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"When you show up for your community, you never know what magic will unfold—cheers to velvet nights, final bows, and new beginnings!"

Episode Summary:
This week, your hosts Jen and Rachel dive into a whirlwind of art, emotion, and community at the Tall Grass Film Fest and Ballet Wichita’s unforgettable “Dracula” performance. From cozy movie nights with Diane Keaton to the electric energy of after-parties and the bittersweet beauty of final bows, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, laughter, and a few tears.

Highlights & Notable Moments:

Film Fest Fever:
The hosts recount their VIP experience at Tallgrass Film Fest, including the powerful “Dorothy” documentary and the secret code of “Are you a friend of Dorothy?” in LGBTQ+ history.

Ballet Wichita’s Dracula:
A night of velvet, red wine, and jaw-dropping performances. Special shout-out to Brent McNulty (Ballet Wichita’s interim executive director), Annika (Van Helsing), and the entire cast for a show that left everyone breathless.

Community Connections:
Unexpected friendships and future collaborations bloom at the VIP dinner—cheers to the Vegases and the Harmon Sisters for inspiring new podcast dreams!

Final Bow Moments:
The emotional retirement of a beloved ballerina sparks reflections on change, growth, and the power of community. “When one door closes, five windows open.”

Velvet Vibes & Themed Nights:
From matching outfits to themed cocktails at James & Rye, the episode celebrates the joy of leaning into a vibe and making every moment count.

Empowering Reflections:
The hosts share personal stories of letting go of toxic chapters and embracing self-respect, reminding listeners: “Don’t be afraid to cut the cord—growth starts with goodbye.”

Notable Shout-Outs:
Ballet Wichita for their 50th year and a stunning “Dracula” production.

Brent McNulty and the entire cast and crew for their artistry and hospitality.

The Vegeses for their wisdom and warmth at the VIP table.

The Harmon Sisters—future podcast collab, anyone?

James & Rye for the cozy post-show cocktails and welcoming atmosphere.

All the amazing women in the ladies’ room—for proving that kindness and camaraderie can happen anywhere.

Listeners and the STH community for your ongoing support, feedback, and engagement.

Call to Action:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify. Got a story, a shout-out, or a velvet confession of your own? Drop us a comment or DM—we love hearing from you!

Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember:
"Every final bow is just the start of a new act."
Cheers, friends! 🥂

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Welcome to another cozy, intentional, and laughter-filled episode of "So This Happened"! In Episode 16, your hosts are joined by the inspiring Jenni, founder of Her Edit Candles, for a conversation that’s all about romanticizing your life, setting intentional vibes, and the power of community.

Episode Overview

This week, the crew dives into the art of making everyday moments special—whether it’s lighting a candle, prepping for a trip, or simply winding down with a favorite movie. The conversation is packed with practical tips, heartfelt stories, and plenty of laughs as everyone shares their rituals for creating comfort and presence in their lives.

Meet the Guest: Jenni of Her Edit Candles

Jenni, a recent master’s grad and the creative force behind Her Edit Candles, shares her journey from finance to candle-making. She talks about the science (and magic) of crafting the perfect candle, the importance of mood, memory, and intention, and how her brand is all about bottling up special moments.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Intentional Living: The hosts and Jenni discuss how small rituals—like lighting a candle or making a cozy drink—can transform your mood and help you stay present.
• Romanticizing the Everyday: From fall decorations to movie nights, the episode is full of ideas for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
• The Science of Candle-Making: Jenni gets nerdy about wax blends, scent memories, and the “slow burn” of both candles and life.
• Community & Connection: Hear how Jenni’s business is rooted in local pop-ups, markets, and authentic connections, plus the joy of teaching others (including kids!) to make their own candles.
• Self-Care & Space: The group explores how your environment can be an act of self-care, whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist.

Shoutouts

• Harvester Arts: Huge thanks for hosting this episode in their beautiful new space (formerly Candela). The team raves about the ambiance and encourages listeners to check out upcoming First Friday events and community art projects.
• The Workroom: Find Her Edit Candles locally at The Workroom, or online at hereditcandle.com.
• Community Love: Shoutout to all the local markets, pop-ups, and the little girls learning to make their own candles—Jenni’s building something special right in your backyard!

Listener Challenge

How do you romanticize your daily life? Share your favorite rituals, cozy routines, or intentional moments with the hosts on social media, and let them know if you want to be a guest!

Connect with Us:
Follow, message, or suggest a guest—your feedback and stories make the show!
See you next time for more cozy vibes and intentional living.

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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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