Would you like to unlock the creative, imaginative and innovative potential in your team or organisation…BUT…don’t want to listen to another serious podcast which offers 7 steps, 5 habits, 3 mantras, and a hard sell in a pear tree?
Then join ‘The Occupational Philosophers’, a ‘not-so-serious’ podcast with Simon Banks (middle-aged Australian surfer man, artist and published author) and John Rice (middle-aged British man with a love of curiosity and philosophy) as they chat with a ‘clowder’ (great word!) of curious cats from the fields of Comedy, Academia, Philosophy, Neuroscience, Psychology, Design, Marketing, and Business, to explore how you, your team, and your organisation, can develop your curiosity, spark your creativity, and free your imagination, so you can grow your business and your people….sounds great huh?!
But don’t just take our word for it, read what our listeners think:
“Worth a listen, one of them has a strange Australian accent”
“They’re not philosophers, they’re idiots”
“If you like business, philosophy, humour, creativity, and imagination, then have a listen - if not, then I would leave well alone”
http://www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Episodes
Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
1 hr 12 min
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
Sep 26, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
1 hr 12 min
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
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Why perfection is the enemy of progress (especially when dancing)
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How to reframe drudgery by reconnecting with your higher purpose
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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
Say Hello
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs
JOHN Bowland Consulting
SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL
Aug 12, 2025
Aug 12, 2025
13 min
Have you noticed everyone on LinkedIn now turns the most mundane crap into a business lesson? Stubbed toe...that's leadership. Wrinkly socks...team dynamics. Toothbrush running flat...how do you lead a team? So Simon and John built a template. Now you can too.
The formula is this simple:
- Something happens…
- Which made me think…
- Here's the thing...(insight)
- Question?
- Join my webinar (optional but very thought leadership vibes)
That's it. That's the whole LinkedIn thought leadership industry. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
In this episode, they test the template on:
- A squirted orange (lesson: risk is everywhere)
- An overcooked egg (lesson: stop overworking)
- A three-legged rescue dog called Peggy (lesson: conversation starters at work, "where's your Peggy?")
- A toilet that won't flush (lesson: dealing with disappointment)
- A surprise kitten a child said they'd pay for (lesson: colleagues who over-promise and never deliver)
- A stubbed toe, a butterfly, and several other things that should not be business lessons but absolutely are now
LinkedIn already gave the world the humble brag. The life lessons are next-level LinkedIn.
Warning: strong irony, sharp humour, and a deep affection for the absurdity of business content. If you've ever posted "what my morning coffee taught me about strategy," this one's for you. And about you.
One of John and Simon's favourite no-guest episodes. Send it to the worst LinkedIn poster you know.
As always, stay curious, make stuff, have fun, play more, and date life.
Say Hello
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Substack
https://occupationalphilosophers.substack.com/
Their day jobs (get in touch!)
JOHN Bowland Consulting
SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL
Jul 4, 2025
Jul 4, 2025
1 hr 9 min
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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique
Jun 9, 2025
Jun 9, 2025
38 min
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
May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
1 hr 12 min
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
Apr 9, 2025
Apr 9, 2025
32 min
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
Jan 5, 2025
Jan 5, 2025
14 min
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
Dec 7, 2024
Dec 7, 2024
1 hr 16 min
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
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
21 min
In this short, sharp Inbetweener episode, The Occupational Philosophers celebrate their “One hundred and something” birthday! As well as an opportunity to blow up some balloons, eat some cake, and pat themselves on the back…they delve back into some highlights from the first 100 episodes and some sage advice from guests who have helped populate the ‘Maniguesto’ tree…
- Dr Brock Bastian….Social psychologist…just remember to enjoy the journey
- Professor Sophie Scott….Neuroscientist….how laughter is the gateway drug to creativity
- Dr Jen Frahm….change fairy….take more hot showers to spark ideas (literally and metaphorically!)
- Ash Perrin…The Flying Seagull Project….every great idea starts out as rubbish
- Neil Mullarkey….improv genius and general legend…remember that people are trying their best
- Dr Cyndi Burnett….creativity in education….be open to the novel
They hope you enjoy the show.
FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a fruity burst of energy to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process.
References:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/icn/people/sophie-scott
https://www.theflyingseagullproject.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-burnett/
Say Hello
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs
JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg