The Working Class Podcast with Chris Swanson
A conversation with the people who keep Michigan running. Gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson sits down with everyday workers to share real stories, real struggles, and the pride of the working class.
Episodes
25 episodes
The Treatment That Changed Everything | Chris Swanson & Amie Carter
In this episode, Chris sits down with Amie Carter to discuss their family’s difficult journey navigating autism, mental health challenges, and the search for treatment that finally brought relief. After years of hospitalizations, police calls, ...
Fighting for Families Living with Rare Diseases | Chris Swanson & Amanda Keenum
In this episode, Chris sits down with Amanda Keenum to hear the story of her daughter Raelyn, who was born with a rare genetic condition called SPG4. Amanda shares the realities families face while navigating rare diseases, from medical care an...
A Mother’s Fight, A Son’s Victory | Chris Swanson & Roseanne Neises
In this episode, Chris sits down with Roseanne to share the powerful story of raising her son Luke, who was born six weeks premature with Dandy-Walker Syndrome. Now 22, Luke has defied the odds—graduating from Grand Blanc High School, pursuing ...
Fighting PFAS and Seeking Justice | Chris Swanson & Sandy Wynn-Stelt
In this episode, Chris sits down with Sandy Wynn-Stelt, who shares her devastating experience living on land contaminated by PFAS “forever chemicals.” After losing her husband to cancer and discovering dangerous levels of these chemicals in her...
Inside the Power of Unions | Chris Swanson & Shawn O’Brien (Part 2)
In Part 2, Chris continues the conversation with Shawn O’Brien, diving deeper into the future of unions and the evolving role of the Teamsters. They discuss current challenges facing workers, the importance of strong leadership, and how organiz...
Inside the Power of Unions | Chris Swanson & Shawn O’Brien (Part 1)
In part one of this episode, Chris sits down with Shawn O’Brien to discuss the role of unions and the impact of the Teamsters. They break down what organized labor means for workers, the challenges facing today’s workforce, and why representati...
From Survival to Hope: A Life-Changing Story | Chris Swanson & Kenny Briggs (Part 2)
In Part 2, Kenny Briggs continues his powerful story, sharing the unexpected moments and relationships that helped shape his life after hardship. From a life-changing act of generosity by members of the Detroit Lions to meaningful connections w...
From Survival to Hope: A Life-Changing Story | Chris Swanson & Kenny Briggs (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this episode, Chris sits down with Kenny Briggs to hear the powerful story of his early life marked by trauma, courage, and resilience. Growing up in Pontiac, Michigan, Kenny faced unimaginable hardship after losing his mother at a...
Brewing a Dream in Small Town Michigan | Chris Swanson & Amy Shindorf
In this episode, Chris sits down with Amy Shindorf, owner and “chief taster” of Four Leaf Brewing. Amy shares how she transitioned from working as an environmental and natural resource specialist to launching a thriving craft brewery in histori...
A Legacy of Pizza and Community | Chris Swanson & Shari Buccilli
In this episode, Chris sits down with Shari Buccilli, owner of Buccilli's Pizza and president of the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce. Shari shares her lifelong connection to the food and hospitality industry, the legacy behind her family’s pizze...
The Power of Literacy and Leadership | Chris Swanson & Shannon Cooper-Toma
In this episode, Chris sits down with Shannon Cooper-Toma — educator, author, and philanthropist — to discuss her decades-long commitment to literacy and student success. From serving as a teacher and principal to now working as a literacy coac...
Michigan’s Child Care Crisis Explained | Chris Swanson & Rebecca Amidon
In this episode, Chris sits down with Rebecca Amidon for an eye-opening conversation about Michigan’s child care crisis. Through real-life perspective as a working parent, Rebecca sheds light on the true cost of care, the shortage of available ...
Building Brotherhood in Fatherhood | Chris Swanson & Zack Peterson
In this episode, Chris Swanson sits down with Zack Peterson, founder of the Midland Dad Club. A relative newcomer to Midland — and to the journey of fatherhood — Zack shares why he started a space where dads can connect, support one another, an...
A Mother’s Perspective on the Oxford High School Shooting | Chris Swanson and Emily Busch
Chris Swanson sits down with Emily Bush to discuss her experience as a parent during the Oxford High School shooting.
FOIA, Lawsuits, and Local Leadership | Chris Swanson and Anna Matson
Chris Swanson sits down with Anna to discuss her fight for transparency, her FOIA requests, and her push to hold local government accountable.
From 30 Years Incarcerated to Freedom | Chris Swanson and Carl Maddox
Chris Swanson sits down with Carl Maddox to explore his decades of incarceration and the journey into his new life of freedom.
Standing for What’s Right and Living With Purpose | Chris Swanson & Jimmy Greene (Part 2)
We are back for part 2 with Jimmy Greene.
Standing for What’s Right and Living With Purpose | Chris Swanson & Jimmy Greene (Part 1)
Chris Swanson sits down with Jimmy Greene to talk about purpose, standing up for the little guy, and why building meaningful work with your name on it matters.
Overcoming Addiction and Finding Hope | Chris Swanson & Donna Hughes Clarke (Part 2)
This week, we return to our conversation with Donna Hughes Clarke for part two.
Overcoming Addiction and Finding Hope | Chris Swanson & Donna Hughes (Part 1)
In Part 1 of her story, Donna Hughes opens up to Chris Swanson about her journey through drug addiction, the challenges of life in prison, and the first steps she took toward recovery. This episode is a candid and powerful look at resilience, r...
Building Community Through the Farmers Market: Chris Swanson and Karianne Martus
In this episode, Chris Swanson sits down with Karianne Martus, market manager and community builder, to discuss what it takes to support local entrepreneurs and keep a farmers market thriving. Karianne shares her journey, the behind-the-scenes ...
A Life-Saving Conversation on Suicide Prevention : Chris Swanson and Jennifer Johnson
In this episode, Chris Swanson sits down with Jennifer Johnson, PhD researcher at Michigan State University, to address the difficult but necessary conversation surrounding suicide and suicide prevention. Together, they explore the realities be...
From flooded homes to entrepreneurial success: Chris Swanson and Jeron Dotson
Episode 3 features a conversation with Jeron Dotson, who recounts his upbringing, the season of living out of a hotel while balancing school after his mother’s home flooded, and the grit it took to build his Flint restaurant, The Poke Bowl. Chr...
Michigan Real Estate Unlocked: Chris Swanson and Andrew Keller
Gubernatorial candidate Sheriff Chris Swanson sits down with Andrew Keller, Mid-Michigan’s residential and luxury real estate expert, to hear his story and the lessons behind his success.
Building Michigan's Future: Chris Swanson and Dan Glass
Sheriff Chris Swanson, Michigan gubernatorial candidate, sits down with Dan Glass, President of Teamsters Local 332, for a candid conversation about leadership, public service, and the future of Michigan's workforce.