Episodes
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Christopher Swan is on a big adventure! In My Big Story with Christopher Swan, he’s literally on a plane, train, or automobile, traveling the USA (aiming for the world!), interviewing uniquely inspiring people. He’s uncovering stories from voices that may not be heard, crossing boundaries of diversity, uniqueness, and beliefs — stories that inherently celebrate our differences. These thought-provoking conversations are with people that have taken chances and carved out uncommon paths. Through these interviews and stories, Christopher uncovers ideas, dreams, and truths — and in turn, his big story unfolds — to create a world where everyone belongs.
My Big Story is available everywhere you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe, catch up, and I’ve got more seasons coming your way. Also, you can find out more about the show and go behind-the-scenes for each episode at MyBigStory.show.
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We're all different — from our skin color, to the way we experience the world, to the way we think, to the country we're born in, to our sexual orientation, to our abilities or the lack of abilities, and the list goes on. Instead of turning away from these differences or trying to fit in, how about we celebrate and talk about them.
I've decided it was time to talk about why My Big Story matters, especially in season 2 — why it matters to me (this is Christopher Swan talking!) and really, why that matters to you.
This isn't some recap or flashback episode. Like all of the episodes in season 2, this is an adventure.
I asked my sister, Katie Swan to join me on a day-long, local adventure, as we talk about my story, the show, and unpack this season. I heard from a lot of you, that you wanted to hear more about me and my story. So we're doing that, and you get to hear a twist on me, my sister's perspective of it all.
Also, my sister is awesome. She's a leading advocate in the mental health industry in Sonoma County, CA, and she has a great story. During our conversations, you'll get a peek into it.
Join Katie and I as we head out for some sibling bonding time, a surprise mini-photoshoot, a lot of conversations, and how season 2 is helping create a world where we all belong.
Music featured in this episode: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Duck_Lake/Idle_Ways
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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Imagine if parts of the world you wanted to see and experience were off limits to you. Some people don’t have to imagine it. It’s their reality.
But things are changing.
Kevan Chandler founded the nonprofit, We Carry Kevan, where he’s become a prominent voice for rethinking accessibility in the world. Meaning, he’s creating new ideas and resources to make the world more physically accessible for people with disabilities.
And all of it started after an unusual backpacking trip to Europe, when Kevan’s friends carried him in a special, modified backpack.
But one trip wasn’t enough. Kevan and his friends are off to China this year to spread their ideas of accessibility, and to tour the sights, with his backpack of course.
I knew I needed to meet Kevan and hear about his trip and ideas, firsthand.
So I made my way over to Fort Wayne, IN and met Kevan at Fortezza Coffee, one of his favorite spots. From there and on to JK O'Donnell’s, we spent hours getting into his story and life, and getting to know each other.
Kevan is imagining the world differently, and he’s asking for everyone’s help.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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How comfortable are you talking about sex with you partner? Do you have questions about sex that you’re not sure who to ask? Or maybe, you have questions about your pelvic health, and finding smart information hasn’t been easy.
You’re not alone. Many adults feel the same way, and have questions.
That’s why Dr. Uchenna “UC” Ossai, the sex-positive pelvic health physical therapist, sex educator and counselor, is sharing her knowledge far and wide.
UC spends her days treating people with both sexual and pelvic floor dysfunction, and her evenings educating the masses on everything that has to do with “sexytime.” Or as she calls it, sex ed for grown folk. She’s also, only one of three licensed Physical Therapists in the world with an AASECT certification in sexuality counseling; as well as the only Black Physical Therapist with this specific designation.
But that’s not the whole story. UC is showing up with her authentic voice, pelvic health clinical knowledge, and an approach that’s based in kindness. This makes UC unique in the world of sex education.
And she delivers her ideas and content in fun, unique ways, including a weekly pelvic health show, an advice column-styled video series, and collaboration with other brands, and public speaking engagements.
I love how UC is showing up, and I knew I needed to head straight to Austin to hear about her story.
I met UC at her apartment, and we went right up to the clubroom on the rooftop. We talked all about what she’s doing and why she’s doing it.
But this wasn’t just a interview to understand the basics of it all. This turned into a conversation about why it all matters — why we need to get comfortable with sex talk, and our bodies.
As UC says it, “Don’t be afraid to be you. Just be you, and enjoy it.”
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.showSupport the show
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There's a growing kindness movement in the world. Many amazing organizations are encouraging people to get involved, spread kindness, and help others, to push back against bias, bullying, and the negative in the world.
