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.

In this episode of the Market Maven podcast, host Sarah Dylan Jensen welcomes Nikki, the owner of Nikkster Tech, to discuss the importance of effective website strategies for small businesses. Nikki shares her journey from being a park ranger to a tech expert, emphasizing her mission to help small business owners enhance their online presence without breaking the bank. She highlights the significance of small, impactful changes that can lead to substantial improvements in a business's online performance, particularly for those operating on tight budgets.

Learn more about Nikkster Tech services and keep in touch with Nikki here:

Website: https://nikkster.tech
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nikkster.tech
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkstertech
Freebies and mini-courses: https://nikkster.tech/resources/
Book your website audit: https://nikkster.tech/services/audits/

2026 is starting differently.

For the first time in years, I’m managing only one farmers market. My mom is still in cancer treatment. The world feels heavier — violence, political uncertainty, economic stress, and historic flooding here in Snohomish County have all collided.

And yet, the market continues.

In this episode, I reflect on the lessons of 2025 — not as a neat recap, but as a reckoning. We talk about stewardship versus caregiving, why boundaries are essential to sustainable leadership, how markets serve as stabilizing forces in unstable times, and what it takes to keep community-centered work alive when everything feels complicated.

This is the foundation for the 2026 season of The Market Maven — honest, grounded, and deeply human.

Running a farmers market isn’t just about booths and permits.

It’s about holding space — for farmers, for small businesses, for community — especially when the world feels unstable.

I’m Sarah Dylan Jensen, and this is Season 4 of The Market Maven Podcast.

As the tents come down and the holiday season ramps up, Sarah shares an honest look at what life feels like between market seasons — that in-between space of reflection, renewal, and recalibration.

In this short and heartfelt update, she talks about what’s ahead for The Market Maven, how she’s navigating her own season of change, and why it’s more important than ever to stay connected to community and shop small this holiday season.

Whether you’re a maker, a market manager, or someone just trying to stay grounded in a busy world — this one’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and root yourself where you are.

In this follow-up to SNAP Judgements, I return to the mic to unpack what the looming end of SNAP funding means for real people, local farmers, and the small businesses that make up the heart of our communities.

As of November 1st, billions in food assistance are set to vanish — leaving millions of Americans wondering how they’ll put food on the table. But the impact doesn’t stop there. From farmers markets and small shops to schools and local economies, I break down how the ripple effect of this funding loss will be felt far and wide.

It’s a candid, compassionate look at hunger, dignity, and the role local markets play in keeping communities fed — and hopeful — even in times of crisis.

In this "part deux" episode, Sarah Dylan Jensen delves further into her experiences running the Lake Stevens Farmers Market, highlighting the financial burdens placed on her by the city, the challenges of managing the market amidst city construction, and the contrasting support given to other community events like Aquafest. She expresses frustration over the lack of equitable treatment for the market, the dynamics of social media in community discussions, and her reflections on the future of the market amidst ongoing challenges.