My Big Story With Christopher Swan

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 a

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

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 In

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 epi

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 t

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 wor

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 interview. Here’s what most may not know about Peter: He’s also a pivotal digital influencer and business-minded artist. In the creator revolution that we’re in, he’s not only mastering how to succeed in the social media and digital platforms, but he’s also advising companies like YouTube and Patreon, and teaching other creatives how to navigate their careers in these spaces. This conversation is definitely like going behind the business of an online music and YouTube career. Get to know Peter differently, and welcome to the life of making a creative career online.    See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHI

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 look into Mentor Me’s story. Combining both stories makes a lot of sense, as they're deeply intertwined. We talk about the role of Mentor Me in the community, how it works, why it matters, and its future growth. As Deborah shares her own story, it’s almost like going behind-the-scenes of leading a nonprofit, from starting at Mentor Me as a volunteer, to learning her way into the leadership role, and to acknowledging her purpose along the journey. I found it so refreshing to hear Deborah share an important truth - she doesn’t have all of the answers. And that’s true for all of us.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVEN

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 starting with year two, I’ve changed the name of the show. Living Your Journey with Christopher Swan is now My Big Story with Christopher Swan. I realized that ‘story’ was the key ingredient in so many things that I do and share. Also, guests are really sharing their big stories when they are on the show. As much as I enjoyed the journey, story gives us a little room to stretch for special conversations, and in the end, connects better to what I’m already sharing. The show isn’t really changing. It still has the same focus with guests that are living a life they love that we can learn from. What you will see that is different, is our name, our look, and our music. So ye

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 excited for year two, and starting next week, I’ll be sharing a few changes to the show, that will better connect the show to everything else I'm doing — to tell a better story.   About this Episode Valerie Weisler is the founder of The Validation Project, originally created to help children being bullied in school, to now an international organization that unites teenagers in 105 countries to solve social justice issues. This sounds amazing, and it really is, but there is another ingredient that makes this story even more interesting. Val started The Validation Project when she was fourteen years old, when she was being bullied in school herself. Now at nineteen, s

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 self-confidence along the way. After a chance moment of inspiration, she started on a process to help herself reflect on her past experiences and to gain her confidence back — keys to finding her next step, and career. The interesting thing is that Toni found something she wasn’t looking for; a way to help other people reflect on their own journey, and be their own cheerleader, with the process she created for herself.    See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE Instagram Twitter Facebook ChristopherSwan.info GET MORE STORIES, INSPIRATION, IDEAS, AND MY BIG STORY UPDA

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 dose of positivity and happiness. In the chat today, we talk about Crafty Lumberjacks — the brand, business momentum, and how they’re feeling their way through much of it. Another important point of our conversation is their focus on their other careers — stage actors in New York City. They’re feeding their own business while still pursuing an entertainment career. This was an honest conversation of still figuring out how things are going to work, with some lessons learned, and a big focus on being yourself, to love what you do, and to better connect with your fans.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & S

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, along with his dream, to create something different — to launch Blade + Blue in 2013. Peter shares his inspiration and reason for starting this company, how he’s put in the hard work to create a brand that continues to find fans around the world, and what’s next in his story. We also discuss his unique approach to marketing, style, and how he connects Blade + Blue to LGBTQ organizations and movements that are meaningful to Peter. He even peppers in sound advice for anyone ready to tackle their dreams.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE Instagram Twitter Facebook

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 School and creating an immense online community. When bridged together, this diverse background of experiences has helped Julian master his skills and now enables him to power his next adventure. Julian is exploring ways to help people with change; going through change — something he clearly knows a lot about. He’s practically a king of reinvention, and knows how to make it work. Julian has this fascinating story of adventures, exploration, and he continues to keep discovering. He’s also a terrific guy, and it’s easy to love his can do attitude and DIY approach to learning whatever he’s interested in.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show

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, he’s working on this experiment full time now, running a well-loved company and brand for nine years. We talk through Jeff’s story from a designer to a business owner, with highlights like adding a social good element to his business; why Jeff is so transparent with his followers; starting a family and balancing work-life; and the things that hold him back. Jeff appears to be an average guy who is experimenting, learning, and enjoying his story. Of course he is clearly talented — creating wonderful products. But he’s also proof that we can follow a dream, do what we love, and also goes to show us, nice guys actually do win.   See more about this episode and the show

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 women and girls. We talk about the why and the how behind Wade's story, and the impact he’s hoping to make. Wade went from playing for the NFL, to coming out publicly as a gay man, to advocating for the LGBTQ community, to broadening his influence to gender and race equality. Wade shares personal stories and a deeper look into his purpose to help others. I really resonate with Wade’s efforts, as the topics he’s challenging are also important to me. Knowing that equality is top-of-mind for so many of us, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation — and you’ll even hear some advice about pursuing your own truth.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show

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 know more. Kalon has a rich background of musical experiences. He was part of a well-known vocal choir called Urban Voices Collective, leading them as the music director. This group performed at prominent events, including the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Kalon has also worked a lot of top musical artists, expanding his artistic influence in new ways. Kalon is all about determination, pursuing his dreams toward what he loves, and doing it his way.   **This show was previously titled Living Your Journey**   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE

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, but this goes a bit further, using storytelling to increase compassion, empathy, and spiritual awareness, making connections within our society. Dijon explains it all, how it started in San Francisco, why this movement matters, the expansion to other cities, and Dijon’s hope for Souls. In addition to Souls of Society, Dijon also makes films and music, most notably co-founding the band Indigo Keys with a debut album that was just released last year. Dijon shares his depth, spirituality, and meaning that drives his projects. He thoughtfully shares the HOWS and the WHYS of his work, and what’s next for him.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.sh

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, staying energized, Joe’s advice for those out chasing their own dreams, and even why Joe co-founded a foundation to help children with speech disorders. It’s noteworthy to mention, Joe started the wildly successful Content Marketing Institute, leads the largest content marketing conference in the world, hosts two podcasts, has authored multiple books, and regularly speaks to global audiences. No matter your career or story, Joe is a great guy to know.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE Instagram Twitter Facebook ChristopherSwan.info GET MORE STORIES, INSPIRATION, IDE

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 someone who finds a way to do what he loves, no matter the circumstance.   See more about this episode and the show at: MyBigStory.show JOIN CHRISTOPHER’S ADVENTURE & SEE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PICS, FUN AND MORE Instagram Twitter Facebook 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!