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- [00:03]
A
Welcome to the carpool podcast with Kelly. Because we were like, we're not cute. We're not cute. We're not cute. We're not cute. And she goes, you're right.
- [00:16]
B
And Liz and these girls have never had to dance on a table in heels, and I think they're gonna be in for a really harsh reality check when they realize that shoes are not comfortable.
- [00:27]
C
Your mom time off starts.
- [00:32]
A
Welcome back to the carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz. Hey, Liz.
- [00:36]
B
Hey, Kel.
- [00:38]
A
How are you? How am I? Do you really want to know, or do you want me to give you, like, a PC answer?
- [00:43]
B
Like a. Like a. Yeah, just kind of like, I'm great. How are you?
- [00:47]
A
Yeah, I'm great. How are you?
- [00:48]
B
Okay. No, I'm good, too. Thank you for asking.
- [00:50]
C
Good.
- [00:52]
B
No. What's going on? I mean, we. I know what's going on. I don't think we need to divulge into, like, everything going on in your life, but.
- [00:59]
A
Well, if you're a part of the Car Mom Crew channel on Instagram, you know what's going on. First of all, I love having, like, a private channel where I can just, like, word vomit to a bunch of people.
- [01:08]
B
I don't think I'm a part of this channel. I don't think I need to be. I think I get the private. I think I get the thoughts before they hit.
- [01:15]
A
Well, I started my private channel just, like, talking about my sugar fast, because I got some feedback that you guys were tired of it, and it's kind of evolved into, like, some newer health issues that I've been having, which is, like, chronic hives, which is, like, so fun.
- [01:27]
C
Yeah.
- [01:29]
A
And so now I've kind of been chatting about it on there. Now. Here's what I don't want DMs about. Yes. We checked our house for mold, so let's move on from that. Okay. It's just like, that seems to be the. If you say you have hives, like, it's the mold, it's like, it's actually not. Yeah, it's not. We've. We've. We've. We've ruled that out. I'm just, like, full of a lot of histamine for the first time. And Is it because of my allergic reaction? Is this. Is that. It doesn't matter. I'm the CEO of my health. I'm figuring it out. I'm working with my doctors, but then my doctors actually were like, hey, we don't really want to work with you anymore because you can just take all this Medicine. And I'm like, don't you want to know, like why I'm 32 years old and I've never had hives and now I have hives. And they were like, no. I'm like, okay, thanks.
- [02:11]
B
Yeah, that's, that's the health system.
- [02:14]
A
And it's, I'm not going to get on my high horse about that because I think that they're also. I know they're overwhelmed and I know that that's maybe not their specialty. And I'm not like married. Like, I'm not like a, a like I'm just curious why I've developed them out of nowhere.
- [02:30]
B
Yeah. And you'd be like, you understand science. So like what do you think it could be? Like, you don't know where to start.
- [02:39]
A
So anyway, I have now started working with like more of like a functional medicine doctor. And I'm just like trying a new diet. And I promise this is. I promise, I promise, I promise I'm not going to make this my personality. I promise I'm going to keep this to myself for the most part. But I just want to let everyone know that now I am on like a very insane like kind of like low histamine, no carb, limited dairy diet. And that does unfortunately mean I will not be partaking in like a fun like east sugar filled Easter like I was hoping to when I started my sugar free journey.
- [03:15]
B
Yeah.
- [03:16]
A
And if you think that sounds sad for me, it does. But it's not nearly as sad as hives. So I'm doing like a 12 week program and I'll see you guys later and I'll keep it to myself.
- [03:30]
B
I'm sorry.
- [03:31]
A
It's okay. Mentally, I'm in a good headspace for a couple of reasons. One, I am not really. Luckily I like did the sugar fast. Like taking the carbs out of my diet basically has not been that big of a deal.
- [03:44]
B
Yeah.
- [03:45]
A
And two, I need something that's gonna, I'm hopeful. And three, I have such a new found sympathy and love for my son Fred. And I kind of think me and Fred, like now I'm kind of able to like try and I'm working. I don't want to get into Fred's health issues because I'm working on that too. But now that me and Fred are kind of like doing something together, like, I, I'm very grateful to kind of be brought to his level and not even his level because this is much more severe than mine.
- [04:11]
B
Yeah. But you can kind of just understand what he's Going through a little bit more.
- [04:15]
A
Yeah. A little bit.
- [04:16]
B
Like, how uncomfortable it is, and it is craz. I feel like you have. You're so, like, into getting this diet figured out for. Not for, like, just losing weight or, like, the traditional ways that you might go on a diet, but you're like, no, I don't. It's not about that. You're like, I can't be this itchy. I can't feel this way. So, like, you're like, screw it. Like, I don't need a carb. Like, I'm fine.
- [04:40]
A
People thinking, like, mine and Fred's are related. I don't think mine and Fred's are related because Fred's at eczema since he was six months old.
- [04:47]
B
Yeah. He's three, so.
- [04:49]
A
And he's three, so, like, he had it in our old house, he had in our new house. I think that mine is just that. I. I think mine. I think mine was brought on by just a lot of chronic stress, to be honest with you. I think I've been stressed out for a very long time, and I've just suppressed a lot of it.
- [05:03]
B
Yeah.
- [05:04]
A
And now I think I've kind of, like, opened the floodgates, and I think I just kind of have to get some of this histamine out of my body and kind of figure out what that looks like. So that's all I'm going to say on it.
- [05:14]
B
I know. I know you don't want to talk about it.
- [05:16]
A
I don't. But I just, like. I feel like everyone's gonna be like, oh, are you so excited for Easter? It's like, well, I'm not actually changing anything, so. So Easter will just be filled with lots of temptations and nothing fun. But that's okay because there are fun things going on. Mainly the Karamato show coming to St. Louis June 13th. We have a huge day today. We're doing a walkthrough, which is always a fun day. Like, it's when it starts to come to life a little bit. So that's what's on our agenda today.
- [05:42]
B
Yeah, that's what we're doing today. Well, this past weekend, I. It was literally 90 degrees. I. My nanny and I, we have vowed we are not going to complain about the heat because we complained about the heat all at the end of the summer last year. Can't wait for it to get cold. Well, when it got cold, we were more miserable. So. I welcome 90 degrees. I welcome it.
- [06:05]
A
It is the lesser of two evil evils.
- [06:07]
B
It's. I would Rather be hot than cold any day of the week. So I'm not going to complain about it. It was lovely. We went to,
- [06:15]
D
we went to the
- [06:16]
B
cathedral, the new cathedral in St. Louis. If you're coming to the Carma motto show and if you are Catholic or if you're not and you just like, want to see what a mass is, like, go to the Cathedral Basilica. The new cathedral is what it's called. It is the. I think it's like the largest mosaic in the world.
- [06:34]
A
I think it is too.
