This is a great “start here” episode for From Pitch to Puget Sound.First, we sit down with State Representative Julio Cortes (38th Legislative District) to talk about what’s happening behind the scenes right now: planning and coordination, transportation pressure on the I-5 corridor, public safety, and what it takes to welcome a massive visitor season. Rep. Cortes also shares how Washington is thinking about fan zones and watch parties across the state—including planning for Everett at the Port of Everett.Then we zoom out. Kyle delivers a story-driven, high-level sprint through Washington’s soccer roots—how the game arrived with immigrant communities, organized into early leagues, survived major disruptions, and grew into a culture that’s been building for more than a century.TakeawaysIf you’re visiting: consider staying north of Seattle for easier access, more space, and a real local scene.If you’re local: expect weekend surges as summer ramps up.Watch party hotspots will fill up fast—plan ahead and keep an eye on local announcements.If you’re bringing family: look for daytime viewing options and community events—there will be a lot beyond bars.In this episode:What’s happening behind the scenes for 2026 (planning, coordination, and what people don’t see)Transportation realities: moving visitors up and down the I-5 corridorWatch parties and fan zones across Washington (including Everett planning at the Port)A quick, memorable history of soccer in Washington (no homework required)Call for listenersHave a Snohomish County soccer memory (an old team name, a field you remember, a tournament that felt like a big deal)? Or a question about 2026 (getting around, where to watch, what to expect)? Email us at info@snohomishpodcasts.com.Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer. Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Wil sits down with Adrianne Wagner, Executive Director/CEO of Leadership Snohomish County (LSC), executive coach, and community builder, for a real conversation about what leadership looks like when life is busy, the world feels heavy, and people are craving connection.Adrianne shares her path from Flint, Michigan to Snohomish County, her long career as a healthcare executive, and the moment she "hit the wall" after the pandemic and major company changes. That burnout became a pivot point leading her back to school, into leadership coaching, and deeper into the work of developing leaders across every level (not just people with titles).Together, Wil and Adrianne unpack the difference between leadership vs. authority, why "aggressively passive" culture can make feedback harder than it needs to be, and how toxic leadership creates ripple effects for the people who have to survive it. They also dig into what it means to level up instead of competing, and why leaders have a responsibility to create real space for others to grow.The episode also spotlights Step Up, LSC's signature conference returning in person this year and how the theme - Step Up for what matters to you , is about moving beyond awareness into action, collaboration, and community.In This Episode, You will Hear AboutAdrianne's leadership journey: Flint -> Snohomish County -> healthcare exec -> coachBurnout, recovery, and why she pivoted into coachingLeadership vs. authority: why titles don't automatically make leadersToxic leadership, trust, and why we don't talk about the survivors enoughFeedback culture: 360-style listening, patterns, and "no hangry leaders"Calling in well: using time off to refill your cup, not just recover from being sickUncompete thinking: scarcity vs. abundance, envy vs. leveling upCommunity projects: asking orgs what they actually need ( cans with no can openers)Kids as teachers: bias, empathy, and small actions that matterMusic as meaning: Jimmy Eat World, Hamilton, the Grey Album, and Wil's 2026 alarm songEvent + Links MentionedLeadership Snohomish County: https://leadershipsc.orgStep Up Conference: April 24 (in-person)Applications/nomination window opens in February (Signature Program begins in September)Closing VibeThis episode is equal parts leadership workshop and real-life check-in: a reminder that community is built on small, consistent choices and that the best leaders don't just win; they help other people win too.

You’ve recorded. You’ve cleaned up the audio. Now comes the part that makes your podcast feel like a show: sound design.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent breaks down how to add music and sound effects in a way that supports your story (not distracts from it). You’ll learn a simple workflow for layering audio, how pacing and silence can make moments hit harder, and the licensing basics you need to understand before you publish anything.What we coverWhy music and sound effects can add emotion, tension, and impact—even to simple storiesA practical workflow: edit your voice first, then layer music and SFX on topHow to use sound effects to create scenes (crowded street, rain on a tin roof, etc.)Why pacing matters: matching your voice cadence to the “movement” of the musicThe underrated tool: silence (and why it can be more powerful than constant audio)Where to find royalty-free music and sound effects (including Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/)Licensing basics: “royalty-free” doesn’t always mean “free for anything”Attribution requirementsPersonal-use vs. commercial-use restrictionsWhy it’s worth reading the license before you publishWhen it makes sense to record your own sound effects instead of downloading themExamples to listen to for inspiration (including Trent’s “Seybert” episode and “From Pitch to Puget Sound”)The big takeawaySound design is where your podcast becomes immersive. Take your time, follow the license rules, and use music + effects to make listeners feel the story—not just hear it.Produced and edited by Olivia BlombergSnohomish Podcast Playground is part of the Snohomish Podcast NetworkMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

 Some people volunteer, some people serve, and then there are people like Terry Lippincott— a retired middle school teacher turned civic force of nature. Terry is one of Snohomish’s newest City Council members and a longtime champion of community life, having served 12 years on the Planning Commission. She’s also the president of Friends of the Library, a member of the Lions Club, the Carnegie Foundation, the Giving Circle of Women Taking Over the World—and that’s just what we managed to write down.But titles only tell part of the story. Terry is a community connector, someone who understands the power of relationships and uses her social capital to bring the right people into the right rooms at the right time. In our conversation, she shares what she’s learned about volunteer stewardship, leadership, and how strong communities are built—not by a single hero, but by people who know how to invite others in.If you’ve ever wondered how things actually get done in Snohomish, or what it takes to sustain volunteer-driven organizations, this episode is a masterclass.Basically… if something meaningful is happening in Snohomish, Terry probably had a hand in it. 

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.