Storytelling in a Small Town

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 connectionThe limits of self-promotion: Why others’ words carry more weight than your ownCreative testimonial strategies: Ways to feature customer, employee, and even supplier stories—beyond basic reviewsEmployee and partner advocacy: How staff and partners can be advocates for your brand, and why it’s powerfulRespectful storytelling: The right (and wrong) ways to ask people to share their story, with real-world do’s and don’tsMaking camera-shy people comfortable: Building rapport and using behind-the-scenes footage to get authentic testimonialsRepurposing reviews: Turning written reviews into engaging video or audio contentTech tips for DIY testimonials: Simple audio/video recording tricks for better quality on phonesRespecting your storytellers: Why employee testimonials should be voluntary, on-the-clock, and never forcedFinal takeaway: Letting others tell your story can take your brand to new heights—if you do it with care and authenticity

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

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 needThe $15,000 lesson: Why a beautifully cinematic video can still fail if it doesn't tell the right storyZero-budget strategies that work: From candid team moments to heartfelt owner interviews—practical ways to create content that connectsFinding your "why": How asking the right questions can unlock the most powerful stories hiding in your businessThe 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 campaignsBonus: 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.

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 humansTools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Sintra (AI agents platform), Claude, 11 Labs, Inception Point AIBottom Line: AI is a powerful partner for creators, but the human element—authentic stories, genuine connection, and purposeful content—remains irreplaceable. Be human.

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 communityThe new Snohomish Podcast Playground concept: a space for aspiring podcasters to test their ideas before fully committingWhy having backup support as a solo business owner isn't optional—it's essentialPlus, 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!

All good stories must come to an end (or at least and intermission). Listen as we recap the role Storytelling in a Smalltown has had in our careers and what we see as the future of the podcast as we take a break for the busy summer season. Follow Trent, AJ, and Brian for updates on what projects are going on in their lives:Trent: https://www.redtruxwa.com/AJ: https://www.thesotosphotos.com/Brian: https://www.snohomishfilm.com/

In this episode, we dive deep into the pros and cons of hiring a full-time video content creator for your business. While having an in-house video producer may seem like an attractive option, we explore why outsourcing video content might actually be the smarter move.We break down the benefits of working with specialized freelance creators and agencies who bring expertise, creativity, and flexibility to the table. At the same time, we discuss the increasing value of having a full-time marketing strategist on your team to drive the bigger picture — aligning your video content with your overall brand strategy, managing campaigns, and optimizing ROI.If you're on the fence about whether to hire a full-time video maker or outsource, this episode will give you the insights you need to make a decision that helps your business grow and thrive. Tune in to find out why sometimes, the best investment is not just in more content, but in a strategy that brings it all together.

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, we dive into the crucial role that audio plays in creating impactful videos for small businesses. Whether you're creating promotional content, educational material, or social media snippets, sound quality can make or break your message. Join us as we explore why audio isn't just a background element, but a key component in storytelling that enhances your brand’s identity, builds trust, and engages your audience.We’ll also share practical tips for small businesses on how to improve their video audio without breaking the bank. Tune in to learn how investing in good audio can elevate your video content and help you connect with your community in a more powerful way.Key takeaways:How audio influences viewer perception and engagementAffordable tools and tips for improving video sound quality

Antonia Semanskee, from Crush Your Social, asks her pressing video questions about how to get started in video and why it is important to AJ, Brian, and Trent. From boosting engagement to driving conversions, video has become one of the most effective tools in a marketer’s arsenal. But what makes a video stand out from the crowd? We’ll explore the tangible benefits of high-quality video content, including increased trust, better SEO, and higher retention rates.Plus, if you’re not a video expert, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Tune in as we share easy, actionable tips to enhance the quality of your videos, even with limited resources. Whether you’re shooting on a smartphone or working with a full production team, you’ll leave this episode with practical advice to make your videos more professional, engaging, and impactful.Don’t miss this episode if you want to Crush Your Social and create videos that truly connect with your audience!

Learn what type of video is popular for 2025, the other powers of a great Instagram account for your business, no matter the size, and how to lean into the algorithms to make your account shine on this episode with Antonia Semanskee, from Crush Your Social Podcast.

Pre-production, or the steps that you take before the first day of filming, is a critical step to creating videos with impact. Join the conversation on what all is considered during pre-production. What all did we miss? 

Wanting to start creating videos and don't know where to start? This is the podcast to give you inspiration to start that first video project to promote your business. Brian, AJ, and Trent, cover everything from what to consider when planning your video, to simple first video ideas that take no added effort to tell a compelling story.

Brian, Trent, and AJ tackle telling holiday stories, with each member taking time to write and record their own story. Enjoy the stories to get into the holiday spirit.  Brian takes us on a magical journey on finding home when everything feels like it is falling apart. Trent - Heart of the Holidays

Brian, Trent, and AJ tackle telling holiday stories, with each member taking time to write and record their own story. Enjoy the stories to get into the holiday spirit.  Trent shares his take on what is really the heart of the holidays looks like in Snohomish. Brian - Evergreen Express

What makes the holidays so "magical" and how do you capture it? Why do Hallmark movies make us feel so much during the holiday season? These are the questions that Trent, Brian, and AJ attempt to answer as they breakdown holiday "magic" and tips and tricks to capture your own holiday magic. 

Join us to break down the importance of building a connection through storytelling, versus only going viral. We go through the importance of having a mission, vision, and values to guide content creation for businesses. Learn how to create powerful connection to deliver value and how that relates to business objectives. 

Trent, AJ, and Brian highlight the power of storytelling in business. Whether it is a small business, or corporation, storytelling plays an important role in building a community for longevity. Here how storytelling is important especially in video format for business, and how it changes overtime.References for data on power of storytelling:https://executive.berkeley.edu/thought-leadership/blog/storytelling-businesshttps://www.forbes.com/councils/theyec/2023/06/08/the-power-of-storytelling-for-your-business-unleashing-your-inner-storyteller/https://www.forbes.com/sites/celinnedacosta/2017/12/19/why-every-business-needs-powerful-storytelling-to-grow/Power of Video References:https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/video-marketinghttps://www.wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/

Join Brian, AJ, and Trent as they breakdown common stereotype of self employed storytellers. A few of the topics include, timeliness of delivering projects, creative integrity, expectations from clients at events and much more. What are stereotypes you have of storytellers?

Learn about the history of how Brian, AJ, and Trent got started in the field of storytelling and how it lead them to a small Pacific Northwest town. Learn how communicating through storytelling is important in any organization and how it lead to us being full time storytellers.

Meet Trent, Brian, and AJ, as they talk about the power of storytelling in a small town and why they are sharing their stories. Learn about these storytellers and get a glimpse of what they will share on Storytelling in a Small Town!