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🥂 In This Episode

This week, we’re stepping into the spotlight and pulling back the curtain…

• Jen shares her experience seeing Hadestown (and why it stuck with her long after the final note)
• We dive into Heartspring’s mission ahead of the Rouge Gala—and why this organization is so special
• A sneak peek at Ballet Wichita’s Breaking Barriers
• Hits Different: Getaway Car by Taylor Swift
• Plus: a This or That that turns surprisingly introspective (because… of course it does)

🎭 Under the Lights: Hadestown Review

Jen takes us inside Broadway in Wichita’s production of Hadestown—and WOW.

From haunting vocals to a story rooted in mythology, love, and sacrifice, this one hit deep.

Highlights:

• A fully sung-through production (no dialogue, all music)
• Standout performances (Hermes as narrator stole the show)
• Themes of love, trust, and fate that leave room for interpretation

And maybe the most special part?
Sharing the experience with her mom—and realizing how powerful live theater can be when it means something.

❤️ Beyond the Spotlight: Heartspring + Rouge Gala

We’re honored to be guests at the upcoming Heartspring Rouge Gala, and after Jen’s behind-the-scenes tour, this organization left a lasting impression.

What makes Heartspring so impactful:

• Serving children with autism and developmental needs
• A whole-child approach (education, therapy, life skills)
• Supporting families—not just individuals
• Drawing families from across the country to Wichita

From classrooms to residential living spaces, it’s not just care—it’s community.

As we said in the episode: It’s easy to show up for the sparkle… but what stays with you is the purpose behind it.

🩰 What’s Next on Stage: Ballet Wichita

Next up, we’re heading to the same venue (hello full-circle moment 👀) for:

Breaking Barriers

A powerful performance inspired by the Dockum Sit-In, blending history, movement, and emotion.

📍 B-29 Doc Hangar
📅 April 3 & 4

We already know this one is going to be feel-it-in-your-chest kind of moving.

🚗 Hits Different: Getaway Car

This week’s song: Getaway Car by Taylor Swift

And WOW… this conversation went places.

We talked about:

• Fast, fiery relationships that feel electric… but don’t last
• Being someone’s escape—and realizing they were yours too
• The difference between love, timing, and emotional survival

The takeaway?
Sometimes the “getaway car” isn’t the destination…
It’s just the thing that helps you move forward.

✨ Final Thoughts

This episode is all about contrast:

🎭 Being seen vs. figuring it out
✨ Glamour vs. meaning
❤️ Performance vs. purpose

Some moments are meant for the spotlight… and some quietly shape who we become.

🥂 Next Episode Tease

We’re joined by Jamie Seipel of Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) to talk about her Visionary of the Year campaign and how Wichita is showing up for a powerful cause.

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🍷 Episode Summary
What if the next big idea didn’t come from Silicon Valley… but from right here in Wichita?

In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Hoover, founder of Groover Labs, to talk about what it really takes to build something from the ground up and why you might not have to leave home to do it. From her background in big tech to creating a space where founders, developers, and creatives can collide and collaborate, Tracy shares how Groover Labs is helping shape the future of innovation in Kansas.

We explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of being surrounded by other builders, and the idea that sometimes what a city needs most isn’t more talent… it’s a place for that talent to come together.

Because big ideas? They’re not limited by geography. They’re just waiting for the right environment to grow.

🥂 In This Episode

• Tracy’s journey from Hewlett-Packard and startup leadership to founding Groover Labs
• The moment she realized Wichita needed a physical hub for builders and founders
• What Groover Labs actually is (and why it’s so much more than coworking)
• The role of space, tools, and proximity in accelerating ideas
• Why startups don’t just need funding… they need structure and support
• Inside the ACCEL-KS program and how it’s helping founders across Kansas
• Real examples of builders creating, prototyping, and refining ideas at Groover
• The truth about Midwest talent and why people are choosing to stay
• How community fuels innovation in ways you can’t replicate alone
  
  

💡 Key Takeaways

You don’t have to leave to build something big.
The narrative that success only exists on the coasts is shifting and Wichita is part of that story.

Ideas need more than inspiration. They need infrastructure.
Groover Labs exists to give founders a place to actually build, not just brainstorm.

Funding helps, but guidance changes everything.
Programs like ACCEL-KS show that mentorship, structure, and feedback can be just as valuable as capital.

Community is the multiplier.
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who are also in the messy, in-progress stage of building.

🔥 Memorable Moments

• The realization that Wichita didn’t lack talent… it lacked a central place for that talent to connect
• Founders evolving from modifying products to creating original prototypes
• The idea that even founders who didn’t receive funding still gained clarity and direction
• The energy inside Groover Labs when multiple builders are working and collaborating at the same time
  
  

🔗 Resources + Links

• Groover Labs — learn more, explore membership, and get involved
• ACCEL-KS — supporting early-stage founders across Kansas
  
  

🍷 Join the Conversation

Have you ever felt like you had to leave your city to chase something bigger?

Or have you seen something incredible being built right where you are?

We’d love to hear your story. Come join the conversation with us.

⭐️ If You Loved This Episode…

Share it with a friend, tag us on social, or leave a review. It helps more people discover conversations like this one.

And as always…

So THIS Happened. 🍷✨

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Cheers to Episode 36! This week’s episode unexpectedly turned into a celebration of live performance, unforgettable nights out and the artists who shape the soundtrack of our lives.

Jen and Rachel recap an electric night at Broadway in Wichita’s production of STOMP, explore the glamour and chaos of showbiz in Rachel’s Hits Different song assignment, and share memories of legendary local musician Jenny Wood, whose influence on the Wichita music scene will never be forgotten.

From rhythm-filled stages to sequined showgirl energy to heartfelt reflections on the power of music and community, this episode is a reminder that the show must go on.

🎭 Broadway in Wichita: STOMP

Jen and Rachel dive into their experience seeing STOMP, the iconic percussion performance that transforms everyday objects into music. They talk about:

• The incredible creativity of the production
• Trash can choreography and inventive rhythms
• The humor and audience interaction that made the show unforgettable
• Jen’s longtime fascination with STOMP after seeing it referenced in her childhood dance studio

The result? A standing ovation and a renewed appreciation for the magic of live performance.

🎶 Hits Different: Life of a Showgirl

Rachel’s song assignment this week brings the glamour.

The two unpack “Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift feat. Sabrina Carpenter, exploring themes of:

• Performance and persona
• The sparkle and chaos behind showbiz
• Why showgirl energy feels perfectly aligned with the spirit of this episode

And of course, the conversation leads to one important realization:

Sequins are forever.

💚 Honoring Wichita Musician Jenny Wood

The episode also includes a heartfelt tribute to Jenny Wood, a beloved Wichita singer-songwriter who recently passed away.

Jen shares memories of:

• Seeing Jenny perform years ago in Wichita’s local music scene
• Jenny’s powerful song “I Am Not Scared” and the way she brought children on stage to sing it with her
• Interviewing Jenny in 2018 ahead of the release of her album Truth Has Legs
• Jenny’s album launch event at the Crown Uptown Theatre

Jenny wasn’t just a performer. She was an artist who lifted others up, especially young people, and helped shape the Wichita music community.

At the end of the episode, we share a video of Jenny performing live in Wichita.

Rest in peace, Jenny Wood. Your music lives on.

Jen and Rachel also catch up on what’s been happening around Wichita this week:

• A night of trivia with friends
• Coffee Breaks at Goldfinch Coffee
• Getting ready for the legendary Delano St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations

If you’re celebrating in Wichita this weekend… you just might spot them in green.

Next episode, Jen and Rachel will be recording Episode 37 at Groover Labs with guest Tracy. Expect more stories, more laughs and more local adventures.

Follow So THIS Happened… everywhere you listen to podcasts and on social:

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And if you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review.

🥂 Cheers to unforgettable nights, live music an

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This week, we recorded from the upstairs loft at The Depot (shoutout to Jeff and those $10 Sunday pizzas 🙌) and welcomed Kiah and Bella of Roaming Spirits Bar for a conversation about building a business with boldness, heart and just the right amount of controlled chaos.

From homemade syrups to espresso martinis with tequila (yes, tequila), this episode is about more than cocktails. It’s about showing up, taking risks and choosing ambition on purpose.

We’re sipping blueberry lavender lemonade and a cinnamon espresso martini while talking about:

• Starting a mobile bartending business on a literal TikTok sign
• Moving states to chase a dream
• Being women-owned in the hospitality industry
• The momentum shift from 5 events in a year… to 4 in one month
• Why cost-effective doesn’t mean cookie-cutter
• The real value of investing in experience

This one is fun, inspiring and just a little bit unhinged in the best way.

