Kelly and Lizz swap busy-mom life updates, from airport-lounge credit cards and pre-check plans to managing overwhelm with simple “systems.” One host starts a garden at Lowe’s—cherry tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and a planned second trip for zucchini—framing it as a low-stakes hobby for easier conversations and fresh produce. They also trade “last three transactions” like sticker binders, dinosaur-themed kinetic sand bins, and Where’s Waldo/word search books for car and quiet time. Industry news covers Nissan’s body-on-frame next-gen Xterra (late 2028/2029) and a week with a Toyota Sienna press car, plus quick dinner ideas like lox-on-cucumbers and taco skillets.
Kelly is firing on all cylinders! She's busier then ever, which is only about to pick up soon with even more travel. (BTW - who has a hook up with airport lounges?) But with everything going on you would think she would try to slow down right? NOPE! Now, she's starting a gardening project! And she won't be Chat GPTing it!
Lizz has decided now is the time to get her life in order, one day at a time. She's got a new method on how to get those big chores done every week and you may want to steal this one. Speaking of making your life better, Lizz also has a base-model luxury that is perfect as we get into summer: spa water.
It's been a while since Kelly and Lizz did a Last Three Transactions. Kelly is fully in her REPS era and is buying items to keep the kids entertained over the summer. It's all about stickers, "Where's Waldo?" books and word searches. Lizz is also buying stuff for the kids including blue sand and fish for a sensory bowl, dino shirts and a safety alarm for the door.
In Industry News, we'll be seeing a new Nissan Xterra in 2028 and Kelly has a new press car that she is excited about (mostly because it has a great name). Finally, Kelly and Lizz have to very different Ditch the Drive-Thrus: a lox salad and taco skillet.
"Like people always talking about like the Delta lounge. Yeah."
Delta is an airline. Their “lounge” is a nicer waiting area at the airport, usually for people with certain tickets or credit cards.
Delta is a major U.S. airline, and the “Delta lounge” refers to an airport premium waiting area for eligible passengers. Access is often tied to flying Delta frequently or holding a specific credit card that includes lounge benefits.
"Like I can't imagine like choosing like Delta over American. If it's like, well, I want to get there when I want to get there."
American refers to American Airlines, another major U.S. airline. The discussion contrasts choosing airlines based on schedule and arrival time, which can matter more than airline loyalty perks.
"I'm always seeing like all the Instagram girlies like in the lounge and I'm just like, go up and say, can I buy a day pass? Oh, okay. I'll just do that."
A day pass is a ticket you can buy to use an airport lounge for the day. It’s for people who don’t already have lounge access through a card or status.
A day pass is a paid option that lets you enter an airport lounge for a limited time without having the specific membership or credit-card eligibility. The speaker says they didn’t know it was a thing, then decides to buy one.
Term
pre-check
"I'm also going to get pre-check because that's like another. If you don't have pre-check, that's so ridiculous."
Pre-check is a program that helps you get through airport security faster. If you’re approved, you usually don’t have to do as many steps as everyone else in the regular line.
“Pre-check” usually refers to TSA PreCheck in the U.S., which lets approved travelers use expedited security lanes at airports. It’s essentially a time-saver that reduces how long you wait in line before flying.
Term
Stanley
"So I was just like, and I kind of liked the idea of like putting it in just like your
Stanley for the day.
Right.
Or just put it in your Stanley."
They’re talking about a reusable water bottle/cup brand called Stanley. You can put fruit in the bottle so your water tastes better while you’re busy.
“Stanley” here refers to a reusable insulated bottle/cup brand that people use to keep drinks cold or hot for hours. The idea is to infuse water with fruit and then carry it around during the day.
"...before
[1163.9s] they are allowed to watch an ATV.
[1165.0s] They have to read, do something educational..."
An ATV is an off-road vehicle meant for dirt and rough trails. In this conversation, it sounds like the kids can only use it after they do other responsibilities first.
ATV stands for all-terrain vehicle, a small off-road vehicle designed for rough terrain. In family routines, it often comes up as an activity or reward that kids can earn by completing chores or learning tasks.
