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.

Episode Summary:In one of her most vulnerable episodes yet, Catherine opens up about questioning and ultimately transforming her deeply held religious beliefs. From her strict Catholic upbringing to searching the Bible for a way out of her marriage, she reveals how Google became her unexpected lifeline — and how she discovered a more personal, loving faith that allowed her to live authentically without fear of eternal punishment.💬 What You’ll HearReligious Foundations: Growing up with Jewish, Mormon, and Catholic influences in a deeply structured householdThe Sacred Marriage Trap: How the concept of mortal sin kept her feeling bound by duty and shameSearching for an Exit: Reading Scripture daily, desperate to find freedom beyond the belief that only death could release herGoogle as Savior: How simple searches became her lifeline toward clarity, autonomy, and truthFaith vs. Freedom: The internal tug-of-war between religious obligation and personal liberationCatholic Friends’ Advice: The well-meaning counsel that told her there was “merit in suffering” — and how she chose otherwiseThe First Night Alone: The counselor’s words that led to a powerful moment of peace and self-discoveryNewfound Spirituality: Discovering a faith that’s personal, nonjudgmental, and rooted in love instead of fear✨ Takeaway“I thought I was walking away from God — but I was really walking toward the version of Him that had been waiting for me all along.”⚖️ 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 touched your spirit or helped you see faith through a different lens, share it with someone who’s finding their own way back to themselves.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 week, I follow our trend of addressing things that make leaders uncomfortable. In this case, giving and receiving feedback.  In this episode, J. Marie explores shifting our mindset to accept feed and give feedback objectively, without interalizing and emotional response that we can easily turn tom particularly when receiving feedback that we might find critical. Learn how we can reshaped our responses to take advantage of the gift of feedback, without feeding our coworkers the feedback sandwich.