- [06:35]
B
The entire ceiling, all the ceilings are mosaic. It's ginormous. It's jaw dropping. It's like I've been in the cathedral a ton. I haven't been in the last several years. And we decided to go because it's close to the zoo and it was just stunning. It was packed. It was just a beautiful mess. The music was incredible. So highly recommend. And then we went to the zoo after. And that schedule of events I wouldn't recommend. Maddie and I are actually starting something. So in the Marine Corps, after you, I don't know, finish maybe a training or like, you go on a excursion to like go do something like, you know, break down buildings, whatever they do, you. You get together and you have an after action report and you report what went well, what didn't go well. I don't know if this is how they actually do it. But anyway, we, on the drive home, we said, let's do an after action report. So I wrote, oh, I love this zoo trip because we had a lot of notes because it was a hot day and it was a, it's like juice. We went at like a bad. We went at like noon, which is like a hard time of day to go.
- [07:52]
A
I love that. Like, we've been doing after action reports. Not even knowing it.
- [07:55]
B
I know. So I just like the term after action report.
- [07:57]
A
I think it sounds more after action. We'll be taking that from the Marines. Thank you.
- [08:00]
B
Thank you, Marine Corps. So here are some, Here are some things in our after action report. If you're going to the St. Louis Zoo for the auto show or just in general, you have to go first thing in the morning because you can get, you can park in the zoo lot. And there's not that there's like no lines anywhere. You go at like 11:30 on, you're standing in line to get a water. You're stand, you're. You're parking on a different street because it's not worth it to stand in line for the, for the, for the Parking. You are standing in line to get in the zoo. You're standing in line for the, for the train. You're standing in line everywhere. So go flying city. Go first thing in the morning. Other thing, you can bring in coolers, you can bring in food, you can bring in anything.
- [08:43]
D
Water.
- [08:44]
B
So definitely pack water bottles for your kids. And I personally, I put electrolytes on there because then my kids think they're drinking juice and like it was so hot they like needed electrolytes.
- [08:56]
A
And the problem with the zoo is the St. Louis Zoo is the food's not good. It's not like, it's not like Disneyland where it's like, yeah, it's expensive but like, it's so fun. Like it's such average bad food.
- [09:08]
B
You're getting, you're getting chicken, you're getting chicken strips, French fries. You're getting a pretzel with cheese. Like you're not getting good food.
- [09:16]
A
It's not.
- [09:16]
B
So bring some sandwiches, bring food in. Or in my, in my case, I said let's just bring like healthy snacks. And since we're going to go in the morning, we don't need to get lunch. We'll leave before lunchtime cuz we'll get everything done. The other thing I wish I would have brought is a blanket. Now it was hot, but there's like so many areas just like sit and like relax in the shade. That's a great picnic because we did end up getting a pretzel and like Sloan did need like a little diaper change. And I'm like, okay, let's just like, literally no one's around us. Like, let's just change her right here. I'm like, I kind of wish I would have had a, a blanket that's versatile. And then for me personally, I think for two kids, I, I wish I would have brought my double stroller. I only brought the single, thinking James would walk more and he didn't. And it's a hilly zoo, let me tell you.
- [10:01]
A
Yeah, it's a walker.
- [10:02]
B
So I wish I would have brought a double stroller. And those are our notes on our zoo after action report.
- [10:11]
A
I love the term after action report.
- [10:13]
B
Me too.
- [10:14]
A
Like, I'm so mad that this is the first we're hearing of it.
- [10:17]
B
I know, I know.
- [10:19]
A
Let me tell you my after action report for my weekend because we had kind of like a crazy weekend at Casa de Stambi.
- [10:26]
B
Okay.
- [10:29]
A
We have two new additions to the farm. The first is we got a trampoline. Now our old neighbors texted us and they were like, we're getting rid of our trampoline. If you guys want it, you gotta pick it up this weekend. And one thing about my husband, if it's F R E E, he's there. And we got the funniest home video. Tyler was, like, taking a video of the trampoline, and he goes, it was F R, double E, George. You know what that spells? And George goes, trash.
- [11:03]
B
That is, like, the perfect. That's like the epitome of. That's a stumpyism right there. One man's trash is another man's trash.
- [11:13]
A
Tyler's always picking up trash's treasure.
- [11:15]
B
Like, work out for him, though.
- [11:18]
A
It does work out for him. And what I really appreciate about my husband is, like, he's quick with it. So, like, if someone texts him, hey, I'm getting rid of this, he will be there that evening. Like, he really prioritizes it because he always wants to be people's first call. And it really has always seemed to work out for us. Like, one of our cousins was getting rid of this, like, Pac man machine, but, like, they want it gone now. They're like, we're taking this. Like, do you want to come get this? Tyler's there within hours. He's like, we're there. What else can I take? Do you want me to take any trash for you? I brought a whole trailer. Like, he's there. So when our neighbor said they were getting rid of our trampoline, I was a little back and forth on it because I think, like, really, two of my. I think George and Hattie are fine. I think Fred's. Fred's too young, and I think Libby's too young. So we have some good rules around it. But, sorry. Trampoline smack. Like, they're so fun.
- [12:06]
B
They get. They get your. They're kind of like a vibration plate for kids.
- [12:11]
A
Totally.
- [12:12]
B
Like, it's good to jump. It's good to get your body moving. It wears you out. And get your bowels moving. It's good. It's good to jump well.
- [12:18]
A
And I was telling a friend, like, so, like, I tried to, like, take a jump on it and, like, immediately, like, peed my pants a little bit.
- [12:27]
B
Totally. That was the most relatable thing you've ever said.
- [12:30]
A
And I was like, I know. Like, one time on the podcast, I, like, said that, like, I just don't really think, like, pelvic floor therapy is something I need, because, like, it's just never. I've never noticed it as an issue. And then I tried to give It a jump. And I said, oh, my pelvic floor could use some help.
- [12:45]
B
Yeah.
- [12:46]
A
So I'm just wondering, like, I would like, I would like people to jump on the trampoline for like the exercise. And I'm never gonna buy a vibration plate. I'm just like, that's one wellness trend I'm just gonna sit out on.
- [12:55]
B
Yeah, me too.
- [12:56]
A
In like a major. Like, I'm sorry, you guys look ridiculous.
- [13:00]
B
No, but really. Okay, so here's the thing with, about the vibration plate, and that's why I brought it to jumping, is because I have seen people say, like, the benefits of the vibration plate is like, I think it's good to, like, get moving first thing in the morning. I think it helps with their bowels.
- [13:11]
A
I think there's something called lymphatic drainage. I think that's what I've heard.
- [13:15]
B
But then I also saw this girl on Instagram who's like, I just take a, like 150 hops a day and I'm like, could you just jump up? I'm sorry, could you just jump up and down?
- [13:26]
A
I.
- [13:27]
B
You.
- [13:27]
A
If you have a vibration and you love it, I'm so happy for you. I'm just letting you guys know, like, one, you look ridiculous. And two, I agree, like, hopping's free.
- [13:36]
B
I'm just saying, I'm just saying, if you are vibration plate curious, what if for like a week straight, you just tried hopping 150 times? Because I also think if you, if you, if you fall off the trend of just hopping 150 times in a row, I don't think you're gonna stick to the vibration plate.
- [13:51]
A
Elizabeth. That's what I'm saying. Like, before you buy the thing, like, do it consistently. I feel the same way about red light masks. Like, before you go buy a red light mask, like, have you like, like, done your whole skincare routine every day for a week? Like, have you done a 10 minute skincare routine every day for a week? Because if you haven't, you don't. The red light mask is not going to fix anything. You have a discipline issue, as do I.
