The lessons that shaped us didn't come from a classroom.
Dan Mall on Design, Identity, and the Courage to Pivot
We chatted with Dan Mall about the path from sketchbooks and curiosity to building a design career, running an agency, and eventually walking away from work that no longer fit. Dan shares stories about growing up between cultures, learning to trust his creative instincts, and what basketball, family, and failure have taught him along the way.
Jonathan Stark didn’t start as a pricing expert—he started as a musician chasing a dream, then pivoted into software, and eventually rebuilt his entire career around one idea: hourly billing is broken.
Husna shares her experience as a third culture Swahili woman from Mombasa, Kenya, growing up between the Swahili coast and the U.S., and how that tension pushed her to question Western ideas of success, identity, and “the right way” to live.
In this episode of Swurl Radio, Eric and Ayka sit down with Emmy Award–winning designer and educator Chris Do. Chris opens up about reinventing yourself after failure, growing up between cultures, battling introversion, and the mentors who shaped his life.
Most career podcasts give you a highlight reel.
We're more interested in the graphic designer who taught you to see differently. The conversation with your immigrant mom that you're still unpacking. The mentor who kept you uncomfortable because that's where growth happens.
SWURL Radio is for people who know that the best lessons come from real relationships—not LinkedIn posts or motivational content. We talk to designers, founders, creatives, and builders about who shaped them and how they're paying it forward.
Never miss an episode! We'll send word when they do.
You'll like SWURL Radio if you:
Looking for an intentional space to explore ideas and reconnect with your curiosity?
Goal setting and vetted Guidance
Swurl gives you access to trusted coaches, specialists and recruiters for real support.
Genuine connection
Tired of LinkedIn, AI outreach and transactional networking?
You should be on SWURL radio if:
If you’ve got a perspective worth sharing, whether you’re building something, changing something, or simply thinking differently, we want to hear from you.