Send us a text

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

Support the show

Send us a text

🎙️ 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

Support the show

Send us a text

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!

Support the show