Episode 15: The Soundtrack of Showing Up

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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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