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Episode 30: Messy Is Our Polish (aka 30.2)

Sometimes the best episodes don’t go exactly as planned… and sometimes that’s the whole point.

In this re-recorded (and very real) Episode 30, Jen and Rachel embrace the chaos after recording an entire episode with zero audio. What could’ve been a spiral turns into laughter, reflection and a deeper conversation about creativity, imperfection and momentum.

This episode is about messy magic, creative resilience and why polish doesn’t have to mean perfect.

☕ What We Cover in This Episode

• The infamous no-audio recording fail and why Episode 30 became 30.2
• A callback to Episode 29’s This or That moment that sparked a brand-new merch line
• The meaning behind “Messy Is My Polish” and why it resonated so deeply
• Why 10% of Messy Is My Polish merch sales are being donated to Ballet Wichita
• A fresh This or That: Chaos Edition showdown
• Hits Different featuring "us"
• Coffee Breaks at Larcher’s Market
• What’s coming next for the podcast, including guest episodes and special locations

🎲 This or That: Chaos Edition Highlights

This week’s prompts lean all the way into imperfection and growth.

Spoiler alert: messy wins… but polish still matters.

👕 Merch Moment: “Messy Is My Polish”

What started as an offhand This or That response in Episode 29 quickly became a mantra — and now, a merch line.

Jen and Rachel talk through:

• Why the phrase stuck
• How it reflects their creative process and friendship
• Why letting listeners see the mess feels more honest than chasing perfection

And because community matters, they’re donating 10% of all “Messy Is My Polish” merch sales to Ballet Wichita in support of local arts and creatives.

🎶 Hits Different: “us” by Gracie Abrams (feat. Taylor Swift)

This week’s Hits Different segment goes deep.

Rachel shares her take on the song’s themes of memory, secrecy and emotional residue after relationships end. Jen opens up vulnerably about how the song connects to her own past, reflecting on love, timing, mistakes and growth — including why the lyric about being 29 hits especially hard.

This isn’t just about the song. It’s about reflection, honesty and the courage to talk about the chapters that shaped you.

☕ Coffee Breaks at Larcher’s Market

The first official Coffee Breaks meetup takes place at Larcher’s Market, complete with:

• Local goods, cozy vibes and great lighting
• A reminder that community moments don’t have to be big to be meaningful

More Coffee Breaks are officially on the way.

🔮 What’s Coming Next

Episode 30 marks a turning point.

Coming up:

• Guest episodes recorded at special locations
• Collaborations with local creatives and business owners
• Lifestyle photography captured during recordings
• A front-loaded February full of momentum

This episode is the inhale. What’s next is the spark.

💛 Final Thought

Messy doesn’t mean broken.
Messy doesn’t mean unprofessional.
Sometimes messy is the polis

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Episode 29: Mirrorballs & Milestones

Water for Elephants, vinyl nights, Taylor Swift truths and celebrating moments that shimmer

This week felt like a highlight reel — the kind where art, community and personal milestones all collide in the best way. Jen and Rachel recap an unforgettable week filled with Broadway magic, behind-the-scenes access, local music love, a milestone birthday and a Swiftie song that hits straight in the feelings.

From watching acrobats warm up before Water for Elephants to listening to Wichita artists tell the stories behind their albums, this episode explores what it means to reflect light, show up fully and celebrate the moments that quietly shape us.

✨ In this episode:

• Attending Broadway in Wichita's production of Water for Elephants and witnessing a pre-show acrobatic warmup that revealed the heart behind the spectacle
• Why behind-the-scenes access changes how we experience art — and makes us better audience members
• A deep dive into ICT Vinyl Club’s Local Artist Night featuring Pretend Friend, Casey Abay and Social Cinema
• Celebrating Nick’s 18th birthday with scratch tickets, custom cookies and the realization that time moves fast
• THIS or THAT returns with spotlight vs substance prompts that spark thoughtful conversation
• It Hits Different (A Swiftie Segment): Taylor Swift’s Mirrorball from Folklore and what it reveals about people-pleasing, chameleon energy and loving fully
• Why shining brightly is never something to regret — even when relationships don’t last
• A preview of the new Coffee Break series launching at Aroma Coffee House
• Upcoming guest recordings with Happy Camper Hat Company, Vu Events and GHOSTGIRL — and the beautiful spaces hosting them

🎶 Song discussed:

• Mirrorball — Taylor Swift (Folklore)

☕ What’s coming next:

• Coffee Break: A new mini-series inspired by the ICT Coffee Passport
• Guest episodes recorded at Bubbles, GROW and Odd Fellow Hall
• More conversations rooted in creativity, community and lived experience

If you loved this episode, be sure to follow, subscribe and share with a friend who loves Broadway, local art or a good Taylor Swift lyric breakdown.
And if you’re interested in sponsoring an upcoming episode, slide into our DMs — we’d love to collaborate.

