Summary of "I WANT TO BE A DAD ON MOTHER'S DAY" - The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Release Date: April 24, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John
Podcast Title: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this heartfelt episode titled "I WANT TO BE A DAD ON MOTHER'S DAY," hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into the intricate balance of motherhood, personal growth, and the evolving dynamics of family life. Combining personal anecdotes with industry insights, the sisters offer listeners an engaging and relatable conversation.

2. Personal Updates and Adjustments

Quitting Breastfeeding

Lizz opens up about her decision to quit breastfeeding, sharing the emotional journey and personal reflections behind this significant change.

• Lizz (04:08): "I think the emotions will kind of take a long time to process. I think so much of, like, having kids and getting done, and so much of it is, like, you don't always, like, also realize how much you'll miss it or how far you've come from that until later when you see somebody else doing it."

Kelly empathizes with Lizz's emotions, highlighting the universal struggle of savoring the present while anticipating change.

• Kelly (04:27): "You don't know you're in the good old days until you're in."

Spring Challenges

The conversation transitions to the challenges of springtime, particularly the mess and unpredictability it brings.

• Lizz (06:50): "We got so much rain, which means we have so much mud right now... I've found my kids are so messy, so I literally been making them eat their dinners outside because I just, like, can't handle the crumbs on the ground on my kitchen floor."

Kelly adds humor to the situation, emphasizing the logistics of managing family meals outdoors.

• Kelly (06:53): "Perfect. Kind of a house inside."

Podcast Schedule Changes

Kelly and Lizz announce a temporary shift in their podcasting schedule to accommodate summer activities and family time.

• Kelly (07:20): "Winter and spring really screw us up. So we need to put more of our efforts towards filming and getting content while the weather's nice... we are going to go down to one podcast a week for the summer. And I'm sorry, it's going to start in May."

• Lizz (08:28): "It was not an easy decision... but it's one a week. It's going to be a really good one, though."

3. Navigating Parenting Challenges

Swim Lessons

The hosts discuss the complexities of arranging swim lessons for their children, critiquing the rigidity and cost of traditional programs.

• Lizz (09:03): "Swim lessons could not be more inconvenient, and they just are not going to work for every family."

• Kelly (12:09): "I have no idea if that would still stick with your boys right now if you like, threw them into a pool."

They explore alternative approaches, such as personalized weekly lessons, to better fit their family's schedule and needs.

Holiday Pressures: Easter Experiences

Easter serves as a focal point for discussing the societal pressures and personal struggles during family holidays.

• Lizz (18:19): "Tulip says not being a default just feels freeing."

She shares her experience of simplifying Easter activities to focus on meaningful interactions rather than conforming to traditional expectations.

• Lizz (21:33): "We wrote to our Easter bunny. I sent her a text... she did. And the kids were like, why did she come? And I said, well, because I asked her..."

Kelly echoes the sentiment of resisting societal norms to prioritize family well-being.

• Kelly (26:03): "We are going to be selfish... we are going to be selfish."

Managing Mealtime Expectations

The duo reflects on the unrealistic expectations surrounding family dinners and the resultant guilt when those ideals aren't met.

• Lizz (16:18): "I just want to not be the default parent on Mother's Day."

• Kelly (17:32): "Feeding our children a home-cooked meal... you still feel guilty."

They emphasize the importance of flexibility and self-compassion in parenting roles.

4. Upcoming Mother's Day Reflections

The conversation shifts to Mother's Day, where both hosts express a desire to redefine their roles and minimize the conventional pressures associated with the holiday.

• Liz (28:31): "I don't need much, though. I don't need the breakfast in bed. I just want to be with my family."

Lizz articulates a wish to avoid the traditional expectations and instead share responsibilities equally with their partners.

• Liz (29:53): "I want to be a dad on Mother's Day."

Kelly supports this perspective, advocating for a more balanced and selfless approach to celebrating motherhood.

• Kelly (29:58): "It feels freeing."

5. Auto Industry News

New CEO and Product Announcements at RAM

Lizz transitions to industry news, discussing recent developments at RAM following the appointment of their new CEO, Tim Kaginsky.

• Lizz (30:10): "Tim Kaginsky... says Ram is going to announce 25 new product announcements in the next 18 months."

She speculates on the nature of these products, considering the division of Dodge and RAM's manufacturing focus.

Return of RAM’s Midsize Pickup

A highlight of the episode is the news about RAM reintroducing a midsize pickup truck, marking their entry into a competitive segment dominated by models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.

• Lizz (31:25): "The return of RAM's midsize pickup is worth waiting for... it's going to be just another car in the midsize truck segment now."

Kelly and Lizz share personal anecdotes about their children's (Tyler and Maddie's) fondness for small trucks, adding a relatable touch to the industry update.

6. Meal Hacks and Parenting

Protein-Rich Meal Preparations

The hosts exchange tips on preparing protein-heavy meals that cater to picky eaters without compromising on nutrition.

• Lizz (35:02): "I just pan or sautéed some chicken... stick with me here. Took a slice of pepper jack cheese, melted it in the microwave..."

Kelly shares her experience with similar meal preparations, emphasizing the importance of balancing nutrition with children's preferences.

• Kelly (36:07): "I'm eating so much chicken, which is such good protein."

They discuss strategies to make meals appealing to children while ensuring they receive adequate protein intake.

7. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Kelly and Lizz reiterate the importance of prioritizing family needs over societal expectations. They encourage listeners to embrace their unique family dynamics and make choices that foster happiness and well-being.

• Kelly (26:03): "We are going to be selfish."

• Lizz (38:22): "So that's what I have, Liz. And that's all I have to be honest."

The hosts wrap up by expressing gratitude to their listeners and hinting at more engaging content in future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lizz (04:08): "I think a lot of it is, like, you don't always realize how much you'll miss it until later..."
• Kelly (07:20): "We are going to go down to one podcast a week for the summer."
• Lizz (16:18): "I just want to not be the default parent on Mother's Day."
• Kelly (17:32): "You still feel guilty."
• Lizz (21:33): "We wrote to our Easter bunny. I sent her a text..."
• Kelly (26:03): "We are going to be selfish."

Conclusion

In "I WANT TO BE A DAD ON MOTHER'S DAY," Kelly and Lizz offer a candid and empathetic exploration of motherhood, parenting challenges, and the pursuit of personal happiness within family life. Through honest dialogue and relatable experiences, they provide listeners with valuable insights and encouragement to navigate the complexities of modern parenting with grace and self-compassion.