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