The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Episode: "INTRODUCING THE EPIPEN"
Date: October 7, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe & Lizz St. John

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Kelly and Lizz delve into Kelly’s recent medical emergency: developing a sudden and severe food allergy, leading to her first encounter with an EpiPen and a trip to the ER. The sisters candidly address the realities of living with a new allergy as a mom of four, discuss the anxiety and lifestyle changes it brings, and inject warmth and humor into the serious topic. The episode also covers updates on family life, kids’ parties, hosting tips, and car industry news – with classic Carpooler banter throughout.

Main Discussion: Kelly’s Allergy Emergency

[00:02] – [13:04] Kelly’s Anaphylactic Reaction & Life With an EpiPen

• Episode Opening: Kelly and Lizz jump in lightly, with Kelly joking about the “chic-ness” of having a food allergy and Lizz sharing news of a neighborhood sourdough party.
• The Allergy Story Unfolds:
  • Following a mild reaction to anchovies on a brand trip, Kelly experiences a full-blown anaphylactic response after licking Caesar salad dressing from her finger at home.
  • Kelly describes her symptoms: swollen tongue, anxiety, difficulty breathing. She highlights the stress of managing this emergency alone with her husband and four kids.
• The ER Visit & Recovery:
  • Took Benadryl, but symptoms worsened; ultimately treated with an EpiPen and steroids at the ER.
  • Quote [03:38] – Kelly: “There was just something that’s so stressful about… you have four young kids… trying to catch a deep breath, trying not to freak the kids out. It was genuinely super traumatizing.”
  • Post-anaphylaxis, Kelly shares the lingering effects: “flu-like symptoms,” brain fog, and high anxiety from steroids.
  • Quote [04:24] – “We did end up canceling our trip to Atlanta this week, which sucked. I want to get my allergy test back, and I want to meet with an allergist before I travel and eat out. Like, disgusting. Never eat not again.”
• Anxiety and Parent Guilt:
  • Kelly voices her fears about going out to eat again and being responsible for her kids if another reaction strikes in public.
  • Quote [06:28] – “How am I supposed to take my kids out to eat by myself? How will I ever be able to go to a restaurant?”
• Emotional Impact:
  • Lizz calls out the seriousness of the event, reminding Kelly and listeners not to minimize trauma:
    Quote [05:45] – Lizz: “I’m not interested in this narrative that it wasn’t a big deal. It was a big deal. You’re going through a hard thing.”
• Community Support:
  • Listeners’ messages warned Kelly that Worcestershire sauce also contains anchovies, possibly preventing another reaction.

[08:38] – [11:11] Becoming an "EpiPen Girl"

• Kelly now carries four EpiPens everywhere (insurance drama included).
• Adjusting to carrying a purse:
  • Quote [09:34] – “Now I have to carry a purse, which is a whole thing…I just have my wallet and cell phone. But you could say that the Louie’s coming out to play a little more because I need to fit my EpiPen.”
• Finding the "chic" in adversity:
  • Kelly jokes about the “allergy girl” era, loving the attention of listing allergies at restaurants, and musing that having a food allergy is “kind of chic.”
  • Quote [10:24] – “I think there’s something really chic about having a food allergy…and anchovies are like, objectively, they’re gross…It’s nice that I can be like, oh no, I’m allergic. That’s disgusting. I’m allergic.”

[11:16] – [12:59] Reflections and Gratitude

• Kelly feels zero loss for Caesar salad or even all seafood, given the trace of fear she now carries:
  Quote [11:38] – "Nothing would ever be worth feeling like that ever again."
• Growth in gratitude:
  • “This experience has changed me, and I have a lot more zest and appreciation… The healthy have 100 wishes and the unhealthy have one.”
  • Plans to make the EpiPen a part of her (not entire) personality.

Life Updates, Mom Banter, and Family Moments

[13:04] – [15:05] TV Talk & Pop Culture

• Kelly binges "The Summer I Turned Pretty" during her recovery but rants about the frustrating characters and love triangle.
  • Hot Takes:
    • Conrad is a “horrible person” – emotionally unavailable and manipulative. [14:53] – “How do I not raise boys to turn out like that guy?”
    • Kelly is Team Jeremiah; Lizz isn’t committed to a team but agrees with frustrations.

[22:32] – [28:23] Kids’ Birthdays & Hosting Tips

• Highlight: Hattie lost her first tooth; the Tooth Fairy left $5 (with glitter!) and sibling inclusion in birthday parties.
• Birthday party planning:
  • Kelly prefers structured activities (face painter, hair tinsel, classic birthday games like Ships and Sailors).
  • Transparent about party budgets ($75 for face painter, struggles with inflated prices for party services like kettle corn vendors).
  • Inclusive approach: siblings always welcome, parties at select milestone ages (5, 8, 10, 13).
  • Quote [24:11] – “I really like when kids’ birthday parties have an activity. I don't think that's a hot take.”

