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

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www.occupationalphilosophers.com

Their day jobs

JOHN Bowland Consulting SIMON www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL