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Episode 29: Mirrorballs & Milestones

Water for Elephants, vinyl nights, Taylor Swift truths and celebrating moments that shimmer

This week felt like a highlight reel — the kind where art, community and personal milestones all collide in the best way. Jen and Rachel recap an unforgettable week filled with Broadway magic, behind-the-scenes access, local music love, a milestone birthday and a Swiftie song that hits straight in the feelings.

From watching acrobats warm up before Water for Elephants to listening to Wichita artists tell the stories behind their albums, this episode explores what it means to reflect light, show up fully and celebrate the moments that quietly shape us.

✨ In this episode:

• Attending Broadway in Wichita's production of Water for Elephants and witnessing a pre-show acrobatic warmup that revealed the heart behind the spectacle
• Why behind-the-scenes access changes how we experience art — and makes us better audience members
• A deep dive into ICT Vinyl Club’s Local Artist Night featuring Pretend Friend, Casey Abay and Social Cinema
• Celebrating Nick’s 18th birthday with scratch tickets, custom cookies and the realization that time moves fast
• THIS or THAT returns with spotlight vs substance prompts that spark thoughtful conversation
• It Hits Different (A Swiftie Segment): Taylor Swift’s Mirrorball from Folklore and what it reveals about people-pleasing, chameleon energy and loving fully
• Why shining brightly is never something to regret — even when relationships don’t last
• A preview of the new Coffee Break series launching at Aroma Coffee House
• Upcoming guest recordings with Happy Camper Hat Company, Vu Events and GHOSTGIRL — and the beautiful spaces hosting them

🎶 Song discussed:

• Mirrorball — Taylor Swift (Folklore)

☕ What’s coming next:

• Coffee Break: A new mini-series inspired by the ICT Coffee Passport
• Guest episodes recorded at Bubbles, GROW and Odd Fellow Hall
• More conversations rooted in creativity, community and lived experience

If you loved this episode, be sure to follow, subscribe and share with a friend who loves Broadway, local art or a good Taylor Swift lyric breakdown.
And if you’re interested in sponsoring an upcoming episode, slide into our DMs — we’d love to collaborate.

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Some weeks feel louder than others. This one felt deeper.

In Episode 28, Jen and Rachel return to the theme of Becoming — not as a destination, but as a living, breathing season filled with milestones, emotions and moments that quietly change us. From standing ovations and final bows to baby showers, birthdays and songs that truly hit different, this episode captures what it feels like to watch life unfold in real time.

This is an episode about pride and grief coexisting. About looking forward while honoring what’s already behind you. And about realizing that some moments stay with you forever — even while everything else keeps moving.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Nathan’s state-winning performance of Alice by Heart and the emotional weight of final bows
• The magic of the Kansas Thespians Festival and finding creative community at a young age
• What it’s like watching your child step fully into their talent and confidence
• Rachel’s weekend in Liberty for Hannah’s baby shower and the beauty of showing up in support
• The quiet power of milestones like baby showers and 18th birthdays
• Why “Becoming” isn’t one big moment — it’s a collection of small, meaningful ones
• Another round of This or That, centered on growth, reflection and emotional seasons
• Lyrics that comfort vs lyrics that confront (and why confrontation often heals more)
• New segment alert! Introducing "It Hits Different (A Swiftie Series)", where Jen and Rachel will discuss a different song each week. This week we talk about Taylor Swift’s Hits Different and how the song applies far beyond romantic breakups
• Jen’s reflection on career grief, identity and letting go of something that once defined her
• Rachel’s perspective on breakups that don’t end in anger — just understanding
• Why some endings are harder because they were once full of hope
• Looking ahead to Water for Elephants, upcoming guests and what’s next for the podcast

This Episode’s Themes:

• Becoming in real time
• Pride, grief and growth
• Creative community
• Milestones that mark us
• Music as reflection and healing
• Letting things evolve

Featured Music Moment:

• “Hits Different” – Taylor Swift
  A conversation about breakups that aren’t dramatic, but still linger — and how the song resonates across career changes, identity shifts and personal growth.

What’s Coming Up:

• Behind-the-scenes access at Water for Elephants
• More guest episodes on the horizon
• Continued conversations around creativity, community and becoming
• And plenty more This or That moments (Rachel is currently on a winning streak 👀)

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who’s navigating a milestone of their own. And if you’re in an Era of Becoming yourself — we’re really glad you’re here with us.

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• Starting before you feel ready vs waiting until it feels right
• Learning by doing vs learning by watching
• New beginnings vs gentle endings
• Being proud of who you’re becoming vs missing who you used to be
• Celebrating the milestone vs honoring the process

The conversation then turns toward what’s ahead: a night at Broadway in Wichita for Water for Elephants.
Jen and Rachel talk about:

• Going into shows without spoilers
• Why circus stories, theater and music often mirror seasons of becoming
• Seeing yourself reflected in characters mid-transformation
• Why live performance consistently brings big emotions

• Watching kids become adults seemingly overnight
• Pride mixed with disbelief
• Parenting through independence
• Letting go while still staying close

• Growth doesn’t always look like forward leaps
• Process matters just as much as milestones

• Follow along with Coffee Break / Brew Break on Instagram and YouTube
• Watch for upcoming Spotify playlists

Support the show