Loading summary
A
Welcome to the Carpool podcast with Kelly. You can tell more by a tree from its fruit than its roots. I want you to reflect on that proverb, and I want you to tell me what you think it means. And Liz.
B
And that's the thing with Jonathan Bailey is you're like, he's not super macho. He's not like, what is he? He's kind of this, like, in between. And you're like. Because you can potentially see yourself there, your mom.
A
Time off starts. Welcome back to the Carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz. And we are tirelessly working on a better recording setup.
B
Sorry, Texas. In the room with me. We are. And it is not as easy as you think.
A
It's actually harder than you think.
B
It is harder than you think. I've got cords everywhere. In a world of wireless, I've got cords and everywhere.
A
Yeah, I actually. I actually feel very grounded. Like, I actually really enjoy the presence of cords. It just is like, it's giving reliability.
B
It is giving reliability.
A
It's like, no, it's just plugged in, so it works like my printer. The way I. I'm not even trying to hook it up wirelessly. It has a cord. I'll come down and plug it in.
B
I. I'm not.
A
I'm not scared of that.
B
Printers in the world, of all the technology we have, why are printers the most unreliable piece of technology ever? I talked about this on the podcast before, but I was like, you know what? I'm going to invest in a good printer because I need a printer.
A
Yeah.
B
Bought one, spent some money on it, and never works. And it doesn't have a cord to connect. It doesn't have a cord because if it has a cord, I would not care. I would go. Same with you. I would go and I would plug it in all the time. It never works. I just text whatever I need to Maddie to print and at work, and my nice printers just collecting dust.
A
The thing is, it's like, in business, you have IT departments, but in your own home life, we have now all this technology. We've got an Alexa, we've got printers, we've got skylight calendars, and there's no IT department. I'm the IT department. It's exhausting.
B
It's exhausting.
A
It's exhausting. But nonetheless, we're working on. Not that you guys care, but hopefully you'll just, like, see our cute faces on clips in a better capacity soon.
B
We're trying to clip and with her.
A
Trying to clip because we're trying to grow.
C
Yeah.
B
It's a lot of work.
A
Yeah.
B
So we've got to. We've got to be growing to continue.
A
It was honestly way. It's like way easier to grow on Instagram than it is on a podcast. Podcasts are very. It's. And we love the podcast. We love you guys. We love the community, but it is the worst ROI in our business. No, that's our problem, not yours. But it's just really hard to grow and to monetize and. Yeah.
C
Yeah.
B
And so we're now.
A
Who wants to hear me complain? This is disgusting.
B
Let's just move. I know. And also, like, we haven't tried. So now we're gonna. This is us trying.
A
This is us exuding effort.
B
And this is.
A
Yeah, a couple of things. One, by the time you're listening to this, I haven't even told Liz this. There is a pre order available for the Never say never in Fueled by Coffee shirts.
B
It's about dang time after.
A
Speaking of things that are hard to monetize, merch is so fun, but also very hard. There's a lot of moving parts and once we stopped doing the fulfillment, which was good, there's just. It's just a lot of moving pieces. So we're sorry we've been slow to the restock, but we are back and we're offering it as a pre order. So everybody gets the size that they want. Like, I find it so exhausting to like set your timer and like figure out when so you can get your size. And like, I get, I get that some people think that's fun for like clout and like to say that you sold out. I'm not interested in that. I'm interested people getting what they want.
C
Yeah.
B
And also, like, we don't know. Like, yeah, we don't know. We don't know what people are going to want, what sizes, how many and what capacities. So we would hate to like order wrong.
A
We would hate to order wrong. So they're available for pre order. We you on the carmom.com you'll find a link wherever you need to find the link. We're also kind of moving out of the merch space. So a lot of our other inventory, at least for now. So a lot of our other inventory that's on there, like magnets, car cleaners, even like some sweatshirts, some vintage at this point, carpool merch. It's like on an insane sale because I'm trying to clear out the warehouse. So I'm just interested in you guys getting what you want. And getting it at a good price and getting the never say never shirts. Everything, though, will ship when the pre order comes in, because we have to do it that way. But, like get you a shirt, pick you up a couple of stocking stuffers, a couple of car wash cleaners.
C
There's even.
A
There's literally sweatshirts still in stock. And we're just not very good at, like, pushing the merch because we're just trying to set up a podcast studio, but it's there and it's on sale. And you need to make haste because I don't know how long the pre order is going to be open for. I think.
B
I don't think very long. I think we were talking about.
A
Because we're trying to get. We're trying to get things in before.
B
Christmas, before the rush.
A
So make haste. That's like my favorite phrase. I stole it from Bridgerton. But like, what. It's just. It's a fun thing to say.
B
And when is the next season of Bridgerton coming out? And who is it about?
A
Okay, this. Hold on. I have so much to say. First of all, it's in January. It's like part one, January. Part two, February.
B
Okay, that's fine.
A
So you're never saying ever. Shirts will be long in by then. Did you see who people's sexiest man alive is?
B
I did.
A
Jonathan Bailey.
B
Jonathan Bailey. And I agree.
A
I'd have.
B
Sorry. Actually, my husband listens to this. My husband's the sexy as a man alive. But the second Jonathan Bailey.
A
So he is like, he was so good in Bridgerton.
B
He was so good in Bridge.
A
And he's. I agree. He's like. And he's like such a good actor because he is gay in real life. And you would have. Not that, like, not that it matters, but you would have never known from his acting.
B
Yeah.
A
And it's just.
B
You're like, this man is so straight.
A
So straight.
B
He's amazing.
A
And honestly, like, if I could give notes to Bridgerton, it's like almost like.
B
He should have it down state in character.
A
Because it Almost like. And it's just. It's fine because I get that it's a role. But like, then when he was like doing the press for us, I was like, oh, okay.
