The Common Creative

In this episode, with Chris Meredith on holiday, Paul Fairweather welcomes back creative entrepreneur, curator, and storyteller Remo Giuffré. He discusses his latest project, REMORANDOM, a series of books that blend storytelling, curation, and design. They explore the enduring power of print in a digital age, the role of serendipity and surprise in creative work, and the mentors who have shaped Remo’s journey.

Best known as the founder of REMO General Store, TEDxSydney, and REMORANDOM, Remo has built a career around curiosity, connection, and creativity. Today, he shares how optimism and a belief that the best work lies ahead keep him inspired.

Remo's motto: Do Good Work. Have Some Fun.

LINKS:

Remo Giuffré - Special Guest

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/remogiuffre/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/remogiuffre

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/remogiuffre/

Website:

• https://www.remogiuffre.com/https://remosince1988.com/
• https://www.remorandom.com/

Remo’s previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-32-remo-giuffr%C3%A9-a-general-thinker/id1525162918?i=1000527825306

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, artist and thought leader Sarah Rowan, whose journey is anything but ordinary. From training as an Olympic hopeful to becoming one of Australia’s leading speed painters and keynote speakers, Rowan has built a life around transformation, creativity, and courage.

Rowan shares how art has the power to shift mindsets, why mental preparation is key, and how creativity isn’t just for the “artistic”, it’s a birthright for all of us. Along the way, Rowan has performed at over 600 live events, raised more than $400K for charity, and worked with clients like Ferrari, Nestlé, and Sydney Airport.

This conversation is full of energy, humour, and inspiration perfect for anyone curious about pushing boundaries, embracing change, and unlocking their own creative spark.

LINKS:

Sarah Rowan - Special Guest

Website: http://www.artistsarahrowan.com/

Instagram: @artistsarahrowan

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/artistsarahrowan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistsarahrowan

X : https://twitter.com/sarahrowanart

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Paul and Chris chat with creative entrepreneur and design leader, Jake Kahana about forging your own path, doing deep work, and embracing creativity in every part of life.

From his early days as an aspiring animator to co-founding Cave Day, a global community helping people focus. Jake shares insights on non-linear careers, the future of work, and building environments that spark creativity. He’s also led design work for Twitch, Facebook, and Johnson & Johnson, and is now exploring AI tools to boost productivity.

An inspiring conversation for anyone rethinking how they work and why.

LINKS:

Jake Kahana - Special Guest

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/jakekahana

Instagram - instagram.com/jakekahana

Website - http://www.caveday.org

                 http://www.jakekahana.com

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matthew Fay, founder of Narrative Hub, shares his inspiring journey from blue-collar work to leading a creative marketing agency. He opens up about his path of self-discovery, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the pivotal role storytelling has played in his success.

Matt discusses the transition from trades to videography and social media marketing, the lessons he’s learned building a business from the ground up, and why creativity can be a powerful tool for connection and change. His story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the courage to follow your passion.

LINKS:

Matt Fay- Special Guest

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/matthew-fay-00548850

Website - https://www.narrativehub.com.au/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa James, founder of The Wentworth Collective, to explore her remarkable journey from a life on the road to becoming a leader in event management and creative experiences.

Lisa shares how she uses creativity to transform corporate gatherings into unforgettable moments that spark real human connection. With more than 30 years of experience designing events for global brands, she’s seen firsthand the energy, emotion, and magic that only happen when people come together in the same room.

When the world went online in 2020, Lisa adapted but the shift only reinforced what she had always believed: nothing can replace the power of being together.

In a world that often values convenience over depth, Lisa makes a compelling case for substance, reminding us: “Innovation matters, but not at the cost of what makes us feel alive.

LINKS:

Lisa James- Special Guest

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewentworthcollective/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajames/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thewentworthcollective/

Website - http://www.thewentworthcollective.com/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Paul and Chris in this episode as they delve into the often-overlooked pleasures of manual labour. They shared their experiences of practical handiwork, sparking a discussion on the deep satisfaction and creativity found in using one's hands. From building fences to the art of pottery, explore how these tangible activities contrast with our tech-driven lives.

LINKS:

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Chris Meredith and Paul Fairweather in a lively discussion about the power of curiosity in fostering creativity. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's insights, they explore how consistent curiosity can lead to innovation and the courage to take risks. Discover why the bravest person might just be the one who first tried an oyster, and how embracing failure can be a stepping stone to success.

LINKS:

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judy Andrews, Creative Director, brand strategist, and self-belief mentor whose journey from corporate life to self-help author is as inspiring as it is relatable. She shares how she transformed personal challenges into creative fuel, leading to the launch of her agency and her beautifully crafted book Wonder Journey Joy. 

The conversation explores the power of visual storytelling, making self-help more accessible, and the role of clarity and creativity in building confidence. She also talks about You Can Club, a grassroots initiative helping people see themselves more clearly and support each other through collective courage.

If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt or needed a creative reset, this episode is full of practical insight and honest inspiration.

LINKS:

Judy Andrews- Special Guest

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/judy_andrews_/?hl=en-gb

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsjudy/

Website - judyandrews.co.uk | https://judyandrews.substack.com/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, pay attention, and play your way into deeper self-expression. Nicoline opens up about the mental resistance we all face, how to stay disciplined without killing the joy, and why creativity is less about talent and more about permission.

Whether you're a parent, a professional, or a closet doodler this conversation will inspire you to stretch your imagination and give yourself space to create.

LINKS:

Nicoline van Slingelandt - Special Guest

Website: https://gymsical.com

Newsletter: https://gymsical.substack.com

Instagram: @gymsical.guide

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/gymsical/

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvanslingelandt/

YouTube: @gymsical

Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/gymsical

BlueSky: @gymsical.bluesky.social

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the future of teamwork and its role in promoting creative thinking.

Oliver, Be Challenged’s Strategic Director, shares how his background in sport, business, and behavioural science helps design transformative programs that challenge thinking and bring out the best in people.

Ross, a Senior Team Development Consultant, brings his energy and hospitality mindset to the table creating memorable, purpose-driven events that go beyond the typical team-building day.

If you care about people, leadership, and the future of work, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

LINKS:

Oliver Sheer - Special Guest

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-sheer-a72ba216/

Website - https://bechallenged.com.au/

Oliver Sheer - Special Guest

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-mansfield-671b7b226/

Website - https://bechallenged.com.au/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.