[28:23] – [31:49] Podcast Programming Note

• Upcoming schedule change: new episodes moving to Wednesday and Friday for workflow reasons and better ad alignment.
  • Quote [31:40] – “Listen at your leisure…we’re sorry you’ll have to wait a little longer, but then we’ll really help you out going into the weekend.”

Trending Content, Inspiration, and Hosting

[32:01] – [38:21] Content Recommendations & Hosting Ideas

• Kelly recommends TikToker Nicole Svenson (@nicolesvens) for budget meal inspiration and challenges herself to more homemade, non-sourdough breads.
  • “We’re not out of food, we’re out of convenience.”
• Lizz shares her excitement about an upcoming neighborhood “Sips and Sourdough” party—enthusing about micro-hobbies, neighborhood friendships, and bringing back real-life community.
  • Tips for hosting: include activities, set expectations, keep it simple ("flatbread and beauty product swap," "bouquet-making," "mini paint by numbers").
    • Quote [36:08] – “She’s getting a village. You have to be a villager if you want a village. I’m obsessed.”
• Hostess gift etiquette: Keep it simple with consumables like wine, candles, or cookies.
• Kelly’s call to action:
  Quote [39:17] – “I want the carpoolers to be a group of girls who are razzle and dazzly…community, conversation, good friends.”

Car Industry News & Car Mom Updates

[41:09] – [43:34] Car Content

• Press Car this week: Toyota Grand Highlander
• Industry news:
  • Nissan is reviving the Xterra as a hybrid in 2029 (debuting concept in yellow, visually reminiscent of Ford Bronco Sport).
    • Quote: [41:40] – “Confirmed, the Nissan Xterra is coming back. It will return as a hybrid. Not surprising.”
• Kelly expresses mild disdain for the Ford Bronco Sport (“snooze fest? So silly to me”).
• Both reflect on how fast time moves in the car industry, with new models already scheduled years into the future.

[43:34] – [46:57] Crocktober & Dinner Ideas

• Review of Crocktober week one recipe: Chicken and Dumplings (mixed reviews: Kelly found it “slop,” Lizz loved it).
• Week two recipe: Slow cooker butter chicken (Indian-style, chicken thighs, bold flavors).
  • Kelly notes: “We’re stretching ourselves in the kitchen this week.”

Community & Connection

[47:01] – [53:46] Blake’s Besties: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Stories

• Touching segment honoring Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
• Read-aloud listener stories on loss and healing, marked by symbols like cardinals and meaningful names (Teddy Joy, Leti Pearl, Elizabeth Grace).
  • Quote [48:30] – Listener: “I always wanted to name a baby Teddy, but wasn’t sure if it was right for a girl’s name. One morning, I asked our 3 year old…and he said, Teddy.”
• The hosts emphasize open discussion about grief, the importance of remembering lost children, and simple acts (give your Starbucks name as your child’s) as ways to honor them.

Notable Quotes

• On EpiPens:
  “I have four EpiPens now, of course, insurance like didn’t cover them…But that’s okay…they wouldn’t let me leave the ER…unless I had EpiPens.” — Kelly [08:42]
• On Trauma’s Aftermath:
  “When you go into anaphylactic, it’s your immune system freaking out…the EpiPen…sends your immune system haywire.” — Kelly [03:38]
• Perspective Shift:
  “The healthy have 100 wishes and the unhealthy have one.” — Kelly [12:23]
• On Emotional Availability (re: TV):
  “How do I not raise boys to turn out like that guy [Conrad]?” — Kelly [14:53]
• On Community & Hosting:
  “You have to be a villager if you want a village.” — Kelly [36:08]
• On Carrying an Allergy:
  “There’s something kind of chic about having a food allergy.” — Kelly [10:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Kelly’s Allergy Emergency: 00:02–13:04
• Pop Culture / TV Rant: 13:04–15:05
• Birthday Party Parenting & Hosting: 22:32–28:23
• Programming Update: 28:23–31:49
• Community/Hosting Ideas: 32:01–38:21
• Industry News: 41:09–43:34
• Crocktober Recipes: 43:34–46:57
• Pregnancy & Infant Loss Stories: 47:01–53:46

Tone & Style

The episode’s tone is sincere, warm, and witty, with honest discussions about health struggles, motherhood, and the everyday joys and challenges that come with both. Kelly’s signature self-deprecating humor and Lizz’s grounding support create a comforting, candid atmosphere, inviting listeners into the authentic ups and downs of their lives as sisters, moms, and entrepreneurs.

This summary covers the episode’s major themes, emotional highlights, and practical takeaways, offering a vibrant portrait of The Carpool’s community spirit and real-mom conversations.