The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

There's a new arrival on the farm! Ms. Moly the cow has joined the Stumpe household and the whole family is in love. Tyler joins the podcast briefly this week to answer all your burning baby cow questions.  In case you were wondering, Kelly is continuing her book club but is behind on this month's book (which she picked btw). Let's just say this is not one she recommends. Over at the St. John house, Lizz has become obsessed with cleaning and decluttering her home. She's spending hours on Facebook Marketplace getting rid of things she won't use, including baby shoes. This brings up a potential hot take: shoes for babies that can't walk are a waste of money. Regardless, Lizz is learning a lot about herself from her '40 Days of Less' as is Kelly with her sugar-free lent.  Kelly has a new Base Model Luxury that is really brightening her mornings. She puts spoons in the freezer overnight and uses them in the morning to depuff her face. It might sound odd, but honestly this could be your new favorite habit.  If you've been waiting for the Car Mom Auto Show tickets to go on sale, Kelly and Lizz have an important update today on the podcast! Then, it's time to answer more advice questions and this week includes a non-car inquiry. Should Jen be mad at her friends?  Wrapping up the episode with a yummy Ditch the Drive-Thru and a quick Industry News to send you into your weekend. Get Kelly's yoga pants: https://go.shopmy.us/p-44709952

After one week without sugar, Kelly can definitely tell a difference. However, her allergy issues are BACK and making everything the worst. But Kelly won't be down for long as dinner auction season is here and her first one complete! Did she get the most valuable items? Meanwhile, Lizz has started her 40 days of less and is feeling all the organizing serotonin.  What are Kelly and Lizz watching right now? The Netflix subscriptions are definitely getting their workout! Kelly has started the "Top Model" documentary and has some opinions. Lizz is watching the new season of "Love is Blind" and has noticed a major ick with the guys this season.  In Last Three Transactions, Kelly and Lizz break down what they have been transacting on lately. Lizz is all about organizing, matching pjs and finding the right maternity dress for a bachelorette party. Kelly has been on her Shop Bop grind, new headbands for the girls and Scrub Daddy. Speaking of clothes, there is one member of the family that is clearly going to be the fashionista of the bunch!  There are some Advice Questions waiting for Kelly this week and it all has to do with finding the right car for the family. If you've got a tall family and looking for the right car, this is the episode you want to hear! 

Dinner auction season is here! Kelly is ready to bid for the biggest item of the night: front row for the kindergarten performance. But the biggest challenge may be getting through the dessert auction without consuming any sugar. Speaking of Kelly's sugar-free lent, it's been a few days and she has some takeaways. Could this be her new normal?  This week, Kelly and Lizz are bringing a Q & A to the podcast. They are answering all the questions you've been asking on their social media. Find out their first cars, the secret to keeping the family bond and Kelly's real thoughts on the Ford Explorer.  Speaking of Ford, today's Industry News includes two Ford stories. Then in Ditch the Drive-Thru it's all about a Trader Joe's favorite. 

Lent has begun and Kelly is officially sugar-free! Dare we say, it's her new micro-hobby. The other hobby is her new Brick and today on the podcast she's breaking down exactly how it works. Meanwhile, Lizz is revealing her lent promises for this year and she's got some decluttering ideas you're going to want to steal!  As a mother, how do you meet everyone's needs when you have kids of different ages? Kelly and Lizz are both experiencing this challenge and discuss how they are trying to solve it. Hopefully it will mean less kids spraypainting the house...  Good news for the Car Mom - brand new car tours are coming of some of our favorite cars! More good Industry News, the Auto Start button is going away. Also, Kelly is once again asking "Where are the hybrids?" 

Kelly's Brick has arrived and it's going to change her life. She's going to use it to take time to finally learn Spanish and it's all thanks to Bad Bunny! Lent starts next week, which brings another big change for Kelly as she is giving up sugar for 46 days. Did you know that lent is actually 46 days and not 40? If you're looking to change your life, Kelly has a Fast Lane Philosophy that just might get you started. Speaking of changes, Lizz is changing rapidly as she's transitioning out of regular clothes and into maternity wear. While the Halara pants haven't arrived yet, she's trying to figure out what she should have ready for some big events coming up. Are there any maternity stylists listening? Lizz could use your help! Kelly and Lizz are kicking off some advice questions with a non-car related query. What is the perfect 30th birthday gift for your sister? In the car department, there is a question looking for the perfect dad car and debating the difference between the Sienna and Odyssey. A very important debate arises before Industry News - which automaker is the most disappointing? Kelly and Lizz have a LOT to say on the topic. Then, Consumer Reports have announced their cars of the year. Did yours make the list? Finally, a listener submitted Ditch the Drive-Thru with only three ingredients and perfect for Lent.

Big show today on the Carpool! Kicking it off with a recap of the Chicago auto show and spending time with Mama Knows Carseats. Kelly may have posted too many reels, but how could she not when there was so much content? It was a big auto show for parents as Britax became the first car seat company to ever reveal a new product at an auto show. Why aren't more carseat companies taking advantage of these shows? The good news is you'll be able to see plenty of them at the Car Mom Auto Show!  The other big story from over the weekend was, of course, the Super Bowl. The game itself was pretty boring, but Kelly and Lizz both enjoyed the halftime show. Plus, were there any standout commercials or was it all just 'meh'?  Lizz has some Low Lift Luxuries she's bringing to the table this week... literally. Kelly is getting ready to give up sugar for lent. Dare we say it will be her new micro-hobby? Then, Kelly and Lizz answer one of their most asked questions - how much does Lizz make?!?  Finally it is onto an interview with Madeline Custer, creator of the Moves app. She tells Kelly and Lizz the story behind the creation of the fitness app and how it has grown over the years. As a mom of three, how has becoming a mom changed how she approaches fitness? Plus, her lasagna sound recipe for Ditch the Drive-Thru that you could make tonight!  Get one mouth free with the Moves App when you use code 'CARPOOL' at movesapp.com. Follow Madeline on Instagram @madeline_moves Lasagna SoupIngredients¾ lb ground beef, cooked1 tbsp olive oil½ onion, finely diced1 red bell pepper, finely diced3 cloves garlic, minced1 tbsp Italian seasoningSalt and pepper, to taste2 cups marinara sauce4 cups (32 oz carton) low-sodium chicken broth¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese6 oz (about 7 sheets) lasagna noodles, dry, broken into bite-size pieces1 bag (6 oz) baby spinach, roughly chopped½ cup (2 oz) mozzarella cheese, shreddedOptional toppings:Fresh basilParmesan cheeseInstructions Base: In a heavy-bottom pot, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Meat: Add the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, broth, and cottage cheese. Stir to combine and bring to a soft boil. Pasta: Add the broken lasagna pieces. Cook according to the lasagna package directions or until al dente, about 6–8 minutes. Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Assemble: Divide into 4 bowls and top each with about 2 tbsp (½ oz) mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil and/or parmesan if desired.

It's Friday and time for the weekend... but why are the weekend's so chaotic?!? It's supposed to be the resting time, but with little kids in the house you're lucky if you can get a 5 minute nap in. This weekend, Kelly is headed to the Chicago auto show and debating on doing a viral trend on the way there. Is it cute or thirsty?  Speaking of social media, Kelly and Lizz have some new Fast Lane Philosophies to do with social media. This might influence you to take some time off social media. But not too much time away from the Car Mom of course. Could it be your new micro-hobby? Kelly is about to make giving up sugar for lent her new micro-hobby! Will she make it?  A listener sent a message asking for advice on two row SUVs and Kelly also has more advice on where to get your kids clothes. In Industry News, they speculate on what could be announced at the Chicago auto show, the Santa Fe redesign and which car companies are spending on commercials for the big game on Sunday. Most importantly, what are Kelly and Lizz going to be eating during the Super Bowl? They break down their menu for you! 

Big things are happening for the Stumpe's this week as Fred has his first day at pre-school. Over at the St. John house, Lizz is discovering that baby #3 has her craving all things sour. Being in the thick of things with young kids, both Kelly and Lizz are relishing seeing moms on social media with teenagers to remind them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Because what happens when chocolate milk and a snuggle doesn't solve all their kid's problems?  The Fisher Price toy hunt is still on and Kelly is considering a big purchase to complete her collection. Can you blame her when the toys are so good? Could they be the best toys of all time?  There is some good Industry News this week, but the BIGGEST might be the return of the Car Mom Auto Show! There will be all the cars you want to see, the car seats to go in them, things for the kids to do and SO much more. Outside of the auto show, Tesla is ending production in some of their cars in favor of robots, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is dead and Lizz has some things she wants to talk about with the Kia Telluride.  In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz has a way to make one of her favorite grilling dishes in the kitchen when it's too cold to grill outside. However Kelly and Lizz aren't ditching the drive-thru completely right now, as they discovered how amazing a hibachi dinner can be for the whole family. 

Did this week feel like the longest week ever to anyone else? Kelly and Lizz have made it through to Friday and temperatures finally reached above freezing. The kids spent the last week enjoying sledding in the snow and even doing a little camping... for all of 20 minutes... Plus, there was some quality TV time with Lizz getting into "The Landman" and Kelly introducing her daughter to "The Parent Trap." Looking into Last Three Transactions, Kelly is still on her Fisher Price grind. Good news - she found the minivan! The Amazon table saga isn't over as another one is on the way to the Stumpe house. Lizz is stocking up on her favorite Lululemon leggings for herself and poo dinos for the kids... It's a potty training thing. Two advice questions this week come from moms on the opposite ends of the parenting spectrum, one with her first kid and the other with three older kids including a teenager. They both need car advice for this season of their life. In Industry News, Kelly has details on a new Toyota SUV and the Chrysler spec car that got stuck in the snow. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru is a recipe for a southwest meatloaf that you're going to want to make tonight.

A winter storm isn't going to bring the Car Mom down! Kelly and Lizz are bunkered down and ready to bring you a cold episode of the Carpool and they're kicking it off strong with Kelly's first micro-hobby of 2026. Is she canning? Reading? Quilting? Nope! It's all about hunting down the old school Fisher Price Loving Family House. Toys from the 90s really have nothing on the toys from today.  Kelly had a lot on her Driveway Dump today, including some social media trends that are driving her crazy. AI has her second guessing everything on the internet and one video got her good. Lizz is starting to think of baby names, but is coming up empty. Could the name Kelly be an option?  There's a correction from last week Kelly needs to make to kick off Industry News. But the biggest story is the Chicago Auto Show and the Car Mom tour you could be a part of. Get your tickets here!

Lizz has a bone to pick with Kelly to start the podcast off this week. She's fully in her wearing nothing but leggings mode because none of her regular clothes fit and she's not ready for maternity wear. Meanwhile, her sister is looking snatched in stylish outfits all the time and wearing a full face of makeup. How dare she! She's not the only one that is a little mad at Kelly this week as her husband is not happy with a recent Amazon purchase. But after hearing the story you might not blame him. Kelly has a couple new Base Model Luxuries and she could be on the right track. Purse tape measure - yes! Straws in a slim can - not so much... Lizz on the other hand has exactly what you are looking for in a Fast Lane Philosophy reminding us that spending down time with the kids is not lazy. It's these moments they'll remember forever! A new social media trend Lizz has been addicted to is watching women buy their new mom cars. She not only watches the video, but judges them based on the car they bought. So today she's bringing it to the podcast! What does the Car Mom have to say about these "mom cars"? Industry News is light today so instead Kelly has a story on Chat GPT bringing ads to the service. She knows what you're thinking, why haven't they been doing this the whole time?!? Finally, Ditch the Drive-Thru is all about using what is in your kitchen post-holidays and that includes a TON of cube steak!

Last week was a big one for the St John family as they found out the sex of their latest little one and it was NOT what they were expecting! This is going to set the family dynamic for sure. This leads Kelly and Lizz into a conversation about their siblings growing up and we finally find out which one was the troublemaker of the family.   There are some clothing trends going on the ladies need to discuss and that includes the "Olsen tuck" and folding in the fur on your jacket hood. Kelly has questions on things that aren't trending anymore, commercials. Specifically, what happened to the products that never seem to advertise anymore? When was the last time you saw a commercial for Tic Tacs or Kit Kats? Other random thoughts on Kelly and Lizz's minds include "Traitors", "The People You Meet on Vacation", NFL and World Clap Day.  The ladies are back to answering your advice questions and this week is all about the car seats. Families of 3 or 5, this is the episode you'll want to make sure to pay close attention to.  Finally, a listener submitted Ditch the Drive-Thru is the perfect replacement for families that love the KFC Bowl. Plus, the best advice you can get when eating out: always get the meatloaf! 

