Episode Summary: Naptime Kitchen's New Book Is Your Mom Starter Guide

Title: NAPTIME KITCHEN'S NEW BOOK IS YOUR MOM STARTER GUIDE
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John
Guest: Kate from Naptime Kitchen
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Welcome and Guest Introduction

In this special episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Liz St. John welcome their sister and friend, Kate from Naptime Kitchen, to discuss her highly anticipated new book, "I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Told Myself That I Thought Would Make Me Happy." The conversation begins with Kelly and Liz expressing their excitement to reconnect with Kate after a hiatus.

Notable Quote:

Liz [02:14]: "You should have like the first 10 minutes pre-recording was there's something about session."

Kate [02:20]: "There's something about Kate's presence that makes me really emotional. Like, it just makes me feel like I could just be my true self."

Kate's New Book: An In-Depth Look

Kate delves into the journey of writing her book, sharing the challenges and rewards she experienced throughout the process. She recounts the extensive time investment from signing with a publishing house in August 2023 to completing the final edits by November 2024. Kate likens the experience to having a looming term paper, emphasizing the discipline and dedication required to bring her project to fruition.

Notable Quote:

Kate [11:05]: "2024 was kind of a rough year. We hammered out the book, what it would be about, and signed with a publishing house in August of 2023."

Kate discusses the collaborative aspect of her pre-order special, where she engaged in conversations with Kelly and nine other women, each corresponding to different chapters of the book. This initiative aims to enrich the reading experience by providing deeper insights and fostering a sense of community among readers.

Notable Quote:

Kate [05:12]: "I wanted something that would feel like it really expanded the book... I talk with Kelly, I talk with nine other women and I go through each of them has a different chapter."

Pre-Order Benefits and Exclusive Content

The hosts explain the perks of pre-ordering Kate's book, which includes access to exclusive podcast episodes resembling a book club format. These private episodes feature candid discussions and thoughtful questions that encourage listeners to engage more deeply with the book's content.

Notable Quote:

Kate [07:20]: "If you pre order, then you unlock these episodes, it would also... gives such good discussion questions. It could be a good thing to, like, do that with a book club."

Liz highlights the authentic and vulnerable nature of the conversations in the pre-order series, noting how Kate's transparency about her struggles aims to make other moms feel seen and less alone in their experiences.

Notable Quote:

Kate [08:37]: "Everybody in this room has had a time where they wish they had a better husband... to help other people feel, like, free to say those things out loud."

"Last Two Transactions" Segment

In a fun and relatable segment, Last Two Transactions, the trio shares their recent small purchases. This episode features:

1. Weighted Vests:

   • Kate purchased her first weighted vest to improve bone density and muscle mass, sharing her enthusiasm and the unexpected benefits she's experiencing.
     Quote [14:35]: "I've been living in, like, a 35 is kind of where I just was like, I'm not counting. I'm just. I am."

   • Liz also bought a weighted vest inspired by Kelly, though she finds it less practical due to her busy mom life.
     Quote [15:07]: "If you do want that instant gratification that makes you feel like you lost about eight pounds. Put it on for an hour. Take it off."

2. Dental Pods and Night Guards:

   • Liz shares her purchase of an ultrasonic retainer cleaner, emphasizing its effectiveness and her dentist sister's endorsement.
     Quote [17:42]: "It's really good... It takes five minutes to clean it. It's amazing."

   • Kate discusses her experience with night guards to prevent teeth grinding, highlighting the challenges of consistency.
     Quote [19:30]: "She gave me one and there's like a hole on one side where apparently I'm grinding my teeth."

3. Sleep Masks and Toys:

   • Liz talks about buying fuzzy sleep masks for her children to block out light during their stay in Maine.
     Quote [24:34]: "It's very bright place, and it's kind of boring. I feel like maybe I shouldn't have done literal last two, but. Just feels exciting."

   • Kate shares her recent purchase of Paw Patrol toys on Facebook Marketplace, discussing toy rotation strategies to keep her children engaged without cluttering the home.
     Quote [26:11]: "The kids are going to like it. Yeah."

Crafting and Community Involvement

Kate elaborates on her role in leading crafts for Vacation Bible School (VBS), detailing the preparations and the joy she finds in giving back to the community. She describes sourcing materials, organizing activities for a mixed-age group, and the satisfaction derived from facilitating a fun and creative environment for children.

Notable Quote:

Kate [21:12]: "I think it's very important for me to give back. I also love a camp. I love a Bible school. I love a summer camp."

Creative Parenting and Photography Tips

The conversation shifts to parenting strategies, particularly around coordinating children's outfits for family photos and the use of digital disposable cameras like Camp Snap. Kate shares her method of taking individual photos and creating collages to capture coordinated moments without the stress of getting everyone to pose perfectly.

Notable Quote:

Kate [36:02]: "I started just taking individual photos of them, and then I go in the Instagram app, and then I just, like, make a collage of four."

Cooking Tips and Recipe Sharing

In the Ditch the Drive-Thru segment, Kate shares her favorite easy-to-make meals using frozen meatballs, demonstrating how versatile and convenient they can be for busy families. She offers creative ideas for incorporating meatballs into various dishes, such as barbecue rice bowls and mini Hawaiian subs.

Notable Quote:

Kate [43:19]: "I love a meatball, Kelly. Meatballs have just really rocked my world the last few months."

Conclusion and Book Promotion

As the episode wraps up, Kelly and Liz encourage listeners to pre-order Kate's book, praising it as an essential survival guide for motherhood. They express their gratitude to Kate for sharing her wisdom and experiences, reinforcing the supportive sisterly bond that underpins the podcast.

Notable Quote:

Kate [50:27]: “Other lies I think will make me happy. It is an excellent book. I have read it. It is like anyone's like, just survival guide handbook. It's the handbook of motherhood."

Key Takeaways:

• Kate's Book: A heartfelt exploration of the myths moms tell themselves and practical advice for navigating motherhood.
• Exclusive Content: Pre-ordering unlocks private podcast episodes that function as a book club, fostering deeper engagement.
• Practical Tips: From weighted vests for fitness to creative parenting hacks like toy rotation and photo collages.
• Community Involvement: Emphasis on giving back through roles like leading crafts at Vacation Bible School.
• Meal Planning: Simple and versatile recipes using frozen meatballs to save time and reduce stress.

This episode offers a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and community-focused discussions, making it a valuable listen for moms seeking both inspiration and actionable tips.