The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz Episode: "COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY"
Date: November 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, sisters and car reviewers Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John explore the theme of comparison—how it impacts their roles as mothers, business owners, and content creators. They approach the topic with their signature humor and honesty, drawing from personal stories and listener questions. Along the way, they offer practical philosophy for navigating the pressures of parenthood, discuss car industry news, share lifestyle hacks, and sprinkle in relatable banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power (and Peril) of Comparison (05:10–13:39)

• Kelly shares her "Fast Lane Philosophy": “You can’t compare your start to someone else’s middle.” (05:13)
  • She recounts her YouTube beginnings, feeling inadequate next to established reviewers like Doug DeMuro, only to realize everyone starts somewhere.
  • Quote: “This is our start. It’s not our middle.” – Kelly (06:18)
• Lizz expands on how this applies in motherhood, noting it gets easier with experience:
  • “Don’t compare the mom of three with yourself just starting out.” (06:44)
• Both agree: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Kelly (07:26)
• Advice from Kelly’s assistant, Matney:
  • Rather than "comparing up" (to those ahead of you), sometimes "compare down" to see how far you’ve come and build gratitude. (08:04)
  • Serving others is suggested as a remedy for jealousy or envy.

2. Romanticizing and Accepting Daily Chaos (08:46–12:55)

• They advocate for embracing the mess and imperfection of parenting.
  • Lizz: “Some of my favorite Instagrams are from moms showing regular kitchens and real life.”
  • They discuss the value of minimalism and not chasing every new trend or possession.
• Social media, despite its pitfalls, provides an archive of growth and change.
  • “I don’t journal. I feel like my Instagram archive is my journal.” – Lizz (10:43)
• A touching insight about learning from older mothers and the continuity of motherhood (11:46–12:55).

3. Motherhood, Preferences, and Winter Survival Tactics (14:44–18:08)

• Kelly unveils her theory on actually wearing winter clothes, especially as a mom who rarely bundles up because she’s always in a rush.
  • “As a Midwesterner, we just don’t dress for winter, we’re always running from the car to the store.” (15:57)
• Both consider the mental benefits of spending time outdoors, properly dressed, despite the chaos of getting kids ready.

4. Pop Culture and Social Trends – Gen Z Slang and Kids’ Influences (22:40–24:31)

• The sisters learn the Gen Z word “unk,” which is a stand-in for “okay, Boomer” or calls someone out for being out of touch. (22:41)
• Discussion on how school and peers influence their kids, from slang to wanting Nike shoes.
  • “It’s crazy how much influence school and other kids can have on your kids. It’s kind of disgusting, actually.” – Liz (24:12)
  • “Spoiler alert: kids are annoying.” – Kelly (21:21, 24:49)

5. Lifestyle and Beauty Recommendations (28:47–34:52)

• Kelly’s new dry shampoo discovery: Crown Affair Dry Shampoo (Powder), which is used with a brush and a blow dryer.
  • “My best hair day is after I use it. It’s a life-changing product.” – Kelly (29:22)
• Lizz recommends Talova Tallow Face & Body Balm for deep, winter hydration.
  • “I didn't know it was tallow, and I love it.” – Lizz (31:07)
• A negative review of a med spa hydrafacial—“Heavy on the med, light on the spa.” (33:41)
  • Kelly bemoans the lack of pampering in the med spa experience.

6. Listener Car Advice: Electric Truck Dilemma (35:01–38:37)

• Listener question: Is buying a Ford Lightning electric truck a good idea for a family?
  • Kelly: "I love trucks as mom cars. They're excellent for families." (36:28)
  • They discuss the forecasted future of electric trucks, alternatives like the Chevy Silverado EV, and the practicality of buying used.

7. Car Industry News: Best-Selling Vehicles (41:50–47:55)

• The sisters compare the top-selling cars of 2025 to those of 2015.
  • Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado remain on top; notable newcomers include the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y.
  • “The only sedan on this list is the Camry. People just are not into sedans as of late.” – Lizz (47:39)
• Cybertruck as a police car in Vegas sparks a fun tangent about its cultural reputation, notably depicted as a “loser car” in the show Chad Powers. (47:55–51:33)

8. Ditch the Drive Thru – Easy Dinner Recipes (52:01–55:32)

• Lizz shares her go-to Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe:
  • Bow tie pasta, store-bought pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan, and roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.
  • Banter about recipe preferences and family routines.
• Kelly plans her first attempt at oven-baked chicken wings, expressing some nerves and anticipation.

9. DWTS Corner – Dancing With The Stars Predictions (57:45–60:10)

• Final thoughts and strong opinions about which contestants should go home:
  • “If Andy stays and Elaine goes, I will be done. Done with the franchise.” – Kelly (58:13)
  • Lizz: “Even in her injured state, Elaine is still light years better than Andy.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You can't compare your start to someone else's middle.” – Kelly (05:13)
• “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Kelly (07:26)
• “I don’t journal. I actually feel like my Instagram archive is my journal.” – Lizz (10:43)
• “I love trucks as mom cars. They're 100% slept on.” – Kelly (36:28)
• “Heavy on the med, light on the spa.” – Kelly, on her hydrafacial experience (33:41)
• “It’s crazy how much influence school and other kids can have on your kids.” – Lizz (24:12)
• “Pop Tarts—what’s the craziest way you could eat a Pop Tart? Two at once!” – Kelly & Liz (27:20–28:14)
• “The Cybertruck is the scariest car in my opinion, and I think it's a great cop car.” – Lizz (48:16)
• “If Andy stays and Elaine goes, I will be done. Done with the franchise.” – Kelly (58:13)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [05:10] – Fast Lane Philosophy: Comparison & Self-Acceptance
• [08:46] – Romanticizing Chaos & Minimalism
• [14:44] – Midwest Moms and Winter Bundling
• [22:40] – Gen Z Slang ("unk") and Kids’ School Influences
• [28:47] – Beauty Shop: Dry Shampoo & Tallow Balm Reviews
• [35:01] – Advice Segment: Going Electric with Family Trucks
• [41:50] – Industry News: Best-Selling Cars
• [47:55] – Cybertruck Pop Culture & Police Cars
• [52:01] – Ditch the Drive Thru: Pesto Chicken Pasta & Chicken Wings
• [57:45] – DWTS Predictions and Hot Takes

Overall Tone & Style

• Relatable, conversational, honest, and often self-deprecating
• Encouraging of real-life moments and embracing imperfection
• Playful sibling banter with room for vulnerability and sass

For More:
The Carpool Podcast delivers support, humor, and know-how for millennial moms navigating both the carpool line and life's big questions. This episode is for anyone feeling the pressure to "keep up" and looking for practical, compassionate advice—with a side of car reviews and sisterly laughs.