Wil sits down with John Agyopang—a longtime Snohomish County resident, former Boeing employee of 25 years, and the new president of the Snohomish County NAACP—for a conversation that blends civil rights, community work, and the deeper meaning of “home.”

John breaks down what the NAACP is (and what it looks like today), expanding the conversation beyond race into human rights, class, and access—for immigrants, Native communities, poor and working-class families, and anyone whose rights are being ignored.

From there, the episode turns personal and powerful: John shares his immigrant story from Ghana, including the childhood memory that shaped his view of America (USAID food aid) and his belief that what makes the U.S. “great” is the way immigrants bring their talent and dreams here.

Then Wil and John explore John’s newest mission: African Audacity Tours, a two-week, all-inclusive trip to Ghana designed to help people reconnect with history and identity—standing where enslaved ancestors stood, walking the ancestral slave path, and participating in a moving African naming ceremony.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About

• What the NAACP stands for and how its mission has evolved
• “Not all skin folk are kinfolk”: why allyship is bigger than appearances
• Contextual privilege, identity, and how power shifts by setting
• John’s immigrant story and why he believes America is already “great”
• African Audacity Tours: the two-week Ghana experience (history, culture, legacy)
• The ancestral slave walk + what it means to return to the exact ground
• The naming ceremony: being welcomed “home” and reclaiming identity
• Local community work: diversion programs, mentorship, and financial literacy
  • Partnership with Wally Webster’s Access Project
  • Adult financial literacy + refurbished laptops with Millennium Industries / Rev. Leilani Miller
  • Youth tutoring support through Make It Worthy
  
  

Call to Action

If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Ghana (or Africa) but didn’t know how to do it safely and affordably, John shares how to connect:

• Website: https://www.africanaudacity.com

Wil also challenges listeners to help the show reach all 50 states by the end of 2026—and to share the podcast instead of “hoarding the information.”

Closing Vibe

This episode is a reminder that we have more in common than we think, and that real progress starts when we stay open—open to stories, open to each other, and open to the places that shaped us.

2026 is starting differently.

For the first time in years, I’m managing only one farmers market. My mom is still in cancer treatment. The world feels heavier — violence, political uncertainty, economic stress, and historic flooding here in Snohomish County have all collided.

And yet, the market continues.

In this episode, I reflect on the lessons of 2025 — not as a neat recap, but as a reckoning. We talk about stewardship versus caregiving, why boundaries are essential to sustainable leadership, how markets serve as stabilizing forces in unstable times, and what it takes to keep community-centered work alive when everything feels complicated.

This is the foundation for the 2026 season of The Market Maven — honest, grounded, and deeply human.

Running a farmers market isn’t just about booths and permits.

It’s about holding space — for farmers, for small businesses, for community — especially when the world feels unstable.

I’m Sarah Dylan Jensen, and this is Season 4 of The Market Maven Podcast.

Keith Macaulay joins Emily in Everett for a wide-ranging, slightly unhinged (in a good way) conversation about sports, money, vibes, and why fan culture actually matters. From soccer chants and Mariners loyalty to NIL chaos, stadium politics, FIFA corruption, and the economics behind who wins (and who tanks), this episode connects the dots between sports, power, and civic life with strong opinions, petty moments, and plenty of sir sass.

READ

Ex-Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels: Sonics were gone ‘the day they were sold’ - The Seattle Times

Everett Forges Ahead with Downtown Stadium for Minor League Sports - The Urbanist

FIFA president Gianni Infantino accused of rules breach over Trump - ESPN

Analysis of MLS revenue sharing and league structure
Pieces on sportswashing and global soccer politics - Journal on Democracy

LISTEN

Um, Sir Podcast
Copa90 (soccer fan culture + documentaries)
Stephen A. Smith is Ruining Sports Television - YouTube

WATCH

Seattle City Council sells out the SuperSonics - Sonicsgate, YouTube
Who Killed the Expos? (documentary on the Montreal Expos relocation)

Ted Lasso (Apple TV — debated heavily, not endorsed 😅)

Club de Cuervos (Netflix, Spanish-language soccer drama, strongly recommended)

MLS matches (if you already have Apple TV… sorry)

CHECK OUT

The Snohomish Podcast Network

Snohomish United FC (men’s & upcoming women’s teams)

Everett AquaSox

Everett Silver Tips (WHL)

Portland Timbers

Ballard FC / Salmon Bay FC

BUY. IF YOU MUST

Cowbells (for vibes, not apologies)

LEARN MORE

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) - NCAA

Outdoor Event Center - City of Everett 

You’ve planned the show. You’ve got the gear. You’ve set up your space. Now it’s time for the part most people picture when they think “podcasting”: recording.

