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Episode 21: The Art of Gnomecoming
Recorded in the original Hopping Gnome Brewery ✨

This week, we're back where so many creative stories began. In Episode 21 — yes, our podcast can officially drink — Jen and Rachel settle into the cozy glow of the OG Hopping Gnome, now transformed into a festive Holiday Pop-Up Bar.

We’re joined by friend of the pod and Hopping Gnome co-founder Stacy Ward Lattin, who brings ten years of stories, laughs, cozy vibes, and behind-the-scenes brewery magic. We talk:

✨ The making of the new Holiday Pop-Up
 ✨ Exclusive seasonal beers + cocktails
 ✨ Gnome traditions (yes, including the Douglas Avenue Pale discourse)
✨ Why this tiny space still holds a big place in Wichita’s heart
✨ Holiday rituals, community, and the art of slowing down

Grab a festive drink, get comfy, and celebrate The Art of Gnomecoming with us.

Visit the Holiday Pop-Up (Thurs/Fri/Sat): https://hoppinggnome.com

Follow Hopping Gnome: @hoppinggnome
New episodes every Thursday!

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🎙️ So THIS Happened — Episode 20: The Art of Belonging

Recorded at: Harvester Arts, Wichita, KS
Guest: Kristin Beal — Executive Director & Co-Founder, Harvester Arts

Episode Overview

For their milestone 20th episode, Jen and Rachel return to one of Wichita’s most creative spaces — Harvester Arts — for a conversation about belonging, connection, and community through art. Joined by Executive Director Kristin Beal, they explore how art can spark togetherness, why Wichita’s creative energy feels so special, and what happens when you just do the thing anyway.

From the story of how Kristin turned a spontaneous Art Pride Parade into a decade-long movement, to how Harvester Arts continues to foster creative collaboration, this episode is an inspiring reminder that art thrives where people feel they belong.

Key Themes

• The Art of Belonging: how creativity becomes a catalyst for community.
• Building brave spaces: why Wichita’s art scene is uniquely collaborative and welcoming.
• Courage in creation: “Why not? Do it anyway.”
• From isolation to inspiration: how artists feed off one another’s energy and ideas.
• Finding your people: whether it’s in a gallery, a parade, or a sketch club — community fuels courage.

Notable Moments

• Kristin shares how a whimsical art parade in 2010 became the seed for Harvester Arts — and why sometimes “you can do a lot while nobody’s watching.”
• The origin story of Harvester’s Riverfest Artist-in-Residence Program, complete with giant puppets, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and a front-page Wichita Eagle moment.
• How the organization evolved through COVID, mentorship, and collaboration with artists like Mina Estrada and Armando Minjarez, turning a passion project into a sustainable creative model.
• Rachel and Jen reflect on art teachers, inspiration, and those early experiences that made them feel seen.
• The trio plays a “Where Do You Belong?” game, comparing block parties vs. coffee shop chats, quiet studio days vs. gallery energy — and laughing through every answer.
• A heartfelt close reminding listeners that belonging isn’t something you find — it’s something you create.

Notable Shoutouts

• Harvester Arts — for creating space where artists and ideas connect.
• Kate Van Steenhuyse, Mina Estrada, and Armando Minjarez — champions of Wichita’s creative ecosystem.
• Vanessa German — whose work at the Wichita Art Museum continues to inspire.
• Local creatives and partners — from Riverfest artists to the ICT Vinyl Club and The Depot.
• The Wichita community — for showing up, cheering loud, and making every event feel like home.

Upcoming Events Mentioned

🎨 Harvester Arts: Salon Spectacular
🗓️ First Friday, December 5
Featuring 50+ artists, silent & live auctions, and a raffle — all celebrating Wichita’s creative community.

🍲 ICT Soup
🗓️ Saturday, December 6
A community meal supporting local artist projects — guests enjoy unlimited soup and vote to fund their favorite creative idea.

Learn more or get involved: harvesterarts.org

Closing Toast

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From cozy cleaning sprees and hotel stays to Thanksgiving dishes (the good, the bad, and the gelatinous), this episode is full of laughter, warmth, and the quirks that make the holidays memorable. Jen and Rachel share their favorite traditions, debate the best (and worst) Thanksgiving foods, and dish out stories that remind us why family, friendship, and a great glass of wine always belong at the table.

🥂 Notable Shoutouts

People + Places

• Tim, Josie, and Riley — for inspiring family gratitude and Airbnb adventures.
  
  
  
• Brenda — the ultimate holiday MVP (and honorary podcast mom).
  
  
  
• Michael & Michelle — celebrating 14 years of marriage at Greater Grounds.
  
  
  
• Olivia — from the Haute Pop-Up Market, keeping Wichita creative.
  
  
  
• Stacy from Hopping Gnome — for always showing up with community spirit (and great seltzers).
  
  
  
• Urban Nails — for giving Jen those sparkling, fall-perfect nails.
  
  
  
• Harvester Arts — where the next episode’s special guest, Kristin Beal, will join to talk about December’s First Friday.
  
  
  
• Wichita Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — a beautiful holiday tradition coming soon. Get your tickets now: https://balletwichita.com/nutcracker-tickets/ 
  
  
  

🦃 Notable Sections

1. Cozy Reset Energy (00:00–00:04)
    Rachel’s “hibernation mode” segment — fall cleaning, shampooed carpets, and her dog Obi undoing all her hard work.
   
   
   
2. Hotel vs. Airbnb Debate (00:05–00:09)
    Jen admits she’s officially “hotel spoiled” thanks to Archer Hotel — with a love letter to boutique stays and historic hotels.
   
   
   
3. Weekend Wanderings (00:10–00:15)
    The recap of Michael & Michelle’s anniversary at Greater Grounds, followed by spontaneous beer, markets, and seltzers at Hopping Gnome — a perfect “local love” moment.
   
   
   
4. Thanksgiving Menu Madness (00:18–00:22)
    Josie’s group text chaos sparks a hilarious food breakdown: dips, dressings, and very strong opinions on stuffing.
   
   
   
5. The Family Dish Debate (00:24–00:30)
    Rachel’s practical “rolls are a waste of space” theory meets Jen’s trauma from “tomato aspic” and “rutabagas.”
   
   
   
6. Funny Thanksgiving Memories (00:31–00:34)
    Jen’s boys reciting the Pledge of Allegiance instead of a Thanksgiving prayer had everyone (and their Gigi) in stitches.
   
   
   
7. Tradition Talk (00:36–00:38)
    The hosts reflect on family gatherings, card games, football, Macy’s Parade, and gratitude — that perfect mix of nostalgia and chaos.
   
   
   
8. Thanksgiving “This or That” (00:39–00:48)
    The rapid-fire game that reveals their holiday alter egos — from pumpkin pie supremacy to “showing up with wine.”
   
   
   

Closing Gratitude + Future Guests (00:49–00:53)
 Heartfelt thanks, hints at upcoming episodes with Kristin (Harvester Arts) and Stacy (Hopping Gnome), and a tease for Ballet Wichita’s Nutcracker.

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Episode Summary: In this lively reunion episode, Jen and Rachel catch up after a busy few weeks apart, sharing stories from Halloween festivities, family reunions, and magical Disney adventures. The duo dives into everything from haunted houses and pumpkin carving to heartfelt family moments and hilarious costume mishaps. They also preview exciting upcoming events, including local arts coverage and a much-anticipated girls’ trip.

Main Segments:

Halloween Highlights:
Haunted house adventures at 13th Sinister Souls, complete with themed rooms and a surprise jump-scare from a friend in costume.

Costume confessions: Rachel’s struggle with a white contact lens and the resulting “creepy” look, plus creative last-minute costume hacks.

