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.

Catherine dives into the power of “revising the story”—the internal narrative that quietly shapes what you believe is possible for your body, your money, your relationships, and your future. She starts by naming the old ticker-tape thoughts that used to run her life: scarcity, shame, religious guilt, fear, comparison, and the belief that she was flawed or stuck. Then she shares the turning point: when she intentionally changed what she told herself every day, her life began to change from the inside out. Through practical examples—fitness, finances, and love—Catherine explains how a new story creates new focus, new choices, and new outcomes. She closes by inviting listeners to gently rewrite a few words in their own narrative so they can thrive, not just survive, and teases the next step in her process: “Mining for Miracles.”💬 What You'll HearWhat “revising the story” actually looks like in real life (not just positive quotes)The harsh inner narrative Catherine used to live with: lack, shame, fear, comparison, and self-blameHow she stopped waiting for outside validation and started giving herself the words she neededA mindset shift around fitness: moving from “I can’t” to “I’m an athlete” and letting actions followA mindset shift around money: from “I’m always broke” to “everything is working out for me”Why she learned to feel gratitude for paying bills—and how that changed her relationship with moneyA mindset shift around love and worthiness: from “who would want me?” to knowing what she bringsHow to spot old feedback loops and ask: “Is this the new story—or the old one talking?”Why you’re allowed to write your own rules instead of letting society define your worthA closing prompt: what words do you need to change so you can thrive instead of survive?✨ TakeawayYour life follows the story you repeat. When you change the words you tell yourself—especially in the areas where you feel stuck—you change what you notice, what you choose, and what you believe you deserve. A few new sentences, practiced daily, can become a new direction.⚖️ 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

You’ve recorded your episode. You’ve set your levels and picked your editing software. Now comes the part that turns raw audio into something people actually want to listen to: the edit.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent breaks down a beginner-friendly editing workflow—how to clean up breaths and filler words, shape the message, and keep your pacing natural (not choppy). You’ll also learn the difference between a quick “leave it mostly raw” style and a more polished, NPR-style edit—so you can choose what fits your show.What we coverThe difference between tracks and clips (and why each voice should get its own track)Two ways to clean up audio:Cut it out (razor/blade tool)Turn it down (volume automation/nodes)Delete vs. ripple delete (and why ripple delete can save you hours)How to remove big breaths, filler words (“um,” “uh”), and awkward pauses without ruining your cadenceWhy editing is often best in multiple passes (cleanup pass + content/story pass)How to listen for clarity: “Does this make sense to someone who isn’t in my head?”What to do about mic bleed when recording with multiple people in the same roomThe biggest speed tip: learn keyboard shortcuts for your editing softwareThe big takeawayEditing isn’t about perfection—it’s about making your message easy to follow. Clean up what distracts, keep what feels human, and build a flow your audience can stay with.Snohomish Podcast Playground is part of the Snohomish Podcast NetworkMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/