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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

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We’re kicking off 2026 in real time — recording and releasing this episode on New Year’s Day.

In this episode, we reflect on the holidays, unveil a fresh brand glow-up, talk goals that feel realistic (not rigid), and share what we’re leaving behind as we step into the new year. From Christmas Eve Eve live music and New Year’s Eve pinball wins to planners, pajamas and a very competitive round of This or That, this episode feels like a deep exhale and a hopeful reset.

If you’re starting the year slowly, intentionally or somewhere in between — you’re in the right place.

Cheers to 2026 🥂

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Episode 25: The Art of the Holiday Glow

Merry Christmas! Episode 25 lands on December 25, and we’re leaning all the way into the holiday magic.

In this cozy, joy-filled episode, Jen and Rachel explore The Art of the Holiday Glow — those moments that light us up this time of year. From candlelit drinks with Jenni of Her Edit Candles to the absolute magic of Ballet Wichita's The Nutcracker, festive nights at Hopping Gnome’s holiday popup and quiet drives admiring Christmas lights, this episode is a love letter to slowing down and savoring the season.

We talk:

• Creative glow-ups and meaningful conversation
• Ballet magic, live orchestra and community artistry
• Holiday popups, cozy cocktails and good friends
• Quiet glow vs big sparkle energy
• Why noticing what lights you up matters most right now

Pour something warm, get cozy and join us for a Christmas morning chat that feels like twinkle lights for the soul.

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Episode 24: The Art of Anticipation

In this cozy, end-of-year episode, Jen and Rachel explore The Art of Anticipation — that sweet space between now and what you’re looking forward to.

From holiday traditions and shared plans to the anxiety and excitement of a packed December, they talk about why anticipation feels different during the holidays, how shared excitement deepens friendships and what it takes to stay present once the moment finally arrives.

Along the way, they share Wichita favorites, festive plans, thoughtful reflections and a holiday-themed round of This or That.

✨ A feel-good listen for anyone navigating the joy, chaos and magic of the season.

In This Episode:

• Why anticipation feels heavier (and sweeter) at the end of the year
• The difference between joyful anticipation and anxious anticipation
• How shared plans make moments more meaningful
• Staying present once the “thing” finally arrives
• Holiday traditions, popups and local favorites
• A festive round of This or That

🎄 Local Shoutouts:
The Depot, ICT Vinyl Club, Ziggy’s, Hopping Gnome Brewery, Her Edit Candles, Ballet Wichita’s The Nutcracker

🎙️ So THIS Happened… is a storytelling podcast about life, friendship and the moments that shape us — big and small.

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In this special holiday episode, we sit down with Brent McNulty and Annika Wooten of Ballet Wichita to explore the magic, tradition, and behind-the-scenes wonder of their beloved annual production of The Nutcracker presented by Casper Family Foundation — running December 19–21 at Century II.

We dive into everything from:
🎄 Why The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday tradition
🎻 The power of Wichita’s live orchestra
🩰 What 120+ dancers (ages 5–75!) bring to the stage
🎭 Last-minute pivots, costume miracles, and backstage chaos
🌟 How ballet creates community, belonging, and unforgettable memories
Plus: inside details on upcoming productions, the story behind Annika’s growing-stage tears, Brent’s leadership magic, and Wichita’s need for ongoing arts support.

Use BW10 for 10% off Nutcracker tickets at balletwichita.com.
Cheers to holiday magic — we’ll see you at the ballet!

• Ballet Wichita Academy — where dancers of all ages (yes, even adults!) can train in ballet, tap, jazz, and more. Find them on Instagram at @balletwichita and @balletwichitaacademy
• Logan Pachciarz, Artistic Director & choreographer with deep industry connections
• Katie Cohn, Company Director supporting dancer safety and artistic excellence
• Jan, Ballet Wichita’s powerhouse costume creator
• McPherson Opera House, home of the beautifully slanted 26-degree stage
• Century II Performing Arts Center, the beloved home of The Nutcracker
• Oliver’s — hosting Ballet Wichita’s glamorous Opening Night After Party
• Douglas Event Solutions / Douglas Production Group — Brent’s day job and the reason the studio we recorded in looks iconic. Find them on Instagram at @wichitaeventrentals
• Jesse Wooten, official hype husband and honorary So THIS Happened family member
• Nathan, Jen’s son and theater kid who proves student matinees spark lifelong creativity
• All Wichita arts supporters who show up, cheer loudly, and believe in the magic

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🎙️ So THIS Happened… Episode 22: The Art of the Easy Yes

In this soul-filling, belly-laughing, 2000s-playlist-powered episode, Jen and Rachel dive into their girls trip to Liberty, MO — a getaway rooted in friendship, nostalgia and the kind of effortless connection that feels like home.

From tequila shots that may or may not have been tequila, to face masks that behaved like sea creatures, to a wine spill that reminded them (once again) that it’s never a party until something breaks — this trip was all about joy, ease, and the magic of being with your people.

But underneath all the laughter and chaos is something tender: the reminder that friendships built on ease, honesty, and effortlessness are rare — and worth celebrating. This episode is that celebration.

❤️ In This Episode, You’ll Hear About…

✨ The Girls Trip That Became Core Memory Material

• A rainy highway, a 2000s playlist, and Rachel literally “feeling the rain on her skin” by rolling the window down mid-storm — because of course she did.
• The cozy welcome at Hannah’s historic Liberty home, complete with pups, fall décor, and effortless comfort.

💄 Cozy Vibes, Face Masks & Food Adventures

• Browsing Barnes & Noble, boutique hopping, and maternity shopping missions.
• Dips, drinks, and the world’s most chaotic margarita flights — plus tequila that tasted suspiciously like chocolate.
• The Great Wine Spill of 2025 (don’t worry, everyone survived).
• Face masks that kept sliding down mid-charcuterie… and the iconic photo session that followed.

🎬 Chick Flicks & Chaos

• Abandoning The Merry Gentlemen for a far superior classic: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
• All-night laughter, cozy couches, and the collective girlhood glow that happens when friends feel like family.

💛 Friendship That Feels Like a Deep Exhale

You'll hear:
• Why this group works so well (spoiler: honesty, humor, and zero drama).
• The beauty of friendships where you can be half asleep, mascara-smeared, sharing chips and still feel completely understood.
• How chosen family becomes one of the most important things in adulthood.

🤎 Shoutouts

• Hannah, the most graceful host (and soon-to-be mom!)
• Amanda, the queen of gentle honesty and hilarious storytelling
• Shane, the MVP of confirming the red wine didn’t stain
• Nelly the dog, forever a supportive icon
• Liberty, MO — for being a perfect backdrop to girlhood nostalgia

🎧 Listen If You Love…

✔ 2000s nostalgia
✔ Feel-good girlhood energy
✔ Friendship stories that remind you what matters
✔ Cozy chaos
✔ “Face mask and charcuterie” energy
✔ Laughter that resets your entire soul

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