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. 3D AGO

    Episode 37 : Big Ideas, Midwest Energy

    Send us Fan Mail 🍷 Episode Summary What if the next big idea didn’t come from Silicon Valley… but from right here in Wichita? In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Hoover, founder of Groover Labs, to talk about what it really takes to build something from the ground up and why you might not have to leave home to do it. From her background in big tech to creating a space where founders, developers, and creatives can collide and collaborate, Tracy shares how Groover Labs is helping shape the future of innovation in Kansas. We explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of being surrounded by other builders, and the idea that sometimes what a city needs most isn’t more talent… it’s a place for that talent to come together. Because big ideas? They’re not limited by geography. They’re just waiting for the right environment to grow. 🥂 In This Episode Tracy’s journey from Hewlett-Packard and startup leadership to founding Groover LabsThe moment she realized Wichita needed a physical hub for builders and foundersWhat Groover Labs actually is (and why it’s so much more than coworking)The role of space, tools, and proximity in accelerating ideasWhy startups don’t just need funding… they need structure and supportInside the ACCEL-KS program and how it’s helping founders across KansasReal examples of builders creating, prototyping, and refining ideas at GrooverThe truth about Midwest talent and why people are choosing to stayHow community fuels innovation in ways you can’t replicate alone 💡 Key Takeaways You don’t have to leave to build something big.  The narrative that success only exists on the coasts is shifting and Wichita is part of that story. Ideas need more than inspiration. They need infrastructure.  Groover Labs exists to give founders a place to actually build, not just brainstorm. Funding helps, but guidance changes everything.  Programs like ACCEL-KS show that mentorship, structure, and feedback can be just as valuable as capital. Community is the multiplier.  There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who are also in the messy, in-progress stage of building. 🔥 Memorable Moments The realization that Wichita didn’t lack talent… it lacked a central place for that talent to connectFounders evolving from modifying products to creating original prototypesThe idea that even founders who didn’t receive funding still gained clarity and directionThe energy inside Groover Labs when multiple builders are working and collaborating at the same time 🔗 Resources + Links Groover Labs — learn more, explore membership, and get involvedACCEL-KS — supporting early-stage founders across Kansas 🍷 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like you had to leave your city to chase something bigger? Or have you seen something incredible being built right where you are? We’d love to hear your story. Come join the conversation with us. ⭐️ If You Loved This Episode… Share it with a friend, tag us on social, or leave a review. It helps more people discover conversations like this one. And as always… So THIS Happened. 🍷✨ Support the show

    48 min

  2. MAR 12

    Episode 36 : Sequins Are Forever

    Send a text Cheers to Episode 36! This week’s episode unexpectedly turned into a celebration of live performance, unforgettable nights out and the artists who shape the soundtrack of our lives. Jen and Rachel recap an electric night at Broadway in Wichita’s production of STOMP, explore the glamour and chaos of showbiz in Rachel’s Hits Different song assignment, and share memories of legendary local musician Jenny Wood, whose influence on the Wichita music scene will never be forgotten. From rhythm-filled stages to sequined showgirl energy to heartfelt reflections on the power of music and community, this episode is a reminder that the show must go on. In This Episode🎭 Broadway in Wichita: STOMP Jen and Rachel dive into their experience seeing STOMP, the iconic percussion performance that transforms everyday objects into music. They talk about: The incredible creativity of the productionTrash can choreography and inventive rhythmsThe humor and audience interaction that made the show unforgettableJen’s longtime fascination with STOMP after seeing it referenced in her childhood dance studio The result? A standing ovation and a renewed appreciation for the magic of live performance. 🎶 Hits Different: Life of a Showgirl Rachel’s song assignment this week brings the glamour. The two unpack “Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift feat. Sabrina Carpenter, exploring themes of: Performance and personaThe sparkle and chaos behind showbizWhy showgirl energy feels perfectly aligned with the spirit of this episodeAnd of course, the conversation leads to one important realization: Sequins are forever. 💚 Honoring Wichita Musician Jenny Wood The episode also includes a heartfelt tribute to Jenny Wood, a beloved Wichita singer-songwriter who recently passed away. Jen shares memories of: Seeing Jenny perform years ago in Wichita’s local music sceneJenny’s powerful song “I Am Not Scared” and the way she brought children on stage to sing it with her Interviewing Jenny in 2018 ahead of the release of her album Truth Has Legs Jenny’s album launch event at the Crown Uptown TheatreJenny wasn’t just a performer. She was an artist who lifted others up, especially young people, and helped shape the Wichita music community. At the end of the episode, we share a video of Jenny performing live in Wichita. Rest in peace, Jenny Wood. Your music lives on. 🍀 Wichita Life UpdatesJen and Rachel also catch up on what’s been happening around Wichita this week: A night of trivia with friendsCoffee Breaks at Goldfinch CoffeeGetting ready for the legendary Delano St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations If you’re celebrating in Wichita this weekend… you just might spot them in green. 🎙️ What’s Coming NextNext episode, Jen and Rachel will be recording Episode 37 at Groover Labs with guest Tracy. Expect more stories, more laughs and more local adventures.  🔔 Follow & ListenFollow So THIS Happened… everywhere you listen to podcasts and on social: Instagram YouTube Facebook And if you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend and leave us a review. 🥂 Cheers to unforgettable nights, live music an Support the show

    1h 5m

  3. MAR 5

    Episode 35 : Spirited Ambition

    Send a text This week, we recorded from the upstairs loft at The Depot (shoutout to Jeff and those $10 Sunday pizzas 🙌) and welcomed Kiah and Bella of Roaming Spirits Bar for a conversation about building a business with boldness, heart and just the right amount of controlled chaos. From homemade syrups to espresso martinis with tequila (yes, tequila), this episode is about more than cocktails. It’s about showing up, taking risks and choosing ambition on purpose. We’re sipping blueberry lavender lemonade and a cinnamon espresso martini while talking about: Starting a mobile bartending business on a literal TikTok signMoving states to chase a dreamBeing women-owned in the hospitality industryThe momentum shift from 5 events in a year… to 4 in one monthWhy cost-effective doesn’t mean cookie-cutterThe real value of investing in experienceThis one is fun, inspiring and just a little bit unhinged in the best way. 💡 How Roaming Spirits Started A cruise.  A conversation about hating their jobs.  A TikTok that said “start a mobile bartending business.”  A house that “just happened” to become available. Bella packed up a U-Haul.  Kiah leaned into marketing.  They built their bar together. And just like that… Roaming Spirits was born. 👯‍♀️ Women-Owned & Unapologetic We talk about: What it’s like being women business owners in a male-dominated industryThe difference between being the face of a bar… and owning itCommunity over competitionSupporting other local women-owned businesses (Dress Gallery, Set Theory Marketing, Crumbs by Jaz, Vu Events and more)Their approach is collaborative, transparent and rooted in lifting others up. 📈 The March Momentum Last year: 5 total events. This March alone: 4 bookings. Including: A Vietnamese tea engagement ceremonyA bridal event with Dress GalleryA branding re-launch with custom rose espresso martinisA storefront celebration for Set Theory MarketingMomentum feels exciting… and a little overwhelming. But they’re embracing it. 🍹 What Makes Them Different Roaming Spirits: Curates signature cocktails around the clientProvides custom alcohol lists so clients aren’t overwhelmedMakes all syrups in-houseOffers open bar packages with no hidden feesAllows clients to keep leftover alcoholTheir philosophy: The cost of not investing in experience? A cookie-cutter event.And they are not here for cookie-cutter. ❤️ Real Talk Moments We close with reflections on: Not apologizing for being loudAllowing yourself to ask questions instead of pretending to know everythingShowing up for your business partner on hard daysBuilding something that feels like alignment, not obligationThis episode is proof that ambition doesn’t have to be harsh. It can be spirited. 🎭 What’s Coming Up We’re seeing STOMP with Broadway in Wichita (March 4!)Tracy from Groover Labs joins us later this monthAnd yes… we’re already planning a Roaming Spirits content day collab 📲 Connect with Roaming Spirits Follow them on Instagram: @roaming.spiritsbar Check out their website for bookings and upcoming merch. Support the show

    55 min

  4. FEB 26

    Episode 34 : Uncorked and 30

    Send a text Cheers to 30, messy growth and being slightly unhinged on purpose Rachel turns 30 this week and we are absolutely uncorking for it. In this episode, we celebrate stepping into a new decade with clarity, confidence and just the right amount of chaos. We talk about lessons from our twenties, why boundaries hit different in your thirties and how “messy” might actually be the most polished thing about you. We also dive into our newly launched merch store (!!!), why 10% of our Messy is My Polish line supports Ballet Wichita and why building something bold requires being brave enough to start imperfectly. 🥂 Birthday Energy: Rachel at 30 Rachel reflects on: The growth between early 20s and nowWhy independence and strong friendships changed everythingLearning boundaries (even if it took a minute)Choosing clarity over chaosWhy 30 feels grounded, not scaryWe also share a very real-life moment from Galentine’s Night involving: A persistent strangerThree strategic “boops”And the art of handling awkwardness with humor instead of tears👕 Merch Launch: From Slightly Unhinged to Fully Branded We officially launched our merch store and talked through the heart behind both designs: 🍷 Uncorked and Slightly Unhinged This one is pure friendship energy. Inspired by how our wine nights started this podcastA nod to the freedom of being fully yourselfA celebration of boldness, silliness and spontaneityBecause sometimes being uncorked is the only way to start something new. 💄 Messy is My Polish This phrase was born during a “This or That” moment and immediately stuck.We talk about: Why perfection is overratedWhy messy growth is still growthHow every polished performance (hello Ballet Wichita) requires unseen mess behind the scenesWhy 10% of profits from this line go to Ballet WichitaYou cannot get polished without getting messy first.🎲 This or That: 30 Edition We played a birthday-themed round including: Champagne toast vs tequila shotCrying in public vs rage journalingHeels vs sneakersBold lipstick vs bare faceOverdressed vs underdressedSpoiler:  We would absolutely rage journal before crying in public. Every time. 💎 Hits Different: “Opalite” by Taylor Swift This week’s Taylor Swift deep dive focuses on “Opalite” from Life of a Showgirl. Rachel shares: Why this is her favorite song from the album so farThe symbolism of Opal and OnyxHow the lyrics reflect serenity, growth and emotional clarityWhy this song feels uplifting and groundedJen reflects on: The contrast between heartbreak albums and this new eraChoosing presence over performance in relationshipsThe beauty of love that feels steady instead of chaoticWe love a poetic queen. 🔮 What’s Coming Next We’re excited to welcome: Kiah and Bella from Roaming Spirits Bar  Women building bold businesses and shaking up the scene.Tracy from Groover Labs  Community building, entrepreneurship and creative collaboration.If you’d like to be a guest on So THIS Happened, reach out. We love spotlighting bold stories and brave beginnings. Support the show

    45 min

  5. FEB 19

    Episode 33: Built With Love (And a DJ Booth)

    Send a text In this heart-forward episode of So THIS Happened…, Jen and Rachel sit down with longtime friend and event planner extraordinaire Jovana Vu at GROW Plant Bar to talk about collaboration, trust and what it really means to build something with the people you love. From planning Jen’s wedding to launching Vu Events as a brand, Jovana shares how working with intention — not hustle — has shaped her business, her marriage and her future. This one is about partnership done right. ✨ 🌿 In This Episode, We Talk About: How Vu Events began (and why a terrible wedding experience sparked it) Why collaboration has always been Jovana’s secret sauce The power of referrals and word-of-mouth growth Working in hospitality to learn the inner workings of events Why trusting your vendors is non-negotiable Protecting your relationship while building a business together Tony joining Vu Events with DJ + Karaoke services 🎤 The importance of boundaries to prevent burnout Choosing the people you can “do the hard things with” What makes the perfect event unforgettable ✨ Standout Moments “Choose the people you can do the hard things with.”  A reminder that collaboration isn’t about ease — it’s about trust under pressure. From Planning to the Party.  Vu Events is expanding to offer DJ services and karaoke alongside event planning — a seamless experience from timeline to dance floor. The Echo.  Every event leaves an echo.  What does it sound like? What does it feel like? What memory lingers after the lights go down? That concept alone is worth a re-listen. 🎉 Rapid-Fire Recap Collaboration = Creativity Working with your partner = Peace The perfect event night = An Echo 🪩 About Our Guest Jovana Vu Founder of Vu Event Planning, Jovana has been in the event world for nearly 20 years. Known for her calm presence, strong vendor relationships and intentional approach, she specializes in events that feel deeply personal and beautifully executed. Now expanding into DJ and karaoke services alongside her husband Tony, Vu Events is entering a new era — and we are here for it. 🔗 Website: https://www.vueventplanning.com/  📱 Follow: @vueventplanning 💫 Also Mentioned Digital Wichita The Tallgrass Film Festival Ballet Wichita (10% of profits from “Messy Is My Polish” merch line supports them 💛) Here’s the link: https://www.bonfire.com/messy-is-my-polished/  👕 Merch Shoutout We’re wearing our “Uncorked & Slightly Unhinged” and “Messy Is My Polish” pieces in this episode. Support the pod. Support local arts. Stay a little unhinged. Grab yours here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/so-this-happened-store/  Support the show

    56 min

  6. FEB 12

    Episode 32 : Self-Trust Is the Main Character

    Send a text Love Letters to the Self, the City and the Night (with GHOSTGIRL) This Valentine’s-week episode is a love letter — not to romance, but to self-trust, community and creative courage. Recorded on location at Odd Fellow Hall, Jen and Rachel are joined by Wichita-based DJ and producer GHOSTGIRL for a conversation that drifts from Galentine’s celebrations to late-night creativity, sensuality on your own terms and the power of building the rooms you wish existed. With red heart sunglasses firmly in place for a Valentine’s edition of This or That, this episode balances playfulness with depth — and reminds us that choosing yourself can be both soft and bold. ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About: Why Galentine’s is more than an alternative to Valentine’s — it’s an act of intentional connectionHosting community-focused events and what it means to curate joyCreating safe, expressive spaces for women and femmesSensuality as authentic connection — not performanceNavigating social anxiety while building a public creative lifeVulnerability as the gateway to real communityFinding your people through music, art and shared energyWhy experimental synthpop feels like homeLetting your art be a love letter to the nightBuilding multi-day experiences and festivals rooted in belonging💗 This or That: Valentine’s Edition (Yes, with red heart sunglasses) Candlelight vs neon lightsGetting dressed up vs dressing for comfortHosting the party vs being the guestEqual parts chaos, honesty and laughter. 🎶 About GHOSTGIRL GHOSTGIRL is a Wichita-based DJ and producer whose work blends synth-forward sounds with experimental textures and emotional depth. Rooted in community-building and self-authored expression, her work spans DJ sets, original music, curated events and collaborative festivals that center connection, inclusivity and creative freedom. 🗓️ Upcoming Events & Projects 💘 Galentine’s at Odd Fellow Hall 📍 Odd Fellow Hall 📅 February 20 ⏰ Doors at 7 PM | Event 8 PM–Midnight - Get Tickets Here An all-women and femmes-forward Galentine’s celebration featuring: Multiple DJsLocal women-owned vendorsCurated cocktailsFood, art and community energy🔥 Valentine’s Night with ICT Pole 📅 February 14 A sensual, high-energy evening blending DJ sets, pole performances and embodied expression. 🎧 New Music on the Way An upcoming experimental synthpop project featuring collaborations with local artists — music that lives somewhere between dance floor and midnight reflection. 🎉 Mini Music Festival at Lion’s Lounge 📍 Lion’s Lounge 📅 April 18–19 (4/20 weekend) A two-day, genre-spanning festival featuring DJs, bands, rappers, vendors and a whole lot of community love. 🥂 Final Toast This episode is for anyone who has ever felt awkward, underestimated or unsure — and chose to show up anyway.  For the artists, the hosts, the dancers, the curators and the community-builders.  For love letters that aren’t about romance. Support the show

    45 min

  7. FEB 5

    Episode 31 : Free Will Looks Good On You

    Send 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

  8. JAN 29

    Episode 30 : Messy is Our Polish

    Send 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 polish. Support the show

    47 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
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 So THIS Happened...
  • Show Website
    So THIS Happened...