The Occupational Philosophers - A not-so-serious business podcast to spark Creativity, Imagination and Curiosity

In this episode 113, the Occupational Philosophers chat with the wonderfully curious David Bramwell - a writer, broadcaster, performer and professional seeker. He’s the author of The Number 9 Bus to Utopia, a philosophical travel memoir, in which he went looking for different and potentially better ways of living. He’s presented many programmes for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4 on subjects ranging from Ivor Cutler, Ken Campbell and time travel, to the art of public speaking. As a podcaster, he produces and presents Adventures in Nutopia and The Ways of Water, and has co-hosted other popular podcasts including, Odditorium, Watling Street with author John Higgs, and Seeker! The Ken Campbell Podcast with Daisy Campbell. In 2020 his book The Cult of Water was published, exploring belief and rituals, and then in 2023 he self-published The Singalong-A-Wicker-Man Scrapbook. Since 2004 he has been hosting Brighton’s Catalyst Club, a monthly salon at which three guest speakers from all walks of life take to the stage to talk about their passions. As a performer, he has toured several solo shows and performed at Soho Theatre, Somerset House, Tate St Ives, TEDx, Idler Academy, MOMA, UK festivals, and the Lowry Theatre. And finally there's Oddfellow's Casino, an eclectic band project that blends spoken word, music and storytelling, and who are approaching their 25th anniversary this year. In this episode they explore a wide range of topic including: How to use Brexit to dodge home DIY and tasks The Singalong-a-Wicker-Man show! Panpsychism and consciousness (Does Broccoli dream of sheep?) How do tomatoes feel about being eaten? Are tomatoes controlling us? What sparked David’s curiosity superpower? What fashion items are best for a philosophical data analyst? What lessons David learned on ‘The Number 9 Bus to Utopia’ How alternative communities show great creativity and imagination What the everyday interests of everyday people can tell us about curiosity and being human How we might engage better with people who have different views to ourselves What is the official name for a ‘Bum Reader’? And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: Where is this bus going? Learn more about David https://www.drbramwell.com/ https://oddfellowscasino.bandcamp.com/ https://catalystclub.co.uk/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/adventures-in-nutopia/id1649333497 References Trevor Noah https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/nonprofittechies/microsoft-and-trevor-noah-a-partnership-for-asking-questions/4036636 Australian Writers Festival boycott https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm4jkwz2z8 The Wicker Man https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wicker_Man Crows picking up cigarette butts https://stevedalepetworld.com/blog/something-to-crow-about/ Panpsychism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panpsychism Philip Goff https://philipgoffphilosophy.com/ Museum of Curiosity https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00k3wvk Spalding Gray https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spalding_Gray Rudolph Steiner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Steiner Underground Temple https://thetemples.org/ Shark House https://museumofoxford.org/bill-heine-the-man-behind-the-headington-shark/ Findhorn https://visitfindhorn.uk/ The Min Min Light https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jun/27/what-are-glowing-orbs-of-light-in-the-sky-world-over The Positive Revolution https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handbook-Positive-Revolution-Edward-Bono/dp/0670830127 La Bete https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14407336/ November https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6164502/ The Web of Meaning https://www.jeremylent.com/the-web-of-meaning.html John and Simon hope you enjoy the show as much as they enjoyed making it. Its the reason they started this show - interesting, cool and creative people who have taken the path less travelled and kicked arse! Say Hello to the OP www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs JOHN Bowland Consulting SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL

In Episode 112, The Occupational Philosophers chat with the artists, Catherine Borowski and Lee Baker, two exceptionally talented guests who show the true power of creative collaboration and imagination. Together they have brought to life the SKIP Gallery; an international, collaborative, multi-disciplinary public art project dedicated to creating much-needed space, opportunities, funding and advocacy for emerging artists. The original idea was to forge opportunities for artistic interventions in unexpected places by repurposing rubbish skips. In addition, they are also the founders of Graphic Rewilding, another large-scale public art project/s creating vast, flower inspired, attention grabbing, positivity inducing artworks and immersive environments in often-overlooked and under-appreciated urban spaces And finally, PRODUCE UK provides a wide range of services for experiential event and placemaking clients; they have amassed an impressive portfolio of experience, working with such clients as Lumiere Light Festival, London Festival of Architecture, Cartoon Network, London Festival Week, Hem, Vanity Fair, Nike, Adidas and Discovery Channel. In this episode, they explore: Public art, everyday objects and filling a skip Bringing nature into urban landscapes How jarring your thinking can lead to greater levels of creativity Madonna’s spiritual practice as a source of success Enjoying the process of making art Why being bored could be the greatest gift to curiosity and creativity How distraction is the thief of creativity What good collaboration looks like - it’s not all smooth sailing… The beauty and psychological benefits of graphic rewilding How communities are enhanced through public art And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: Skip or Big Bin? Learn more about Catherine and Lee https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-borowski-7b531b8/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-baker-ba2815145/ https://www.graphicrewilding.com/ https://www.produceuk.com/ https://www.instagram.com/catherine.borowski/ https://www.tiktok.com/@graphic_rewilding/video/7507316102276517142 References https://www.linkedin.com/posts/danielpink_this-one-image-can-make-you-more-creative-activity-7385767635411718144-Njqb/ https://veganfta.com/articles/2025/10/23/the-milking-herd-parades-through-london-to-protest-against-dairy/ https://www.michaeljohansson.com/ https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-324/ https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/madonna-jay-shetty-podcast-spiritualism-kabbalah-b2835518.html https://hbr.org/2025/08/you-need-to-be-bored-heres-why John and Simon hope you enjoy the show as much as they enjoyed making it. Its the reason they started this show - interesting, cool and creative people who have taken the path less travelled and kicked arse! Say Hello to the OP www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs JOHN Bowland Consulting SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL

Episode 111 Cristy Burne: Scientist, Author, Creator, Storyteller Author, science communicator and adventure-loving human Cristy Burne joins The Occupational Philosophers to explore creativity, play, curiosity and the joy of living boldly. In this episode, John and Simon chat with award-winning author and science communicator Cristy Burne. With 23 books under her belt, a stint at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, and a mission to ignite curiosity in kids and adults alike, Cristy brings her signature mix of energy, humour and insight. The conversation goes everywhere from how to spark creativity in everyday life, to why we all need to play more and embrace the chaos of being human. Also, there’s a leech-in-your-eyeball story. Of course there is. In this episode, they chat about Why fun and play are the gateway drugs to creativity and curiosity The role of adults in showing kids that growing up can be joyful How to find creativity in the corners and gaps of your day Why perfection is the enemy of progress (especially when dancing) How to reframe drudgery by reconnecting with your higher purpose Giving yourself permission to try, fail, and keep going The Large Padron Collider, Bonbon Collider and other very real science experiments Why Cristy recommends you don’t visit crustybum.com Along the way, they cover Bluey, book week, Barack Obama’s suits, marshmallow metaphors, AI bosses, and the very underrated joy of sitting in dirt. About Cristy Burne Cristy is a science writer, presenter, former patent translator and a STEM ambassador who has worked with astronauts, Nobel Prize winners and yes, a surprising number of chefs. She’s passionate about science communication, joy, adventure, and bringing stories to life. Her work includes everything from graphic novels to science thrillers, and she recently launched a creative stage show with Trudy Boatwright for World Expo in Japan. Find Cristy Burne at cristyburne.com Cristy on Goodreads Cristy on Instagram Mentions and references Bluey – ABC Kids The book Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang World Expo Osaka 2025 Large Hadron Collider – CERN Say Hello www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs JOHN Bowland Consulting SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL

Ep. 110: Have you noticed how almost anything can now be turned into a LinkedIn Business lesson? The Occupational Philosophers sure have and decided to explore this phenomenon, and in the process created a template for anyone to do this (and turn your own mundane life experiences into LinkedIn GOLD) The template is as follows: Something happens... Which made me think... Insight: Question? Once you start, it's so easy to turn every day, mundane experiences into LinkedIn lessons and importantly, you will never be short of inspiration for business wisdom again, well on your way to thought leadership. John and Simon truly enjoyed making this show and they hope you can now mine your everyday life for business metaphors, to be shared 3 x week on LinkedIn. Say Hello www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs JOHN Bowland Consulting SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL

In Episode 109, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Eric Weiner, an award-winning journalist, a New York Times bestselling author, and much sought-after keynote speaker on a variety of topics, including happiness, innovation strategies and the "power of place." He regularly leads writing workshops around the world. He is a former foreign correspondent for NPR and reporter for The New York Times. He's reported from more than 30 nations, from Iraq to Indonesia, covering some of the major international events of recent times. He is the recipient of several journalism awards, including the Angel Award for coverage of Islamic affairs in Asia. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, AFAR, among other publications. And his books include The Geography of Bliss, The Geography of Genius, Man Seeks God and The Socrates Express. His latest book, Ben & Me, has recently been published this year. In this episode, they explore: What colour is Tuesday? The philosophy of place How many bags Eric has….and whether he has a collection or an obsession Narrative truth vs factual truth Moving between being a journalist and being a writer How creative genius springs from place and environment Why openness to experience is at the root of creativity What Benjamin Franklin can teach us about curiosity, creativity, imagination and play How rituals can help focus your creative energy Creating a ‘sandbox’ to experiment in The meaning of life….purpose and gritty bits… And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: Your place or mind? Learn more about Eric http://www.ericweinerbooks.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-weiner-17aa8639/ References https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/michelangelo-leonardo-raphael https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/speakers/ian-gilbert/ https://europa.nasa.gov/mission/about/ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/133768-one-s-destination-is-never-a-place-but-a-new-way https://www.carryology.com/ https://freedom.to/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi-Fu_Tuan https://www.celticglory.com/thin-place

Ep.108 Rick Rubin and the Creative Act John and Simon explore the creative wisdom of music producer Rick Rubin and what it means to bring creativity into everyday work and life What does it really mean to be creative? In this Inbetweener episode, The Occupational Philosophers explore the insights of legendary music producer Rick Rubin, whose work spans from the Beastie Boys to Adele. Drawing on his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being, John and Simon unpack practical ways anyone can bring more creativity, curiosity and openness into their life and work. In this episode, Simon and John chat about Why creativity is not a job title or output, but a way of being The artist as a vessel, and how great ideas often come from creating the space for them to arrive Detaching from outcomes and letting the creative process unfold Why constraints and rituals are powerful tools to spark creativity Why originality is overrated. Everything is a remix Sensitivity as a superpower. How tuning in helps you see what others miss Along the way, they cover Sistine Chapel replicas, rugby league fandom, urban sketching, and how sensitivity and curiosity are deeply linked. Links and references The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin English Sistine Chapel Replica Goring Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Say Hello www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs JOHN Bowland Consulting SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL

In episode 107, The Occupational Philosophers chat with the highly curious Dr Jochen Schweitzer, a strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship researcher and education leader at UTS, Director of the Executive MBA, advisor, and author. His research, teaching and consulting focus on issues of strategy, collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation with a special interest in design thinking, emerging technologies and open innovation. Jochen was a visiting Scholar at Stanford University and Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) School of Design Thinking at Potsdam University. Before joining the UTS Business School, he taught at the UTS schools of Design and Architecture and Macquarie University. Jochen is a passionate educator who has taught at universities in the UK, Japan, China, the US, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand and won numerous awards, too many to mention. He was a principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a production engineer at Volkswagen and a program manager at the Goethe Institute. Jochen is also the founder of U.lab, an interdisciplinary think tank and platform for innovation projects. Apart from his academic pursuits, Jochen is an active member of the entrepreneurship community and has mentored and advised numerous startups. Interesting titles from co-authored papers A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book About Studying Strategy Herding cats to co-create cross-university courses in record time Avoid being the Turkey: How big data analytics changes the game of strategy in times of ambiguity and uncertainty So a very interesting guest!! In this episode, the Occupational Philosophers explore: The five key attributes for an entrepreneurial mindset and behaviours How entrepreneurialism comes from 'doing it' The importance of building your own startup How Stoicism is a key part of entrepreneurialism What 90% of startups that failed haven't found The challenge of implementing design and design thinking in organisations If you want to solve a problem, start with what pisses you off Failing that, ask “what do you desire and what makes you itch?” Find your tribe, find your network, maintain it Why boards need to embrace curiosity and look around the corner What is Design Thinking? As always, there is a thought experiment to stretch the mind. In this episode, it's Ferret or Fantasy? The start-up world animal kingdom. There are also some listener questions, which are always a treat. The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy listening to the show as much as they did making it. Jochen Links Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/jochenschweitzer UTS Academic Profile: https://profiles.uts.edu.au/jochen.schweitzer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jochenschweitzer Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3aWHIb4AAAAJ ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jochen-Schweitzer ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1807-6720 Academia.edu: https://uts-academia.academia.edu/JochenSchweitzer Personal/Project Website: https://besyd.com Say Hello www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs: JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/ SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