"[1314.2s] put the blue kinetic sand on there, sprinkle some of these fish in there.
[1317.2s] And then that's going to be our new sort of like what sensory sensory bin.
[1322.7s] So you're doing blue kinetic sand for the water."
A sensory bin is just a container filled with fun materials for kids to explore with their hands. The point is to keep everything contained so cleanup is easier.
A sensory bin is a contained play setup filled with materials that encourage hands-on exploration (like sand, water, or small objects). While not an automotive concept, it’s a “tangible takeaway” idea that’s being discussed as a way to keep activities organized and easier to clean.
"[1339.8s] That's cute. I love kinetic sand.
[1342.0s] I actually need to probably make a new kinetic sand bin.
[1346.4s] That's a good tangible takeaway for me for the coming weeks."
Kinetic sand is a special type of sand that feels like sand but sticks together when you press it. Here, they’re using it in a container so kids can play without making a huge mess.
Kinetic sand is a moldable, low-mess sand product that clumps together when handled but flows like sand when you stop touching it. In the context of this segment, it’s being used as a “sensory bin” material—similar to how people might use sand in a contained play setup to reduce mess.
"And that says Nissan teases Xterras mean mug and confirms late 2028 arrival. The next generation Nissan XTERRA will launch 2028, likely for a 2029 model year and will be built in the United States."
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged SUV that’s meant for rough roads and outdoor use. Here they’re talking about a new version coming out around 2028/2029.
The Nissan Xterra is a midsize SUV known for rugged, off-road-focused styling and a traditional truck-like layout. In this segment, Nissan is teasing the next generation and positioning it for a late-2028 launch, likely as a 2029 model year.
"The platform will spawn a family of body on frame vehicles using V six engines offered in gas and hybrid form."
A V6 is an engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape. They’re saying the new platform will use V6 engines, including versions that can be gas or hybrid.
A “V6” engine is a six-cylinder powerplant arranged in a V shape. In this segment, the next Xterra platform is described as using V6 engines in both gas and hybrid configurations, which affects power delivery, packaging, and fuel economy.
"The platform will spawn a family of body on frame vehicles using V six engines offered in gas and hybrid form."
“Hybrid” means the vehicle uses both a gas engine and an electric motor with a battery. The goal is usually better fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go driving.
“Hybrid form” means the vehicle combines a traditional internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery system. This can improve efficiency and reduce fuel use in certain driving conditions, while still allowing conventional driving when the battery is depleted.
"I don't know, but I'm interested with other like body on frames,
like family SUVs are. Mm hmm."
Body-on-frame is a way of building a car where the main structure is a separate frame underneath. It’s often associated with SUVs that feel tougher and handle rougher conditions better.
“Body-on-frame” refers to a vehicle construction where the body mounts to a separate ladder-like frame, typically improving durability for towing and rough-road use. The hosts connect this to what they like about certain family SUVs and how they tend to feel more robust.
"Like everyone, I'm sorry, I was driving today and I saw a white,
probably 2024 palisade had like a silver grill.
That's a beautiful car. I know."
They’re talking about the Hyundai Palisade, a big family SUV. They noticed the front grille styling on a newer model and thought it looked great.
They mention seeing a “probably 2024 palisade” with a silver grille, calling it a beautiful car. The Palisade is Hyundai’s large family SUV, and the grille/face-lift styling is part of what they’re reacting to.
"And I'm curious to everyone's like appetite on the Santa Fe.
Like I've been waiting to like the Santa Fe more
and I just still don't like the look of them on the road.
...
But again, I liked the old Santa Fe.
Like I didn't think it was dying for a refresh."
They’re talking about the Hyundai Santa Fe and whether they like the newer version. They say the inside looks more upscale, but they miss the older Santa Fe’s look and don’t think the refresh was necessary.
They discuss their “appetite on the Santa Fe,” saying they’ve been waiting to like it more but still don’t like how it looks on the road. They also compare the current design to the older Santa Fe and comment on the interior feeling more “luxury,” while the exterior is “fine.”
