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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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Welcome back, friends! In this episode, Jen and Rachel take you on a whirlwind tour of their fall weekend adventures, packed with local flavor, unexpected encounters, and enough pumpkin spice to make even Taylor Swift jealous.

🍂 What’s Inside This Episode:

• Friday Night Feels:
  The gals kick things off with dinner at The Depot (chef salad = chef’s kiss), followed by a “quick” beer at Leprechaun’s Lab that turned into a full-on close-the-place-down kind of night. (Pro tip: If you’re going to Leprechaun’s Lab for “just one,” bring a sleeping bag.)
• Nailed It—Literally:
  Jen’s Saturday started with a nail emergency (RIP to the last set), but it turned into a “Life of a Showgirl” mani inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album. Shoutout to Kayla for clocking the reference before anyone else—Swifties, unite!
• Pumpkin Patch Palooza:
  Saturday’s main event: a trip to Walter’s Pumpkin Patch in Burns, KS.
  • Early birds get the best pumpkins (and avoid the crowds).
  • Top activities: train rides (caboose squad!), petting the world’s friendliest goat, and sampling the legendary pumpkin spice mule in the adult beverage garden.
  • Local cider and beer galore—special shoutouts to White Crow, Cider Boys, and Angry Orchard for keeping the fall vibes flowing.
  • The staff and owners at Walter’s? Absolute gems. Thanks for making everyone feel like family!
• Slide Into Nostalgia:
  Rachel relives her childhood on the tunnel slides, and the duo discovers the expanded playground, complete with tractor tire swings and spooky skeletons. (Warning: Going down the fast slide may reactivate your inner child and cause spontaneous cartwheels.)
• Sunday Funday:
  • Open Streets in Delano, brunch at Livingston’s (we love you, Livingston’s!), and a little retail therapy at The Workroom.
  • Art shoutout: Lori Moody’s home art show—thanks for the beautiful print and for teaching Rachel how to oil paint!
  • Chiefs game at The Belmont—victory tastes even sweeter with local brews.
• Bonus Adventure:
  On the way back from the pumpkin patch, the crew pops into Walnut River Brewing in El Dorado for “just a beer.” Spoiler: They stay for three hours, make new friends (hi, Ben Wheeler!), and leave with a six-pack each.
  • Pro tip: If you’re at Walnut River, try the BBQ chicken pizza and the queso (with a green chili kick!).
  • The serendipity is real—sometimes the best memories are the ones you don’t plan.

🏆 Local Shoutouts:

• The Depot (for dinner that hits the spot)
• Leprechaun’s Lab (where “just one beer” is a myth)
• Walter’s Pumpkin Patch (the ultimate fall destination—go for the pumpkins, stay for the goat)
• White Crow, Cider Boys, Angry Orchard (cider squad)
• Walnut River Brewing (BBQ pizza, friendly staff, and surprise six-packs)
• Livingston’s (brunch goals)
• The Workroom (for all your local shopping needs)
• Lori Moody Art (support your local artists!)
• The Belmont (where Chiefs wins are celebrated in style)
• Harvester Arts (upcoming sponsor—thank you!)

🎉 Coming Soon:

• Episode 16 will feature Jenna from Her Edit Candles—get ready to romanticize your cozy spaces!
• Special thanks to Harvester Arts for sponsoring the upcoming episode.

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Welcome to Episode 13 of "So This Happened"—and this one’s a breath of fresh air! Join us as we uncork a bottle of "The Verdict" (spooky label and all) and dive into a lively, laughter-filled conversation about the power of taking a break, the magic of road trips, and why recharging is absolutely essential.

Episode Summary: After a whirlwind of adventures, Rachel returns from a sisterly road trip through New Mexico’s wild beauty—complete with bear-proof trash cans, corgi camp hosts, and the world’s largest pistachio. The duo swap stories about camping under the stars, the joys (and challenges) of disconnecting from technology, and the unexpected lessons learned from nature. Meanwhile, Jen shares her own weekend of Oktoberfest beers, hair transformations, and the importance of community and connection.

