
The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
365 episodes — Page 1 of 8
MAYCEMBER IN FULL EFFECT
WHAT DOES ONE WEAR TO A CRASH TEST?
DON'T SLEEP ON THE MALL
THE HOTTEST OF HOT TAKES
THE TRUTH ABOUT KELLY'S BOOK CLUB REVEALED!
CARPOOL ON THE ROAD.... BUT NOT REALLY
THE ORIGINS OF THE CAR MOM - LIZZ'S VERSION
WHEN LIFE GETS BUSY, START A GARDEN
11 WEEK LIVING THAT SUGAR-FREE LIFE
ACKNOWLEDGING THE SPACE WE'RE IN
UNLOCKING AMERICAN GIRL DOLL TRAUMA
SHOUT OUT HOLY WEEK
There's been some drama this week in the St. John household as Lizz ended up spending a couple of nights in the hospital with Sloan. What the doctor first thought was an ear infection turned out to be an infected salivary gland. An important lesson was learned: always check the lymph nodes! Also, why aren't there more reviews for pediatricians? Over at the Stumpe household, things were a little more calm as they had an adults-only dinner with zero kids! They also have new residents at the farm with the addition of three new lambs and some baby chicks just in time for Easter. The timing is extra perfect as Tyler is about to become a Catholic. Plus, they are learning all the benefits adults gain from using a trampoline. Could this be the next workout trend? The internet has been full of drama this week and Kelly has SO much to say about the Barbie Dream Fest drama. This is NOT something you will see at The Car Mom Auto Show! Meanwhile, Lizz is still on her organization grind and has gained some new, inspiring tips thanks to social media. Industry News this week is all about what to expect at the New York Auto Show. Make sure you are following Kelly to get all the latest news you need to know! Outside of the Auto Show, there is some hot tea coming from Stellantis. Why are they giving tickets to their own employees?!? Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz has the perfect outside meal for the summer and Kelly is all about cabbage soup.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING YOUR NEXT FAMILY CAR
Kelly is in for a solo episode today and this one is great if you are thinking of buying a car for your family. Drawing on her years of consulting experience, Kelly shares everything you need to know before heading to the dealership. She'll break down what to know before you go, what to know while you're there and the most common mistakes you could make. Can you make your current car work? What are your plans for the next 5 years? She'll give you all the questions you'll need to ask yourself before deciding which car is right for you.
AFTER ACTION REPORT
In case you're not on the Youtube private channel, Kelly has been on another health journey. Hives have appeared everywhere and now she's on a brand new diet that is going to make Easter very boring this year. But not all is wrong as two new additions to the farm that is bringing plenty of excitement: a trampoline and piglets! Meanwhile, Lizz has an After Action Report of the St. Louis zoo and the nearby cathedral. What is an "After Action Report"? This is definitely an idea you're going to want to steal for your family. There's a new fashion trend on Instagram and it's going to humble the Gen Z girls. For years they have had the pleasure of walking around in sneakers and comfortable boots. They don't know what we had to go through dancing on tables in heels. Now they will know our pain! Then it's on to a very special interview with Jen Morand, the woman in charge at the Chicago Auto Show. She will talk about who goes to the auto show, why they go to the auto show and spills the tea on the manufacturers that don't show up. Speaking of auto shows, get tickets to tour the New York Auto Show with Kelly here.
A LOT GOING ON IN THE MOST MAJOR WAYS
MAJOR CONFESSION AND A NEW MICRO-HOBBY
A late night recording session leads to a big confession from one of our ladies. But before you hear it, remember that Lent does not count on Sundays! Speaking of the Lent season, Kelly has the report from her dinner with the priests. This was a big deal at her house, so much that Tyler bought special equipment to clean the house top to bottom! Now that she has the dollhouse, it's time for a new micro-hobby to emerge for Kelly. This time, it's a family affair! Kelly and the kids are picking their brackets for March Madness. Who will have the best bracket of them all? Could they be in the running for any money? Kelly has another Base Model Luxury and Lizz has to physically control her eyes from rolling. It's a book. A physical book. But it's giving her guilt-free me time so who are we to judge? Lizz, on the other hand, has a Fast Lane Philosophy she discovered while doing her 40 Days of Less. Most people want more, she wants her big flex to be having less. A tragic story in this week's Industry News has led to a stop sale and recall of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. What you need to know and watch out for. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is making nachos and Kelly is in her Reuben sandwich era.
