Summary of "WE ALL END UP WATCHING BLUEY" Episode from The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Release Date: April 17, 2025

In the episode titled "WE ALL END UP WATCHING BLUEY," hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into a variety of topics ranging from parenting challenges and personal life updates to product reviews and culinary adventures. This detailed summary captures the essence of their lighthearted and engaging conversation.

1. Parenting Reflections and the "Bluey" Phenomenon

Kelly and Lizz kick off the episode by reflecting on the dynamics of parenting and how it serves as a great equalizer among friends and acquaintances.

• Lizz on Parenting:

  "Parenting is such, like, a level playing field in some ways. In some ways it's not. In some ways it is...he was so much cooler than me, and now I think I'm cooler than him..." [00:06]

• Kelly's Take:

  "Watching Bluey and chained in diapers... The great equalizer." [09:08]

The duo humorously compares their past social standings to their current parenting lives, highlighting how the shared experience of raising children bridges previous gaps. They joke about everyone, regardless of their former roles like jocks or student council members, now uniting over watching the popular children's show "Bluey," which they aptly describe as "the great equalizer."

2. Product Spotlight: Built Puff Bars

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Built Puff Bars, a product that Lizz has developed a newfound appreciation for.

• Lizz's Excitement:

  "I'm going to give them a platform. I need to give them a platform." [05:21]

• Kelly's Opinion:

  "I've tried them before, and I didn't like them because they just taste, like, so artificial... But I'm on a health journey now, so I love it." [02:30]

They discuss the challenges in sourcing Built Puff Bars, initially unavailable on platforms like Costco and Amazon, prompting them to order directly from the website. Kelly shares her change in perception, moving from disliking the artificial taste to appreciating the product as part of her calorie-counting regimen.

3. Kelly's Personal Life Updates

Kelly provides an extensive update on her life journey over the past few years, outlining significant milestones and future plans.

• Life Timeline:

  • 2021: Maddie returns from a deployment, they get engaged, and begin moving back to St. Louis from Dallas.
  • 2022: Purchase their first home, Maddie secures a new night shift job, they get married, and discover they are expecting their first child.
  • 2023: Birth of their first child.
  • 2024: Expecting their second child and relocating within Missouri.
  • 2025: Two children, long-term home established, Maddie's MBA graduation, home renovations underway, and plans to welcome another child.

• Kelly's Aspirations:

  "By the end of 2025, I just feel like I'm going to be [settled]. I'm really excited." [10:00]

She expresses excitement about the upcoming stability and the completion of various life changes, including home renovations and reducing the frequency of her husband's deployments by Maddie's career advancement.

4. Navigating Home Renovations and Family Dynamics

The conversation shifts to home renovations, highlighting the teamwork between Kelly, Lizz, and Kelly's husband, Tyler.

• Kelly on Renovations:

  "We're doing the renovation because Tyler has offered to do a lot of the work that he can do for us." [14:12]

• Lizz's Support:

  "We are getting a nanny... which is huge." [11:33]

Kelly discusses the extensive renovations—kitchen, laundry room, and flooring—describing it as a "snowball effect." They also touch upon the decision to hire a nanny due to the high costs and logistical challenges of daycare, especially with two young children.

5. Recent Purchases and Product Reviews

In their "Recent Bank Account Subtractions" segment, Kelly and Lizz share their latest purchases, blending practicality with humor.

• Kelly's Purchases:

  • Belt Hole Puncher:

    "I bought a hole puncher. I'll have the rest of my life with this." [17:37]

  • Glue Trap Strips:

    "I take the glue trap and I just go and like stick it on the back of the stink bug that's like crawling up the window." [21:02]

  • Popsicle Molds: Discussing her shift towards homemade popsicles as a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.

• Lizz's Purchases:

  • Geometry Dish Towels:

    "Get your mom and your mother-in-law geometry dish towels for Mother's Day... over a thousand reviews on Amazon and has a 4.8." [23:53]

  She praises these dish towels for their quality and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing their value despite the higher price point.

6. Health and Fitness Journeys

Both hosts share insights into their personal health and fitness routines, underscoring the balance between discipline and flexibility.

• Kelly on Calorie Counting:

  "I'm on a health journey right now, and I'm just being, like, so very mindful of what I'm eating. I'm counting my calories and all the things." [02:30]

  Kelly discusses how calorie counting has provided her with a sense of control amidst her busy life changes, contrasting it with her previously disciplined routine before pregnancy.

• Lizz's Fitness Efforts:

  "I'm working out pretty consistently right now. I'm on week three, so I feel good about that." [18:17]

  Lizz shares her approach to incorporating workouts into her daily routine, including using the garage for exercise and keeping workout equipment readily accessible.

7. Culinary Adventures and Recipes

A significant and engaging portion of the episode is dedicated to cooking, with both hosts sharing their favorite recipes and kitchen hacks.

• Homemade Popsicles: Kelly advocates for making popsicles at home, emphasizing simplicity and health benefits over store-bought options.

  "It couldn't be easier to just make popsicles at home, so why would I buy them?" [27:26]

• Flank Steak Recipe:

  "We're making flank steak this week... It's not for everyone, but I love it." [33:48]

• Barbecue Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: Lizz describes her plan to prepare a barbecue-themed meal using the crock pot, complemented by sweet potatoes and corn on the cob.

  "Barbecue chicken in the crock pot is so good. It's so dang good." [36:32]

• Hibachi for a Birthday Party: Lizz discusses her strategy for hosting a large hibachi-style birthday party, sharing tips on preparation and sourcing ingredients.

  "I'm going to do hibachi for 12... Prepping everything." [37:32]

The hosts exchange tips on efficient cooking methods, such as using day-old rice for fried rice and sourcing quality sauces like Primal Kitchen's Yum Yum Sauce.

8. Overcoming Parenting Challenges

Kelly and Lizz candidly talk about the hurdles of parenting, including managing children's hair and household responsibilities.

• Lizz's Struggle with Child's Hair:

  "She's beautiful. But like sometimes, like, I struggle to get her to look polished enough, like for church." [31:10]

  She shares creative solutions like using headbands with bows to keep her daughter's hair manageable and stylish.

9. Conclusion and Upcoming Content

As the episode nears its end, Kelly and Lizz tease upcoming content and encourage listeners to stay engaged.

• Kelly's Excitement for Future Episodes:

  "We're going to have some big, big things coming. Lots of content to come." [14:39]

• Final Thoughts: They wrap up the episode with a nod to their next segments, reinforcing the podcast's blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and relatable humor.

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly on Calorie Counting:

  "I have felt more free, to be honest with you." [03:19]

• Lizz on Home Renovations:

  "Tyler's a handy Tyler. One thing about Tyler, he's handy Mandy." [14:28]

• Kelly on Homemade vs. Store-Bought:

  "I can't make a built puff bar at home." [27:26]

• Lizz on Headbands:

  "They're always selling out. But I'm here to talk about them." [05:37]

Final Thoughts

"WE ALL END UP WATCHING BLUEY" is a quintessential episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, seamlessly blending personal stories with practical tips. The hosts' authentic conversations about parenting, product preferences, and life changes offer listeners both entertainment and valuable insights. Whether you're a fellow parent navigating similar challenges or simply seeking relatable and engaging content, this episode promises a delightful ride.