But the efforts are disparate, focusing only on each organization's message. While these messages are commendable, what if there was an additional unifying message? What if kindness was part of our culture, and it was incorporated into our lives?
Wendi Gilbert started the KindnessEvolution to do just that — to unite kindness organizations, collaborating to make a bigger impact, together.
It's a giant undertaking. But Wendi has a vision and can imagine a new future. In less than a year, she brought multiple organizations together in the first-ever KindnessCollective, collaborated with the American Camp Association to start CampKindness Day, has 3 camps ready to pilot the Camps2Campus program, And she's not done yet.
I met Wendi at her home in San Anselmo, CA and we chatted in her home-based studio space, where her dream became a reality. We talked about how it all started, why it's important, and we kept it real, getting transparent about the struggle of starting something new, especially a nonprofit.
Even without Wendi telling me, I heard an important message — any of us can change the world. Be persistent and follow your truth. And while you're at it, spread kindness everywhere you wander.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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There's a man in Portland, Oregon that's pushing aside fear and doing things he would of never done in the past.
Bruce Sturgell is the founder of Chubstr, a fashion and lifestyle website for big and tall men. That sounds simple enough. But there's more to the story.
The company is helping a community of people around the world, belong. It's become a celebrated resource for plus size men, something lacking in many retailers. It's also become a source of subversive activism, growing the body positivity movement.
Back to Bruce, an admittedly homebody sort of guy, who wouldn't normally be 'out there' — he's been empowered to move past shyness and nerves, because to grow his business, he has to be at the front, visible, and pushing his boundaries. And he's so thankful for the opportunity. It's also what he wants for everyone else. It's okay to be you, take chances, and try things regardless if the world is telling bigger people that they don't deserve it.
So here I am in Portland, meeting Bruce (just the nicest guy!) to learn about why he started the Chubstr. We also get into understanding body positivity and the value and advice of figuring out what you love to do.
And maybe just like me, you'll see this story as a wonderful example of someone using their power for good, to change the world for the better, because we all belong.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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When Rodney Smith, Jr. spots someone in need, he jumps into action. There's no question, doubt, or debate. He just does the work to help them—and he's now rallying others to help communities across the United States.
Rodney, a native of Bermuda, started Raising Men Lawn Care Service, an organization that provides free yard services to elders, people with disabilities, veterans, and single-parent mothers. The service matches up youth in local communities with people in need of service. This two-way impact helps children become a positive part of the community learning social skills and giving back, and the recipients receive assistance with maintaining their yards.
This service and the positive news of Rodney's work has spread across the US (and multiple countries too!) and continues to grow, with local chapters, and children signing up for the 50 Yard Challenge.
In addition, Rodney brings his family (his name for his thriving and very engaged online community) together to help other members of his local community. He's been helping people that are homeless, by providing resources and food, collected and provided by his family.
I met Rodney at his home in Huntsville, AL and we got right back on the road. I wanted to see firsthand how the service works. We spent the afternoon taking care of a yard and then learning more about the homeless community he's been helping. This was truly an immersive experience.
After multiple conversations and experiences at a yard, in a homeless camp, in the car, and back at Rodney's house, I couldn't be more inspired by how much Rodney cared about the people in his community. Interestingly, it didn't seem like a big deal to him. Instead he just told me "it was the right thing to do."
This was an amazing day, and I took a couple important ideas away from it: help however you can, and each of us can be the change at any time. Also, this trip was a beautiful reminder to get out of our bubbles (social and geographical) to see different parts of the world, and learn and connect with people different than ourselves.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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When life gives you lemons, you don't make lemonade. As Suzanne Whang says about her three-time battle with breast cancer, "I am kicking the shit out of it and taking names. I'm living it [life] to the fullest and loving every minute of it."
I met Suzanne Whang in the parking lot of Hugos' Restaurant in Los Angeles. After a big hello and hug, we sat in her car, and shared stories and ideas. Yep, that's right. We did our interview in her car—in her bright yellow, pimped out Prius.
For you that don't know, Suzanne is a longtime entertainer, as an actor, TV host, comedian, and writer. Many people may remember her as the host from HGTV's House Hunters. That's when I first spotted her and took note. Her credits are long and her talent is big. She's also much more.
