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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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