Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Episode Title: SHOW US YOUR #UGLYSIMMERPOT
Release Date: December 5, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe & Lizz St. John
Theme: A practical, lighthearted Christmas edition packed with nostalgia, “free or cheap” festive ideas, and playful car-based holiday stereotypes.

Overview

In this lively Christmas special, Kelly and Lizz blend humor, practicality, and personal tradition to inspire listeners to cultivate festive joy without overspending. The episode spotlights nostalgic Christmas experiences, resourceful mom tips, and witty family banter—perfect for millennial parents looking to make the most of the season. The show features warm, actionable ideas for creating magic at home and fun “assumptions” about listeners based on the cars they drive—Christmas edition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on Last Year’s Christmas: Learning and Improving

Timestamps: 02:28–06:20

Kelly reads from her extensive “Christmas notes” to share what worked and what to improve.
- Highs: Christmas Eve movie tradition, making gingerbread houses with pre-made kits, hosting a makeup party, and hot chocolate bombs.
- Lows: Gift organization struggles, need for more religious decor, Christmas meals requiring too much effort, and overcomplicated celebrations.
Quote:
- “I had such...notes I had for myself about what I did wrong for last Christmas. Would you like me to read some?” – Kelly (02:49)
- “Record carpool episodes and don’t take off, you lazy losers.” – Kelly, self-motivation note (05:40)
Advice:
- Keep running notes for next year—capture both wins and headaches (“brain dump!”).
- Don’t stress about perfection: continually adapt and refine family Christmas traditions.

2. Free & Cheap Ways to Cultivate Christmas Spirit

Timestamps: 06:21–18:40, 22:23–26:44

Going for 90s Nostalgia...But Realistically

“Stop living in the past—of course it was magical when you were a child. Now you’re in charge of the magic.” – Kelly & Lizz (06:54–07:18)
The “pressure to recreate” is common; instead, focus on slowing down and enjoying what you can manage.

Tangible, Low-Stress Traditions

Church during Advent (08:13):
- Free. Beautiful. Offers a place to slow down and reflect (and rock Christmas outfits more than once!).
- “Advent is like such a beautiful time in the church...If you don’t want to take your whole kids, tell your husband, hey, I’m gonna go to church today...” – Kelly (08:13)
Pillowcase Swap (09:08–11:50):
- Instead of seasonal bedding, let kids pick festive pillowcases, especially “vintage” or Christmas ones.
- “It's magic. So I need to try...I'm gonna buy like 15 Christmas pillowcases.” – Kelly (11:11)
Christmas Phone Background (11:52):
- Quick way to get in the mood by simply changing your phone wallpaper.
Paper Snowflakes Craft (12:30–14:22):
- Easy, cheap, for all ages—decorate with them around the house.
- “Paper snowflakes are very good decoration. They’re very cute. They're aesthetically pleasing.” – Liz (13:14)
Cookie Baking as an Excuse to Meet Neighbors (14:22–16:10):
- “Cookies are such a good icebreaker...for loving thy neighbor”, especially the elderly.
- Involves children in giving back and overcoming social awkwardness.
Simmer Pots—The #UglySimmerPot Movement (17:02–18:40):
- No frills needed. Use leftover orange peels, half-eaten fruit, cinnamon sticks, etc.
- “Who’s looking at them? Ugly simmer pots. Like, it doesn't take much. Stop with these aesthetically pleasing ones...Show us your ugly simmer pot!” – Kelly & Liz (17:43, 18:13)

3. Other Low-Effort Ways to Savor Christmas

Timestamps: 22:23–26:53

Wear your Christmas Sweater Constantly:
- Don’t save special pieces for one event—wear the heck out of them so kids remember you in them.
- “I want, when you, I want, like, your kids to fight over that because, like, mom wore that sweater all the time in December.” – Kelly (23:46)
‘Thriftmas’: Thrifting for Gifts or Decor
- Makes holiday shopping more intentional and fun; great for building up collections.
Books and Media
- Pull out and read Christmas books, use libraries or sales, and keep them visible under the tree.
- TV schedules for Christmas movies, so each classic gets its moment.

4. Christmas Car Stereotypes: “Assumptions Based on the Car You Drive”

Timestamps: 27:35–34:26

Kelly and Lizz’s hilarious assumptions spark listener laughs and highlight the ways vehicles can reflect holiday habits.