MAYBE THE MILLENNIALS HAD IT FIGURED OUT
Does this week feel long to anyone else or is it just the pregnant mom with a new puppy? Lizz and her family are adjusting to the newest bundle of joy and the timing couldn't be better with the weather warming up. However, both Kelly and Lizz are not leg ready for summer. But really, who is? Kelly has a confession about her wedding, she really would love a hair redo. Everything else was perfect, but the part has not stood the test of time. It's more proof that millennials had it right all along when it comes to fashion. Even Coachella looks are all millennial-coded. The ladies have a big evening ahead as Kelly is cashing in her big dinner auction spend for an evening topped off with dinner cooked by the priests. It's going to be a big night with games, wine and NO kids! They're going to have some adult fun like their parents did at their ages. But not as much fun as they've recently discovered from their mom. Kicking off Industry News with a reminder that tickets for the Car Mom Auto Show are on sale NOW! Click here to get yours. Elsewhere in the industry, Ford has brought back the Explorer Hybrid for one very important person: the Pope. Could this be the collab of the year? Speaking of cars, three moms need some car advice in the advice segment and Kelly is lending her expertise. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is all about cooking chicken in her air fryer. Then Lizz reveals Matty's favorite meal she makes.
NEW PUPPIES AND DINNER AUCTIONS
It was a BIG weekend for both Kelly and Lizz. First off, yes, there is a new addition to the St. John household. Lizz got a puppy! Now you might be thinking: why get a puppy while pregnant? She explains the whole story behind getting the new puppy and why this is actually the perfect time, even if she has to have a good cry every once in a while. Kelly's big weekend started with her FINALLY purchasing the Fisher Price dollhouse of her dreams. It cost $500, but it's an investment! This is something she plans on having her grandchildren play with. Then, it was off to another dinner auction! Is Kelly more of a silent or live auction girl? Turns out, she can't really decide. In Industry News, Volkswagen is releasing its redesigned Atlas and somehow hasn't invited the Car Mom to check it out. How rude! Finally, in Ditch The Drive-Thru it's all about the chuck roast. Oh, and a check-in on Kelly's sugar-free journey.
BABY NAME VIBES
Lizz is feeling MUCH better for today's podcast. She had a plan to get through the morning sickness and got her pep back in her step. Over at the Stumpe household, you might hear an extra voice coming through the microphone. Kelly has not mastered the art of the sneak-a-way and Fred will be making an appearance on the podcast! This leads to a great Advice Question from a Carpool listener. She's headed back to work and needs help finding childcare. What are the best ways to find a nanny and how much do babysitters cost? Kelly and Lizz share their experiences and advice. Lizz needs some advice of her own as she can't seem to settle on a baby name for baby #3. She has a vibe she's going for. Any ideas? One final Advice Question comes from an indecisive mom looking for a new family car. This illustrates that there is no single "best family car." It's all going to depend on that family's needs and how they plan on using it. What works for one family might not work for the next and Kelly explains why.
MY BEDSIDE PEANUT BUTTER
There is a lot of talk right now about influencer Dani Austin sharing her natural birth story on social media. So of course, Kelly and Lizz need to give their take on the whole thing. This leads into a conversation about content creators as a whole and Kelly has a prediction on their future success. Speaking of content creators, the Car Mom went on a very special car shopping trip with one of their favorite content creators. Could this be the start of the next wave of Car Mom videos? At home, Kelly has a big day ahead with two very important events. First, she has the honor of doing something HUGE at her kid's school. Could it be the highlight of her career? Then, she's throwing a party for fellow moms and their daughters where a kids' hair expert will teach them all to become braiding masters. Feel free to steal this idea. Two weeks into the sugar-free life and Kelly is feeling GREAT! What happens when Lent is over? Hello Whole 30! On the other hand, Lizz is all in her morning sickness again. Then she reveals the food she always keeps by her bedside and we have questions... The biggest Industry News is all about the Car Mom Auto Show. Tickets are officially on sale! Make sure to get yours at the early bird price. In other Industry News, it looks like there might finally be a competitor for the G Wagon and it's coming from Lincoln...
SHE'S A CAR MOM, SHE'S A COW MOM
There's a new arrival on the farm! Ms. Moly the cow has joined the Stumpe household and the whole family is in love. Tyler joins the podcast briefly this week to answer all your burning baby cow questions. In case you were wondering, Kelly is continuing her book club but is behind on this month's book (which she picked btw). Let's just say this is not one she recommends. Over at the St. John house, Lizz has become obsessed with cleaning and decluttering her home. She's spending hours on Facebook Marketplace getting rid of things she won't use, including baby shoes. This brings up a potential hot take: shoes for babies that can't walk are a waste of money. Regardless, Lizz is learning a lot about herself from her '40 Days of Less' as is Kelly with her sugar-free lent. Kelly has a new Base Model Luxury that is really brightening her mornings. She puts spoons in the freezer overnight and uses them in the morning to depuff her face. It might sound odd, but honestly this could be your new favorite habit. If you've been waiting for the Car Mom Auto Show tickets to go on sale, Kelly and Lizz have an important update today on the podcast! Then, it's time to answer more advice questions and this week includes a non-car inquiry. Should Jen be mad at her friends? Wrapping up the episode with a yummy Ditch the Drive-Thru and a quick Industry News to send you into your weekend. Get Kelly's yoga pants: https://go.shopmy.us/p-44709952
40 DAYS OF LESS
After one week without sugar, Kelly can definitely tell a difference. However, her allergy issues are BACK and making everything the worst. But Kelly won't be down for long as dinner auction season is here and her first one complete! Did she get the most valuable items? Meanwhile, Lizz has started her 40 days of less and is feeling all the organizing serotonin. What are Kelly and Lizz watching right now? The Netflix subscriptions are definitely getting their workout! Kelly has started the "Top Model" documentary and has some opinions. Lizz is watching the new season of "Love is Blind" and has noticed a major ick with the guys this season. In Last Three Transactions, Kelly and Lizz break down what they have been transacting on lately. Lizz is all about organizing, matching pjs and finding the right maternity dress for a bachelorette party. Kelly has been on her Shop Bop grind, new headbands for the girls and Scrub Daddy. Speaking of clothes, there is one member of the family that is clearly going to be the fashionista of the bunch! There are some Advice Questions waiting for Kelly this week and it all has to do with finding the right car for the family. If you've got a tall family and looking for the right car, this is the episode you want to hear!
