The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

THE POWER OF A QUILT UNDER A TREE

The Car Mom Auto Show is just 10 days away! The ladies are in full prep mode getting everything ready for the big weekend. There will be SO much to see and do at the show and it's not too late to get your tickets. CLICK HERE to get yours!  It's been a whirlwind week for Kelly. It all started in Washington D.C. to visit the IIHS headquarters and witness a crash test in real life. She learned so much and had some great conversations with Mazda. Did you know they are the safest cars on the market? Then it was off to brother Craig's engagement party. It was derby themed and the entire family showed up. Let's just say Kris knows how to throw a party!  Updates on the podcast for the summer are here, and it's a good news/bad news situation. The bad news? They'll go down to one episode a week. The good news? Side Hustle Summer is BACK! If you've got a side hustle feel free to reach out to Kelly or Lizz. But the biggest podcast update: Has Kelly finished the book she was supposed to read for the podcast book club? The answer will probably not surprise you...  Kelly's lack of reading could be because she is fully immersing herself in summer with the family. It might not feel like summer yet, but she's not delaying the summer joy. She bought the watermelon. They started the tie-dyeing. Summer starts NOW! She reveals her family's daily summer schedule on today's podcast. Plus, an easy summer dinner in Ditch the Drive Thru reminds you to unleash the power of the Hawaiian roll sliders. 

SUMMER MAXXING 90'S STYLE 

NEW ICK UNLOCKED!

It's Memorial Day weekend and the kick-off to summer! What are the plans for Kelly this summer with four kids at home? It's all about the R.E.P.S.! Lizz is feeling her third trimester energy, but still don't ask her about the nursery. She doesn't know where she is going to put anything at this point, but really that excitement is really reserved for first time moms. By the time you get to baby #3 it all changes.  Kelly and Lizz have discovered a new ick - men who prefer seltzers over beer. Leave the seltzers for the ladies! Speaking of discovering things, Kelly has discovered that making popcorn on the stove is really easy. Why did we ever complicate it with the microwave? Plus, a reminder that mother-in-laws need more love and them helping out around the house is not always an indictment on your cleaning skills.  Advice questions for this week starts with one mom asking about Kelly and Lizz's experience going to an all-girl school. What are the benefits and drawbacks? Then, another mom has a minivan dilemma she desperately needs help with. One more piece of advice in Ditch the Drive-Thru: embrace shaved beef! 

COULD CRASH TESTS BE KELLY'S NEXT MICRO-HOBBY?

KEYS TO LONGEVITY

It's a wedding weekend for Kelly and Lizz. Both with childhood friends, but different friends. Lizz is in the wedding and ready for everything that comes with it, pregnancy and all. Kelly is excited for Wedding Tyler to make an appearance. Speaking of Kelly, Tyler and weddings, there 10 year anniversary is just a couple of years away and the planning has already begun!  A big milestone is happening this week in the Stumpe household: George is graduating from kindergarten! It's a whole production and George will be dressed to the nines for the occasion. But the biggest milestone happened earlier in the week when Kelly's new American Girl doll finally arrived! Who was more excited, Kelly or her daughter?  An unintentional Fast Lane Philosophy is revealed as Kelly and Lizz discuss their amazing neighbors. They talk about why fostering those relationships is so important for so many reasons, including getting random calls for the kids to enjoy a bounce house. Good thing too as Kelly is getting summer ready to host the neighborhood parties.  Kelly has a base model luxury this week all about flavored water. Lizz's is the truck dinners she enjoyed for Mothers Day. Which one do you think is best?  In Industry News, they break down the release of the Audi Q9 and explain the destination fees you'll see at the dealership. Finally for Ditch the Drive Thru, Kelly is making her favorite pulled pork in the crockpot 

