The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz — Episode: "AFTER ACTION REPORT" (March 25, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this lively, candid episode, sisters and auto-industry insiders Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John bring listeners up to date on family life, health journeys, zoo trips (with an "after action report"), and the latest auto show happenings. They also host a special interview with Jen Morand, President of the Chicago Auto Show, diving deep into the role of auto shows in the car buying process and industry changes. True to their style, Kelly and Lizz mix practical advice with sisterly banter, relatable mom moments, and auto-industry wisdom—all wrapped in a fun and supportive tone.

Main Discussion Points

1. Personal and Health Updates (00:32-05:42)

• Kelly opens up about current health challenges: She discusses her "sugar fast" and newly developed chronic hives, emphasizing ruling out mold as a cause and now working with a functional medicine specialist. She’s on a strict “low histamine, no carb, limited dairy” diet.
  • Quote (Kelly, 01:26): “If you say you have hives, it’s the mold… it’s actually not. We’ve ruled that out.”
• Connection with her son’s health: Kelly shares her newfound empathy for her son Fred, who struggles with eczema, relating their struggles but noting they don’t believe the conditions are linked.
• Mental resilience: Kelly discusses how stress may have contributed to her symptoms and her intent to remain hopeful and keep updates minimal for the audience.

2. Weather, Weekends, and the After Action Report (05:42-10:10)

• Appreciation for warm weather: Lizz pledges not to complain about heat after a tough winter.
• St. Louis Cathedral & Zoo Outing: Lizz details a family trip to the Cathedral Basilica and the St. Louis Zoo, highlighting the impressive mosaics and their adventure’s challenges.
• Introduction of the "After Action Report": Inspired by the Marine Corps, Lizz and her nanny debrief each outing with lessons learned to improve future trips.
  • Advice for Zoo Visits (08:00-10:10): Arrive early, pack food and water, bring a picnic blanket, and consider a double stroller for multiple kids.

3. Weekend at "Casa de Stumpe": Farm Additions (10:17-22:44)

• Adopting a trampoline and two piglets: Kelly recounts acquiring a free trampoline and two pigs (Jefferson and Sally), sparking humorous family moments.
  • Quote (00:03, Kelly): “If it’s F R E E, he’s [her husband’s] there.”
  • George (son): “Trash.” (Re: the free trampoline)
• Benefits of trampolines for kids and pelvic floor realities: The sisters joke about “vibration plates,” the usefulness of trampolines, and Kelly’s realization she may benefit from pelvic floor therapy.
• Farm life updates: They’re anticipating new chicks and lambs—Stumpe Farms is thriving!
• Piglets as enthusiastic eaters: Kelly takes joy in feeding table scraps to the animals, a highlight given her limited diet.

4. Trends and Fashion Flashbacks (22:44-28:47)

• Revival of 2000s shoes: Lizz spots the comeback of peep-toe heels and reflects on Gen Z’s inexperience with uncomfortable shoes.
  • Quote (Lizz, 00:15): “These girls have never had to dance on a table in heels, and I think they’re going to be in for a really harsh reality check...”
• Tall-girl struggles and family dynamics: The sisters reflect on being tall, confidence issues, and their mother’s honest (if blunt) encouragement that they would be “stunning, not cute.”
  • Memorable moment (27:00, Kelly, quoting their mom): “You’re right. You’re not gonna be a cute little cheerleader ever... but you’re beautiful, you’re stunning, you’re gorgeous... you’re not cute.”

5. Social Media Musings (28:55-31:29)

• Kelly’s TikTok experiment: She’s going viral with vintage toy content and notices TikTok users ‘like’ more than Instagram audiences, discussing the importance of social engagement for aspiring influencers.

6. Car Mom Business: Upcoming Auto Shows (31:34-33:02)

• New York Auto Show plans & limited episodes: The sisters prep for leading tours at the NY Auto Show and explain a reduced podcast schedule due to childcare and travel.

Interview: Jen Morand, President of the Chicago Auto Show (33:30-57:47)

Background & Auto Show Experience (33:30-36:57)

• Jen’s introduction: Shares her history with the hosts in the Midwest Automotive Media Association and her role as head of the Chicago Auto Show.
• Enhancing the family experience: Highlights the growing focus on family-friendly zones and activities for kids (Power Wheels test tracks, etc.).