But this episode isn’t just about travel tales—it’s a heartfelt reflection on knowing when you need to recharge, how to listen to your intuition, and the little rituals that help us reset. From grounding in the mountains to making lists on bathroom mirrors, Rachel and Jen get real about self-care, mental health, and the value of planning moments of joy.

What You’ll Hear:

• The story behind "The Verdict" wine and its spooky label
• Rachel’s epic New Mexico camping trip: Santa Fe, White Sands, and more
• Bear safety, cougars, and the art of setting up a tent in under 10 minutes
• The joy of showering at truck stops and campground camaraderie
• Disconnecting from technology: what happens when you have no signal for days
• Reflections on recharging: how to know when you need it, and how to make it happen
• The power of planning adventures and having something to look forward to
• Jen’s Oktoberfest adventures, hair appointments, and the magic of local music
• This or That: road trips, camping vs. boutique hotels, cider vs. beer, and more
• Real talk about self-care: spa days, shopping, and the little things that keep us sane

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Cheers! Introducing the episode and "The Verdict" wine
• 2:00 – Road trip tales: camping, bears, and New Mexico’s hidden gems
• 10:00 – Disconnecting from tech and the joy of being off the grid
• 20:00 – The world’s largest pistachio and surprise gifts
• 30:00 – Jen’s weekend: Oktoberfest, hair transformations, and community
• 40:00 – Reflections on recharging: intuition, anxiety, and grounding rituals
• 50:00 – This or That: road trips, camping, cider, and more
• 60:00 – Self-care, shopping, and the importance of maintenance
• 70:00 – Listener shoutouts, upcoming adventures, and how to connect

Takeaways:

• Recharging isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Listen to your intuition and plan your resets.
• Nature, travel, and even a simple change of scenery can work wonders for your mental health.
• Disconnecting from technology can help you reconnect with yourself and those around you.
• Self-care looks different for everyone—find what works for you, whether it’s a spa day, a shopping spree, or a walk in the woods.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Rachel’s adventures on Instagram: @studioellechappelle
• DM us your fall adventures, questions, or suggestions for future episodes!
• Subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed the show—your support means the world.

Thanks for listening! The verdict is in: recharging is essential. We hope this epi

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Welcome back to another heartfelt and hilarious episode of So This Happened with your favorite hosts, Jen and Rachel! This week, the duo dives deep into the art of navigating life’s transitions, the power of friendship, and the vibrant community spirit of Wichita.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Catching Up & Community Love: Jen and Rachel kick things off with gratitude for their growing community, sharing how listener feedback and real-life encounters have inspired them to keep creating. If you’ve ever run into them in public, you might just get a shoutout!
• Travel Tales & Bear Encounters: Rachel preps for an adventurous camping trip to New Mexico—bear spray and all! Get the inside scoop on her travel hacks, packing tips, and the excitement (and nerves) of heading into bear country.
• Wichita in the Spotlight: Jen recounts her experience at a local networking event and her new role in community management for the upcoming Travel Blogger Expo (TBEX) in Wichita. Hear about the city’s growth, the power of local connections, and why Wichita is the place to be.
• Art, Music, and Creative Inspiration: From the Wichita Art Museum to live music at Brickyard, the hosts share their favorite local spots and the creative energy that fuels their work. Plus, discover how solo outings and cozy corners at Bubbles spark new ideas and content.
• Real Talk: Navigating Change & Transitions: The heart of this episode is a candid conversation about life’s biggest changes—career shifts, relationships, divorce, and personal growth. Jen and Rachel open up about their toughest transitions, the lessons learned, and the mantra that keeps them moving forward: Do it anyway.
• Nostalgia & Growth: The hosts reflect on seasons of life they’d revisit (hello, gardening days and little kid adventures!) and those they’re glad to leave behind. It’s a raw, relatable look at how our past shapes us—and why some chapters are best left closed.
• Supporting Yourself & Others: Get practical tips for self-care, from the power of self-talk and music to the importance of clean spaces, comfort shows, and a strong support system. Plus, learn how Jen and Rachel show up for each other (and their friends) when times get tough.
• This or That – The Challenging Edition: The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire “This or That” game, courtesy of ChatGPT, where the hosts debate everything from career risks to rekindling friendships and letting go of what no longer serves them. Expect laughs, surprises, and a few tough truths!

