The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Episode: JUDGING THE INTERNET'S NEW MOM CARS
Date: January 23, 2026
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John

Episode Overview

In this episode, sisters and car experts Kelly and Lizz dive into a candid and entertaining discussion about the latest trends in “mom cars” as seen on social media. Leveraging their expertise and signature millennial-mom humor, they judge, reflect, and snark—lightly and constructively—on viral videos and influencer car picks, especially focusing on whether car buying decisions seem researched or purely aspirational. Along the way, they offer real talk about car seat safety, family planning, the realities of work-from-home motherhood, consignment shopping, and a healthy dose of relatable sister banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Technical Troubles & The Realities of Podcasting

[00:38–02:26]

• Technical difficulties start the show, leading to musings on the DIY nature of their podcast compared to “fancy” podcasts with big budgets.
• Kelly: “It’s so easy to make money on TikTok, Instagram… Podcasters, we’re two professional podcasters scratching the green.” (02:07)
• Both admit they podcast as a passion, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Real Mom Life: Fashion, Pregnancy, and Body Image

[02:39–09:29]

• Lizz expresses frustration over Kelly’s stylish pregnancy vs. Lizz’s maternity limitations, recalling postpartum body struggles and discovering the Loft store.
• Memorable anecdote: Kelly’s first postpartum shopping trip, with humor and empathy highlighted.
• Quote: “When you’re pregnant, you just know what you’re doing. Afterwards, it’s not a matter of the weight—it’s just like your body forever looks different after that.” — Kelly (06:41)

Carpool Sister Banter: Lunch Plans, Pho Adventures, and Shopping

[09:29–15:37]

• The sisters discuss an upcoming lunch with their mom, poking fun at how their mom schedules outings and the effort of driving over 50 minutes for pho.
• Shopping woes: Kelly suffers Amazon regret after a bad furniture purchase and vents about returning policy headaches, leading to insights about consignment vs. new buys.
• Small luxuries: Kelly now carries a purse tape measure and has opinions about straws in slim cans, sparking playful bickering.
• Memorable bickering exchange:
  Kelly: “Being a podcaster is talking about nothing in an entertaining way. If you can’t do that, let’s hang up the mics now.” (17:21)
  Lizz: “Groundbreaking.” (17:32)

Main Segment: Judging the Internet’s Mom Car Choices

[19:16–37:20]

Methodology & Approach

[19:16–20:28]

• Lizz introduces the concept: reacting to viral “come buy my new mom car” content, blending light-hearted commentary with professional opinion.
• Emphasis on not shaming individuals but using examples (with anonymity) for educational “snark.”

The Importance of Research in Car Shopping

[20:28–22:34]

• Kelly stresses: always test drive more than one car and forecast family growth before purchase.
• Quote: “I am so good at knowing what car people should buy... You will end up here where I’m telling you. But that’s fine, do it your way.” — Kelly (21:17)

Internet Car-Buying Examples: React and Verdicts

1. Mercedes → Chevy Suburban High Country (1 child) [23:23]

   • Lizz: Recaps viral video, notes criticism of “overconsumption.”
   • Kelly: “If she plans to keep this car for a long time, it’s better than buying a bigger Mercedes, feeling it’s not enough, and then upgrading again.” (25:04)
   • Verdict: Not a bad move if planning for multiple kids; a lease on a midsize might have offered flexibility.

