Best Christopher Swan Podcasts (2024)

1
Changemakers Playground podcast - Episode #14 - CherylAnn Gengel, Be Like Brit 1:08

5y ago1:08

1:08

The organization Be Like Brit was born out of pain and tragedy. Britney Gengel was a college student who went on a missionary trip to Haiti in 2010. While she was there, Haiti suffered a catastrophic earthquake of 7.0 magnitude. For the next 33 days, Britney’s family didn’t know if she was alive, or whether she was one of the 300,000 who died. Sadl…

1
Changemakers Playground - Episode #13 - Raquel Knight 29:25

5y ago29:25

29:25

Racquel Knight – who’s under 30! -- grew up in a small, rural district of Jamaica called Bellevue. Each school day, Racquel and her schoolmates would spend thirty minutes or more trying to find a desk or chair, or fighting over what little furniture was already there. If a chair had three legs, she would be forced to improvise, leaning it against t…

1
Changemakers Playground Episode #12 - Christopher Swan 47:12

5y ago47:12

47:12

Christopher Swan is on a big adventure! He travels around the country, interviewing unique and inspiring people for his podcast, My Big Story with Christopher Swan. In doing so, he’s sharing stories that would otherwise not be heard — stories that celebrate our inherent differences. These thought-provoking conversations are held with people that ha…

1
Changemakers Playground Episode #11 - Give $1/Day 54:08

5y ago54:08

54:08

Give One Dollar a Day was born as a response to needs that several nurses in a Northern CA hospital were seeing on a daily basis ― the need to help families struggling to cope with a child who was seriously ill. The organization’s founders ― Amy, Shauna, and Brie ― discovered that it was too complicated and took too long to try to help these famili…

1
Changemakers Playground Episode #10 - Roots of Music 26:07

5+ y ago26:07

26:07

The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders is a musical group of great fame and critical acclaim ― they’ve marched for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints; they performed for United States President Barack Obama. They’ve played with the Louisiana Philharmonic, and serenaded the inauguration of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. But what makes them really spe…

1
Changemakers Playground #9 - Judy Giovangelo & Ben Speaks 40:19

5+ y ago40:19

40:19

Can you imagine the pain of finding your child, dead? Now imagine the pain of knowing they committed suicide. As a Mom, I'm not sure I could go on after that. But somehow, Judy Giovangelo found the strength to transform the tremendous pain of losing her son Ben to suicide into an organization and a movement to help teens feel good about themselves …

1
Changemakers Playground #8 - Rachel Gorham & the Healing Hands Project 37:35

5+ y ago37:35

37:35

Imagine being homeless. You've got nowhere to sleep, eat or bathe. Now imagine being a homeless woman, trying to negotiate your period. Less than ideal, right? When Rachel Gorham -- a nurse focused on women's health -- moved to Seattle, WA, she noticed the high number of homeless women and started talking to them about what life was like for them. …

1
Changemakers Playground Podcast - Episode #7 - Liz Stookey Sunde 21:49

5+ y ago21:49

21:49

Growing up, Liz Stookey Sunde (daughter of Noel PAUL Stookey, of the famed folk trio, Peter, Paul & Mary) was profoundly influenced by the music her father was playing, the impact he had on audiences across the globe, and the social activism in which he was deeply involved. Liz is carrying on this legacy, combining music and activism as co-founder …

1
Changemakers Playground Podcast - Episode #6 - Hubie Jones 45:12

5+ y ago45:12

45:12

Wow. What can I say about Hubie? He started his career as a Changemaker in his 20s. Has been involved with the creation of more than 100 nonprofits (including City Year!) who do ground-breaking work. Has served as Dean of Boston University School of Social Work. Worked with mayors, governors, presidents. And at 86, is still at it! Listen to this ep…

1
Changemakers Playground Podcast - Episode #5 - Julia Saluck 39:21

5+ y ago39:21

39:21

Julia Saluck is only in high school, but is already making a world of difference -- literally! Each year, Julia travels to a different developing country to build a classroom for the area children, who have no place to attend school. She raises every penny she needs to make this trip, and gives up her spring break to do sweat-inducing, back-breakin…

