Podcast Summary: "DON'T GET US ON THE HONDA SOAPBOX"
The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe & Lizz St. John
Main Theme
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.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Podcast & Merch Updates
- Technical Woes: Kelly and Lizz discuss ongoing efforts to improve their recording setup and the persistent challenge home technology poses, especially without an "IT department" at home.
- “In business, you have IT departments, but in your own home life … I’m the IT department. It’s exhausting." – Kelly (02:02)
- Merch Announcement: New preorders for "Never Say Never" and "Fueled by Coffee" shirts are live, shifting to a pre-order model to ensure everyone gets their size, and inventory closeouts on other merch.
- “I’m not interested in [clout or sold-out hype]. I’m interested in people getting what they want.” – Kelly (03:49)
- Banter about merch being hard to monetize and clear-out sales.
Pop Culture Dive
- Bridgerton & Jonathan Bailey: Excitement for Bridgerton's new season, discussing People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ (Jonathan Bailey), and character/actor dynamics.
- “He’s not macho, not pretty boy… he’s in-between. He can do it all.” – Kelly & Lizz (06:58)
- “If I could give notes to Bridgerton, it’s like... he should have just stayed in character.” – Kelly (06:19)
- Disney & Animated Movies: Praise for Zootopia (Kelly’s "best Disney movie bar none") and How to Train Your Dragon’s live action for families, contrasting with less successful live-action adaptations.
- Streaming Hacks: PSA about free Peacock with Instacart and Paramount with Walmart+.
Brain Games & "Fast Lane Philosophy"
- Brain Fog & Cognitive Sharpening: Kelly shares her post-illness brain fog experience and how she's using Wordle and Connections to stay mentally sharp.
- “I just want to keep my brain sharp for as long as possible.” – Kelly (15:12)
- "Fast Lane Philosophy": Kelly’s proverb: “You can tell more by a tree from its fruit than its roots.” Reflection on the meaning (it’s the visible actions, not hidden intentions, that define us).
- “People can tell who you are by the fruits of your labor.” – Kelly (16:42)
Car Advice & Soapboxes
Q&A: Chick-fil-A Winner’s $70,000 New Car Dilemma (24:22)
- Situation: Listener has won a $70k prize towards a new 2026 vehicle; wants advice for a family of six, currently driving a Yukon XL.
- Advice:
- Full-size SUV is the right move—hard to scale down after a Yukon XL.
- Current recommendation: Ford Expedition Max ("super sporty spice"), or consider Suburban for value, as Yukon and Suburban are nearly identical.
- Importance of bench vs. captain’s chairs, trade-in strategy, and appointment-based test driving.
- “I love spending other people’s $70,000 as opposed to my $70,000.” – Kelly (24:05)
Q&A: Best Cars for Grandparents/Car Seats (29:41)
- Situation: Listener/grandma struggles fitting a rotating car seat in a Mazda CX-5.
- Advice:
- Warn against CX-5’s tiny back seat; recommend Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, or Nissan Rogue for more space and easier fit.
- Praise for Honda’s fit and finish, but critique poor tether anchor labeling.
- Honda Soapbox:
- “We are so on Honda right now. Like, I am so drunk off Honda’s Kool Aid.” – Kelly (31:59)
- Rant about Honda’s poor labeling of tether anchors in CRV and Honda’s defensive response to their feedback.
- “It’s in the owner’s manual—okay, Honda, congratulations on legally protecting yourself, but do you actually care that people are installing it wrong?” – Kelly (36:09)
Carpool Awards & Sibling Chemistry
- Fun Nomination: Sexiest Car of the Year—Honda Passport (“attainable, appealing, in-between… the Jonathan Bailey of cars”).
- Reflection on their evolving views (“Didn’t know we’d be such Honda girls.”).
Dancing with the Stars Recap (36:57)
- Theme: Rock & Roll Night—better than expected, fun costumes/music.
- Flavor Flav as Guest Judge: Disliked; “I don’t want a celebrity guest judge. This is a competition show… There’s things I don’t even know I’m supposed to be looking at.” – Kelly (37:23)
- Contestant Commentary:
- Alex as most improved, likable winner; Whitney losing public support; Andy needs to go; Elaine and Jordan impressing.
- Lizz’s prediction track record and confusion around “relay” immunity.
- Show Format Frustrations: Want clarity on scoring, bottom three designation, and frustration at fan-boosted contestants.
Industry News (44:40)
- Ram’s New SUV: Ram to launch its first SUV in 2028, plus a new midsize pickup (Dakota name may come back).
- Hyundai’s Ambition: Hyundai to have four pickup trucks by 2030, though not all will be US-bound; skepticism about their brand credibility in the truck segment.
- “I’d like to see a bit more of a minimalist approach from them on their lineups…” – Kelly (48:26)
Ditch the Drive Thru (49:02)
- Easy Dinner Share: Lizz’s go-to—pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches; suggests making flatbreads with leftovers, adding sweet or spicy pickles.
- “It’s giving pulled buffalo chicken, but with a more palatable spice level for babies and for children.” – Lizz (50:20)
Notable Quotes / Memorable Moments
- “I’m not interested in clout or sold-out hype. I’m interested in people getting what they want.” – Kelly (03:49)
- “In business, you have IT departments, but in your own home life… I’m the IT department. It’s exhausting.” – Kelly (02:02)
- “If I could give notes to Bridgerton, it’s like... he should have just stayed in character.” – Kelly (06:19)
- “We are so on Honda right now. Like, I am so drunk off Honda’s Kool Aid.” – Kelly (31:59)
- “It’s in the owner’s manual—okay, Honda, congratulations on legally protecting yourself, but do you actually care that people are installing it wrong and that kids aren’t as safe?” – Kelly (36:09)
- “Sexiest car of the year: Honda Passport.” – Kelly & Lizz (34:14)
- “I just want to keep my brain sharp for as long as possible.” – Kelly (15:12)
- “I love spending other people’s $70,000 as opposed to my $70,000.” – Kelly (24:05)
- “The Santa Cruz is the ugliest truck I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” – Lizz (47:39)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Show/Tech & Merch Announcements: 01:00–05:15
- Bridgerton & Pop Culture: 05:21–09:02
- Favorite Family Movies & Streaming Hacks: 09:02–12:21
- Brain Games & “Fast Lane Philosophy”: 13:18–17:42
- Advice Segment—Chick-fil-A Winner: 24:22–29:04
- Advice Segment—Grandparent Car Seats: 29:41–36:53
- Honda Rant & Carpool Award: 31:53–36:53
- Dancing with the Stars Recap: 36:57–44:36
- Industry News: 44:40–48:54
- Ditch the Drive Thru Dinner Tip: 49:02–51:08
Tone & Style
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.