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.

In this tell-all episode, Sarah Dylan Jensen shares the highs, lows, and oh no she didn’t moments of the Lake Stevens Farmers Market that had it all — drama, heart, community, and a few mic-drop exits. It’s funny, it’s honest, and it’s everything you didn’t know you needed to hear about what goes into making a market begin and end.

So grab your coffee (or tea… you’ll need it) and get ready — this is The Life of a Market Maven.

Markets, Mayhem, and Moving Forward 🎙️

It’s been a whirlwind few months — from funding cuts to political shakeups and even saying goodbye to the Lake Stevens Market. In this new episode of The Market Maven, I’m sharing what’s really been happening behind the scenes… and where we go from here. 🌱

In this short solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit to talk about the work that happens behind the scenes at farmers markets — the kind of work most people never see, but that keeps everything running.

I share a recent conversation with someone from the UK who reached out for guidance as she begins her own market journey, and I open up about the tough decision to step away from the Lake Stevens Farmers Market after years of asking for help that never really came.

This episode is honest, a little raw, and a reminder that even the magic takes muscle. If you’ve ever been the one holding it all together, I hope this speaks to you.

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

In this episode, I break down the recent Senate bill’s deep cuts to SNAP and what they mean for real people—market shoppers, small farmers, and families already stretched thin. We also dive into the culture of snap judgments online and in life, and why setting boundaries might be the most powerful act of care.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/

Send the Market Maven some fan mail!

This episode is about grace. The kind we give to others, and the kind we often forget to give ourselves. I talk about:

✨ Navigating unruly market days with patience
✨ Learning to delegate (even when it’s hard)
✨ Caregiving for my mom during her cancer journey
✨ And the strange shift from being a 24/7 hustler to feeling like putting on real pants is a win

I hope this episode gives you permission to slow down, breathe deep, and remember: grace costs you nothing.

Support the show

Like what you've listened to? I'm happy to offer my episodes for zero cost and no ads. Maybe that's worth a cup of coffee to you? Maybe it's worth a few bucks, just because. I love bringing these stories to you and that takes time + editing. A few dollars to show the love is always appreciated! Venmo me here!

More information about Market Maven can be found at www.marketmaven.com. Follow me on Instagram for real-life encounters and fun facts.

To check out the real, live farmers markets, explore the links below:

https://www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/
https://www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org/