iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Relocated to Sacramento after 11 years in Petaluma. Leaving that home and community was genuinely heartbreaking, but we made the leap. Now living in that specific purgatory where everything is in boxes, though Zoe loves the yard. Locals: send quiet bakery and walking path favorites.

Christopher, Rob, and their dog Zoe sitting close together on the grass in a sunny backyard lawn, smiling warmly toward the camera on move-in day.

Christopher standing in an empty, unfurnished Petaluma living room, looking somber and reflective during the final move-out.

Murphy the cat nestled amid a sea of crumpled brown packing paper inside an unpacked moving area, with just his head and ears peeking out.

270

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Running client calls while pretending there isn’t a small fortress of things quietly assembling itself behind my desk. If I don’t turn around, it isn’t real.

1110

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Here we observe the creature in its natural habitat, utterly transfixed by a freshly scavenged cinnamon roll beside the riverbank. Notice the reverence in the eyes. Truly a majestic display.

Christopher, a man with glasses, short graying hair, and a trimmed beard, looking down with an amused, reverent expression at an oversized, iced cinnamon roll he is holding on a blue plate, with a rushing mountain stream and lush trees in the background.

0110

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Give me big skies, running water, and an uphill trail to explore, and I am completely in my element. Thanks Wyoming.

A smiling man wearing dark-rimmed glasses, a light blue cap, a blue shirt, and a blue backpack poses for a selfie in front of a cascading mountain stream surrounded by evergreen trees and rocky boulders.

0200

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Working remotely from Wyoming this week, which means after I close the laptop, I go find a canyon ridge to hike. Highly recommend getting out in the world, especially this week. We all need it!

A smiling man wearing dark-rimmed glasses, a gray Patagonia shirt, and a faded blue cap takes an outdoor selfie from a high rock ledge overlooking a vast pine-covered canyon and rugged rock cliffs under an overcast sky.

1230

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Decided to stop fighting reality and admit that cinnamon rolls are officially a permanent part of my personality now. Japanese milk bread with buttermilk cream cheese frosting. Delicious, but my search for the all-time favorite continues.

Smiling man with glasses holding a light blue plate topped with a large icing-covered cinnamon roll up close, sharing a cheerful moment.

190

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

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.

070

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

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.

0100

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

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.

390

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

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.

090

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

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.

0150

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Who knew that a YouTube reaction video would emotionally ambush me? Watching a reaction to "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," the creator shared a raw, tearful outro — pouring out beautiful support for anyone hiding secrets, as I cried along with her. People still surprise me in the best ways.

010

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

With travel and hosting family and friends this month, we're missing all of the local Pride experiences, even the ones in the cities around us. I'm glad for the fun month, but bummed we're missing the community events. 😔🏳️‍🌈

060

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

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.

690

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

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.

0170

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

I'm in bed by 9 pm and it's wonderful. Exhausted tonight so this is needed, but early in bed each night is sounding better and better.

050

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Left my heart in Mexico City, but unfortunately brought their most infamous gastrointestinal souvenir back with me. Pros of being home: bland food and a bidet.

250

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

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

2181

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

This fella gets my vote for CA governor.

060

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

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.

1221

Reposted by Christopher J. Swan

Pariah Carey ✨ @jinthepnw.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Tomorrow isn’t promised. Send that risky text today.

0316

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

My therapist told me today, we are human beings, not human doers. That stopped me in my tracks. Most of my existence is based on doing, especially for others. 🤔

3140

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

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

0361

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

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.

5520

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

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

1290

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Between the primary doctor, X-rays, the orthopedic surgeon referral, and the Village Network board update, everyone wants a piece of me today. The radiologist was the only one with the decency to actually look inside. My skeleton is fully booked.

040

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Four weeks back to lifting. 🏋️‍♂️ It turns out, moving heavy objects repeatedly actually works. Who knew? I am seeing the difference and feeling like myself again. Just in time to face the summer wardrobe requirements. My future self and my t-shirts say thank you. #GarageGym #PickingThingsUp #LookAtMeGo

070

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

I have decided to treat Monday as a rumor rather than a deadline. AKA, denial. Yes, I am technically sitting at my desk. Yes, there are docs open. But in my head? I am on the sofa, watching 90s rom coms. I am not working. I am engaging in professional cosplay until the day ends. 💅 #SundayScaries

media.tenor.com

a woman is using a laptop computer in a bedroom .

ALT: a woman is using a laptop computer in a bedroom .

040

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Me: I should probably watch something new. The Internet: Here are 500 clips of Catherine O’Hara pronouncing ‘bebe’. Fine. You win. I'll do a full rewatch. It’s not procrastination if it’s a cultural tribute, right? #SchittsCreek #MoiraRose #ComfortWatch #CatherineOHara

290

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

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

1170

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

I’ve wondered the same thing. I suspect it’s the former for me.

190

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

There’s a temptation to think joy is "frivolous" right now. I reject that. Queer history teaches us the dance floor was as vital as the protest line. Joy isn't a betrayal of the struggle, it's the very thing we are struggling for. Don't starve yourself of light. #QueerJoy #GenX #Resilience

190

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

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.

0240

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

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.

0270

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

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

1131

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

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

170

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

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.

2260

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Watching #HeatedRivalry press highlights the "Default vs. Genre" problem. We say "Gay Love Story" but never "Straight Love Story." One is treated as the standard, the other as a sub-category. True equality is when the adjective disappears. Or do labels help? #Storytelling #Representation #LGBTQ

050

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

While the internet is dark in Iran, stories are the only signal we have. I'm re-visiting "Darius the Great is Not Okay." It’s a vital reminder of the people, the culture, and the beauty that is currently under siege. Witnessing is active work. Don't look away. #Iran #WomanLifeFreedom #FreeIran

010

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

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.

0100

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

This text I received from a friend made my night: “I want to tell you how much joy it brings me to see you back behind the microphone and out doing what I know you love ❤️ Keep going!” #podcast #storytelling

080

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

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

140

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

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.

1180

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Attending a funeral today. Not the way the year should end for anyone. So much loss over the last two years. I’m glad I’m here to support my friend.

050

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Until the #StrangerThings finale arrives, I’m starting a rewatch of #Firefly. It’s like a comfy blanket and hanging with friends.

030

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

While I am ready for things to slow down, I am cranking out PR pitches, scheduling interviews, working a contract gig and still trying to get ready for Christmas. I am so ready for a long break. Anyone else? #toobusy #holidaybreak

140

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

I saw Rental Family last night. It was thoughtful, endearing, quiet, expressive and definitely worth the time. Even the row of children (yes, kids at this movie) sat quietly the entire time. I guess we all enjoyed it. #movies

070

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

While folks are getting into the holiday spirit, I just wanna watch LOTR. Anyone else? #LOTR #holidays #comfortmovies

140

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

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.

1281

Christopher J. Swan @christopherjswan.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Morning plans postponed. So I made buttermilk, lemon blueberry pancakes and bacon for brekky on a drizzly, grey Sunday morning. Delicious and hit the spot.

1100