"“…pickups and multi-row SUVs across Nissan and Infiniti's brands. Previous reports have suggested…”"
Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand. In this segment, they’re saying Infiniti could get new SUVs and trucks that follow the same general construction approach as Nissan’s rumored vehicles. The big theme is that Infiniti might also move toward body-on-frame for certain models.
Infiniti is mentioned as sharing the lineup strategy with Nissan, including pickups and multi-row SUVs. The segment specifically ties Infiniti to rumored models based on the Xterra and a three-row Pathfinder counterpart. This is relevant because it suggests Infiniti may adopt body-on-frame construction for family and utility-focused vehicles.
"...ports have suggested that one will be a next gen frontier truck while Infiniti is expected to get a model ..."
The Nissan Frontier is a mid-size truck designed for work and everyday tasks like carrying cargo. The discussion suggests a newer version may be coming, and that Infiniti may get a related truck model too. New generations usually mean changes to how the truck drives and how it’s built.
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck known for practical utility like hauling and towing. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside expectations for a next-generation Frontier, with Infiniti also expected to receive a related model. That’s significant because a new generation can bring updates to the engine, transmission, and chassis that change real-world performance and maintenance needs.
"...models could be rumored body on frame, three row pathfinder and Infiniti counterpart. And if you're wonderin..."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a larger SUV with three rows of seats, meant for families or groups. People talk about it because there may be changes to how it’s built, and because there could be a related Infiniti version. Those changes can affect how it drives and what it can handle.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row midsize SUV built for family hauling and everyday driving. It’s often discussed because its platform and layout have been rumored to shift toward a more traditional body-on-frame style, and because it may be paired with an Infiniti counterpart. That kind of talk matters since changes in structure can affect ride feel, towing ability, and overall durability.
Concept
independent ladder frame
"is mounted onto a rigid independent ladder frame,
[2044.0s] ladder frame or chassis.
[2045.8s] The frame supports the powertrain suspension and wheels"
Some trucks use a “frame” that’s like a strong skeleton under the car. That frame helps the vehicle handle heavy work and rough roads better than designs that rely mostly on the body itself.
A ladder frame is a body-on-frame design where two long rails (like a ladder) connect to crossmembers. When people say “independent ladder frame,” they’re usually contrasting it with unibody construction and emphasizing that the frame is the main structural element that can support heavy loads and harsh use.
"[2045.8s] The frame supports the powertrain suspension and wheels
[2047.8s] providing high durability, superior towing"
Suspension is what helps the car absorb bumps and stay stable. It connects the wheels to the body so the tires can keep gripping the road.
Suspension is the system that connects the wheels to the vehicle structure and controls ride comfort and handling. It also helps keep the tires in contact with the road, which matters a lot for towing and off-road driving.
"[2045.8s] The frame supports the powertrain suspension and wheels
[2047.8s] providing high durability, superior towing"
The powertrain is the set of components that generate and deliver power to the wheels—typically the engine, transmission, driveshaft(s), differential(s), and related parts. In the context of a ladder frame, the chassis/frame is designed to support and protect these components under load.
"[2047.8s] providing high durability, superior towing
[2050.3s] and off-roading flexibility,
[2051.8s] commonly used in pickup trucks and large SUVs."
Big trucks and many large SUVs are often built to handle heavy jobs. That’s why they frequently use a stronger under-structure designed for towing and rough roads.
Pickup trucks and large SUVs are commonly associated with ladder-frame construction because they’re often designed for towing and off-road use. Their chassis/frame approach prioritizes strength and durability under heavy loads.
"[2055.6s] I love a unibody.
[2058.3s] I love the word chassis.
[2060.3s] Same."
A unibody car uses the body as the main support structure. It’s different from trucks that have a separate frame underneath, and it often makes the ride feel more like a regular car.
A unibody (unitized body) design uses the body itself as the main structure, rather than a separate frame. Unibody vehicles often feel more car-like and can be lighter, while ladder-frame designs are commonly chosen for heavy towing and off-road durability.
"[2058.3s] I love the word chassis.
[2060.3s] Same.
[2061.1s] That's such a good word.
[2062.8s] Chassis, it's kind of a pretty name."
The chassis is basically the car’s foundation. It’s what everything mounts to—like the wheels and suspension—so the car stays solid and stable.
