Ep. 117 Why Your Company Events Are Killing Culture (And What Burning Man Gets Right) | With guest, Jasper Vallance

Ep. 118 - Casa de Cambio x Occupational Philosophers, with guest Natasha Redman

In Episode 118,The Occupational Philosophers dive into a totally different format! Together with Natasha Redman, host of the very popular‘Casa De Cambio’ podcast, they have created their first ‘mash up’ podcast episode which invites them to be both guests and hosts to each other on one show! In this episode they explore a wide range of topics including: * What’s the best Quentin Tarantino movie? * What was the best career advice you’ve ever received? * What have John and Simon learned about curiosity in over 100 episodes? * Who are the 4 horsemen of Nirvana? * Why saying ‘I don’t know’ is so powerful * How to stay curious (even when under pressure) * What questions should organisations be wrestling with today? * How should any change initiative start? * How can you implement changes when ‘all is in flux’? * If you change all the planks of the ‘Ship of Theseus’, is it still the ‘Ship of Theseus’? * Where do organisations struggle when it comes to change? * The danger of ‘Toxic positivity’ and how to counter it * Why ‘pet projects’ can derail change programmes * What is the secret of the universe….sorry….scrub that, wrong podcast And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: * Who’s in the house? About Natasha Redman  Natasha Redman is an experienced change practitioner and project professional, with a proven track record in system implementations, organisational change initiatives and large-scale transformations. She has managed change initiatives at Australia’s biggest companies (including ANZ, Telstra, Australia Post, Accenture, NAB, Newcrest), holds multiple certifications and is well versed in both agile and waterfall delivery methods. Natasha’s passion for all things change led to her creating and hosting a successful podcast about change, technology, innovation and leadership.   Learn more about Natasha  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasharedman/ https://www.casadecambio.com.au/   References https://www.thethe.com/ [https://www.thethe.com/] https://www.amazon.com/World-Needs-Your-Art-Creativity/dp/1683503732 [https://www.amazon.com/World-Needs-Your-Art-Creativity/dp/1683503732] https://conneradvisory.com/daryl-conner/ [https://conneradvisory.com/daryl-conner/] Bad Boy Bubby https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106341/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106341/]   Casa De Cambio - Free webinar 9th July https://www.linkedin.com/posts/changify_agile-changemanagement-erptransformation-activity-7475121753778806785-K9ax?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAABIFFkBQKyN-YVNoL5dWZCukKlPAEKDwCI [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/changify_agile-changemanagement-erptransformation-activity-7475121753778806785-K9ax?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAABIFFkBQKyN-YVNoL5dWZCukKlPAEKDwCI]   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

Ep. 117 Why Your Company Events Are Killing Culture (And What Burning Man Gets Right) | With guest, Jasper Vallance