- [14:13]
B
And I don't. I really am not happy to say this, but, like, I'm sorry, The red light mask does work. Like, I have one and I use it.
- [14:22]
A
Liz. I don't, I don't doubt that. I don't doubt that the vibration plate doesn't work. I'm just saying. I do.
- [14:27]
B
I may be. I think that maybe there's an alternative to a vibration plate is what I think.
- [14:30]
A
There Is too. I'm just saying, like, things only work if use them. And I think a lot of us. Again, I'm. I'm including myself majorly in this category. I have a discipline issue.
- [14:38]
B
Yeah.
- [14:39]
A
I have a routine issue. Yeah. You know, I mean, I don't even floss. I'm barely flossing every day. I floss in my car because I can't even, like, do it before.
- [14:48]
B
I don't know if we have a discipline issue. I think we just have a you have kids issue.
- [14:52]
C
That's true.
- [14:53]
A
So we're. Oh. So anyway, so I'm gonna try to. I'd like to know how I can get my pelvic floor in a place to jump on the trampoline.
- [15:03]
B
Okay. I really. Charlotte, if you're listening, I'm sorry, you, like, need to go and get pelvic floor therapy certified because, like, like, asap. She's curious about it, and she's, like, gonna take classes for, like. I would love it if Charlotte was a pelvic floor therapist.
- [15:16]
A
Same. That would be helpful for just, like, for us. I'm, like, always helping. Like, I love that we have, I think, like, who your siblings marry. Like, it really does affect your life, obviously, in a major way, and it is helpful, like, when they have skills that your family does not. So, like, the fact that we have a doctor of physical therapy in the family does feel helpful.
- [15:34]
B
Yes. Oh, I. I call Charlotte all the time, and it's always the same answer. Just, like, rest it. Put a brace on it. And I said, but it's nice to just, like, feel heard.
- [15:43]
A
And that's what I'm saying about my health issues. Like, I started this new protocol with this person, and it's like, well, they just cared. Like, yes, I paid them, but, like, I'll pay anyone who just, like, cares for a second.
- [15:54]
B
Totally. No, we're. So far. So far, we're doing pretty good. Like, we have a. We have a. A doctor of physical therapy in the family. We have a trash man in the family.
- [16:03]
A
Wait, Tyler's a handyman?
- [16:05]
B
No, sorry. Tyler is a handyman. He will also haul, like, big trash off for you, though, too.
- [16:10]
A
Tyler can fix anything.
- [16:12]
B
Yeah, I'm sorry. I did just sell Tyler short. He did so much for me. Renovation. Tyler is a total handyman, and I think, like, if, you know, if we ever, like, enter, like, a civil war or something, then, like, Maddie's really going to come in handy.
- [16:25]
A
And Maddie's an encyclop.
- [16:27]
B
If, you know, he's an encyclopedia.
- [16:28]
D
Yeah, for sure.
- [16:29]
A
He's a walking encyclopedia.
- [16:31]
B
Yeah, no, for sure.
- [16:32]
A
So for Sydney and Grayson, my notes would be, you know, a chiropractor would be great.
- [16:39]
B
A chef. Sydney's kind of a chef. Like I would love a chef in the family.
- [16:45]
A
Yeah, I'm gonna. I would really love to explore what a chiropractor would look like.
- [16:51]
B
My sister in law is a dentist and that's been really nice.
- [16:53]
A
That's been helpful. Yeah, that's been helpful for me too. I also see your sister.
- [16:56]
B
I'm curious, like what's like the. The best profession to have in a family.
- [17:01]
A
I think not to toot his own home, but I do think Tyler's is very helpful because.
- [17:05]
B
No, Tyler's. And Tyler has saved me a lot of money.
- [17:08]
A
I mean Tyler can be a plumber, he can be an electrician. He can be kind of whatever you need him to be.
- [17:11]
B
Yeah, totally. Yeah.
- [17:14]
A
Well, I think about that though. I mean I would say like anyone in like the medical field is helpful. Like a doctor.
- [17:18]
B
Yeah, any sort of doctor is helpful.
- [17:24]
D
Yeah.
- [17:25]
A
Things that make you go.
- [17:27]
D
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- [19:58]
A
okay. Anyway, the second part of my weekend was so after we acquired the trampoline, then we acquired two piglets. Jefferson and Sally.
- [20:05]
B
Are their names esthetician? I would like an esthetician in the family. That's it.
- [20:10]
A
Sorry.
- [20:11]
B
Okay, let's. Sorry.
- [20:15]
A
Totally.
- [20:16]
B
Yeah.
- [20:17]
A
Sally and Jefferson are our pigs.
- [20:19]
B
Okay. Okay.
- [20:21]
A
We picked them up. We did unfortunately get like worse pick of the litter because basically like the pig farmer we got them from, it's like fair season. So like they, they were all fair pigs. Like all the 4H kids came and like picked all the good ones. So we kind of got the runs and they're just both plain black, which is like not really fun.
- [20:40]
B
But like you guys are giving the runts a place to thrive.
- [20:43]
A
No. And that's what I'm saying. Like we. Stumpy Farms is the place to for sure until you reach a certain weight.
- [20:53]
B
That's tough.
- [20:54]
A
But I'm so excited to have piggies again because pigs are so fun to go feed your table scraps to, like love your pigs. No, I. Because I'm always, I've told you this. I'm always chasing the high of people eating what I made for dinner and telling me it was good. And my family, especially with my new diet, I'm not gonna lie, the food's not as exciting.
- [21:14]
B
Yeah.
- [21:15]
A
But you know who will be so excited when I bring them up? Like, you know, celery ends and wilted lettuce. The pigs, Jefferson and Sally, they will think they won the jackpot. They will oink at me. They will come to me. So it's just really satisfying. And we're serious.
- [21:31]
B
Maybe I need pigs.
- [21:33]
A
I don't think that's really for your. But you can bring me your scrap. Just when you come work at my house, bring me your scraps.
- [21:39]
B
I'll bring them some. I'll bring some to go containers.
- [21:43]
A
They. I'm telling you, it's so fun. Like, they're not old enough to eat table scraps yet, and I'm like, counting down the days so I can go feed them my scraps.
- [21:49]
B
What do they have milk for me?
- [21:51]
A
They just have like. No. Just. No, they don't need that. They just have. Need pig feed.
- [21:55]
B
Pig feed. Okay.
- [21:58]
A
But anyway, they are pretty cute. They're very tiny and it's just kind of giving. Petting Zeus. Like, I know you're talking about the zoo, but let me tell you what Stumpy Farms has. We've got our bucket cow, Molly. She's thriving. We have our pigs, Jefferson and Sally, and in a couple of weeks, we're getting 10 chicks. Now, we're not keep. We're going to raise the chicks and then take them to the farm because I can't. We're not doing the chicken poop at our house.
- [22:20]
C
Yeah.
- [22:21]
A
So we're in 10 chicks and we're getting three lamb.
