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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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