Q & A - FIRST CARS, FAMILY BONDS AND THE FORD EXPLORER
Dinner auction season is here! Kelly is ready to bid for the biggest item of the night: front row for the kindergarten performance. But the biggest challenge may be getting through the dessert auction without consuming any sugar. Speaking of Kelly's sugar-free lent, it's been a few days and she has some takeaways. Could this be her new normal? This week, Kelly and Lizz are bringing a Q & A to the podcast. They are answering all the questions you've been asking on their social media. Find out their first cars, the secret to keeping the family bond and Kelly's real thoughts on the Ford Explorer. Speaking of Ford, today's Industry News includes two Ford stories. Then in Ditch the Drive-Thru it's all about a Trader Joe's favorite.
BRICKED AND SUGAR-FREE... PREPARE TO BE SICK OF ME!
Lent has begun and Kelly is officially sugar-free! Dare we say, it's her new micro-hobby. The other hobby is her new Brick and today on the podcast she's breaking down exactly how it works. Meanwhile, Lizz is revealing her lent promises for this year and she's got some decluttering ideas you're going to want to steal! As a mother, how do you meet everyone's needs when you have kids of different ages? Kelly and Lizz are both experiencing this challenge and discuss how they are trying to solve it. Hopefully it will mean less kids spraypainting the house... Good news for the Car Mom - brand new car tours are coming of some of our favorite cars! More good Industry News, the Auto Start button is going away. Also, Kelly is once again asking "Where are the hybrids?"
SEEING WHERE THE WIND TAKES US
Kelly's Brick has arrived and it's going to change her life. She's going to use it to take time to finally learn Spanish and it's all thanks to Bad Bunny! Lent starts next week, which brings another big change for Kelly as she is giving up sugar for 46 days. Did you know that lent is actually 46 days and not 40? If you're looking to change your life, Kelly has a Fast Lane Philosophy that just might get you started. Speaking of changes, Lizz is changing rapidly as she's transitioning out of regular clothes and into maternity wear. While the Halara pants haven't arrived yet, she's trying to figure out what she should have ready for some big events coming up. Are there any maternity stylists listening? Lizz could use your help! Kelly and Lizz are kicking off some advice questions with a non-car related query. What is the perfect 30th birthday gift for your sister? In the car department, there is a question looking for the perfect dad car and debating the difference between the Sienna and Odyssey. A very important debate arises before Industry News - which automaker is the most disappointing? Kelly and Lizz have a LOT to say on the topic. Then, Consumer Reports have announced their cars of the year. Did yours make the list? Finally, a listener submitted Ditch the Drive-Thru with only three ingredients and perfect for Lent.