Hello and welcome back to 2025! (Noting the irony that is is now April...) The Occupational Philosophers have returned from walking the Earth, exploring the heavens and astral travelling beyond the stratosphere - metaphorically and literally. Feeling refreshed, joyous and 1.27% more wise, they are excited for the new season of the show. This episode combines the loves of both John and Simon: Great questions and raucous dinner parties. As it's a new season, John and Simon explored a bunch of new dinner party questions that move beyond the usual, "What do you do?" (SNORE....) These include: Is there a habit or ritual in your day that feels somewhat sacred and you don’t like to miss? You're putting together a diverse team you would love to work with. Who might they be and why? What’s something you’ve recently started looking at differently? What’s a question you wish people asked you more often? When do you feel most intellectually alive? It's a curious discussion to kick off a most curious new season for a show that's a lot about curiosity. Simon and John hope you enjoy the show. Say Hello www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs: JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/ SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

Reflecting on the year of 2024 seemed like such a good idea. That's the thing right? Launching that episode as quickly as planned didn't go as well as planned.... Drinking their own Kool-Aid and embracing serendipity, mistakes and experimentation The Occupational Philosophers still hit launch and took on the gift of a slightly delayed episode like a gift from the Norse Gods. In this episode the deep themes of: Are bananas and tape art? If not, who said so? Brain Rot (very festive) The Occupational Philosophers wish you all the best for 2025 whilst they take a short break. Simon's vanity will be in full forward as he desperately tries to lose some weight for summer beach vibes and John will be sadly staring out the window looking at a grey, drab British day and looking forward to June when the sun comes out They both look forward to catching up in mid Feb when back on deck - ahoy 2025! Say Hello www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs: JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/ SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

In episode 103, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Creative Director, Brand Strategist and Poly-Disciplinary Creative Chameleon, Rozhia Tabnak. Her work includes interior design, art curation, film production design, and graphic work across the spectrum of media. which unite under the umbrella of spatial design. She believes that the design of a space is holistic yet interpretive and that the experience of the client is inextricable from the intent of the designer. From Manhattan to Miami and several cities in between, Rozhia has designed dozens of restaurants, including the highly acclaimed and award-winning Sofreh in Brooklyn, for which she incorporated a historic and traditional Persian aesthetic into a chic contemporary design. She has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Eater and New York Magazin to name a few and divides her time between New York and Sydney. In this episode, the Occupational Philosophers and Rozhia explore: How does a project have a soul? How curiosity is at the heart of great design Why branding is not just thinking about a logo (and a dirty word) What is steampunk? Exactly, what is a Polydisciplinary creative chameleon? The importance of asking why What’s my personal why? Why does the world need what I am producing? How Curiosity starts with being present Can you create workspaces that can be both productive and creative? Why there is no middle ground And the future hashtag of "Kitch is just past cheesy" As always, there are some great thought experiments. This time it is the design challenge of "Mission Impossible" The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy listening to the show as much as they enjoyed making it. www.occupationalphilosophers.com About Rozhia Rozhia Website https://rozhiatabnak.com/ Insta https://www.instagram.com/rozhia/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozhia-tabnak-725b0319/ Show notes & Resources Everything is alive https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/everything-is-alive/id1388419519 London poetry shop cafe https://www.poetrypharmacy.co.uk/oxford-street Book - Wabi Sabi for artists, poets and Designers https://www.amazon.com.au/Wabi-Sabi-Artists-Designers-Poets-Philosophers/dp/0981484603