The baby news is out and Lizz is feeling loved and seen. But is she feeling a little less nauseous? Not so much... Kicking off the podcast talking about having 3 under 3 and why the timing just worked out. Also, Kelly knows the sex of baby #3 and is NOT telling! Meanwhile over at the Stumpe house, Kelly is working through some sleep training issues and potty training issues. A tip Lizz recently got from her pediatrician might be the game changer we all have been looking for when it comes to potty training.  The year 2016 is all over social media this week, which leads Kelly and Lizz to time travel to that year and remember what their lives were like. What were they wearing? What were they doing? Life before Amazon could get us anything overnight was definitely different. Speaking of trending, the next trending food is making itself known and it's one of Kelly and Lizz's favorites: the sweet potato!  Lizz is concerned that Kelly has lost the plot when it comes to Base Model Luxury. Is curating the content in your purse a luxury? What Kelly won't ever lose the plot to is Industry News and today's edition is chock full of tea! GM is committing to more plugin hybrids, the Hyundai CRATER Concept car is getting a ton of buzz and Honda is updating their logo. But the BIGGEST news of the day is the reveal of the Car Mom Car of the Year! 

There's some BIG news to kick off the Carpool today, but we aren't spoiling it here! You gotta listen to get all the deets. Then, Kelly and Lizz have a lot to talk about on the Driveway Dumps. Kelly is getting rid of more items on Facebook Marketplace and is enjoying just putting them out for free. Lizz is getting in fights with random people in the comment section. Both are falling for the targeted ads on Instagram, leading to the purchase of a LARGE paint by number set.  This week, Kelly and Lizz have a listener submitted Base Model Luxury and we're wondering why we never thought of this. Get ready for the Chuck-it Bucket! It doesn't sound glamorous, but we promise this could change your dinnertime routine!  You are going to remember where you were when you heard today's Industry News. Stellantis is ending production on some of our favorite vehicles and we are not okay. Why aren't they coming to the Car Mom before they make any of these decisions?!?  Finally, this week's Ditch the Drive-Thru is VERY needed by one of the mom's today who has been doing a TON of DoorDash lately!  If you love the "Everything But the Elote" seasoning from Trader Joe's, this elevated mac and cheese is going to make it to your recipe list asap. 

Finishing off the first week back to normalcy after the holidays and the Carpool ladies are getting back into the routine. They're both trying to make sure they are fully dressed in something other than athleisure. So far, they are noticing some major differences. But will it last? It's time to see what Kelly and Lizz have been buying so far in 2026 with Last Three Transactions. Kelly kicks it off with a butter dish that has a very interesting story behind it that reveals a relationship truth we might not want to hear, but need to. Lizz has a reveal of her own as we discover she still is shopping at Victor's Secret. Plus, a bonus future transaction Kelly is trying to get done to get her husband to finally get some decorations on their bare walls! Industry News is extra special this week as it is time for the Car Mom Car of the Year! Kelly and Lizz are revealing the top 4 contenders for the year. Did your favorite make the cut? Get your vote in now: https://form.typeform.com/to/Eql6AnTo Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly talks about her easy homemade pizza. But why won't anyone just tell us moms what they want to eat?!?

Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Kelly and Lizz have survived the holiday break (barely) and ready to kick off a new year of podcasts. First things first, it's time to reveal their words for 2026 and these are some things we should all take with us into the new year. Speaking of words of the year, the unintentional word of the year for 2025 was coined right on this podcast: micro-hobbies! Kelly has a new one and it involves joining a club. Plus, her football micro-hobby is going strong and getting ready for the playoffs.  Big announcement for the Car Mom, new merch is here! This one is for all the minivan lovers out there. Since they are on the minivan topic, it's time to talk about Pete Davidson's tricked out minivan. Are you over the "I'm getting a COOL minivan" cliche?  Kelly and Lizz also have some new base model luxuries. Some are better than others...  Checking in with Industry News, Mitsubishi continues to try and find their way in automotives. So far they haven't been successful, could that change soon? Speaking of success, Stellantis sales are down once again for 2025. What can save them?  In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly made a beef soup that impressed the entire family on New Year's Day. It was so good that even Lizz had seconds!  Get your "Never Say Never" sweatshirt now at tensionandthreadco.com

It's New Year's Eve and while many are excited to celebrate, Kelly and Lizz are not into the holiday. Could it be where they are at in their lives or is it just the holiday itself? The day they are excited for is January 5th! Speaking of holidays, Christmas has come and gone and somehow the Stumpe household has made it illness free. The St John house wasn't so lucky, but everyone had a great Christmas. Kelly and Lizz break it all down along with the notes they made for next year. Can't let this week go without a football update. If you have no idea what is going on in the NFL don't worry, Kelly has all the details you need to know. What will her next obsession be for 2026? Since they are on the subject, has Kelly or Lizz picked out their word for next year?

Kelly might sound sick, but it's Lizz's house that has been going through it for the last week. The flu hit her house hard with three ER visits and one 9-1-1 call. Luckily, everyone is on the mend and Lizz is back to tell her tale and give you some good takeaways in case your house gets hit over the holidays. Everyone should be on the mend for the holidays and Kelly is getting really excited for the kids to open all their presents this year. She broke down the ones she is most excited about and let's just say it's going to be a good Christmas in the Stumpe household!  A quick check in with Industry News has a big story coming from Volkswagen. Could this be the end of the ID. Buzz? Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru a reminder that pigs in a blanket is a perfectly acceptable meal for the family.  Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Lizz is out sick today, so it's all Kelly for this episode of The Carpool podcast! She's getting ready to be the hostess with the mostess for her beauty themed rob your neighbor party this week. Hostess mode is in full effect with the holidays! Speaking of the holidays, Kelly has new notes to add for December including mistakes on the Christmas cards, basics for the kids, keeping ready-made food in the fridge and candy cane fishing. Then, it's time for a history lesson. A Car Mom history lesson. You may be new to the Car Mom and thinking "How did this even start?" Kelly breaks down the whole story from starting the Instagram page to getting flown all over the country to talk to major car companies. She shares the high and the lows and offers great tips for anyone looking to become an influencer.

Today on the Carpool Podcast, Kelly and Lizz welcome Shannon Stokely, a young mom and Instagram influencer known for her relatable content on motherhood and cooking. Shannon shares her journey of becoming an influencer, the importance of community among moms, and practical tips for stretching ingredients and meal prepping. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating social media as a mom and offers easy dinner solutions for busy families, emphasizing the joy of cooking with creativity and resourcefulness. Follow Shannon on Instagram @shannon_stokely

It's time for a Holly Jolly meter check! Are Kelly and Lizz in that Christmas spirit? Lizz has just started getting her decorations out and had an immediate realization about when the proper time is to put the decorations up. Kelly, on the other hand, is in full Christmas mode! Her gifts are bought and she's making a daily plan of what to do with the kids during the winter break.  There are some major mindshifts happening with Kelly right now and it's about "blooming where you're planted" and "going deep not wide." What does she mean? It's a new theory she's exploring about cleaning the house and after hearing it you're going to want to change your mindset too!  In Industry News, Consumer Reports have the best and worst car brands for 2026. Did your favorite make the cut?  Then it's time to continue the Carpool Podcasts series of interviews on saving money at the grocery store. Today, Kelly and Lizz chat with Morgan of "Morgan Tayler at Home." She's a mom of almost four that started an Instagram page to help other families with a single income make that dollar stretch. She's got plenty of tangible takeaways including protein prep, things you can make from scratch and why you NEED to put a vacuum sealer on your Christmas list!  To learn more about Morgan's meal plan visit morgantayler.com and follow her on Instagram @morgantaylerathome

It's December and the perfect time for an all-Christmas edition of The Carpool Podcast! Kelly is kicking it off by reviewing her notes from last Christmas. Then it's on to ideas to get you into the holiday spirit that are either free or super inexpensive. Festive Christmas pillow case anyone?!?!  Next, it's time to make Christmas assumptions based on the car you drive. Which drivers are more likely to have their Christmas shopping already done? Who is most likely to have a real Christmas tree? They all make sense.  Finally, it's a Christmas edition of Industry News with Chevy's newest commercial that will make you cry and holiday meal ideas in Ditch The Drive-Thru.  Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Kelly and Lizz are feeling good post-Thanksgiving, or is it the new lighting? Either way today's episode is FULL of content! First, prepare to be jealous as one of the moms has all her Christmas shopping done thanks to Black Friday sales. Then, Kelly and Lizz break down their notes from the family Thanksgiving. No harvest Caesar salad - bad. Mimosas - good!  This week's advice questions starts off with the kindest words Kelly and Lizz have ever received. A mom of almost four is looking for advice on what to expect when #4 arrives and Kelly has some encouraging words for anyone getting ready to expand their family.  Industry News is SPICY today with big stories in auto. First, there are ten EVs getting dropped for 2026 and Kelly has the full list. Then, Tesla has decided to add buttons to their cars navigation system. Finally, congress is looking at rolling back safety requirements in cars to help the price point. Should you be worried?  Finally, if you're looking for some tangible takeaways to help keep your family organized and save some money, Kelly and Lizz have a GREAT guest on the show today! Natalie is a mom of five homeschooled kids that shares her home cooking and kitchen tips on Instagram. She shares how she manages everything from cleaning the kitchen, getting laundry done and her #1 tip: PREP YOUR PROTEINS! Plus, she has a Ditch the Drive-Thru pizza recipe that you're going to want to make your next go-to meal.  Follow Natalie on Instagram @homebeginswithlove

It's a post-turkey day, recording before turkey day, Black Friday special episode! Lizz has a new gym and needs to get some pet peeves off her chest. Why all the grunting? Speaking of pet peeves, Kelly has some people in her DMs that are being haters over her Christmas plans and she is not having it. Don't expect her to just ignore those DMs! She will fight back! With it being Black Friday, it's the perfect time for Last Three Transactions! Trying to figure out what to get your friends and family this year? Here are some GREAT ideas: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3052672⁠ There's a new 'Dancing with the Stars' winner and it's time to break it all down. Do Kelly and Lizz agree with who took home the mirror ball? There's some hot tea in Industry News this week! A female crash test dummy has FINALLY been created and another kind of dummy of the influencer kind is pulling apart a brand new Jeep!

FINALLY! After talking about her non-stop, Kelly and Lizz are joined on the podcast today by the one and only Merrick White! This is the woman who has changed the way both ladies think about style and what to wear on a daily basis. They discuss Merrick's point system, the items every woman should have in the closet and what you need to be buying this Black Friday. Follow Merrick on Instagram @merricksart MERRICKS RECS!https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3019050 KRIS-mas List:https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3019284

Big things are on the horizon for the Car Mom as a website is in the works! Kelly and Lizz have been spending a lot of time getting ready for the launch and some amazing new features, including an official Car Mom rating system and viewer ratings. Just consider them ladies in tech right now! At home, both families are getting ready for Thanksgiving. There will be one major change to the menu this year as Kelly can no longer have her favorite autumn caesar salad thanks to that pesky anchovy allergy. Will she find a suitable substitute? It's all about car advice questions from the listeners this week. First, a mom needs advice on a new car after a crash left hers totaled. A second mom needs advice on the perfect car for her family after delaying getting an official "mom car." Moving into Industry News, Motortrend has named the SUV of the year. Did they get it right? Then, Kelly and Lizz have a LOT to say about this week's "Dancing with the Star" elimination. They are HEATED!

Kelly is all business today in her business casual best and making mandated dress codes for Lizz. Will Lizz comply with orders?  Deer hunting season has started and ended for the Stumpe household. Tyler got his buck on the first day out, which was exciting for Kelly to have her husband back home with the family to help out around the house. But then that excitement ended and Tyler was put to bed. Meanwhile, Lizz spent the weekend in Indianapolis for the Marine Corp Ball. Matty is now in love with the city and is adopting the Colts as the team they will root for this season. But not everything was sunshine and roses as a bad Uber ride ended the evening early for Lizz.  There is advice coming from everywhere this week. First, a sweet moment with George leads to a great lesson on helping your kids follow their dreams no matter what they are. The Detail Shop has some green linen pants that are going to change your fall wardrobe. Finally, in advice questions Kelly has your playbook for the perfect party with friends both old and new. If you're planning a "Favorite Things" party this is a MUST listen!  In Industry News, Audi is trying to make a Land Rover rival. Will it work? Amazon is teaming with Ford to sell used cars. Why Kelly thinks this is the future of automotive sales!  Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, if you're not making hot dogs in the crockpot or pulled pork nachos, what are you doing with your life?  Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Have you ever heard Kelly talk about the Nissan Armada? There is a very specific reason why as she reveals today on the Carpool Podcast. Turns out, she is NOT a fan and there are many reasons why.  Moving on the biggest topic of the episode, getting your house winterized and not in the way you are thinking. Kelly and Lizz are not talking about pipes or updating heating systems. Today they are talking about how to get your house ready to keep the kids busy for the cold winter months. Chances are you're going to spend many hours at home with the kids stuck inside. Are you prepared? Kelly and Lizz share the activities they are prepping to keep the whole family entertained. A quick Industry News has all the details on the 2027 Kia Telluride redesign. What are Kelly and Lizz most looking forward to? Then it's on to a 'Dancing with the Stars' recap and all the predictions Lizz has made that have come true. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is obsessed with an enchilada sauce and Kelly is back on her BBQ chicken pizza grind. 

The new podcast studios are up and running. Are Kelly and Lizz ready to introduce themselves as podcasters? It does sound a little better than 'influencer'. Either way, they are ready to make 2026 the year of The Carpool Podcast!  Kelly is starting things off strong with a Fast Lane Philosophy that will get you thinking. "Don't compare your start to someone else's middle?" This leads into a conversation on comparing yourself to others on social media, finding the right sources and learning from those that have done it all. It's been a while, but the Millennial Word of the Day is BACK! Do you know what an "Unk" is? Lizz has an explanation. Luckily, it's not as annoying as the 6-7 craze... Kelly and Lizz both have products in the Detail Shop that you're going to want to hit 'add to cart' on. First, Kelly is obsessed with the new dry shampoo she recently tried. But not so obsessed with the med spa facial she recently tried out. Lizz is working on getting out of her ugly era and the beef tallow she recently tried seems to be doing the trick.  An advice question came in from a mom that is on a journey to become a truck mom. Is there a good electric truck she should look for? Since they are on the subject of cars, it's the perfect way to transition into  Industry News with the Top 10 Best Selling Cars of 2026. Did your favorite make the list? Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is making Pesto Chicken Pasta and Kelly is raining on her parade. Then it's time for 'Dancing with the Stars' predictions. Will Andy finally go home?!?  Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Technology woes aside, it's time for another episode of the Carpool Podcast! There's so much to talk about today including BIG merch updates, the Sexiest Man Alive and excitement for 'Zootopia 2.' Plus, the games that are helping Kelly get through her post-allergic reaction brain fog. It's been a while, but Kelly has a new fast lane philosophy that might take a couple minutes for you to figure out, but it's totally worth the journey. Then, some great advice questions that have Kelly and Lizz helping a Chick-Fil-A owner spend $70,000 on a new car and helping a new grandma to find the perfect car for her. It's time to talk about 'Dancing with the Stars' and with the contestant count dwindling, it's time to really focus on who should go next. It should be Andy, but will it? Also, something needs to be said about celebrity guest judges. In Industry News, both Ram and Hyundai are ramping up their line-ups significantly. Ram has their first SUV on the way and Hyundai will have 4 truck models by 2030! Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Happy Wednesday! While you're listening to this episode, Kelly is out drinking wine and Lizz is bridesmaid dress shopping. But before any of that, Lizz needs to again stop the rumors. She is NOT pregnant despite what the Halloween costume said! Speaking of Halloween, they both have notes from trick-or-treating that needs to be discussed. Why do people have giant decorations and then don't hand out candy? With winter on its way, a listener has written in to get some advice on winter hosting. Since Kelly is fully in her hosting era, this is the perfect topic to bring up. Both she and Lizz have hosting in their future and share some great ideas you're going to want to pay attention to. It's kind of a micro-hobby and speaking of micro-hobbies, it's time for an update on what Kelly and Lizz are working on. Have they made any progress? In Industry News, it's time to discuss GM getting rid of Apple Play. Why are they doing it? Will it be an upgrade or a downgrade? Then in Ditch the Drive-Thru, there are a lot of dishes Kelly and Lizz have to share. First is a delicious lasagna soup, then a dip that made their Halloween night and the beginnings of Novembeef. Before they go, Kelly and Lizz have to make some 'Dancing with the Star' predictions!

Happy Halloween! Kelly and Lizz are getting ready to celebrate the holiday with the kids at their brother's house this year. Why? He has the perfect trick-or-treat neighborhood. That's an important tip, always have a friend in the good trick-or-treating neighborhood for Halloween! Lizz is getting ready to start a new micro-hobby and craft the perfect blow out. Kelly has a couple of micro-hobbies of her own she wants to take on: jarring jalapenos and baking the perfect zucchini bread. They decide they are going to keep each other accountable and share their progress every week. Will they be successful? Another one of Kelly's micro-hobbies lately has been shopping, a perfect time for Last Three Transactions. Kelly has been transacting a lot to put together the perfect Thanksgiving outfit including boots, faux leather pants and a sweater. Lizz on the other hand is getting a new pair of running shoes and hair products to work on that blow out. In Industry News, a teaser has been released of the new Kia Telluride. Is it going to live up to the hype? What does live up to the hype is Kelly's Ditch the Drive-Thru this week of yellow curry chicken thighs. Speaking of hype, you asked and Kelly and Lizz listened. 'Dancing with the Stars' recaps are BACK! Did the right person go home this week? Who will win it all? They'll give all their possibly controversial hot takes. Finally, Kelly and Lizz are wrapping up Blake's Besties with three touching stories, including one very close to their hearts.

Family parties are much different for Kelly and Lizz post kids. Over the weekend they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the farm with the entire family in one spot and while others celebrated with a lot of alcohol, Kelly and Lizz stayed relatively sober. They recap the entire family celebration with all the traditions and some magical rain thrown in for a little extra fun. The good times didn't stop for Kelly as the next day was the sausage dinner at her church. There's just something about a church meal that hits different.  Lizz needs to talk about the Hatch ad controversy. Some people are throwing out their Hatch sound machines after their new ad and internet rumors of "demonic" voices. Are people being a little too dramatic? It's the perfect Halloween marketing campaign and speaking of Halloween the Car Mom has some spooky fun coming. If you've got a festive trunk-or-treat setup it could win you some money!  In Industry News, EV sales plunged in October when the tax credits ran out. Will this be the end of the EV boom? How many people go back to buy a second EV? Why Kelly and Lizz are crushing on the Honda Passport and suggesting it to everyone. Plus, a new Jeep ad claims they were voted #1 best car for ________. How did they even get that data?  Moving on to Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is super excited for her buffalo mac & cheese she's making tonight. This might be the best hack you'll hear all week! Kelly is also on the pasta train and making a spaghetti staple this week.  Finally, you're going to want to get some tissues ready for Blake's Besties this week as we share a letter from a dad on his experience when they lost their little one. 

Sydney is back from Australia and ready to spill all the Australian tea. The Carpool listeners have a ton of questions for Kelly and Lizz's sister about living down under for the last ten months. She reveals all about dating the food, driving and dating in Australia. Plus, is she Robert Irwin's American girlfriend?  Since Sydney is the wish list queen, this is the perfect time to rundown Last Three Transactions. Apparently, Australian deodorant sucks so that was first on Sydney's list to get once she got back to the states. She also stocked up on Australian snacks before her return for the family to enjoy. Meanwhile, Kelly and Lizz are transacting and getting ready for the family farm anniversary party. It's a chic cowboy theme and the outfits needed to match.  After Sydney reveals her Australian Ditch the Drive-Thru, it's time for Industry News. Jeep is upgrading and rebranding the Grand Wagoneer. Kelly and Lizz explain why this is a good move on Jeep's part.  Finally, we celebrate the lives of three angel babies lost too soon in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month with Blake's Besties. 

Kelly and Lizz are still trying to get used to the news schedule and not talking about ‘Dancing with the Stars' every week. At least they'll have then highlights to devour on social media. Could one of the reasons they are so into the show is because they aren't dancers themselves? This leads the ladies into a discussion of the trauma they faced being tall girls in high school and sharing some very specific stories that left them scared. It was a party weekend for both Kelly and Lizz. Lizz went to her sourdough party and it was one of the most thoughtful parties she had ever been to. Kelly went to a fall party and enjoyed specialty sangrias and crafts. Moving on to a kid's party, it was Hattie's birthday and Kelly shared all the hacks she had to put together the perfect party. This week's advice questions all have to do with Christmas and buying presents for the kids. First, what to do when there are a lot of kid's in the family. Do you buy for each of them or try and do a Secret Santa? Plus, what are Kelly and Lizz's rules when it comes to the amount of presents they get their kid's for Christmas?   Industry News is light this week, but the Car Mom is busier than ever! They've got a new BMW vs. Mercedes comparison video you'll want to check out. In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Crocktober continues with a recipe for Jamaican pork with rice. Finally, Kelly and Lizz share the stories of the babies taken too soon in Blake's Besties. Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool20' at checkout to get 20% off your order and free shipping. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

We're Friday podcasters now! What better way to start your weekend than with a new episode of the Carpool! But it's not all good news, with the new schedule there may no longer be a 'Dancing With the Stars' recap. For some of you that might not be such bad news...  Kelly has some fashion tips for fall and ways to get you into a seven point outfit. That's not the only tip as Kelly and Lizz get into their new segment Detail Shop. If you're looking to give your lips a little love, Kelly swears by Cortibalm and the Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Lipcolor. Lizz is loving fake nails and has some tips on how to get the best bang for your buck.  Speaking of self care, Lizz is getting back into hot yoga but her first session wasn't entirely successful. Next time, she'll bring the yoga towel! Base Model Luxury is also on the self-care realm as Kelly is looking to lessen her screen time.  There are two car-related advice questions waiting for Kelly, both from expecting moms about to grow their family. Then in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly has the latest Crocktober recipe and *shocker* it's a ham and bean soup.  Finally, in Blake's Besties Kelly and Lizz celebrate the lives of the little ones gone too soon in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Big changes in the Carpool today. Not only has the release schedule changed, but so has Lizz's hair! Which one is the bigger news? We're not sure, but Kelly does think Lizz can go shorter. Lizz only thinks it looks good with a hat on. In good news, Kelly is feeling like herself again and has gone full force in cultivating fall vibes. It's all about apple cider donuts, chili and football... in 81 degree weather... Plus, she's organizing the toys and feels really good about it.  Kelly and Lizz are headed on a road trip to speak at a women's conference and are the two podcasters to do so! Sounds about right when you have the #2 automotive podcast. Speaking of automotive, there is a lot of juicy Industry News. Toyota has a recall, the 10 best selling EVs of 2025 and apparently Paris has an auto show! Should that be the next Car Mom trip?  In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is literally ditching the drive-thru now that she is back in her own home. She made steak freezer burritos and they are a winner!  Finally, it is time to celebrate the lives of the little ones gone too soon with Blake's Besties. Today, Kelly and Lizz share the stories of Teddy and Wyatt. Plus, a beautiful letter from a Labor and Delivery nurse.  Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Kelly is feeling better, but the anxiety from the steroids sure did a number on her. Luckily Lizz was there to step in and host a 4Runner tour to rave reviews. But now that she's feeling better, Kelly is ready to shop the Prime Day deals. The deals weren't the best, but she managed to get some great finds. One of those finds is a belt she needed for the influencer party both Kelly and Lizz are headed to this week. Does this mean they are fashion influencers now? If they are, Lizz has the perfect brooch! Speaking of brooches, they'll be perfect for a holiday outfit. Kelly is excited for most of the holidays, except the fall salad she perfected last year that could now kill her....  Kelly and Lizz continue to be enthralled with the current season of 'Dancing with the Stars' and have a lot to say about this week's episode. Did the right person go home? How much does personality matter more than dance ability? They'll talk about their favorite dances and the ones that creeped them out.  In Industry News, a list of the top 25 cars that could last 250,000 was released and the top four are Toyota vehicles. Then some unfortunate news as Kia announced the Soul will not be sold after 2025. Then in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is bringing back the parmesan asparagus and Kelly is making an easy carbonara.  Lastly, Kelly and Lizz celebrate the lives of more of Blake's Besties including the stories of Claire, Molly Grace, Jude and Violet. 