Volkswagen Atlas: “You got all your Christmas shopping done on Black Friday. Atlas people have...spreadsheet.” – Liz & Kelly (28:12)
Toyota Sequoia: “You're a colored lights family—on the tree, on the house, you’re fun, you know?” – Kelly (28:53)
Chevy Traverse: “Your favorite Christmas movie is the Grinch...you love the Grinch decorations.” – Liz (29:24)
Subaru: “If you drive a Subaru, you have a real Christmas tree.” – Kelly (30:03)
Hyundai Palisade: “Your Christmas decorations have been up since early November...white lights on the exterior.” – Liz (30:39), Kelly (31:03)
Honda Odyssey: “Your favorite holiday tradition is decorating Christmas cookies...but you won’t share the recipe.” – Kelly (31:37)
Grand Highlander: “You bought into the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic this year; you tie red bows on every neutral decoration.” – Liz (32:46)
Navigator: “You have multiple themed Christmas trees in your house...interior is wow, wow, wow.” – Kelly (33:49)

5. Personal Family & Friend Traditions

Timestamps: 37:17–42:00

Letter Notebooks for Family (ongoing):
- Lizz writes collective letters to husband and kids in designated notebooks—a meaningful (and mostly free) keepsake.
Ornament/Gift Exchange Brunches with Friends:
- Each year, friends gift Christmas decor or ornaments instead of disposables like lip gloss. Builds up individual collections and shared memories.
Dressing Up for the Holidays:
- Add festive accessories to anything—it's the holidays, after all!

6. Spreading Cheer: Kelly’s Take on Tipping

Timestamps: 42:00–43:20

Kelly tips generously (25%) during December and June as a seasonal way to boost others’ spirits, especially at regular haunts or for favorite baristas.

7. Industry News: A Special Subaru & a Tearjerker Chevy Ad

Timestamps: 43:56–47:01

Press Car News:
- Kelly previews the redesigned Subaru Outback—“It’s not giving Subaru...more like a better-looking Ford Bronco Sport.” (44:12)
- Fielding technical requests from Sam about seat configurations (humorous confusion ensues).
Chevy’s Heartfelt Holiday Ad—‘Memory Lane’:
- A nostalgia-laden, emotional commercial using the classic Suburban as a time-traveling anchor.
- “It makes you so thankful for the phase of life you’re in right now because...I will take the blowout in the back seat.” – Liz (46:33)
- The ad prompts a deeper discussion about appreciating family moments and preparing for new life phases.

8. Reflections on Parenting, Hobbies, and Avoiding Burnout

Timestamps: 47:01–52:59

Importance of not letting identity rest solely on being a parent—prioritize personal hobbies and couple time.
"Find a hobby to do together or separately—creates new memories and avoids the rut of dinner-date monotony.”
Quote:
- “It’s important to have hobbies and it’s important to prioritize each other’s hobbies.” – Lizz (49:28)
Example: Kelly and husband Tyler joining a dartball tournament at church for fun.

9. Ditch the Drive Thru: Easy, Comforting Holiday Dinner

Timestamps: 53:07–55:46

Ramen Bowls with Chuck Roast:
- Elevate simple ramen with leftover beef chuck roast, mushrooms, green onions, optional chili oil, and a soft-boiled egg.
- “Asian-inspired food for Christmas is fun—it’s a nice break from all the ham and turkey.” – Kelly (54:44)
- Make-ahead meats and versatile recipes keep meals simple and stress-free.

Notable Quotes and Moments

“Stop trying to buy a new rug and bedding for every season. Let’s just switch the pillowcase.” – Kelly (10:43)
“Magic is switching out the pillowcase...that’s the magic as a kid.” – Liz (11:11)
“Ugly simmer pots! Show us your ugly simmer pot.” – Kelly & Lizz, launching a new hashtag (18:13)
“If you drive a Subaru, you have a real Christmas tree.” – Kelly (30:03)
“The best is yet to come...but people say ‘you’ll want these days back’ and I’m like, is this the best? Because sometimes it sucks.” – Kelly (47:01)
“It’s important to have hobbies and to prioritize each other’s hobbies, even with young kids.” – Lizz (49:28)
“If you just go out to dinner, you’re not necessarily creating a new memory.” – Lizz (51:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Time | |------------------------------------------------------------|----------| | Reflecting on Past Christmases & “Brain Dump” Tradition | 02:28–06:20 | | Realistic, Cheap/FREE Christmas Activities | 06:21–18:40 | | Paper Snowflakes & Cookie Traditions | 12:30–16:10 | | The #UglySimmerPot Movement | 17:02–18:40 | | Wearing the Sweater/Thriftmas/Books | 22:23–26:44 | | Christmas Car Stereotypes | 27:35–34:26 | | Personalized Family & Friends Traditions | 37:17–42:00 | | Tipping Philosophy | 42:00–43:20 | | Industry News—Subaru & Chevy Ad | 43:56–47:01 | | Appreciating Every Life Phase, Hobbies for Sanity | 47:01–52:59 | | Ditch the Drive Thru: Ramen Bowls | 53:07–55:46 |

Takeaway

This episode is a festive handbook for every busy, budget-conscious—or just Christmas-loving—parent. Blending practical wisdom, nostalgia, family-centered values, and gentle humor, Kelly and Lizz prove that you don’t need a perfect home, endless resources, or Instagram-worthy décor to create genuine holiday magic. Just grab some orange peels, dust off that Christmas sweater, write down your highs and lows—and don’t forget to show off your #uglysimmerpot!

Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on Last Year’s Christmas: Learning and Improving

Timestamps: 02:28–06:20

Kelly reads from her extensive “Christmas notes” to share what worked and what to improve.
- Highs: Christmas Eve movie tradition, making gingerbread houses with pre-made kits, hosting a makeup party, and hot chocolate bombs.
- Lows: Gift organization struggles, need for more religious decor, Christmas meals requiring too much effort, and overcomplicated celebrations.
Quote:
- “I had such...notes I had for myself about what I did wrong for last Christmas. Would you like me to read some?” – Kelly (02:49)
- “Record carpool episodes and don’t take off, you lazy losers.” – Kelly, self-motivation note (05:40)
Advice:
- Keep running notes for next year—capture both wins and headaches (“brain dump!”).
- Don’t stress about perfection: continually adapt and refine family Christmas traditions.

2. Free & Cheap Ways to Cultivate Christmas Spirit

Timestamps: 06:21–18:40, 22:23–26:44

Going for 90s Nostalgia...But Realistically

“Stop living in the past—of course it was magical when you were a child. Now you’re in charge of the magic.” – Kelly & Lizz (06:54–07:18)
The “pressure to recreate” is common; instead, focus on slowing down and enjoying what you can manage.

Tangible, Low-Stress Traditions

Church during Advent (08:13):
- Free. Beautiful. Offers a place to slow down and reflect (and rock Christmas outfits more than once!).
- “Advent is like such a beautiful time in the church...If you don’t want to take your whole kids, tell your husband, hey, I’m gonna go to church today...” – Kelly (08:13)
Pillowcase Swap (09:08–11:50):
- Instead of seasonal bedding, let kids pick festive pillowcases, especially “vintage” or Christmas ones.
- “It's magic. So I need to try...I'm gonna buy like 15 Christmas pillowcases.” – Kelly (11:11)
Christmas Phone Background (11:52):
- Quick way to get in the mood by simply changing your phone wallpaper.
Paper Snowflakes Craft (12:30–14:22):
- Easy, cheap, for all ages—decorate with them around the house.
- “Paper snowflakes are very good decoration. They’re very cute. They're aesthetically pleasing.” – Liz (13:14)
Cookie Baking as an Excuse to Meet Neighbors (14:22–16:10):
- “Cookies are such a good icebreaker...for loving thy neighbor”, especially the elderly.
- Involves children in giving back and overcoming social awkwardness.
Simmer Pots—The #UglySimmerPot Movement (17:02–18:40):
- No frills needed. Use leftover orange peels, half-eaten fruit, cinnamon sticks, etc.
- “Who’s looking at them? Ugly simmer pots. Like, it doesn't take much. Stop with these aesthetically pleasing ones...Show us your ugly simmer pot!” – Kelly & Liz (17:43, 18:13)

3. Other Low-Effort Ways to Savor Christmas

Timestamps: 22:23–26:53

Wear your Christmas Sweater Constantly:
- Don’t save special pieces for one event—wear the heck out of them so kids remember you in them.
- “I want, when you, I want, like, your kids to fight over that because, like, mom wore that sweater all the time in December.” – Kelly (23:46)
‘Thriftmas’: Thrifting for Gifts or Decor
- Makes holiday shopping more intentional and fun; great for building up collections.
Books and Media
- Pull out and read Christmas books, use libraries or sales, and keep them visible under the tree.
- TV schedules for Christmas movies, so each classic gets its moment.

4. Christmas Car Stereotypes: “Assumptions Based on the Car You Drive”

Timestamps: 27:35–34:26

Kelly and Lizz’s hilarious assumptions spark listener laughs and highlight the ways vehicles can reflect holiday habits.

Volkswagen Atlas: “You got all your Christmas shopping done on Black Friday. Atlas people have...spreadsheet.” – Liz & Kelly (28:12)
Toyota Sequoia: “You're a colored lights family—on the tree, on the house, you’re fun, you know?” – Kelly (28:53)
Chevy Traverse: “Your favorite Christmas movie is the Grinch...you love the Grinch decorations.” – Liz (29:24)
Subaru: “If you drive a Subaru, you have a real Christmas tree.” – Kelly (30:03)
Hyundai Palisade: “Your Christmas decorations have been up since early November...white lights on the exterior.” – Liz (30:39), Kelly (31:03)
Honda Odyssey: “Your favorite holiday tradition is decorating Christmas cookies...but you won’t share the recipe.” – Kelly (31:37)
Grand Highlander: “You bought into the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic this year; you tie red bows on every neutral decoration.” – Liz (32:46)
Navigator: “You have multiple themed Christmas trees in your house...interior is wow, wow, wow.” – Kelly (33:49)

5. Personal Family & Friend Traditions

Timestamps: 37:17–42:00

Letter Notebooks for Family (ongoing):
- Lizz writes collective letters to husband and kids in designated notebooks—a meaningful (and mostly free) keepsake.
Ornament/Gift Exchange Brunches with Friends:
- Each year, friends gift Christmas decor or ornaments instead of disposables like lip gloss. Builds up individual collections and shared memories.
Dressing Up for the Holidays:
- Add festive accessories to anything—it's the holidays, after all!

