Your business has a story worth telling—but how do you tell it in a way that actually connects with your customers?
Join Trent, Brian, and AJ—three storytelling professionals in the Pacific Northwest—as they help small business owners navigate the world of podcasts, video, social media, and brand storytelling. Whether you're wondering if you need a podcast, trying to figure out what to post on social media, or just want to stand out in a crowded marketplace, this podcast breaks down the strategies and tools you need to amplify your story.
Each episode tackles real questions from real business owners:
Should my business start a podcast? What does that even involve?
How do I use video without breaking the bank?
What's the deal with AI, and how can I use it without losing my authentic voice?
How do I tell my brand story in a way that actually resonates?
What content should I be creating, and where should I share it?
You'll get honest, practical advice from professionals who work with businesses just like yours every day. No jargon, no fluff—just actionable insights you can implement immediately to grow your brand, connect with your community, and tell your story better.
If you're a small business owner who knows your story matters but isn't sure how to share it effectively, Storytelling in a Small Town is your guide to cutting through the noise and making a real impact.
Part of the Snohomish Podcast Network
What We Learned About Storytelling (and What's Next)
It’s the Season 2 finale of Storytelling in a Small Town—and Trent and AJ are back together to recap what this season was really about: helping small business owners tell better stories, build trust, and show up more intentionally in their marketing.
They look back on the themes that kept coming up all season, including origin stories, authenticity, choosing the right spokesperson, and letting customers become advocates. They also revisit one of the most talked-about topics: how they’re using AI tools differently (and how those tools can take real work off your plate—like transcripts, show notes, and planning).
From there, the conversation shifts into what’s next. Trent shares what he’s building in the off-season—more classes and coaching around podcasting and storytelling—and why that matters in a tighter economy where people are watching their spending but still need to market smart. AJ shares upcoming projects (including commercial work and new creative films), and they tease a Season 3 direction that’s more interactive, more demonstrative, and more community-driven—including guests, listener questions, and new storytelling formats.
Plus: Trent gives a quick shoutout to the Snohomish Podcast Network (https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/)—a growing hub for local voices and local stories. If you’re looking for more community-driven conversations, creative projects, and small-town storytelling, explore the other shows on the network and find a few that fit your interests.
Call to action: Listen to the other podcasts on the Snohomish Podcast Networ (https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/)k, share your favorite episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, and send in questions or topic ideas you’d love to hear in Season 3.
1 Mar 2026
Should You Start a Podcast? (A Small Business Guide Before You Hit Record)
Should you start a podcast for your small business or organization, or is it going to become one more project that never gets off the ground? In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent and AJ share a practical, no-fluff guide to starting a podcast the right way by focusing on what matters most before you record your first episode.
They break down the question they hear all the time: "Should I do a podcast?" and explain why the answer depends on your podcast goals, marketing, branding, community connection, thought leadership, or building trust with future customers. You'll also hear how podcasting can go far beyond the standard interview format, and how choosing the right style and tone helps your show stand out (especially if you're creating a local podcast).
Trent and AJ also cover the real-world planning that helps creators stay consistent: whether you have the time or budget to produce quality, how to choose a release schedule, why recording multiple episodes ahead prevents burnout, and how to promote your podcast so people actually find it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If you're researching how to start a podcast, how to market a podcast, or how to use podcasting to grow a business, this episode will help you build a strong foundation, and make your show worth pressing play on.
15 Feb 2026
Podcast Guest Strategy for Small Business: Audience, Trust, and What to Ask First
Being a guest on someone else’s podcast can be one of the most effective (and most overlooked) ways to build trust, grow your network, and get your small business in front of the right people—without having to launch a show of your own. In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent and AJ break down why guesting works, how to approach it strategically, and what to do so your appearance actually leads to real relationships and future customers.
They talk through how to choose the right shows, how to pitch yourself in a way that’s helpful (not salesy), and how to prepare so you sound confident and clear on mic. You’ll also hear practical tips for showing up as a great guest: bringing stories and examples instead of generic talking points, keeping your message simple, and making it easy for listeners to take the next step with you.
If you’ve ever wondered how to use podcasts as a marketing channel—especially when time and budget are tight—this episode will help you turn guest appearances into meaningful visibility, credibility, and momentum for your business.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
48
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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