💡 How Roaming Spirits Started

A cruise.
A conversation about hating their jobs.
A TikTok that said “start a mobile bartending business.”
A house that “just happened” to become available.

Bella packed up a U-Haul.
Kiah leaned into marketing.
They built their bar together.

And just like that… Roaming Spirits was born.

👯‍♀️ Women-Owned & Unapologetic

We talk about:

• What it’s like being women business owners in a male-dominated industry
• The difference between being the face of a bar… and owning it
• Community over competition
• Supporting other local women-owned businesses (Dress Gallery, Set Theory Marketing, Crumbs by Jaz, Vu Events and more)

Their approach is collaborative, transparent and rooted in lifting others up.

📈 The March Momentum
Last year: 5 total events.
This March alone: 4 bookings.

Including:

• A Vietnamese tea engagement ceremony
• A bridal event with Dress Gallery
• A branding re-launch with custom rose espresso martinis
• A storefront celebration for Set Theory Marketing

Momentum feels exciting… and a little overwhelming. But they’re embracing it.

🍹 What Makes Them Different
Roaming Spirits:

• Curates signature cocktails around the client
• Provides custom alcohol lists so clients aren’t overwhelmed
• Makes all syrups in-house
• Offers open bar packages with no hidden fees
• Allows clients to keep leftover alcohol

Their philosophy:

The cost of not investing in experience? A cookie-cutter event.And they are not here for cookie-cutter.

❤️ Real Talk Moments
We close with reflections on:

• Not apologizing for being loud
• Allowing yourself to ask questions instead of pretending to know everything
• Showing up for your business partner on hard days
• Building something that feels like alignment, not obligation

This episode is proof that ambition doesn’t have to be harsh. It can be spirited.

🎭 What’s Coming Up

• We’re seeing STOMP with Broadway in Wichita (March 4!)
• Tracy from Groover Labs joins us later this month
• And yes… we’re already planning a Roaming Spirits content day collab
  
  

📲 Connect with Roaming Spirits

Follow them on Instagram: @roaming.spiritsbar
Check out their website for bookings and upcoming merch.

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Cheers to 30, messy growth and being slightly unhinged on purpose

Rachel turns 30 this week and we are absolutely uncorking for it.

In this episode, we celebrate stepping into a new decade with clarity, confidence and just the right amount of chaos. We talk about lessons from our twenties, why boundaries hit different in your thirties and how “messy” might actually be the most polished thing about you.

We also dive into our newly launched merch store (!!!), why 10% of our Messy is My Polish line supports Ballet Wichita and why building something bold requires being brave enough to start imperfectly.

🥂 Birthday Energy: Rachel at 30

Rachel reflects on:

• The growth between early 20s and now
• Why independence and strong friendships changed everything
• Learning boundaries (even if it took a minute)
• Choosing clarity over chaos
• Why 30 feels grounded, not scary

We also share a very real-life moment from Galentine’s Night involving:

• A persistent stranger
• Three strategic “boops”
• And the art of handling awkwardness with humor instead of tears

👕 Merch Launch: From Slightly Unhinged to Fully Branded
We officially launched our merch store and talked through the heart behind both designs:

🍷 Uncorked and Slightly Unhinged
This one is pure friendship energy.

• Inspired by how our wine nights started this podcast
• A nod to the freedom of being fully yourself
• A celebration of boldness, silliness and spontaneity

Because sometimes being uncorked is the only way to start something new.

💄 Messy is My Polish
This phrase was born during a “This or That” moment and immediately stuck.We talk about:

• Why perfection is overrated
• Why messy growth is still growth
• How every polished performance (hello Ballet Wichita) requires unseen mess behind the scenes
• Why 10% of profits from this line go to Ballet Wichita
• You cannot get polished without getting messy first.

🎲 This or That: 30 Edition
We played a birthday-themed round including:

• Champagne toast vs tequila shot
• Crying in public vs rage journaling
• Heels vs sneakers
• Bold lipstick vs bare face
• Overdressed vs underdressed

Spoiler:
We would absolutely rage journal before crying in public. Every time.

💎 Hits Different: “Opalite” by Taylor Swift

This week’s Taylor Swift deep dive focuses on “Opalite” from Life of a Showgirl.