“Chassis” is the vehicle’s underlying structure that supports key components like the suspension, drivetrain, and wheels. In everyday conversation it can overlap with “frame,” but the idea is the same: it’s the foundation that keeps the vehicle rigid and safe.
"[2073.9s] When I pull up on other industry news,
[2076.7s] do you know my priest car for the week?
[2079.6s] You're what?
[2081.0s] My press car?"
A press car is a car a company gives to journalists to drive and talk about. It’s usually not the person’s own car—it’s provided for review purposes.
A press car is a vehicle provided to journalists or media outlets for evaluation, typically for reviews or event coverage. It’s often loaned by the manufacturer or PR team, and the goal is to let the media experience the car before it’s widely available.
"Toyota. Sienna. Sienna. Yeah. The Sienna St. John coming in."
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan. It’s designed to make it easier to fit kids and car seats in the back rows without it being a huge hassle.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan built for families, with flexible seating and easy access to the second and third rows. In this segment, the hosts talk about using it as a “minivan life” vehicle and testing how it handles family-style car-seat setups.
"I'm just not going to inconvenience my life in a Mazda CX-90 to put four car seats in for fun."
The Mazda CX-90 is a big SUV with three rows. The host is saying it’s not as convenient as a minivan when you’re trying to set up multiple car seats.
The Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV, and the speaker contrasts it with the Sienna’s minivan practicality. The point here is that fitting multiple car seats and using the rear seating is easier in a minivan than in a larger SUV.
"But as Sienna, I'm sure it has the captain's chair. So like I'll be trialing the captain's chairs."
A captain’s chair is a single seat by itself, not a long bench. In a minivan, that usually means easier walking space and easier access to the back.
A captain’s chair is an individual, separated seat (usually in the second row) rather than a full-width bench. In minivans like the Toyota Sienna, captain’s chairs make it easier to access the aisle and the third row, and they can simplify car-seat positioning.
"Okay, well, welcome to the minivan life for the temporary week that you're driving it."
“Minivan life” just means using a minivan for everyday family needs. It’s about having enough room and the right seat layout for kids and car seats.
“Minivan life” is a shorthand for the practical, family-focused benefits of minivans—easy entry/exit, flexible seating, and space for car seats and passengers. The hosts frame the Toyota Sienna as a temporary “real-world” test of that lifestyle.
Select text to request an explanation
Welcome to the Carpool podcast with Kelly.
And sometimes I think being like a working mom or really just a mom is kind of like giving yourself permission to just like be whoever you need to be that day.
Yeah.
Because someday I need to be a little more selfish and some days I need to give it all to my kids.
And Liz.
What are these systems? Like people just throw out the word system out there.
It's buzzing.
Like it's supposed to change my life and they never give me any context.
Your mom time off starts now.
Welcome back to the Carpool podcast with Kelly.
And Liz.
Happy Friday everybody.
We made it to the end of the week.
We made it to the harder part of the week.
We made it I know used to be like a relaxing thing and now it's like so much worse somehow.
I'm telling you.
Well, I am running.
I am firing on all cylinders like not in a fun way.
Like I am.
I'm really too.
So busy.
Kelly, I'm so nervous for you because I know you have very high capacity for things.
But then you reach a point of explosion and I've been on the receiving end of that explosion and it's really sucks because you're in the right for sure because you're really overwhelmed.
But like you you don't let it out until it's everything's coming out.
And then you're like everything and then you're like and also I'm stressed out because of this.
You're ugly.
And also you're ugly and also you got the better sparrows when we were in high school.
I was so upset about that.
So I'm just like really nervous.
I'm like on tiptoes.
So okay.
So you can feel it.
Yeah.
So I'm nervous.
I'm like very nervous.
Okay.
It's like kind of like the Cold War.
Yeah.
Like no one's doing anything but we're saying a lot of things.
Exactly.
So yeah.
Watch out.
No, I am.
I am.
Yeah.
No, I'm fine.
It's just like it's like website auto show like spring and spring summer.
I have a lot of travel.
Like I'm kind of like.
I'm like disgusted.
