The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Lizz

Episode Title: WTF: WHAT THE FLU?!?
Release Date: December 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kelly and Lizz dive into a harrowing week battling the flu in their households, sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and practical advice for managing sickness as busy moms. The episode touches on pediatric emergencies, the emotional toll of illness, practical prep tips for flu season, and a dose of lighthearted family and holiday discussion. The conversation is candid and relatable, offering comfort and solidarity to listeners enduring similar situations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Sudden Onset and Severity of the Flu

• (00:06) Lizz discusses how last year's flu made her feel like "a full fledged adult":

  "Like, I'm a full fledged adult now from having the flu last year. Like, there was just something about it, like, having to take care of that many people. I'm an adult." (B, 00:06)

• Both hosts emphasize the flu's life-disrupting intensity, differentiating it from a standard cold:

  "There's been sick... And then there's the flu. And the two are not the same." (B, 01:06)

2. Pediatric Health Scare—Febrile Seizure & Multiple ER Visits

• Lizz recounts a traumatic sequence: her son James suddenly becomes unresponsive and experiences a seizure, resulting in an ambulance call and several ER trips.
  • Memorable quote:

    “He was standing there. Eyes were kind of like rolling, and he was shaking and he was not responsive... I can literally feel his temperature rising as I'm holding him. Throws up on me out of his nose... He's having a febrile seizure right now.” (C, 03:25–04:01)

  • Took a video of the seizure, which proved helpful for medical staff.
• Practical takeaway:

  “If you can record it, it can also help time it, because timing the seizure and telling them how long it is is also really important.” (B, 06:03)

3. When to Take Kids to the ER

• Lizz details three ER visits in a week and explains the decision process:
  • First visit: Febrile seizure with ambulance call.
  • Second visit: Severe breathing difficulties; diagnosed with croup.
  • Third visit: Recurring fever and lethargy; diagnosed with an ear infection.
• Takeaway: It’s always okay to err on the side of caution with pediatric emergencies:

  “If you're just, like, not sure and you're, like, really struggling with it and you're really scared, it's okay to just take them. Like, no one is going to think that you're crazy for getting your child checked out.” (C, 09:53)

4. Emotional Toll and Personal Growth

• Both hosts reflect on the unexpected emotional growth that comes from managing such crises:
  • (12:44)

    "You will never... You're just in it and you're like, how does my life ever look normal again after this?" (C, 12:44)

  • (13:02)

    "Sounds silly to say that at the ripe age of 31... But I grew up that week. Do you know what I mean? Like, I'm a full fledged adult now from having the flu last year.” (B, 13:02)

• Lizz shares that her partner, Maddie, also noticed her growth and capability.

5. Practical Sickness Prep Tips for Families

• Stock Up in Advance: Have medications, a functioning thermometer, and freezer snacks prepared.
  • Quote:

    "When the flu hits you, it's too late. Do you know what I mean? So what can you do now to prep for that?" (B, 11:39)

• Popsicles are Essential:

  "Anyone can use a popsicle... Just like always have popsicles in the freezer is my advice." (C, 12:06)

6. Mobile IV Therapy as a Sickness Hack

• Lizz describes her first experience with at-home IV therapy for dehydration:
  • Quote:

    "Kelly ordered me a mobile IV to my bedside... The nurse was telling me all about it. They only hire ER nurses for this." (D, 17:03)

  • Service used: Drip Hydration.
  • Lizz found it game-changing, describing it as “worth its weight in gold.” (D, 21:38)

7. Holiday Planning, Parties, and Family Life

• Kelly shares hosting a successful 28-person girls' night in the midst of flu chaos.
  • Relishes the joy of adventurous friends who enjoy unique foods.
• Discussion about holiday logistics, gift giving anxieties, and the chaos of being a mom in December.
• Logistics Hack: Each child gets a clear tote for their small toys and treasures to keep the house organized.

8. Parenting Philosophy & Grandparent Admiration

• Kelly admires Barb (Tyler’s mom) for her pure, responsive “acts-of-service” orientation to the grandkids:
  • Quote:

    "The world could be burning down around her... But if Hattie wants to take a bath, she'll just drop what she's doing, get Hattie fancy bath salts or a special towel… to her, she's like, no, we're doing this." (B, 31:31)

9. Reflections and Setting Intentions for the New Year

• Lizz discusses striving for patience, living in the moment, and slowing down in 2026:
  • Quote:

    "...I'm always looking towards the next thing... I just kind of want to slow down a little bit and, like, be okay with where I'm at right now." (D, 36:04–37:21)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the shock of pediatric sickness:

  "How does my life ever look normal again after this?" (C, 12:44)

• On parenting maturity:

  "I'm a full fledged adult now from having the flu last year." (B, 00:06 and 13:02)

• On being prepared:

  "When the flu hits you, it's too late. So what can you do now to prep for that?" (B, 11:39)

• On taking kids to the ER:

  "No one is going to think that you're crazy for getting your child checked out." (C, 09:53)

• On gifts and thoughtfulness:

  "People are so misunderstood and get such a bad rap...they just like to be known that they were thought of." (D, 33:30)

Important Timestamps

• Flu symptoms vs. regular sickness: 01:06
• Febrile seizure and ER story: 03:08–06:12
• Advice on calling 911 for seizures: 06:12
• Reflections on emotional impact/growth: 12:44, 13:02
• Household prep tips for flu season: 11:39–12:06
• Mobile IV therapy experience: 17:03–21:38
• Holiday party recap: 22:55–25:21
• Parenting philosophy—making moments special: 31:31
• Intentions for the new year: 36:04–37:21
• Industry news—Volkswagen ID Buzz update: 37:36–39:41
• Quick family dinner idea—pigs in a blanket: 39:52–40:20

Industry News: Volkswagen ID Buzz Update

• VW is skipping the 2026 model year for the ID Buzz electric van due to lackluster sales and market contraction.
  • Kelly's take:

    "It's a stupid car. Like, it's so niche. It was all electric. It's for such a. It's for the wrong market. Like, it's not. It's not an everyday family car." (B, 38:36)

• Lizz notes that, even with family dealership access, she wouldn't consider driving it.

Lighthearted Segment: Dinner Hacks

• "Ditch the Drive-Thru" reminder: Pigs in a blanket (hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls) are a perfectly acceptable family dinner.

  "That's just your reminder. Pigs in a blanket can be dinner." (D, 40:13)

Final Thoughts

This episode blends vulnerability and humor as Kelly and Lizz navigate the distress and chaos of a family health crisis. They reassure listeners that it’s okay to be cautious, to seek help, and to focus on making life a little easier during tough times. The sisters balance serious conversation with lively, practical suggestions and glimpses into their bustling holiday season and family dynamics.

For listeners enduring a rough flu season or seeking commiseration, this episode provides empathetic storytelling, actionable advice, and plenty of sisterly banter.