B
I know.
A
It's different.
B
Really, Really A testament to his acting.
A
And he wasn't Wicked. Yeah. And he was such a good dancer in Wicked. Like with the books.
B
With the books, the singing. I mean, the man can do it all.
A
The man can do it all.
B
That's a hot Role. There is one leading man in Wicked and Jonathan freaking Bailey. Got it. Like, that's huge.
C
Yeah.
A
And he, there's something. He's like, not like macho, but he's not pretty boy either. Like, what is that type, the in between? Like, he's. I wouldn't, I don't. Sexy.
B
I don't know. I don't know. But anyway, he. Honestly, he was too good in Bridgerton and.
A
And we'll see about. Who's this one about Benedict.
B
Okay. Is it Benedict?
C
Is it?
A
Oh yeah.
B
Did a trailer come out? Oh, no, it's not a trailer.
A
It's like a very long 10 second video of like them passing each other on the stairs. It tells you nothing. There's Masquerade involved.
B
Oh, it came out two days ago. Okay. No, but see, I didn't read the Bridgerton books but I considered reading the Bridgerton books. And so I kind of like looked into each of the sibling stories and I remember his story is like a Cinderella esque story where they meet at a masquerade. But she's not a elite royal. I don't know what they forget what they're called. She's like a worker.
A
They're honestly all. And then wasn't it crazy? They just like, like kind of shoot. Francesca's under the rug. Like, why didn't she get her own season? It was like the Colin show. And then Francesca also found somebody.
B
Oh. Oh, I don't know. Maybe they're going to come back with that. I mean, they should. I mean it's got to make so much money.
A
And when is it Eloise's time? I guess it's next. Because I like love her. I want her to find love.
B
Yeah, I mean, but Colin season was like so not good.
A
I didn't hate Collins season.
B
Really?
A
No, I didn't hate Colin season.
B
See, Colin just like, like Anthony's was.
A
Anthony's was the best. Like it was a hard act to follow.
B
I just, I didn't like Colin. Like, he was just cringe to me. Like he wasn't the sexy man that the other men have been in the show.
A
Well, and that's why he's not sexiest man alive. That's why he didn't get the role.
B
And it shows and it shows.
A
Anyway, speaking of things that are coming out soon, I am so sat for Zootopia too. I. It's coming out. Like, I think it's coming out over Thanksgiving. We'll be going to the premiere.
B
Oh, okay.
A
Have you ever seen Zootopia?
B
I have. It's a good movie.
A
No, it is the best, most underrated Disney movie out there. It is our. It is my favorite Disney movie. Bar none.
B
My favorite Disney movie. The best Disney movie.
A
Mine is Zootopia.
B
You know Zootopia I don't like. I don't clock as a Disney movie. Like, it could be DreamWorks to me.
A
Sure. It's totally giving Pixar.
B
Yeah, well, Pixar and Disney are the same, aren't they?
A
Oh, I'm unsure.
B
They are like, but DreamWorks is separate. Like it could be anything. But no, it is really good movie. You know what I just watched the other day, which everyone should go watch and you talked about this. So credit to you. How to train your dragon. Live action is an excellent movie.
A
That's what so thank you. First of all, credit to me. I agree. It is an excellent movie. Also one of the best Disney movies ever made. Oh, that's not Disney.
B
That's DreamWorks.
A
That's DreamWorks. That was a live action done right in a world where every live action is done wrong. Like, I'm sorry, Lilo and Stitch stunk.
B
I didn't watch it all.
A
The princess ones, I think Beauty and the Beast was the best. Everyone else is stunk. How to train your dragon. Live Action was better than the animated. And I'll say that out loud, I.
B
Don'T think I've watched the animated. Did it follow the story of the animated one? Like, was it the same story? Yeah, it was giving like Game of Thrones. Like, it was so well done.
A
Yeah, it was giving Game of Thrones without the unnecessary violence and gore and inappropriate things.
B
Totally.
A
I hate. I loved Game of Thrones for a while and I put up with some. And at least it was a good story. But like the Game of Thrones spin offs, like, what is it called? House of Dragon.
B
House of Dragon.
A
I told Tyler, we're not watching this. This is not. I'm sorry, this is not good content for us to be consuming. And instead of actually writing a decent plot, they're just trying to find like the most gruesome, sad thing to do and show you. So you like, find it shocking because they can't be bothered to write a good plot.
B
Yeah, totally.
A
And that's why I feel. That's kind of how I felt about like Yellowstone towards the end too. Like, I liked it at first and then I'm like, this is so unnecessary. And like, you can't just. We can't just see our characters be happy and have us like, have things going on instead. You have to just, like, have all these unnecessary deaths.
C
So.
B
Yeah. And just like. Yeah. And show it all in the most horrific way. But how to train your dragon live Action. Excellent.
A
Yes.
B
Very, very good.
A
I think it's free on Peacock.
C
Oh, I don't know.
B
I think we rented it on prime, but.
A
Well, I think it's free on Peacock. And this is your psa. If you have Instacart, you have Peacock for free.
B
I have Instacart, you have Peacock paying for Peacock.
A
Yeah, that was wrong with you.
B
I don't know.
A
And if you have Walmart, I don't have Walmart plus, but apparently Walmart plus you can get Paramount for free. And that's what I like. I like a collab like that. That's fun.
B
Yeah, it's a good collab.
A
More.
B
More collabs like that.
A
More collabs like that. Okay, so. And yes, we are going to be doing a Dance with the stars recap at the end of this episode. We just have, like, a couple other things we want to talk about. So the first being I have ever since my allergic reaction and, like, you know, whatever my side effects to it, for a while there, I had, like, really severe brain fog. And brain fog was such an interesting symptom to me because I've never had it. Like, I've had anxiety, I've been sad, I've had, like, a little postpartum depression. Like, I've had all those feelings, but I've never been so foggy in the brain. And it really got me a little nervous for, like, aging because I'm like. I don't like feeling like I'm not firing on all cylinders. Like, that's not fun for me. So something that mom has been doing for years at this point, and she's always said this is. She plays wordle and Connections every day. It's just like a little bit of, like, a brain exercise. So the last three days, I've tried to play wordle in Connections.
B
Must the wordle must be kind of hard for your dyslexia.
A
Yeah, no, they're both incredibly challenging for me. And see, it's kind of hard because, like, I already wasn't good at it. So I'm actually not, like, retaining what I have. I'm actually trying to learn new things. But wordle, at least I understand. I find Connections to be the most frustrating game. Have you ever played Connections?
B
Yeah, I love Connections.
A
It makes no sense. It makes, like, do they. I just want to know, like, if the New York Times is, like, injuring their back with the stretches that they're trying to make to, like, say that that's a group of a thing. It's insane.
B
Yeah, no, they for sure. Are they for sure.
A
It's so annoying, but I think wordle's fun. What is your start word for wordle?
B
I have a couple, like, Saint Paint, Faint. One of those. Depends on what I'm feeling.
A
Yeah, that's a good one.
B
Lucky, because it kind of gets some weird ones in there. Okay, those are like, my two main ones.
A
Mama knows car seats, Sam. She said that hers is tears, and I kind of like that one. And I did it today, and look how good I did.
B
You haven't moved forward?
A
Well, no, but I have. So the T is yellow, the R is green, and the S is yellow.
B
That's good.
A
I wonder if it's stars.
B
Wait, which one's green?
A
The R. Okay, I got a little further, but I'm not gonna make the podcast. Listen to me, wordle.
B
Listen to you. Do your wordle.
A
Listen. Brain fresh.
B
No, that's. That's good. Like, the brain is so important. Like, what can we be doing now to keep our brain sharp?
A
I just want to keep my brain sharp for as long as possible.
B
Yeah.
A
You know what I mean?
B
I think we all feel that way. I don't think you're alone in that.
A
Okay, speaking of keeping my brain sharp, I did have a fast lane philosophy I wanted to bring to the podcast today. And it's not problem or solution, but that kind of is getting rave reviews. Are you the problem or are you the solution? And I'm here to be your solution today, friends. I'm here to tell you my fast lane philosophy where I share something that's piqued my curiosity, and that is you can tell more by a tree from its fruit than its roots. I want you to reflect on that proverb and I want you tell me what you think it means.
B
You can tell more about you from, I don't know what you give, then where you started. I don't know where you end and where you started.
A
So here's what I think it is.
B
I think it's.
A
It's more important, like, what you're putting out there when people are seeing, than just, like, what you're doing on, like, on the inside and, like, hidden, I guess.
B
So it's what's on the outside that counts.
A
No, it's not.
B
Judge a book by its cover.
A
No, I think it was more like, you can say, like, you're this. You're doing, like, so I don't know, let me, let me give some context. I saw it on like a, it was like a, it was like a pastor saying it. So I think his point was like, you know, if you're like reading your Bible or you're doing this or you're doing all these things, but it's all like where people can't see it. They can't always tell like who you are, what you're about, but they can tell who you are, what you're about by what you put out there, by your fruits, the fruits of your labor.
B
It's okay. It's okay.
A
Yeah. Okay. Well, do you have one?
B
It's not great. Let me think. I have I heard anything profound lately? No, I haven't.
A
Okay.
B
So it's more than what I have. I need to like follow some, some accounts.
A
Just something to chew on these days. Something to chew on.
B
Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. We talk about Clean Simple Eats all the time. We use it all the time. I use a Clean Simple Eats production daily. Some of my favorite products are their energy drinks taste delicious. 100 milligrams of caffeine. So it's less than the average energy drink, which still gives me the pick me up I need in the afternoon without getting me like the jitters. I also love the protein powder. The protein powder is incredibly creamy and smooth and it doesn't have that chalky texture found in most protein powders. We all know how important it is to get enough protein in every day and Clean Simple Eats is the most delicious way to do so. So you can visit cle simple eats.com and use code carpool10 at checkout for 10 off your order. That's clean simple eats.com.com code carpool10 for 10 off your order. The link is also in the show notes.
C
Today's episode is brought to you by Uncommon Goods. Present season is right around the corner and it can be a stressful time, especially if you have those people in your life that just seem to have everything. Well, I can guarantee they don't have something from Uncommon Goods. Uncommon Goods looks for products that are high quality, unique, unique and often handmade or made in the US. Many are crafted by independent artists and small businesses, making every gift feel meaningful and truly one of a kind. I recently bought some of their birth flower tea towels. They are so cute and aesthetic and beautiful and also really high quality. Uncommon Goods has something for everyone from moms and dads to kids and teens, from book lovers, history buffs and die hard football fans to foodies, mixologists and avid gardeners, you'll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won't find anywhere else. When you shop at Uncommon Goods, you're supporting artists and small independent businesses. Many of their handcrafted products are made in small batches, so shop now before they sell out. This holiday season and with every purchase you make at Uncommon Goods, they give back $1 to a non profit partner of your choice. They've donated more than $3.1 million to date, so don't wait. Cross off those names on your list before the rush. To get 15% off your next gift, go to UncommonGoods.com Carpool that's Uncommon Goods.com Carpool for 15 off Uncommon Goods we're all out of the ordinary. Today's episode is brought to you by Sundays for Dogs. When it comes to dog food, it seems like you have to make a choice. You can either have fresh and healthy or you can have easy to store.
B
And serve, but never both.