In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks through what to do before and during your recording session so you don’t end up rushed, stressed, or stuck with hours of painful edits.

What we cover

• Why you should block more time than you think (even for a “quick” 15-minute episode)
• The reality of recording: your raw session will usually be much longer than the final episode
• Pre-record checklist: test your gear, silence your phone, remove distractions, and confirm your audio is actually saving
• Why it helps to record a backup when you can
• How to calm your nerves and avoid the “100 miles per hour” problem
• What to do when you get tongue-tied: pause, reset, and re-do a sentence
• Why you should keep your episode flow/outline in front of you while recording
• A simple trick to stay audience-focused: keep a picture of your listener persona nearby
• The “playground” approach: try multiple intros and transitions, then choose what works in editing
• The 30-second rule: why your opening matters more than you think

The big takeaway

Your first recording isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning your voice, your pace, and your flow. Treat it like a test run, play with it, and you’ll get better fast.

Produced & Edited by: Olivia Blomberg
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why behind-the-scenes (BTS) content is one of the most effective (and easiest) ways for small businesses to build connection, credibility, and curiosity online. They talk about why BTS works psychologically (humans love suspense, learning, and realness), what kinds of BTS moments audiences actually care about, and simple ways to capture it without turning your day into a full production.

From quick phone clips and boomerangs to time lapses and “first time trying this” experiments, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can use immediately, even if you hate being on camera.

What You’ll Learn / Big Moments

• What BTS really means (and why it’s trending): Not the band. Business BTS = behind-the-scenes content that pulls back the curtain
• Why BTS builds trust faster than polished ads: It “verifies you’re human” and makes your brand feel real
• Two big reasons people watch BTS:
• Entertainment + suspense (what’s going to happen next?)
• Learning + curiosity (how is this made? what tools do they use?)
• BTS vs. process videos: The crew realizes they’re basically the same thing, showing how the work gets done
• A surprisingly sticky BTS hook: Watching someone struggle through an unboxing/assembly because you need to see how it ends
• The “don’t filter for your audience” reminder: What feels mundane to you can be fascinating to someone who’s never seen your work
• How to capture BTS without making it a big ordeal:
• Quick phone clips, photos, or 3-second boomerangs
• Set-and-forget phone tripod shots
• Simple time lapses that show transformation
• The best time lapse rule: Film moments with a clear before/afterblank slate → finished result
• Framing tip that helps sales: Shoot wider than you think you needpeople notice the “small” details
• Pro tip (AJ): Mix wide shots and tight detail shots to keep BTS videos visually interesting while staying consistent

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

Creators & Guests

• Brian Harmon - Host
• AJ Soto - Host
• Trent DeVerter - Producer

Emily is joined by Washington State Rep. Julio Cortes for an Um, Civics crash course on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, what it means for Everett and Washington State, and how government actually prepares for global events. They also dig into banning masked law enforcement interactions, protecting immigrant families, fixing Washington’s upside-down tax code, and what to expect from a tough legislative session ahead. Civics, but make it accessible.

CHECK OUT

Snohomish County Podcast Network

WATCH

Participation trophies have gone too far! -  The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw | Full Show | FOX Soccer

Seattle prepares to share World Cup 2026 spotlight with 9 Washington fan zone cities - KOMO 4 News

READ

Pride Match - Egypt Vs. Iran - Instagram 

FIFA — 2026 World Cup structure, host cities, teams

Washington State Welcomes the World: A Breakdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zones - Seattle Ballooning

Washington State Legislature -Legislative session info & bill tracking

Seattle Pride Statement on the FIFA World Cup 

SB 5855 (Washington State) - Bill banning face-concealing coverings for law enforcement

California Masked Law Enforcement Law - Court case & precedent referenced

Family Separation Rapid Response Team -WA Department of Children, Yout,h and Families

Ferguson backs income tax on WA residents earning over $1M - Washington State Standard 

Funding Public Good through Progressive Tax Reform - Economic Opportunity Institute

FIFA World Cup 2026 Economic Impact $929+ Million Projected - Seattle Sports Commission 

BUY. IF YOU MUST

US Soccer Pride Kit

Airbnb and FIFA announce major multi-tournament

LEARN MORE

Snohomish United Soccer 

Regressive vs. Proportional vs. Progressive Taxes: An Overview - Investopedia

Legislative Session Hearings - TVW 

How the Washington State Budget Works — Washington State Fiscal Information

Washington State Legislature Guide to Lawmaking

Law Enforcement Transparency Laws — Mask bans, identification requirements

Immigration Casework Support — How legislators & congressional offices help constituents

How to Contact Your Washington State Legislators 

38th Legislative District, Marysville, Tulalip, and Everett, Senator June Robinson, Representative Julio Cortes & Representative Mary Fosse

Fan Zones Explained — Reddit

You bought the gear… now what?