The Occupational Philosophers  |  Episode 117  |  With Jasper Vallance Jasper Vallance is a social entrepreneur who left his corporate life at Google to create a life of meaning driven by his passions. As an event architect, he became the founder of Australia's largest sober dance party.  He has taken what he learned at Burning Man to rethink what corporate gatherings could actually do for people. This episode is about why many company events don't work and what intentional gathering looks like when it's done right. In this episode, they cover the collapse of Friday drinks, the WeWork meltdown (yes, that one), and why alcohol has never actually been the social lubricant we think it is. Timestamps * 00:00 – Opening clip: the art of setting the scene * 00:48 – What's caught your eye?  * 05:00 – Guest intro: Jasper Vallance * 07:30 – Burning Seed relaunch — Cosmic Canyon * 10:24 – Burning Man 101: it's 10 principles * 11:18 – Where are you in the world?  * 12:19 – Dinner Party Round begins * 12:41 – What's giving you joy?  * 14:00 – Who inspires you?  * 16:12 – Big question: can the magic of Burning Man translate to company events? * 19:29 – What do you actually do?  * 20:49 – Why Jasper is always in costume — and why that matters * 21:22 – The secret sauce: costumes do what alcohol does, without the damage * 22:20 – Google, 2007, and what the digital age did to human connection * 26:01 – How Burning Man changed his life * 27:42 – How Xstatic Sunsets was born: the natural high through dance * 28:22 – Walking the talk: how do you actually create belonging? * 30:15 – The welcome experience: hugs, costumes, facilitators * 31:42 – The corporate opportunity: what if the CEO wore a chicken outfit? * 33:00 – Storytelling starts before people arrive — the art of building anticipation * 35:14 – Thought Experiment: Jasper Vallance, Event Detective * 51:44 – Rapid fire: one thing you couldn't live without * 53:04 – Dr. Peter Lovatt: dance first, think later * 54:04 – The Occupational Philosophers Maniguesto  * 56:19 – What's next: Burning Seed and Immersive8 * 57:42 – Where to find Jasper online * 58:50 – Post-show reflections: John and Simon on the art of gathering Key Ideas Purpose before planning. Most corporate events treat purpose as an afterthought. Jasper argues it should be the first thing locked in — not as a value statement, but as a lived experience the event is designed to create. Participation over presentation. Burning Man works because everyone is in the action. The moment people become spectators, you lose them. Same applies to company offsites. Costumes do what alcohol does, without the damage. They lower inhibitions, break social hierarchies, and give people permission to play. Jasper has proven this at scale. The welcome is everything. The first point of contact sets the entire tone. Not an icebreaker on a slide. An actual human welcome that makes people feel like they belong. Passions connect people across silos. Ask everyone what they love doing outside work. Cyclists ride together. Cooks cook together. Then they come back with something real in common. Post-COVID, Friday drinks aren't coming back. Younger generations want to go home. The social fabric of the office has changed. The answer isn't to recreate the old model — it's to reimagine what connection looks like now. Standout Line "I have guys coming up at the end of the night going, 'I almost had a drink before I came in, but I'm so glad I didn't.' That is the experience I'm trying to deliver." Live Links Jasper Vallance - Personal site: https://www.jaspervallance.com [https://www.jaspervallance.com]  - Immersive8 (corporate events agency): https://immersive8.agency [https://immersive8.agency]  - Xstatic Sunsets (sober dance parties): https://www.xstaticsunsets.com [https://www.xstaticsunsets.com]  People & Movements Mentioned - Peter Sharp & The Liberators: https://www.theliberators.org [https://www.theliberators.org]  - Peter Sharp (personal site): https://www.petersharp.com.au [https://www.petersharp.com.au]  - Dr. Peter Lovatt (dance psychologist, Episode 4/5): https://www.drpeterdance.com [https://www.drpeterdance.com]  Events & Festivals - Burning Man: https://burningman.org [https://burningman.org]  - Burning Seed (Australian regional Burning Man event): https://www.burningseed.com [https://www.burningseed.com]  - Blazing Swan (WA regional burn): https://blazingswan.com.au [https://blazingswan.com.au]  - Elsewhere (the successor to Nowhere, Spain's European burn): https://nobodies.team [https://nobodies.team]  - Bali Spirit Festival: https://www.balispiritfestival.com [https://www.balispiritfestival.com]  Events Referenced - Fyre Festival — Netflix documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81035279 [https://www.netflix.com/title/81035279]  - WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn — documentary: https://www.hulu.com/movie/wecrashed-the-rise-and-fall-of-wework-documentary [https://www.hulu.com/movie/wecrashed-the-rise-and-fall-of-wework-documentary]  - Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage — Netflix documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81258733 [https://www.netflix.com/title/81258733]  Get in Touch: The Occupational Philosophers - Website: https://www.occupationalphilosophers.com [https://www.occupationalphilosophers.com]  - Substack: https://occupationalphilosophers.substack.com [https://occupationalphilosophers.substack.com] - John: Bowland Consulting: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com [https://www.bowlandconsulting.com] - Simon: https://www.simonbanks.com.au [https://www.simonbanks.com.au]

Ep. 114 - Storytelling through public art to creatively change minds, with guest Professor Kathryn Boydell