Remember when Kelly mentioned she might have had an allergic reaction to anchovies in Detroit? Well, it turns out she was onto something as it happened again and this time sent her to the ER! After some time at home recovering, she's feeling better and getting ready to get into her purse era as she has to start carrying an EpiPen wherever she goes. The time recovering also allowed Kelly to finally watch "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and she has some hot takes. Plus, the TikTok creator that she spent a lot of time consuming and how it's inspiring Kelly to get into her bread era.  Speaking of bread eras, Lizz is getting ready to get into her sourdough era thanks to a party from one of her neighbors. She's having a "Soup, Sourdough and Sips" party and this is something we can all get on board with. Now Lizz needs to start planning an adult party of her own and has some really great ideas.  In Industry News, Kelly can't wait to get into her newest press car, a Toyota Grand Highlander. Lizz is ecstatic to hear that the Nissan Xterra is getting a reboot and will be back on the market in 2029. Will it be worth the wait?  Crock-tober continues as Kelly and Lizz give their take on last week's chicken and dumplings recipe. They had completely different experiences and only one of them added the recipe to their cookbook. What's on the menu this week? It's a butter chicken dish that sounds incredibly flavorful!  Finally, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Kelly and Lizz share the story of Teddy, Letty and the cardinal that came as a comfort to one family. 

Good news: Lizz is back in her home! Bad news: it's not fully done yet. But they are getting there and it feels good to be back in her own space. Expect a lot of before and after content to come from the remodel. Kelly isn't done with her home projects either as the next one is going to soon have her whole family in the recently vacated basement at her parents house.  ⁠CLICK HERE⁠ to join Lizz on ShopMy.  Spoiler alert: Kelly and Lizz are recapping 'Dancing with the Stars' and they have a LOT to talk about! Who deserved better scores? Did the right person go home? Plus, why Lizz needs to have a word with Disney+ and this being a "family friendly" show.  In Last Three Transactions, Lizz has been doing a LOT of transacting to get the finishing touches done on her home. There's the silver wipes to clean the plate her mom won in the pageant in the talent competition (btw did you know she sang for the Pope?!?). Then the Marine Corps. sticker so she won't get pulled over by a park ranger again. Yes, there's a story there. Meanwhile, Kelly is spending money on dry cleaners, hand steamers and a mini karaoke machine.  For Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is making a go-to favorite that is easy and satisfying. Plus, fresh made home cookies with a recipe that always slaps.  It is October and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which means the return of Blake's Besties. Each episode this month, Kelly and Lizz will be sharing the stories from listeners of their little ones gone too soon and celebrating the short lives they lived. 

Kelly is in her pretty era today, which kind of inspired a new segment... if they can get the name right. It's the Car Mom Detail Shop revealing their beauty swaps. Yeah, it needs some work but the products the ladies are using don't. If you are looking for good eye lash, hair protein spray and tinted moisturizers then this is the episode for you!  If you're also in your hosting era, Kelly has more tips from being hosted over the weekend to plus up your party with not too much extra work. Plus, how do you teach your kid not to tattle yet still tell the truth?  Then, it's time to talk about the newly announced Super Bowl Halftime performer: Bad Bunny. Kelly is all for it, Lizz not so much. Speaking of bunnies, there are some new additions to the Stumpe farm... but it's not all good news as one has already met its maker.  In Industry News, there's a new list of car trends that need to die that Kelly and Lizz are mostly on board with. Finally, Croctober begins tomorrow with the first recipe you're immediately going to want to make - chicken and dumplings! 

So much has happened since the last episode, Kelly went to Detroit, their brother got engaged and the entire family is watching Dancing with the Stars!  Kelly's trip to Detroit was one of the top moments of her life. She'll recap it all including doing satellite interview tours, touring the new Ford headquarters and talking to designers about keeping your family safe in their new designs. Even discovering a food allergy while at dinner couldn't damper the vibe of this trip.  In Industry News, Infinity is solving a problem in the coolest way possible. They have robots replicating blue jean stains on car interiors to try and figure out a solution. It sounds weird, but the video is kind of awesome! Plus, Nissan is working on their self-driving model and a reminder that the EV tax credit ends soon. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz has a one pan meal that is definitely going to get you out of your dinner rut! 

Kelly is jet setting once again off to Detroit to do some work with Ford. Will that work eventually lead to a ticket to see the Detroit Lions? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Sloan is turning one and it's a big milestone for Lizz. Not only does that mean the end of breastfeeding, it also means she can finally give up the nursing bras and buy some sports bras!   Fall is officially here, and that means Kelly is into her soup era and made her first soup of the season. Now she's ready to move on to chicken and dumplings. But since fall is here, can you put up your Halloween decorations or is it too soon? The family that now lives in Kelly's last home certainly don't think so as the house is COVERED in all things Halloween.  Then, a Carpool listener needs some advice on investing in her first minivan. This leads right into Industry News and the big news of the Hyundai Palisade recall. Plus, why Nissan has discontinued the Ariya electric SUV.  Finally in the Ditch the Drive-Thru it's time for the return of the Iowa Slinger! Should they do an entire month dedicated to all things ground beef recipes? 

We'll start with the bad news, Lizz is out for today's podcast. But the good news is Kate from Naptime Kitchen is BACK to take her place for the day! She's been living that book tour life but managed to find the time to join Kelly to talk about all the adventures she's had since becoming a published author.  Then, it's time to rundown Last Three Transactions. Kate had to break down and buy a new Apple watch since her last one broke and realized how much she misses having it on her wrist. She's also been transacting to get ready for her daughter's birthday and running by a local bakery to grab her favorite go-to quiche for a quick meal at home. Kelly is stocking up on pre-cut parchment paper that has been a game changer in her kitchen. Plus, another Facebook Marketplace haul and a major order from Athleta.  In Industry News, it turns out AI is NOT good at everything - specifically designing cars. Our dreams of flying cars might be on hold for a little longer as Hyundai announced it is halting his air taxi department.  Finally, in Ditch the Drive-Thru how to elevate your tuna melt and grilled cheese sandwich. 

