The Carpool Podcast: "THE OFFICE IS TOO OBVIOUS"

Hosted by Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John
Episode Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Carpool brings classic Kelly and Lizz banter as the sisters discuss surviving the "second summer" in Missouri, embrace fall plans (while holding back on décor), brainstorm apple-themed cocktails for hot September days, and play their signature "model lineup" game—this time featuring their top comfort TV shows. Alongside lighthearted TV talk, they offer thoughtful, practical advice for moms navigating car-buying timelines and returning to work, and close with auto-industry news and a cozy dinner idea.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Midwest "False Fall" and Decorating Dilemma

• Missouri is in "second summer" with hot fall weather, frustrating fall décor plans.
• Kelly is holding off on fall decorating:
  "I am Mark. Safe from putting up my fall decorations. I'm waiting till October." [01:07]
• Lizz and Kelly express the temptation of fall crafts, football garlands, but joke about budget restrictions and creative ‘loopholes’ with online purchases.

The September Apple Vibe

• The hosts lament the neglect of apples for fall flavor, emphasizing September is for apple, October is for pumpkin.
• Kelly raves about Olipop’s apple crisp soda and wonders why apple juice cocktails aren’t more common:
  "Why as adults have we stopped drinking apple juice? It's delicious. Why aren't there apple juice cocktails?" [04:48]
• Discussion leads to appletinis and hot cider vs. spiked hot chocolate, with playful disagreement between the sisters.

Lizz’s Housing Situation & Surviving the 'In-Between'

• Lizz shares her ongoing struggle of not being in her own house:
  "I am drowning in survival mode of living not in my own space. And it's been almost three months, and I'm sick of it." [07:23]
• Kelly sympathizes, suggesting patience and finding small joys:
  "It's a good time to practice your patience, you know? Fall's not tomorrow." [08:01]

Excitement for “Dancing with the Stars”

• Both are unusually excited about this season due to influencer participation and social media buzz.
• Kelly: "You need the influencers because they're the ones getting the views. They're the ones resurrecting this show." [09:36]
• They plan to do recaps and speculate who may win, noting the blend of dancing skill and fan base is crucial.

Comfort TV Show “Model Lineup” [12:00-22:56]

Game Structure: Each picks four “comfort” TV shows they watch and rewatch.

Kelly’s Picks

1. Gossip Girl
2. Friends
3. How I Met Your Mother
4. Desperate Housewives

Lizz’s Picks

1. New Girl
2. Modern Family
3. Parks and Recreation
4. Grey’s Anatomy

Discussion Highlights:

• Kelly attempts to defend Gossip Girl as a repeat-watch, Lizz counters with “New Girl” as funnier and more re-watchable.
• Both strongly diss “Gilmore Girls” as overhyped:
  • Lizz: "I found them infuriating." [16:33]
  • Kelly: "It's objectively not a good show." [15:53]
• Honorable mentions include “The Office” (declared “too obvious” to pick), and “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which Lizz is currently loving.
• Memorable moment:
  Kelly: "If you haven't watched Desperate Housewives, I'm envious of you because you get to experience it for the first time." [19:47]

Car Advice Segment [23:30–28:04]

Question 1: How Long Can We Keep This Car?

• Listener has a 2017 Ford Explorer, wants to maximize its use with two young kids, future plans for more children.
• Kelly’s advice:
  • 2017 Explorer isn’t three-across friendly; third row use reduces trunk space.
  • Consider future family size: buy long-term car when family needs are clearer.
  • Suggests saving a "car payment" as a down payment fund in advance, establishing a financial goal and timeline.
  • "You could keep it as long as you want... but I would allow yourself enough time to get the car you want." [26:36]

Question 2: Tips for Mom Guilt When Returning to Work

• Listener in a male-dominated, childless workplace, feeling guilt about sending baby to daycare.
• Kelly:
  • “You have to learn to be comfortable with guilt.” [29:02]
  • Practical ways to cope:
    • Give yourself permission to feel guilt; it’s inevitable no matter your choice
    • Small gestures for your child (favorite snacks, special pajamas) alleviate guilt
    • Talk to your kids about your work, even at young ages
    • Reframe expectations—modern family life isn’t like the past, and that’s okay
    • “God put each one of us on Earth for this time for a reason. He designed you to be a mom in 2025, and he designed your children to be children in 2025.” [32:30]
  • Lizz: Traditions can start any time; every family phase is different.

Auto Industry News [35:25-38:26]

• Edmunds Report: 1 in 4 vehicle trade-ins in Q2 2025 had negative equity ("upside down" loans); average negative equity ~$6,700.
• Kelly explains the financial risks of rolling over negative equity and cautions listeners:
  • "You’ve got to check...how much your car is worth and are you in the green?" [38:22]
  • Emphasizes importance of knowing your car loan status even if not planning to trade-in.

Ditch the Drive-Thru: Ham and Bean Soup ("Soup-tember") [38:31–40:06]

• Kelly recommends ham and bean soup with cornbread for an easy, protein-packed meal.
• Homemade tips: go all-out with ham hocks and homemade broth, or simplify with diced ham and chicken stock.
  • "It's like everything about it is delicious. Look up a recipe." [39:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I am in my banner era. I would say, first of all, update from last episode: we're not Powerball winners, so I need to kind of reel in the banner budget for this year." – Kelly [02:37]
• "October is so pumpkin. Apple is so September." – Kelly [03:54]
• "I want to accumulate an apple vibe in a warmer climate. I want an iced apple cocktail." – Kelly [06:18]
• "The Office is too obvious." – Lizz [22:24]
• "If you haven't watched Desperate Housewives, I'm envious of you." – Kelly [19:47]
• "You have to learn to be comfortable with guilt...Welcome, now you're a mom, we always feel guilty." – Kelly [29:09]
• "God put each one of us on Earth for this time for a reason." – Kelly [32:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:38 – Missouri “second summer” & fall decorating chat
• 03:54 – Apple vs. pumpkin flavors and Olipop recommendation
• 06:28 – Iced apple cocktail brainstorm, Lizz’s housing struggles
• 09:07 – Dancing with the Stars discussion (why influencers matter)
• 12:00 – “Model Lineup” comfort TV show game
• 23:30 – Car advice: when to upgrade if planning a bigger family
• 28:40 – Mom guilt, working motherhood Q&A
• 35:25 – Auto news: upside-down car loans explained
• 38:31 – "Ditch the Drive Thru": ham and bean soup recipe

Episode Takeaways

• Moms can (and should) enjoy brain breaks, comfort media, and find their own fall joy—even during hot September.
• There’s no “one right way” to decorate, parent, or plan for your family’s next car.
• Accepting mom guilt as part of the journey is essential.
• Know where you stand financially when it comes to car loans; negative equity is common and risky.
• Soup season is calling—try ham and bean soup to mix up your routine!

For more relatable mom chat, practical advice, and upbeat car culture, subscribe to The Carpool Podcast with Kelly & Lizz!