The Value of Auto Shows for Car Buyers (37:20-41:44)

• In-person vs. digital car buying: Jen and Kelly agree: nothing replaces physically exploring vehicles, sitting in them, and comparing multiple brands and models in one visit.
  • Quote (Jen, 38:05): “You really get a chance to experience hundreds of vehicles on the show floor and compare them back to back.”
  • Kelly (40:14): “I think when a family starts the car buying process, there’s so many options... if they have the opportunity to go to an auto show... they’ll be shocked how many cars they can just take off their list quickly.”

Industry Insights & Hot Takes (41:51-54:59)

• Why some manufacturers skip shows: Many luxury brands have opted out due to changing marketing strategies, but Jen predicts the pendulum will swing back as “experiential” events prove their enduring value.
  • Jen (43:11): “They just have a different marketing strategy... We know that auto shows work.”
  • Kelly (44:59): Suggests manufacturers should combine auto show activations with influencer meetups for greater audience impact.
• Making auto shows more inclusive: Women feel more comfortable at evolving shows, with more diverse staff, hands-on experiences, and practical demonstrations.
  • Jen (46:22): “You both have a huge draw, but what I love about you the most is that you know the industry inside and out, but you’re changing it.”
• Local dealers vs. manufacturers: Sometimes local dealers show greater enthusiasm for participation and community engagement than national manufacturers.

Auto Show Highlights & Activations (49:57-52:07)

• Top manufacturer displays: Subaru’s immersive “five senses” activations (including dog adoption events); Ford and Jeep’s off-road tracks and rides.
  • Jen (50:14): “Subaru just comes in... and the consumers love it.”
• Event logistics and hurdles: Kelly and Jen discuss how hard it is to secure certain brands for regional events, often turning to local dealers for support.

Listener Takeaway: “Ditch the Drive Thru” Dinner Tip (54:59-57:47)

• Jen’s Mediterranean bowls: Greek-marinated chicken or steak, base of rice/quinoa/arugula, fresh tomato cucumber relish, store-bought hummus, homemade tzatziki, and a high-protein, three-ingredient pita bread recipe.
  • Quote (Jen, 56:33): “It’s cottage cheese... with gluten free flour or regular flour, a little bit of baking soda... cook it on a cast iron pan.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the real reason for dietary changes (Kelly, 04:14): “I can’t be this itchy. I can’t feel this way. So, like, you’re like, screw it. I don’t need a carb. I’m fine.”
• On discipline and routines (Kelly, 14:30): “Things only work if you use them. And I think a lot of us... have a discipline issue.”
• On farm animal joy (Kelly, 21:14): “I’m always chasing the high of people eating what I made for dinner and telling me it was good… You know who will be so excited? The pigs, Jefferson and Sally.”
• On tall-girl struggles (Kelly, 28:01): “I was 5’11” in the eighth grade... I was not cute. I was beautiful... but I wasn’t cute. All I wanted to be... was cute.”
• On auto shows (Jen, 38:05): “You really get a chance to experience hundreds of vehicles on the show floor and compare them back to back.”
• On missing brands (Jen, 54:59): “We always tell people on social media, ‘Tell the manufacturers, we really missed you in Chicago. We want to see you represented.’”

Important Timestamps

• 00:32 — Kelly’s health update & sugar/histamine journey
• 05:42 — Lizz’s cathedral/zoo family weekend & after action report
• 10:17 — Stumpe family farm updates: trampoline & piglets
• 22:44 — Peep-toe heels and Gen Z fashion throwback
• 27:00 — The sisters discuss tall-girl confidence and their mom’s “not cute, but stunning” pep talk
• 28:55 — Kelly’s observations on TikTok vs. Instagram engagement
• 31:34 — Auto show tours and podcast housekeeping
• 33:30 — 57:47 — Interview with Jen Morand (Chicago Auto Show president)
• 54:59 — “Ditch the Drive Thru” segment: Mediterranean bowls

Final Takeaway

This episode is a testament to the Carpool’s blend of mom-life authenticity, wit, practical car advice, and industry access. Listeners will come away with tips on both family outings and car shopping, relatable tales of motherhood, and a behind-the-scenes look at how auto shows remain a crucial touchpoint for today’s car buyers.