C
But you don't have to choose anymore thanks to Sundays. Sundays is a fresh air dry dog food made from clean ingredients. Recipes are customized based on the needs of your dog, its size, breed, allergies.
B
Activity levels and more.
C
We have started using Sundays for Dogs.
B
And we love it.
C
We tried doing the wet dog food approach and that always seemed to make Tex sick. Tex loves he gobbles up Sundays and it's still giving us that fresh dog food that we're after. But we can store it just like kibble. Unlike other fresh dog food, Sundays does not require thawing, refrigeration or preparation because of their air drying process. You just pour and serve. That's it. It couldn't be easier. Sundays was started Dr. Tori Waxman, a vet veterinarian who has devoted her life to animals. It has the absolute highest standards for quality and food safety. If it's not 100% all natural meat and superfoods with 0% synthetic nutrients or artificial ingredients, then it's not Sundays. Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to Sundays for dogs.com carpool and get 50 off your first order. Or you can use code carpool at checkout Sundays did send me a free one for this ad and we've already placed an order using our code because.
B
Text loved it so much. So we are now officially Sunday's customers.
C
That's 50 off your first order at Sundays for dogs.com Carpool Sundays for dog.com Carpool or use code Carpool at checkout.
B
Short Short is is that your is.
A
That the word sorry.
B
Yeah, we took a. We took a small break there for a second.
A
So I'm so.
C
Some days you're so what?
B
Some days you cut out.
A
I'm just so like not there all. So I just like some days I feel so silly. I'm like too embarrassed to show you, like how I. How I ended that word. Okay.
B
You didn't win.
A
No. It doesn't matter anyway.
B
Doesn't matter anyway. Not your strong suit, but you know, what is your strong suit? Recommending cars. So we have an advice question. This will keep you sharp. This is why you do your consultations. This is why we do the podcast. If you want to write and get your own advice, it doesn't have to be car related. Can be whatever you can write into. Hello at the car momofficial.com hi Kelly and Liz. My name is literally gave her name and where she lives. I'm gonna not say that. Love your podcast. The banter reminds me so much of my sister and I. And you guys are in the same life stages of as us. I have four kids from 12 to 5 years old. I'm writing because I have a fun dilemma. I became a chick fil a owner operator in 2023 and this year I am going to win Symbol of Success, our company's sales contest. Out of 3,000 restaurants, there are only 10 of us slated to win this year. The prize is $70,000 towards a new 2026 vehicle. Currently, both of our cars are paid off. My husband drives a 2015 F150 and I drive a 2016 Yukon XL. Historically, we've driven our cars until they die, so I'm extremely excited about getting a new car. I love having an SUV with a third row and truck space, but I'm not sure which direction to go. Also, I haven't spent much time in a dealership so not sure about test driving multiple brands. Currently thinking about the Expedition Linc Suburban or Yukon or Yukon Again, should I trade in my Yukon in to and should I trade my Yukon in to add to my total? I would love your advice on using my prize money wisely. So we like fund $70,000 to spend.
A
I love spending other people's $70,000 as opposed to my $70,000. Can you tell us where she's is though? So we just like know what chick fil a like can you give us some sort of.
B
She's in Charlotte, North Carolina. Totally.
A
So how many kids she has four.
B
Kids ranging from 12 to five.
A
Okay, well. And what year is their Yukon XL?
B
2016.
C
Okay.
A
So, I mean, the thing is, it's like, you can't really get a full size SUV for 70 grand right now. That's so deep. Well, let me back up. Let me back up. I wonder if it has to be new. Does it say probably 26?
B
Yeah, it does have to be new.
A
It has to be a new car.
B
Yes. Yeah.
A
So it's like, so you can take. So if you're good to put up. And I just think, like, to get by the time you like, so to go new, like, by the time you, like, get the bells, get. Not even get the bells and whistles, like, get a decent trim and the color you want. Because at the end of the day, you're spending $70,000. Like, let's not not get the color we want. I think you're just gonna be like, closer to 80 by the time. It's all.
B
She could trade her car in, but.
A
She could trade her car in. So she's comfortable. So I just think if she's comfortable, like, I think full size is totally the move. I think it'd be very hard to go from full size to anything smaller. And then it's probably like, I wonder if it's like, if you don't use it, you lose it. Like, if they don't get for 50 and then like, pocket the 20.
B
Right. I think she. She said she wants to stay in the full size.
A
Yeah. So my recommendation would be the new Ford Expedition, probably in black to avoid the tailgate mishap.
B
Totally.
A
And if not black, then I do like that gray. Then I just think you go super sporty spice and do like that gray color. And again, Expedition Max. I think it's a stunning car.
B
Yeah. I would definitely go like full. Full size, like, extended. Because if you're used to that, you will like, really feel not having that if you're used to the Yukon.
A
That's my favorite. That's my favorite as a mom of four as well. Even though your kids are a little bit older, I still think you would like the versatility that, like, an Expedition bench gives you. And I would probably tell you to get the bench if you really just, like, want to have an extra seat. Total flexibility. But I do like the Yukon in the Suburban. I feel like now the new Expedition, I feel like it's way more competitive to the Suburban and the Yukon in terms of, like, tech and design than it used to be. Because it used to be, like, the Expedition was like a loser in those categories, but, like, it fit the kids so much better. Than the other cars. Like you had to get it. Now I don't feel like you're making that sacrifice, but I do love, I mean my friend has a high country Suburban and I sat in it the other day and I was like, this is such a nice car too. It just doesn't have like that. It just, it really is such a nice car. People always say like you don't like the GM cars. Like that literally couldn't be further from the truth. I actually love them. I just, it's just crazy how much more, how much better the Expedition is for multiple kids. Between the head restraints, the car seat tilt, the lower anchors and tether anchors in every seating position like you, you just have so.
