The recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce made headlines, but this episode isn't really about lettuce.

It's about the food system we've built.

In this episode of the Market Maven Podcast, I explore the hidden journey our food takes from field to fork, why large-scale outbreaks happen, and what we learned during the pandemic that so many of us seem to have forgotten. We talk about the people behind our food, from farmworkers harvesting in extreme conditions to the scientists, inspectors, and public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep our food supply safe.

We'll also dive into the rise of health misinformation, the value of knowing where your food comes from, and why supporting local farmers isn't just about shopping small. It's about building a more transparent, resilient, and connected food system.

This isn't an anti-grocery store conversation. It's an invitation to ask better questions about the food we eat, the people who produce it, and the choices we make every time we fill our shopping carts.

Because every purchase is more than a transaction - It's a vote for the kind of food system we want to build.

In this episode of The Market Maven, I'm joined by Amber of The Host Notes for a conversation about hospitality, local food, entrepreneurship, and the often-overlooked ingredient that makes it all work: community.

From creating meaningful experiences around the table to building relationships in the marketplace, Amber shares how simple shifts in perspective can transform the way we connect with local businesses, local food, and each other.

Together, they dive into the realities of small business ownership, the value of collaboration, the challenges that come with supporting local, and why community isn't something that just happens. It's something we create.

Whether you're a market regular, a small business owner, or someone looking for new ways to engage with your community, this conversation is full of inspiration, practical insights, and a few laughs along the way.

Pull up a chair and join us for a conversation about the secret ingredients that help communities thrive.

Follow Amber here: https://www.instagram.com/thehostnotes
Website with recipes and more here: https://thehostnotes.com/

If you haven’t tuned into the video version of the Market Maven Podcast yet… this is the episode to start with. It was made to be watched.

A lot of podcasts don’t make it past a handful of episodes, so hitting 100 is something I don’t take lightly. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has listened, shared, and stuck with me along the way. With some extra guest-features and a whole lotta gratitude!

This episode is also made possible by the Snohomish Podcasting Network, and especially Trent at Red Trux Studio for helping bring this vision to life.

After six seasons of building the Lake Stevens Farmers Market from the ground up, I’m sharing some honest thoughts on what it feels like to watch a “new” version take shape without the context of what it actually took to build the original.

This episode touches on the unseen labor behind a market, the difference between profit and community, using AI to support "local," and the emotional weight of stepping away from something you gave everything to.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Ilea Bingham, of Posey Acres Kitchen, a sourdough baker navigating one of the most saturated spaces in the market world right now. Sourdough is everywhere—but what does it actually take to stand out when you’re one of many?

We talk about how she got started, what she’s learned along the way, and the reality of building a business around something that’s both time-intensive and wildly popular. From managing demand to finding your edge, this conversation goes beyond bread and into the mindset it takes to keep showing up.

If you’ve ever looked around your market (or your industry) and thought, “How do I compete with all of this?”—this one’s for you.

When I say “the C word,” you might think of one thing.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about a few: Cancer. Community. Connection. Communication.

In this episode, I’m sharing a personal update on my mom’s cancer journey, reflecting on recent experiences with community (from the BLOS cruise to Emerald City Comic Con), and diving into a real-world reminder of how communication can make—or break—your professional reputation.

Because in small business, in markets, and in life… people talk. And how you show up matters.

In this episode of the Market Maven podcast, I explore the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing that it is not always loud or authoritative. I focus on the importance of authenticity, resilience, and personal growth in leadership roles, drawing parallels between my experiences and cultural symbols like the Seahawks and Bad Bunny's halftime show. The conversation highlights the significance of empowering others, navigating difficult conversations, and leading with compassion during challenging times.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kathy Rodriguez of Coaching with Kathy for a powerful conversation about self-love, transitions, and releasing the expectations we place on ourselves.

We talk about what it really means to meet yourself where you are — not where you think you “should” be — and how letting go of those internal pressures can create space for growth, clarity, and compassion.

Whether you’re navigating a big life shift, feeling stuck in the in-between, or simply trying to be a little kinder to yourself, this episode is your reminder to stop “should-ing” all over yourself and start honoring your own journey.