FITNESS IN THE THICK OF IT w/ MADELINE MOVES
Big show today on the Carpool! Kicking it off with a recap of the Chicago auto show and spending time with Mama Knows Carseats. Kelly may have posted too many reels, but how could she not when there was so much content? It was a big auto show for parents as Britax became the first car seat company to ever reveal a new product at an auto show. Why aren't more carseat companies taking advantage of these shows? The good news is you'll be able to see plenty of them at the Car Mom Auto Show! The other big story from over the weekend was, of course, the Super Bowl. The game itself was pretty boring, but Kelly and Lizz both enjoyed the halftime show. Plus, were there any standout commercials or was it all just 'meh'? Lizz has some Low Lift Luxuries she's bringing to the table this week... literally. Kelly is getting ready to give up sugar for lent. Dare we say it will be her new micro-hobby? Then, Kelly and Lizz answer one of their most asked questions - how much does Lizz make?!? Finally it is onto an interview with Madeline Custer, creator of the Moves app. She tells Kelly and Lizz the story behind the creation of the fitness app and how it has grown over the years. As a mom of three, how has becoming a mom changed how she approaches fitness? Plus, her lasagna sound recipe for Ditch the Drive-Thru that you could make tonight! Get one mouth free with the Moves App when you use code 'CARPOOL' at movesapp.com. Follow Madeline on Instagram @madeline_moves Lasagna SoupIngredients¾ lb ground beef, cooked1 tbsp olive oil½ onion, finely diced1 red bell pepper, finely diced3 cloves garlic, minced1 tbsp Italian seasoningSalt and pepper, to taste2 cups marinara sauce4 cups (32 oz carton) low-sodium chicken broth¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese6 oz (about 7 sheets) lasagna noodles, dry, broken into bite-size pieces1 bag (6 oz) baby spinach, roughly chopped½ cup (2 oz) mozzarella cheese, shreddedOptional toppings:Fresh basilParmesan cheeseInstructions Base: In a heavy-bottom pot, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Meat: Add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, broth, and cottage cheese. Stir to combine and bring to a soft boil. Pasta: Add the broken lasagna pieces. Cook according to the lasagna package directions or until al dente, about 6–8 minutes. Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Assemble: Divide into 4 bowls and top each with about 2 tbsp (½ oz) mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil and/or parmesan if desired.
WE'RE HAPPIER WHEN WE'RE NOT SCROLLING
It's Friday and time for the weekend... but why are the weekend's so chaotic?!? It's supposed to be the resting time, but with little kids in the house you're lucky if you can get a 5 minute nap in. This weekend, Kelly is headed to the Chicago auto show and debating on doing a viral trend on the way there. Is it cute or thirsty? Speaking of social media, Kelly and Lizz have some new Fast Lane Philosophies to do with social media. This might influence you to take some time off social media. But not too much time away from the Car Mom of course. Could it be your new micro-hobby? Kelly is about to make giving up sugar for lent her new micro-hobby! Will she make it? A listener sent a message asking for advice on two row SUVs and Kelly also has more advice on where to get your kids clothes. In Industry News, they speculate on what could be announced at the Chicago auto show, the Santa Fe redesign and which car companies are spending on commercials for the big game on Sunday. Most importantly, what are Kelly and Lizz going to be eating during the Super Bowl? They break down their menu for you!
WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU
Big things are happening for the Stumpe's this week as Fred has his first day at pre-school. Over at the St. John house, Lizz is discovering that baby #3 has her craving all things sour. Being in the thick of things with young kids, both Kelly and Lizz are relishing seeing moms on social media with teenagers to remind them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Because what happens when chocolate milk and a snuggle doesn't solve all their kid's problems? The Fisher Price toy hunt is still on and Kelly is considering a big purchase to complete her collection. Can you blame her when the toys are so good? Could they be the best toys of all time? There is some good Industry News this week, but the BIGGEST might be the return of the Car Mom Auto Show! There will be all the cars you want to see, the car seats to go in them, things for the kids to do and SO much more. Outside of the auto show, Tesla is ending production in some of their cars in favor of robots, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is dead and Lizz has some things she wants to talk about with the Kia Telluride. In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz has a way to make one of her favorite grilling dishes in the kitchen when it's too cold to grill outside. However Kelly and Lizz aren't ditching the drive-thru completely right now, as they discovered how amazing a hibachi dinner can be for the whole family.
TOYS TODAY JUST AREN'T THE SAME
Did this week feel like the longest week ever to anyone else? Kelly and Lizz have made it through to Friday and temperatures finally reached above freezing. The kids spent the last week enjoying sledding in the snow and even doing a little camping... for all of 20 minutes... Plus, there was some quality TV time with Lizz getting into "The Landman" and Kelly introducing her daughter to "The Parent Trap." Looking into Last Three Transactions, Kelly is still on her Fisher Price grind. Good news - she found the minivan! The Amazon table saga isn't over as another one is on the way to the Stumpe house. Lizz is stocking up on her favorite Lululemon leggings for herself and poo dinos for the kids... It's a potty training thing. Two advice questions this week come from moms on the opposite ends of the parenting spectrum, one with her first kid and the other with three older kids including a teenager. They both need car advice for this season of their life. In Industry News, Kelly has details on a new Toyota SUV and the Chrysler spec car that got stuck in the snow. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru is a recipe for a southwest meatloaf that you're going to want to make tonight.
FIRST MICRO-HOBBY OF 2026
A winter storm isn't going to bring the Car Mom down! Kelly and Lizz are bunkered down and ready to bring you a cold episode of the Carpool and they're kicking it off strong with Kelly's first micro-hobby of 2026. Is she canning? Reading? Quilting? Nope! It's all about hunting down the old school Fisher Price Loving Family House. Toys from the 90s really have nothing on the toys from today. Kelly had a lot on her Driveway Dump today, including some social media trends that are driving her crazy. AI has her second guessing everything on the internet and one video got her good. Lizz is starting to think of baby names, but is coming up empty. Could the name Kelly be an option? There's a correction from last week Kelly needs to make to kick off Industry News. But the biggest story is the Chicago Auto Show and the Car Mom tour you could be a part of. Get your tickets here!
