ACKNOWLEDGING THE SPACE WE'RE IN
About this episode
Kelly and Liz talk through the emotional grind of parenting close in age, then pivot to practical “life upgrades” and car obsession. Kelly shares her first-ever new-car order: a white Ford Expedition short wheelbase with a bench, explaining why she prefers it over longer versions for parking and daily use. They swap niche car-seat insights, discuss minivan and hybrid shopping advice (including military spouse buying tactics), and debate what “reliability” really means. Industry gossip includes Tesla’s unsold EV backlog, Buick returning to sedans, and the 2026 minivan rankings—plus a fun Eddie Bauer x Ford Bronco collab history.
car bomb
"[134.6s] You know, the weather's nice. [136.6s] Car bomb is going good. [137.8s] Like I'm acknowledging that space."
“Car bomb” here isn’t about a car. It’s a nickname for a drink, and the speaker is saying their day/life is going well.
“Car bomb” is a slang term for a mixed drink (typically a beer-and-cider combination) rather than anything related to cars. In this context, it’s being used as a casual phrase meaning things are going well.
fleet discount
"Like all white, maybe we could get a fleet discount from them. That's not a bad idea."
A fleet discount is pricing offered when a dealership or manufacturer expects multiple vehicles to be purchased by the same buyer or organization. The idea is that buying several cars at once can reduce per-vehicle costs and paperwork.
Hyundai Tucson
"...and I think the girls will have like a Hyundai Tucson."
The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV. It’s often chosen by families because it’s roomy and easy to drive.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV that’s popular for being comfortable and family-friendly. Here, it’s mentioned as the likely vehicle for the girls, contrasting with the boys’ pickup choice.
bench
"Anyway, I ordered it. I did the bench and I did a short wheelbase, which are two"
A “bench” is a single wide seat that can fit more than one person. It’s often picked for families because it can be more practical than separate seats.
A “bench” seat refers to a wide, single seat for multiple passengers (often two or three) instead of separate bucket seats. It’s commonly chosen for families because it can increase seating flexibility and sometimes improves access to the rear.
car seat
"I've got a car seat. I'll throw a car seat in there."
A car seat is a special seat for kids that helps keep them safe in a crash. It’s strapped into the car so the child can’t move around.
A car seat is a child-safety seat installed in a vehicle to protect children during crashes. It’s typically secured using the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH/ISOFIX system, depending on the seat and vehicle.
second and third rows
"And people don't always realize that the second and third rows are not mirror images of each other."
In many bigger vehicles, there are multiple rows of seats behind the front seats. The back rows can be shaped differently, which changes how many people fit comfortably.
The second and third rows refer to the rear seating areas in multi-row vehicles like minivans and some SUVs. Their layouts can differ significantly, affecting how many people can sit side-by-side and how easy it is to access the seats.
trunk space
"[469.2s] I know how much trunk space I use in a day, in a day. [472.2s] And it's not. [474.1s] It's also one of those things where it's like, if you have an"
Trunk space is how much room your car has in the back to store things. More trunk space usually means it’s easier to carry daily stuff without cramming.
Trunk space refers to the usable cargo volume in the rear storage area of a vehicle. It matters because it affects how much everyday items (groceries, sports gear, kids’ stuff) you can carry without constantly rearranging or leaving things behind.
Toyota Sequoia
"[485.2s] It's not that. [486.3s] It's not even, it's also, it's not no trunk. [488.3s] Like it's not like I'm doing a Sequoia."
A Toyota Sequoia is a big SUV. People bring up its cargo space to compare how much stuff you can realistically store.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV known for having a large, practical cargo area. In this conversation, it’s used as a reference point for “big trunk space” versus a smaller vehicle.
Chevrolet Traverse
"[491.7s] You can put an H-dryer back there. [492.0s] It's probably, I wouldn't put the cubic feet, but like it's [494.0s] very similar to an Atlas, a Traverse, et cetera."
The Chevrolet Traverse is a family SUV with room for people and stuff. They’re comparing its cargo space to what they’re talking about.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV that’s often chosen for family hauling. Here it’s mentioned as a benchmark for how much cargo space other family SUVs provide.
auto show
"like don't forget the auto show June 13th, St. Louis. Yeah. Can't wait. Get your tickets. No, seriously, can't wait. After we had the New York, New York auto show..."
