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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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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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