Summary of "MAKE THE BROWN SUGAR POP-TART" Episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

In the November 12, 2024 episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into a variety of personal anecdotes, holiday traditions, friendship dynamics, productivity tips, auto industry news, and heartfelt listener stories. This detailed summary captures the essence of their engaging and lighthearted conversation, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

Personal Updates and Postpartum Reflections

The episode opens with Kelly expressing a desire to shift their podcast's tone from recent complaints to a more positive outlook on motherhood. She candidly shares her struggle with a significant pimple, highlighting her journey through postpartum changes.

• Kelly (02:13): "I do want to just come on here and be like, no. Like, I love being a mom, and I love the newborn stage, and, like, I'm loving everything, so I want to be more positive."

This vulnerability sets the stage for a relatable discussion about the challenges and joys of motherhood.

Embracing Thanksgiving Traditions

Lizz reveals that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday, appreciating the festive food and the absence of hosting duties.

• Lizz (05:30): "I just also don't host anything. I mean, I just show up to mom, so she asked me to bring like a salad at best."

Kelly echoes this sentiment, expressing her fondness for the holiday season's buildup.

• Kelly (10:24): "I think I love Christmas. Don't get me wrong. But I think I love the buildup of Christmas and the season of Christmas more than like maybe the day itself."

Crafting the Thankful Turkey

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Lizz's "thankful turkey" project, a Thanksgiving tradition where each family member shares something they're grateful for.

• Lizz (11:08): "I'm so determined to make this mother effing thankful turkey."

Kelly shares her own attempts to engage in the craft, highlighting the mental load and household distractions that often impede such projects.

• Kelly (13:14): "I think that it's definitely attainable. And I think that that doesn't look that hard to do, but I understand the mental load of it."

Navigating Friendships as Adults

Kelly and Lizz explore the complexities of forming friendships post-parenthood, likening it to navigating the dating scene anew.

• Kelly (18:40): "I feel like we're dating all over again. I'm like, how do we, like, seem cool?"

Lizz suggests leveraging their husband's sociable nature to facilitate new connections, emphasizing the challenges of balancing adult friendships with family dynamics.

• Liz (19:26): "Tyler could so, like, loosely. Barely know them or just, like, Tyler will just go up to a stranger and introduce himself."

Fast Lane Philosophy: Maximizing Morning Productivity

Kelly introduces her "fast lane philosophy," a strategy to achieve seven tasks by 11 a.m., dedicating one of these tasks to a meaningful goal beyond mundane chores.

• Kelly (11:08): "I'm giving this advice to myself, like, I have to decide what I want to get done that day. And that has to be my first priority."

This approach underscores the importance of prioritizing personal goals amidst the chaos of daily responsibilities.

Auto Industry News

Toyota Grand Highlander’s New Trim

Kelly and Lizz discuss Toyota's introduction of a new entry-level trim for the Grand Highlander, which boasts seating for eight and is priced $2,000 below the current model.

• Liz (33:09): "I think it's nice looking. I think it is spacious. I think they fixed a lot of things I didn't like with the Highlander."

However, both hosts express reservations about the vehicle's overall reception and interior design.

Digital Wallets in Cars

The conversation shifts to a Vera Mobility survey revealing that over half of American drivers are interested in their cars serving as digital wallets for seamless transactions.

• Liz (35:44): "It's a one, it's a done. It will taste better, no."

Kelly questions the practicality and current implementation of this technology.

• Kelly (36:19): "I just need to know a little. I just need to know, like, the..."

3D Printing for Auto Parts

Lizz brings up how Jay Leno utilizes 3D printing to create parts for vintage cars, sparking a discussion about the technology's applications and limitations.

• Liz (37:34): "Jay Leno has been using 3D printing to print parts for his, like, 1913 car."

Kelly admits her limited understanding of 3D printing, reflecting the hosts' shared need to stay informed about evolving automotive technologies.

Recipe Spotlight: Frisco Melt and Mississippi Roast

The hosts share their go-to recipes to inspire listeners looking to diversify their culinary repertoire.

• Kelly (40:12): "Oh, I'm going to bring it because you. I saved this one for. For this week."

Kelly introduces the Frisco Melt, a creative take on ground beef sandwiches.

• Liz (41:02): "It’s a very thin patty, cheese, thousand island sauce."

Lizz counters with her own Mississippi roast recipe, emphasizing flavorful ingredients like wildgrain sourdough and garlic aioli.

• Liz (41:52): "I'm making, like, a Mississippi roast."

Blake's Besties: Listener Stories of Loss

In the poignant "Blake's Besties" segment, Kelly and Lizz share heartfelt stories from listeners who have experienced the loss of twins or newborns, fostering a sense of community and support.

Sarah’s Story

Sarah recounts her painful experience of miscarrying identical twins and how a nurse's compassion provided solace during a difficult time.

• Sarah's Account (43:07): "The nurse came into the room to draw my blood and greatness by saying, hey, mom, hey, dad. And I know what's going on."

Kelly and Lizz commend the nurse's bedside manner, highlighting the importance of empathy in healthcare.

Lindsay’s Story

Lindsay shares her joy and subsequent heartbreak upon discovering her baby girl Emma Liana was stillborn, capturing the depth of parental love and loss.

• Lindsay's Account (46:46): "Emma was stillborn the next day, August 13, 2024. Giving birth to her was the hardest thing I've ever done."

The hosts express their condolences and appreciation for Lindsay's courage in sharing her story.

Inspirations and Life Philosophies

Martha Stewart Documentary

Kelly discusses a Martha Stewart documentary she's watching, reflecting on Stewart's journey from model to self-made billionaire and her influence on homemaking practices.

• Kelly (30:07): "I am really inspired by Martha Stewart right now."

The conversation explores the balance between perfectionism and practicality in maintaining a household.

Loving Your Neighbor

Lizz reminisces about their earlier discussions on neighborly love, drawing inspiration from fictional characters like Bree from Desperate Housewives.

• Liz (28:28): "I miss our talks about loving the neighbor."

Kelly and Lizz emphasize the value of community and kindness in everyday interactions.

Closing Thoughts and Final Recipes

As the episode concludes, Kelly and Lizz reiterate their favorite recipes and encourage listeners to experiment in the kitchen.

• Kelly (40:12): "I have another solution for ground beef, and that is a frisco melt."

• Liz (42:05): "I'm making, like, a Mississippi roast."

They invite listeners to share their own recipes and stories, fostering ongoing engagement and community support.

The episode seamlessly blends personal narratives with practical advice and industry insights, offering listeners a comprehensive and heartfelt experience. Through honest conversations and shared experiences, Kelly and Lizz create a welcoming space for their audience to connect, learn, and find comfort.