Episode Summary: BRING BACK THE VW BUG
The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
Release Date: March 6, 2025

In the BRING BACK THE VW BUG episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John journey through a blend of nostalgic automotive discussions, heartfelt parenting anecdotes, and lighthearted sisterly banter. This episode masterfully intertwines their expertise in the auto industry with personal stories, creating an engaging narrative that resonates with both car enthusiasts and parents alike.

1. Childhood Memories and Imaginary Siblings [01:05 - 03:05]

The episode opens with Kelly and Lizz delving into their childhood antics, reminiscing about playing in their backyard and creating imaginary older brothers to add a touch of drama to their lives.

• Kelly [02:01]:
  “No, honestly, I don't know if this is my earliest memory, but I have such a distinct memory...where you and I were playing in our backyard.”

• Lizz [02:43]:
  “I don't have a brother. What are brothers?”

They humorously explore why they invented mean imaginary siblings, attributing it to a need for added excitement in a trauma-free upbringing.

2. Upcoming Vacation Plans [05:29 - 06:21]

Shifting gears from nostalgia to future plans, Kelly and Lizz share their excitement about an upcoming family vacation to Arizona. They discuss traveling with grandparents and the practicalities of bringing along vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV and Hyundai Santa Fe.

• Lizz [05:29]:
  “We're going to AZ. It's going to be a blast. Tyler's parents are going with us and they're very helpful.”

• Kelly [06:21]:
  “And dad's like, well, it wasn’t selling. So he's like, well, I guess I'll just ship it to Arizona.”

3. Discontinued Cars and Their Potential Revivals [06:44 - 12:09]

A central theme of the episode revolves around beloved car models that have been discontinued. Kelly and Lizz passionately advocate for the return of iconic vehicles, especially in electric formats.

• Lizz [06:44]:
  “The Hummer was such a moment. The Hummer walked so the Bronco could run.”

• Kelly [07:09]:
  “It was just a total gas guzzler, wasn't it? The environment... that's why she kind of got the boot.”

They discuss the Ford Excursion and the Volkswagen Beetle, highlighting their cultural significance and potential in the modern EV market.

• Lizz [10:13]:
  “But I would love to see the Beetle, and I predict the Beetle will come back in an electric version.”

• Kelly [10:47]:
  “I drove one as a demo. Loved it.”

4. Parenting Challenges: Sleep Training and Criticisms [14:07 - 21:32]

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Kelly opens up about her struggles with sleep training her children. She addresses the pervasive criticisms and societal pressures parents face regarding sleep practices.

• Kelly [14:07]:
  “I just really don't think that I thrive in motherhood surrounding sleep. My kids are never good nappers...I just don't think that I thrive in motherhood surrounding sleep.”

• Lizz [16:55]:
  “Being a parent is showing up every single day and pouring into your kids.”

They emphasize the importance of trusting one's instincts and focusing on consistent, daily care over isolated parenting decisions.

5. Lessons from Their Father: Asking Questions and Staying Focused [26:44 - 32:34]

Kelly and Lizz share impactful stories from their father, who owns a Volkswagen dealership. These anecdotes underscore valuable life lessons such as the importance of curiosity and maintaining focus in business.

• Lizz [26:44]:
  “Do you want to hear the story or the lesson I've learned from this?”

• Kelly [26:57]:
  “Don’t be afraid to ask questions... Always be learning.”

• Lizz [28:29]:
  “Stick to what you know. Stick to your business. Stay focused.”

These stories highlight their father's humility and dedication, serving as guiding principles for Kelly and Lizz in both their personal and professional lives.

6. Teaching Their Children Through Storytelling [32:34 - 37:45]

The hosts discuss the significance of sharing personal stories with their children to impart lessons and create lasting memories. They believe that real-life stories resonate more deeply with kids compared to generic advice.

• Kelly [30:32]:
  “Here's what happened today...they just know what's gonna stick with them.”

• Lizz [31:10]:
  “Maybe tell them about our imaginary world.”

They advocate for narrative-driven teaching, where experiences are shared in the form of relatable stories.

7. Random Fact: Left-Handedness [37:45 - 40:02]

Injecting a bit of fun into the episode, Kelly presents a random fact about left-handedness, sparking a playful discussion about their children's handedness and its implications.

• Kelly [37:53]:
  “About 90% of the population is right-handed. The remaining 10% are either left-handed or some degree of ambidextrous.”

• Lizz [39:12]:
  “Tyler thinks he's ambidextrous. And Fred seems to be left-handed dominant.”

8. Mud Kitchen Project for Their Kids [35:00 - 38:15]

Kelly and Lizz share their plans to set up a mud kitchen for their children, George and Hattie. They discuss the challenges of finding durable, commercial-grade equipment and brainstorm creative ideas to enhance their kids' imaginative play.

• Lizz [35:19]:
  “I am ready to get a mud kitchen... I want an industrial grade commercial kitchen.”

• Kelly [36:00]:
  “There's no hay bales to be painting...it's like his summer thing.”

9. Cooking Adventures and Family Dynamics [42:07 - 45:58]

The episode concludes with the sisters sharing amusing stories about their cooking endeavors and family interactions, highlighting the balance between their professional interests and personal lives.

• Kelly [42:07]:
  “What am I making for dinner tonight that I'm really excited about? A chicken bacon ranch bowl.”

• Lizz [45:20]:
  “I'm trying to get Tyler to gain a little weight...added some salt and butter for you.”

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly [02:01]:
  “I have such a distinct memory...playing in our backyard.”

• Lizz [06:44]:
  “The Hummer was such a moment. The Hummer walked so the Bronco could run.”

• Lizz [10:13]:
  “I would love to see the Beetle, and I predict the Beetle will come back in an electric version.”

• Lizz [26:44]:
  “Do you want to hear the story or the lesson I've learned from this?”

• Kelly [26:57]:
  “Don’t be afraid to ask questions... Always be learning.”

• Kelly [30:32]:
  “Here's what happened today...they just know what's gonna stick with them.”

Conclusion:

In this episode, Kelly and Lizz seamlessly blend their passion for automobiles with their experiences as parents, offering listeners a rich tapestry of discussions that are both informative and deeply personal. From advocating for the revival of classic cars to navigating the complexities of modern parenting, The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz delivers an episode filled with laughter, insight, and heartfelt moments. Whether you're a car enthusiast or a parent seeking relatable stories, this episode has something for everyone.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were omitted to focus solely on the episode's core content.