- [22:23]
B
Oh, lambs are fun. We've never had lambs before.
- [22:25]
A
Yeah, we've never had lambs before. So now every stall will be filled.
- [22:30]
B
All right, well, then I guess I don't need to go to the zoo.
- [22:33]
A
No. And I have all the snacks and blankets you need here. So that was kind of like my weekend. It was just a good weekend.
- [22:45]
B
Okay, well, I know we had a great weekend, too. I want to talk something totally unrelated that I saw on Instagram. Okay. I saw a new trend.
- [22:54]
A
I love a trend.
- [22:55]
B
And it's actually a trend that's coming back. And I don't know if this is. I don't know if this is. I don't know. This is Gen Z pushing it. But I think Gen Z is about to have a really harsh reality check with this new trend because we're always talking about, like, bringing the 2000s fashion back. And a shoe that is on its way up is a peep toe heel. And I'm not talking a Kitten heel. So they're actually fabulous. Like when I see them on the Runway, I'm like, no, it's kind of fabulous. Like I actually love it. But why I think Gen Z is kind of screwed is their entire existence they have worn combat boots, kitten heels, flats, or sneakers. When I went to the bar in college, like a freaking college student, a six foot woman, I had four or five inch wedges on because, hello, I'm an adult.
- [23:51]
A
You're so right.
- [23:53]
B
Or Nike Air Force Ones. They wore sneakers with their cute outfit and it would piss me off. Like when I would go out in Dallas and like Sydney would meet me out because we're like going to dinner or something and I'm like in a shoe and she's in her ratty white sneakers with a cute sundress on and sneakers. I'm like, this is not an outfit. And it would, and it would piss me off. So anyway, now peep toe shoes are coming in. Peep toe heels are coming in. And 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 when they realize that shoes are not comfortable. And I actually just can't wait to see it unfold. And I hope it, I hope it sticks.
- [24:36]
A
I've never thought about like the shoes that have been in. And we've been celebrating as tall girls ourselves.
- [24:41]
B
We're like tall girls and sneakers.
- [24:45]
A
It's ballet flats. It's now it's a kitten. Now a kitten heel is a crazy thing and we've really been reveling in, you know, the heels are not really it. And let me be clear. Like I now I'm just so happy to be like on the other side of this and like I'll just wear what I want to wear now. Correct. And it is interesting because it does feel like they've only chosen the easy fashions, the fun fashions. And now you're bringing the heels.
- [25:10]
B
I'm telling you, when I was in high school, I to homecoming, I wore six inch platform heels.
- [25:16]
A
We need to find some of these photos.
- [25:18]
B
Oh, I can easily find them. Like you should see me, I'm a giraffe.
- [25:21]
A
Like it's, you were a lot more confident than me. I did. You wore taller heels than me. I did not.
- [25:27]
B
I, Yeah, I don't care.
- [25:30]
A
You.
- [25:31]
B
I, I love being 6ft tall. You don't like being tall?
- [25:33]
A
No, I hate being tall. If I could be five, seven tomorrow, I would, I would literally like if there was a genie and I had three wishes. I would consider that as one of my wishes.
- [25:40]
B
No, I love. I love being tall.
- [25:42]
A
And I need to get over that because here's the thing. I'm gonna have tall daughters. And, like, I can't tell them that. And, like, I'm gonna need to learn to, like, being doll.
- [25:51]
B
Yeah.
- [25:52]
A
I don't know.
- [25:53]
B
I think it's a confidence thing. I think, like, no, people don't mess with you as much. Like, people are intimidated by you. Like, that was always a thing. Is anytime my friends met me, they would say, like, my first thought of you was, I thought you were kind of scary or, like, intimidating or whatever. And then I got to know you, and I think it's just because I'm tall. I'm a looming figure. Like, I don't know what to tell you.
- [26:12]
A
Yeah.
- [26:13]
B
But I love being tall anyway.
- [26:15]
A
So, like, and we didn't have. We didn't have a tall mom. So, like, we didn't have. Our mom is, like, five seven, so petite, so cute.
- [26:24]
B
And, like, no, we still don't have a tall mom. And she still, like, doesn't get it. Like, I can't believe the way she doesn't get it. I can't believe she's like, just go and, like, buy, like, a. Like, a dress. Like, I don't know why you're always wearing these, like, these, like, midi dresses. I'm like, babe, short dresses don't fit me.
- [26:44]
A
I love our mother.
- [26:45]
B
And I know, but she doesn't always get it.
- [26:48]
A
And never forget.
- [26:51]
B
Oh, thank you.
- [26:53]
D
Thank you.
- [26:54]
B
Yeah.
- [26:55]
A
Never forget what she told us in high school. And I know what she was trying to do.
- [27:01]
B
I don't know what you're gonna say.
- [27:02]
A
And coming out from this side, I think I get it. Because we were like, we're not cute. We're not cute. We're not cute. We're not cute. And she goes, you're right. She says, you're not gonna be, like, a cute little cheerleader ever. She goes, the only time someone will call you cute is when you're pregnant. Then you'll look cute, but you're beautiful. You're stunning, you're gorgeous. But you're right, you're never gonna be. You're not cute.
- [27:31]
B
No, I know. We are probably, like, so toxic. She's like, sorry, you're not this cute little cheerleader. Oh, I'm so sorry that you have to be this, like, tall, like, model esque, like, whatever. And it's like, all right, girl. Like, calm down. Like, I'm just, like, bummed that I get in trouble for the length of my. My uniform. They don't make them long enough.
- [27:51]
A
But there it was something like, like I said, looking back, I appreciate that she was just real with us.
- [27:57]
B
Yeah.
- [27:57]
A
Because like, she was right. Like, we were never like. You got to picture this, guys.
- [28:01]
B
I'm.
- [28:01]
A
I was 511 in the eighth grade. Like, my friends were f. And I was so lanky and the boys weren't tall enough. So, like, I was not. She's right. I was not cute. I was beautiful. I was gorgeous. Like, you can say all those things about me, but I wasn't cute. And I. All I wanted to be my whole life was cute.
- [28:20]
B
Yeah.
- [28:20]
A
And I never was. So during the luck, I guess the
- [28:25]
B
grass just like, isn't always greener. Like, I don't know.
- [28:27]
A
That's on grit.
- [28:28]
B
We're fine. Anyway, also say we have been trained for heels. We're now mothers so we don't have to jump on the heel trend. No one's expecting us to peep toe shoes. Peep toe heels. Heels. I think in general, like the platform heels are all coming back and. And everyone is about to be humbled and I'm excited for it.
- [28:48]
A
Well, that's kind of like. Oh, let me just say one more quick thing. And then we didn't even tell the people because we just got right into chat scene. We have a, like, kind of a killer interview at the end of this podcast.
- [28:56]
B
Yeah, we do.
- [28:56]
A
That's coming up really soon. So your industry news digital ride segment are gonna be brought to you by Jen Morand, who's like basically the HBIC of the Chicago Auto Show. She's amazing. You're gonna love her. Before we do that though, I told you on my last episode that I. My new side quest is I'm trying to become a Tick tocker, just like for the vibes, for the social experiment. And I had another thing go viral on Tick Tock and it was me talking about my vintage toy, my love for vintage toys, 90s toys. And I find it very interesting the difference between Tick Tock and Instagram because the as of right now, the tick tock has 330views. 330, 000views on it. I get that on my Instagram reels all the time. The Tick tock though, has 52, 000 likes.
