Catherine answers the question people react to most—why she chose to have seven children while living in poverty. With humor and honesty, she walks through early motherhood, the chaos of raising four kids under five, and the reality of building a family without financial stability. A health scare (including hair loss and a frightening diagnosis) led her to believe she couldn’t have more children—until an unexpected pregnancy changed everything and became a turning point in her healing. From there, Catherine shares how foster care became part of her family’s story, with more than 30 children coming through her home, and how two adoptions ultimately reshaped the trajectory of her life and her kids’ lives. Looking back, she doesn’t glamorize the struggle—but she honors the love, resilience, and legacy that grew from it.💬 What You'll HearWhy Catherine refuses to judge anyone’s decision to have kids—poor or notWhat it was like raising four children under five while barely getting byThe health scare that made her think her life (and motherhood) was about to changeThe surprise pregnancy she was told was impossible—and why it felt like healingWhy she became a foster mom, and what foster care is truly aboutHow adoption impacted her children and the “version of family” each child experiencedA full-circle moment: seeing her values show up in her adult children’s lives✨ TakeawayYour story doesn’t have to look perfect to be meaningful. Catherine’s journey is a reminder that love, consistency, and perspective can build a legacy—even when the external circumstances feel unstable or unfinished.⚖️ DisclaimerThis episode is for educational and inspirational purposes only and reflects Catherine’s personal experiences and opinions. It is not medical, legal, financial, or mental health advice. If you need support, please consult a qualified professional.🌿 Connect with CatherineIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs permission to release shame and honor their story. And if you’ve ever felt judged for the way your life looks “on paper,” send Catherine a message on social media and tell her: what part of your story are you learning to hold with more compassion?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

In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why behind-the-scenes (BTS) content is one of the most effective (and easiest) ways for small businesses to build connection, credibility, and curiosity online. They talk about why BTS works psychologically (humans love suspense, learning, and realness), what kinds of BTS moments audiences actually care about, and simple ways to capture it without turning your day into a full production.From quick phone clips and boomerangs to time lapses and “first time trying this” experiments, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can use immediately, even if you hate being on camera.What You’ll Learn / Big MomentsWhat BTS really means (and why it’s trending): Not the band. Business BTS = behind-the-scenes content that pulls back the curtainWhy BTS builds trust faster than polished ads: It “verifies you’re human” and makes your brand feel realTwo big reasons people watch BTS:Entertainment + suspense (what’s going to happen next?)Learning + curiosity (how is this made? what tools do they use?)BTS vs. process videos: The crew realizes they’re basically the same thing, showing how the work gets doneA surprisingly sticky BTS hook: Watching someone struggle through an unboxing/assembly because you need to see how it endsThe “don’t filter for your audience” reminder: What feels mundane to you can be fascinating to someone who’s never seen your workHow to capture BTS without making it a big ordeal:Quick phone clips, photos, or 3-second boomerangsSet-and-forget phone tripod shotsSimple time lapses that show transformationThe best time lapse rule: Film moments with a clear before/afterblank slate → finished resultFraming tip that helps sales: Shoot wider than you think you needpeople notice the “small” detailsPro tip (AJ): Mix wide shots and tight detail shots to keep BTS videos visually interesting while staying consistent

You bought the gear… now what?In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks you through how to set up your podcast equipment step-by-step—starting with the most overlooked part: where you record. Because the wrong room can make even great microphones sound like you’re talking in a cave.What we cover in this episodePick the right recording space (and which spaces to avoid)Simple ways to reduce echo using what you already have: books, rugs, curtains, clothes, blanketsHow to set up your mic stand so your gear stays stable (and doesn’t crash mid-recording)XLR basics: what plugs where, and how to get that “click” connectionHow to connect your mic to a mixer/recorder (and why channel numbers matter)Headphone setup tips (including when you’ll need a ¼-inch adapter)Gain vs. fader/slider: a beginner-friendly way to set levels without getting overwhelmedWhy you should test your full setup before a guest shows up (and how to “playground test” it)The big takeawayYou don’t need a perfect studio—you need a good space, a clean connection, and a little time to test and play before you record for real.Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

Wil welcomes two North Everett “neighbors” to the studio: Ashley Bolden (Keller Williams Realty, Everett) and Cami Anthony (Motto Mortgage Collective). What starts as a conversation about homeownership quickly turns into a bigger, more honest discussion about belonging, community, and the values underneath the housing market.Ashley shares how her community involvement (including the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce, Everett Recovery Café, and Everett Rotary Club) shapes how she thinks about housing as more than an investment. Cami brings the lender perspective—what it actually takes to qualify, why timing the market is a trap, and why the bigger barrier often isn’t the down payment anymore… it’s the monthly payment.Together, they unpack the tension a lot of people feel: wanting your home value to rise, while also wanting housing to stay attainable for others. They explore how renters and homeowners can experience community differently, why “money” can feel strangely abstract, and why housing affordability ultimately requires more than policy tweaks—it may require a cultural values shift.In This Episode, You’ll Hear AboutWhy community involvement matters in real estate and lendingThe role of the Everett Chamber, Rotary, and Everett Recovery CaféRenting vs. owning: the mindset shift and how it affects belongingWhy trying to “wait for rates to drop” can backfireWhat lenders are seeing: debt-to-income realities and qualification limitsSupply vs. demand, private equity, and why housing prices keep climbingThe tension between equity, inclusion, and the realities of homeownershipWhy values (not just dollars) drive the systems we live inWalk-Up / Theme SongsCami’s pick: “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Björk (quiet entrance… until it gets loud)Ashley’s picks: “X” (Black Panther soundtrack) and “Handlebars” by FlobotsClosing ThoughtThis episode is for anyone who’s trying to make sense of the housing market without losing the bigger picture: a home isn’t just a financial asset—it’s safety, stability, and a place to belong.

In this special FAQ episode of Snohomish Storytellers, we’re answering your most common questions about HDSA and downtown Snohomish. From events and advocacy to preservation, partnerships, and placemaking, we’re pulling back the curtain on how downtown works, why it matters, and how this community comes together to keep it thriving. Whether you’re a business owner, resident, volunteer, or just a curious Snohomie, this episode is your guide to the heart of downtown.