Christopher J. Swan

@christopherjswan

Host: My Big Story with Christopher Swan 🎙️ Season 3 coming early 2026 📝 Field Notes & Audio Storytelling 🌈 Championing underrepresented voices 💼 Founder @differentnessco

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Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· 5d

Reconnected over dinner with my past podcast guest Mandi last week. Three hours of non-stop catching up later, my creative tank is completely refueled. Nothing beats real human connection for getting inspired.

Two smiling adults take a selfie under colorful papel picado banners in a festive indoor setting, one wearing glasses and a striped shirt, the other in a blue top with a pink bag strap.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· 10d

Drove out to the coast last weekend to escape the heat wave inland, and the temperature dropped 20 degrees the second we hit the bluffs. Northern California weather can be wild, but I’m definitely not complaining about this version of it.

Outdoor selfie of Christopher, a man with a trimmed beard, glasses, and a smiling face, wearing a purple v-neck t-shirt and a dark blue cap with a mountain patch. He stands on a bluff overlooking a vast, sunlit blue ocean with whitecaps under a bright, clear sky.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· 19d

San Francisco hills do not care about your lack of desire to tackle another hill. Doing cardio while letting the city remind me why steep inclines build character (and legs). And I rewarded myself immediately after this was taken. As one should.

A full-length outdoor portrait of Christopher standing in the middle of a wide, tiled public staircase in San Francisco. He is smiling at the camera, wearing a medium blue t-shirt, dark grey pants, white sneakers, a dark baseball cap, and dark-framed glasses, carrying a backpack. The long concrete stairs stretch far down into the distance behind him toward a tree-lined neighborhood and city hills under a bright blue sky.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· 26d

Went with my friend Curt to see TJ Klune speak and picked up We Burned So Bright. It is 176 pages. I'm genuinely loving every word of it. Yet somehow, life has made sure it's taking me roughly four months to finish. Anyone else currently reading at a glacial pace lately? Just me?!

Close-up selfie of two smiling men holding up copies of the book "We Burned So Bright" by TJ Klune inside a crowded venue.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jul 14

We've been taking Zoe on trail hikes recently to build her confidence, and she loved it. I also made a brilliant tactical discovery — steep hills are the ultimate off-switch for her pulling. Once she tackles a tough incline, the sled-dog energy completely vanishes. Love that for me.

A sunny, close-up selfie of two smiling men and their dog on a sandy dirt hiking trail under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. On the left, a man wearing a gray "Wander" baseball cap and sunglasses crouches down next to a happy, medium-sized tan and black dog with her tongue sticking out. On the right, a man wearing colorful, rainbow-reflective sunglasses, a wide-brim straw hat, and a Pride tank top smiles warmly at the camera.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jun 22

Whether you're into horror or feet, this pic is for you. It's me after power washing for hours yesterday and forgetting sunscreen on my very white feet.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jun 18

Went to Mexico City to explore a major city. Instead, I got completely overwhelmed by world-class murals and intensely vivid folk art. If art were a competitive sport, CDMX would be holding a permanent gold medal. 10/10, highly recommend.

A full-body shot of Christopher J. Swan sitting cross-legged on a polished dark floor in a museum gallery. He is smiling and looking directly at the camera, wearing glasses, a dark blue knit shirt, and khaki pants. He is centered in front of a sprawling, multi-tiered white display designed to look like rolling hills and mountains under a stylized sun. The display is filled with dozens of brightly colored, intricately detailed alebrijes sculptures of mythical creatures, dragons, and animals, creating a stark and vivid contrast against the all-white room and backdrop.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jun 11

Been in Mexico City for a while. Lots of experiences and sights. Here's one and it was breathtaking, literally.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Apr 14

It's been tough to get back to my standard rhythm in the gym for a while, but today I pushed into new weights and I'm feeling good. I will now be accepting applause and compliments.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Mar 14

Spring is coming and this cold of mine is finally leaving.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Feb 26

Very much. Also, here are pics of my critters.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Feb 25

I was going to post a deep thought on podcast and storytelling, but please accept this rare garage gym check-in instead. Trying to lean down and build muscle at 53 requires military-level planning, so I am documenting the evidence. I am now accepting compliments in lieu of carbohydrates.

A mirror selfie captures a man with a trimmed beard and a baseball cap standing in a home gym. He is lifting his gray t-shirt to show his abdominal muscles and chest. He is wearing light gray drawstring sweatshorts and a white and black smartwatch. In his hand, he holds a smartphone with a vibrant, striped case in shades of blue, red, orange, and yellow. The background shows a workout space with a weight rack, dumbbells, and an electrical panel on the wall.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Feb 19

Please respect my highly capable desk era. I am crushing the day job and ignoring a striking shoulder — all while mapping out podcast story arcs in my head. Thank gosh the experts handle the actual technical edits. Enjoy this selfie of me holding it all together. #CreativeProcess

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Feb 3

After a not so restful weekend, I don’t feel rested for this workout. But here we go anyway. Hoping I surprise myself and this music hits. #garagegym #gymtime #getfit

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 26

My home is in stealth mode (partner works nights). It triggers a muscle memory of when we — the gays — had to hide to survive. The US Government wants us back in the dark. But we know this playbook. Silence isn't a retreat. It's the deep breath before the scream. #Resistance #UseYourVoice

A man with a light-brown beard and glasses looking slightly past the camera with a series face. He is wearing a dark, quilted Patagonia puffer jacket and a navy blue baseball cap featuring a leather patch with three pine trees. He has a white earbud in his right ear. The photo is taken outdoors on a sunny day with a shallow depth of field, blurring the residential street and bare trees in the background.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 22