Cozy Halloween night in with charcuterie, wine, and a marathon of  Halloween movies (special love for “Hubie Halloween” and Adam Sandler’s thermos antics).

Pumpkin carving and seed roasting, with shoutouts to friends for teamwork and creative tools.

Disney World Reunion:
Jen’s emotional trip to Disney World to celebrate her daughter Macee’s 21st birthday—their first birthday together since Macee’s birth.

Heartfelt family bonding, standing in lines, and sharing special moments at Magic Kingdom, Epcot (including “drinking around the world”), and a memorable monorail bar crawl.

Hilarious tales of wheelchair adventures, Disney-themed fashion, and collecting unique tiki mugs at Trader Sam’s.

Reflections on the importance of rest and self-care during busy vacations.

Local Life & Friendships:
Catching up with friends at home, impromptu Halloween gatherings, and the joy of friends who just “drop by.”

Pumpkin patch visits, animal encounters at Klausmeyer Farms, and maternity photo shoots in College Hill Park

Cozy nights with chili, Hocus Pocus 2, and the saga of a lost (and found) phone.

Dancing the night away to local cover band “A Band in Kansas” and shoutouts to their original band, Glass Age.

Looking Ahead:
Exciting plans to cover Harvester Arts’ First Friday and Ballet Wichita’s Nutcracker.

Teasing a special girls’ trip episode with surprise guests.

Reminders to soak up the holiday season, rest when needed, and cherish connections.

Notable Shoutouts:
13th Sinister Souls Haunted House (and Shelby, the sunflower-scented scarer)

Greater Grounds Coffee (for cozy vibes and laptop-friendly space)

Kayla (contact lens hero and Halloween co-conspirator)

Katelynn (lifelong bestie and pumpkin carving partner)

Macee (Jen’s daughter, birthday girl, and content queen)

Tim (wheelchair wrangler, monorail bar crawl buddy, and photographer)

Hannah & Shane (friends, maternity photo stars, and brewery explorers)

Katy & Rob (the “just drop by” friends)

A Band in Kansas / Glass Age (local music legends)

One Mile Kitchen (for a mouthwatering company meal)

Rachel’s dad (pumpkin carving grand prize winner!)

Quick Takeaways:
Reunions—whether with family, friends, or favorite traditions—are worth celebrating.

Sometimes the best moments happen in line, over a shared meal, or during a spontaneous adventure.

Don’t be afraid to revisit childhood hobbies, wear that old trend, or slide down a slip-and-slide—joy is ageless.

Support your local artists, bands, and businesses—they make every season brighter.

Connect with Us:
Keep the comments and shares coming! Your support means the world.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes fun, event coverage, and heartfelt conversations.

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"When you show up for your community, you never know what magic will unfold—cheers to velvet nights, final bows, and new beginnings!"

Episode Summary:
This week, your hosts Jen and Rachel dive into a whirlwind of art, emotion, and community at the Tall Grass Film Fest and Ballet Wichita’s unforgettable “Dracula” performance. From cozy movie nights with Diane Keaton to the electric energy of after-parties and the bittersweet beauty of final bows, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, laughter, and a few tears.

Highlights & Notable Moments:

Film Fest Fever:
The hosts recount their VIP experience at Tallgrass Film Fest, including the powerful “Dorothy” documentary and the secret code of “Are you a friend of Dorothy?” in LGBTQ+ history.

Ballet Wichita’s Dracula:
A night of velvet, red wine, and jaw-dropping performances. Special shout-out to Brent McNulty (Ballet Wichita’s interim executive director), Annika (Van Helsing), and the entire cast for a show that left everyone breathless.

Community Connections:
Unexpected friendships and future collaborations bloom at the VIP dinner—cheers to the Vegases and the Harmon Sisters for inspiring new podcast dreams!

Final Bow Moments:
The emotional retirement of a beloved ballerina sparks reflections on change, growth, and the power of community. “When one door closes, five windows open.”