Suzanne is passionate about helping people through her activism and teaching. As I talked with her, it was easy to see how these are true. She thoughtfully shares her enlightened ideas and sage perspectives no matter our topic.
We talked about her beginnings into show business, and then we get deep. We discussed helping others, telling our stories, and why both of those matter, how to change the world by starting locally and with our souls, and of course, we unpack some of her story of thriving through cancer. In the latter, Suzanne speaks candidly about letting people in, letting go of her cancer secret, and receiving help.
Suzanne's openness to share her truth is a welcome example for many of us, to stop keeping secrets and to live more freely. Also, her boundary pushing comedic quips with race and stereotypes in our conversation, and in her produced material is a reminder for each of us to stand up for our beliefs and take the power back.
An afternoon hanging out in a parking lot never felt so fun.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a cornerstone of the Danes way of life—and they're often referred to as the happiest people in the world. But, what is hygge, and how does it help the Danes happy living?
12 Stars Media, a small video production company located right outside of Indianapolis, in Fishers, Indiana, decided to they wanted to discover the true meaning of hygge, and share it with the world. So they decided to create their first full length documentary film, Finding Hygge.
They're doing it with their own money and on their own time. 12 Stars Media founders, Rocky Walls and Zack Downs, used this team project to celebrate their 10 year anniversary and to create a very special experience for everyone on the team.
So this small team got on a plane to Europe to start their journey together.
Flash forward to now: the film is done and just starting the rounds in the film festivals, and each one of the team members has discovered something new through this journey.
I spent the day at 12 Stars Media's office, interviewing various team members, as well as Rocky and Zach—to understand why they made this journey and what it meant to them. As expected, everyone had different experiences and perspectives. And it was terrific to see how each person expressed it.
But there was something else I kept thinking about. These people chose to do something together, something beyond their jobs, and beyond delivering value to customers. They chose to experience a big, life-changing journey together. And two men, Rocky and Zach decided they could do this for their employees.
Work doesn't have to be just work. It can be more, and 12 Stars Media is showing us that.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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Sometimes we set out to solve a problem, and later realize we're solving for something much bigger. That's exactly what's happened to Ramin Rahimian.
Ramin, a successful photographer, created Bookal, an app that allows neighbors to buy and sell their books to each other. The emphasis here is on local, and that matters in Ramin's bigger story. That's because Ramin wants to reconnect our local communities—to increase the real person, face-to-face conversations and relationships—the things we used to do at our local book shops and downtowns.
We talk about Bookal. But our conversation takes us into deeper topics and stories that explore his story. Most importantly, we get to the why—why Ramin has created Bookal, and how it connects to his photography and visual storytelling work. Ramin also opens up with a personal story that provided him with pivotal insights, to see and interact with things differently.
I need to mention that Ramin and I both live in Petaluma, CA. It doesn't go unnoticed by me, that just by us meeting and sharing our stories, we're creating exactly what he is hoping for in the community. And in fact, I did reach out to him because of Bookal.
This is a story of a man with a passion to get us off the couch and into our communities.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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This story is one half career/life change, and the other half, simplifying a lifestyle and movement to make it accessible to anyone.
Dustin Harder was fully immersed in his theatre career, traveling the country since 2003. But he needed a break and he set out to explore another interest, vegan cooking. After graduating from the Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, he launched a new idea and career, to demystify vegan foods in an entertaining way.
Then The Vegan Roadie was born — the plant-based version of the popular Food Network series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, available on YouTube and now in its third season. And recently Dustin released his first cookbook.
But our conversation went passed the glamour of launching something fun. Dustin opened up about his experiences, sharing things that didn’t work, self discovery, and more details about creating his new path.
Once I spent the afternoon with Dustin in his apartment in Queens, I realized he’s creating a space for himself in the food market by developing a unique perspective, and he literally changed his life to do it.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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Sometimes things do not go as planned. Frustrating? Sure. It can also lead to an adventure and discovering something new, something unexpected.
Returning guests, the Crafty Lumberjacks (Dennis Setteducati and Andrew Boza) join me to discuss progress and new insights of their craft and lifestyle brand. These fellas have been creating/hosting craft shows as part of the HGTV Handmade team, and have recently been guests (twice) on ABC's The Chew.
On the way to meet Dennis and Andrew at their home in Astoria, NY I meet an unexpected voice of wisdom and experience, my Uber driver. This was the start of my adventure as things started to change. And well, I rolled with it.