An auto show is an event where automakers display current models, concept cars, and sometimes new launches to the public and media. The segment compares attendance and lineup between major cities’ shows, using Honda’s presence as a talking point.
Honda Pilot
"Not an odyssey or a pilot to be found. You know what's Chicago? Yeah. You know which two cars will be at the car and auto show? The pilot and the odyssey."
The Honda Pilot is a family SUV with room for more passengers. It’s the kind of vehicle people pick when they need extra seats for road trips and daily life.
The Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV aimed at families who need more seating and cargo space than a typical two-row SUV. The hosts use it as an example of which Honda models were (or weren’t) present at the New York auto show and which will be at the Chicago event.
Toyota Sienna
"I think Sienna is darling. But like the first thing I thought was Toyota Sienna. Is that a bad thing?"
A Toyota Sienna is a minivan made by Toyota. It’s the kind of car people often think of when they hear the word “Sienna.”
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for family-friendly practicality and comfort. In this segment, the name “Sienna” immediately triggers the association with the Toyota minivan.
Hybrid is fine, but nothing solely electric
"All the little drive is a must. Hybrid is fine, but nothing solely electric. How many kids four?"
They’re okay with a hybrid, which uses both gas and electricity, but they don’t want a car that’s only electric. That usually means they prefer not to rely entirely on charging at home or on the road.
This is a powertrain preference: they’re open to a hybrid (gas + electric assistance) but not a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The distinction affects charging needs, range planning, and how the car behaves in stop-and-go driving.
Buick Enclave
"[1828.1s] Buick, let's talk. [1830.3s] I'm trying to get an Enclave to the auto show. [1834.4s] I don't have a Buick Enclave at the auto show."
The Buick Enclave is a family SUV with three rows of seats. The hosts are talking about whether they can get one to an auto show to show it off.
The Buick Enclave is a three-row midsize SUV from Buick, aimed at families who want comfort and space. In this segment, it’s mentioned in the context of getting one to an auto show, which highlights how specific models are showcased for buyers and media.
sales tax
"Any advice in the situation, sales tax or traps not to fall for."
Sales tax is the extra percentage you pay to the government when you buy the car. It changes depending on where you live, so it can make the final price higher than the sticker price.
Sales tax is a percentage added to the purchase price when you buy a car. It can vary a lot by location, so it directly affects your total out-the-door cost.
sales tactic
"There's no sales tactic. They can say, okay, well, what information would you need to buy today?"
A sales tactic is just a strategy someone uses to get you to buy. Car dealerships sometimes use them to steer you toward a decision faster.
A “sales tactic” is a strategy a salesperson or dealership uses to influence your decision. In car buying, it often shows up as pressure, incentives, or scripted questions designed to move you toward a purchase.
dealership
"because most dealerships have one. Let's tack on the military discount while you're at it."
A dealership is the retail seller that typically handles pricing, financing, trade-ins, and promotions for a specific brand or brands. Understanding how dealerships structure offers helps you negotiate more effectively and avoid surprises.
airbags didn't deploy
"like as long as airbags didn't deploy or the vehicle didn't get towed or like there wasn't structural damage, like you're fine."
Airbags only deploy in certain levels of impact. If they didn’t go off, it often means the crash wasn’t as severe, which can help the car keep more of its value.
Airbag deployment is a key indicator of crash severity. If airbags did not deploy, it often suggests lower impact forces and typically less likelihood of major structural damage—factors that can help preserve resale/trade-in value.
structural damage
"like there wasn't structural damage, like you're fine. Like it's a fender bender."
Structural damage is when the car’s main frame or strong parts get bent or damaged. That’s more serious than cosmetic damage and can affect how the car drives and what it’s worth.
Structural damage means damage to the vehicle’s frame or load-bearing body components. Repairs involving the structure can be more complex and can affect safety, alignment, and long-term value even if the car looks fine.
fender bender
"Like it's a fender bender. Yeah. And like if you got it repaired, like I literally don't think it will affect your trading value at all."
A fender bender is a minor crash, usually just affecting the outer body parts. It’s generally less serious than a crash that damages the frame or safety systems.