Rachel shares:

• Why this is her favorite song from the album so far
• The symbolism of Opal and Onyx
• How the lyrics reflect serenity, growth and emotional clarity
• Why this song feels uplifting and grounded

Jen reflects on:

• The contrast between heartbreak albums and this new era
• Choosing presence over performance in relationships
• The beauty of love that feels steady instead of chaotic

We love a poetic queen.

🔮 What’s Coming Next
We’re excited to welcome:

• Kiah and Bella from Roaming Spirits Bar
  Women building bold businesses and shaking up the scene.
• Tracy from Groover Labs
  Community building, entrepreneurship and creative collaboration.

If you’d like to be a guest on So THIS Happened, reach out. We love spotlighting bold stories and brave beginnings.

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In this heart-forward episode of So THIS Happened…, Jen and Rachel sit down with longtime friend and event planner extraordinaire Jovana Vu at GROW Plant Bar to talk about collaboration, trust and what it really means to build something with the people you love.

From planning Jen’s wedding to launching Vu Events as a brand, Jovana shares how working with intention — not hustle — has shaped her business, her marriage and her future.

This one is about partnership done right. ✨

🌿 In This Episode, We Talk About:

• How Vu Events began (and why a terrible wedding experience sparked it)
  
  
  
• Why collaboration has always been Jovana’s secret sauce
  
  
  
• The power of referrals and word-of-mouth growth
  
  
  
• Working in hospitality to learn the inner workings of events
  
  
  
• Why trusting your vendors is non-negotiable
  
  
  
• Protecting your relationship while building a business together
  
  
  
• Tony joining Vu Events with DJ + Karaoke services 🎤
  
  
  
• The importance of boundaries to prevent burnout
  
  
  
• Choosing the people you can “do the hard things with”
  
  
  
• What makes the perfect event unforgettable
  
  

✨ Standout Moments

“Choose the people you can do the hard things with.”
A reminder that collaboration isn’t about ease — it’s about trust under pressure.

From Planning to the Party.
Vu Events is expanding to offer DJ services and karaoke alongside event planning — a seamless experience from timeline to dance floor.

The Echo.
Every event leaves an echo.
What does it sound like? What does it feel like? What memory lingers after the lights go down?

That concept alone is worth a re-listen.

🎉 Rapid-Fire Recap

• Collaboration = Creativity
  
  
  
• Working with your partner = Peace
  
  
  
• The perfect event night = An Echo
  
  

🪩 About Our Guest

Jovana Vu
Founder of Vu Event Planning, Jovana has been in the event world for nearly 20 years. Known for her calm presence, strong vendor relationships and intentional approach, she specializes in events that feel deeply personal and beautifully executed.

Now expanding into DJ and karaoke services alongside her husband Tony, Vu Events is entering a new era — and we are here for it.

🔗 Website: https://www.vueventplanning.com/
📱 Follow: @vueventplanning

💫 Also Mentioned

• Digital Wichita
  
  
• The Tallgrass Film Festival
  
  
  
• Ballet Wichita (10% of profits from “Messy Is My Polish” merch line supports them 💛) Here’s the link: https://www.bonfire.com/messy-is-my-polished/
  
  

👕 Merch Shoutout

We’re wearing our “Uncorked & Slightly Unhinged” and “Messy Is My Polish” pieces in this episode.

Support the pod. Support local arts. Stay a little unhinged. Grab yours here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/so-this-happened-store/

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Love Letters to the Self, the City and the Night (with GHOSTGIRL)

This Valentine’s-week episode is a love letter — not to romance, but to self-trust, community and creative courage.

Recorded on location at Odd Fellow Hall, Jen and Rachel are joined by Wichita-based DJ and producer GHOSTGIRL for a conversation that drifts from Galentine’s celebrations to late-night creativity, sensuality on your own terms and the power of building the rooms you wish existed.

With red heart sunglasses firmly in place for a Valentine’s edition of This or That, this episode balances playfulness with depth — and reminds us that choosing yourself can be both soft and bold.

✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why Galentine’s is more than an alternative to Valentine’s — it’s an act of intentional connection
• Hosting community-focused events and what it means to curate joy
• Creating safe, expressive spaces for women and femmes
• Sensuality as authentic connection — not performance
• Navigating social anxiety while building a public creative life
• Vulnerability as the gateway to real community
• Finding your people through music, art and shared energy
• Why experimental synthpop feels like home
• Letting your art be a love letter to the night
• Building multi-day experiences and festivals rooted in belonging

💗 This or That: Valentine’s Edition

(Yes, with red heart sunglasses)

• Candlelight vs neon lights
• Getting dressed up vs dressing for comfort
• Hosting the party vs being the guest

Equal parts chaos, honesty and laughter.

