A collection of diverse stories that allows listeners to think internally and be excited about the future. All produced by Red Trux LLC.  

Latest Episodes

Remote Podcasting 101: Setup Tips for Better Sound and Easier Editing

Recording with someone across the country, across the state, or just outside your normal setup? Remote podcasting opens up a lot of possibilities — but it also adds a few extra steps if you want your show to still sound polished and professional.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks through the basics of recording a podcast remotely, from choosing the right platform to making sure both sides of the conversation sound clean. If you’ve ever wondered whether Zoom is “good enough,” what Riverside actually does, or how to avoid the usual remote-recording headaches, this episode is a great place to start.What we coverWhy remote recording is a little more complicated than in-person recordingHow to use Zoom more effectively, including recording separate audio tracksWhy Riverside is built for podcasting and how local recording improves qualityWhy your microphone and interface still matter, even when recording onlineThe importance of headphones to avoid echo and messy audioWhy you should prep your guest before the session, not during itHow testing ahead of time can save you from unusable audioWhat to check after the recording so files don’t get lostA simple backup option using AudacityA more advanced option for recording remote guests through your board or interfaceThe big takeawayRemote podcasting can work really well — but only if you slow down, test your setup, and help your guest do the same. A little preparation on the front end makes a huge difference in the final sound.Snohomish Podcast Playground is part of the Snohomish Podcast NetworkMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

What I Need

In this episode, Catherine reflects on what it means to tell your story without turning someone else into the villain. As listeners ask for more “details” about her past, she explains why she chooses to share from a place of insight rather than exposure—especially when other people’s lives and experiences are part of the story too. From there, she opens up about a deeper truth beneath her marriage, grief, and growth: for years, she struggled to name, express, and honor what she needed. Catherine explores how losing her voice, over-accommodating, and explaining things away kept her disconnected from herself, and how everything began to shift when she stopped seeking justification and started getting clear about her values and needs. She shares the core things she now requires in love and life—psychological safety, honest communication, active listening, support for her full self, and the feeling of being chosen—and offers a gentle but powerful invitation for listeners to do the same.💬 What You'll HearWhy Catherine doesn’t feel called to share every “juicy” detail of her storyHow to tell your story without making someone else the villainThe difference between justifying your exit and naming what you neededHow losing your voice can quietly shape a marriage, a family, and your identityWhy communication is not optional in a healthy relationshipCatherine’s clearest needs now: psychological safety, honest communication, active listening, support, and being chosenWhat psychological safety actually means in everyday loveWhy you don’t need permission or approval to live in full alignment with who you areA loving challenge for anyone in a hard relationship: learn what you need, then say it clearly✨ TakeawayYou do not need to justify your needs to make them valid. The more clearly you understand what you require in love, friendship, work, and life, the more honestly you can live—and the less likely you are to disappear inside someone else’s version of the story.⚖️ 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 a time when you judged others or needed forgiveness yourself, share it with someone who showed you grace when you didn't deserve it.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

How Snohomish County Businesses Can Prepare for World Cup Summer + Soccer Terms for New Fans

OverviewIn this episode, Emily and Kyle tackle two practical questions for summer 2026: how local businesses can prepare for increased visitor traffic, and what new soccer fans need to know to enjoy a match without feeling lost.First, Emily talks with Tammy Dunn, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission, about why businesses across Snohomish County should start planning now. They cover watch parties, soccer-themed specials, how visitors may spread north of Seattle, and an important marketing rule: avoid using FIFA World Cup branding in titles or promotions unless you are an official sponsor.Then Kyle walks Emily through beginner-friendly soccer basics, including the pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, player roles, and common formations. It is a useful primer for anyone who wants to follow the action with more confidence before June arrives.TakeawaysBusinesses do not need to reinvent themselves to participate. Restaurants, breweries, and sports-friendly venues can start with simple watch parties and themed specials.Start planning now. Even if no one knows exact visitor numbers yet, early preparation gives businesses more flexibility.In marketing, avoid using FIFA World Cup or World Cup 26 in titles if you are not an official sponsor.New fans do not need to know everything. Learning a few basic soccer terms now will make summer matches a lot more fun.In this episodeWhy Snohomish County businesses should be paying attention nowHow sports tourism can bring visitors into hotels, restaurants, shops, and local attractionsEasy ways restaurants, breweries, and similar businesses can host watch partiesWhat businesses can and cannot say in soccer-related marketingWhere to find business playbooks and local resourcesSoccer basics: pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, and player rolesA quick intro to formations like 4-4-2 and 3-4-3Business resources mentionedSnohomish County Sports Commission World Cup resources at Snohomish County Sports CommissionSeattle match resources and business guidance through SeattleFWC26Small business planning support through Seattle Metro ChamberVisitor-facing resources and messaging support through Visit SeattleSnohomish County Tourism toolkit and local messaging ideasSoccer basics mentioned in this episodeSoccer Field GuidelinesBeginner's Guide to SoccerSoccer TermsCall for listenersIf you have a beginner soccer question, or if your business is planning something around the summer matches, send it our way. If you want help getting connected to the right resource, or if you want to promote your event or business, reach out.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/

