UNLOCKING AMERICAN GIRL DOLL TRAUMA
About this episode
Kelly and Liz trade life updates—hospital drama with Sloan’s infected gland and surgery, Kelly’s painful stye, and the emotional shift of entering different parenting stages (including Kelly’s pregnancy). Between that, they dive into Kelly’s new “micro hobby”: American Girl TikTok and the weird childhood trauma of a too-big My Twin doll. They also share a home system called “reps” (read/education/play/service) before TV. Faith and family come up with Liz’s husband converting to Catholicism. Car talk dominates the back half: New York auto show impressions (Atlas refresh, Hyundai Boulder, Pacifica praise, Subaru/ Toyota crossover, and Kelly’s Expedition order plans). Finally, Liz updates her sugar fast and restrictive health program for histamine/hives, plus salad-prep dinner ideas.
midsize market
"Like I really do think, I'm sorry, there's not a better bench in the midsize market. Like, and I will take that."
“Midsize market” is the segment of vehicles that are larger than compact SUVs but smaller than full-size models. When someone says they’re comparing within the midsize market, they’re usually talking about competing SUVs with similar interior volume and pricing.
car seat friendly
"Like it is one of the most car seat friendly. If not the most car seat friendly midsize SUV you can get. Like it just is."
“Car seat friendly” means the car is easier to use with a child car seat. That usually includes enough space in the back and seatbelts that make installation simpler.
“Car seat friendly” refers to how easy it is to install and live with child safety seats in a vehicle. In practice, it often comes down to seatbelt geometry, rear-seat space, access to the back seat, and whether the seat can be tightened without awkward angles.
lower anchors
"Like they didn't really make it any more car seat friendly. Like they didn't give me the lower anchors."
Lower anchors are built-in points in the car that help you attach a child car seat safely. If they’re missing, you usually have to use the seat belt to secure the seat instead.
“Lower anchors” refers to the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) used to secure child seats in a vehicle. If a vehicle doesn’t have them, installing a car seat can be more difficult and may require using the seat belt instead.
side pillar vents
"They did give us side pillar vents, which was interesting."
“Side pillar vents” are air outlets mounted in the vehicle’s A-pillar/B-pillar area (the vertical trim near the doors). They can be a practical upgrade for rear-seat comfort because they can aim airflow more directly toward passengers.
Audi Q7
"we called it Uber and the Uber we got was an Audi Q7. And which, you know, Volkswagen owns Audi."
The Audi Q7 is a family-sized luxury SUV. Here it’s mentioned because it already has the kind of rear-seat vents the speaker is noticing in other vehicles.
The Audi Q7 is a midsize luxury SUV known for having thoughtful rear-seat ventilation options, including side pillar vents. In the segment, it’s used as a comparison point for how quickly other models (like the Atlas) adopted similar features.
Volkswagen
"And which, you know, Volkswagen owns Audi."
Volkswagen is the parent company behind Audi. Because they’re connected, cars from different brands can share similar design ideas and parts.
Volkswagen Group owns Audi, which is why the speaker connects the Q7’s features to what might show up in other Volkswagen Group vehicles. This kind of shared platform/engineering can lead to similar interior packaging and HVAC vent designs across brands.
auto show reveals
"And so then it kind of like, there was a lot of reveals at the New York auto show. ... cause they got no reveals, like not a single reveal at the Chicago auto show."
At car shows, a “reveal” is when a company officially shows a new car or big update for the first time. More reveals usually means more excitement and more news coverage.
“Reveals” at auto shows are the big moments when automakers officially unveil new vehicles, trims, or concept cars—often accompanied by press conferences and media coverage. The segment uses “reveals” to explain why one show generated more buzz than another.
New York auto show
"And so then it kind of like, there was a lot of reveals at the New York auto show. And it's so funny because I ran into the Chicago auto show crowd at New York."
An auto show is a big event where car companies show off new cars and big updates. The New York one is known for getting a lot of media attention, so “reveals” there can make headlines.
The New York International Auto Show is an event where automakers unveil new vehicles, concept cars, and major updates. In the segment, the hosts are discussing how many “reveals” happened there and how that affected attention from the press and enthusiasts.
Chicago auto show
"Cause I guess like they like come to like checking with the manufacturers. But like, Oh, what do you think of the Chicago auto show? ... cause they got no reveals, like not a single reveal at the Chicago auto show."
