So THIS Happened...

Jen Cole and Rachel Chappelle
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“So THIS Happened…” is the podcast version of catching up with your most unfiltered friend over wine. Each week, Jen and Rachel dive into personal mishaps, past memories, local happenings, weird habits, and whatever else pops up — including the occasional celebrity headline we just have to talk about. It’s casual, it’s chaotic, and it’s all real.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 31 : Free Will Looks Good On You

    Send us a text 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 worldHow Happy Camper Hat Company became the only all-DIY hat bar in the countryLetting go of perfection and embracing happy accidentsPop culture, inside jokes and why patches spark instant connectionHosting birthday parties, bachelorettes and group hangs at Happy CamperThe power of making something tangible you can wear, gift or rememberBuilding community inside the Ballroom Collective at The WorkroomCreating 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 craftingHappy accidents > perfect placementVibes only > Pinterest inspirationBold 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 scrollingThe joy of watching someone put 15 patches on one hat — unapologeticallyWhy dog bandanas unlocked something magical for guestsThe 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 + champagneOngoing DIY crafting — hats, jackets, bags, dog bandanas and morePrivate 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 Support the show

    1h 6m

  2. JAN 29

    Episode 30 : Messy is Our Polish

    Send us a text 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 30.2A callback to Episode 29’s This or That moment that sparked a brand-new merch lineThe meaning behind “Messy Is My Polish” and why it resonated so deeplyWhy 10% of Messy Is My Polish merch sales are being donated to Ballet WichitaA fresh This or That: Chaos Edition showdownHits Different featuring "us"Coffee Breaks at Larcher’s MarketWhat’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 stuckHow it reflects their creative process and friendshipWhy letting listeners see the mess feels more honest than chasing perfectionAnd 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 lightingA reminder that community moments don’t have to be big to be meaningfulMore Coffee Breaks are officially on the way. 🔮 What’s Coming Next Episode 30 marks a turning point. Coming up: Guest episodes recorded at special locationsCollaborations with local creatives and business ownersLifestyle photography captured during recordingsA front-loaded February full of momentumThis 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 Support the show

    47 min

  3. JAN 22

    Episode 29 : Mirrorballs and Milestones

    Send us a text 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 spectacleWhy behind-the-scenes access changes how we experience art — and makes us better audience membersA deep dive into ICT Vinyl Club’s Local Artist Night featuring Pretend Friend, Casey Abay and Social CinemaCelebrating Nick’s 18th birthday with scratch tickets, custom cookies and the realization that time moves fastTHIS or THAT returns with spotlight vs substance prompts that spark thoughtful conversationIt Hits Different (A Swiftie Segment): Taylor Swift’s Mirrorball from Folklore and what it reveals about people-pleasing, chameleon energy and loving fullyWhy shining brightly is never something to regret — even when relationships don’t lastA preview of the new Coffee Break series launching at Aroma Coffee HouseUpcoming 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 PassportGuest episodes recorded at Bubbles, GROW and Odd Fellow HallMore conversations rooted in creativity, community and lived experienceIf 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. Support the show

    54 min

  4. JAN 15

    Episode 28 : An Era of Becoming Pt. 2

    Send us a text 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 bowsThe magic of the Kansas Thespians Festival and finding creative community at a young ageWhat it’s like watching your child step fully into their talent and confidenceRachel’s weekend in Liberty for Hannah’s baby shower and the beauty of showing up in supportThe quiet power of milestones like baby showers and 18th birthdaysWhy “Becoming” isn’t one big moment — it’s a collection of small, meaningful onesAnother round of This or That, centered on growth, reflection and emotional seasonsLyrics 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 breakupsJen’s reflection on career grief, identity and letting go of something that once defined herRachel’s perspective on breakups that don’t end in anger — just understandingWhy some endings are harder because they were once full of hopeLooking ahead to Water for Elephants, upcoming guests and what’s next for the podcastThis Episode’s Themes: Becoming in real timePride, grief and growthCreative communityMilestones that mark usMusic as reflection and healingLetting things evolveFeatured 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 ElephantsMore guest episodes on the horizonContinued conversations around creativity, community and becomingAnd 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. Support the show