- [29:42]
B
Yeah, it's a lot of likes and
- [29:45]
A
like a 330 views on Instagram, I'd maybe get 9, 000 likes.
- [29:49]
B
Yeah.
- [29:49]
A
So I'm just wondering why people are so much more likey on Tick Tock than ig.
- [29:54]
D
I don't know.
- [29:54]
B
I think that it's been a long time since I've. Since I've watched Tick Tock, but I do remember, like, it. It kind of takes a lot for me to like a video. I mean, I'm being more generous with my likes on Instagram because I'm like, oh, I like that. I guess I should double tap, but sometimes I'll just, like, be like, oh, I like that. And then scroll and move on with my life. So I don't know why. I don't know why it's different. But also, I think that there's a level two of, like, an anonymity on Tick Tock. Like, some things I might like. I'm like, I don't want. I don't want sometimes people to see what I'm liking.
- [30:27]
A
Yeah, no, you have to think about that.
- [30:28]
B
And, you know, when you see a video, you can see. I'm like, I can see. Oh, Kelly liked that. Like, why did Kelly like that? That, like.
- [30:35]
A
Yeah, it was just like something embarrassing, like on vintage toys or something.
- [30:38]
B
Right? Exactly.
- [30:39]
A
Like, one of my biggest tips on social media is, like, if you are one. If you are trying to become an influencer, one thing that you can, like, really do is you can. You need to be more social on social media. People always forget that.
- [30:53]
B
Yeah.
- [30:54]
A
Like, comment, like, reshare dm. Like, be very social and then you'll, like, build relationships with influencers. Like, they might share your stuff. People will see you in the comments and then on your profile. Like, you need to, like, be social.
- [31:10]
B
Yeah, yeah. I've been doing that more, too. And it's.
- [31:15]
A
Well, like, we just have like. Like, I peop. There's people who, like, always comment on my stuff on Instagram and, like, I am, like, going to be returning the favor all the time now because I, like, really appreciate. I really appreciate the engagement.
- [31:28]
B
Yeah, no, for sure.
- [31:30]
A
So for sure, for sure. Okay. Well, I feel like we should just, like, kind of get into our episode. We've kind of covered all the bases.
- [31:34]
B
Yeah.
- [31:35]
A
Heels are coming back.
- [31:36]
B
Oh, no. A couple housekeeping things. Guys, I. I am sorry. I do not have child care for half of this week, so I can't get two podcasts recorded this week. So we're only gonna have today's. I'm sorry, we're not gonna have one for Friday. And then next week. It's next week, the auto show. Cal. We're going to Chicago or to New York.
- [32:00]
A
Oh, my gosh. We're going to New York. And guess what we're doing Tour. We're doing tours of the New York Auto Show. You guys, if you are anywhere near New York, you simply must book a tour. It's the time of your life.
- [32:13]
B
No, it's a lot of fun.
- [32:14]
A
It's me, Liz and Sam. We take you around the auto show, we see all the cars. It's basically like a bunch of mini car buying consultations all happening. We have fun. We'll make a reel together. So don't do it unless you want to be in my reel. I'll bring some merch, I'll bring some people.
- [32:29]
B
You don't have to be in Kelly's real if you don't. If you want to do it. And you, you don't have to be in her real.
- [32:35]
A
Yeah, you don't have to be.
- [32:36]
B
I mean, I will respect your pride if you don't want to be, but you should.
- [32:39]
A
But it is fun. You just basically like say your favorite car or maybe we can think of something else. I won't make you do a tick tock dance. It's nothing like that.
- [32:44]
B
No, no, no. So, yes. So book that if you're interested. It's a lot of fun.
- [32:50]
A
We'll put the link in the show notes.
- [32:52]
B
And so all to say, we're gonna be in New York next week, so we're also only going to be able to get out one episode next week too.
- [32:59]
A
Yeah, sorry.
- [33:00]
B
I'm sorry.
- [33:01]
A
It's hard to be a multi platform influencer.
- [33:03]
B
It's just kind of how the cookie has crumbled. Like, I'm just, I'm too busy. I have my anatomy scan this week. So like that's kind of why I'm like booked like I have three doctor's appointments tomorrow, so I can't record one tomorrow. So yeah, that's what we got.
- [33:17]
A
Yeah.
- [33:18]
B
So sorrys, I just don't think I
- [33:20]
A
have a solo in me. Maybe I do though. I don't know.
- [33:22]
B
I'll think about that. Okay, maybe. Well, that's okay. Well, without further ado, let's get into our interview with Jen Moran from the Chicago Auto Show.
- [33:30]
A
Jen Morand, head of the Chicago Auto show. CEO, president of the Chicago Auto Show. Welcome to the carpool podcast.
- [33:38]
C
Thank you. Thanks so much for having me.
- [33:40]
A
You guys, me and Jen and Liz, we go kind of, kind of way back. Elizabeth and I were talking this morning about the first time we met you. I think it was at a mama event.
- [33:50]
C
Yes, yes. And it's funny you say mama because a Lot of people in the industry might know what that means, but maybe a lot of your listeners don't know what that means.
- [33:59]
A
Agree.
- [33:59]
C
And just because we are all moms doesn't mean we were at some mama. I wish, but it actually stands for the Midwest Automotive Media association, of which we're all a part of, where we get to test drive fun vehicles and talk to journalists and manufacturers. So, yes, that was. That was. Gosh. That was what, four, maybe even five years ago.
- [34:18]
B
Oh, my gosh.
- [34:20]
C
Liz was married.
- [34:22]
B
Oh, my God.
- [34:23]
A
Yes. Because I found out I was, like, five weeks pregnant with Fred and didn't know it yet at that event.
- [34:28]
C
Oh, my goodness. That's right.
- [34:30]
A
Yeah. So crazy. So it is just such synergy that, like, I'm the car mom and, like, I'm a part of mama. It is. It is really fun.
- [34:37]
B
Yes.
- [34:38]
A
But Jen also, like, on top of being a part of mama, she is literally, like, the head of the Chicago Auto show, and it is one of the best auto shows in the country. I was just there, had the freaking time of my life. Like, it was, I'm not kidding you, a top. A top 10 trip for me, and I go on a lot of fun trips. I had the best time.
- [35:00]
C
Well, our. Our attendees love the fact that you were there and, you know, just the fact that you stayed for the VIP tours and you invited people around the auto show, which is. We'll kind of dive into that, which is such an amazing experience. But, I mean, your slot sold up within seconds of opening, so obviously you have a lot of fans out there, you and Liz both. But it was just. It was so fun. And then, of course, following along on your stories on your Instagram reels and just, you know, the kind of conversations from the show floor was just so much fun.
- [35:30]
A
If you.
- [35:31]
C
I don't know if you saved them at all, but if people can go back and watch them, I think that it would really share that experience and you'd really get a feel for it.
