The Carpool Podcast with Kelly & Lizz

Episode: Trunk or Treat Redaction
Date: October 29, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe & Lizz St. John

Episode Overview

This episode is an authentic, lighthearted catch-up between sisters Kelly and Lizz as they recount a whirlwind family weekend, discuss small-town traditions, and dive into hot auto-industry news and quirky internet controversies. Highlights include a wholesome look back at family gatherings, a deep dive into the viral controversy over Hatch sound machines, Trunk or Treat contest news, reviews of new TV shows, and memorable stories of loss and resilience in the “Blake’s Besties” segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Life Updates: Family, Farm Party & Mom Life

• Reflecting on Family Events (00:39-07:22)

  • Kelly and Lizz recap their farm’s 20th anniversary celebration at Sunny Meadows, emphasizing the nostalgia and joy of being with family.
  • “The most fun part of the night is the beginning because also, I’m not staying up late.” — Kelly (01:44)
  • They reminisce about past milestone celebrations at the farm—weddings, prom, graduations—and how they’re now sharing these traditions with their kids.
  • The family party ended with customary fireworks and the essential late-night pizza, which they agree is the highlight for guests.

• Church Sausage Dinner (07:29-10:53)

  • Lizz describes the church’s massive sausage dinner tradition, a marathon event featuring homemade foods like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and green beans.
  • The men of the parish operate the event, demonstrating traditional butchering and sausage-making for a crowd of 4,000.

Trending Internet Topics

• Hatch Sound Machine “Demon Talk” Controversy (15:27-21:21)
  • Kelly and Lizz weigh in on viral “demon” rumors surrounding Hatch’s Halloween ad ("very spooky...looked like a scary movie trailer" — Kelly, 17:04), which caused some users to panic and throw their devices away.
  • They read parts of Hatch’s tongue-in-cheek apology and discuss how the over-the-top ad fueled unfounded fears.
  • Lizz’s take: “If I throw away my Hatch, it’s going to be because of Bluetooth frequencies being too close to my baby.” (19:28)
  • Both hosts agree the reaction is dramatic, but they appreciate the company’s creative risk, even if they personally found the ad off-putting.

Halloween Spirit: Trunk or Treat & Costume Discourse

• Trunk or Treat Contest & Redaction (21:20-26:22)

  • Kelly and Lizz explain the nationwide tradition of “Trunk or Treat,” recounting its emergence when they were young and debating if it’s more fun than traditional trick-or-treating.
  • Lizz publicly backtracks on her promise to have an amazing trunk this year: “I won’t be decorating my trunk.” (22:27)
  • The contest focuses on creativity and infrastructure in trunk designs (not just costumes or popular millennial themes).
  • Details: Entries accepted until Wednesday; prizes for top three winners.

• Halloween Costumes at Spirit Halloween (25:23-26:10)

  • They recount buying auto-themed costumes for content—traffic cones and stoplights—and joke about the ongoing pregnancy rumors sparked by Kelly’s “bump ahead” costume.
  • "My favorite thing to do is just, like, get people to think I’m pregnant because then I get all the attention of being pregnant without being pregnant." — Kelly (25:34)

What They're Watching & Recommendations

• New Shows: Chad Powers, Kardashians, and More (26:22-30:12)
  • Lizz raves about “Chad Powers” with Glenn Powell: “He is hilarious. He’s like Ryan Reynolds funny.” (26:32)
  • They discuss the joys of watching TV with their spouses and discovering new shared interests.
  • Other mentions: "Nobody Wants This" (about sisters with a podcast), "Kardashians," "Dancing with the Stars," and the ever-enduring "Desperate Housewives."

Auto-Industry News

• EV Sales Drop Post-Tax Credit (30:27-32:23)

  • Lizz parses a report on the 43% plunge in electric vehicle sales after the expiration of a key tax credit.
  • “I think what’s interesting about EVs is it kind of feels like we’re at a point where anyone who wants one has gotten one.” — Lizz (31:07)
  • They discuss customer loyalty: about 68% of EV owners buy a second EV.

• Honda Passport Crush (32:27-33:56)

  • Both hosts are obsessed with the two-row Honda Passport: “I see one on the road, I turn my head.” — Kelly (32:54)
  • Only flaw: lack of ceiling vents, but “none of them do.”

• Viral Jeep Grand Wagoneer Ad (34:07-37:52)

  • Jeep’s latest ad—featuring comedian Iliza Shlesinger and a risqué “making families” angle—provokes discussion.
  • “It felt like a Saturday Night Live skit.” — Kelly (37:44)
  • Both agree it’s edgy but less offensive than Jeep’s previous “sailboat dad” marketing attempt.

Ditch the Drive Thru: Easy Dinner Ideas

• Buffalo Mac & Cheese & Spaghetti (38:32-43:46)
  • Kelly shares her plan for homemade buffalo chicken mac and cheese (inspired by Chick-fil-A hacks and “guy food” accounts).
  • Lizz is going classic with spaghetti and discusses the importance of simple meals.
  • Notable moment: Lizz describes an "anchovy scare" with potluck meatballs and the hidden dangers of Worcestershire sauce for those with allergies.

Blake’s Besties: Stories of Loss and Resilience (43:50–56:15)

Heartfelt Listener Submissions on Pregnancy & Infant Loss

• Lauren’s Story (44:55-46:44)

  • After a missed miscarriage and failed IVF rounds, Lauren and her husband turned to adoption, finally welcoming a baby and feeling God’s plan for their family realized.

• Marley’s Story: The “Sparkle” Baby (48:04-49:56)

  • Marley shares her journey with a missed miscarriage after fertility struggles, cherishing her baby's memory (“Sparkle”) and finding hope in Romans 8:18.

• Kate and Her Husband: A Dad’s Perspective (49:56-54:04)

  • Kate’s husband pens a moving letter about experiencing two miscarriages, grieving while supporting his wife, and the unique, often invisible pain of dads.
  • “If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all this, it’s that weeks don’t matter. Loss doesn’t care how far along you were. Life is life. Grief is grief.” — Kate’s husband (52:50 approx.)

• Hosts’ Reflections (54:04-56:15)

  • Kelly and Lizz commend Rachel (“Blake’s mom”) for keeping her daughter’s memory alive and encourage listeners to honor babies lost too soon, even in simple ways.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The most fun part of the night is the beginning because also, I’m not staying up late.” — Kelly (01:44)
• “If I throw away my Hatch, it’s going to be because of Bluetooth frequencies being too close to my baby.” — Kelly (19:28)
• “I won’t be decorating my trunk.” — Lizz (22:27)
• “He is hilarious. He’s like Ryan Reynolds funny.” — Lizz, on Glenn Powell in "Chad Powers" (26:32)
• “I see one on the road, I turn my head.” — Kelly on Honda Passport (32:54)
• “It felt like a Saturday Night Live skit.” — Kelly, re: Jeep ad (37:44)
• “If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all this, it’s that weeks don’t matter. Loss doesn’t care how far along you were. Life is life. Grief is grief.” — Kate’s husband (52:50 approx.)

Important Timestamps

• Farm Party Recap: 00:39–07:22
• Church Sausage Dinner: 07:29–10:53
• Hatch “Demon Talk” & Ad Controversy: 15:27–21:21
• Trunk or Treat Contest: 21:20–26:22
• TV Show Discussion: 26:22–30:12
• Industry News (EVs, Honda Passport, Jeep Ad): 30:27–37:52
• Easy Dinners (Ditch the Drive Thru): 38:32–43:46
• Blake’s Besties Segment: 43:50–56:15

Closing Notes

The episode maintains the sisters’ candid, supportive, and humorous tone while exploring relatable struggles, hot internet takes, and heartfelt stories from their community. Their approach to serious topics, particularly pregnancy and infant loss, remains sensitive, encouraging, and authentic.

Next episode: Halloween-themed, with anticipated "Dancing with the Stars" recaps and more family fun!