Volume 4 Chapter 8: Surprise! From Behind the Mic to Center Stage with Trent DeVerter

Just like Snohomish spring weather, podcast plans don’t always go exactly as expected… and this month’s episode is the perfect example. While we originally had another guest lined up, we’re excited to bring you a delightful surprise instead — Trent DeVerter, owner of Red Trux and the very person who helps make this podcast happen behind the scenes.In this episode, Trent steps out from the producer’s chair and into the guest spotlight to share his journey from corporate America to small business ownership — with a meaningful detour through volunteer leadership and graduate studies in communication. If we had to describe Trent in one word, it would be advantageous — someone who sees opportunity, builds connections, and shows up in big ways for his community.You’ll also notice a surprise swap-out at the host mic… an up-and-coming podcaster in the making? We’ll let you be the judge. This episode may be arriving one week later than planned, but we promise — it was worth the wait. We hope you enjoy this unexpected and inspiring conversation. 

Filter-ish: Talking through the chaos with the Market Maven

Wil welcomes back his first-ever repeat guest, Sarah Dylan Jensen (aka the Market Maven), the manager of the Snohomish Farmers Market and longtime farmers market leader across the region. What starts as a fun check-in (including a quick appreciation moment for Trent and the Red Trux production magic) turns into a timely conversation about community, safety, and food access—and what it means to feel “at home-ish” when the world feels anything but stable.Sarah shares why authenticity matters—from the ethics of the fashion industry she once worked in, to how the farmers market chooses local artists and higher-quality, responsibly made merch that actually aligns with “support local.” From there, the episode gets real about the emotional whiplash of current events, the pressure to keep creating and leading while everything feels intense, and the challenge of speaking up when your “filter” can’t be fully off.The heart of the conversation centers on food as a human right and the ripple effects of shrinking support systems. Sarah breaks down what’s happening with SNAP match funding at markets (dropping from $40 to $25 to $10), why that hurts both families and farmers, and how misinformation about assistance programs misses what she sees firsthand: hard working people, early mornings, and communities held together by relationships.In This Episode, You’ll Hear AboutWhy farmers markets are more than “cute local shopping”—they’re community infrastructureThe ethics gap in fashion vs. values-driven local workHow the market approaches merch responsibly (local art, better sourcing, aligned values)SNAP match funding cuts and what that means on the groundThe difference between “stealing jobs” rhetoric and the reality of labor in agricultureHow to stay engaged without burning out: capacity, roles, and small actions that matterCuriosity as a leadership skill: listening to understand, not just to respondBuilding relationships across differences (and not writing people off too fast)Walk-up song moment: Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars” + a Van Gogh-inspired reminder that stars shine brightest in the darkClosing VibeThis episode is a reminder that when the world feels loud, uncertain, and exhausting, community is still something you can build on purpose—one market day, one conversation, one act of curiosity at a time.

Hosts

Brandy Hekker

Host of Soul Filler Diaries
Wil Johnson

Wil Johnson

Host of At-homish
AJ Soto

AJ Soto

Host of Storytelling in a Small Town
Brian Harmon

Brian Harmon

Host of Storytelling in a Small Town