2. Lexus GX 550 for Family of 3 [25:54]

   • Kelly: “That was a bad buy. You should have bought an Escalade... Your oldest is going to be incredibly squished back there... Or buy the Lexus TX.” (26:32)

3. Partnered Hyundai Palisade (3 under 3, 2026 model) [27:26]

   • Lizz: Car was provided as part of a partnership.
   • Kelly: “For a free car, I don’t think you’re putting your children in danger… But I would like Hyundai to notice us!” (27:59)

4. Nissan Armada Influencer Event [28:17]

   • Lizz: Rants about “ultimate mom car” claims from “lanyard” influencers.
   • Kelly: Urges influencers to use careful language given their influence on major purchasing decisions.
   • Kelly: “I would never promote a brand where your child’s life is at stake... But it’s not wrong for the brands to invite influencers, just be careful.” (29:53)

5. Volvo XC90 (3 young children, “safety rating sold me”) [32:18]

   • Kelly: “The third row doesn’t have tether anchors... The Volvo XC90 is incredibly safe, but it’s good at keeping the driver safe. The third row... not the same.” (33:00–33:55)
   • Advice: Only get the bench seat, best for two kids; always check car seat compatibility in detail.

Side Note: The Realities of Car Influencing

• Kelly admits to getting jealous when viral videos with questionable info do well.
• They announce the return of their personalized car consultation service:
  “We are bringing back consultations... They will fill up quick.” (37:21)

The Value of Real Productivity as a Mom

[38:34–41:50]

• Lizz reflects on redefining productivity from chores to child-rearing, after feeling “unproductive” when resting or tending to her son mid-day.
• Memorable moment:
  Lizz: “How sad is it that we don’t see feeding our kids, playing with our kids, reading our kids a book as productivity?” (39:00)
• Kelly: “That’s a bone-chilling statement. I’m going to work on that this week.” (41:30)

Industry News: ChatGPT Introduces Ads

[43:20–45:41]

• Kelly reports ChatGPT will soon serve ads, even for free users. The sisters discuss:
  • Kelly: “I just don’t mind a targeted ad. Show me what I want to see.” (45:54)

Ditch the Drive Through: Dinner Rut Realness

[46:12–51:39]

• Kelly and Lizz share easy dinner recipes and freezer clean-out tales.
• Kelly: Crockpot cube steak (“average”), cube steak frustrations, and plans for chicken pot pie and shredded beef tacos.
• Lizz: Baked chicken cutlets two ways—chicken parm and cut up over fried rice with gyozas and Japanese BBQ sauce.
• Both agree: “Not every dinner has to be amazing. Sometimes, it’s just dinner.” (41:48–48:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On influencer car buying:
  “That was a bad buy. You should have bought an Escalade.” — Kelly (26:32)
• On car seat safety:
  “There’s no tether anchor in the third row of the Volvo XC90… It’s not a matter of the weight—it’s just like your body forever looks different after that.” — Kelly (33:00, 06:41)
• On mom productivity:
  “Who told us that wasn’t productive?... The time you have with your kids is going somewhere.” — Kelly (40:45)
• On viral parenting videos:
  “I should probably watch them more… I do get a little jealous because sometimes those videos perform really well.” — Kelly (36:38–36:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Podcasting Realities: 00:38–02:26
• Pregnancy, Shopping, and Body Image: 02:39–09:29
• Lunch & Shopping Outing, Consignment Tips: 09:29–15:37
• Straws-in-a-Slim-Can Banter: 16:24–18:00
• Main Segment Intro—Judging Internet Mom Cars: 19:16–19:55
• Mercedes to Suburban Analysis: 23:23–25:38
• Lexus GX 550 Critique: 25:54–27:26
• Hyundai Palisade Partnership Reaction: 27:26–28:07
• Nissan Armada Influencer Event Discussion: 28:17–30:47
• Volvo XC90 & Safety Concerns: 32:18–36:10
• Redefining Productivity as a Mom: 38:34–41:50
• Industry News: ChatGPT Ads: 43:20–45:41
• Dinner Rut/Ditch the Drive Through: 46:12–51:39

Closing Thought

This episode is a candid, witty exploration of the intersection of motherhood, car buying, influencer culture, and real-life productivity—all from the perspective of two sisters who know when to get serious and when to laugh at themselves (and each other). Whether you’re shopping for your next family car or just need a brain break, Kelly and Lizz’s honest takes and heartfelt moments will deliver.