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/

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. 

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.

It’s the Season 2 finale of Storytelling in a Small Town—and Trent and AJ are back together to recap what this season was really about: helping small business owners tell better stories, build trust, and show up more intentionally in their marketing.They look back on the themes that kept coming up all season, including origin stories, authenticity, choosing the right spokesperson, and letting customers become advocates. They also revisit one of the most talked-about topics: how they’re using AI tools differently (and how those tools can take real work off your plate—like transcripts, show notes, and planning).From there, the conversation shifts into what’s next. Trent shares what he’s building in the off-season—more classes and coaching around podcasting and storytelling—and why that matters in a tighter economy where people are watching their spending but still need to market smart. AJ shares upcoming projects (including commercial work and new creative films), and they tease a Season 3 direction that’s more interactive, more demonstrative, and more community-driven—including guests, listener questions, and new storytelling formats.Plus: Trent gives a quick shoutout to the Snohomish Podcast Network—a growing hub for local voices and local stories. If you’re looking for more community-driven conversations, creative projects, and small-town storytelling, explore the other shows on the network and find a few that fit your interests.Call to action: Listen to the other podcasts on the Snohomish Podcast Network, share your favorite episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, and send in questions or topic ideas you’d love to hear in Season 3.

First, Emily and Kyle set the scene: Everett is about to host four big waterfront watch parties in June 2026 — and the goal is bigger than “put up a screen.” It’s about creating a place you can land, eat, explore, and watch soccer on the waterfront.Then Kyle zooms out and tells the origin story of soccer in Snohomish County: early youth-soccer organizing, a real-life example of inclusivity and rule-making, and the unglamorous (but essential) infrastructure that turns soccer from a moment into a community.Finally, you’ll hear clips from Everett’s 2026 State of the City address, where Mayor Cassie Franklin lays out what the waterfront fan zone experience will look like, who’s partnering to make it happen, and the long-game vision for an Outdoor Event Center that could bring USL men’s and women’s soccer to Everett.TakeawaysEverett isn’t “just north of Seattle” — it’s building a full-day waterfront fan zone experience for June 2026.Hosting is a team sport: city staff, the Port, county partners, tourism, and community groups are all involved.Snohomish County’s soccer story is deeper than people think — it’s been organizing, adapting, and building for decades.If you’re planning to attend watch parties, start tracking dates now and watch for official updates as details drop.In this episode:Everett’s 2026 waterfront watch parties: what they are and why they matterHow Snohomish County helped organize youth soccer early (1966)A story of inclusivity: a rules exception that helped a teen play safely (1978)The “governance” side of soccer growth: facilities, leagues, and places to playEverett Soccer Arena history (including ties to Sounders leadership)A local referee honored for officiating 40,000+ matchesEverett’s State of the City clips: partners, logistics, and the long-game visionFeatured clips (Everett 2026 State of the City)Everett is an official FIFA World Cup fan zoneFour waterfront community watch parties: June 11, 12, 18, and 19Festival-like setup: giant outdoor screen, family-friendly activities, local food and drinksA free shuttle to keep things movingCountywide partners (including the Tulalip Tribes) hosting additional watch partiesThe Everett Outdoor Event Center: a future home for AquaSocks + USL men’s and women’s soccerIf you’re planning to attendOfficial Everett Fan Zone page:  https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone Get updates + sign up for the From Pitch to Puget Sound newsletter:  https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound Call for listeners Have a Snohomish County soccer memory (an old team name, a field you remember, a tournament that felt like a big deal, a coach everyone still talks about)? Or a story about Everett Soccer Arena or local watch parties?Send it in — we want to collect these “you had to be there” moments and feature them.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. 2026 Everett State of the City address from City of Everett WebsiteDisclaimer: 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/