Chicago also hosts a major car show where companies try to impress people with new cars. In this conversation, they’re basically saying Chicago didn’t have as many exciting announcements as New York.
The Chicago Auto Show is another major North American auto show where manufacturers typically announce new models and concepts. Here, the speaker contrasts it with New York by saying Chicago had fewer or no big announcements, which made the crowd “salty.”
Boulder Hyundai Boulder
"...ng reveal. There was a couple was definitely the Hyundai Boulder. Yeah."
The Boulder is an off-road SUV model from Hyundai. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a new competitor in the same general category as other rugged SUVs.
The “Hyundai Boulder” is referenced as a competitor in the off-roading SUV segment, positioned against vehicles like the Ford Bronco. It’s being discussed in the context of a reveal, which typically means the podcast is covering a new model’s introduction and how it fits into that rugged SUV category. The key point is that it’s part of the growing lineup of off-road-focused SUVs.
Hyundai Palisade
"... like a little just like shook up about the whole palisade of it all. Like, you know, and I'm just going to..."
The Palisade is a large SUV with three rows of seats, meant for families or groups. It’s designed to carry more people comfortably and still feel practical for everyday driving.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize three-row SUV built for families who want a comfortable ride and room for passengers. It’s often discussed because it competes in the popular “big family SUV” segment and tends to be a value-focused option. In a podcast, it may come up when people are comparing what’s new or what offers the most space and features.
Hyundai Santa Fe
"And you know, looking back, I've kind of felt that way about the Santa Fe too. The Santa Fe when they redid it, like now I'm more into it than I was, but I'm still not gooped over it."
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular family SUV. The speaker is saying the newer version looks a bit too boxy for their taste, so they’re not interested in buying one.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that has been redesigned across multiple generations. In this segment, the speaker is reacting to how the newer Santa Fe looks—specifically calling it “boxy” and not something they’d buy.
Kia Telluride
"The new Telluride stunt. Like I love the new Telluride."
The Kia Telluride is a larger SUV meant for families, with room for people and cargo. The speaker likes the newer version’s look and vibe.
The Kia Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV known for its upscale interior and family-friendly packaging. Here, the speaker is praising the “new Telluride,” implying Kia’s recent design direction is more appealing to them.
off-roading SUV segment
"So like this off-roading SUV segment, like there is buyers for it. We've got the Defender."
This is the group of SUVs people buy specifically for rough roads and trails. The speaker is saying there are enough buyers that many brands keep making (or reviving) these models.
The “off-roading SUV segment” refers to SUVs marketed for trail use and rugged capability, often with features like high ground clearance, off-road modes, and strong aftermarket support. The speaker argues there are buyers for this niche, citing multiple mainstream models.
Land Rover Defender
"We've got the Defender. We've got the Wrangler. We've got the Land Cruiser."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough off-road SUV with a long history. The speaker is listing it as one of the big names in rugged SUVs.
The Land Rover Defender is a classic British off-road SUV known for rugged capability and a strong heritage. It’s mentioned here as part of the lineup of vehicles competing in the off-roading SUV market.
Bronco
"Like would you really ever buy that over a Bronco? Because the Broncos are amazing."
The Ford Bronco is a tough, off-road SUV. The speaker is basically saying, “Would anyone choose this instead of a Bronco?”
The Ford Bronco is a modern off-road SUV known for its rugged styling and capability. In this segment, it’s used as the benchmark competitor for whatever the speaker is discussing.
General Motors
"And then it's just like you always have to wonder where is General Motors in this segment? They don't have, the closest thing they have to a competitor in this space is like a Tahoe Z71."
General Motors is the big company that makes multiple car brands. Here, the speaker is wondering why GM isn’t competing more directly in the off-road SUV space.
General Motors (GM) is the parent company behind brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and others. The speaker is questioning why GM doesn’t offer a direct off-road competitor in the same “segment” as the Bronco.
all wheel drive
"So like if you get the right car seats, like it is an affordable van that has stolen go. That comes in all wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four tires. That can help with grip in bad weather like rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in rain, snow, and uneven surfaces. The speaker highlights AWD as part of why the Pacifica can be a practical choice for families.
Chrysler
"So like Chrysler has a brand new logo. And at the press conference, I guess Chrysler got a new CEO question mark."