In this episode 114, the Occupational Philosophers chat with the wonderfully curious Professor Katherine Boydell.  Katherine is an internationally recognised leader in qualitative inquiry and arts-based knowledge translation in mental health and social care with innovative approaches to create knowledge and translate empirical research using arts-based methods, including art installations.  She is the founder and head of the award-winning Arts-based Knowledge Translation Lab at Black Dog Institute and Director, Knowledge Translation, Maridulu Budyari Gumal – Sydney Partnership for Health Education Research and Enterprise.  She was appointed as a Fellow of the prestigious Australian Academy of Social Sciences in 2020. She is Vice-President of the Arts & Health Network of NSW/ACT and is Executive Editor of the Arts & Health journal and Associate Editor of Early Intervention in Psychiatry. She has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Wollongong, University of Sydney, Rotterdam Arts & Science Lab, Radboud University, and Singapore Art Museum. She has published over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and books as well as other arts-based outputs such as research-based installations and exhibits and two PhDs.  Her recent book, Applying Body Mapping in Research: An Arts-Based Method, brings together years of practice using this powerful participatory technique across health and social care settings around the world. This is some impressive stuff!  In this episode, they explore a wide range of topics including: * What sparked Katherine's passion for arts-based research * The Salon des Refusés: The alternative Archibald Prize exhibition * Abstract painting, layering, and what lies underneath * Five grandsons and the joy of childlike curiosity * What actually counts as evidence in research? * How Katherine's lab uses art to create AND share knowledge * ReBloom: An interactive digital installation about self-harm, hope and human connection * Body mapping: tracing, filling, and telling stories through the body * Taking research-based art into shopping centres and office lobbies with Dexus * The Think, Feel, Do framework for measuring impact * Deep looking and why we need more of it * Arts on prescription and the therapeutic consequences of engaging with art * Why the funding still hasn't caught up with the evidence Chapters  * 0:00 Opening quote: Embrace Messiness * 0:26 Intro & Guest Introduction * 0:44 Introducing Professor Katherine Boydell * 3:03 Curious Eye: The Salon des Refusés * 5:05 Dinner Party Round * 13:15 Arts-Based Research: What Katherine Does * 17:37 ReBloom: Arts & Self-Harm Research * 29:48 Body Mapping Explained * 36:59 Dexus Partnership & Public Installations * 43:23 Wrap-Up & Rapid Fire Questions * 48:59 Post-Show Reflections 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!  Learn more about Catherine * Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ [https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/] * Arts-Based Knowledge Translation Lab (overview page) https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research/ [https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research/] * Sydney Partnership for Health Education Research and Enterprise (SPHERE) https://www.thesphere.com.au/ [https://www.thesphere.com.au/] * Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-boydell-87b3867/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-boydell-87b3867/]  * Arts and Health Journal: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rahe20 [https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rahe20] * Rebloom Project https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2025/10/rebloom-how-an-art-installation-is-changing-conversations-about-self-harm [https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2025/10/rebloom-how-an-art-installation-is-changing-conversations-about-self-harm] Mentions * Archibald Prize https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/ [https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/] * Salon des Refusés https://www.salonrefuses.com.au/  [https://www.salonrefuses.com.au/] * Art Gallery of New South Wales https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/ [https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/] * Daisy Fancourt The Art Cure https://www.penguin.com.au/books/art-cure-9781529935547https://www.penguin.co.uk/ [https://www.penguin.co.uk/] * World Health Organisation – What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289054553 [https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289054553?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Arts & Health Journal https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rahe20/current [https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rahe20/current] * Early Intervention in Psychiatry https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17517893 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17517893] Say Hello to the OP  www.occupationalphilosophers.com [http://www.occupationalphilosophers.com] Their day jobs * JOHN Bowland Consulting * SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au [http://www.simonbanks.com.au] * SIMON SHOWREEL  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZQdJI6qGvg&t=18s]

Ep. 116: Exploring imagination, creativity and problem solving in teams, with guest, 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.plungecreations.co.uk/] * https://www.linkedin.com/company/plunge-productions/posts/?feedView=all [https://www.linkedin.com/company/plunge-productions/posts/?feedView=all]   References * David Bowie - https://lightroom.uk/ [https://lightroom.uk/] * Leatherwork - https://www.wolframlohr.com/ [https://www.wolframlohr.com/] * Masked Singer UK - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Masked_Singer_(British_TV_series)_series_7 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Masked_Singer_(British_TV_series)_series_7] * Playtime movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062136/ [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 [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

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: [https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com/]//podcast. [https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com/]humbletogsclub.com/ [https://podcast.humbletogsclub.com/] * Website https://www.humbletogsclub.com/intro [https://www.humbletogsclub.com/intro] Socials * https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/] * https://bio.site/kurtsneddon [https://bio.site/kurtsneddon] * https://www.kurtsneddon.com/ [https://www.kurtsneddon.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon/ [https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon/] * https://www.facebook.com/kurt.sneddon/ [https://www.facebook.com/kurt.sneddon/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon [https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon] References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoa_of_Attalos [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoa_of_Attalos] https://www.remussanctuary.org/interesting-goat-facts/ [https://www.remussanctuary.org/interesting-goat-facts/] https://rayeofficial.com/ [https://rayeofficial.com/] https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/conversations-about-foster-care/id1506508179 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/conversations-about-foster-care/id1506508179] https://davinci.ai/ [https://davinci.ai/] https://www.nano-banana.ai/ [https://www.nano-banana.ai/] https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-life-in-parts/bryan-cranston/9781409156598 [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