During my day, the Crafty Lumberjacks share the reality of building their brand—I'm coining it as The Politics of Crafting. We also flip the roles of our interview a little here, and in the end, share advice for anyone working toward their dream.
After this episode, be sure to listen their first time on the show here.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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There's a little farm hiding out in the valley of Los Angeles, and not many know about its existence. I luckily discovered it and sought out the woman that's on a mission to educate us about sustainable care farming. Um, care farming? In one sentence, that's compassion, cooperation and connection with the earth, animals and each other.
Karen Snook created this specific farm, part of Kindred Spirits Care Farm, to help the at-risk kids in the neighboring continuation high school. As the kids connect with nature, they learn new skills and a deeper knowledge of the rescue animals and agriculture they nurture, and in turn find new ways of healing their own lives.
I spent the day with Karen, touring the farm in Reseda, understanding firsthand how it works and why it matters to the community. We also spoke about Karen's career shift, leaving a corporate career to work with the animals. It seems more than just following a passion—this desire to educate and connect all of us with mother earth is actually part of Karen's DNA.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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Mandi Camille Hauwert is one of the bravest people I've met. She's pushing boundaries in society, challenging policies and perceptions at work and in the world, just to be herself—something many of us take for granted.
Mandi, a U.S. Navy veteran, is a correctional officer at California's San Quentin State Prison. She's also a transgender woman, who transitioned while in her role at the prison.
I met Mandi in downtown Petaluma (that's in the north bay of the San Francisco Bay Area), surprisingly the town we both live in. We talked about her story of transition, bias, overcoming darkness, and more, why she's sharing her story, her activism work for the Trans Community, and how she's continuing her story in the world.
Mandi is thoughtful and transparent in our conversation, sharing her difficult realities. She also reminds me of the positive changes, even during the dark periods of life.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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DECEMBER UPDATE:
The podcast is moving to seasons, and season 2 arrives in January 2018. It'll have an even better production quality and I'm expanding in how I share these stories.
And it's going to be awesome!
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I’m excited to share a quick update about My Big Story with Christopher Swan. I’ve been working on changes for the show for a while. If you been following along with me, you know I did a mini-refresh in April. That included a name change, shifting my focus a little. And those were the prefect changes then. Because they helped me see how I was getting closer to the big idea, of what I had always envisioned for the show.
Also, there’s been things I wanted to do, to include in the show, to help tell the stories better and to bring things to life in a new way. I think that’s just a natural evolution. I’ve been on this podcast journey for a while and learned a lot, and have seen and heard things I’ve loved, and wanted to incorporate into my show.
So here’s what’s going on. I’ve added some awesome editorial and production support to create the amazing show I see in my mind, as a show I can share with all of you. Before you have that oh crap moment, and think, “wait, I already like this show, and now you’re changing it. Nice.” Don’t worry, the essence of the show is still the same. I’ll just be sharing the stories in a fresh way, that’s a lot more me.
To make these kind of changes, there’s a lot of work to do behind-the-scenes. So I’m taking a break for a few weeks and will be back in mid-August. I know. Sad. But it’s only a few weeks, and I’ll be back before you know it.
Until then, make sure you’re subscribed to get the new episodes as they’re released.
Join Me on My Adventure!
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With a quick decision, Daniel Trust left Bridgeport, CT to meet me meet in-person in the San Francisco Bay Area. I found a place for us in downtown Oakland to meet and made the hour-long drive to meet him there. I was excited to meet Daniel, but truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect when meeting in-person.
Daniel started a nonprofit to help youth with education — specifically youth that are either refugees to the United States, impacted by low income, or are part of the LGBTQ community. That’s not his entire story.
Daniel is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, losing his father, two sisters, and witnessing his mother’s death, leaving him orphaned at age 5. And he had many difficult years following that trauma.
So I was meeting a man that has suffered a horrific childhood, but found a way to forgive and thrive in America. I couldn’t really imagine how this was even possible. But then I met Daniel.
He’s warm, full of compassion, and ready to tackle anything.
In our interview, we talk about his experiences in Rwanda, coming to the U.S. as a teenager, how support from his teachers made all of the difference, and his current world with the Daniel Trust Foundation, and how and why he needs to give back.
I left that interview with a new understanding of hope, perseverance, and very happily and most importantly, with a new friend.
