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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: June, 2017
Jun 27, 2017

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 christopher@christopherswan.info, or leave me a voicemail at 1-707-347-9312.

 

Learn more about this episode at MyBigStory.show 

 

 

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AwesomeFinds.info (Christopher's newsletter)
Jun 20, 2017

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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Jun 13, 2017

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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Jun 6, 2017

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, he hosts and presents 100 events a year. That's a lot of events. But the funny thing, hosting events hasn’t been Jim's full time career at Disney. He does much of this in addition to his job.

Jim has a fascinating story of leaning into opportunities, taking risks, and becoming closely associated with the Disney brand for thousands of cast members. From selling candy on Main Street in Disneyland, to regularly hosting events with Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, to co-hosting a shopping program on TV selling Mickey Mouse watches, Jim has created a career and life he loves, all while working for the mouse.

Jim is also in a new phase of life, placing more focus on his passions and exploring additional adventures. This is a great conversation about staying open to opportunities and pursuing the things that spark your imagination. Plus, if you want a unique look into Disney, this would be it.

This conversation was a real treat for me, as I’ve known Jim for years. In fact, I met Jim on my second day on the job for Disney after moving to Los Angeles. It’s been amazing to see him grow over the years, and now, to share his story here.

 

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


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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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