JUDGING THE INTERNET'S NEW MOM CARS
Lizz has a bone to pick with Kelly to start the podcast off this week. She's fully in her wearing nothing but leggings mode because none of her regular clothes fit and she's not ready for maternity wear. Meanwhile, her sister is looking snatched in stylish outfits all the time and wearing a full face of makeup. How dare she! She's not the only one that is a little mad at Kelly this week as her husband is not happy with a recent Amazon purchase. But after hearing the story you might not blame him. Kelly has a couple new Base Model Luxuries and she could be on the right track. Purse tape measure - yes! Straws in a slim can - not so much... Lizz on the other hand has exactly what you are looking for in a Fast Lane Philosophy reminding us that spending down time with the kids is not lazy. It's these moments they'll remember forever! A new social media trend Lizz has been addicted to is watching women buy their new mom cars. She not only watches the video, but judges them based on the car they bought. So today she's bringing it to the podcast! What does the Car Mom have to say about these "mom cars"? Industry News is light today so instead Kelly has a story on Chat GPT bringing ads to the service. She knows what you're thinking, why haven't they been doing this the whole time?!? Finally, Ditch the Drive-Thru is all about using what is in your kitchen post-holidays and that includes a TON of cube steak!
ANOTHER GIRL FOR THE GANG!
Last week was a big one for the St John family as they found out the sex of their latest little one and it was NOT what they were expecting! This is going to set the family dynamic for sure. This leads Kelly and Lizz into a conversation about their siblings growing up and we finally find out which one was the troublemaker of the family. There are some clothing trends going on the ladies need to discuss and that includes the "Olsen tuck" and folding in the fur on your jacket hood. Kelly has questions on things that aren't trending anymore, commercials. Specifically, what happened to the products that never seem to advertise anymore? When was the last time you saw a commercial for Tic Tacs or Kit Kats? Other random thoughts on Kelly and Lizz's minds include "Traitors", "The People You Meet on Vacation", NFL and World Clap Day. The ladies are back to answering your advice questions and this week is all about the car seats. Families of 3 or 5, this is the episode you'll want to make sure to pay close attention to. Finally, a listener submitted Ditch the Drive-Thru is the perfect replacement for families that love the KFC Bowl. Plus, the best advice you can get when eating out: always get the meatloaf!
BRING BACK THE 2016 OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS
The baby news is out and Lizz is feeling loved and seen. But is she feeling a little less nauseous? Not so much... Kicking off the podcast talking about having 3 under 3 and why the timing just worked out. Also, Kelly knows the sex of baby #3 and is NOT telling! Meanwhile over at the Stumpe house, Kelly is working through some sleep training issues and potty training issues. A tip Lizz recently got from her pediatrician might be the game changer we all have been looking for when it comes to potty training. The year 2016 is all over social media this week, which leads Kelly and Lizz to time travel to that year and remember what their lives were like. What were they wearing? What were they doing? Life before Amazon could get us anything overnight was definitely different. Speaking of trending, the next trending food is making itself known and it's one of Kelly and Lizz's favorites: the sweet potato! Lizz is concerned that Kelly has lost the plot when it comes to Base Model Luxury. Is curating the content in your purse a luxury? What Kelly won't ever lose the plot to is Industry News and today's edition is chock full of tea! GM is committing to more plugin hybrids, the Hyundai CRATER Concept car is getting a ton of buzz and Honda is updating their logo. But the BIGGEST news of the day is the reveal of the Car Mom Car of the Year!
THE CARPOOL IS GETTING BIGGER!
There's some BIG news to kick off the Carpool today, but we aren't spoiling it here! You gotta listen to get all the deets. Then, Kelly and Lizz have a lot to talk about on the Driveway Dumps. Kelly is getting rid of more items on Facebook Marketplace and is enjoying just putting them out for free. Lizz is getting in fights with random people in the comment section. Both are falling for the targeted ads on Instagram, leading to the purchase of a LARGE paint by number set. This week, Kelly and Lizz have a listener submitted Base Model Luxury and we're wondering why we never thought of this. Get ready for the Chuck-it Bucket! It doesn't sound glamorous, but we promise this could change your dinnertime routine! You are going to remember where you were when you heard today's Industry News. Stellantis is ending production on some of our favorite vehicles and we are not okay. Why aren't they coming to the Car Mom before they make any of these decisions?!? Finally, this week's Ditch the Drive-Thru is VERY needed by one of the mom's today who has been doing a TON of DoorDash lately! If you love the "Everything But the Elote" seasoning from Trader Joe's, this elevated mac and cheese is going to make it to your recipe list asap.