🎶 About GHOSTGIRL

GHOSTGIRL is a Wichita-based DJ and producer whose work blends synth-forward sounds with experimental textures and emotional depth. Rooted in community-building and self-authored expression, her work spans DJ sets, original music, curated events and collaborative festivals that center connection, inclusivity and creative freedom.

🗓️ Upcoming Events & Projects

💘 Galentine’s at Odd Fellow Hall
📍 Odd Fellow Hall
📅 February 20
⏰ Doors at 7 PM | Event 8 PM–Midnight - Get Tickets Here

An all-women and femmes-forward Galentine’s celebration featuring:

• Multiple DJs
• Local women-owned vendors
• Curated cocktails
• Food, art and community energy

🔥 Valentine’s Night with ICT Pole
📅 February 14
A sensual, high-energy evening blending DJ sets, pole performances and embodied expression.

🎧 New Music on the Way
An upcoming experimental synthpop project featuring collaborations with local artists — music that lives somewhere between dance floor and midnight reflection.

🎉 Mini Music Festival at Lion’s Lounge
📍 Lion’s Lounge
📅 April 18–19 (4/20 weekend)
A two-day, genre-spanning festival featuring DJs, bands, rappers, vendors and a whole lot of community love.

🥂 Final Toast

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt awkward, underestimated or unsure — and chose to show up anyway.
For the artists, the hosts, the dancers, the curators and the community-builders.
For love letters that aren’t about romance.

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Guest: Kari, Founder of Happy Camper Hat Company
Recorded at: Bubbles Champagne Bar inside The Workroom (Ballroom Collective)

Crafting. Community. Champagne.
In this joyful, hands-on episode, Jen and Rachel sip bubbles with Kari of Happy Camper Hat Company and explore why so many of us are craving analogue creativity again — the kind that pulls us off our phones and back into the moment.

From DIY hat-making and pop-culture patches to feminist values, happy accidents and the magic of making something together, this conversation is a love letter to creativity, nostalgia and finding your people.

✨ What We Talk About

• Why crafting and “analogue joy” feel so refreshing in a screen-heavy world
• How Happy Camper Hat Company became the only all-DIY hat bar in the country
• Letting go of perfection and embracing happy accidents
• Pop culture, inside jokes and why patches spark instant connection
• Hosting birthday parties, bachelorettes and group hangs at Happy Camper
• The power of making something tangible you can wear, gift or remember
• Building community inside the Ballroom Collective at The Workroom
• Creating with intention, values and voice — not neutrality

🧢 This or That: Craft Edition Highlights

• Hot glue gun > sewing machine (with a surprising amount of emotional backstory)
• Champagne crafting > coffee crafting
• Happy accidents > perfect placement
• Vibes only > Pinterest inspiration
• Bold bases > neutral bases (in hats and in life)

💡 Notable Moments & One-Liners

• “What’s going to bring you joy today?”
• Crafting as a form of rebellion against constant scrolling
• The joy of watching someone put 15 patches on one hat — unapologetically
• Why dog bandanas unlocked something magical for guests
• The beauty of leaving with a memory you can wear
• “Messy is our polish.”

🌈 A Brand With a Voice

Kari shares the inspiration behind Not Neutral, a new civic-minded hat line from Happy Camper Hat Company.
Each hat gives wearers a way to express their values — with $10 from every hat benefiting the Kansas ACLU — proving that creativity and community care can go hand in hand.

🥂 Events & What’s Coming Up

• Galentine’s at The Workroom (Feb 13): DJs, piercings, pop-ups and Happy Camper’s Slip & Sip — custom sherpa slippers + champagne
• Ongoing DIY crafting — hats, jackets, bags, dog bandanas and more
• Private group reservations available (birthdays, bachelorettes, just-because hangs)

📍 Visit & Create

🧢 Happy Camper Hat Company
📍 Upstairs in the Ballroom Collective at The Workroom
🕰️ Open 7 days a week
🌐 happycamperhatco.com (tutorials, reservations, event info)

🥂 Bubbles Champagne Bar downstairs for the perfect pre- or post-craft sip

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