Storytelling in a Small Town
Your business has a story worth telling—but how do you tell it in a way that actually connects with your customers? Join Trent, Brian, and AJ—three storytelling professionals in the Pacific Northwest—as they help small business owners navigate the world of podcasts, video, social media, and brand storytelling. Whether you're wondering if you need a podcast, trying to figure out what to post on social media, or just want to stand out in a crowded marketplace, this podcast breaks down the strategies and tools you need to amplify your story. Each episode tackles real questions from real business owners: Should my business start a podcast? What does that even involve? How do I use video without breaking the bank? What's the deal with AI, and how can I use it without losing my authentic voice? How do I tell my brand story in a way that actually resonates? What content should I be creating, and where should I share it? You'll get honest, practical advice from professionals who work with businesses just like yours every day. No jargon, no fluff—just actionable insights you can implement immediately to grow your brand, connect with your community, and tell your story better. If you're a small business owner who knows your story matters but isn't sure how to share it effectively, Storytelling in a Small Town is your guide to cutting through the noise and making a real impact. Part of the Snohomish Podcast Network
Episodes
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 relat...
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 de...
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 wit...
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...
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 fam...
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...
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 overcom...
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 marat...
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/
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 t...
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, bu...
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, ...
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.
Trent shares his take on what is really the heart of the holidays looks like in Snohomish.
Brian - Evergreen Express
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
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-business
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