1
Changemakers Playground Podcast - Episode #4 - Dan Holguin 2:01:23

5+ y ago2:01:23

2:01:23

After finding his coach, mentor and father-figure dead, Dan Holguin's life headed in a downward spiral, costing him his job, his relationship, his truck and his home. Dan is now an American Ninja Warrior contestant and has been named one of the best fitness coaches in Montana for the past few years. Tune in to this episode of the Changemakers Playg…

1
Artist Pamela Talese talks to Michael Miller about her recent exhibition, The Third Rome: Allegorical Landscapes of the Modern City, at the Robert Simon Fine Art, Nov.-Dec. 2018 19:47

5+ y ago19:47

19:47

The distinguished old master dealer, Robert Simon, held his first exhibition of a contemporary artist this past November and December. Entitled The Third Rome : Allegorical Landscapes of the Modern City, it was devoted to the current work of Pamela Talese, a Brooklyn-based painter known for her haunting views of gritty industrial sites around the N…

1
Changemakers Playground Podcast - Episode 3 - Sarah Jenks 32:47

5+ y ago32:47

32:47

For years (and years and years!), Sarah Jenks struggled with her body. Her weight. Her appearance. Having gone through her own transformation, Sarah now helps women around the world come home to themselves. Listen in to learn all about Sarah, her journey, and about how you too can come home to yourself!…

1
Changemakers Playground Podcast - Episode #2 - Simon Eber 20:02

5+ y ago20:02

20:02

From the age of 13, Simon Eber has been working hard to make a difference in the lives of Worcester, MA youth. Founder and Kid President of Simon Says Give - Worcester, Simon gives out backpacks stuffed with school supplies to hundreds of graduating 6th graders so they can start middle school on the right foot. He also throws and delivers birthday …

1
Changemakers Playground Episode 1 - Maggie Dunne 38:15

6y ago38:15

38:15

At age 17, Maggie Dunne made her first trip to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She was so brokenhearted by what she saw. Determined to do something to make life on the reservation easier, Maggie returned to Pine Ridge and established Lakota Children's Enrichment, a non-profit developed to empower Lakota youth. Tune in to learn about Mag…

1
My Big Story with Christopher Swan Trailer 3:46

6y ago3:46

3:46

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…

1
Why Our Big Stories Matter with Christopher Swan & Katie Swan 34:07

6y ago34:07

34:07

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 …

1
Making the World More Accessible with Kevan Chandler 32:48

6+ y ago32:48

32:48

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 …

1
It's Okay to Talk About Sex (and Pelvic Health) with Dr. Uchenna Ossai 34:27

6+ y ago34:27

34:27

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…

1
Expanding Intentional Kindness with Wendi Gilbert 31:50

6+ y ago31:50

31:50

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…

1
Living with Body Positivity and Style with Bruce Sturgell 37:06

6+ y ago37:06

37:06

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 …

1
Inspiring Young People to Make a Difference, One Lawn at a Time with Rodney Smith, Jr. 27:34

6+ y ago27:34

27:34

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…

1
Thriving Through Life with Suzanne Whang 31:27

6+ y ago31:27

31:27

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…

1
A Journey to Find Hygge, Denmark's Secret to Happiness with 12 Stars Media 41:50

6+ y ago41:50

41:50

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…

1
Connecting Local Communities with Ramin Rahimian 33:44

6+ y ago33:44

33:44

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'…

1
Defined by Food and Purpose with Dustin Harder 36:42

6+ y ago36:42

36:42

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…

1
An Unexpected NYC Adventure with the Crafty Lumberjacks and My Uber Driver 33:17

6+ y ago33:17

33:17

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…

1
A Day on the Farm in Los Angeles with Karen Snook 35:24

6+ y ago35:24

35:24

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 …

1
Inbal Segev talks to Michael Miller about Christopher Rouse’s Cello Concerto, Coming Up February 10 and 11th at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s New Music Festival ... 12:33