Chrysler is a car company that makes vehicles for families. They’re mentioning Chrysler’s new logo and a CEO showing up at a big announcement event.
Chrysler is an American automaker (part of Stellantis today) known for minivans and family-focused vehicles. In this segment, they’re talking about Chrysler’s new branding and a CEO appearance at a press event.
minivan
"They had kids there, like getting it out of the minivan and like kids telling us what they liked about it. And it was just, it felt very family."
A minivan is a family-oriented vehicle designed for easy entry/exit, sliding doors, and multiple rows of seats. It’s typically chosen for practicality—especially when kids and car seats are involved—rather than for sporty driving dynamics.
Subaru
"And then we had to hightail over to Subaru, which I haven't even talked about this yet. I have a video filmed."
Subaru is a car brand that makes practical vehicles, often with good traction. Here, they’re talking about Subaru’s new SUV reveal.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for all-wheel-drive systems and family-friendly vehicles. In this segment, Subaru is hosting a reveal for a new SUV and the hosts discuss the event and naming.
Subaru Forester
"It doesn't go with the rest of their names, Forrester, Outback, Ascent, like getaway. Like it's not a good, I know what they're trying to do, but it's not, it's not, it's not a vehicle name."
The Subaru Forrester is a Subaru SUV model people recognize. They bring it up to show that Subaru usually uses more traditional car-style names.
The Subaru Forrester is one of Subaru’s long-running SUV nameplates. The hosts mention it to illustrate Subaru’s naming style—using established model names rather than something like “Getaway.”
30th edition
"[2051.2s] Tours coming and then Ford debuted their 30th edition expedition and kind of like my biggest decision-making process right now is I have decided to order a new expedition. [2060.4s] I am going to wait for the 27 ordering to open and I'm going to order one. [2064.3s] I don't think you should get the blue color."
“30th edition” means it’s a special anniversary version of the vehicle. It usually includes special features or styling, and that can make it more expensive.
A “30th edition” indicates a special anniversary trim/package with unique styling or equipment. These editions often come with specific color options and add-ons that can raise the price compared with standard trims.
expensive
"[2070.4s] I don't think it's the best blue I've seen. [2072.8s] It's not the best blue and I'm telling you it's expensive. [2075.5s] So like that blue is like it's, it's low nineties."
They’re saying the blue option costs more. When you customize a car, certain colors or packages can add extra money.
The speaker notes that the blue option is “expensive,” implying a premium upcharge for that paint or edition-specific configuration. This is a common real-world buying factor: options and colors can add significant cost beyond the base price.
you can't just get that color
"[2085.3s] And you're paying for like things I don't want because like you can't just get that color, that color. [2089.42s] "
They’re saying you can’t pick that color by itself. To get the color you want, you might have to buy extra options you don’t care about.
This suggests the premium color is bundled with other packages or options, so you can’t select the paint alone. For buyers, that means you may pay for equipment you don’t want just to get the exterior color you do.
bench
"I'm waiting to see if I can get a white stealth edition with the bench because allegedly I couldn't."
A “bench” seat is one long seat instead of two separate seats. It can fit more people and can make the inside feel more open.
A “bench” refers to a bench-style seat in the front row (or sometimes second row), rather than separate captain’s chairs. It changes how many people can sit comfortably and can affect how the cabin feels and how easy it is to access the rear.
cop car
"I want to just support me because I do think I'm going to go with the white stealth, which I know like it looks a little cop car... I don't think expedition gives me cop car."
“Cop car” here is just a vibe check—like whether the vehicle looks like something you’d see on a police fleet. They’re saying they don’t think their Expedition gives that look.
“Cop car” is a styling perception—often referring to certain colorways, graphics, or lighting/trim choices that resemble police fleet vehicles. The speaker is debating whether their SUV’s look gives that impression, and they also mention other pop-culture comparisons.
tailgate
"But what do you want me to do with that black tailgate? You know, I think you're choosing the best with this, with the cars you've been dealt like with the black tailgate."
A tailgate is the back door of a truck or SUV that you open to get into the trunk/cargo space. Saying it’s “black” is just describing the color of that rear door.
A tailgate is the rear door on many SUVs and trucks that swings open to access the cargo area. When someone mentions a “black tailgate,” they’re usually referring to the rear exterior panel/door finish and styling.
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