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Some weeks feel louder than others. This one felt deeper.

In Episode 28, Jen and Rachel return to the theme of Becoming — not as a destination, but as a living, breathing season filled with milestones, emotions and moments that quietly change us. From standing ovations and final bows to baby showers, birthdays and songs that truly hit different, this episode captures what it feels like to watch life unfold in real time.

This is an episode about pride and grief coexisting. About looking forward while honoring what’s already behind you. And about realizing that some moments stay with you forever — even while everything else keeps moving.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Nathan’s state-winning performance of Alice by Heart and the emotional weight of final bows
• The magic of the Kansas Thespians Festival and finding creative community at a young age
• What it’s like watching your child step fully into their talent and confidence
• Rachel’s weekend in Liberty for Hannah’s baby shower and the beauty of showing up in support
• The quiet power of milestones like baby showers and 18th birthdays
• Why “Becoming” isn’t one big moment — it’s a collection of small, meaningful ones
• Another round of This or That, centered on growth, reflection and emotional seasons
• Lyrics that comfort vs lyrics that confront (and why confrontation often heals more)
• New segment alert! Introducing "It Hits Different (A Swiftie Series)", where Jen and Rachel will discuss a different song each week. This week we talk about Taylor Swift’s Hits Different and how the song applies far beyond romantic breakups
• Jen’s reflection on career grief, identity and letting go of something that once defined her
• Rachel’s perspective on breakups that don’t end in anger — just understanding
• Why some endings are harder because they were once full of hope
• Looking ahead to Water for Elephants, upcoming guests and what’s next for the podcast

This Episode’s Themes:

• Becoming in real time
• Pride, grief and growth
• Creative community
• Milestones that mark us
• Music as reflection and healing
• Letting things evolve

Featured Music Moment:

• “Hits Different” – Taylor Swift
  A conversation about breakups that aren’t dramatic, but still linger — and how the song resonates across career changes, identity shifts and personal growth.

What’s Coming Up:

• Behind-the-scenes access at Water for Elephants
• More guest episodes on the horizon
• Continued conversations around creativity, community and becoming
• And plenty more This or That moments (Rachel is currently on a winning streak 👀)

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who’s navigating a milestone of their own. And if you’re in an Era of Becoming yourself — we’re really glad you’re here with us.

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• Starting before you feel ready vs waiting until it feels right
• Learning by doing vs learning by watching
• New beginnings vs gentle endings
• Being proud of who you’re becoming vs missing who you used to be
• Celebrating the milestone vs honoring the process

The conversation then turns toward what’s ahead: a night at Broadway in Wichita for Water for Elephants.
Jen and Rachel talk about:

• Going into shows without spoilers
• Why circus stories, theater and music often mirror seasons of becoming
• Seeing yourself reflected in characters mid-transformation
• Why live performance consistently brings big emotions

• Watching kids become adults seemingly overnight
• Pride mixed with disbelief
• Parenting through independence
• Letting go while still staying close

• Growth doesn’t always look like forward leaps
• Process matters just as much as milestones

• Follow along with Coffee Break / Brew Break on Instagram and YouTube
• Watch for upcoming Spotify playlists

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We’re kicking off 2026 in real time — recording and releasing this episode on New Year’s Day.

In this episode, we reflect on the holidays, unveil a fresh brand glow-up, talk goals that feel realistic (not rigid), and share what we’re leaving behind as we step into the new year. From Christmas Eve Eve live music and New Year’s Eve pinball wins to planners, pajamas and a very competitive round of This or That, this episode feels like a deep exhale and a hopeful reset.

If you’re starting the year slowly, intentionally or somewhere in between — you’re in the right place.

Cheers to 2026 🥂

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Episode 25: The Art of the Holiday Glow

Merry Christmas! Episode 25 lands on December 25, and we’re leaning all the way into the holiday magic.

In this cozy, joy-filled episode, Jen and Rachel explore The Art of the Holiday Glow — those moments that light us up this time of year. From candlelit drinks with Jenni of Her Edit Candles to the absolute magic of Ballet Wichita's The Nutcracker, festive nights at Hopping Gnome’s holiday popup and quiet drives admiring Christmas lights, this episode is a love letter to slowing down and savoring the season.

We talk:

• Creative glow-ups and meaningful conversation
• Ballet magic, live orchestra and community artistry
• Holiday popups, cozy cocktails and good friends
• Quiet glow vs big sparkle energy
• Why noticing what lights you up matters most right now

Pour something warm, get cozy and join us for a Christmas morning chat that feels like twinkle lights for the soul.

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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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