6+ y ago12:33

12:33

Last month I had the pleasure of chatting with Inbal Segev, a young cellist from Israel, who has been making a mark in contemporary music and the classics. She was discovered by Isaac Stern as a high school student in Israel, and he arranged for her to come the United States to study at Yale and Juilliard. On this occasion we talked about her upcom…

1
A Transition to a Courageous Life with Mandi Camille Hauwert 36:52

6+ y ago36:52

36:52

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…

1
Paavali Jumppanen, Pianist, Talks to Michael Miller before his Recital at the Frick Collection, Sunday, October 8, at 5 pm. 47:23

7y ago47:23

47:23

I'm very pleased to present this interview with Paavali Jumppanen, who will be playing a recital at the Frick Collection this coming Sunday, October 7, 2017, at 5 pm. He will play works by three composers he has studied in particular depth over many years: Beethoven, Debussy, and the William Duckworth (1943-2012). The post Paavali Jumppanen, Pianis…

1
An Exciting Show Update Coming to Season 2 in January 2018 3:44

7y ago3:44

3:44

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…

1
From Refugee to Nonprofit Youth Advocate with Daniel Trust 29:17

7y ago29:17

29:17

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…

1
Bridging Ideas and People Through Meaningful Music with Bobby Jo Valentine + LIVE PERFORMANCE 44:47

7y ago44:47

44:47

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…

1
Three Unique Women Share Stories of Living Intentionally 42:41

7y ago42:41

42:41

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…

1
Rooftop Parties that Radiate Love and Hope with Mary Davis 43:21

7+ y ago43:21

43:21

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…

1
David Curtis, Music Director of the Orchestra of the Swan, talks to Michael Miller 40:24

7+ y ago40:24

40:24

ome months ago New Yorkers enjoyed an opportunity to hear a gifted young American pianist, Thomas Nickell play Mozart's Concerto in A Major, K. 414 and a new concerto by a living English composer, David Matthews, supported by a splendid chamber orchestra in the best English tradition, The Orchestra of the Swan, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, conduct…

1
Feeding a Community with Food and Relationships with Sarah’s Eats and Sweets 43:49

7+ y ago43:49

43:49

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…

1
Leaning into Opportunity to Create a Dream Disney Career with Jim Babcock 30:54

7+ y ago30:54

30:54

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,…

1
New Ideas and Resilience Created Products People Love with Hip Chick Farms 51:07

7+ y ago51:07

51:07

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 …

1
Creating a Music Career by Being True to What He Loves with Michael Barnum 41:17

7+ y ago41:17

41:17

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…

1
Pursuing A Dream by Helping Other Entrepreneurs with Tyler J. McCall 37:20

7+ y ago37:20

37:20

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…

1
Sharing A Unique Army Story to Help Others with Jeremiah Pauley 47:44

7+ y ago47:44

47:44

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 …

1
Elevating Humanity Through Poetry with Natalie Patterson 1:03:45

7+ y ago1:03:45

1:03:45

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…

1
A Cappella YouTube Artist Fuels His Dream and the Creator Revolution with Peter Hollens 51:28

7+ y ago51:28

51:28

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…

1
From Volunteer to Leading a Youth-Based Nonprofit to New Success with Deborah Dalton 1:02:18

7+ y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

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…

1
Following a Dream for Happier Rescue Dogs with Sean Sarantos 1:06:06

7+ y ago1:06:06

1:06:06

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…

1
Uniting Teenagers Across the World to Solve Social Justice Issues with Valerie Weisler 45:00

7+ y ago45:00

45:00

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 …

1
Using Experience and Inspiration to Grow with Confidence with Toni Purry 36:18

7+ y ago36:18

36:18

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…

1
Two Actors Combine Hobbies and Romance to Create a Fun-Loving Brand with the Crafty Lumberjacks 48:18

7+ y ago48:18

48:18

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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Christopher Swan Podcasts

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