B
Because she's kind of about to be like fully. She's in booster age at this point.
C
She's.
B
Her youngest is five. So she's like not really in that stage as much.
A
Yeah. So I think it's less of a consideration. But it's still, you would still be able, it's still more flexible in terms of seating. But not everyone's going to prioritize their kids being able to sit in every different kind of seat. Like if you feel like your family's kind of set and you don't mind that your 5 year old's going to have more limited seating positions, then I think it's fine. And it is stunning. I probably just go suburban than Yukon like just to be more, more budget conscious. I just, I don't, I don't really find there's a reason to go to the Yukon other than just I think people like the name of a Yukon XL because the cars look, I mean, I even feel like the Acadia and the Traverse have more differences than the Yukon XL and the Suburban have. So I'd probably go Suburban or Expedition. I would go Expedition. But like I do love the Suburban.
B
Maybe I'll look at both. And to address your question, because she was like, we haven't, we haven't been car shopping in a while. Like I don't know about test driving multiple vehicles. Like go to make appointments at multiple dealerships on a day and like go test drive both of those cars and.
A
It'S totally worth doing both. And then I would say like if you, whichever one you like better, like if you're able to like knock one off. So let's say you decide you like this urban more. Sure. Then go look at the Yukon and like then know what you're comparing. And then if you like the Expedition more, then sure, go look at a Navigator, but I think you'll probably end up with a Suburban or an Expedition. I don't think you'll want to spend the extra money. You seem like a responsible girl and business owner.
B
You don't need to be.
A
And you obviously like, you know, have a, have an older car like you. You understand it sounds like you like a value is what I'll say. Sounds like you're a girl who likes a value.
B
Yes. Well, congrats on winning. That's like so exciting.
A
No, that's like so fun that we have like Chick Fil a owners in the podcast audience. Like we need to be on our best behavior.
B
It's huge for us. Okay, we have another advice question. Hi, I'm a 62 year old grandma of one 18 month old girl. Like many grandmas, I watched her a few days a week. I have a Mazda CX5 in the Evenflow Sim Slim revolving car seat.
A
Oh no.
B
I now realize the Mazda is the worst car for a car seat. Especially rear facing.
A
Elizabeth, how. How many times have I said this?
B
I know, I know all the time. I have to have the passenger seat moved all the way up for it to fit.
C
I know.
B
I never even thought about grandchildren when I purchased this car. Would love for you to talk about the best cars for grandparents who frequently keep their grandchildren in need and have the need for one or two car seats but still want the luxury. I'm an empty nester feel this is.
A
Such a good question and like any, any chance I get to warn people against the Mazda CX5 I'll happily take now. There is nothing wrong with the car. It is fine. It is I it's sporty, it's cheap, it's safe, it's got good, it's, it's decent looking. The problem is it is such a small back seat and so many times like literally once a week I get a message or it's a consultation. Hey, like my CX5 from college like I'm probably with my first like what car seat do I get? And I'm like oh s this is tough. It's such a small car. Also the Even Flow Revolve 360 Slim isn't doing you a ton of favors. That is a more that that is a bigger car seat but I think.
B
But it's a really good car seat for grandparents but it's a really good.
A
Car seat for grandparents because it's rotating. You can fit multiple ages of kids. It's like very much a one and done car seat.
B
I would choose the car seat over the car in this scenario.
A
In this scenario, like, who came first, the chicken or the egg? It's the car seat.
B
The car seat. Prioritize.
A
The car seat comes first. So some other cars that are. Because I've done a lot of content around this. Some other cars that are similar in size, price, tech, but are just, like, three inches bigger in the back seat. Like, literally, that's what it comes down to. Which is why I think the CX5 50 is so frustrating. My number one rack, it's giving Hyundai Tucson. People are sleeping on the Tucson. I love. It's all about Palisade, Santa Fe. Have you seen the Tucson? She's darling.
B
Justice for the Tucson.
A
She's darling. Another good option would be the Honda crv. A little bit more expensive, but the new CRV is amazing. I really, like. I don't know what the fit and finishes of that car are.
B
It's not kind of popping off lately. No.
A
Like, we are, like, so on Honda. Like, I am so drunk off Honda's Kool Aid right now.
B
Yeah.
A
Like, you know what we should do?
B
What?
A
We should do a sexiest car of the year.
B
Who was the Jonathan Bailey of family cars?
A
Oh, you know who it was. Let's say it on three.
B
Okay.
A
One, two, three.
B
Honda passport.
A
Honda passport. Okay. Make that CANVA template today. Let's pose that.
B
All right.
A
And, like, it would be the Escalade iq, but, like, that's so, like, unattainable. No, and, like, to me, sexy is, like, there's something, like, attainable about it. Like, you have a chance.
B
Like, you have a chance. And that's the thing with Jonathan Bailey is you're like, he's not super macho. He's not like, what is he? He's kind of this, like, in between. And then you're like. Because you can potentially see yourself there.
A
Yeah, well, maybe not Jonathan Bailey, but. Yeah, No, I know, but.
B
No, not Jonathan.
A
Not Jonathan Bailey, but his characters, but Anthony Bridgerton.
B
Anthony Bridgerton.
A
Okay, that's so funny. Anyway, Honda, back to grandma's question. It's not the most amazing tech, but here's what is. It's simple to use, and I'm telling you, like, the feel and the fit and the finishes, like, you will literally smile every time you turn up the air because it has a. I'm obsessed. So I would look at those two. That was my. That's my rat grandma.
B
Okay.
A
Nissan Rogue's another solid option. A car. Also, people are sleeping on doors open to 90 degrees. That's rare 90 degree doors. So when the kids get bigger, when they get like harder up in their car seats, don't worry, you're not going to hit their head. The door opens all the way.