REVEALING THE TOP 4 FINALISTS FOR CAR OF THE YEAR
Finishing off the first week back to normalcy after the holidays and the Carpool ladies are getting back into the routine. They're both trying to make sure they are fully dressed in something other than athleisure. So far, they are noticing some major differences. But will it last? It's time to see what Kelly and Lizz have been buying so far in 2026 with Last Three Transactions. Kelly kicks it off with a butter dish that has a very interesting story behind it that reveals a relationship truth we might not want to hear, but need to. Lizz has a reveal of her own as we discover she still is shopping at Victor's Secret. Plus, a bonus future transaction Kelly is trying to get done to get her husband to finally get some decorations on their bare walls! Industry News is extra special this week as it is time for the Car Mom Car of the Year! Kelly and Lizz are revealing the top 4 contenders for the year. Did your favorite make the cut? Get your vote in now: https://form.typeform.com/to/Eql6AnTo Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly talks about her easy homemade pizza. But why won't anyone just tell us moms what they want to eat?!?
IT'S ALL COMING UP MINIVAN
Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Kelly and Lizz have survived the holiday break (barely) and ready to kick off a new year of podcasts. First things first, it's time to reveal their words for 2026 and these are some things we should all take with us into the new year. Speaking of words of the year, the unintentional word of the year for 2025 was coined right on this podcast: micro-hobbies! Kelly has a new one and it involves joining a club. Plus, her football micro-hobby is going strong and getting ready for the playoffs. Big announcement for the Car Mom, new merch is here! This one is for all the minivan lovers out there. Since they are on the minivan topic, it's time to talk about Pete Davidson's tricked out minivan. Are you over the "I'm getting a COOL minivan" cliche? Kelly and Lizz also have some new base model luxuries. Some are better than others... Checking in with Industry News, Mitsubishi continues to try and find their way in automotives. So far they haven't been successful, could that change soon? Speaking of success, Stellantis sales are down once again for 2025. What can save them? In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly made a beef soup that impressed the entire family on New Year's Day. It was so good that even Lizz had seconds! Get your "Never Say Never" sweatshirt now at tensionandthreadco.com
IS NEW YEAR'S EVE THE WORST HOLIDAY?
It's New Year's Eve and while many are excited to celebrate, Kelly and Lizz are not into the holiday. Could it be where they are at in their lives or is it just the holiday itself? The day they are excited for is January 5th! Speaking of holidays, Christmas has come and gone and somehow the Stumpe household has made it illness free. The St John house wasn't so lucky, but everyone had a great Christmas. Kelly and Lizz break it all down along with the notes they made for next year. Can't let this week go without a football update. If you have no idea what is going on in the NFL don't worry, Kelly has all the details you need to know. What will her next obsession be for 2026? Since they are on the subject, has Kelly or Lizz picked out their word for next year?
WTF: WHAT THE FLU?!?
Kelly might sound sick, but it's Lizz's house that has been going through it for the last week. The flu hit her house hard with three ER visits and one 9-1-1 call. Luckily, everyone is on the mend and Lizz is back to tell her tale and give you some good takeaways in case your house gets hit over the holidays. Everyone should be on the mend for the holidays and Kelly is getting really excited for the kids to open all their presents this year. She broke down the ones she is most excited about and let's just say it's going to be a good Christmas in the Stumpe household! A quick check in with Industry News has a big story coming from Volkswagen. Could this be the end of the ID. Buzz? Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru a reminder that pigs in a blanket is a perfectly acceptable meal for the family. Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com
THE COMPLETE ORAL HISTORY OF THE CAR MOM
Lizz is out sick today, so it's all Kelly for this episode of The Carpool podcast! She's getting ready to be the hostess with the mostess for her beauty themed rob your neighbor party this week. Hostess mode is in full effect with the holidays! Speaking of the holidays, Kelly has new notes to add for December including mistakes on the Christmas cards, basics for the kids, keeping ready-made food in the fridge and candy cane fishing. Then, it's time for a history lesson. A Car Mom history lesson. You may be new to the Car Mom and thinking "How did this even start?" Kelly breaks down the whole story from starting the Instagram page to getting flown all over the country to talk to major car companies. She shares the high and the lows and offers great tips for anyone looking to become an influencer.
