Smoke-N-Focus Media

Real People. Real Stories. Real Good.


Greg Bicknell is the founder of Smoke-N-Focus Media…and a gratitude journalist focused on Real People, Real Stories, and Real Good. He is a retired USAF veteran turned journalist that now tells stories built on honesty, accountability, and connection. The goal is to make a place where food, healing, and community meet regularly and often.

Our Mission & Values

Smoke-N-Focus Media

Our Mission

Smoke-N-Focus Media exists to document Real People, Real Stories, and Real Good…without hype, pay-to-play, or agenda-driven storytelling.

We are a standards-based, community-focused journalism and storytelling platform dedicated to identifying, verifying, and sharing meaningful impact. Our work centers on individuals, organizations, and efforts that contribute positively to their communities, often without recognition.

We don’t chase clicks.
We don’t sell praise.
We earn trust through process, integrity, and respect.

Our mission is to Spot Good—and tell the story responsibly.


Our Values

1. Integrity Over Attention

Accuracy, fairness, and honesty come before reach or revenue. If a story doesn’t meet our standards, we don’t publish it—no matter how compelling it may seem.

2. Standards-Based Storytelling

Every feature follows a defined process that includes research, verification, transparency, and consent. Stories are not advertisements, endorsements, or favors. Participation never guarantees publication.

3. Respect for People

We recognize that behind every story is a human being. We approach our work with empathy, clarity, and accountability, ensuring participants understand the process and retain agency throughout.

4. No Pay-to-Play

Coverage is never bought. Financial support, partnerships, or sponsorships do not influence editorial decisions. Editorial independence is non-negotiable.

5. Community Before Platform

We focus first on impact at the local and community level. Growth is a byproduct of trust—not the goal itself.

6. Transparency

We are open about how stories are discovered, evaluated, and produced. When limitations exist, we acknowledge them. When mistakes occur, we correct them.

7. Gratitude Journalism

We believe journalism can be truthful and constructive. Our work highlights what is working, who is helping, and how positive change happens—without ignoring complexity or nuance.


What We Are — and Are Not

We are:

  • Independent storytellers and journalists
  • Standards-driven and verification-focused
  • Community-centered and impact-oriented

We are not:

  • A promotional outlet
  • An influencer marketing platform
  • A review or endorsement service

Our Commitment

Smoke-N-Focus Media is committed to building long-term trust with our audience and the communities we serve. Every story is approached with the same question:

Does this serve the public by being accurate, fair, and meaningful?

If the answer is yes, we tell the story—carefully, honestly, and with purpose.