B
Yeah, that's an underrated thing. That's also really good for. Also really good for grandparents. The Mazda CX5. I find it so irresponsible for Mazda to like put out.
A
They should make you sign a waiver to be like, do you plan to have kids during the time of this loan?
B
Well, and it's like, I, I get it. Like, families are looking for like, okay, we only have one kid and we only have two kids. This exact scenario happened to me where my friend was like, we're maybe considering this because there's a good deal on the CX5s right now. And it's like.
A
And that's how they get you. Yeah, that's how they're.
B
It's like, no, you cannot do that.
A
I know, and I know people, sometimes people get really upset about this because I think it's working for some people. And if it is, like, just know you are so lucky and I'm so happy for you, but it is not working for everybody else. So that's why I'm saying this.
B
Yeah. Okay.
A
Well, that was fun.
B
Questions?
A
Sexiest car of the year. Honda passport. Like, for sure.
B
Yeah.
A
I mean, right?
B
Yeah. We were really, really into it.
A
I miss it.
B
I didn't know we would be like such big Honda girls.
A
I know because, like, I don't think Honda loves us. Oh, but speaking of cr. Well, they don't love us because they've been commenting on that reel where I'm calling out the CRV and they're being so snarky about it.
B
What did they say?
A
They're like, well, it's clear. I. I don't know. I don't. We don't have our phones anymore, so it's hard, but doesn't matter. You can go look at the comments. They're like, it's in the owner's manual. It's like, okay, Honda, like, what in.
B
The PR team is that? Is that comment? So if you don't know what we're talking about, Kelly and I were messing around in the CRV and we are installing car seats. And the tether anchor is so poorly labeled. So they show the icon and then below it is a cargo hook, which you cannot. Is not a tether anchor. You cannot attach your car seat to that. It will not perform. And the tether anchor is like hidden behind fabric and Kelly and I install car seats, multiple car seats a week in different cars. And if we have a hard time finding it, it's a bad design.
A
Here's the comment.
B
Okay, let's hear it.
A
And it's actually only from hot. This person tagged Honda Canada and Honda. And only Honda Canada has responded. So shout out Honda Canada. Hi, Kelly. Thanks for reaching out. The owner's manual includes step by step guidance and visuals for locating tether anchor and installing a child seats. Reviewing it first helps ensure a safe, accurate setup.
B
Yeah, like, that's just okay.
A
And sure, like, congratulations on legally protecting you from any responsibility, but do you actually care that people are installing it wrong and that kids aren't as safe in their car seats? Of course you don't.
B
We had multiple people message after that saying, I had this installed wrong.
A
Sending me pictures of them, set it up wrong. Oh, I'm. I can't get riled off about this again.
B
Sorry. We love Honda, but, like, we hate that about Honda, and the past didn't do that. And in the crv, I was complimenting how amazing and visible and easy to locate. I know the lower anchors are. The lower anchors are beautiful. So it's like, why was it the tether anchors that you were like, ooh, it's not aesthetically pleasing. Let's cover it up.
A
We have to get off this soapbox because, like, I just can't.
B
I'm sorry.
A
Let's move on to the next soapbox. So can we please get to Dancing with the Stars?
B
Like, okay, sure.
A
Dancing with the Stars. Rock and roll night. Rock and Roll hall of Fame. I wasn't excited for the theme at all, but I actually really enjoyed the costumes, the dances, and the music.
B
Me too.
A
But let's get the elephant out of the elephant of the room out of the way. Flavor Flav was horrible.
B
I don't know who signed him up for this. I don't know who thought he was a good idea.
A
Here's the thing. I don't want a celebrity guest judge. I'm sorry. This is a competition show, and this is like the techno. These are like, technical things. Like, this isn't like, who made the best cake that you were just tasting. There's things that I don't even know I'm supposed to be looking at. And he. He kept being like, you know what I'm saying? And I'm like, no. No one knows what you're saying.
B
You haven't said any words. You've just been saying, do you know what I'm saying? Do you Know what I'm saying? Let me be honest. And he was bad. And also, like, Bruno didn't get a talk at all because he took up.
A
Time because he would say nothing. And his scoring was to rob Alex of her perfect score.
B
That was annoying.
A
Was so unbelievable. But it also kind of like, I'm also just sitting here being like, what does the judges scoring really mean.
B
If.
A
It'S just a people, If Andy's not going home week after week after week? So, like, does the judge's score even matter? And then I'm like, I don't understand why they just don't say, like, why not necessarily the bottom three? It's like, why don't you just make it the bottom three? Like, I'd like to know where we're at. Yeah, I think that's so weird that you're not actually making it the bottom three. But then why was that Whitney, second week in the bottom three.
B
Okay. Like, I thought last week they just put Whitney in there because the drama, like, Jen and Whitney same. But no, I'm scared. I'm scared for Whitney. I have a lot of thoughts. First of all, let me back up before we get to Whitney. Alex is my new winner. Alex is by far the most improved. She was so hot. She was a professional dancer last night. Like, she was amazing. And what Alex is doing, what Alex is doing that Whitney is not, is Alex is getting people on her side. Like, I think people probably don't always love, like, the influencers because it's like, sure, you know, it's really easy to hate on them. But whereas, like, Alex, I was not an Alex fan. I didn't follow her. I didn't know, really know anything about her. I'm following her now. I'm bought into her. Like, she is just likable and she's making me like her because I'm seeing her improve. Whitney is not. I went into it liking Whitney and I'm actually kind of liking her less because she's not. She's not giving us the. She's not not. She's not creating new fans. She's just dancing well and she's for some reason just getting a lot of hate online.
