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

The Occupational Philosophers
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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

  1. MAY 18

    Ep. 116: Who's that behind the mask? Creative Director, Tim Simpson!

    In Episode 116,The Occupational Philosophers chat with Tim Simpson, creative director of Plunge Creations, a company probably best known for being the imaginative powerhouse in designing and making the costumes for ‘The Masked Singer UK’.    In this episode they explore a wide range of topic including: Why pencil and paper beats working on a laptop How imagination focuses on what’s important to you Where to scribble your most creative ideas…clue, it’s not the front of an envelope Whether a 10m cat is ever a good idea The creative process which brings the magic of Plunge Creations to life  How problem solving is a key skill which underpins the creative process How to tap into everyone’s bright ideas Is it ever possible to ‘price in the love’ on a creative project for a client? How might the education system better prioritise creativity? What might teams do to innovate and generate new ideas? Would the London Marathon be improved if everyone were dressed up?   And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: Who’s that behind the mask?     About Tim Simpson As well as creating bold & crazy designs for the Masked Singer, which is one of the UK's biggest family entertainment shows and a show which has global fame, Tim and his team at Plunge also craft jaw-dropping props for cinema and TV, including for ‘The Traitors’; again another global phenomenon.   For the latest Wicked movie, they created a stunning sculpture in St Pancras International station in London, which drew you in to an adventure into the enchanting world of Wicked, bringing the Emerald City to life, with immersive details, and magical surprises - this takes your breath away when you first see it!   He is a creative all rounder, equally at home behind the computer, designing and visualising a project, or in the workshop, working alongside the team.    He is the Willy Wonka of design, creativity, magic, who lives in a world of pure imagination!     Learn more about Tim https://www.plungecreations.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/plunge-productions/posts/?feedView=all   References David Bowie - https://lightroom.uk/ Leatherwork - https://www.wolframlohr.com/ Masked Singer UK - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Masked_Singer_(British_TV_series)_series_7 Playtime movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062136/ People’s Pyramid - https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/gallery/new-bricks-laid-people-build-32930136.amp   John and Simon hope you enjoy the show as much as they enjoyed making it. It's 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 www.bowlandconsulting.com SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au

    1h 21m

  2. APR 17

    Ep. 115: Photography: the art of seeing and failing your way to creativity, with guest, Kurt Sneddon.

    The Occupational Philosophers chat with Kurt Sneddon, photographer, cinematographer, and actor. In this episode, they explore a wide range of topics including: Where AI can enhance the creative process The art of seeing; noticing what others might miss How the ‘buffet of inspiration’ differs between Sydney and NYC How to bring out the natural version of someone What might we do to improve the way we see and take perspectives The delightfully named ‘Humble Togs Club’...for photographers who are not dicks… Creating a safe environment that allows people, curiosity and creativity to flourish Why failure is the thing that supercharges your learning and creative output And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: No Jerks Allowed About Kurt Sneddon... Kurt has built a thriving portrait & wedding studio in Sydney, Australia, before relocating in 2015 to pursue creative opportunities in New York City.  He photographs awesome actors, dancers, models and performers in the streets of New York City. He has a studio in East Williamsburg & SoHo in NYC - Kurt’s photography is all about creating authentic, impactful images that help performers stand out—and making sure they enjoy the process, not dread it. He pivoted into cinematography, trained at Maine Media Workshops, joined the Local 600 Camera Union, and worked in the camera crew on TV shows and films throughout NYC and upstate. More recently, he opened up a space for coaching photographers who are tired of toxic spaces and ego-driven attitudes, launching the Humble Togs Club - an online community where photographers can hang out, learn, and support each other in a safe, no-jerk zone - it's also an amazing community that celebrates progress, not perfection.   Learn more about Kurt Humble Togs  Podcast https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com/ Website https://www.humbletogsclub.com/intro Socials https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ https://bio.site/kurtsneddon https://www.kurtsneddon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon/ https://www.facebook.com/kurt.sneddon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoa_of_Attalos https://www.remussanctuary.org/interesting-goat-facts/ https://rayeofficial.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/conversations-about-foster-care/id1506508179 https://davinci.ai/ https://www.nano-banana.ai/ https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-life-in-parts/bryan-cranston/9781409156598   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 www.bowlandconsulting.com SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au

    1h 4m

  3. FEB 3

    Ep. 113: Curiosity, empathy, and being open to the world, with guest, David Bramwell, Author of 'The Number 9 Bus to Utopia'.

    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

    1h 25m

  4. JAN 7

    Ep. 112: Graphic rewilding, public art and the value of boredom, with guests, Catherine Borowoski and Lee Baker.

    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

    1h 13m

  5. 09/26/2025

    Ep.111: Why fun and play are the gateway to curiosity and creativity, with guest, Cristy Burne.

    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

    1h 12m
  6. Ep 110: How to Turn Any Stupid Thing Into a LinkedIn Business Lesson

    08/12/2025

    Ep 110: How to Turn Any Stupid Thing Into a LinkedIn Business Lesson

    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

    14 min

  7. 07/04/2025

    Episode 109: What Benjamin Franklin can teach us about curiosity, creativity, imagination and play,with Eric Weiner, New York Times bestselling author & travel Philosopher

    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

    1h 10m
  8. Episode 108 Inbetweener - Rick Rubin and the Creative Act

    06/09/2025

    Episode 108 Inbetweener - Rick Rubin and the Creative Act

    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

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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

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