Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz — "IT'S A BANNER YEAR" (September 3, 2025)
Main Theme Overview
In this lively and candid episode, Kelly and Lizz return from a summer break to dive into their favorite September rituals, ongoing transitions in parenting, seasonal “micro hobbies,” playful banter about football and Dancing with the Stars, plus lots of real-mom strategies to make family life more memorable. The hosts deliver relatable reflections on post-baby identity, household routines, nostalgic traditions, shopping wins, and even a dash of auto-industry news. As always, their dynamic blends humor, warmth, nostalgia, and practical advice for millennial moms.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Back from Break: Reflections on Summer and September
- Summer Wrap-Up: Both hosts confess to missing the podcast and feeling rejuvenated as summer ends. Kelly notes, “The podcast brings us such joy. You have no idea. And summer's coming to an end.” (01:09)
- Labor Day Scheduling Mix-Up: The sisters laugh about how holiday weekends disrupt routines but are excited for a return to their regular schedule and segments. (00:37)
2. Football Season & Embracing New Micro Hobbies
- Kelly’s Football Pivot: Kelly is all-in on the Detroit Lions and viewing September as her chance to micro-hobby on football:
"For September, I'm micro hobbing on football... I plan on watching in September and then moving on with my life and then picking back up if the Lions are in the Super Bowl." (04:45)
- Family Football Traditions: Roast beef sliders, cute Lions merchandise, and flag football for George create a festive “football family” vibe. (05:12)
- Lizz’s Football Take: She admits football is “like watching paint dry,” but appreciates the family ritual, commercials, and food (like essential chicken wings for game day superstition). (02:20, 06:43)
Memorable Quote
“Swag and the food and, like, having a meal surrounding it... I'm just turning it on, and I'm gonna use it as—put my phone away, slow down, turn my brain off, and maybe learn a thing or two about football.” – Kelly (07:04)
3. TV Talk: Dancing with the Stars
- Both consider this the year they’ll finally commit to watching, discussing the fun cast, kid-friendly factor, and the appeal of low-stimulation family TV. (03:17–04:25)
4. Kelly’s Summer Notes: Mom Hack Round-Up (Key section at 07:21)
Kelly shares her post-season self-review for next summer:
- Buy Actual America-Themed Jammies & Outfits: “I wish I would have had cute American flag jammies for my kids... you can wear it all summer.” (07:49)
- Prioritize Kids’ Summer Camps: Even short, simple camps gave her kids lasting joy and structure.
- Make “Hay Season” Special: Turn husband’s hay harvest into a mini family event (field lunches, snacks).
- Try a Garden: Regrets not even attempting a small herb or veggie project this summer.
- Chore-for-TV System: “20 minutes of chores for 20 minutes of TV worked incredibly well.” (11:43)
- Optimize Garage for Outdoor Meals: Picnic blanket ready, frequent outdoor breakfasts.
- Only Buy Name-Brand Crocs: Off-brands didn’t last or fit right—“I'm throwing Hattie's frocks away.” (12:37–13:04)
- Peach Cobbler in Season: Noted as the best summer dessert.
- Patriotic Fence Décor: Memorial Day to 4th of July.
5. Banners, Birthdays & Creating Traditions
- Banner Obsession: Kelly’s new favorite “micro hobby” is seasonal banners—handmade, customizable, and a fun alternative to party “themes.”
- Shops: Etsy (permanent happy birthday banners) and Little Happies (custom, kitschy holiday banners) are highly recommended. (14:00–17:23)
- Emotional Reflections on Kids Growing Up:
- Kelly shares her bittersweet feelings as her youngest, Libby, turns one:
“It's just over. I can't believe it's over because... I'm not the girl with the baby. That is just a bit of a personality shift. An identity crisis.” (17:26–18:24)
- Lizz relates, joking, “Now you're just 32, mom of four.” (19:14)
- Kelly shares her bittersweet feelings as her youngest, Libby, turns one:
List of Recent Transactions (21:03–32:33)
Both hosts share their latest purchases—a favorite segment highlighting practical and fun finds:
- Banners: Kelly’s first purchase post-break: “Banner grind continues.”
