In this short solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit to talk about the work that happens behind the scenes at farmers markets — the kind of work most people never see, but that keeps everything running.

I share a recent conversation with someone from the UK who reached out for guidance as she begins her own market journey, and I open up about the tough decision to step away from the Lake Stevens Farmers Market after years of asking for help that never really came.

This episode is honest, a little raw, and a reminder that even the magic takes muscle. If you’ve ever been the one holding it all together, I hope this speaks to you.

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

In this episode, I break down the recent Senate bill’s deep cuts to SNAP and what they mean for real people—market shoppers, small farmers, and families already stretched thin. We also dive into the culture of snap judgments online and in life, and why setting boundaries might be the most powerful act of care.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

This episode is about grace. The kind we give to others, and the kind we often forget to give ourselves. I talk about:

 ✨ Navigating unruly market days with patience
 ✨ Learning to delegate (even when it’s hard)
 ✨ Caregiving for my mom during her cancer journey
 ✨ And the strange shift from being a 24/7 hustler to feeling like putting on real pants is a win

I hope this episode gives you permission to slow down, breathe deep, and remember: grace costs you nothing.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

Welcome to a no-holds-barred peek behind the produce at the farmers market! In this episode, I’m sharing a few annoying and exhausting moments I’ve experienced recently as a market director. From vendors needing constant attention to customer questions that make you do a double take, it’s been a wild ride—and I’m here to tell you all about it.

Get ready for a candid, slightly chaotic, and totally relatable collection of stories that will make you laugh, sigh, and maybe even clutch your clipboard in solidarity. Whether you’re part of the market world or just love a good behind-the-scenes rant, this episode reminds us all that sometimes, you just can’t make this market sh*t up.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

A solo episode where Sarah Dylan Jensen reflects on the simultaneous beauty and hardship in her life right now. From launching another busy market season, training a new puppy, and building big partnerships — to helping her mom through cancer treatment and dealing with the unknowns of family income — this episode sits in the tension of “both/and.” It’s about being human, resilient, and honest in the paradox of real life.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

In this raw and honest episode, I open up about what the last few weeks have looked like behind the scenes—my mom’s cancer diagnosis and surgery, my dad coming to visit, getting a new puppy from my incredible husband, and kicking off opening day of the Snohomish Farmers Market. It’s been a season of joy, heartbreak, overwhelm, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt like life doesn’t pause just because you’re running a business or leading a community, this one’s for you. Let’s get real about what it means to show up when it’s hard—and why we do it anyway.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kari, owner of Flourish Organic Farm in Arlington, WA, to dig deep into the ways small businesses, especially farms and makers, help communities bloom. From her first market experiences to building a collaborative flower collective, Kari shares how choosing local isn't just about what you buy—it's about who you’re building up in the process.

We talk about why supporting small farms and makers is essential to thriving communities, how collaboration over competition makes space for everyone, and the incredible ripple effect of showing up for your local market.

Whether you're a customer wondering how your dollar can make a difference, or a vendor looking for connection, this episode will inspire you to plant seeds that matter and flourish together.

Links we talked about: 

Growing Kindness Project
Arlington Farmers Market + Flourish Market Video
Floral Current Flower Collective
Eat Local First
High Tunnel Farm Funding

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

In this episode of The Market Maven, we're diving into the basics of running a farmers market — from the very first steps to finding your rhythm as a new market manager.

After connecting with a brand-new market manager through Instagram, we realized her questions were ones many people have but don't always ask. So instead of keeping the convo in the DMs, we brought it to the mic.

Whether you're stepping into your first season, thinking about launching a market in your community, or just curious about what goes on behind the booths, this Market Manager 101-style episode is packed with tips, encouragement, and the real-life insight I wish I had when I started.

Tune in for practical advice, a few laughs, and a reminder that even seasoned pros had a “Day One.”

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

If you've listened to any of my previous episodes, you know it's taken some time and effort to learn how to advocate for myself and for others.  Being a woman often makes this hurdle a little higher.

So, I was thrilled when Jessica, of BLOS, and Carmella decided to do an event on self-advocacy and how "behaving" doesn't always get things done.  We decided to try a LIVE podcast recording and share our experiences & advice for those who might need a little boost.  

**First time doing a live, so there are some glitches, but we don't do perfection here anymore!

Links:

Jessica Chavez - Business Ladies of Society

Carmela Fortin - Seattle Startup Coach

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

In this episode of The Market Maven, I reflect on my experiences at two incredible events: Emerald City Comic Con and the In Tents Farmers Market Pros Conference. While these events might seem worlds apart, they both offer a sense of inclusivity, community, and creativity that fills my cup in profound ways. From meeting artists and attending panels on branding and women in business at Comic Con to connecting with like-minded market professionals at the In Tents conference, I’ll share how both events have inspired and energized me.

In Tents Website (lots of resources!)
Farmers Market Pros IG (A must for fun farmers market anecdotes!)

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/