Episode 19 : The Art of Gratitude

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.