A
Yeah, I know. And I don't necessarily think the hate's fair or warranted, but I think what it's gonna. It's gonna come down to who's a great dancer and who has more fans. And I agree. Alex, first of all, she's an amazing dancer. She out danced Whitney last night and she out danced her at that little Dance a thon. The following day. The following week. Yeah, the prior week. Alex is unbelievable. Like, I can't. I couldn't believe it's the only dance I rewatched this morning. Couldn't believe how good it was.
B
Couldn't believe how good it was. She is. When I used to get excited to watch Whitney dance, now I'm, like, really excited to see what Alex does. Like, watching that dance last night, I felt like I was watching, like, Dancing with the Stars. History being made in that moment.
C
Yeah, I agree.
A
Like, it was probably one of my favorite dances. One of the best dances of the season. It was amazing. Anyway, who else was kind of. Elaine was amazing.
B
Elaine was amazing and horrible. Andy. I could have. I wanted to skip through his dance. Like, it's just useless to me.
A
It was not. No. It was like, not even. He just walked. Contemporary was an interesting choice for them because then, like, they didn't even do steps. He was just walking around.
B
It was so bad.
A
He needs to go. I'm getting upset about it.
B
He needs to go. And, I mean, people on the Internet are saying that they are going to keep voting for him until Whitney gets off. So I'm like, okay, if that's what it takes, then I'm fine with Whitney leaving. I guess. I don't know. I don't think it's fair, but I.
A
Thought Jordan's was amazing.
B
Jordan's was amazing. Dylan's was fine. Dylan isn't improving in the way that the other people are.
A
No. Yeah. Dylan's not make. Dylan's not. I think Dylan's out of the top four.
B
Dylan. Dylan is heading out right now. My top four is Elaine, Robert, Alex, and I mean, I. It should be Whitney, but it's probably Jordan because of just the Whitney hate. I think that we're gonna see her leave.
A
Yeah. I don't know. It's hard. It's a competition show. And, like, I like that. I feel like America does get to vote.
B
Oh, now I'm. Now I am voting truly every single time. And I am sending. I'm doing the way it's supposed to be, where it's like, if I think you got a six, I'm sending six votes in for you.
A
Oh. See, if I think I'm only voting, I'm only giving tens to my favorites. Last night, I gave tens to Alex, Elaine, and Jordan.
B
Yeah.
A
I thought Roberts was okay. Robertson's was just okay for me.
B
Oh, I thought. I thought his dance was really good. I thought it was very entertaining.
A
Yeah.
B
So we'll see. I'm kind of like a dancing with. I'm, like, so good at Dancing with the Stars, though, because I predicted last week that Jen was gonna go home on my stories. And then last night, I predicted that Danielle was gonna go home.
A
Wow.
B
So now I'm kind of nervous to say anything else. And I do fear maybe it's Whitney, but I don't know.
A
Sure. Well, what were they talking about? Immuno. Because Whitney has immunity from the relay.
B
Yeah, but she can still get sent home.
A
No, she has immunity from the relay. What is the relay?
B
That was like the. The group dance.
A
No, you're wrong. She.
B
No one gets immunity for the entire elimination week.
A
Yeah. What then?
B
What's a. What's a relay?
A
That's what I'm saying. They said she'll have immunity from next week's relay provided she doesn't get eliminated tonight.
B
Okay. They didn't say she's going to get immunity from next week's elimination.
A
Yes, they did.
B
Kelly. Relay and elimination are two different words. Relay, elimination, meaning.
A
All right, I don't know.
B
We can just be talking about this because people are going to get mad at us.
A
We can just be surprised as it comes across our desk. But I think it will be Andy's week next week, because I will riot if it's Elaine or it could be Dylan. I'm fine.
B
It could be Dylan. Dylan's. Dylan's losing his spark, and he's not improving.
A
Oh, and then they teased, like, the live show, and they had all the pros do a dance, and the dance was so good. I literally am buying tickets to the live show now. So hook, line, and sinkered me. Did you watch that dance?
B
Which one?
A
When all the pros were, like, promoting the live show.
B
Yeah, I loved it.
A
That was actually the best dance of the night.
C
I will be.
A
We're buying tickets. We're gonna go. It's coming to St. Louis in February.
B
Okay. A elimination refers to a season format where a relay dance round is used to determine when a couple is eliminated. During this round, couples are split into groups to perform the same dance style. Judges award bonus points to each group based on their rankings. I don't know.
A
We'll figure it out.
B
We'll see. We'll see when we get there.
A
We'll see when we get there.
B
Do you have any industry news?
A
Yeah, I do. I have two stories, actually.
B
Okay, so let's get to industry news, where we spill the hot tea. Going on the auto industry.
A
What's next week's theme, though, for Dancing with the Stars. We know we do.
B
But I. I don't know off the top of my head. Let me look it up. You can get into your stories and I'll just interrupt you.
A
Okay.
B
Okay.
A
Our first story is from Car and Driver and it says Ram will launch its first SUV in 2028. With gas and P hub setups, the RAM SUV will be built in Michigan and will join a pair of sporty SRT branded trucks that will arrive next year and likely include the new trx. Still Answers CEO Antonio Veloci told analysts that Ram will launch its own SUV model in 2028. The SUV. I said that Ram is also. Oh, I said that too.
B
Okay.
A
Kind of like repeating itself. So we don't have any more than that. But what's so interesting about Ram.
C
Is.
A
They only have trucks right now. So like it's Stellantis and it's Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram. Let's go through it. Chrysler only has the Pacifica. Crazy. Dodge only has the Durango, which I think there's. They've supposed to have stopped making that for forever. Jeep has their Jeeps. You know, they're popping off and then Ram only has trucks. So now Ram is coming back. Also scheduled to have the same year is the new midsize pickup truck, which might revive the Dakota name, which could be exciting, but that's all we know so far.