Today on the Carpool podcast, Kelly and Lizz delve deep into the art of hosting, offering practical tips and insights for creating memorable gatherings. Kelly shares her journey from feeling intimidated by hosting to embracing it as a way to foster community and in-person connections. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining a welcoming home environment, even with a busy family life, and provides actionable advice on meal planning, using paper products for easy cleanup, and keeping essential items on hand for spontaneous get-togethers. Kelly also highlights the significance of setting a good example for children by prioritizing real-life interactions over digital ones. Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool20' at checkout to get 20% off your order and free shipping. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Who doesn't love a comfort TV show? It's those shows that you re-watch over and over again. Today on the Carpool, Kelly and Lizz discuss their "Model Line-up" of comfort TV shows. They both have a pretty good list and neither will contain "Gilmore Girls."  Before they get to that, it's time to talk about the Second Summer that is currently happening in Missouri. Kelly wants a fall drink, but it's too warm outside for a hot drink. Will an Olipop do? Lizz is getting excited to break out the fall decorations, but not as excited as she is to watch the new season of "Dancing with the Stars." It's been a while, but the advice segment is back this week answering questions on mom guilt and how long you can wait to upgrade your car. Speaking of upgrades, in Industry News Kelly reveals that more people are upside down when they trade in their car. Finally, it's all about Souptember in Ditch The Drive-Thru with a super yummy ham and bean soup recipe. 

Could Kelly be a Powerball winner? There was a winning ticket sold in Missouri and Tyler won't let her know if he has that ticket in his pocket. Will winning that money change her? You might not know if they won but there will be signs... like a 10 car garage.  The Lions lost their first game of the season, but it wasn't all in vain. It helped Kelly remember just how fun watching football can be and now she has added all the games to her calendar to make it official. Now they just need to get Lizz on board... Speaking of Lizz, she's feeling like she is in her ugly era or as many of us refer to it as "That Time of the Month." It's led her to wonder why we ever got rid of moon lodges and she may be on to something.  Both Kelly and Lizz came to the show with a base model luxury that has changed their life recently. First, Kelly bought some black wash cloths that have changed the game when it comes to makeup removal. Then, Lizz is exploring flavored whipped creams that have changed her coffee experience.  In Industry News, Mercedes Benz are working on making their G-class vehicles convertibles. Elon Musk might be the world's first trillionaire if he takes the incentive package Tesla is currently offering him. Finally, GM electric vehicles are really giving everyone else a run for their money.   Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool20' at checkout to get 20% off your order and free shipping. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Kelly and Lizz are continuing getting ready for football season and to route for the Detroit Lions. Kelly is even wearing her new gear to get ready for the big game. Turns out Carpool Country is also Lions Country. But are they more excited for the game or the food?  There's a lot of controversial opinions the ladies need to discuss today. First, Gen Z is now saying leggings are over but they're gonna have to take them from Lizz's cold, dead body. Why do we have to yuck someone's yum? Then, it's time to once again dive into the buying used vs. new convo. But that's not the only car controversy they need to discuss as Kelly has some hot takes on the Ford Expedition that everyone needs to hear.  Base Model Luxury is back and Kelly will explain why cleaning out your fridge is the ultimate flex. This leads into a snack hack that Kelly discovered recently and Lizz is ready to make it the rule in her home... that is when she can get back in it. How life will change when this remodel is over!  The biggest piece of Industry News this week is all about the groundbreaking interview just posted on the Car Mom Facebook page. Plus, is Jeep getting their stuff together? We're rooting for them!  Finally, it's a comfort staple from the early days of newlywed bliss for Kelly that is the perfect fall meal. 

Summer has come to an end and Kelly is ready for football season! She is fully committing to being a Detroit Lions fan. But is she actually excited to watch the game or just excited to watch the commercials? Since summer is over, Kelly has a list of what she learned this year that she is taking into next year including kids camps, America clothing and hay season.  The micro-hobbies are continuing as Kelly is now obsessed with buying banners to celebrate holidays and major family events. This is her first item in Last Three Transactions this week along with Labor Day sales from the Tea Collection and a birthday present for Sloan. Meanwhile, Lizz has been stocking up on Burt's Bee jammies, consignment shop finds and Paw Patrol toys from Facebook Marketplace.  There's some juicy news in Industry News this week. First, the federal tax credit for electric vehicles is about to end. Kelly has details on the exact date it ends and how you may be able to still be eligible if the car you want isn't ready yet. Then, Hertz and Amazon are teaming up to sell used rental cars through the app. They'll break down exactly what that means and why this might not be the best idea.  Finally, in Ditch the Drive-Thru Kelly and Lizz somehow managed to bring the same recipe without realizing it and it's a family staple you can easily make your family tonight! 

Is your micro-hobby listening to the podcast? Lizz is looking for a new one and really wants to stick to it this time. She's looking into spider plants and paint by numbers. Which one will she embrace? Kelly has plenty of micro-hobbies and right now she is concentrating on the family Christmas photo tradition.  After a little Kelly and Lizz chat, it's time to get into a fascinating chat with Jessica Jermakian from the IIHS. They recently released their list of cars perfect for the first-time driver in your family. She'll talk about what to look for in a teenager's first car, key safety features and how to prepare your kids to hit the road. Plus, Jessica shares a unique Ditch the Drive-Thru that has us inspired! 

It feels like it's been forever since it was just Kelly and Lizz and they have SO much to talk about… and not talk about. While Lizz has been solo parenting for two weeks (an experience that has changed her as a person), Kelly has been prepping for her birthday. Did you know that making the perfect potato salad could cause a lot of stress and discussion? A lot of tangible takeaways here from Kelly's potato salad trauma. In the end it all turned out to be the perfect evening, including some lovely gifts from her family. This leads right into a tangible takeaway from Lizz on how to start the perfect gift tradition.  The potato salad stress might have been a bit exaggerated by a MASSIVE interview for the Car Mom. Kelly and Lizz traveled to Detroit to chat with GM CEO Mary Barra. They gave a little preview of the interview as well as talked about the friends they did not make in the car seat lab.  Another massive milestone happened in the Stumpe household as George headed off to school for the very first time. Kelly is so ready to be in her “mom of school kids” era and already planning her truck-or-treat decorations. Speaking of family time, Kelly is ready to introduce her kids to “Shark Boy and Lava Girl” in hopes that they will want to dress as them for Halloween. Is “Spy Kids” next? Both movies go perfect with a Ditch the Drive-Thru favorite: pulled pork bbq nachos!