- Burt’s Bees Jammies: Lizz raves about their price and quality for kids’ holidays.
"I'm on my Burt's Bees jammies grind... They have football jammies!" (21:32–22:15)
- Tea Collection Clothes: Kelly favors the durability and hand-me-down potential.
- Consignment Furniture: Lizz praises secondhand shopping for solid, affordable furniture—especially for her ongoing renovation. (25:15)
- Corolle Baby Doll: Kelly’s gift for Sloane, chosen for its classic scent and durability.
- Vintage Toys: Both discuss the collectability of well-made toys (esp. Paw Patrol towers), emphasizing longevity and “microhobby” value.
“Paw Patrol is the best part is I think it's one of the best toys of our generation... I will keep those toys for my grandchildren.” – Kelly (30:27–31:21)
Industry News (32:53–39:11)
1. EV Tax Credit Update
- The $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles expires September 30, 2025.
- Loophole: Buyers can still claim the credit if they make a payment and have a binding contract before the deadline, even if the car isn’t delivered yet.
- Advice: “If you are thinking about buying an ev, make haste, because you will miss out on that tax credit.” – Kelly (34:00)
2. Hertz & Amazon Autos Partnership
- Hertz will sell used vehicles via Amazon Autos—much like the existing Amazon-Hyundai online buying pilot.
- Key insight: It’s not a true “car from Amazon” purchase. Rather, Amazon acts as a marketplace/lead source; pickup and finalization still happen at Hertz locations.
- Both hosts are skeptical. Lizz: “I think you need to see the car... especially a rental car.” (36:08)
- Kelly’s industry advice: Car dealers should focus less on sales pressure and more on customer service and expertise—a currently “fumbled opportunity.” (38:31)
“I think the industry puts too much of an emphasis on just trying to get their salespeople to be better at sales instead of getting their sales people... better at customer service.” – Kelly (38:57)
Ditch the Drive Through: Easy Dinner Recipe (39:11–41:47)
- Ham & Swiss Crescent Rolls:
- Three ingredients (crescent dough, ham, Swiss); flexible, nostalgic, kid-friendly, quick, and can be customized with any meat/cheese combo.
- "People aren't talking about roast beef enough." – Kelly (40:03)
- Bonus: Roast beef sliders make another appearance as a September staple.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Outgrowing the Baby Stage:
“It's just over. I can't believe it's over... It's an identity crisis.” – Kelly (17:44, 18:24)
- Football as Brain Break:
"I'm gonna put my phone away. I'm gonna slow down, turn my brain off, and maybe learn a thing or two about football." – Kelly (07:04)
- On Emotional Transitions in Motherhood:
“I saw a pregnant girl—probably 25, a young pregnant girl. And I had, like, such jealousy because I'm like, I used to be the cute pregnant girl.” – Kelly (00:07, 18:14)
- Micro Hobbies as Mom Sanity-Savers:
“I have more micro hobbies, but I just don’t have… I just want my babies back, but I also don’t.” – Kelly (18:54)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | | ------------------------------------- | ----------- | | Summer/Football/New Micro Hobbies | 01:09–07:19 | | Kelly’s Summer Notes & Reflections | 07:21–14:00 | | Banner and Seasonal Tradition Chat | 14:00–17:26 | | Emotional Moment: Kids Growing Up | 17:26–19:43 | | Recent Purchases / Transactions | 21:03–32:33 | | Industry News (EV Credits, Amazon/Hertz)| 32:53–39:11 | | Ditch the Drive Through Recipe | 39:11–41:47 |
Closing Notes
- Overall Tone: Warm, personal, witty, and authentically millennial-mom. The episode balances practical tips, heartfelt moments, cultural commentary, and just enough industry news for the car-curious.
- Best for Listeners Who: Enjoy relatable parenting chats, seasonal inspiration, automom tips, shopping and product reviews, and a healthy dose of sisterly banter.
- Next Episode: The Carpool podcast resumes its regular schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John
Episode: "IT'S A BANNER YEAR"
Date: September 3, 2025
Podcast: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
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