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.

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.

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.