After a six-month hiatus, the Storytelling in a Small Town crew is back and better than ever! Trent, Brian, and AJ reunite to catch up on their incredibly busy summers and share exciting updates about their businesses and creative projects.In this episode, you'll hear about:AJ's transformative trip to Mexico and his nonprofit's massive $75,000 grant win (talk about a 10X scaling event!)Brian's wedding videography marathon—15 weddings in one summer!Trent's launch of the Snohomish Podcast Network, bringing local podcasters together with resources, events, and communityThe new Snohomish Podcast Playground concept: a space for aspiring podcasters to test their ideas before fully committingWhy having backup support as a solo business owner isn't optional—it's essentialPlus, a teaser for what's coming this season: The hosts are diving deep into AI, the evolution of storytelling in the social media age, and why being authentically human is more important than ever in a world drowning in "AI slop."Whether you're a fellow creative, small business owner, or just love hearing about the behind-the-scenes journey of building something meaningful in your community, this episode is your warm welcome back to the conversation.Recorded on International Podcasting Day—because of course it was!

In continuation of last episode's theme of dealing with conflict, this episode shifts its focus slightly to consider addressing conflict at an organizational level. J. Marie shares a quote that is emblematic of her approach to dissecting conflict from a position of leadership, and that is “make yourself vulnerable to the legitimacy of someone else’s perspectives.” This episode then provides specific methods you utilize to facilitate conversation around polarizing topics that are equitable to all interest groups you may serve.

Episode Summary:In this raw and relatable episode, Catherine opens up about the early insecurities that shaped her self-image — from mustache teasing in the cafeteria to size 11 orthotics and Weight Watchers at age ten. With humor, vulnerability, and heart, she explores how childhood experiences and cultural conditioning can twist our self-perception — and what it takes to finally wear our confidence right-side-out.💬 What You’ll HearThe Mustache Chronicles: Cruel cafeteria comments, endless electrolysis, and finally embracing the razor with prideBig Feet, Big Problems: Size 10–11 shoes in fifth grade while friends wore ballet flatsDiet Culture at 10: Growing up on Weight Watchers and learning to detach self-worth from the scaleThe Weigh-In Moment: A sixth-grade memory that shaped how she saw herselfMissing Out on “Normal”: The ache of not fitting beauty standards or getting the “cute boyfriends”Reframing the Narrative: Turning “flaws” into features and finding power in differenceEntertaining the What-Ifs: Practical ways to challenge the limiting beliefs we inherited about our bodies✨ Takeaway“I spent years trying to fit into a world that told me I was too much, too big, too hairy — until I realized maybe the world just needed to learn to use razors.” :)⚖️ 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 laugh, cry, or see yourself a little differently, share it with someone who needs that reminder today.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

Episode Summary:In this deeply personal and powerful premiere episode, Catherine introduces herself and the profound metaphor that changed everything — realizing her sweater, and her life, had been on backwards. What started as a simple wardrobe moment in her closet became a revelation about living authentically versus living according to others’ expectations. Through honesty, humor, and heart, Catherine explores how turning her sweater around became the start of turning her life around.💬 What You’ll HearThe Origin Story: How a simple wardrobe moment became a life-changing metaphorBreaking the Silence: Catherine’s journey from people-pleasing to finding her voiceReligious Constructs: Growing up with rigid beliefs and learning to question everythingMarriage & Motherhood: Navigating 24 + years of marriage while losing herselfThe Divorce Decision: Why leaving felt like the hardest — and scariest — moment of her lifeRebuilding from Nothing: From $27,000 a year to financial independenceUnexpected Love: Finding romance, then meeting grief through unexpected loss, and healing after heartbreakLiving Authentically: What it means to finally live with your sweater turned the right way around✨ Takeaway“Sometimes that itch just becomes normal — until you realize you have a choice. You can turn it around.”⚖️ 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.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 powerful episode of At-homish, host Wil sits down with DeLon Lewis, a program specialist, entrepreneur, and artist who's making waves in diversity and equity work across Snohomish County. DeLon shares his journey from community organizing at Portland State University to earning his Master's in IT Management, all while building his record label "All Day Originals" and clothing line "All Day Lifestyle."This conversation dives deep into the complexities of showing up authentically in professional spaces while staying true to hip-hop culture and community roots. DeLon opens up about the importance of intergenerational connection, working with formerly incarcerated youth, and his involvement with a grassroots organization spanning from San Francisco to the Philippines.