Velvet Vibes & Themed Nights:
From matching outfits to themed cocktails at James & Rye, the episode celebrates the joy of leaning into a vibe and making every moment count.

Empowering Reflections:
The hosts share personal stories of letting go of toxic chapters and embracing self-respect, reminding listeners: “Don’t be afraid to cut the cord—growth starts with goodbye.”

Notable Shout-Outs:
Ballet Wichita for their 50th year and a stunning “Dracula” production.

Brent McNulty and the entire cast and crew for their artistry and hospitality.

The Vegeses for their wisdom and warmth at the VIP table.

The Harmon Sisters—future podcast collab, anyone?

James & Rye for the cozy post-show cocktails and welcoming atmosphere.

All the amazing women in the ladies’ room—for proving that kindness and camaraderie can happen anywhere.

Listeners and the STH community for your ongoing support, feedback, and engagement.

Call to Action:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify. Got a story, a shout-out, or a velvet confession of your own? Drop us a comment or DM—we love hearing from you!

Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember:
"Every final bow is just the start of a new act."
Cheers, friends! 🥂

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Welcome to another cozy, intentional, and laughter-filled episode of "So This Happened"! In Episode 16, your hosts are joined by the inspiring Jenni, founder of Her Edit Candles, for a conversation that’s all about romanticizing your life, setting intentional vibes, and the power of community.

Episode Overview

This week, the crew dives into the art of making everyday moments special—whether it’s lighting a candle, prepping for a trip, or simply winding down with a favorite movie. The conversation is packed with practical tips, heartfelt stories, and plenty of laughs as everyone shares their rituals for creating comfort and presence in their lives.

Meet the Guest: Jenni of Her Edit Candles

Jenni, a recent master’s grad and the creative force behind Her Edit Candles, shares her journey from finance to candle-making. She talks about the science (and magic) of crafting the perfect candle, the importance of mood, memory, and intention, and how her brand is all about bottling up special moments.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Intentional Living: The hosts and Jenni discuss how small rituals—like lighting a candle or making a cozy drink—can transform your mood and help you stay present.
• Romanticizing the Everyday: From fall decorations to movie nights, the episode is full of ideas for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
• The Science of Candle-Making: Jenni gets nerdy about wax blends, scent memories, and the “slow burn” of both candles and life.
• Community & Connection: Hear how Jenni’s business is rooted in local pop-ups, markets, and authentic connections, plus the joy of teaching others (including kids!) to make their own candles.
• Self-Care & Space: The group explores how your environment can be an act of self-care, whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist.

Shoutouts

• Harvester Arts: Huge thanks for hosting this episode in their beautiful new space (formerly Candela). The team raves about the ambiance and encourages listeners to check out upcoming First Friday events and community art projects.
• The Workroom: Find Her Edit Candles locally at The Workroom, or online at hereditcandle.com.
• Community Love: Shoutout to all the local markets, pop-ups, and the little girls learning to make their own candles—Jenni’s building something special right in your backyard!

Listener Challenge

How do you romanticize your daily life? Share your favorite rituals, cozy routines, or intentional moments with the hosts on social media, and let them know if you want to be a guest!

Connect with Us:
Follow, message, or suggest a guest—your feedback and stories make the show!
See you next time for more cozy vibes and intentional living.

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Welcome back to “So This Happened” with Jen and Rachel! This week, we’re diving deep into the art of showing up—whether it’s for friends, strangers, or yourself. From spontaneous adventures to the power of community, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and a few unexpected shoutouts.

🔥 Episode Highlights:
TBEX Takes Wichita by Storm: Jen shares her behind-the-scenes experience as community manager at the Travel Blogger Expo, where nearly 200 bloggers descended on Wichita. Shoutout to the city for “showing up and showing out”—dancing safety cones and all!

Swifties Unite: When Taylor Swift’s new album dropped, Jen rallied the TBEX crew for a Swiftie trivia night at Tor Brewing. Special love to Brenda (the ultimate Swiftie by proxy) and Tim, the most supportive man in the world. “If you want to expand your customer base, just host a T Swift event!”