B
Dakota was the name of the suv?
A
No, Dakota is the name of the mini truck they're also planning to bring back. We don't have the name of the SUV yet.
B
I've never heard of it.
A
What could it be?
B
What could the name be? Yeah, I don't know.
A
Yeah, I have no idea. Cor has no identity. No identity.
B
Okay, that's interesting. I would. I love another suv.
A
I don't think it's gonna be for us though, but we'll see. Okay, this is another crazy story. This is from Autoblog. Hyundai will have four pickup trucks by 2030.
B
What?
A
Which is only in five years. Actually like four. Four years.
B
They're gonna go from what, one to four?
A
Together with the Kia Tasman in the Santa Cruz, Hyundai's truck lineup finally is taking shape. Hyundai plans two new pickup trucks to expand its lineup by the end of the decade. The Australian model will be a unique Hyundai built Ranger competitor debuting in June. And Hyundai will also produce a separate body on frame pickup truck for the American market. So these aren't all coming to the United States.
B
Okay.
A
But they're doing four, and they are going to have a more traditional pickup truck. It says at this point, you could say the Hyundai group, which includes Hyundai, Genesis and Kia, builds about everything except for minivan, small hatchbacks, premium sedans, sports cars, electric crossovers, big family SUVs. However, among the vehicles across its brand, one type has been lacking for some time. The traditional pickup truck.
B
Well, the Santa Cruz is the ugliest truck I've ever seen in my entire life.
A
They're not counting that. And, but here's the thing. Nissan tried this with the Titan, and I'm just not sure. It's like, at some point, why are you expanding so much, you know?
B
Yeah, I don't know who would buy a Hyundai truck. Same Hyundai doesn't even have a full size suv, so that feels like such a jump. Like, even the Nissan, I could understand it a little bit more because they had the armada, so at least we had those bigger cars.
A
I do think a truck's maybe easier to come out with than an SUV because it's just like, it's less rows.
B
No, I. That's fine. My. My point is just like. No, I don't think anyone's gonna trust it.
A
I just don't know, like, who has more cars out now than Hyundai and Kia? It's like they've got all these cars, all these electric cars. Like, they're just. They're swimming in cars. Yeah, I'd like to see a bit more of a minimalist approach from them on their lineups just so they could fix the things they got, you know, I just. I don't like when I feel you. I. I'm figuring they're spreading themselves too thin. Yeah, but that's industry news. I'm so. Anyway, I'm more excited about the Ram SUV than I am about the Hyundai truck. Me too, to be honest.
B
100.
C
100.
B
Okay, Cal. Well, now it is time for Ditch the Drive Thru where we give you an easy dinner recipe to mix it up to get you out of your dinner rut.
A
Your dinner rut.
B
I mean, we are just so not that aligned. No.
A
Also, my baby's crying upstairs.
B
Oh, my baby's crying outside of my room right now as well.
A
Maybe it was your baby then. Maybe it was your baby.
B
No, I think it was mine.
A
Oh, okay, then I'm fine.
B
Okay. She's not crying anymore. I don't hear it. Do you?
A
Yeah, no. And I'm fine either way. First of all, people are both watching our kids. I'm just.
B
We have to.
A
Yeah.
B
Okay. Ditch the drive. Throw, throw.
A
Go to Chick Fil A in North Carolina. But if you can't do that to support our girl so she can get her new suburban.
B
I think she's already got it. I think she's already slated to win.
A
But, like, but if not, what are we ditching the drive through with this week? Liz?
B
Well, here's what I made, and I kind of talked about this a little bit, but I made barbecue chicken sandwiches. Totally pulled chicken. Could put in the crock pot. Couldn't be easier. I used did like, some spice. I saw. I was at your house yesterday when I made this food. I saw those jalapenos I considered stealing because those would have been perfect on top of my barbecue sandwich, but I didn't. So instead I did like a spicy, sweet pickle.
A
Cute. I love. I love a spicy, sweet pickle.
B
But what I love about the pulled barbecue chicken is it's giving pulled buffalo chicken, but with a more palatable spice level for babies and for children.
A
Easier for the kiddos.
B
It's easier for the kiddos, but I can still, like, do a bunch with it. And I'm excited from that reel that I talked about in the last episode. I'm totally going to make flatbreads with it. And I can't wait. I'm even more excited for that.
A
You should make, like, a sourdough flatbread.
B
Oh, I should. I hear it's really easy to make pizza crust with sourdough.
C
Something to consider.
B
Oh, no. I have a sourdough loaf in the oven. Oh, my gosh, it's so burnt. I forgot about it. Okay, I have to end this episode right now.
A
Thanks so much for listening to the carpool podcast. Love you guys. We'll talk to you next time. Oh, no, that sucks. Thank you for listening to the carpool Podcast with Kelly and Liz. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode. Episode. And if you enjoyed riding with us, tell everybody you know there's room in the car for everyone.
The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe & Lizz St. John
This episode blends lighthearted sister banter, pop culture commentary, and down-to-earth auto-industry advice from the unique perspective of two millennial moms. Kelly and Lizz share updates on their podcast and merch, delve into car buying conundrums, debate auto brands (especially Honda), and sprinkle in pop brainteasers and TV recaps—all with relatable humor and candor.
Kelly and Lizz maintain a relatable, conversational, and candid style—rife with playful sisterly ribbing, honesty about mom life and business, and occasional exasperated soapboxes. The episode balances solid automotive insight with the cozy, chatty energy of two sisters sharing advice, pop culture obsessions, and real-life tips for their community of fellow moms.
For listeners new and old, this episode offers a fun mix of lighthearted laughs, actionable car advice, and passionate takes on everything from Hollywood crushes to child safety.