Catherine introduces “mining for miracles” as a daily practice of training your attention toward what’s good—especially in a world that can feel heavy, sarcastic, or stuck in complaint. She explains that after witnessing sudden loss (and remembering how quickly life can change), she refuses to coast through this season of her life on autopilot. Instead, she starts each day with a simple invitation: “Show me how good it can get,” and looks for ways to be both an observer of miracles and a source of one for someone else. Through stories—like a last-minute rental car upgrade, an unexpected schedule opening, and the quiet beauty of a sunrise—Catherine shows how gratitude becomes the “portal” that helps you notice the magic you might otherwise miss. She also acknowledges that hard mountains still exist (job loss, grief, uncertainty), but argues that you can walk those mountains with people through generosity, presence, and perspective. She closes with a clear challenge: don’t wait for life to get better—start noticing the better that’s already here, because it changes everything.💬 What You'll HearWhat Catherine means by “mining for miracles” (and why it’s more than cheesy positivity)A morning practice to set your focus: “Show me how good it can get”How attention works: the more you look for good, the more evidence you start to seeA real-life “miracle” story: needing a rental car and receiving an unexpected SUV upgradeSmall, everyday miracles: a meeting moving, a hard conversation turning into connection, a calm nervous systemWhy gratitude is the “floodgate” that opens a day full of miraclesA perspective shift from travel: noticing ease (a bed that fits, coffee at home, a car that starts)Holding space for hard things without letting negativity steal your joyHow to be a “mini miracle” for someone else through generosity and supportA full-circle adoption moment: the 9/13 birthday synchronicity and her daughter becoming “just like her”The weekly invitation: jot miracles down, speak them out loud, and thank them✨ TakeawayMiracles aren’t only the big, dramatic moments—they’re often the small, steady proofs that life is supporting you. When you practice gratitude and look for the good on purpose, you don’t deny the hard stuff—you build the strength and clarity to move through it with more peace, more joy, and more impact.⚖️ 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

Should you start a podcast for your small business or organization, or is it going to become one more project that never gets off the ground? In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent and AJ share a practical, no-fluff guide to starting a podcast the right way by focusing on what matters most before you record your first episode.They break down the question they hear all the time: "Should I do a podcast?" and explain why the answer depends on your podcast goals, marketing, branding, community connection, thought leadership, or building trust with future customers. You'll also hear how podcasting can go far beyond the standard interview format, and how choosing the right style and tone helps your show stand out (especially if you're creating a local podcast).Trent and AJ also cover the real-world planning that helps creators stay consistent: whether you have the time or budget to produce quality, how to choose a release schedule, why recording multiple episodes ahead prevents burnout, and how to promote your podcast so people actually find it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.If you're researching how to start a podcast, how to market a podcast, or how to use podcasting to grow a business, this episode will help you build a strong foundation, and make your show worth pressing play on.

This is a great “start here” episode for From Pitch to Puget Sound.First, we sit down with State Representative Julio Cortes (38th Legislative District) to talk about what’s happening behind the scenes right now: planning and coordination, transportation pressure on the I-5 corridor, public safety, and what it takes to welcome a massive visitor season. Rep. Cortes also shares how Washington is thinking about fan zones and watch parties across the state—including planning for Everett at the Port of Everett.Then we zoom out. Kyle delivers a story-driven, high-level sprint through Washington’s soccer roots—how the game arrived with immigrant communities, organized into early leagues, survived major disruptions, and grew into a culture that’s been building for more than a century.TakeawaysIf you’re visiting: consider staying north of Seattle for easier access, more space, and a real local scene.If you’re local: expect weekend surges as summer ramps up.Watch party hotspots will fill up fast—plan ahead and keep an eye on local announcements.If you’re bringing family: look for daytime viewing options and community events—there will be a lot beyond bars.In this episode:What’s happening behind the scenes for 2026 (planning, coordination, and what people don’t see)Transportation realities: moving visitors up and down the I-5 corridorWatch parties and fan zones across Washington (including Everett planning at the Port)A quick, memorable history of soccer in Washington (no homework required)Call for listenersHave a Snohomish County soccer memory (an old team name, a field you remember, a tournament that felt like a big deal)? Or a question about 2026 (getting around, where to watch, what to expect)? Email us at info@snohomishpodcasts.com.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/

Wil sits down with Adrianne Wagner, Executive Director/CEO of Leadership Snohomish County (LSC), executive coach, and community builder, for a real conversation about what leadership looks like when life is busy, the world feels heavy, and people are craving connection.Adrianne shares her path from Flint, Michigan to Snohomish County, her long career as a healthcare executive, and the moment she "hit the wall" after the pandemic and major company changes. That burnout became a pivot point leading her back to school, into leadership coaching, and deeper into the work of developing leaders across every level (not just people with titles).Together, Wil and Adrianne unpack the difference between leadership vs. authority, why "aggressively passive" culture can make feedback harder than it needs to be, and how toxic leadership creates ripple effects for the people who have to survive it. They also dig into what it means to level up instead of competing, and why leaders have a responsibility to create real space for others to grow.The episode also spotlights Step Up, LSC's signature conference returning in person this year and how the theme - Step Up for what matters to you , is about moving beyond awareness into action, collaboration, and community.In This Episode, You will Hear AboutAdrianne's leadership journey: Flint -> Snohomish County -> healthcare exec -> coachBurnout, recovery, and why she pivoted into coachingLeadership vs. authority: why titles don't automatically make leadersToxic leadership, trust, and why we don't talk about the survivors enoughFeedback culture: 360-style listening, patterns, and "no hangry leaders"Calling in well: using time off to refill your cup, not just recover from being sickUncompete thinking: scarcity vs. abundance, envy vs. leveling upCommunity projects: asking orgs what they actually need ( cans with no can openers)Kids as teachers: bias, empathy, and small actions that matterMusic as meaning: Jimmy Eat World, Hamilton, the Grey Album, and Wil's 2026 alarm songEvent + Links MentionedLeadership Snohomish County: https://leadershipsc.orgStep Up Conference: April 24 (in-person)Applications/nomination window opens in February (Signature Program begins in September)Closing VibeThis episode is equal parts leadership workshop and real-life check-in: a reminder that community is built on small, consistent choices and that the best leaders don't just win; they help other people win too.

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/