A “fender bender” is a colloquial term for a minor collision, usually involving cosmetic body panels rather than major mechanical or structural components. In trade-in discussions, it’s often used to distinguish low-severity accidents from more expensive, value-impacting repairs.
mileage
"Yeah. I would say, yeah, I mean, that's a lot of mileage. If you don't need that big of a car, I think there's an argument to be made for going."
Mileage is how many miles are on the car. More miles usually means the car is worth less and may need more maintenance sooner.
Mileage is a major factor in a vehicle’s resale/trade-in value and in how much wear-and-tear it likely has. In cost discussions, it also ties into maintenance needs and how quickly a vehicle’s value drops.
Sedans are back
"So, sedans are back."
This phrase means people and car companies might be starting to like regular cars (sedans) again. It suggests new sedan models are coming, not just SUVs.
“Sedans are back” is a market claim that sedans may be regaining consumer interest and/or manufacturer commitment. It usually reflects shifting demand, refreshed model launches, and competitive pressure from SUVs and EVs.
Buick Envision
"...an Encore, an Envision, and an Invista."
The Buick Envision is a crossover SUV. It’s brought up because it’s one of the models Buick currently sells in North America.
The Buick Envision is a compact-to-midsize crossover SUV. It’s mentioned as part of Buick’s current U.S./North America lineup.
Buick Encore
"...consists of an Enclave, an Encore, an Envision, and an Invista."
The Buick Encore is a smaller SUV. They’re listing it as one of the Buick models available in North America.
The Buick Encore is a compact SUV line. In the transcript, it’s included to describe the breadth of Buick’s lineup in North America.
all-wheel drive
"[2738.3s] The Sienna is best in class, fuel economy, extra great storage and available all-wheel drive. [2744.1s] So they're giving the best minivan to the Sienna."
All-wheel drive means power goes to all four wheels. That can help the car grip better on wet or snowy roads.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain setup that sends power to all four wheels to improve traction. It’s especially useful in rain, snow, and slippery conditions, and it can be a deciding factor for families who drive year-round.
fuel economy
"[2738.3s] The Sienna is best in class, fuel economy, extra great storage and available all-wheel drive. [2744.1s] So they're giving the best minivan to the Sienna."
Fuel economy means how far the car can go on a gallon (or tank) of gas. If a minivan gets better fuel economy, it usually costs less to drive.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km. In minivan shopping, fuel economy is a major factor because these vehicles are often used frequently and for longer trips.
hybrid option
"[2774.8s] Best one that doesn't have a hybrid option. [2779.6s] They couldn't have come up, they couldn't have chat GPT'd like two other categories"
A “hybrid option” means the minivan can run using both gas and electricity. People in the conversation are trying to pick the best minivan that doesn’t offer that setup.
A “hybrid option” means the vehicle can be configured with a powertrain that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. In minivans, hybrid availability often affects pricing, fuel economy expectations, and how people evaluate “best” for daily family use.
Stow and go
"[2919.8s] Stow and go. [2922.0s] All wheel drive. [2925.9s] Yeah."
“Stow and Go” is a minivan feature that lets you fold the back seats down into the floor. That makes it easier to carry stuff without removing seats.
“Stow and Go” is a Chrysler/Fiat minivan feature that allows the rear seats to fold into the floor, creating a flat cargo area. It’s a practical convenience feature that affects how easy it is to switch between passengers and hauling gear.
collabs
"[3133.9s] You know how like collabs are like all the rage right now? [3136.7s] Like skims is always like skims is collabing with like Fendi or like there's like people are doing these, right? [3142.9s] Sure."
“Collabs” means collaborations between brands. It’s when two companies team up so they can combine their styles or audiences.
“Collabs” refers to brand collaborations—two companies partnering to create a product or campaign that borrows credibility and style from both sides. The speaker uses fashion and snack examples to explain the idea, then ties it back to the “Eddie Bauer X Ford Bronco” concept.
Yeti
"Like Yeti Yeti and you've got like some like a Yeti cooler in the back integrated somehow."
Yeti is a popular outdoor brand, especially for coolers. The idea here is that a car could be themed around Yeti gear.
Yeti is a well-known outdoor brand best known for coolers and drinkware. The hosts are using it as an example of a lifestyle brand that could pair with a car brand for a themed edition (like coolers integrated into the vehicle).
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