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, cattle property owner, and award-winning photographer with deep ties to rural Australia. Born in Sydney and raised partly in the Gulf of Carpentaria, he built an international career with Touche Ross and Price Waterhouse before co-founding accounting firm MHM in 1996, later retiring in 2017 after its acquisition by RSM. He continues to own his family’s cattle property, Melinda Downs, and is passionate about travel, golf, and photography. His acclaimed photographic work has won numerous international and domestic awards, with his current series, Australian Gothic, blending humour, rural Australian landscapes, and a touch of absurdity.

LINKS:

Peter Hickson - Special Guest

Instagram: @peterhicksonphotographer 

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

 

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.&nbsp;
Peter Hickson is a former accountant, cattle property owner, and award-winning photographer with deep ties to rural Australia. Born in Sydney and raised partly in the Gulf of Carpentaria, he built an international career with Touche Ross and Price Waterhouse before co-founding accounting firm MHM in 1996, later retiring in 2017 after its acquisition by RSM. He continues to own his family&rsquo;s cattle property, Melinda Downs, and is passionate about travel, golf, and photography. His acclaimed photographic work has won numerous international and domestic awards, with his current series, Australian Gothic, blending humour, rural Australian landscapes, and a touch of absurdity.
<hr>
LINKS:
Peter Hickson - Special Guest
Instagram: @peterhicksonphotographer&nbsp;
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>
&nbsp;

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The 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/

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith The 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. 
 
<a href="https://thecommoncreative.co/">https://thecommoncreative.co/</a>
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com/">https://www.paulfairweather.com/</a>
<a href="https://chrismeredith.com.au/">https://chrismeredith.com.au/</a>

The Common Creative

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith
The 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/

The Common Creative - But Never Ordinary A podcast series with Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith The worlds of business, home and play are all starved of creativity.&nbsp; From an early age, we&rsquo;re taught how to analyse, critique and simplify but the tools for exploring, ideating and creating are assumed to be instinctive.&nbsp; 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 &ldquo;@everythink&rdquo;, Chris photographs the same beach each and every day and posts the image on IG &ldquo;@thisisbalmoral&rdquo; By day, Paul Fairweather is a Brisbane-based, speaker, author,&nbsp; mentor,&nbsp; 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?!)&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://thecommoncreative.co/">https://thecommoncreative.co/</a>
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com/">https://www.paulfairweather.com/</a>
<a href="https://chrismeredith.com.au/">https://chrismeredith.com.au/</a>

Episode 198 - Peter Hickson: Creative Accountancy

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 experience creating innovative and inclusive adventure attractions, Sharpey reveals how curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty can transform passions into experiences that inspire people of all abilities.

John is the founder of several renowned adventure tourism ventures, including the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Riverlife Adventure Centre, Vertigo, Walkabout Creek Adventures, and Tangalooma Water Sports. A leader in accessible tourism, he continues to develop pioneering experiences that help position Brisbane and Queensland as world-class destinations ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LINKS:

John Sharpe- Special Guest

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589836615814

Website - https://www.sharpey.co/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

Discover how John Sharpe (&ldquo;Sharpey&rdquo;) turned a passion for art, engineering, and adventure into some of Australia&rsquo;s most iconic tourism experiences. From the Story Bridge Adventure Climb to Brisbane&rsquo;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 experience creating innovative and inclusive adventure attractions, Sharpey reveals how curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty can transform passions into experiences that inspire people of all abilities.
John is the founder of several renowned adventure tourism ventures, including the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Riverlife Adventure Centre, Vertigo, Walkabout Creek Adventures, and Tangalooma Water Sports. A leader in accessible tourism, he continues to develop pioneering experiences that help position Brisbane and Queensland as world-class destinations ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
<hr>
LINKS:
John Sharpe- Special Guest
Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brisbaneflyingfox/">https://www.instagram.com/brisbaneflyingfox/</a>
Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589836615814">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589836615814</a>
Website - <a href="https://www.sharpey.co/">https://www.sharpey.co/</a>
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>

Episode 202 - John Sharpe: Sharpe Creativity

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 how artistic curiosity can become a powerful tool for understanding, appreciating, and protecting the world around us.

Megan Forward is a Brisbane-based author and illustrator of twelve children’s picture books, twice shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. With a background in visual arts and education, she creates stories and workshops that connect creativity, science, and nature. Megan is passionate about sustainability education and inspiring young people to explore the natural world through curiosity, play, and artistic expression. 

This conversation is an invitation to start where you are using creativity as a lens to reconnect with nature, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful action. 

LINKS:

Megan Forward - Special Guest

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganforwardstudio/

Website: https://www.meganforwardstudio.com.au/

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

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&rsquo;s books and illustrations, Megan reveals how artistic curiosity can become a powerful tool for understanding, appreciating, and protecting the world around us.
Megan Forward is a Brisbane-based author and illustrator of twelve children&rsquo;s picture books, twice shortlisted for the Children&rsquo;s Book Council of Australia Awards. With a background in visual arts and education, she creates stories and workshops that connect creativity, science, and nature. Megan is passionate about sustainability education and inspiring young people to explore the natural world through curiosity, play, and artistic expression.&nbsp;
This conversation is an invitation to start where you are using creativity as a lens to reconnect with nature, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful action.&nbsp;
<hr>
LINKS:
Megan Forward - Special Guest
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meganforwardstudio/">https://www.facebook.com/meganforwardstudio/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meganforwardstudio/">https://www.instagram.com/meganforwardstudio/</a>
Website: <a href="https://www.meganforwardstudio.com.au/">https://www.meganforwardstudio.com.au/</a>
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>

Episode 201 - Megan Forward: Patch of Creativity

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 powerful form of self-expression, no matter your profession or background. From a young doodler turned successful artist to neuroscientists explaining the brain’s hidden networks, this episode unpacks actionable insights on how to unlock your creative potential whenever you need it most. Learn why rest, curiosity, and playfulness are your secret weapons, and how you can switch your brain into a creative mode on demand.

Join us for a lively conversation packed with stories, science, and practical wisdom that will inspire you to see yourself as a creator every day. Essential listening for anyone eager to unlock their potential and bring more joy, innovation, and authenticity into their life. Hit play and start your creative journey today.

Paul Fairweather - Co-host

https://www.paulfairweather.com

Chris Meredith - Co-host

https://www.chrismeredith.com.au

Unlock the secret to harnessing your innate creativity, it&rsquo;s not just for artists or entrepreneurs, it&rsquo;s for everyone.&nbsp;
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 powerful form of self-expression, no matter your profession or background. From a young doodler turned successful artist to neuroscientists explaining the brain&rsquo;s hidden networks, this episode unpacks actionable insights on how to unlock your creative potential whenever you need it most. Learn why rest, curiosity, and playfulness are your secret weapons, and how you can switch your brain into a creative mode on demand.
Join us for a lively conversation packed with stories, science, and practical wisdom that will inspire you to see yourself as a creator every day. Essential listening for anyone eager to unlock their potential and bring more joy, innovation, and authenticity into their life. Hit play and start your creative journey today.
<hr>
Paul Fairweather - Co-host
<a href="https://www.paulfairweather.com">https://www.paulfairweather.com</a>
Chris Meredith - Co-host
<a href="https://www.chrismeredith.com.au">https://www.chrismeredith.com.au</a>

Episode 198 - Peter Hickson: Creative Accountancy

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