I'm much of the point.
Like one of my travel trips this month include me driving to one place for an event and then
flying out of that place to go to another event.
No, I can't believe it.
It's crazy.
I know what I'm really looking.
The only thing I'm looking forward to is I'm looking forward to like refining of just
I want to be an in and out travel girl, a carry on travel girl.
Like I'm really going to start refining it.
My only question for the class is now that I foresee me taking realistically probably
two to three trips a month for the foreseeable future, like that's just kind of how it happens
for me.
I know it's fine.
It's fine.
It's getting easier.
The kids are getting older.
I'm getting better at making them like one or two day trips max and it's also just part
of the job.
I mean it is part of the job.
How do I get into an airport lounge or am I not on that level?
No, I think you I don't think it's hard.
I know Maddie has access to a lounge because he has a certain credit card.
Oh, so it's a credit card thing like American Express or something like that.
So it's like, it can be a credit card thing.
And that definitely feels like you open up like a credit, like you might have to stretch
Tyler, Tyler a little bit and allow him to like use another bank.
But if you like open up a business card for the car mom, then she can go and sit in a
lounge.
Sure.
From my understanding.
So, but then are the lounges airport, but they're like airline related.
Like people always talking about like the Delta lounge.
Yeah.
So then that could also be like if you travel Delta a lot or maybe if you have a Delta card
and see, I don't travel anything a lot.
I travel the best flights.
Like I don't, I can't imagine like choosing like Delta over American.
If it's like, well, I want to get there when I want to get there.
Yeah.
So like, I know Maddie has the American Express one.
And so he always has to like look up, you know, what terminal we're going to be in.
And if there's express lounge and sometimes there is, and sometimes you have to walk to
another terminal and sometimes we just can't access it.
Okay.
I just, I'm always seeing like all the Instagram girlies like in the lounge and I'm just like,
go up and say, can I buy a day pass?
Oh, okay.
I'll just do that.
I didn't know that was a thing.
I think, I think that's a thing as well.
Anyway, I'm just like, try to catch me an airport lounge in 2026.
I'm also going to get pre-check because that's like another.
If you don't have pre-check, that's so ridiculous.
Because I refuse.
I don't like to travel.
I thought it in my whole life.
I'm like, why would I need pre-check?
I hate being here.
But now I understand that I need pre-check.
Yeah.
No, for sure.
So I'm going to get on that.
But anyway, so yeah, a little stress kind of firing on all cylinders, but excited.
Just kind of like sit down with you.
It doesn't like have some things that are on my catch up.
Oh, sure.
And what I wanted to catch up on was while I have so many things going on, I also looked
at my life and said, it's time to do a garden.
Yeah.
So I went to Lowe's this morning with both of my little kids.
And I got incredibly overwhelmed and probably made poor choices.
But I did walk out with $200 worth of plants.
Yeah.
No, I think that's good.
I do find sometimes when I am my most stressed out and run down, I'm like, I think it's time
to pick up sourdough again.
Like there's just something about, I think your body needs like a non, not that it's
not like a non stressful, low commitment hobby.
Like you need something new in your life that's not work and not taking care of kids.
No, I need something new.
And I feel like right now where there since there's just so much work stuff going on,
I can't, I'm not always like looking to like bring that up in conversations with like friends
and acquaintances because it's just like they would need so much context.
And someone's like, how are you?
I'm like, how much time do you have like realistically?
Can I tell you about, you know, the interesting things that have gone on?
Or can I just be like, you know, I started a garden.
Yeah, no, I did cherry tomatoes.
They're doing really well.
That's all people want to hear.
They don't actually want to hear about what's going on.
And I respect that.
Yeah.
So I'm looking forward to having a more like easy palatable grocery store convo.
Yeah.
Um, that's not, you know, talking about the different DMS as I'm considering for my website
like gag.
I don't talk about that.
Yeah, I would love to like not even hear the word DMS.
Um, no, I love it.
And then it's like, you're going to reap, you're going to re you're learning
something new.
Like it's just fun.
It's fun.
It's fun to do new things.
Yeah.
So I'm sure you're like chopping at the bit to find out what I'm going to plant.
