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 community
• The new Snohomish Podcast Playground concept: a space for aspiring podcasters to test their ideas before fully committing
• Why having backup support as a solo business owner isn't optional—it's essential

Plus, 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 engagement
• Affordable 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.