Transcript

Kelly (0:03)

Welcome to the carpool podcast with Kelly. So, currently I am cheering for the Seahawks. Thank you for having me, Seahawks fans. Go Birds. Go Hawks. And Liz.

Liz (0:14)

Sydney one day went into my closet, took my Uggs, cut the tag label off of my Uggs, and glued them onto her fake Uggs.

Kelly (0:27)

Your mom time off starts now. Back to the carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz.

Liz (0:35)

Hey, Liz. Hey, Cal. How are you?

Kelly (0:38)

I'm freezing my Butsy off.

Liz (0:41)

Huh?

Kelly (0:42)

It is so cold. We've been so spoiled in the Midwest in Missouri this year because, like, winter's been, like, 45 degrees. Like, it's been like, oh, I need this coat. But it hasn't been chill to the bone. And this week, it's back with vengeance. It's chill to the bone.

Liz (0:59)

I know.

Kelly (1:00)

And it's had the worst morning because I had two press cars this week, the Ford Expedition and the Hummer. In total, we had, like, six car seats installed between those two cars. And I understand that, like, I'm the car. I'm the cpst, but, like, uninstalling car seats in the cold is a blue job. Like, that is a job for the truck Dad. I don't need to be. And I forgot to tell him before he left today that there was car seats in there. And then I had to, you know, I. I couldn't. There's no way. Until it warms up because, like, they come in the morning, right? And so then I had to. I was, like, dressed for my workout, like, with my cute, like, little leggings and, like, my little, like, Lululemon top. And I was about to go downstairs and work out, and then I remembered about the car seats. Had to go back upstairs. Had to, like, literally bundle up. Like, I was on a ski trip, and I had to uninstall all these car seats. And it was so hard because, like, I didn't have the mobility with the gloves on. But then I would literally freeze if I took the gloves off. Yeah. It was the worst experience of my life. I had to eventually just sit in the car and, like, wait for it to warm up and then, like, close all the doors to uninstall them.

Liz (2:20)

Yeah, that's what I would do if we said it once, we said it a million times. Like, being a car reviewer in the winter is so awful. Like, we have some really hot days in Missouri, and we're like, screw this. Like, hate this. Blah, blah, blah. I would take that. I would take the hottest day in Missouri to film a car tour over the coldest day any day of the week.

Summary

Podcast Summary: "ANOTHER GIRL FOR THE GANG!"

The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz | January 21, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, sisters Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John—known for car reviews geared toward the millennial mom—share big family news, swap Midwest winter survival stories, reminisce about growing up together, and offer car-seat and family vehicle advice for growing families. Listeners are treated to witty banter, relatable mom moments, and plenty of laughter, all delivered in the duo’s signature unfiltered, sisterly style.

Main Themes and Key Discussion Points

1. Midwest Winter Woes and Mom Life Realities

Cold Weather Car Reviewer Struggles
Kelly describes the agony of uninstalling multiple car seats in freezing temperatures:

“Uninstalling car seats in the cold is a blue job. Like, that is a job for the truck Dad. I don’t need to be.” – Kelly (01:00)
She laments running out of time for her usual routine, adding,
“I was gonna put on makeup to record this…but I ran out of time because of the car seats.” – Kelly (02:42)

2. Small Acts of Self-Care

Facials and Pedicures
Both sisters decide to treat themselves—Kelly to a facial and Lizz to a pedicure:

“When I am pregnant, I do not do my own toes. I get pedicures when I’m pregnant. And granted, I could do my own toes…but let’s just extend it.” – Lizz (04:23)
They admit to mixed feelings about spa experiences—desiring relaxation but often feeling anxious or guilty about taking downtime.

3. Sisterly Stories: Ugg Drama, Sibling Shenanigans, and Growing Up

Fake vs. Real Uggs
The sisters share a hilarious sibling rivalry story about their younger sister Sydney:

“Sydney one day, went into my closet, took my Uggs, cut the tag label off of my Uggs, and glued [them] onto her fake Uggs.” – Lizz (06:33)
Classic Sister Chaos
Stories of Sydney’s childhood mischief include writing “Kill Kelly” with a marker in the family van, nightgown sleepwalking, and bringing ninja stars to school (10:27–12:42).

“She was like a little nightgown nightmare child…” – Kelly (10:40)
“Sydney brought ninja throwing stars…Mom gets a call like, ‘Your daughter brought a weapon in second grade.’” – Liz (11:46)

4. Big Announcement: Another Girl Joins the Family!

Gender Reveal and Reflections on Family Dynamics
Lizz emotionally reveals she’s having another girl, expressing excitement and mixed feelings about raising a “girl-heavy” family and how the “third” child shapes family dynamics:

“I found out I am having a baby girl, and I am so shocked…now the dynamics of my family…like, the third one kind of seals in the dynamics.” – Lizz (07:50, 08:28)
The sisters discuss possible name ideas, noting how the third child’s name “sets the tone” for a sibset (17:40).
Memorable Quote:

“I love girls. I always wanted girls. I love sisters. I’m just, like, I’m so excited to have my little besties. So baby girl coming in August.” – Lizz (12:50)

5. The Art (and Stress) of Baby Naming

Naming Trends & Instagram Inspiration
Kelly gushes about following “naming baby” online and the pressure to find the right alternative to popular names like Olivia (15:40-16:06).