- [35:38]
A
I felt like a kid in a candy store. Like, I can't explain it. I just felt home. And I was like, there were so many. I mean, obviously there was amazing cars there. I thought the manufacturers really brought some great activations this year.
- [35:50]
C
Yes.
- [35:50]
A
And I thought you guys hit it out of the freaking park with your family activations. Like, that was. I was so blown away by all of the kids activities because for so long, auto shows have been marketed as a family event. But then there's, like, so few things for kids to do. There's not at the Chicago Auto show,
- [36:10]
B
everything I couldn't go.
- [36:14]
C
Yeah, we've really tried to expand the offerings that we do provide. I mean, manufacturers as you know, and you host your own auto show, so you get the vehicles there. You work with dealers or you work with manufacturers. And in our experience, we're working with manufacturers, but it really is up to what they want to bring. We can't force them to bring anything. So we've realized over the years that the activities for kids were maybe a little bit lacking. So that we decided to add actually a family zone where we have kids can test drive vehicles. They can hop behind the wheel of power wheels while their parents hop behind the wheel of vehicles outdoors. So we always say there's truly something for everybody and we want to make it more of a family event. So we've done a few things over the years to try to enhance that experience.
- [36:57]
B
I love it.
- [36:59]
C
And this is just so, I just want to say this is just so surreal and serendipitous for me to be on the podcast because I am a, a avid listener. Love, love the podcast. Cannot say enough good things about you both. So it's so fun because I know you in person, but I also listen to you. So I feel like, you know, it's been not a second since we've last caught up.
- [37:20]
A
So let's kind of, because we, we wanted to, we tried to get this podcast done before I was going to the Chicago Auto Show. We weren't able to get it done. So and I'm kind of happy because now I feel we can kind of like live with this recap. But I want to talk about like, like for anyone. I mean, you're obviously a really big advocate for in person events and like touching the car. And the industry is kind of, the auto industry, I think, is kind of trying to figure out if they can remove this like, in person aspect, I guess, of the car buying process. And I just don't think you can buy a car without sitting in it. What do you say to, I mean, how important do you think it is for families to touch, drive, explore the vehicle before purchasing?
- [38:06]
C
Yeah, I know you've said this over and over on the podcast, which I appreciate and I, and I completely share that agreement. We know that auto shows influence the buying decision because of that in person experience. You are sitting in the vehicles. You are talking with the knowledgeable product specialist who can answer any question you have about the vehicle, whether it's, whether it's a gas powered vehicle to hybrid, plug in hybrid, any Powertrain size suv, large suv, compact vehicle. So really you get a chance to experience hundreds of vehicles on the show floor and compare them back to back. And then what we're seeing more and more is that experiential side of it where more auto shows are incorporating ride and drives and you can actually get behind the wheel and compare. I know your family owns dealerships, Great, great opportunity to come in and test drive. However, we always say this, and I know you share this sentiment is you can't experience back to back multiple brands. I mean now some, some dealerships are mega dealers and they have multiple brands and you might be able to, but auto shows are really that chance to experience these vehicles back to back across all segments.
- [39:09]
A
And even if, even if it is a dealership that has the brands, it's not without hoops you're jumping through. I mean it's still going to take by the time you get the keys. I mean you've had to talk to multiple people, give up on your life. Like so I agree, I think that and I think it's so, because I think when a family starts the car buying process, there's so many options, it's so overwhelming. But I think if there's, if, if they have the opportunity to go to an auto show and get in the back to back, they will be shocked how many cars they can just take off their list quickly. Agree like that can go from a list of 10 to 5 and 5 is such an easier number to like wrap your head around. So I agree. Just sitting in them, seeing the visibility, how you feel. And like I think the industry really underestimates how a person feels in a car. Whereas like I always like to compare it to like the wedding dress industry. Like we tell brides all the time, how do you feel in it? How do you feel in it? You'll just know when it's the car and then you get laughed at if you're like well, how do you feel in it? And I think that's so important. If you buy the first car you test drive, that's fine with me. If it was the one and you knew and you thought through how it was gonna work for your family, good for you.
- [40:14]
C
Yes, I know, absolutely. And so we actually have research, part of the Automotive Experience alliance that the Chicago Auto show is a part of. But, but over 20 auto shows are a part of from last show season that shows that half of the people who attend these auto shows actually alter their consideration list after attending. So whether that means that they were wowed, by a different brand or a different vehicle, even different segment or they weren't at the auto show and they decided to go with another brand that was at the auto show. We see that all the time. It was funny. The Chicago event has another kind of, of spin off, just all about the test drives that we were calling Chicago drives electric that will now be Chicago drives in the fall. Just all powertrains. And people experience these vehicles. They say, you know what, I actually came to drive the Audi and now I'm actually going home with a Kia. Like, they were dead set on buying a Kia versus an Audi, which was so interesting because it's, I mean, you think of, like luxury to mainstream and it's not even, you know, it wasn't anything that you would, they would even consider, but they just love the functionalities. They love the features, you know, the range and all of that. So I think to your point, you really have to get a chance to get behind the wheel, experience the vehicle, test drive the vehicle. But even if you, even if you're at the auto show and you just see a vehicle, you're like, wow, I really like how this looks. And you can't test drive it. You can still then head to your dealer, right? And then, and then do that. But no, it's just a great opportunity. There's. There's hundreds of vehicles all under one roof to be able to experience.
- [41:40]
A
Yeah.
- [41:42]
D
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- [42:00]
B
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D
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D
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- [42:37]
B
A year from today isn't that far away.
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D
Get started now at hello Alma.com carpool. That's. Hello Alma. A l m a.com carpool c-a r p o o l and I'm just
- [42:51]
A
curious, like, I mean we also like to kind of spill some hot tea going on in the auto industry here, as you know. What about the manufacturers who just don't come? Because there you do have some manufacturers who don't come to the Chicago Auto show.
- [43:04]
C
Oh, absolutely.
- [43:06]
A
What's their reasoning for that? Can you, I mean, I know which ones are. I don't know if you want to put them on blast or not, but
- [43:11]
C
no, I'm, I'm mad about it. I'm transparent. No, we, we are frustrated as well and I think as an industry because you know, we, we know that the auto shows work and, and we know that we have that secret sauce to be able to get these consumers in front of, of, you know, buyers who are actually in market. Most of the buyers that come to our auto shows are considering buying within a year. So we know that. So it's just a great opportunity to get in front of them. But yes, there are many manufacturers, a lot of luxury manufacturers that unfortunately just have a different marketing strategy and you know, again, we can't force them. Show organizers of course can force them to come. Although we are frustrated because we, we know that they, they would have a great experience and opportunity. That said, I, I do think that the industry shifts and the pendulum will swing back. Back. I think that more manufacturers.
- [43:59]
A
Yeah.
- [44:00]
C
Are they're just investing in ride and drives and experiential events and that's really what an auto show is. I think it's just because auto shows have been around for over a century in some cases, like, like our show and many others that the manufacturers think, oh, it's just an outdated model. Like we're looking for the newest digital marketing strategy or we're going to have influencers which guess what, you both are influencers and you were at the auto show yourselves. So it's like, like you're combining that, you know, right. You're combining an in person experience.