MAYCEMBER IN FULL EFFECT

Maycember is here and Kelly's schedule is giving "bus, club, another club, no sleep" energy. Today her daughter gave her a mommy makeover at school, even though she feels like she's in her ugly era. Over at Lizz's house things are looking up as James is now potty trained! She shares all her tangible takeaways and tips on what worked for her. Hint: it's all about the potty content! Important updates on the book that both Kelly and Lizz are reading for the Carpool Book Club. Is it a subtle dig at Ballerina Farms? Plus, the meal prep hack Kelly learned over the weekend might just be a game changer. But the most important update: Kelly has once again deleted her TikTok account! Big question for the Car Mom this week: If you had to choose only five tech features for your car, which would you pick? Once you start thinking about it, the answer is not really that easy. Don't forget the Car Mom Auto Show is approaching fast, and this year's event benefits a very important cause. Catch a Ride Network is an amazing organization that helps moms, families and others with transportation insecurity. Valerie Lefler is part of this effort and joined Lizz on the podcast to talk about how the organization started and what you can do to help. Learn more at catcharide.org

WHAT DOES ONE WEAR TO A CRASH TEST?

The Car Moms are getting ready for Mother's Day. Of course, Lizz's day might not be all sunshine and flowers as this is the weekend she chose to potty train James. Hopefully it will all go her way. Later in the episode, Kelly and Lizz share what they REALLY want for Mother's Day this year. Speaking of James, he's about to turn three and Lizz has some BIG plans. Literally BIG plans as she is renting a dinosaur fossil activation. This could be the next major kid's birthday party activity.  Kelly has been in a content drought, lacking anything good to watch with her husband. That was till they discovered 'The Men Who Built America' and now she is hooked. Lizz on the other hand is completely obsessed with the new season of Running Point. But content watching really won't be a priority for Kelly in the next two weeks as she makes her way to D.C. to see something REALLY cool!  A really important question in today's Ditch the Drive-Thru: are we eating enough kabobs? Kelly is on a kebab kick, and there is so much you could do! Lizz is experimenting with spicy food for James and son far it's going really well. 

DON'T SLEEP ON THE MALL

The sparkle is back on the podcast!  This week, Kelly is in full teacher appreciation mode as she puts together gifts for her kids' teachers. But who scheduled Nurse Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation week on the same week? Lizz is basking in the glow of the end of solo weekends with the kids, at least for the time being. Her final weekend without Matty taught her a big lesson for the future: the mall is a great place to entertain the kids! Panda Express, Barnes & Noble and a playground all in one indoor place? Yes please!   Drama erupted in the Stumpe household when Libby's ponytail suddenly appeared on the floor instead of on her head. Who cut it off? The answer will surprise you! At Lizz's house, she is in full potty training mode with James. So it's no surprise that the first items in her Last Three Transaction is all potty training related. Kelly, on the other hand, is experimenting with Amazon fashion finds.  In Industry News, Honda is pulling back on their EVs and relying on their tride and true models. Hmmmm... who could have told you that would happen? Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is reminding you of some Carpool classics! 

THE HOTTEST OF HOT TAKES

You have hot takes, Kelly and Lizz have hot takes, we all have hot takes! Today on the podcast the Carpool moms are revealing their hottest of takes. Some you may agree with, others not so much. Plus, the hot takes from the Carpool Facebook group. Things will be getting spicy!  There's a ton of hot tea in the auto industry this week with Industry News. First, the Nissan Xterra may be released at a lower price which could be really good news for Nissan. AI is entering the auto space - is that a good thing or bad thing? Plus, the real story behind who is ACTUALLY buying most of the Cyber Trucks! 

THE TRUTH ABOUT KELLY'S BOOK CLUB REVEALED!

In the midst of tornado warnings, Kelly and Lizz are ready for a new episode of the Carpool. Kelly has been traveling extensively, leading to some new conclusions. The biggest one: be nicer to people! So this week they are encouraging you to be nice to a stranger. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee, offer a compliment or just acknowledge the random person sitting next to you.  Meanwhile in her travels over the weekend, Lizz listened to the decluttering book and realized it was not for her. But some kindness from a stranger made her feel seen. Speaking of books, Kelly has a book club update and a big reveal on the truth behind the exclusive club.  Two advice questions this week have to do with the proper time to trade in your car. Then there is a very interesting one from a mom and her best friend's wedding. Will her friend never forgive her if she skips the wedding for her kid's first day of kindergarten?  In Industry News Kelly has the worst selling cars of 2026 so far. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is making ground chicken pizza and Lizz has some roast drama. 