In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks you through how to set up your podcast equipment step-by-step—starting with the most overlooked part: where you record. Because the wrong room can make even great microphones sound like you’re talking in a cave.

What we cover in this episode

• Pick the right recording space (and which spaces to avoid)
• Simple ways to reduce echo using what you already have: books, rugs, curtains, clothes, blankets
• How to set up your mic stand so your gear stays stable (and doesn’t crash mid-recording)
• XLR basics: what plugs where, and how to get that “click” connection
• How to connect your mic to a mixer/recorder (and why channel numbers matter)
• Headphone setup tips (including when you’ll need a ¼-inch adapter)
• Gain vs. fader/slider: a beginner-friendly way to set levels without getting overwhelmed
• Why you should test your full setup before a guest shows up (and how to “playground test” it)

The big takeaway

You don’t need a perfect studio—you need a good space, a clean connection, and a little time to test and play before you record for real.

Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

Wil welcomes two North Everett “neighbors” to the studio: Ashley Bolden (Keller Williams Realty, Everett) and Cami Anthony (Motto Mortgage Collective). What starts as a conversation about homeownership quickly turns into a bigger, more honest discussion about belonging, community, and the values underneath the housing market.

Ashley shares how her community involvement (including the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce, Everett Recovery Café, and Everett Rotary Club) shapes how she thinks about housing as more than an investment. Cami brings the lender perspective—what it actually takes to qualify, why timing the market is a trap, and why the bigger barrier often isn’t the down payment anymore… it’s the monthly payment.

Together, they unpack the tension a lot of people feel: wanting your home value to rise, while also wanting housing to stay attainable for others. They explore how renters and homeowners can experience community differently, why “money” can feel strangely abstract, and why housing affordability ultimately requires more than policy tweaks—it may require a cultural values shift.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About

• Why community involvement matters in real estate and lending
• The role of the Everett Chamber, Rotary, and Everett Recovery Café
• Renting vs. owning: the mindset shift and how it affects belonging
• Why trying to “wait for rates to drop” can backfire
• What lenders are seeing: debt-to-income realities and qualification limits
• Supply vs. demand, private equity, and why housing prices keep climbing
• The tension between equity, inclusion, and the realities of homeownership
• Why values (not just dollars) drive the systems we live in

Walk-Up / Theme Songs

• Cami’s pick: “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Björk (quiet entrance… until it gets loud)
• Ashley’s picks: “X” (Black Panther soundtrack) and “Handlebars” by Flobots

Closing Thought

This episode is for anyone who’s trying to make sense of the housing market without losing the bigger picture: a home isn’t just a financial asset—it’s safety, stability, and a place to belong.

This week on Um, Sir, we’re joined by Matt Hansen, EOS implementer, mountain enthusiast, inventor with nine patents, and a genuinely thoughtful guide to how systems actually work. We talk Cascades hikes, Patagonia’s values vs. capitalism tension, Washington’s upcoming tax fights, and what it really takes to build something with intention. Matt helps us connect business frameworks to civic life, while we ask the eternal question: how do you stay values-driven and get the bag? Civics, leadership, business, money, and meaning, in one episode. Welcome to be here.
 
Guest Convo Links
Matt Hansen, EOS Worldwide Implementer
North Cascade Institute - Washington Hikes
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business - ThriftBooks
Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail - Washington Trails Association
Mount Pilchuck - Washington Trails Association
Kendall Katwalk - Washington Trails Association
Mountain Loop General Store - Verlot, Washington
Patagonia Work in Progress Report
Patagonia - Store

Civics Update: State Legislature
Representative Shaun Scott - Washington State Legislature
Tech for Taxes - Instagram
Tech companies are abusing tax policy to scam us out of money our state needs to fund critical social services - Tech 4 Taxes Instgram
Rep. Shaun Scott Unveils “Well Washington Fund,” a Progressive Payroll Excise Tax to Protect Washington Families from Trump’s Austerity Budget - Washington State Democrats
Senator Rebecca Saldaña Maps Out Legislative Priorities for 2026 Session - Hacks & Wonks Podcast
WA Democrats’ latest run at taxing the state’s largest companies - Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard
Invest WA Now
State Budget & Revenue - Washington Budget & Policy Center

Other Links
Burkett's Boutique - Everett, Washington
Snohomish Podcast Network - Join
Red Trux - Audio & Video Services