    52 min

  5. JAN 8

    Episode 27 : An Era of Becoming

    Send us a text Some weeks don’t just happen — they quietly shape you. In this episode, Jen and Rachel step into what they’re calling An Era of Becoming: a season marked by starting new things before feeling ready, watching loved ones grow into themselves, and recognizing that milestones don’t arrive without a whole lot of process behind them. ☕ Coffee Break (aka Brew Break): Starting Before You’re Ready The episode opens with a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of Coffee Break, a new Reels and YouTube Shorts series inspired by the Wichita Coffee Passport. What started as a planning conversation turned into an on-the-spot decision to grab microphones, head to a brewery and hit record. Sometimes becoming starts with simply saying, “Let’s just try it.” 🎲 This or That: The Era of Becoming Edition For the first time, the beloved This-or-That segment appears earlier in the episode — and it changes everything. The game sparks deeper conversations that ripple throughout the rest of the show, with prompts like:Starting before you feel ready vs waiting until it feels rightLearning by doing vs learning by watchingNew beginnings vs gentle endingsBeing proud of who you’re becoming vs missing who you used to beCelebrating the milestone vs honoring the processBy moving this segment up, Jen and Rachel find themselves naturally circling back to their answers as real-life stories unfold — proof that becoming isn’t linear, and neither is growth. 🎭 Becoming in Real Time: Nathan’s Performance A major heart of the episode centers on Nathan’s high school production of Alice by Heart, which has qualified for State. The biggest moment doesn’t just happen on stage — it happens afterward, seeing a young performer glowing with pride, teamwork and adrenaline. 🎪 Broadway Anticipation: Water for ElephantsThe 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 spoilersWhy circus stories, theater and music often mirror seasons of becomingSeeing yourself reflected in characters mid-transformationWhy live performance consistently brings big emotions🎟️ Listener Perk: Use code WONDER (all caps) for $20 off tickets to Water for Elephants. 🎂 Becoming an Adult: Nick Turns 18 The episode closes with reflections on another major milestone: Nick turning 18. This moment opens up conversations about:Watching kids become adults seemingly overnightPride mixed with disbeliefParenting through independenceLetting go while still staying closeBecoming doesn’t always announce itself loudly — sometimes it shows up quietly, in car keys, haircuts and vinyl nights. 🌱 Final Thoughts This episode is a reminder that:Growth doesn’t always look like forward leapsProcess matters just as much as milestonesIf you’re in your own era of becoming, this one’s for you. 🔗 Stay ConnectedFollow along with Coffee Break / Brew Break on Instagram and YouTubeWatch for upcoming Spotify playlistsSupport the show

    52 min

  6. JAN 1

    Episode 26 : Jumping Into 2026

    Send us a text 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 🥂 Support the show

    52 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    Episode 25 : The Magic of Holiday Glow

    Send us a text 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 conversationBallet magic, live orchestra and community artistryHoliday popups, cozy cocktails and good friendsQuiet glow vs big sparkle energyWhy noticing what lights you up matters most right nowPour something warm, get cozy and join us for a Christmas morning chat that feels like twinkle lights for the soul. Support the show

    1h 1m

  8. 12/18/2025

    Episode 24 : The Art of Anticipation

    Send us a text 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 yearThe difference between joyful anticipation and anxious anticipationHow shared plans make moments more meaningfulStaying present once the “thing” finally arrivesHoliday traditions, popups and local favoritesA 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. Support the show

    46 min
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About

“So THIS Happened…” is the podcast version of catching up with your most unfiltered friend over wine. Each week, Jen and Rachel dive into personal mishaps, past memories, local happenings, weird habits, and whatever else pops up — including the occasional celebrity headline we just have to talk about. It’s casual, it’s chaotic, and it’s all real.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Cole and Rachel Chappelle
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 So THIS Happened...
  • Show Website
    So THIS Happened...