STRETCHING YOUR MEAT w/ @shannon_stokely
Today on the Carpool Podcast, Kelly and Lizz welcome Shannon Stokely, a young mom and Instagram influencer known for her relatable content on motherhood and cooking. Shannon shares her journey of becoming an influencer, the importance of community among moms, and practical tips for stretching ingredients and meal prepping. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating social media as a mom and offers easy dinner solutions for busy families, emphasizing the joy of cooking with creativity and resourcefulness. Follow Shannon on Instagram @shannon_stokely
GET A VACUUM SEALER w/ @morgantaylerathome
It's time for a Holly Jolly meter check! Are Kelly and Lizz in that Christmas spirit? Lizz has just started getting her decorations out and had an immediate realization about when the proper time is to put the decorations up. Kelly, on the other hand, is in full Christmas mode! Her gifts are bought and she's making a daily plan of what to do with the kids during the winter break. There are some major mindshifts happening with Kelly right now and it's about "blooming where you're planted" and "going deep not wide." What does she mean? It's a new theory she's exploring about cleaning the house and after hearing it you're going to want to change your mindset too! In Industry News, Consumer Reports have the best and worst car brands for 2026. Did your favorite make the cut? Then it's time to continue the Carpool Podcasts series of interviews on saving money at the grocery store. Today, Kelly and Lizz chat with Morgan of "Morgan Tayler at Home." She's a mom of almost four that started an Instagram page to help other families with a single income make that dollar stretch. She's got plenty of tangible takeaways including protein prep, things you can make from scratch and why you NEED to put a vacuum sealer on your Christmas list! To learn more about Morgan's meal plan visit morgantayler.com and follow her on Instagram @morgantaylerathome
SHOW US YOUR #UGLYSIMMERPOT
It's December and the perfect time for an all-Christmas edition of The Carpool Podcast! Kelly is kicking it off by reviewing her notes from last Christmas. Then it's on to ideas to get you into the holiday spirit that are either free or super inexpensive. Festive Christmas pillow case anyone?!?! Next, it's time to make Christmas assumptions based on the car you drive. Which drivers are more likely to have their Christmas shopping already done? Who is most likely to have a real Christmas tree? They all make sense. Finally, it's a Christmas edition of Industry News with Chevy's newest commercial that will make you cry and holiday meal ideas in Ditch The Drive-Thru. Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com
IT'S GIVING TANGIBLE TAKEAWAY W/ MOM OF FIVE @homebeginswithlove
Kelly and Lizz are feeling good post-Thanksgiving, or is it the new lighting? Either way today's episode is FULL of content! First, prepare to be jealous as one of the moms has all her Christmas shopping done thanks to Black Friday sales. Then, Kelly and Lizz break down their notes from the family Thanksgiving. No harvest Caesar salad - bad. Mimosas - good! This week's advice questions starts off with the kindest words Kelly and Lizz have ever received. A mom of almost four is looking for advice on what to expect when #4 arrives and Kelly has some encouraging words for anyone getting ready to expand their family. Industry News is SPICY today with big stories in auto. First, there are ten EVs getting dropped for 2026 and Kelly has the full list. Then, Tesla has decided to add buttons to their cars navigation system. Finally, congress is looking at rolling back safety requirements in cars to help the price point. Should you be worried? Finally, if you're looking for some tangible takeaways to help keep your family organized and save some money, Kelly and Lizz have a GREAT guest on the show today! Natalie is a mom of five homeschooled kids that shares her home cooking and kitchen tips on Instagram. She shares how she manages everything from cleaning the kitchen, getting laundry done and her #1 tip: PREP YOUR PROTEINS! Plus, she has a Ditch the Drive-Thru pizza recipe that you're going to want to make your next go-to meal. Follow Natalie on Instagram @homebeginswithlove
GOD IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD AND PEOPLE ARE CRAZY
It's a post-turkey day, recording before turkey day, Black Friday special episode! Lizz has a new gym and needs to get some pet peeves off her chest. Why all the grunting? Speaking of pet peeves, Kelly has some people in her DMs that are being haters over her Christmas plans and she is not having it. Don't expect her to just ignore those DMs! She will fight back! With it being Black Friday, it's the perfect time for Last Three Transactions! Trying to figure out what to get your friends and family this year? Here are some GREAT ideas: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3052672 There's a new 'Dancing with the Stars' winner and it's time to break it all down. Do Kelly and Lizz agree with who took home the mirror ball? There's some hot tea in Industry News this week! A female crash test dummy has FINALLY been created and another kind of dummy of the influencer kind is pulling apart a brand new Jeep!
WHY @merricksart GETS DRESSED EVERYDAY
FINALLY! After talking about her non-stop, Kelly and Lizz are joined on the podcast today by the one and only Merrick White! This is the woman who has changed the way both ladies think about style and what to wear on a daily basis. They discuss Merrick's point system, the items every woman should have in the closet and what you need to be buying this Black Friday. Follow Merrick on Instagram @merricksart MERRICKS RECS!https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3019050 KRIS-mas List:https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3019284
WHAT EVEN IS MOMTOK?!?