Don’t Miss:

• Shoutouts to listeners and friends (including the ever-fabulous Jovanna!)
• Behind-the-scenes stories from content creation sessions
• Calls for YOUR questions and topic ideas for future episodes

Connect with Rachel & Jen:

- Instagram: @StudioElleChappelle | @jlarict

- TikTok: @JenColeICT | @SoThisHappenedPodcast

• Facebook: So This Happened Podcast
• YouTube: So This Happened (watch for the full video experience!)
• Spotify, Apple Music, and more—find all links on Instagram!

Tune in, laugh along, and remember: Chang

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Welcome back to “So This Happened!” In Episode 11, Jen and Rachel are back with their signature blend of laughter, storytelling, and local love. This episode is packed with fun recaps, practical tips, and plenty of shoutouts to Wichita’s best spots and people.

Episode Highlights:
Espresso Martini Masterclass (with Ethan):
The hosts reflect on last week’s special episode featuring Ethan, the mixology maestro. They rave about his creativity, knowledge, and the three unique espresso martini recipes he shared—including a festive pumpkin version and a mocktail for non-drinkers.

Listeners learn the secret of the “dry shake” technique for frothy, dairy-free cocktails, and get inspired to try new twists at home.

Sticky Note Deep Dive:
A spontaneous tangent leads to a fascinating history of sticky notes, including the accidental invention by Dr. Spencer Silver and the practical genius of Art Fry. The hosts debate the merits of brand-name vs. off-brand stickies and share their own colorful collections.

Weekend Adventures in Wichita:
Rachel and Kayla’s perfect Saturday: From TJ Maxx to local boutiques, patio-hopping, and a visit to the charming Blush Bookstore, the duo soaks up the city’s best weather and vibes.

Jen’s whirlwind weekend: Rainy baseball games, Chiefs fandom, and the legendary Zoobilee fundraiser at the zoo. There’s food, drinks, and even a “cookie in the pocket” moment—plus a heartwarming look at being present and enjoying events without the pressure to document everything.

Local Love & Support:
The hosts celebrate One Life Spirits, a regional distillery, and discuss the importance of supporting local makers, restaurants, and businesses. Expect a long list of Wichita shoutouts in these show notes!

This or That Game – Hard Mode:
Jen and Rachel put their friendship to the test with a rapid-fire round of “This or That,” debating everything from boutique shopping vs. farmer’s markets, fancy dinners vs. cozy takeout, September sunshine vs. fall chill, and more.

The game is full of laughs, inside jokes, and reveals just how well these two know each other.

Listener Engagement:
The hosts invite listeners to submit their own “This or That” questions and share what they want to hear in future episodes. They tease upcoming adventures and encourage everyone to follow along on social media.

Notable Quotes:
“If it’s brown, you’re… well, just don’t say hi to a bear.”
“We’re going to be hyperlinking all day long in these show notes!”
“It was so wonderful to be completely present—no pressure to post, just enjoying the moment.”

Wichita Shoutouts:
The Monarch, Bubbles Champagne Bar, Delano District, Blush Bookstore, Ziggy’s Pizza, Sierra, TJ Maxx, Hatman Jack’s, Exploration Place, Brickyard, Zoobilee, One Life Spirits, and more!

Final Thoughts: This episode is a celebration of friendship, local flavor, and the joy of living in the moment. Whether you’re here for cocktail tips, Wichita recommendations, or just a good laugh, Jen and Rachel have you covered.

Connect with Us:
Follow “So This Happened” on all the socials.
Send in your “This or That” questions and episode ideas.

Stay tuned for more adventures, special guests, and behind-the-scenes fun!
Thanks for listening and celebrating with us—cheers to many more episodes!

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Welcome to a milestone episode! Jen and Rachel celebrate their 10th show with gratitude, laughter, and a special guest appearance by master mixologist Ethan Welch. This episode is packed with personal stories, travel recaps, and a deep dive into the art of crafting the perfect pumpkin espresso martini—just in time for fall!

