Storytelling in a Small Town

Trent DeVerter, Brian Harmon, & AJ Soto

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

  1. Mar 15

    What We Learned About Storytelling (and What's Next)

    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.

    16 min
  2. Jan 15

    DIY Video Editing for Small Business (Simple, Fast, Effective)

    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 fumbleThe “millennial pause” explained: Why millennials tend to hit record… pause… then start talking—and why Gen Z doesn’tTech habits shape content habits: Older tech trained people to “wait for it to catch up,” and it still shows up in our videosOld film rules vs. social rules: Why starting on a black frame (film school) can hurt performance on social mediaSleep on your edit (when it matters): Coming back with fresh eyes helps you catch awkward cuts, framing issues, and timingGet 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 teacherAlgorithm reality check: If no one sees it, you won’t get useful feedback—pair content with platform best practicesEditing choices that affect emotion:Music sets tone and pace immediatelyPacing controls how fast information hits the viewerColor temperature and filters can make content feel warm, safe, clinical, or dramaticCaptions 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

    33 min
  3. Jan 1

    Behind-the-Scenes Content That Builds Trust (and Gets Views)

    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 curtainWhy BTS builds trust faster than polished ads: It “verifies you’re human” and makes your brand feel realTwo 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 doneA surprisingly sticky BTS hook: Watching someone struggle through an unboxing/assembly because you need to see how it endsThe “don’t filter for your audience” reminder: What feels mundane to you can be fascinating to someone who’s never seen your workHow to capture BTS without making it a big ordeal:Quick phone clips, photos, or 3-second boomerangsSet-and-forget phone tripod shotsSimple time lapses that show transformationThe best time lapse rule: Film moments with a clear before/afterblank slate → finished resultFraming tip that helps sales: Shoot wider than you think you needpeople notice the “small” detailsPro tip (AJ): Mix wide shots and tight detail shots to keep BTS videos visually interesting while staying consistentCreators & Guests Brian Harmon - Host AJ Soto - Host Trent DeVerter - Producer

    23 min
  4. 12/15/2025

    How Customer Stories Propel Your Brand: Beyond the Owner’s Voice

    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

    22 min
  5. 12/01/2025

    Finding and Telling Your Origin Story: Why It Matters for Your Business

    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 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

    26 min
  6. 11/15/2025

    Why Story Matters More Than Budget: Creating Impactful Content Without Breaking the Bank

    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.

    30 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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