Big things are on the horizon for the Car Mom as a website is in the works! Kelly and Lizz have been spending a lot of time getting ready for the launch and some amazing new features, including an official Car Mom rating system and viewer ratings. Just consider them ladies in tech right now! At home, both families are getting ready for Thanksgiving. There will be one major change to the menu this year as Kelly can no longer have her favorite autumn caesar salad thanks to that pesky anchovy allergy. Will she find a suitable substitute? It's all about car advice questions from the listeners this week. First, a mom needs advice on a new car after a crash left hers totaled. A second mom needs advice on the perfect car for her family after delaying getting an official "mom car." Moving into Industry News, Motortrend has named the SUV of the year. Did they get it right? Then, Kelly and Lizz have a LOT to say about this week's "Dancing with the Star" elimination. They are HEATED!
YOU MAKE BETTER DECISIONS IN JEANS
Kelly is all business today in her business casual best and making mandated dress codes for Lizz. Will Lizz comply with orders? Deer hunting season has started and ended for the Stumpe household. Tyler got his buck on the first day out, which was exciting for Kelly to have her husband back home with the family to help out around the house. But then that excitement ended and Tyler was put to bed. Meanwhile, Lizz spent the weekend in Indianapolis for the Marine Corp Ball. Matty is now in love with the city and is adopting the Colts as the team they will root for this season. But not everything was sunshine and roses as a bad Uber ride ended the evening early for Lizz. There is advice coming from everywhere this week. First, a sweet moment with George leads to a great lesson on helping your kids follow their dreams no matter what they are. The Detail Shop has some green linen pants that are going to change your fall wardrobe. Finally, in advice questions Kelly has your playbook for the perfect party with friends both old and new. If you're planning a "Favorite Things" party this is a MUST listen! In Industry News, Audi is trying to make a Land Rover rival. Will it work? Amazon is teaming with Ford to sell used cars. Why Kelly thinks this is the future of automotive sales! Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, if you're not making hot dogs in the crockpot or pulled pork nachos, what are you doing with your life? Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com
HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR KIDS
Have you ever heard Kelly talk about the Nissan Armada? There is a very specific reason why as she reveals today on the Carpool Podcast. Turns out, she is NOT a fan and there are many reasons why. Moving on the biggest topic of the episode, getting your house winterized and not in the way you are thinking. Kelly and Lizz are not talking about pipes or updating heating systems. Today they are talking about how to get your house ready to keep the kids busy for the cold winter months. Chances are you're going to spend many hours at home with the kids stuck inside. Are you prepared? Kelly and Lizz share the activities they are prepping to keep the whole family entertained. A quick Industry News has all the details on the 2027 Kia Telluride redesign. What are Kelly and Lizz most looking forward to? Then it's on to a 'Dancing with the Stars' recap and all the predictions Lizz has made that have come true. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is obsessed with an enchilada sauce and Kelly is back on her BBQ chicken pizza grind.
COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY
The new podcast studios are up and running. Are Kelly and Lizz ready to introduce themselves as podcasters? It does sound a little better than 'influencer'. Either way, they are ready to make 2026 the year of The Carpool Podcast! Kelly is starting things off strong with a Fast Lane Philosophy that will get you thinking. "Don't compare your start to someone else's middle?" This leads into a conversation on comparing yourself to others on social media, finding the right sources and learning from those that have done it all. It's been a while, but the Millennial Word of the Day is BACK! Do you know what an "Unk" is? Lizz has an explanation. Luckily, it's not as annoying as the 6-7 craze... Kelly and Lizz both have products in the Detail Shop that you're going to want to hit 'add to cart' on. First, Kelly is obsessed with the new dry shampoo she recently tried. But not so obsessed with the med spa facial she recently tried out. Lizz is working on getting out of her ugly era and the beef tallow she recently tried seems to be doing the trick. An advice question came in from a mom that is on a journey to become a truck mom. Is there a good electric truck she should look for? Since they are on the subject of cars, it's the perfect way to transition into Industry News with the Top 10 Best Selling Cars of 2026. Did your favorite make the list? Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is making Pesto Chicken Pasta and Kelly is raining on her parade. Then it's time for 'Dancing with the Stars' predictions. Will Andy finally go home?!? Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com
DON'T GET US ON THE HONDA SOAPBOX
Technology woes aside, it's time for another episode of the Carpool Podcast! There's so much to talk about today including BIG merch updates, the Sexiest Man Alive and excitement for 'Zootopia 2.' Plus, the games that are helping Kelly get through her post-allergic reaction brain fog. It's been a while, but Kelly has a new fast lane philosophy that might take a couple minutes for you to figure out, but it's totally worth the journey. Then, some great advice questions that have Kelly and Lizz helping a Chick-Fil-A owner spend $70,000 on a new car and helping a new grandma to find the perfect car for her. It's time to talk about 'Dancing with the Stars' and with the contestant count dwindling, it's time to really focus on who should go next. It should be Andy, but will it? Also, something needs to be said about celebrity guest judges. In Industry News, both Ram and Hyundai are ramping up their line-ups significantly. Ram has their first SUV on the way and Hyundai will have 4 truck models by 2030! Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com