In This Episode:

• Celebrating Milestones:
  The hosts hit 100 downloads and reflect on their journey so far, sharing appreciation for their listeners and the community that’s grown around the show.
• Weekend Adventures:
  Rachel recounts a heartwarming trip to Oklahoma, reconnecting with family, exploring Broken Arrow, and enjoying the local farmer’s market. Jen shares her own mini-vacation to Bentonville, Arkansas, complete with brewery visits, brunch, and quirky encounters with locals (including two different Amys from Michigan!).
• Chocolate & Syrup Delights:
  The duo exchange thoughtful gifts from Kyya Chocolates and discuss their ongoing collaboration with a syrup company—hinting at future content and delicious pairings.
• Special Guest Segment – “Pumpspresso with Ethan”:
  Ethan Welch, local mixologist, joins the show live from Il Primo to teach Jen and Rachel (and you!) how to make three variations of the espresso martini, including a seasonal pumpkin twist.
  • Learn the history of the espresso martini
  • Discover tips for using vodka, cold brew, and even orange whiskey
  • Get pro advice on shaking techniques, garnishes, and how to achieve that perfect frothy top
  • Find out how to make your own pumpkin spice syrup and why fresh ingredients matter
• Behind the Scenes:
  The hosts share their excitement about recording on location, working with local businesses, and plans for more “in the wild” episodes.
• Community Shoutouts:
  Special thanks to Ethan, One Life Spirits, Il Primo, and Kyya Chocolates for their support and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• How to make classic and pumpkin espresso martinis at home
• The importance of fresh, local ingredients
• Tips for shaking, garnishing, and serving cocktails like a pro
• The value of community, connection, and celebrating milestones

Links & Resources:

• Kyya Chocolates (use Jen’s code JENKYYA10 for a discount!)
• One Life Spirits
• Follow us on Instagram:@SoThisHappened_podcast
• Tag us in your own “pumpspresso” creations!

Listener Challenge:
Try making your own pumpkin espresso martini and tag us in your photos! We’d love to see your creations and share them on our socials.

Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of our journey. Here’s to many more episodes, adventures, and delicious drinks!

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Opening: Welcoming Vibes & Community Shoutouts

Jen and Rachel kick off the episode with excitement about reaching episode nine and their new weekly release schedule.
They express gratitude for listener engagement—comments, DMs, and voice messages—emphasizing the growing community.

Personal Catch-Ups: Mini Getaways & Family Visits

Both hosts share their upcoming Labor Day weekend plans: Jen is off to Bentonville, Arkansas, and Rachel is visiting family in Oklahoma.
Jen talks about finally visiting the headquarters of a company she collaborates with, promising to bring back chocolate for Rachel.

Nostalgia & Traditions: Chocolate Frogs and Family Memories

The conversation turns to fun traditions, like bringing back chocolate frogs from Harry Potter World.
Rachel reminisces about using the frog boxes as Halloween decorations and the boys’ reactions.

Creative Adventures: Sip & Paint Night

The hosts recount their recent experience at a local sip-and-paint class, hosted by their friend Esther.
They describe the supportive, no-pressure environment, the freedom to paint anything, and the joy of sharing their art on social media.
Details about the class logistics, Esther’s positive approach, and how the event supports children’s art classes.
Check out Esther's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/paint.and.play.with.miss.esther

Craft Fails & Artistic Mishaps

Jen and Rachel swap stories about their worst art projects, from bedazzled whiteboards to a solid clay gnome that almost exploded in the kiln.
Jen shares about attending a “sip and illustrate” class with her mom, struggling with figure drawing, and turning a failed sketch into a mermaid.

The Joy of Creating: Relaxation, Silliness, and Happy Accidents

The hosts reflect on how creative activities bring relaxation, inspiration, and a sense of fun.
They discuss the balance between following instructions and freestyling, and how embracing mistakes leads to memorable art.

Local Music Scene: Concert Adventures

The conversation shifts to a recent concert featuring local bands Calamity Cubes and Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy.
Jen shares the history of seeing these bands in tiny venues and the joy of reconnecting with old friends at the show.
Both hosts describe the unique energy of live music, the importance of stage presence, and the fun of dancing and crowd-surfing.

Concert Preferences: Arena vs. Local, Festival vs. Brewery

Through a playful “this or that” game, Jen and Rachel compare their preferences for big arena concerts versus intimate local shows, outdoor festivals versus brewery gigs, and merch splurges versus capturing photos and videos.

Pop Culture & Seasonal Shifts: Taylor Swift Engagement & Fall Vibes

The hosts react to the news of Taylor Swift’s engagement, sharing where they were when they heard and how it became a mini office event.
They celebrate the arrival of cooler weather, National Red Wine Day, and the return of pumpkin spice lattes and charcuterie boards.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events & Listener Engagement

Jen and Rachel tease future episodes, including a pumpkin spice espresso martini segment and an appearance at a local corset launch event.
They encourage listeners to send in “this or that” suggestions and reach out via email and social media.

Closing: Community Love & Sign-Off

The episode wraps with heartfelt thanks to listeners, a reminder to follow and subscribe, and a cheerful “cheers” to end the show.

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Episode 8: Lanterns, Lattes, and a Salem Surprise

Welcome back to another lively episode of "So This Happened" with Jen and Rachel! In Episode 8, your favorite duo dives into the joys of late summer, the excitement of upcoming adventures, and the simple pleasures of friendship, food, and community.

In This Episode:

• Weekly Release News: Jen and Rachel announce that "So This Happened" will now be released every Tuesday, (we mean Thursday!) giving fans more of what they love.
• Friday Fun at The Monarch: The hosts recount their recent Friday meetup at The Monarch, their go-to spot for great wine, delicious sausage and cheese trays, and the all-important whole grain mustard (it’s back!).
• Foodie Adventures: From conquering a dislike of olives to sharing tips for the perfect charcuterie experience, the conversation is full of laughs and relatable foodie moments.
• River Flicks Movie Night: The friends share their magical evening watching "Tangled" by the river, complete with food trucks, lanterns, and the Keeper of the Plains fire show. Pro tips for future attendees included!
• Pumpkin Spice Season: As the episode drops on August 28th—coinciding with the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes—the hosts debate the merits (and timing) of fall flavors and cozy vibes in the summer heat.
• Fall Festivities & Local Favorites: Jen and Rachel reminisce about their favorite pumpkin patches (Cox Farms, Walters Pumpkin Patch), sunflower fields, and the explosion of pop-up fall events in their area.
• Travel Plans & Serendipity: Both hosts share upcoming travel plans, including trips to Boston, Seattle, Disney World, and a New Mexico camping adventure. They also recount the wild story of accidentally meeting in Salem, MA, on the same day!
• Chiefs Season & Holiday Hype: With football season kicking off and the holidays on the horizon, the hosts gear up for a busy autumn full of Chiefs fandom, holiday pop-ups, and festive crafts.
• Crafting for the Season: The episode wraps with creative ideas for fall crafts—ceramic candy corns, pumpkin carving, and wine cork garlands—plus a call for listener suggestions and participation.

Memorable Moments:

• The Monarch’s legendary sausage and cheese tray (and the return of the whole grain mustard!)
• Emotional reactions to the lantern scene at River Flicks’ "Tangled" screening
• The great pumpkin spice debate: is it ever too early?
• Accidentally meeting in Salem, MA, and honoring the history of the Salem Witch Trials
• Upcoming adventures: Disney World for a 21st birthday, New Mexico camping, and more

Listener Shoutouts & Calls to Action:

• The hosts love hearing from listeners—especially the moms! Leave a comment, share your favorite fall traditions, or suggest a craft for the next episode.
• Follow the show on Instagram (@sothishappened_podcast) and keep up with Rachel’s adventures at @studioellechappelle, and Jen's shenanigans at @jlarict

Next Up:

• More Chiefs coverage as football season heats up
• Fall cocktails (Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, anyone?) with special guest Ethan
• Behind-the-scenes of Jen and Rachel’s upcoming trips and creative projects

Don’t forget: Subscribe, rate, and share the show with your friends. Happy PSL Season, and cheers to new adventures!

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