See more about this episode and Daniel at MyBigStory.show
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Singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine and I recently spent the afternoon at his home, in Napa, CA. Bobby is an independent artist, crossing genres with music based in hope-folk, soul-pop, and poetic rock. The focus of his music is to provide meaningful connections to his listeners.
Interestingly, as he tours across the U.S. (and soon Europe), he intentionally performs for a variety of communities, specifically with LGBTQ and faith-based communities. This is where Bobby can create an important intersection of love, hope, and curiosity.
Bobby initially caught my attention, because of his music and our shared, local community. As I found out more, I was intrigued by the way Bobby was connecting with communities and how that was driven from his values and perspectives of the world.
This interview isn’t just about a music career. It’s also about how one man wants to bridge people and ideas, and he’s using his music to do it.
Of course, we do get into Bobby’s music and career, talk about his upcoming album, and we wrap it all up with a live performance of Bobby’s new song, Trading In. And that was amazing.
See pictures and videos mentioned in this episode:
accidentalinformation.com/portfolio/bobby-jo-valentineLearn more about this episode and Bobby Jo Valentine at MyBigStory.show
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We’re doing things a little differently this week. Instead of a new guest on the show, you get me, and three past guests: Pat Wadors, Natalie Patterson, and Deborah Dalton. We’re revisiting a few conversations that I really enjoyed, and focusing in on a few moments of great advice and storytelling. This isn’t a greatest moment sort of thing. Instead it’s a few conversations that I love and stories that bring their advice to life. It’s also a great way to hear something from a past episode you may have missed.
Here’s the truth, this is an experiment. If you love it, let me know. Or even if you have suggestions, tell me that too. All of my contact info is included here.
About the conversations — I will set up each conversation with a little context, about the guest, why this specific conversation matters, and so on. That way, it’s easy to jump straight into the interview excerpts.
More about the guests included in this episode and links to their full episodes:
■ Pat Wadors, Chief HR Officer for LinkedIn
■ Natalie Patterson, Poet, Teaching Artist, and President of the nonprofit Sister Support
■ Deborah Dalton, Executive Director of the Sonoma County-based nonprofit, Mentor Me
I absolutely love these conversations, and I hand picked each one to include here. I think you’ll find some great nuggets of goodness in each conversation.
Send me a message about this episode at [email protected], or leave me a voicemail at 1-707-347-9312.
Learn more about this episode at MyBigStory.show
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Everyone should know they're special, especially when it's their birthday.
Mary Davis started Worthy of Love, a nonprofit that celebrates the birthdays of the children impacted by homelessness and sheltered by Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row, in downtown Los Angeles. Each month, Mary and her husband Ari, and their team of volunteers, create an amazing roof top party, where every child has a fun and memorable night. Mary's hope is to create positive memories for these kids, and to remind them that they’re important and matter.
And these parties are not just cake and streamers. They include gifts for every child, a lovable character named Skiddy Cat, a DJ, dancing, face painting, and more. Sometimes, even a Hollywood celebrity like Jaden Smith will stop by and help to spread the joy.
I met Mary, or better known as Sista Mary to many, at her home on the westside of LA. We talked about her organization and how it helps, how the idea started from a very personal experience, learning more about homelessness, and even about her time with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
As Mary shared with me, if we all do just a little bit, together we can make a much bigger difference. And just think, a simple birthday celebration can mean so much to these kids.
I’m so thankful to help share Mary’s story, and to spread this message of love. Also, Mary and Ari are some of the nicest and most giving people I’ve met.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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Emery and Sarah Meeks are the founders of Sarah’s Eats and Sweets based in Petaluma, CA, in the Sonoma County Wine Country.
I met the two of them back at the beginning of the year, stopping by to try their new shop. I was instantly won over by their welcoming friendship, and of course their food.
Sarah’s Eats and Sweets is part cafe, part bake shop, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, in-house preparations, original recipes, and most notably, a welcoming experience that treats everyone as a friend and family. Also, this shop has the brilliance of a classically trained chef and the warmth and experience of a master relationship builder.
Sarah and Emery have created something special, for them and their community. That’s why I wanted to talk to them. They’re a great example of starting something with meaning, while becoming part of the community they live and work within.
So many times we hear guests on shows that are changing the world with their nonprofit, or a new idea, and so on. Those are amazing stories. But great stories and change also happen at the community level, around the corner, in a shop. That’s Sarah’s. They’re making great food, supporting other small businesses, and helping their community prosper. All while creating a life they love.
And as Emery mentioned to me, if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.
See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show
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