Uh huh.
So I ended up doing two big cherry tomato plants.
I'm not doing an heirloom or a beef steak.
I'm just doing cherry tomatoes in my garden for the main reason.
Like I like that the kids, they'll get riper sooner and the kids can pick them.
That just sounds more fun.
It sounds like more of an activity.
And I'm just not convinced that I could grow a better tomato than like one I could find
at the farmers market.
So I'm just going to go to the farmers market for like a good old beef steak in season
heirloom tomato, but a cherry, a couple cherries and make a bruschetta like all day long.
Sure.
I'm doing that.
And then I'm doing peppers.
I just did red and yellow peppers.
I am not optimistic.
Those are going to turn out well, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
And then I, Lowe's was out of zucchini plants, which was not fun.
So I'm going to have to make a second trip somewhere because I definitely do zucchini.
And then I'm going to have like a little herb section.
So I just did cilantro, sage and basil.
Now do those go together?
Not sure.
I'm just, I don't even have the headspace to Google it.
So I'm just going to kind of trial and error it myself.
I would tell churchy BT everything you have until and they will tell you where to put everything.
That's a good idea.
I might keep the basil in a pot in my kitchen.
Yeah.
I love to because like nothing kills me more than like buying a thing of cilantro.
And they know they always give you way more than you could possibly ever need.
Yeah.
And then it goes bad.
So that's exciting.
I don't think any better about using herbs.
I'm like kind of loving herbs.
Like right now I have chives, dill and cilantro.
And I chopped them all up and put them in a chicken salad for breakfast this morning.
It was kind of insane.
Oh, wow.
Yeah.
The power of an herb.
That's what I'm saying.
Like we're not giving them enough credit.
They are the most, they're so flavorful and there's no substitute for a fresh herb.
I'm sorry.
Get your, I mean, do I use the dried?
Of course.
Now dried thyme and dried rosemary.
I stand by those being fine.
Yeah, I agree.
Dried parsley.
Get out of here.
Yeah.
It's not doing anything.
It's not doing anything.
I almost picked up a head of lettuce to throw in the garden, but I just got a little nervous.
I'm nervous.
I've never had a garden.
Yeah.
I think you're testing it out.
I think it's going to be great.
Yeah.
If I can just like harvest.
So yes, I'm looking forward to, you know, and I would just rather learn from word of mouth.
I'm going to try to do it the old, old fashioned way.
I'm actually not going to chat GPT it.
I'm just going to bring up my garden to as many people in person as possible and see
what I can learn from the people.
Okay.
Sure.
I'm getting back to the roots.
I'm not going to chat GPT everything.
Okay.
That's fine.
So anyway, that's what I have going on.
What do you have going on?
Well, you know, I'm, it's been okay.
It's been, I know.
I'm sorry.
It's been fine.
I'm trying to catch up.
Like mom is down for like two days and like everything is falls off the rails.
So I see all online people are like, now I was like you, my life was chaotic when I,
and then I developed a system and now my house is never messy.
And I'm like, what are these systems?
Like people just throw out the word system out there.
It's like, like it's supposed to change my life and they never give me any context.
I, so I'm trying my own, I'm trying to system.
It's actually, it's actually kind of taken from Caroline Deppman on Instagram.
She kind of like does this.
Okay.
Things I'm doing every single week is like folding, like doing laundry every single
day I'm cleaning the kitchen, you know, wiping the floors down.
Like I'm certain things are always going to happen.
Some things I never seem to have time for.
And then I look at them and then they stress me out.
So for example, I have a stair basket.
There's no day of the week that the stair basket is getting unloaded.
The stair basket doesn't get unloaded every day.
I get a lot of packages from like Amazon and just like influencing and stuff.
They just like collect dust in my corner because I can't get the headspace to like
go open up all these packages.
There's these, you know, the diaper caddies I have everywhere.
You, they don't, I don't, I'm not constantly refilling them.
Like there's just these little things in my life that are not regularly happening.
And I'm like, what if every Tuesday I unloaded the stair basket?
What if like I'm doing everything I'm normally doing and also I'm unloading the stair basket.
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