A podcast that travels the USA interviewing uniquely inspiring people, uncovering big stories and ideas that inherently celebrate our differences In My Big Story with Christopher Swan, Christopher is literally on a plane, train, or automobile, traveling the USA, uncovering stories from the voices often not heard, crossing boundaries of diversity, differentness, and beliefs. These thought-provoking conversations are with people that have taken chances and carved out uncommon paths. Through th ...
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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 inheren…
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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 …
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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 …
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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 p…
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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 wa…
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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 …
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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, peopl…
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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 sa…
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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 tr…
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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'…
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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 Inst…
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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 s…
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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 …
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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…
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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! ------------------ I’m excited to share a quick update about My Big Story with Christopher Swan. I’ve been working on changes for the show…
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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 yout…
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Bridging Ideas and People Through Meaningful Music with Bobby Jo Valentine + LIVE PERFORMANCE
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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 int…
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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. Instea…
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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 ama…
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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…
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This is Jim Babcock. His name may not be familiar to all. But if you’ve worked for The Walt Disney Company over the last 31 years, you probably know who he is, and have seen him in action. He’s truly loved by many. Jim is well known for hosting events internally to Disney, as well as external events for them and for other organizations. On average,…
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Real-life married couple, Serafina Palandech and Jen Johnson are the founders of Hip Chick Farms. They make organic, transparently sourced, chef-inspired frozen chicken and poultry products that are loved by kids. Their products have no preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, or fillers in their products and the founders care about the animals. This …
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This week, I'm in Hollywood to chat with LA-based singer-songwriter, Michael Barnum. Michael is all in with his music career, releasing his debut EP, Trust, late last year. He’s currently working on new music, and gaining momentum in the LA music scene and with online streaming platforms like Periscope. We recorded this interview in the space where…
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Tyler J. McCall, an entrepreneur and marketer, is helping creatives use Instagram to grow their businesses. Tyler has a fresh perspective to business, admittedly, still figuring it all out. And that’s part of his wisdom and charm. He left a 9-5 job at the YMCA, and he's following his entrepreneurial spirit. If you don’t have it all figured out, you…
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Jeremiah Pauley is a spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project, and a retired US Army Staff Sergeant. In Jeremiah’s current role, he helps to spread stories and information that can help US veterans post the 9/11 era — helping to fulfill the objective of the Wounded Warrior Project. And his stories are routed in his own experiences, including a …
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Elevating Humanity Through Poetry with Natalie Patterson
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I’m in Pasadena, California and I absolutely love my conversation with Natalie Patterson. Natalie is a poet, teaching artist, and the president of the nonprofit, Sister Support, an organization committed to the advancement of women through community, connection, and sisterhood. Natalie is well known for her poetry, sharing it publicly since 2002 wi…
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Pop singer and producer, digital creator, and wildly popular a cappella YouTube artist, Peter Hollens shares his big story. If you’re familiar with him, you already know he regularly churns out music and videos, collaborates with other well known online artists, and is a powerhouse of creativity. That’s everything I knew about him before our interv…
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From Volunteer to Leading a Youth-Based Nonprofit to New Success with Deborah Dalton
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Deborah Dalton is the Executive Director of Mentor Me, a nonprofit that empowers youth in need, by matching them with an adult mentor. Think of it as helping kids achieve more, while keeping them from falling through the cracks, which can be the beginning of a troubled future. Deborah shares a mix of personal and professional growth, along with a l…
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Following a Dream for Happier Rescue Dogs with Sean Sarantos
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Welcome to year two of the show. After a fun year of exploring and growing, I’ve learned so much from my guests and by producing the show. I’ve also continued to explore the areas where I show up, and the things I want to share with the world. All of this has helped me to focus my ideas more, which includes this show. I’m excited to share that star…
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The show is a year old! This episode marks one year for My Big Story (formerly known as Living Your Journey). That is one year of guests, one year of unique, big stories, one year of a ton of advice, one year of celebrating people; our differences and the power of ideas. I’m thankful to all of you because without you, I’d be talking to myself. I’m …
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Toni Purry, longtime public relations (PR) strategist, is adding a new chapter to her story after a lot of soul-searching. Toni has a story that many may resonate with — not loving a career anymore. Maybe you’re not sure why, or you’re feeling depressed or anxious. That was Toni, too. She wasn’t happy running her PR company anymore and she lost her…
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Two Actors Combine Hobbies and Romance to Create a Fun-Loving Brand with the Crafty Lumberjacks