- [44:28]
B
We actually prefer not going to the ride and drive because we can only see one car at the time and we're like, we're moms. Like we can't travel every weekend to do this to like go to these events and they're wonderful and they're super fun. But like that's two days given up on one car. Like we need. We also agree seeing multiples right next to each other even though we're in them all the time, I'M like, it's such good practice for us too, to see the cars right next to each other. Like, even, even people who, like, live and breathe this don't get that same opportunity. Like, it's a good opportunity for everyone.
- [44:59]
A
Yeah, I feel like if the manufacturers were smarter, they would do the Chicago auto. They would do the auto show activations and then invite the influencers for a weekend in Chicago if you want. And like, it's two birds, one stone, right? Like, and I've always, I've been not begging, but I have tried multiple times to try to get a manufacturer to host me and like a meet and greet at an auto show, because I'm like, I'm already gonna be there. Like, let's throw like a little cocktail hour at your booth. Like, that would be so fun.
- [45:27]
C
Well, how do we talk about this? Because we have 20 auto shows in the Automotive Experience Alliance. Maybe we can.
- [45:34]
A
Yeah.
- [45:35]
C
Offline, maybe how that might look, but that would be fantastic.
- [45:38]
A
Jen. I would love to brainstorm that because everyone wants me to take the car on auto show on the road. And like, unfortunately, like, I just, just logistically, I just can't and won't do it. Like, it's not. I know. You know, the. Oh, I don't. I mean, the financials just don't make sense for me. Like, by the time I took my 40 car seats and rear. It's just. It's not gonna work. It's never gonna be. Never. But I don't see a world where we take it on the road. But I would love to bring, like, mini auto shows to the existing auto shows where, like, I could still bring a couple of my car seats. I could be there. Like, I could have my, my team there and we could still have some like, the fun.
- [46:11]
C
Yes.
- [46:12]
B
Of.
- [46:12]
A
But just on like a popup. Like a.
- [46:15]
C
Yes.
- [46:15]
A
Like, I'm trying to work smarter, not harder. Like, there's already auto shows across the whole country. Like, why can't I just come and bring the razzle dazzle without bringing all of the cars?
- [46:22]
C
Well, I think we just, I think we just had a really good. A really good idea to make it happen. Yeah, let's talk about that. No, I think that would be a fantastic opportunity. And of course, you know, you both have a huge draw, but what I love about you the most is that, that you know the industry inside and out, but you're changing it, you know, because it used to be. And I've been in the industry for a while now, and it's finally clicked where you know, it used to be very male dominated, and it still is in many cases, but just to bring to life, people were intimidated. Women were intimidated to come to auto shows. They saw models on stands and they're like, that's really just not my style. That's not for me. But now they've really evolved where you can go and there's males, there's females, there's just knowledgeable people that's just talking about the vehicles and giving you the advice and answering your questions. It's just a different time. And I think that what's great about you both is that you're able to talk to just the general public in a way that for a while, many manufacturers just hadn't really done. To be quite honest with you, they were trying different marketing tactics. You're just both very real and you're super knowledgeable. I love your reviews, how you do videos back to back, your take, and it's your opinions, but it's also, you're showing people kind of why you're, you know, why you're saying these things. And they're like, okay, that. That makes sense to me, or this is applicable in my life as a, as a parent or, or not a parent or just in a different stage of life. So I think, you know, I think that would be a really great experience and actually a great time in the industry to bring you to. Into auto shows.
- [47:52]
A
Yeah. Thank you. I would, I would, I would really enjoy that. And I love. For as much as I like the cars I really like, my real passion is the car selection and the car buying process. Like, because what people forget is like, no, I'm actually just like a car salesperson. Like, in my core, I love selling cars. So I love when I get to even do like those tours of the auto show because I feel like, I mean, Liz can attest to it. Like, I start a tour and like, sales girl Kelly is back and I am like, I am having the time of my life giving tours of the auto show because I love showing people cars and helping people find the right car for them. Like, I just think. I think it's the most fun. It's the most fun I've ever had.
- [48:32]
C
Absolutely. No, it's.
- [48:33]
A
It is.
- [48:34]
C
And you know, it's. It's interesting because I. My. One of my favorite things about going down to my show floor and just, just like observing and listening is the people who are. They're just actively asking questions. They're opening up the trunk. They're literally putting car. We had Britax as you know, Kelly, we had Britax at our auto show. They were putting car seats in the vehicles, comparing, doing demos. I mean, because it's all about the practicality and it's how that vehicle fits in your lifestyle. And you talked about like, how does that car make you feel? Truly like you're trying it on, you are sitting in it, you're adjusting the mirror, you know, you're opening up the glove compartment and looking at the technology and seeing how it fits. Does this, the built in phone charger fit my phone? Like cup holders, literally everything about the vehicle. And you have that opportunity to do that that I, I truly like. I love the digital side. I think it's, it's a great complement to the auto show. However, I personally do not think that it has the ability to completely influence that purchase. Especially when an auto is the second largest purchase of, of your life behind your home. I, I just, I just don't see how that's feasible. Totally.
- [49:37]
B
Yeah. I mean, you can order a shirt online because you can return it. Like, you can't order a car online. Like it's not exact place.
- [49:45]
A
Exactly. Okay, what, this is just kind of like a random question. I'm just curious, but what was your favorite, like, and maybe you can answer this. What was your favorite manufacturer activation? Like, who do you think just has really a really good activation?
- [49:58]
C
No, I, I think that many of them do. And I'll give you a couple examples of why. I, I think, I think they do. I think many of them, you know, they try to engage people in different ways. But I will say Subaru. I mean, if, you know, I mean, Subaru just comes in.
- [50:11]
B
I knew you're gonna say Subaru.
- [50:12]
A
I knew you were.
- [50:14]
C
And we love it. And the consumers love it too, because you literally go into their exhibit and for those of you who haven't been to an auto show or don't know what we're talking about, it is a fully immersive experience where they call the five senses. You can smell, touch, feel. I mean, you're literally in different terrains. There's like mountains, there's, I mean, gosh, like all different sorts of like, what are they called? Like landmarks. Right. Like across the country and it just changes. They have these giant digital screens, they have even puppies at the auto show where they're really, you know, great at giving back and they're helping communities and they have a dog adoption every day at the auto show. So it's great because people can actually play with puppies. I mean, they know how to keep you in their display. So I think they're doing a fantastic job. I also think that, you know, Ford and Jeep are just. They're killing it with their tracks. For those of the shows who have the Ford Bronco Mountain and then Camp Jeep, which they're like mini roller coasters inside the auto show and they're going up the these hills and down and over different terrains. It's truly an amazing experience. But you get a sense of like how that could really feel, you know, off off road. If you are into off roading, but if you're not, it's just a fun. It's just a fun ride to take in the auto show.
- [51:28]
A
Yeah, I agree. Subaru, I think is definitely the. It's the biggest wow factor at the auto show. And I really did think that at Chicago, I thought the Ford display was really good. I mean, them having the Bronco like really has just kind of like made their whole display more interesting because it's allowed them to like, lean way more off roading and like their entire display than I think they ever normally would have.
