Country Creatives

Episode 061. Rodney Carter - The Djaara Story

In this episode of Country Creatives, your host Caleb Maxwell is flying solo while Reece Hendy explores the world. But Caleb isn't really alone; he's bringing you an extraordinary interview with Rodney Carter, the CEO of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
Originally recorded for Caleb's other fantastic podcast, Remarkable Regional Business, this conversation delves into Rodney's journey from a project manager in the construction industry to leading an organization with over $23 million in annual revenue and more than 200 staff members. Rodney shares incredible insights into Djaara, the phenomenal projects and initiatives, and the wisdom he's gained in managing large, diverse teams.
Tune in for a wealth of knowledge on leadership, cultural heritage, and the remarkable work being done by the Dja Dja Wurrung.

Episode 60: Navigating Social Media's Impact on Creativity

Join hosts Reece Hendy and Caleb Maxwell in this insightful episode as they delve into the profound effects of social media on creativity and mental health. They explore issues like dopamine hits, doom scrolling, and the struggle for meaningful connections in our digital age. Through personal stories and strategies, Reece and Caleb share how they’ve managed to regain control over their time and creativity. Caleb offers valuable insights on breaking free from the addiction of instant gratification, while Reece discusses balancing the need to stay connected with the importance of curbing distractions. Tune in for a relatable and engaging discussion, perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by digital overload.
Don't miss this episode for practical tips and thought-provoking conversations on reclaiming your creativity and focus in a world dominated by social media.

Episode 059: Louise Davis & Bethany Padgham on reinventing and reinvigorating your creative business

Join hosts Caleb Maxwell and Reece Hendy for a lively conversation with graphic designers Louise Davis and Bethany Padgham. In this episode, Louise and Bethany share insights into their successful solo businesses, strong collaborative working relationship, and rock-solid friendship. They delve into the evolution of their businesses post-COVID, balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, and their experiences in a creative incubator program. This episode is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and creative friendships, showcasing how to reinvent business in the modern world. Don't miss this inspiring chat with two dynamic creatives who are truly walking the walk.

Episode 058. Aaron Lougoon on managing your clients, spotting red flags and avoiding scope creep

In Episode 058 of Country Creatives, Reece and Caleb dive deep into the world of architecture with special guest Aaron Lougoon. With an impressive career in residential architecture, Aaron shares his insights on maintaining a productive client-creative relationship throughout the long and intricate process of designing and building homes. The conversation covers key topics like spotting red flags in client interactions, recognising and responding to signs of potential issues, and dealing with scope creep. Aaron explains how to identify when a project's scope is expanding beyond its original boundaries and provides strategies for communicating effectively about these changes and setting clear next steps. Tune in for valuable advice that can be applied to all creative industries from a seasoned professional in the architecture industry.

Episode 057. Chris Kennett on the publishing industry and protecting your creative process

Join Reece and Caleb in the latest episode of Country Creatives as they sit down with Bendigo local and internationally renowned artist, Chris Kennett. Chris, who has been drawing since he could hold a pencil (or so his mum says), has crafted an incredible career as a full-time creative without any formal training. His journey is a testament to the power of putting oneself out there and seizing opportunities.
Over the past 20 years, Chris has created quirky characters and worked on some truly "out of this world" projects, including the beloved Star Wars series of Little Golden Books. His recent work includes the hugely popular first reader series School of Monsters with Sally Rippin, the Nerd Herd series with Nathan Luff, and Cross Bones with Jack Henseleit.
In this episode, Chris shares invaluable tips on protecting your creative time and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll find Chris's insights on navigating a creative career and understanding the intricacies of publishing both inspiring and practical. Tune in to hear Chris's story and learn how to maintain your creative spark amidst a busy schedule. Don't miss it!

Episode 056. Sustainable Passion Projects with Kimberley Furness

In this episode, Caleb has an honest and personal conversation with Kimberley Furness, an award-winning businesswoman, content creator, and founder of OAK Magazine. Kimberley opens up about her journey from starting a digital agency to building a successful print magazine that champions the stories of rural and regional women. They delve into the mission of OAK Magazine, its highlights and hurdles, and the business model behind it. Kimberley also shares her experiences with podcast hosting and tips for sustaining a creative career. Tune in for a relatable and inspiring discussion on creativity and sustaining the business you love.

Episode 055. Conducting Exceptional Discovery Calls

Join Reece Hendy and Caleb Maxwell on the Country Creatives Podcast as they delve into the fundamental importance of the discovery process in creative business. In this insightful episode, they explore what exactly constitutes a discovery process and why it serves as a cornerstone for success in any project.
Without a structured discovery process, the consequences can be dire. Reece and Caleb examine the pitfalls of proceeding without clarity and direction, highlighting the potential for wasted time, resources, and missed opportunities. They emphasise how a lack of process can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and ultimately, unsatisfactory outcomes.
Conversely, adopting a robust discovery process can transform the creative journey. By implementing a systematic approach, individuals can unlock a wealth of benefits. Reece and Caleb paint a vivid picture of the growth that comes with having a well-defined process in place. From enhanced productivity and efficiency to greater client satisfaction and personal fulfillment, the rewards are plentiful.
Tune in to learn how the discovery process can empower you to unleash your creativity and achieve business success.

Episode 054: Becoming a Reliable Creative.

This week, Caleb and Reece tackle a crucial topic for creatives: Becoming a 'reliable creative'. If you're tired of the stereotype that creatives are hard to work with and unreliable, this episode is for you. They share actionable advice on creating systems and disciplines to shift this narrative. Learn how to document your process to communicate it effectively to clients, implement a project management system to organize your tasks, and establish a 'Default Diary' to separate creative time from business tasks. They also discuss collaborating with fellow creatives who struggle under pressure and offer insights on changing your perspective on creativity to focus more on what you love. Don't miss this extra concise episode filled with practical tips to elevate your creative game!

Episode 053: Crafting Clarity: Communicating the Value of Creativity

Embark on a profound exploration of creativity with Caleb and Reece in our latest episode, as they discuss creativity's significance in both our lives and professions. Beginning with a high-level examination of what creativity truly entails and why it's crucial, they gradually delve into its intricate role in our daily lives and interactions.
Navigating the challenging terrain of justifying the necessity of creativity, even for those deeply entrenched in creative fields. Caleb and Reece provide you with not only insights but also the language needed to effectively communicate the value of creativity to others. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how creativity shapes our world and learn how to articulate its significance with clarity and conviction.

Episode 052: Vern Hardie on Unlocking Emotional Depth

In this insightful episode of Country Creatives Podcast, we delve into the often overlooked terrain of men's emotional landscapes, discovering the transformative power it holds for both personal growth and creative expression.
Our special guest Vern Hardie, a wonderful creative performer and advocate for emotional intelligence, offers invaluable insights into the importance of men connecting with their inner emotional selves. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, Vern guides us through the journey of understanding and embracing emotions as a crucial aspect of masculinity.
As we unravel the stigma surrounding male vulnerability, Vern shares practical strategies for men to cultivate emotional awareness and articulate their feelings effectively. From fostering deeper connections in relationships to unlocking newfound avenues of creativity, the benefits of embracing emotional fluency are boundless.
Tune in as we explore the intersections between emotional authenticity and creativity, uncovering how unlocking one's emotional depth can enrich the creative process. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration or an individual striving for personal growth, this episode offers profound insights into harnessing the power of emotional intelligence.