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My Big Story with Christopher Swan

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 these interviews and stories Christopher discovers dreams, ideas, and truths — and in turn, his big story unfolds — to create a world where everyone belongs.
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Now displaying: May, 2017
May 30, 2017

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 is more than just a product. It’s a different way of doing business.

This family company had humble beginnings a few years ago, while facing huge challenges just two years in, that would make most people quit the business. Now they’re doing great, expanding business in new ways and in new regions, and literally impacting an entire industry.

Serafina and Jen invited me to their farm in Sebastopol, CA, located in the Sonoma Wine Country. It was a perfect setting, to truly see how animals are part of their everyday life. And just wait until you hear the variety of animals they have at their home.

In our conversation, we discuss why this couple created a chicken company, the challenges and what got them through them, how their local community played a large role in learning the business, the evolving purpose of their company, discrimination and visibility, and loads more.

Both Jen and Serafina are smart and driven, and they’re also full of charm — and this easily comes through in the interview. We laugh a lot, and it just flows. I had so much fun getting to know them, and think you’ll really enjoy this interview.

 

See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show


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May 23, 2017

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 Michael recorded his EP, high up in the Hollywood Hills. It seemed fitting to tell his story at the birthplace of his recording artist career.


Michael is full of determination and persistence to see his dreams become reality. And he’s doing it by being true to what he loves, and by creating an engaged community of fans. It’s also easy to see Michael’s passion and smarts in everything he does.


This story is a real look at creating an independent music career now, in the age of social media and online creators. Michael is extremely talented, has real life experiences to share with other creatives, and he's working hard for it.

 

Michael Performs Live After the Interview

After you’re done listening to this episode, check out the exclusive live performance of Michael’s latest single, Universe that I recorded.

 

See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show


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May 16, 2017

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, your passion or career, this is a good episode for you. Because you’ll hear from someone who is making his business happen, successfully, and with honesty. The perspective you’ll hear is different than the, air quote, guru, ninja, or the, make loads of money quick ‘schpiel’ we often see online. This is a smart guy, sharing his knowledge, and pursuing a life he wants.

Lastly, everyone hears me say great things about my guests. And it’s all true. But here’s the thing about Tyler — his community says amazing things about him daily. Just look at the comments in his Instagram feed or in his Facebook group. People really do love connecting with him.

 

See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show


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May 9, 2017

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 life-changing event in Iraq, and how he found new meaning, or rather, his new why, after leaving the army.

That’s exactly why I wanted to talk to Jeremiah. He’s not just pushing PR for his organization. He’s talking about real experiences — the reality of depression, feeling lost, and how he found his way out of it.

We talk about Jeremiah’s story, the events in Iraq, his dark times, what it really means to look for work as a civilian with only army experience, and he offers some practical advice. After this conversation, I have an entirely new insight to a world I didn’t know a lot about, and a new perspective for individuals creating a life after their service.

I think you’ll learn something new from him, information that can even be applied to a life outside of the military. 

 

See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show


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May 2, 2017

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 with many adventures including slam poetry, working with Da Poetry Lounge, starring in a very popular SoulPancake series, and being hired by companies like Sephora.

She speaks about important ideas and issues, like bias, including gender and ethnicity, culture, body image, empowerment — and she’s eager to help us grow, to see past our blind spots.

Something unique to Natalie, she translates her ideas and poetry into tangible action by leading the nonprofit Sister Support, with programs to empower women and change narratives, and recently an opportunity to help Syrian Refugees.

Gain a new perspective and learn why change, advocates, and poetry are all needed in our world.

 

See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show


JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE
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ChristopherSwan.info


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LOVE THE SHOW?
Tell a friend (literally, go text them right now!), and then give me an awesome rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. This helps others find the show too!

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