6. Spreading Cheer: Kelly’s Take on Tipping

Timestamps: 42:00–43:20

Kelly tips generously (25%) during December and June as a seasonal way to boost others’ spirits, especially at regular haunts or for favorite baristas.

7. Industry News: A Special Subaru & a Tearjerker Chevy Ad

Timestamps: 43:56–47:01

Press Car News:
- Kelly previews the redesigned Subaru Outback—“It’s not giving Subaru...more like a better-looking Ford Bronco Sport.” (44:12)
- Fielding technical requests from Sam about seat configurations (humorous confusion ensues).
Chevy’s Heartfelt Holiday Ad—‘Memory Lane’:
- A nostalgia-laden, emotional commercial using the classic Suburban as a time-traveling anchor.
- “It makes you so thankful for the phase of life you’re in right now because...I will take the blowout in the back seat.” – Liz (46:33)
- The ad prompts a deeper discussion about appreciating family moments and preparing for new life phases.

8. Reflections on Parenting, Hobbies, and Avoiding Burnout

Timestamps: 47:01–52:59

Importance of not letting identity rest solely on being a parent—prioritize personal hobbies and couple time.
"Find a hobby to do together or separately—creates new memories and avoids the rut of dinner-date monotony.”
Quote:
- “It’s important to have hobbies and it’s important to prioritize each other’s hobbies.” – Lizz (49:28)
Example: Kelly and husband Tyler joining a dartball tournament at church for fun.

9. Ditch the Drive Thru: Easy, Comforting Holiday Dinner

Timestamps: 53:07–55:46

Ramen Bowls with Chuck Roast:
- Elevate simple ramen with leftover beef chuck roast, mushrooms, green onions, optional chili oil, and a soft-boiled egg.
- “Asian-inspired food for Christmas is fun—it’s a nice break from all the ham and turkey.” – Kelly (54:44)
- Make-ahead meats and versatile recipes keep meals simple and stress-free.

Notable Quotes and Moments

“Stop trying to buy a new rug and bedding for every season. Let’s just switch the pillowcase.” – Kelly (10:43)
“Magic is switching out the pillowcase...that’s the magic as a kid.” – Liz (11:11)
“Ugly simmer pots! Show us your ugly simmer pot.” – Kelly & Lizz, launching a new hashtag (18:13)
“If you drive a Subaru, you have a real Christmas tree.” – Kelly (30:03)
“The best is yet to come...but people say ‘you’ll want these days back’ and I’m like, is this the best? Because sometimes it sucks.” – Kelly (47:01)
“It’s important to have hobbies and to prioritize each other’s hobbies, even with young kids.” – Lizz (49:28)
“If you just go out to dinner, you’re not necessarily creating a new memory.” – Lizz (51:24)

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Summary

Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on Last Year’s Christmas: Learning and Improving

2. Free & Cheap Ways to Cultivate Christmas Spirit

Going for 90s Nostalgia...But Realistically

Tangible, Low-Stress Traditions

3. Other Low-Effort Ways to Savor Christmas

4. Christmas Car Stereotypes: “Assumptions Based on the Car You Drive”

5. Personal Family & Friend Traditions

6. Spreading Cheer: Kelly’s Take on Tipping

7. Industry News: A Special Subaru & a Tearjerker Chevy Ad

8. Reflections on Parenting, Hobbies, and Avoiding Burnout

9. Ditch the Drive Thru: Easy, Comforting Holiday Dinner

Notable Quotes and Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Takeaway

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on Last Year’s Christmas: Learning and Improving

2. Free & Cheap Ways to Cultivate Christmas Spirit

Going for 90s Nostalgia...But Realistically

Tangible, Low-Stress Traditions

3. Other Low-Effort Ways to Savor Christmas

4. Christmas Car Stereotypes: “Assumptions Based on the Car You Drive”

5. Personal Family & Friend Traditions

6. Spreading Cheer: Kelly’s Take on Tipping

7. Industry News: A Special Subaru & a Tearjerker Chevy Ad

8. Reflections on Parenting, Hobbies, and Avoiding Burnout

9. Ditch the Drive Thru: Easy, Comforting Holiday Dinner

Notable Quotes and Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Takeaway