“Everyone wants the Olivia alternative. And then they’re mad when they don’t like it because they just like the name Olivia.” – Kelly (15:40)
Naming Husbands
Lizz notes Maddie’s interest in Roman emperor–derived names—a trend appearing in other families too (16:34).

“Apparently many ladies have had this conversation with their husband about them wanting to be named after Roman emperors.” – Lizz (16:34)

6. Life Hacks, Viral Trends, and Cozy Comforts

House Slippers & Olsen Tucks
Discourse about the best Amazon Ugg dupes and the “Olsen tuck” (tucking hair in clothes for warmth and style).

“These are fugs from Amazon…I don’t know why you would ever spend more than $39 on these.” – Kelly (06:06)
Winter Fashion Revelation
Lizz shares a game-changing tip: flipping coat fur inward to keep ears warm (20:01).

“You flip it in so it’s around your face and around your ears, and then your head is warm and wind is not, like, penetrating your ears…” – Liz (20:01)

7. Car-Related Advice for Big Families

Advising on Family Cars and Car Seats (28:27–33:12)
The hosts tackle real listener dilemmas:
- The best vehicle for five kids (Volkswagen Atlas with bench seat or possibly minivans)
- Ideal car seats for three or more children
- Importance of forecasting family growth when making these choices
“Full size SUVs are great but if you want smaller with three rows, go for the Atlas with bench. It’s a three-across machine.” – Kelly (29:08)
“When you go to three [kids], there are cars that just no longer work.” – Kelly (30:35)

8. Entertainment, Pop Culture, and TV Recs

TV Talk: "Traitors" and Rom-Com Revival
Kelly is obsessed with "Traitors," while Lizz watches “People We Meet on Vacation,” celebrating the return of adult rom-coms:

"If you are postpartum...it's the perfect postpartum show. 'Traitors' is just good TV." – Kelly (23:33)
“Rom coms are back. And I have to say, I agree. It was good, clean fun.” – Lizz (25:57)

9. Wholesome Family Moments & The Power of Shared Meals

Ditch the Drive-Thru Recipe Swap
Listeners write in with home-made versions of fast-food meals, including KFC bowls (“combination cooking!”), with the sisters reflecting on their quest for family dinners where everyone happily eats (38:06–42:03).

“I’m forever chasing the high of my whole family sitting around the table eating a dinner that I made.” – Kelly (39:30)
Celebrating Meatloaf
Kelly extols the virtues of meatloaf, both at home and in restaurants:

“If you are ever at a fancy restaurant…and they have meatloaf on the menu, 1,000%, order it.” – Kelly (44:33)

10. Sleep Struggles and Parenting Consultants

Lizz offers advice from her sleep trainer, while Kelly jokes about seeking outside help for potty training and early risers (47:32–49:13).

Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Sibling Drama:

“Sydney brought ninja throwing stars…Mom gets a call like, ‘Your daughter brought a weapon in second grade.’” – Liz (11:46)
On Family Growth:

“When you go to three, there are cars that just no longer work.” – Kelly (30:35)
On Chasing Family Dinner Perfection:

“I’m addicted to the high of you guys eating my food and telling me how good it is.” – Kelly (40:09)
On Gender and Family:

“Now, the dynamics of my family…the third one kind of seals in the dynamics.” – Lizz (08:28)
On Pop Culture Desires:

“There's just not a show I want to watch...I got so into Dancing with the Stars, because it’s just good, clean fun.” – Kelly (24:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Winter Car Reviewer Struggles – 00:42–02:42
Sisterly Ugg Drama & Sydney Stories – 06:29–12:42
Gender Reveal & Naming Baby Talk – 07:50–17:40
House Slipper Recommendations & Olsen Tuck – 05:56–20:01
Unadvertised Food Brands – 21:02–22:37
Listener Car Seat / Family Car Advice – 27:42–33:12
Ditch the Drive-Thru: KFC Bowl Recipe – 38:06–39:44
The Power of Family Dinners – 39:30–42:03
Home Sleep/Consultant Talk – 47:32–49:13

Additional Fun

World Clap Day is on Kelly’s birthday (August 16, 2026), and they enthusiastically plan to participate (34:02).
Football Allegiances: Kelly is now rooting for the Seahawks due to a superstitious Pope-Seahawks connection (37:12).

Overall Tone

The entire episode is infused with the hosts’ sincere, hilarious, and warm-hearted banter, blending practical advice, pop culture musings, and genuine reflections on motherhood, marriage, and sisterhood.

Summary prepared for listeners who want all the highlights, laughs, and useful advice—no seatbelt required!