In this heart-centered episode of Simply Satisfied, Greg Danielson sits down with Kristan Swan for a conversation that feels like a deep breath—slow, intentional, and full of truth. Together, they explore what it really means to experience joy and contentment in a fast-paced world that constantly pushes us toward “more.”
Kristan opens up about the experiences that shaped her: the influence of family, the lessons learned through relationships, and the lifelong work of self-discovery. The conversation moves from childhood patterns to the complexity of divorce, from the pressure of people-pleasing to the freedom of choosing authenticity.
They also dive into entrepreneurship—how to build from a place of passion rather than competition, how collaboration creates momentum, and why slowing down is often the smartest move you can make. Kristan shares the inspiration behind her journal, Spaghetti on the Wall, a tool designed to help people cultivate discernment, trust their inner voice, and make decisions rooted in awareness.
The episode closes with a reminder that life isn’t a race—it’s a series of choices, moments, and opportunities to listen inward and come home to yourself.
Connect with Kristin:
Website - https://kristanswan.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristan.swan/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristanbrowne/
Key Takeaways
Joy and contentment are found in the simple, overlooked parts of life
Being satisfied doesn’t mean settling—it means being grounded
Our upbringing significantly shapes how we move through the world
Self-discovery is ongoing and nonlinear
Trusting yourself is foundational for personal growth
Collaboration > competition
Passion creates better businesses than money ever will
Slowing down often leads to better decisions
Awareness transforms the way we navigate life
Imperfection is part of being human
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Joy and Contentment
03:02 Snapshots of Kristan’s Life
05:51 The Impact of Family and Upbringing
09:00 Navigating Personal Growth and Relationships
12:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
14:59 Embracing Competition and Collaboration
18:01 Motivation Beyond Competition
20:52 Facing Fears and Personal Challenges
23:51 The Complexity of Divorce and Shame
28:03 From People-Pleasing to Self-Acceptance
31:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery
35:30 The Power of Thoughtful Decision-Making
39:45 Engaging Conversations and Expanding Possibilities
43:15 Building a Sustainable Business
48:16 The Birth of Spaghetti on the Wall Journal
55:52 Final Reflections on Time and Patience