The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Lizz Episode: THIS IS NOW A MONSTER JAM FAN PODCAST
Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Lizz. In this episode, Kelly and Liz delve into their newfound passion for Monster Jam, discuss the intricacies of motherhood, and explore the evolving landscape of the auto industry.

Kids and Presentations: Bearded Dragons Take Center Stage

The episode kicks off with Kelly and Liz sharing a heartwarming story about their child, George, aspiring to be a YouTuber specializing in reptiles. Kelly recounts how George is preparing a presentation featuring his pet bearded dragon, emphasizing the importance of engaging and educational content for young minds.

Kelly [02:05]: "If you want to be a YouTuber, you have to do really good in school and you have to be a great public speaker."

George's enthusiasm for creatures like bearded dragons leads to a deeper conversation about their historical significance and unique characteristics, such as having three eyes and predating dinosaurs.

Liz [04:03]: "Do you know they have three eyes?"

The AI Conundrum: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Transitioning from kids to technology, Kelly and Liz discuss the rapid advancements in AI, particularly focusing on AI-generated images and the challenges they pose in discerning authentic content. They express concern over older generations being vulnerable to AI-induced scams and emphasize the necessity of digital literacy.

Liz [06:27]: "Sometimes you just need to call your grandma and make sure she knows what's up."

Monster Jam Mania: A VIP Inside Look

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Kelly and Liz's exciting experience with Monster Jam. They recount their VIP media tour, which included:

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Getting inside a monster truck and meeting Kayla Blood, the driver of Sparkle Smash.
• Monster Jam Facts: Discussing the hefty investment in monster trucks, with each costing around $250,000, and highlighting popular trucks like Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash.
• Franchise Insights: Understanding the competitive nature of Monster Jam events, including racing, flips, and freestyle competitions where audiences vote on their favorite performances.

Kelly [10:04]: "Monster Jam just really feels like that I haven't even been yet. Let's be clear. I don't go till tomorrow."

Liz expresses her burgeoning fandom for Monster Jam, delighting in the spectacle and the opportunity to engage with both kids and adults through the sport.

Liz [12:49]: "I'm sat for Sparkle Smash. I think, like, that's who we met and I liked Kayla."

Creating Lasting Memories with Kids

Shifting focus, Kelly and Liz reflect on the significance of creating meaningful memories with their children. They discuss how experiences like attending Monster Jam can become cherished memories, contrasting them with the often fleeting nature of everyday moments.

Liz [14:12]: "We're entering our memory make era. Like, I'm sorry, up until now, my kid. No one's retaining any of this."

They ponder the impact of digital versus personal memories, sharing anecdotes about how home videos preserve moments they no longer recall firsthand.

Kelly [15:11]: "Neither one of us actually remember that interaction, but because we've seen the home video, we know that it happened."

Phases of Motherhood: Embracing Change Every Six Months

Kelly introduces a conversation about the evolving phases of motherhood, highlighting that every six months brings new challenges and joys. This perspective offers both a comforting reminder that current struggles are temporary and a recognition of the constant adaptation required when raising children.

Liz [18:02]: "You're in the thick of it. You're out of the thick of it. You're back in the thick of it."

They discuss managing multiple stages of parenting simultaneously, especially with children of varying ages, which adds layers of complexity to their daily lives.

Automotive Industry News: Jeep's 2025 Launches and Tesla's Cybertruck Challenges

Jeep's 2025 Plans: Kelly and Liz dive into the latest developments from Jeep, covering:

• New Models: Introduction of the Wagoneer S, a midsize electric SUV, and the Jeep Avenger, a subcompact all-electric off-roader.
• Cherokee Replacement: The discontinuation of the Jeep Cherokee in February 2023 and the upcoming launch of its replacement, available as a hybrid with potential other powertrain options.

Kelly [25:44]: "I don't, I don't see how that's a bad name. I think it's a really, really good name, actually."

They dissect the complexities of Jeep's naming strategy, particularly the controversy surrounding the Cherokee name, debating whether it constitutes cultural appropriation or a respectful nod.

Tesla Cybertruck's Struggles: The hosts shift gears to discuss Tesla's Cybertruck, analyzing its declining demand despite heavy promotion.

Liz [33:37]: "I'm telling you, Hundreds of thousands dollars over for Cybertrucks."

They express skepticism about the Cybertruck's ability to compete with traditional gasoline trucks, citing mismatched target audiences and practical limitations.

Kelly [35:55]: "I think it's kind of a fun car. But I would never buy one. Just like I enjoy them. I enjoy looking at them on the road still."

Ditch the Drive Thru: Culinary Adventures with the Stumphes

In their interactive segment, Ditch the Drive Thru, Kelly and Liz explore a recipe from Kelly's "Ambitious Kitchen" cookbook, aiming to break free from their usual dinner routines.

• Recipe Highlight: Unbelievable Mini Chicken Meatloafs with Non-Switched Potatoes.
• Cooking Tips: Emphasizing simplicity and the abundance of spices in the cookbook, they encourage listeners to experiment with flavors and blend cooking with convenience.

Liz [39:43]: "It's a weekend dinner kind of thing."

They share personal anecdotes about meal planning mishaps and the joys of improvising, offering relatable content for fellow parents juggling busy schedules.

Kelly [41:15]: "Kelly, on my meal plan this week, I'm supposed to have pulled pork nachos tonight, and I did not buy pulled pork to put in my crock pot, and it's... I'll... I'll be screwed."

Conclusion: Reflecting on Friendship and Growth

As the episode wraps up, Kelly and Liz engage in heartfelt reflections on their friendship and mutual support. They commend each other's strengths, acknowledge feelings of imposter syndrome, and celebrate their continuous journey of learning and growth.

Kelly [42:40]: "You've got a good head on your shoulders, kid."

Their conversation underscores the importance of uplifting one another and the profound impact of shared experiences, both as sisters and business partners.

Closing Remarks

The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Lizz delivers a blend of personal stories, industry insights, and engaging segments that resonate with listeners navigating parenthood and passionate about the auto world. This episode, rich with anecdotes about Monster Jam and thoughtful discussions on memory-making and motherhood, offers a relatable and entertaining journey for its audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly [02:05]: "If you want to be a YouTuber, you have to do really good in school and you have to be a great public speaker."
• Liz [04:03]: "Do you know they have three eyes?"
• Kelly [25:44]: "I don't, I don't see how that's a bad name. I think it's a really, really good name, actually."
• Liz [33:37]: "I'm telling you, Hundreds of thousands dollars over for Cybertrucks."
• Kelly [42:40]: "You've got a good head on your shoulders, kid."

Tune in next time for more entertaining conversations, automotive news, and the ever-evolving journey of motherhood with Kelly and Liz on The Carpool Podcast!