Storytelling in a Small Town

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—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 Network, 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.

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

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.

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

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.

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ tackle the part of content creation most small businesses skip: what to do after you hit record.

They break down simple DIY editing moves that instantly make your videos feel more professional (without turning you into a full-time editor). You’ll hear practical advice on trimming dead space, avoiding the “millennial pause,” getting better feedback, and deciding when to polish vs. when to just post and learn.

They also dig into how music, pacing, captions, and color subtly shape emotion—and why you don’t need to master all of it to start making better content.

What You’ll Learn / Big Moments

• The #1 DIY edit everyone should do: Trim the beginning and end so viewers don’t watch you hit record, adjust gear, or fumble
• The “millennial pause” explained: Why millennials tend to hit record… pause… then start talking—and why Gen Z doesn’t
• Tech habits shape content habits: Older tech trained people to “wait for it to catch up,” and it still shows up in our videos
• Old film rules vs. social rules: Why starting on a black frame (film school) can hurt performance on social media
• Sleep on your edit (when it matters): Coming back with fresh eyes helps you catch awkward cuts, framing issues, and timing
• Get feedback the smart way:
• Use a small group of trusted “early testers”
• Ask for the type of feedback you want (sniff test vs. nitpicky final)
• When to just post it: For short shelf-life social content, audience feedback can be your best teacher
• Algorithm reality check: If no one sees it, you won’t get useful feedback—pair content with platform best practices
• Editing choices that affect emotion:
• Music sets tone and pace immediately
• Pacing controls how fast information hits the viewer
• Color temperature and filters can make content feel warm, safe, clinical, or dramatic
• Captions are basically mandatory now: Auto-captions are easy—just quick-check spelling (or don’t, if you want “comment bait”)
• The bigger takeaway: Don’t overthink it—have fun, trust your instincts, and keep experimenting

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

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

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ explore why your customers, employees, and partners might be your most powerful storytellers. They share real examples and practical strategies for leveraging authentic customer experiences, employee advocacy, and even supplier shoutouts to boost your business’s credibility and reach. From creative testimonial ideas to tips for getting people comfortable on camera, this episode will help you harness the voices around you to build trust and grow your brand.

What You'll Learn

• Why customer stories matter: How genuine customer experiences create trust and emotional connection
• The limits of self-promotion: Why others’ words carry more weight than your own
• Creative testimonial strategies: Ways to feature customer, employee, and even supplier stories—beyond basic reviews
• Employee and partner advocacy: How staff and partners can be advocates for your brand, and why it’s powerful
• Respectful storytelling: The right (and wrong) ways to ask people to share their story, with real-world do’s and don’ts
• Making camera-shy people comfortable: Building rapport and using behind-the-scenes footage to get authentic testimonials
• Repurposing reviews: Turning written reviews into engaging video or audio content
• Tech tips for DIY testimonials: Simple audio/video recording tricks for better quality on phones
• Respecting your storytellers: Why employee testimonials should be voluntary, on-the-clock, and never forced
• Final takeaway: Letting others tell your story can take your brand to new heights—if you do it with care and authenticity

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why every business—no matter how big or small—needs an origin story. They discuss why sharing where you came from helps customers connect with you, how to find your “why” even if you don’t think you have a story, and simple ways to craft and share your journey. You’ll hear practical tips on talking it out, getting feedback from friends and family, and reflecting on the little moments that shaped your path. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team, this episode will help you discover and communicate your unique story.

What You'll Learn / Big Moments

• Why your origin story matters: How sharing your beginnings builds trust and connection with customers
• How to find your "why": Even if you think your story is boring or ordinary, there are ways to uncover what drives you
• Simple strategies for crafting your story: Tips like recording yourself, writing it down, and getting feedback from friends, family, or colleagues
• Turning small moments into big meaning: Why little lessons—like always carrying a pocket knife—can shape your business identity
• The power of outside perspectives: How others can help you see your story more clearly than you can alone
• Taking your time: Why reflection and patience lead to a more powerful, authentic origin story
• Moving from "what happened" to "what's next": Using your origin story as a springboard for sharing your vision and inviting customers along for the journey
• Different ways to tell your story: Whether you’re funny, serious, or sentimental, your story should fit your personality and brand
• How to ask for help: Why working with storytellers or simply talking things out can unlock your best ideas
• The importance of passion and gratitude: How showing what lights you up—and being grateful—makes your story more compelling

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

Think you need a $15,000 budget to tell your business story effectively? Think again.

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why authentic storytelling will always trump production budget—and how small business owners can create compelling content with little to no money.

What you'll learn:

• When to invest big vs. go DIY: Understanding which business moments deserve a Netflix-level production (spoiler: not many) and when your smartphone is all you need
• The $15,000 lesson: Why a beautifully cinematic video can still fail if it doesn't tell the right story
• Zero-budget strategies that work: From candid team moments to heartfelt owner interviews—practical ways to create content that connects
• Finding your "why": How asking the right questions can unlock the most powerful stories hiding in your business
• The spokesperson dilemma: Why the face of your company matters more than you think (and it's not just about being pretty)
• Authenticity over perfection: Why a genuine selfie with a thoughtful caption often outperforms polished ad campaigns

Bonus: The hosts role-play a real client discovery conversation, showing you exactly how to uncover the stories worth telling in your own business.

Whether you're a solopreneur with zero marketing budget or a small business owner wondering if video is worth the investment, this episode proves that your story—not your budget—is what will make customers choose you.

Bottom line: It may not cost a dime, but it does deserve your time.

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

In this engaging conversation, Trent, Brian, and AJ dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on storytelling and content creation. From practical business applications to ethical concerns about "AI slop," the hosts share their personal experiences with tools like ChatGPT, Sintra, and Claude.

Discover how AI can serve as a creative partner—helping with proposals, transcripts, scheduling, and overcoming executive dysfunction—while learning where the line should be drawn. The team discusses controversial topics like the production house creating 3,000 AI-generated podcasts weekly, Wikipedia-to-podcast conversions, and what it means to maintain authentic human connection in an increasingly automated world.

Key Topics:

· Practical AI tools for creators and small business owners

· The difference between AI assistants and AI agents

· Ethical boundaries in AI-generated content

· Real-world examples of AI enhancing (and replacing) human creativity

· The future of knowledge, connection, and what we value as humans

Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Sintra (AI agents platform), Claude, 11 Labs, Inception Point AI

Bottom Line: AI is a powerful partner for creators, but the human element—authentic stories, genuine connection, and purposeful content—remains irreplaceable. Be human.

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling

After a six-month hiatus, the Storytelling in a Small Town crew is back and better than ever! Trent, Brian, and AJ reunite to catch up on their incredibly busy summers and share exciting updates about their businesses and creative projects.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• AJ's transformative trip to Mexico and his nonprofit's massive $75,000 grant win (talk about a 10X scaling event!)
• Brian's wedding videography marathon—15 weddings in one summer!
• Trent's launch of the Snohomish Podcast Network, bringing local podcasters together with resources, events, and community
• The new Snohomish Podcast Playground concept: a space for aspiring podcasters to test their ideas before fully committing
• Why having backup support as a solo business owner isn't optional—it's essential

Plus, a teaser for what's coming this season: The hosts are diving deep into AI, the evolution of storytelling in the social media age, and why being authentically human is more important than ever in a world drowning in "AI slop."

Whether you're a fellow creative, small business owner, or just love hearing about the behind-the-scenes journey of building something meaningful in your community, this episode is your warm welcome back to the conversation.

Recorded on International Podcasting Day—because of course it was!

Awards:

Top 10 Podcast to Improve your Storytelling