Strangers Become Friends: From spontaneous coffee meetups with Amy (whose blog, Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, is a must-follow!) to impromptu adventures with Jewel from Winfield, this episode is a masterclass in making connections.

Wichita: The Most Accessible City? Amy’s story about Wichita’s accessibility for her family is a heartwarming reminder that small towns can have a big impact. “That’s such a positive thing to do. Good job, Amy!”

Vinyl Vibes: Tim’s inaugural ICT Vinyl Club Night at The Depot brought together old friends, new faces, and a whole lot of ‘90s nostalgia. “Music is the connector—it brings everyone together.”

Girls’ Trip Glow: Rachel recounts a low-key Kansas City getaway with her friend Ali, complete with haunted wineries and hotel TV marathons. “Potent but delicious—just like me!”

Boundaries & Hosting: The duo gets real about the joys and challenges of hosting, setting boundaries, and being a good guest. “There will be spills—and sometimes, we’re the ones who do it!”

💬 One-Liners & Memorable Quotes:
“Wichita showed up and showed out.”
“Swiftie by proxy—Tim, you’re the real MVP.”
“Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.”
“Music is the connector. Your vibe attracts your tribe.”
“Showing up is a form of love. So is setting boundaries.”
“If someone invites you, they actually want you there. Stop with the imposter syndrome!”

🙌 Shoutouts:
Amy – For her inspiring family travel blog and advocacy for accessibility.
Jewel – For saying yes to adventure and becoming a fast friend.
Tim – For hosting the ICT Vinyl Club and being the ultimate supportive partner.
Brenda – Swiftie by proxy and all-around legend.
Ali, Holly, Blake, and the KC crew – For making the girls’ trip unforgettable.
Gush Media (Tanner) – For social media tips and Wichita pride.
Tor Brewing, Grow, Higher Grounds, The Depot, Larcher’s Market – For being the backdrop to so many great stories.

🎲 Game Time: Show Up or Shut Down
Jen and Rachel play a rapid-fire game of “Show Up or Shut Down,” tackling scenarios from networking happy hours to spontaneous girls’ weekends. Spoiler: Sometimes you need to set boundaries, and that’s okay!

💡 Valuable Conversations:
The importance of showing up for others—and for yourself.
How music, food, and shared experiences break down barriers.
The power of saying yes to new connections (and knowing when to say no).
Why being a good host (and guest) matters.
Navigating imposter syndrome and embracing your own worth.

Next Week Teaser:
Get ready to “romanticize your life” with a special episode featuring Her Edit Candles. Set the mood, light a candle, and join us for more laughs, stories, and bonus content!

Connect with Us:
Follow Jen: @jlarict on Instagram

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Welcome back, friends! In this episode, Jen and Rachel take you on a whirlwind tour of their fall weekend adventures, packed with local flavor, unexpected encounters, and enough pumpkin spice to make even Taylor Swift jealous.

🍂 What’s Inside This Episode:

• Friday Night Feels:
  The gals kick things off with dinner at The Depot (chef salad = chef’s kiss), followed by a “quick” beer at Leprechaun’s Lab that turned into a full-on close-the-place-down kind of night. (Pro tip: If you’re going to Leprechaun’s Lab for “just one,” bring a sleeping bag.)
• Nailed It—Literally:
  Jen’s Saturday started with a nail emergency (RIP to the last set), but it turned into a “Life of a Showgirl” mani inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album. Shoutout to Kayla for clocking the reference before anyone else—Swifties, unite!
• Pumpkin Patch Palooza:
  Saturday’s main event: a trip to Walter’s Pumpkin Patch in Burns, KS.
  • Early birds get the best pumpkins (and avoid the crowds).
  • Top activities: train rides (caboose squad!), petting the world’s friendliest goat, and sampling the legendary pumpkin spice mule in the adult beverage garden.
  • Local cider and beer galore—special shoutouts to White Crow, Cider Boys, and Angry Orchard for keeping the fall vibes flowing.
  • The staff and owners at Walter’s? Absolute gems. Thanks for making everyone feel like family!
• Slide Into Nostalgia:
  Rachel relives her childhood on the tunnel slides, and the duo discovers the expanded playground, complete with tractor tire swings and spooky skeletons. (Warning: Going down the fast slide may reactivate your inner child and cause spontaneous cartwheels.)
• Sunday Funday:
  • Open Streets in Delano, brunch at Livingston’s (we love you, Livingston’s!), and a little retail therapy at The Workroom.
  • Art shoutout: Lori Moody’s home art show—thanks for the beautiful print and for teaching Rachel how to oil paint!
  • Chiefs game at The Belmont—victory tastes even sweeter with local brews.
• Bonus Adventure:
  On the way back from the pumpkin patch, the crew pops into Walnut River Brewing in El Dorado for “just a beer.” Spoiler: They stay for three hours, make new friends (hi, Ben Wheeler!), and leave with a six-pack each.
  • Pro tip: If you’re at Walnut River, try the BBQ chicken pizza and the queso (with a green chili kick!).
  • The serendipity is real—sometimes the best memories are the ones you don’t plan.

🏆 Local Shoutouts:

• The Depot (for dinner that hits the spot)
• Leprechaun’s Lab (where “just one beer” is a myth)
• Walter’s Pumpkin Patch (the ultimate fall destination—go for the pumpkins, stay for the goat)
• White Crow, Cider Boys, Angry Orchard (cider squad)
• Walnut River Brewing (BBQ pizza, friendly staff, and surprise six-packs)
• Livingston’s (brunch goals)
• The Workroom (for all your local shopping needs)
• Lori Moody Art (support your local artists!)
• The Belmont (where Chiefs wins are celebrated in style)
• Harvester Arts (upcoming sponsor—thank you!)

🎉 Coming Soon:

• Episode 16 will feature Jenna from Her Edit Candles—get ready to romanticize your cozy spaces!
• Special thanks to Harvester Arts for sponsoring the upcoming episode.

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Welcome to Episode 13 of "So This Happened"—and this one’s a breath of fresh air! Join us as we uncork a bottle of "The Verdict" (spooky label and all) and dive into a lively, laughter-filled conversation about the power of taking a break, the magic of road trips, and why recharging is absolutely essential.

Episode Summary: After a whirlwind of adventures, Rachel returns from a sisterly road trip through New Mexico’s wild beauty—complete with bear-proof trash cans, corgi camp hosts, and the world’s largest pistachio. The duo swap stories about camping under the stars, the joys (and challenges) of disconnecting from technology, and the unexpected lessons learned from nature. Meanwhile, Jen shares her own weekend of Oktoberfest beers, hair transformations, and the importance of community and connection.

But this episode isn’t just about travel tales—it’s a heartfelt reflection on knowing when you need to recharge, how to listen to your intuition, and the little rituals that help us reset. From grounding in the mountains to making lists on bathroom mirrors, Rachel and Jen get real about self-care, mental health, and the value of planning moments of joy.

What You’ll Hear:

• The story behind "The Verdict" wine and its spooky label
• Rachel’s epic New Mexico camping trip: Santa Fe, White Sands, and more
• Bear safety, cougars, and the art of setting up a tent in under 10 minutes
• The joy of showering at truck stops and campground camaraderie
• Disconnecting from technology: what happens when you have no signal for days
• Reflections on recharging: how to know when you need it, and how to make it happen
• The power of planning adventures and having something to look forward to
• Jen’s Oktoberfest adventures, hair appointments, and the magic of local music
• This or That: road trips, camping vs. boutique hotels, cider vs. beer, and more
• Real talk about self-care: spa days, shopping, and the little things that keep us sane

