainpower Training Pty Ltd: https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/ NinaSunday.com: https://www.ninasunday.com/ linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nina.sunday instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_sunday X: https://x.com/ninasunday Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 15, 2026 • 32min
S8E185: Episode 185 - Robin Moon: Picturing Creativity
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 and crisis in personal growth, the power of storytelling through imagery, and why age can be an advantage when beginning a creative journey. Known for her light-hearted and authentic approach, Robin finds joy in nature’s unpredictability especially in wildlife photography, where humour and spontaneity keep her inspired. She is Vice President of Mosman Camera Club, a published photographer, and a Sony Imaging Advocate who regularly judges, presents, and educates for Sony. Together with her husband Timothy, Robin runs Wanderlust Imagery, offering photography education, tours, and unforgettable creative adventures. LINKS: Robin Moon- Special Guest Website: https://www.wanderlust.sydney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robin_moon_photography/ https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustimagery.sydney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinwMoon Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 8, 2026 • 33min
S8E184: Episode 184 - Natalie Conyer: Crime and Creativity
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 following a creative calling. Her debut novel, Present Tense, won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel in 2020, with her second novel, Shadow City, shortlisted for both the Ned Kelly and Danger Awards. Her third novel, Finding the Bones, will be released in March 2026. Natalie’s short fiction has also been published in anthologies and in her collection The Book Club and Other Stories. Based in Sydney, Natalie is a swimmer, TV tragic, world-class procrastinator, and lifelong crime fiction devotee, a passion she explored so deeply she completed a doctorate on the genre. LINKS: Natalie Conyer - Special Guest Website: https://natalieconyer.com/ X: https://twitter.com/natalieconyer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-natalie-conyer-93257826 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalieconyer1/ Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 18, 2025 • 32min
S8E183: Episode 183 - Toni Powell: Sh!t Happy Creative
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 hilarious, story-driven talks, Toni is a leading voice in positive culture and wellbeing. She’s a two-time international business award winner, author of two books, whose Goalcast talk has over 15 million views, and the founder of the Heart of Gold International Film Festival, featured on ABC’s Australian Story (Let There Be Light). LINKS: Toni Powell- Special Guest Website: https://www.tonipowell.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tonipowell Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