- [51:49]
C
Yes.
- [51:49]
A
So I thought their display was great. Yeah, it was just. It was, it was a great show.
- [51:55]
C
Yeah.
- [51:55]
A
We are going to. Liz and I are going to New York in a couple of weeks. Yep. And we're excited. The atlas is being revealed. So that's like very exciting. That's what's getting us there, truthfully.
- [52:07]
B
Yeah.
- [52:07]
A
Because it is quite a bit further than Chicago. So we're excited for that. And then of course, if you guys miss both of those, you have the car motto show June 13th in St. Louis.
- [52:16]
C
I would love to. I would love to check that out.
- [52:18]
A
I.
- [52:18]
C
And this is how many years of the. The show now?
- [52:21]
A
This is, this is our fourth year.
- [52:23]
C
Fourth year.
- [52:23]
A
Okay.
- [52:24]
C
That was such a brilliant idea. That's just, it's.
- [52:27]
A
It's been really fun and it's been, you know, it's funny you say, you know, some of the manufacturers don't see the value in it. You would not believe the difficulty we have with getting manufactured. Not all of that. Them. Some of them are more than generous and some of them are like, well, what's this event like? They literally are so. And I'm like, you know what, forget it. I'll just call the local dealership. Like, you're making this, you're making this
- [52:49]
C
too difficult for me.
- [52:49]
A
And this dealership would love to be there.
- [52:51]
C
Yep, absolutely. And honestly, many auto shows do like, there are different degrees of auto shows. Some manufacturers don't Participate in some auto shows across country. Some are run by like the second tier, which is like the advertising associations. And then, and then of course, the dealer is always. But the dealers know the importance. And that's what I would always say to auto show organizers is if you can get your dealers to start rallying them. So start to have them rally their local marketing associations. Have them start rallying their OEMs, their manufacturers. They really, you know, understand the value of putting those butts in seats. I mean, I hate to say it like that, but that's that truly it is. It's getting the people behind the wheels of the vehicles, driving the vehicles and then educating themselves because that truly is the way to influence their buying decision.
- [53:33]
A
Yeah, I always, you know, I will always put my audience first, like always, always, always. But there are some times where I'm just like, you know what? I don't even want to have that car there. And I want everyone to know that this manufacturer didn't think this was an important event to go to. Yeah. But unfortunately I have too high of morals for that. So I will make sure I will get all the minivans, I'll get all the full size SUV's there. Whether I get them from the manufacturer, the local dealer doesn't matter. Doesn't matter to my audience. So.
- [53:57]
C
And I would tell you it doesn't matter to any audience because truly, because we have had missing manufacturers for many years now. Shows are starting to go to the dealers, which is fine, which is great because that brand's represented. And maybe they're not bringing the large kit like Subaru's bringing this amazing display. And we never want that to go away. However, there are manufacturers that haven't shown up in recent years that we're trying to get them back in to the consumers. They really don't know. And I also find it interesting and for those of you listening that go to auto shows and you're kind of upset because you didn't see an Audi or you didn't see a Mercedes or you know, name that Land Rover, name that luxury brand that had been missing from any, from auto shows, but they don't realize it's not the show producers. So like, they'll get mad at you and I because we don't have them there. And we always tell people on social media, like, we'll tell the manufacturers, like, we really missed you in Chicago. We missed you at the Car mom auto show. Like, we, we want to see you represented. And so that's really kind of our response because we wish they would would come as well.
- [54:59]
A
Yeah, yeah, we should. Like, this is a con. We need to get like a glass of wine over this combo, me and you, one day. Because I have so many thoughts on it. Okay, Jen, before you go, we have one of our favorite segments on the podcast is called Ditch the Drive Thru. After, like a long day of just like being the head girl at the Chicago Auto show, your family's still got to eat. You don't want to hit a drive through. What are you making for dinner?
- [55:21]
C
So we have been loving these Mediterranean bowls and you can actually prep them on Sunday or whatever day that's easier for you to prep them. So we'll do Greek marinated chicken or steak. You could do falafel. If you don't eat meat as well. And you just cook all that up, you can have any base you want, rice, quinoa, arugula, any sort of like salad base for the bottom portion of it. And then we do a really good fresh tomato, cucumber, dill, olive oil, lemon, kind of like relish, if you will, on top. And then I don't do a homemade hummus. I just buy the plain tub of any sort of general hummus. Because we're already making, you know, we're already making enough. We're doing enough, but it's still fine. But I do do two other homemade things. A homemade tzatziki sauce. So you could do dill, lemon, lime, salt and pepper, olive oil with yogurt. So you could do like a high protein yogurt or you could do like a dairy free yogurt. If you don't do dairy, blend all of that up. And then also we do high protein pita bread. So you can actually blend like a high protein cottage cheese with flour or gluten free flour and just a little baking soda. Blend it all together and just cook it on a cast iron pan. It is so good.
- [56:32]
B
That's how you make pita bread.
- [56:34]
C
Yes, you can. What? Believe it or not, it's a three ingredient. So again, it's cottage cheese. You can do low lactose. If you don't. You don't really handle dairy that well like I do. You can do blend it with gluten free flour or regular flour, a little bit of baking soda. And then I sometimes do put a little water just to thin it up if it's too thick. And you just cook it over a cast iron pan. And then you can always have those tortillas. Not the tortillas, the pitas rather, to heat up again for the next night or for the next meal. But I will tell you, it is a tried and true. You. You can just assemble everything. It's super easy to compile, and it. The flavor profile. Profile is next level.
- [57:10]
A
I love that. And that's the kind of thing where it's like, you could slightly change up, like, what you put in the bowl and have it, like, a couple nights a week.
- [57:17]
C
Yes.
- [57:18]
A
You know, okay, let me add more of this. Or maybe, you know, you. You make all the protein. You do chicken one night, you do steak the next night.
- [57:23]
B
Like, that sounds so good idea of Greek marinated steak. I never considered.
- [57:29]
C
I know, I know.
- [57:30]
A
It's.
- [57:30]
C
The flavors together are. Are so good. And like you said, you can. It's so versatile. You can have steak one night, chicken. Sometimes I'll just do, like, a pita. Almost like, you know, like, just eat the pita. Sometimes I'll do a bowl with a little pea on the side. But yeah, I.
- [57:43]
B
We.
- [57:43]
C
We really haven't gotten sick of it yet. So it's a tried and true.
- [57:47]
A
Yeah. That's awesome. Fabulous. Well, Jen, thank you so much for joining the Carbo podcast. This was such a fun conversation.
- [57:52]
C
Thank you.
- [57:54]
A
Yeah, I guess, like, stay tuned for, like, more like, future car motor shows. I guess we need to talk.
- [57:59]
C
Yes. I'm so honored to be here. Thank you so much for having me.
- [58:02]
B
Thanks, Jen.
- [58:03]
C
Thank you for listening to the carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode.
- [58:10]
A
And if you enjoyed riding with us,
- [58:12]
C
tell everybody you know, there's room in
- [58:15]
A
the car for everyone.