Send us a text

From cozy cleaning sprees and hotel stays to Thanksgiving dishes (the good, the bad, and the gelatinous), this episode is full of laughter, warmth, and the quirks that make the holidays memorable. Jen and Rachel share their favorite traditions, debate the best (and worst) Thanksgiving foods, and dish out stories that remind us why family, friendship, and a great glass of wine always belong at the table.

🥂 Notable Shoutouts

People + Places

• Tim, Josie, and Riley — for inspiring family gratitude and Airbnb adventures.
  
  
  
• Brenda — the ultimate holiday MVP (and honorary podcast mom).
  
  
  
• Michael & Michelle — celebrating 14 years of marriage at Greater Grounds.
  
  
  
• Olivia — from the Haute Pop-Up Market, keeping Wichita creative.
  
  
  
• Stacy from Hopping Gnome — for always showing up with community spirit (and great seltzers).
  
  
  
• Urban Nails — for giving Jen those sparkling, fall-perfect nails.
  
  
  
• Harvester Arts — where the next episode’s special guest, Kristin Beal, will join to talk about December’s First Friday.
  
  
  
• Wichita Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — a beautiful holiday tradition coming soon. Get your tickets now: https://balletwichita.com/nutcracker-tickets/
  
  
  

🦃 Notable Sections

1. Cozy Reset Energy (00:00–00:04)
   Rachel’s “hibernation mode” segment — fall cleaning, shampooed carpets, and her dog Obi undoing all her hard work.
   
   
   
2. Hotel vs. Airbnb Debate (00:05–00:09)
   Jen admits she’s officially “hotel spoiled” thanks to Archer Hotel — with a love letter to boutique stays and historic hotels.
   
   
   
3. Weekend Wanderings (00:10–00:15)
   The recap of Michael & Michelle’s anniversary at Greater Grounds, followed by spontaneous beer, markets, and seltzers at Hopping Gnome — a perfect “local love” moment.
   
   
   
4. Thanksgiving Menu Madness (00:18–00:22)
   Josie’s group text chaos sparks a hilarious food breakdown: dips, dressings, and very strong opinions on stuffing.
   
   
   
5. The Family Dish Debate (00:24–00:30)
   Rachel’s practical “rolls are a waste of space” theory meets Jen’s trauma from “tomato aspic” and “rutabagas.”
   
   
   
6. Funny Thanksgiving Memories (00:31–00:34)
   Jen’s boys reciting the Pledge of Allegiance instead of a Thanksgiving prayer had everyone (and their Gigi) in stitches.
   
   
   
7. Tradition Talk (00:36–00:38)
   The hosts reflect on family gatherings, card games, football, Macy’s Parade, and gratitude — that perfect mix of nostalgia and chaos.
   
   
   
8. Thanksgiving “This or That” (00:39–00:48)
   The rapid-fire game that reveals their holiday alter egos — from pumpkin pie supremacy to “showing up with wine.”
   
   
   

Closing Gratitude + Future Guests (00:49–00:53)
Heartfelt thanks, hints at upcoming episodes with Kristin (Harvester Arts) and Stacy (Hopping Gnome), and a tease for Ballet Wichita’s Nutcracker.

Support the show

Send us a text

Episode Summary: In this lively reunion episode, Jen and Rachel catch up after a busy few weeks apart, sharing stories from Halloween festivities, family reunions, and magical Disney adventures. The duo dives into everything from haunted houses and pumpkin carving to heartfelt family moments and hilarious costume mishaps. They also preview exciting upcoming events, including local arts coverage and a much-anticipated girls’ trip.

Main Segments:

Halloween Highlights:
Haunted house adventures at 13th Sinister Souls, complete with themed rooms and a surprise jump-scare from a friend in costume.

Costume confessions: Rachel’s struggle with a white contact lens and the resulting “creepy” look, plus creative last-minute costume hacks.

Cozy Halloween night in with charcuterie, wine, and a marathon of Halloween movies (special love for “Hubie Halloween” and Adam Sandler’s thermos antics).

Pumpkin carving and seed roasting, with shoutouts to friends for teamwork and creative tools.

Disney World Reunion:
Jen’s emotional trip to Disney World to celebrate her daughter Macee’s 21st birthday—their first birthday together since Macee’s birth.

Heartfelt family bonding, standing in lines, and sharing special moments at Magic Kingdom, Epcot (including “drinking around the world”), and a memorable monorail bar crawl.

Hilarious tales of wheelchair adventures, Disney-themed fashion, and collecting unique tiki mugs at Trader Sam’s.

Reflections on the importance of rest and self-care during busy vacations.

Local Life & Friendships:
Catching up with friends at home, impromptu Halloween gatherings, and the joy of friends who just “drop by.”

Pumpkin patch visits, animal encounters at Klausmeyer Farms, and maternity photo shoots in College Hill Park

Cozy nights with chili, Hocus Pocus 2, and the saga of a lost (and found) phone.

Dancing the night away to local cover band “A Band in Kansas” and shoutouts to their original band, Glass Age.

Looking Ahead:
Exciting plans to cover Harvester Arts’ First Friday and Ballet Wichita’s Nutcracker.

Teasing a special girls’ trip episode with surprise guests.

Reminders to soak up the holiday season, rest when needed, and cherish connections.

Notable Shoutouts:
13th Sinister Souls Haunted House (and Shelby, the sunflower-scented scarer)

Greater Grounds Coffee (for cozy vibes and laptop-friendly space)

Kayla (contact lens hero and Halloween co-conspirator)

Katelynn (lifelong bestie and pumpkin carving partner)

Macee (Jen’s daughter, birthday girl, and content queen)

Tim (wheelchair wrangler, monorail bar crawl buddy, and photographer)

Hannah & Shane (friends, maternity photo stars, and brewery explorers)

Katy & Rob (the “just drop by” friends)

A Band in Kansas / Glass Age (local music legends)

One Mile Kitchen (for a mouthwatering company meal)

Rachel’s dad (pumpkin carving grand prize winner!)

Quick Takeaways:
Reunions—whether with family, friends, or favorite traditions—are worth celebrating.

Sometimes the best moments happen in line, over a shared meal, or during a spontaneous adventure.

Don’t be afraid to revisit childhood hobbies, wear that old trend, or slide down a slip-and-slide—joy is ageless.

Support your local artists, bands, and businesses—they make every season brighter.

Connect with Us:
Keep the comments and shares coming! Your support means the world.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes fun, event coverage, and heartfelt conversations.

Support the show

Send us a text

"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! 🥂

Support the show