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Cheers! Introducing the episode and "The Verdict" wine
• 2:00 – Road trip tales: camping, bears, and New Mexico’s hidden gems
• 10:00 – Disconnecting from tech and the joy of being off the grid
• 20:00 – The world’s largest pistachio and surprise gifts
• 30:00 – Jen’s weekend: Oktoberfest, hair transformations, and community
• 40:00 – Reflections on recharging: intuition, anxiety, and grounding rituals
• 50:00 – This or That: road trips, camping, cider, and more
• 60:00 – Self-care, shopping, and the importance of maintenance
• 70:00 – Listener shoutouts, upcoming adventures, and how to connect

Takeaways:

• Recharging isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Listen to your intuition and plan your resets.
• Nature, travel, and even a simple change of scenery can work wonders for your mental health.
• Disconnecting from technology can help you reconnect with yourself and those around you.
• Self-care looks different for everyone—find what works for you, whether it’s a spa day, a shopping spree, or a walk in the woods.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Rachel’s adventures on Instagram: @studioellechappelle
• DM us your fall adventures, questions, or suggestions for future episodes!
• Subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed the show—your support means the world.

Thanks for listening! The verdict is in: recharging is essential. We hope this epi

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Welcome back to another heartfelt and hilarious episode of So This Happened with your favorite hosts, Jen and Rachel! This week, the duo dives deep into the art of navigating life’s transitions, the power of friendship, and the vibrant community spirit of Wichita.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Catching Up & Community Love: Jen and Rachel kick things off with gratitude for their growing community, sharing how listener feedback and real-life encounters have inspired them to keep creating. If you’ve ever run into them in public, you might just get a shoutout!
• Travel Tales & Bear Encounters: Rachel preps for an adventurous camping trip to New Mexico—bear spray and all! Get the inside scoop on her travel hacks, packing tips, and the excitement (and nerves) of heading into bear country.
• Wichita in the Spotlight: Jen recounts her experience at a local networking event and her new role in community management for the upcoming Travel Blogger Expo (TBEX) in Wichita. Hear about the city’s growth, the power of local connections, and why Wichita is the place to be.
• Art, Music, and Creative Inspiration: From the Wichita Art Museum to live music at Brickyard, the hosts share their favorite local spots and the creative energy that fuels their work. Plus, discover how solo outings and cozy corners at Bubbles spark new ideas and content.
• Real Talk: Navigating Change & Transitions: The heart of this episode is a candid conversation about life’s biggest changes—career shifts, relationships, divorce, and personal growth. Jen and Rachel open up about their toughest transitions, the lessons learned, and the mantra that keeps them moving forward: Do it anyway.
• Nostalgia & Growth: The hosts reflect on seasons of life they’d revisit (hello, gardening days and little kid adventures!) and those they’re glad to leave behind. It’s a raw, relatable look at how our past shapes us—and why some chapters are best left closed.
• Supporting Yourself & Others: Get practical tips for self-care, from the power of self-talk and music to the importance of clean spaces, comfort shows, and a strong support system. Plus, learn how Jen and Rachel show up for each other (and their friends) when times get tough.
• This or That – The Challenging Edition: The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire “This or That” game, courtesy of ChatGPT, where the hosts debate everything from career risks to rekindling friendships and letting go of what no longer serves them. Expect laughs, surprises, and a few tough truths!

Don’t Miss:

• Shoutouts to listeners and friends (including the ever-fabulous Jovanna!)
• Behind-the-scenes stories from content creation sessions
• Calls for YOUR questions and topic ideas for future episodes

Connect with Rachel & Jen:

- Instagram: @StudioElleChappelle | @jlarict

- TikTok: @JenColeICT | @SoThisHappenedPodcast

• Facebook: So This Happened Podcast
• YouTube: So This Happened (watch for the full video experience!)
• Spotify, Apple Music, and more—find all links on Instagram!

Tune in, laugh along, and remember: Chang

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