Catherine opens up about love in its many forms - from the exhausting performance-based love of her past to the transformative power of being loved "just because." She vulnerably shares the profound loss of her partner David during COVID, how grief became a catalyst for change, and her journey to finding love again with someone who teaches her she doesn't need to perform to be worthy.💬 What You’ll HearAgape Love: Understanding unconditional love and how it was the only love Catherine felt comfortable givingPerformance-Based Love: Growing up believing she had to earn love through achievements, appearance, and over-givingThe Comparison Trap: Watching friends in effortless relationships while she obsessed over perceived flawsDating Disasters: From the guy with the clinker in his eyelash to repelling men who actually wanted to love herMeeting David: Finding someone who loved her in her "broken divorced self" without requiring performanceMarch 23rd, 2020: The devastating day David died suddenly of a heart attack during the first day of COVID lockdownMoving Through Grief: Walking to move grief through her body and the mistakes of dating too soonLeveraging Loss: How David's death became the catalyst for coming home to herselfBack to the Apps: Four months later, downloading dating apps and learning about ENM and poly via GoogleFinding Love Again: Meeting her current partner who teaches her "this is not a call to action" - she can simply receive✨ TakeawayLove doesn't require performance. You don't have to earn it through achievement, appearance, or over-giving. The exhausting pattern of proving your worth can be broken. Sometimes profound loss becomes the catalyst for discovering you're worthy of love simply for being who you are. Finding home within yourself first allows you to show up authentically in relationships - and that's when real love finds you.⚖️ DisclaimerThese stories are mine — told through my eyes, my lens, and my lived experience. Each person moves through life in their own way. I own these stories, and I share them to inspire us all to live truthfully, freely, and as our most authentic selves.🌿 Connect with CatherineIf this episode made you reflect on the ones you love, share it with them to let them know how much they mean to you.Follow Catherine on Instagram to keep following the story.Theme Song Written and Composed by Trevor Lynch and Michaela Dennis and recorded by Trevor Lynch in Chicago ILPhoto: Baumgardner Studio Yakima, WAProduction: Red Trux Productions Snohomish, WA

This month on Snohomish Storytellers, we sit down with Snohomish Mayor-Elect Aaron Hoffman for an open and candid conversation. As with any passionate community, opinions about leadership vary, many are excited, others are cautious, and at HDSA, our mission remains the same: to support connection and work collaboratively with our city leadership, whoever is in office.In this episode, we ask Aaron questions about his decision to run, his campaign, and the plan for his first 100 days in office. We cover everything from infrastructure to events, while returning again and again to the heart of the matter: people. The people who live, work, and play in Snohomish and who care deeply about its future.Snohomish thrives in the vibrant purple space between perspectives, and this conversation aims to bring clarity, curiosity, and connection to the forefront. Join us as we explore what comes next for our city, together.

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 powerful conversation, Wil sits down with Anthony Upchurch, a Navy veteran who made Washington his home after being stationed at Whidbey Island in 1992. What starts as a discussion about Southern roots and military service quickly evolves into a deep exploration of community, belonging, and what it means to show up authentically for one another.Anthony and Wil share stories from their upbringings—from grandmother's backhands to the importance of "reading the room"—while tackling heavier topics like the role of mentorship, the challenges facing young people without support systems, and the critical need for accessible resources in every household. Anthony opens up about his work with Legal Shield, driven by a mission to provide equal access to legal protection for families regardless of their social status.This Episode Touches On:The culture shock of moving from the South to the Pacific NorthwestMilitary service and the discipline it instillsThe importance of vulnerability and trust among menCreating spaces where people can be their authentic selvesCommunity support and showing up for one anotherThe value of mentorship and having role modelsProtecting families through accessible legal resourcesThe power of breaking bread together across culturesMental health and dealing with suppressed traumaBeing present and reading the room in different spacesMemorable Quotes:"If you don't know your rights, you really don't have any." - Anthony Upchurch"You want to find out what you're full of, pour it into somebody else." - Anthony Upchurch"You're only a prayer away." - Anthony's grandmother"We are one." - Anthony's philosophy on communityGuest Information:Anthony UpchurchNavy Veteran (stationed 1992)Legal Shield RepresentativeCommunity AdvocateFather and MentorSnohomish County ResidentWalk-Up Song: "We Are One" by MazeWhy This Song: Because we're all connected, and Anthony believes in showing up for people—whether he knows them or not—in moments of celebration or struggle.

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.