Another session in the books. It’s good to be back in my gym and focusing on my health. #GetFit #GarageGym #GayFit #QueerJoy #GenX #MensHealth #Resilience

A mirror selfie captures a man with a light-brown beard and mustache, smiling softly while standing in a home gym or garage. He is wearing a navy blue sleeveless pocket tee and light gray sweatpants, holding a smartphone with a vibrant, horizontally striped case in warm tones of red, orange, and yellow. The room is filled with fitness equipment, including a weight bench, racks of dumbbells, resistance bands, and a bicycle. The space has a utilitarian feel with exposed concrete walls and an electrical panel in the background.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 19

Reading Aristotle and Dante at 53 hits differently than it would have at 15. Back then, I would have read it as a fantasy. Now, I read it as a reminder of what’s possible when we actually learn to speak to each other. #QueerLit #GenX #Storytelling #Growth

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 18

That crunch of dry leaves instantly resets my brain to "Childhood Mode." It takes me right back to walking to school, kicking through piles on the sidewalk. Do you have a sensory trigger that makes you feel like a kid again? #Nostalgia #SundayReset #SlowLiving #FieldNotes #Nature

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 16

Found this from last summer. Grief adds a "winter weight" with and without food, but the urge to get back in the garage gym is finally here. Reclaiming the body is usually a step in the creative comeback. 🏋️‍♂️ #QueerJoy #GymSelfie #QueerSky #Resilience #GenX #SelfCare #FitnessJourney #MentalHealth

A color selfie of a man with light eyes, a trimmed beard, and a mustache, smiling gently at the camera. He is wearing a dark blue baseball cap and a light blue sleeveless tank top featuring a whimsical illustration of a bearded "merman" with a colorful rainbow tail. He is reclining on a light blue outdoor cushion with one arm raised behind his head, posing against a neutral-colored paneled wall.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 11

Spotted this on the wall at my salon. "Graffiti keeps rent low. Keep that sh*t up." A valid economic theory? Discuss. #Art #StreetArt #Housing #SundayThoughts

A diamond-shaped yellow pedestrian crossing sign mounted on a gray concrete wall. The black silhouette of the walking person has been modified to appear as if it is holding a large, red spray paint can. The can has white text that reads, "GRAFFITI KEEPS RENT LOW KEEP THAT SHIT UP!". Below the sign, there are business cards and several white pump bottles on a counter.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 5

Field Note: Spotted in Petaluma: A "Rock Snake" asking strangers to help it grow. I’ve been thinking about community this week. Whether it's at a funeral or on a sidewalk, connection is just about showing up and adding your stone to the line. #FieldNotes #Petaluma #Storytelling

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Jan 4

I’m skipping the 2025 highlight reel. After losing six people in two years, grief didn't reset with the calendar. But my lens has shifted and I see the world differently. So I'm reporting on it and I'm calling it "Field Notes." #grief #storytelling #fieldnotes

A black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with a beard and glasses, looking off to the side with a thoughtful expression. He is wearing a dark, textured zip-up jacket over a button-down shirt. The background is a soft-focus outdoor garden setting with trees and plants.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Nov 28

That’s how I felt on Wednesday.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Nov 25

Pausing the holiday prep to share some joy. Pouring my energy into building @differentnessco.bsky.social & recording the new season of My Big Story with Christopher Swan. Chasing that public radio aesthetic — high-end polish, kitchen table vibe. Grateful to be back. #DifferentnessCo #Storytelling

Christopher Swan (left) and a guest sitting at a wooden dining table, smiling at the camera from behind professional broadcast microphones. The table is covered with headphones and cables, capturing a professional yet intimate kitchen-table recording session.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Nov 12

Caught some views today, before the storm rolls in.

A dramatic landscape photo captures a wide, shallow body of water reflecting the bright sun and a heavily clouded sky. The foreground consists of dry, cracked mud flats and low-lying, reddish-brown marsh grasses. In the midground, the still water reflects the bright sunlight, with rolling hills and distant terrain visible along the horizon under the cloudy sky. The overall scene suggests a coastal or estuarine wetland under dynamic weather conditions.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Oct 31

I added more variety this year for the trick-or-treaters. I’ve include full size candies, snack items and toys. Each kid gets to choose two items. This way kids get things they really want and works around food allergies. #halloween

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Sep 29

Acquired my flu and Covid vaccines and now just waiting for my superpowers to install.

A man with a graying beard, dark-rimmed glasses, and a dark t-shirt is taking a selfie indoors. He is smiling and has two bandages, visible on his left upper arm, suggesting he has recently received injections. He is wearing a black smartwatch with a white patterned band on his left wrist. In the background, two framed abstract artworks with black shapes on a white background are visible on a light yellow wall.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Sep 23

Making an upgrade to the bathroom. But now a question: who wrote the copy on the bidet box and what surprises will I uncover?!

A hand holds the side of a white box for a SAMODRA Ultra-Slim Bidet. A portion of a white toilet seat is visible on the far left. The box features the slogan, "Uncover surprises, embrace the joy, and realize that the pursuit of a better life never stops!" The background is a blurry indoor setting with wood flooring.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Sep 12

At the salon and unfortunately for my stylist, he asked how I was and I accidentally vented about my life. It’s not been super easy lately. I guess I needed to get that out. But so much for being an easy client today. At least I’ll look and feel good afterwards. #lookwhospretty

A man with a beard and mustache is taking a selfie in a salon. He is sitting in a classic salon chair, wearing a black cape, and has his hair wrapped in foil for a coloring treatment. He is looking at the camera with a neutral expression. In the background, there is a painting of a flame on the wall, another barber chair, and a doorway leading to the outside.

Christopher J. Swan@christopherjswan· Sep 4

Many of you are excited for October because of spooky season. Sure that’s fun but I’m excited for this.