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Andrew Boza and Dennis Setteducati are the Crafty Lumberjacks. This real-life couple has created a fun-loving brand of easy-to-follow craft and DIY projects via their blog, Instagram, and most recently, through a gig with HGTV Handmade. Not only are their ideas and crafts clever, their personalities shine through everything they do, including a big…
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Peter Papas is the founder of Blade + Blue, an American clothing brand founded in San Francisco that specializes in heritage-inspired men’s clothing. Peter has been a long-time leader in fashion design and merchandising, working with global brands ranging from outlet and mass merchandise, to high-end luxury. He’s used his knowledge and experiences,…
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Julian Mather, an Australian native, has a transformative story that underscores his ever-evolving entrepreneurial spirit. For over 25 years he’s told stories as a cameraman for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and prior to that, he was a professional sniper in the Australian Army. Julian has also been a magician; founding Julian’s Magician…
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Jeff Sheldon, founder of Ugmonk, a brand that creates smartly designed apparel, work, and lifestyle products. Jeff’s engaging story includes the start of Ugmonk, where he experimented with an idea to bring to life, high-quality, unique items with a modern aesthetic. By designing just a few t-shirts, to see if they’d sell — a couple of years later, …
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Wade Davis, a former NFL player is helping to educate the world about gender, race, and orientation equality. To share his messages, he’s launched various campaigns and partnered with organizations like the Ms. Foundation, Ebony magazine, the NFL, and Huffington Post Women. He’s also very much focused on highlighting issues that directly impact wom…
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UK-based recording artist Kalon Rae started a solo career in 2016 by releasing his EP The Day That I Was Killed. Of course Kalon is extremely talented. He also as a unique contemporary style, fusing anthemic pop with cinematic, indie and urban influences. When I first heard his music, I knew there was something special about him, and I needed to kn…
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Self Discovery and Meaningful Connections Through Storytelling with Dijon Bowen
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Dijon Bowen is the creative mastermind behind the popular and inspiring Souls of Society — a photography-based community movement. This movement has captured the attention of thousands, and connects its participants in a unique way. Similar at first glance to the Humans of New York project, photos and stories are captured of strangers on the street…
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If you work in marketing or communications, you probably know about Joe Pulizzi, who’s become the ultimate champion of content marketing. Our conversation today is about finding growth, success and most importantly, about Joe’s story. This episode isn’t just for listeners interested in the world of marketing — we talk about finding new ideas, stayi…
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Jared Wright is all things creative. He’s a filmmaker, actor, and the founder of the electro dance pop band, Tiny Pyramids. He’s also the owner of Videobrite Media, a company that tells other people’s stories through film. He offers an insight into his creative world, and offer advice to follow what we love. Jared’s story is a great example of some…
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Loren Murphy has a unique view of the world. After completing a business law degree, he realized his natural attraction toward social media. He started his social media marketing company, Organic Socials (formerly known as Organic Insta), and it’s already become a quick success. Loren has a fresh perspective on work and life, and this conversation …
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How an Exhausted Reality TV Producer Created A New Balance with Henri Hebert
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Henri Hebert is a long time television producer, specializing in reality TV. She’s worked on shows like The X Factor, Biggest Loser, and The Jacksons: Next Generation. Henri talks about the reality of what it’s like in a TV producing career, and how this fueled her need to find a better balance in life. The heart of our conversation is about how sh…
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Today in a special mini-episode, Christopher reveals a few of his 2016 memorable moments from the show and shares what he’s looking forward to expanding in 2017. He wraps up the episode with a new podcast feature. See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE Ins…
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Join Christopher for this bonus story from My Big Story with Christopher Swan as he shares this additional conversation outside of the official interview with past guest Tina Zettel. Tina is the owner of Willow Tree Bakery and a cake decorator known throughout the Sonoma Wine Country. In this brief episode, she shares stories about two cakes that t…
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Christopher interviews longtime friend, Dr. Phil Ricchiazzi, a successful Hollywood-based chiropractor. Dr. Phil (not to be confused with the other Dr. Phil!) provides a whole-person approach to wellness, making his practice unique, not just focusing on symptoms and pain. He digs deeper into each patient’s story, finding the factors that are causin…
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If you’re on Pinterest, you've more than likely interacted with editorial and commercial photographer Bonnie Tsang. TIME magazine recently named Bonnie one of the top 30 Pinterest curators to follow. And it makes sense—she has over 7 million Pinterest followers. Also, if you're on Instagram and love beautiful photography, you may just be one of Bon…
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From Funny Kid to Breakout Storytelling Comedian with Jen Kober
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Comedian, storyteller, and all-around funny woman, Jen Kober seems to be everywhere these days. She’s been touring her stand-up comedy show across the U.S., appearing in various TV shows, like ABC’s The Middle and BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood, and can now be seen in NPR’s Snap Judgement tour. In this conversation, we talk about her life in come…
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Artist Victor Herrera, also known to many as Victor H., paints street-styled art on various mediums such canvas, wood and clothing. He describes his work as whimsical and slightly unnerving—think of much of it as illustrated characters with a spin. It’s also clear that his days painting graffiti on the streets as a kid carried over to his work toda…
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Michael Paul Ziegfeld is an actor, producer and author. But these titles don’t completely reflect Michael’s expansive work and experiences. His variety of opportunities has in fact added to his perspective. Michael has a brilliant way of looking at life and has realized that success is not always what we think it is. Even though he’s been successfu…
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An Impressive Music Career By Doing What She Loves with Janet Robin + LIVE PERFORMANCE
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Musician Janet Robin joins Christopher, for an in-depth interview and a live performance. Janet is a singer and songwriter, but most notably an amazing guitarist. She’s been a successful solo artist for many years and more recently founded The String Revolution. As a child she was taught by the famous heavy metal guitarist Randy Rhoads. Christopher…
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