Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
Episode: NO ONE'S MAD AT CHIPS AND SALSA
Release Date: February 4, 2025
In this engaging episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Liz St. John delve into a variety of topics ranging from podcast logistics and family hosting tips to significant updates in the auto industry. The conversation is punctuated with personal anecdotes, insightful discussions, and playful banter that encapsulate their dynamic as sisters, business partners, and friends.
1. Podcast Recording Logistics
The episode kicks off with Kelly and Liz discussing the logistics of recording their podcast. They reveal that this episode is one of the few times they are recording together in person, highlighting the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives.
- Liz reflects on their inefficiency when recording remotely, stating, “[...] being, like, 12 minutes away to every bit of 39. 39, 40, 45 if you stop and get a coffee” ([02:04]).
- Kelly emphasizes the importance of utilizing their time together effectively: “I convinced her to create a podcast to do just that” ([00:44]).
They plan to enhance their recording setups by creating matching backdrops and consider strategies to make remote recordings appear as if they are in the same room, inspired by other successful podcasts.
2. Children's Movies Discussion
Kelly and Liz transition to discussing the scarcity of new children's movies slated for 2025, expressing both excitement and disappointment.
- Liz mentions, “Turns out it's this year [Zootopia 2], which is very exciting” ([04:18]).
- They lament the limited number of upcoming titles, noting that only four new children’s movies are expected ([04:29]).
The conversation underscores their roles as parents and their interest in providing quality entertainment for their kids, as well as their acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the animation industry in the age of AI.
3. Hosting Tips and Chips and Salsa
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Liz sharing her recent experience hosting a birthday party for her child, Fred. She provides detailed insights and lessons learned from this endeavor.
- Liz shares her frustration: “I did not have enough chuck roast. I got five pounds, which was not enough” ([07:59]).
- Kelly supports her by highlighting the universal appeal of simple appetizers: “No one's mad at chips and salsa” ([09:38]).
They discuss the importance of having reliable and universally liked appetizers and praise the idea of investing in aesthetically pleasing servingware to create a "wow moment." Liz expresses enthusiasm for a bamboo chips and salsa bowl from Pottery Barn, describing it as “stunning” ([12:19]).
4. Auto Industry News: Tariffs
The hosts shift focus to a pressing issue in the auto industry: the impending tariffs announced by President Trump.
- Liz provides a concise breakdown: “President Trump is doing these tariffs because he wants the other countries to renegotiate terms on immigration and fentanyl” ([18:48]).
- Kelly adds, “It’s going to come down to like a negotiation” ([19:28]).
They discuss the potential impact of these tariffs, including a possible 25% tax on cars from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on those from China. Liz cautions her listeners against rushing into car purchases amidst the uncertainty, advising, “Do not rush into a car purchase. Don’t make a bad decision” ([23:05]).
Despite acknowledging the severity of the situation, both hosts express skepticism about the tariffs' long-term feasibility, predicting that manufacturers will either renegotiate or absorb the costs without significantly raising consumer prices.
5. Auto Industry News: Nissan Xterra Revival
The conversation takes an exciting turn as Liz shares news about the potential comeback of the Nissan Xterra.
- Liz states, “After canceling the Xterra a decade ago, Nissan might be bringing the SUV back to North America” ([25:10]).
- Kelly expresses her support: “I loved the Xterra. I think getting rid of it was a bad idea” ([27:24]).
They discuss the competitive landscape of the 4x4 market and Nissan's strategic positioning. Liz emphasizes Nissan's lack of brand identity due to its diverse product lineup but believes the Xterra could strengthen their presence in the off-roading segment.
6. Personal Quirks and Habits
Kelly and Liz open up about their personal quirks, providing a humorous and relatable segment for listeners.
- Liz shares her struggle with utensil organization: “I have to invent the right utensil holder. I don't have one” ([10:34]).
- Kelly reveals, “I never put lids or jars on all the way” ([33:33]).
These confessions lead to a lighthearted exchange about household habits and the generational quirks inherited from their mothers. They encourage listeners to embrace their unique habits, recognizing that everyone has their own set of "weird quirks."
7. Dinner Recipe: Elevated Quesadillas
The duo concludes the episode with a practical and appetizing segment on making the perfect quesadilla, inspired by Kelly's mother.
- Kelly describes her mother's method: “I threw some peppers and onions in a pan and got those a little bit hot. Then I put my tortilla on the pan, put my peppers and onions on top of it, and then did a bunch of Chihuahua cheese” ([35:59]).
- Liz adds her own twist, suggesting additions like chicken and highlighting the use of high-quality ingredients to elevate a simple dish.
They emphasize the importance of thoughtful and quality ingredients in transforming easy meals, providing listeners with actionable tips to diversify their dinner routines and avoid the monotony of takeout.
Notable Quotes:
- Liz on podcast efficiency: “The word of the year for 2025 is just, like, efficiency...” ([02:05])
- Kelly on hosting guests: “I have ideas of how that way, if we have any in person guests, they can come to my house.” ([02:58])
- Liz on tariffs and car purchases: “Do not rush into a car purchase. Don’t make a bad decision.” ([23:05])
- Kelly on embracing quirks: “I just think I move so quickly that it's, like, to appropriately like, oh, this is where it's genetic.” ([33:52])
This episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz masterfully intertwines personal stories with industry insights, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable information. Whether discussing the logistics of podcasting, offering hosting advice, or analyzing the complexities of auto tariffs, Kelly and Liz maintain a conversational tone that is both informative and inviting. Their ability to blend humor with substantive content makes this episode a standout addition to their series.