Summary of "CAR FEATURES NOT WORTH THE HYPE" Episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Release Date: March 27, 2025

In the episode titled "CAR FEATURES NOT WORTH THE Hype," hosts Kelly Stumpe and Liz St. John delve into a variety of topics ranging from personal life updates to in-depth discussions about automotive features. This detailed summary captures the essence of their engaging conversation, highlighting key points, insights, and notable quotes.

1. Personal Life Updates and Home Renovations ([00:58] - [07:00])

The episode kicks off with Kelly and Liz sharing updates about their personal lives, particularly focusing on Kelly’s ongoing roof replacement project.

Kelly shares her frustration with choosing a new roof color:
"I just pulled up and it's about a fourth of the way done. And it's like a very light gray, though. So I'm kind of having a little bit of just like, did I make the right decision?"
[02:34]

Liz empathizes, noting the challenges of neighborhood dynamics:
"They have it all. If you have one in your area... it's an incredible."
[03:55]

The sisters discuss the complexities of living in established versus new construction neighborhoods, highlighting issues with Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and the increasing drama in online community groups.

Liz comments on neighborhood interactions:
"These new developments with HOAs and trustees and ring cameras are causing issues."
[05:58]

2. Car Comparisons and Features ([07:00] - [17:00])

Transitioning to their automotive expertise, Kelly and Liz compare different full-size SUVs, specifically the Suburban, Expedition, Tahoe, and Yukon.

Liz praises the aesthetic functionality of her Expedition:
"But you can't touch my Expedition bench seat. The functionality for four kids. You can't touch it."
[01:08]

They delve into the spaciousness and practicality of these vehicles, with Kelly expressing admiration for the Suburban’s larger trunk capacity:
"The Suburban trunk felt so much bigger."
[10:24]

Liz discusses the importance of certain features, leading to a broader conversation about which car features are genuinely beneficial versus those that may not warrant the investment.

3. Upcoming Events and Certifications ([12:00] - [17:00])

Kelly and Liz talk about their involvement in local events, particularly the Joint Baby Fair (JBF) Sale in St. Louis, a favorite annual event where parents can buy and sell baby products.

Liz enthuses about the event’s popularity and variety:
"It's like yard sale meets like once upon a child."
[12:38]

Kelly shares her excitement about her upcoming Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification:
"I'm getting my final CPST certification this week... checking real people's car seats."
[14:37]

They promote their participation in these events, encouraging listeners to join and support.

4. Content Consumption and Recommendations ([17:00] - [22:00])

The conversation shifts to their personal content consumption habits and podcast recommendations.

Liz recommends the Good Guys Podcast featuring Drake Bell:
"It's really like a full circle moment for someone who loved Drake and Josh and then saw that documentary and was like heartbroken for Drake."
[17:01]

Kelly shares her latest content projects, including her struggles with creating engaging social media reels, particularly for Nap Time Kitchen.

They also discuss the importance of mental health, with Kelly briefly mentioning the Rula therapy service advertisement included in the episode.

**5. Advice Segment: Recommended TV Shows for Coping with Separation ([19:59] - [22:00])

Responding to a listener’s question about TV show recommendations to cope with a spouse’s deployment, Kelly and Liz offer their insights.

Liz suggests:
"Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl and Desperate Housewives, 100%."
[20:56]

Kelly adds her perspective on other shows:
"I couldn't get into Gilmore Girls. I thought it was too cheesy."
[21:07]

They discuss the merits and downsides of various "girly" shows, providing a balanced view to help listeners find comfort in their viewing choices.

6. Car Features Not Worth the Hype ([22:00] - [29:00])

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting car features that Kelly and Liz believe are overrated or unnecessary for the average driver.

Liz starts the conversation by referencing a viral post about unwanted car features:
"The common problem in my old neighborhood was the dog poop stations..."
[07:03]

They focus on specific features:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay:
  Kelly expresses frustration:
  "I just don't like it. Like, I'm a passenger princess a lot. I'm always getting places early and then I want to scroll my phone."
  [25:03]
  Liz concurs, adding:
  "Something that I don't think is worth the hype is wireless chargers."
  [24:48]

• Auto Hold and Massaging Seats:
  Kelly dismisses Auto Hold:
  "I never use it."
  [25:29]
  Liz appreciates it, highlighting differing preferences:
  "Love auto hold... Tyler hates it."
  [25:32]

• Kick-to-Open Tailgate and Remote Start:
  Both express skepticism and disappointment with these features due to their unreliability and lack of necessity.

• Sunroofs and Blind Spot Cameras:
  Liz values blind spot cameras:
  "I like a really good blind spot camera."
  [27:54]
  Kelly is less enthusiastic about sunroofs, citing personal disinterest:
  "I find myself closing it often."
  [27:21]

7. Ditch the Drive Thru and Food Bloggers ([29:00] - [35:00])

In the latter part of the episode, Kelly and Liz explore the concept of "Ditch the Drive Thru, Take Them a Meal March," an initiative encouraging people to prepare and deliver meals instead of using drive-thru services.

They recount their experiences with food bloggers and the various meal recipes shared:

Liz describes dishes shared by food bloggers:
"Carol Chambers makes beef basil bowls with coconut ginger rice."
[33:06]

Kelly humorously shares her failed attempt at creating a reel for the initiative:
"Everything was filmed in slow mo, but I was in a rush when I was doing it, so it's just not very good."
[30:19]

The hosts express admiration for food bloggers’ dedication and creativity, despite their own challenges in keeping up with such culinary projects.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kelly on Roof Color Decision:
  "I just pulled up and it's about a fourth of the way done. And it's like a very light gray, though. So I'm kind of having a little bit of just like, did I make the right decision?"
  [02:34]

• Liz on HOA Issues:
  "These new developments with HOAs and trustees and ring cameras are causing issues."
  [05:58]

• Liz on Auto Hold Feature:
  "Love auto hold... Tyler hates it."
  [25:32]

• Kelly on Wireless Apple CarPlay:
  "I never have the right case. I can't do wireless charging. Like, it just. I like to plug in."
  [25:03]

• Liz on Food Bloggers:
  "I'm so inspired by food bloggers."
  [34:26]

Conclusion

In "CAR FEATURES NOT WORTH THE HYPE," Kelly and Liz blend personal anecdotes with their automotive expertise to provide listeners with relatable content and insightful critiques of modern car features. Their candid discussions encourage listeners to evaluate which features truly add value to their driving experience versus those that may be superfluous. The episode underscores the importance of prioritizing practicality and personal preference in car ownership, all while maintaining the lighthearted and supportive dynamic that define The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz.