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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: April, 2018
Apr 17, 2018

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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Apr 3, 2018

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


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


GET MORE STORIES, INSPIRATION, IDEAS, AND MY BIG STORY UPDATES
Subscribe to Christopher’s newsletter: Be Inspired


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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