CARPOOL ON THE ROAD.... BUT NOT REALLY

THE ORIGINS OF THE CAR MOM - LIZZ'S VERSION

It's an all-Lizz episode of the Carpool Podcast today. This week, she tells her side of the story of how the Car Mom came to be. Hear how a call from Kelly led to her moving back home from Texas, quitting her job and working on the Car Mom full time. She also reveals why she initially disliked the name and what would happen if they ever fought over money. Plus, answering your questions from Instagram!

WHEN LIFE GETS BUSY, START A GARDEN

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. 

11 WEEK LIVING THAT SUGAR-FREE LIFE

Guess what happens when you're in and out of the hospital with your kids over a couple of weeks? You get sick. That's where Lizz at this week. Will she ever get a break? Kelly, on the other hand, is 11 weeks into her sugar-free journey and feeling great! So great that she broke down and bought an American Girl doll. However, it's totally a business expense!  Some quick industry news reveals the Mazda leg room lie that Kelly is investigating. They say that the second row has more room, but by her measurements that might not be entirely true. Did she just uncover a massive conspiracy? Plus, Subaru Outback sales are down and Hyundai has a fix for their power folding seats.  Before their interview this week, Kelly and Lizz NEED to chat about the Coachella weekend. Who did they love watching? What are their thoughts on Justin Bieber's controversial performance? This all leads to a very important conversation: Kelly wants Ella Langley bangs.  Then it's on to a conversation with Wendy Speake, author of "The 40-Day Sugar Fast". She talks about how her sugar-free lent journey led to a movement with thousands of people joining in each year. Plus, what she has learned during her sugar-free journey over the years and how you can get started on yours. 

ACKNOWLEDGING THE SPACE WE'RE IN

It's been a long couple of weeks and we're so ready for a weekend. Lizz is still dealing with post-surgery Sloan and the stye in her eye. Kelly has finally ordered her new Expedition. She also started a new half-birthday tradition for the kids that really sounds like the cutest idea ever. Speaking of cute ideas, there may be a American Girl Doll trip in her future.  Lizz found a new Base Model Luxury during the week of illness she is really enjoying. You know those serving platters you registered for but never use? Why not use them for a band-aid and medicine station! Kelly uses one for her bathroom products and it's been lovely.  A trio of Advice Questions this week helps moms in different seasons of their car buying journey. There's one looking for a "sexy" mom car, another looking for a hybrid and the third is asking if she can trade-in after a minor accident. Elsewhere in Industry News, Kelly has the story on Tesla's unsold EVs, new GM sedans and the best minivans of 2026. 

UNLOCKING AMERICAN GIRL DOLL TRAUMA

A LOT has happened in the last week! Kelly has gone to and returned from New York. Lizz has gone in and out of the hospital. Little Sloane's infection from last week wasn't improving and ultimately required surgery. Luckily, she is on the mend but now Lizz has a concerning medical issue of her own. Will she ever get a break?  Over at the Stumpe household, Kelly has a couple new micro-hobbies. First, she has done down the TikTok rabbit hole of American Girl dolls and trying to get her daughter Hattie into them. She had a doll as a kid and Lizz got stuck with the lesser version, which led to some unrevealed trauma. The other micro-hobby will help keep the kids busy this summer. R.E.P.S. is the new system in her house and this is an idea you are going to want to steal!  There is a TON to talk about post New York Auto Show, including a bunch of reveals. From the Atlas to the Hyundai Boulder, Kelly is breaking down all the hits and misses. Plus, she got to check out their sister's New York apartment while in town and she has notes.  Before they Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly and Lizz give an update on their Lent accomplishments. Kelly has learned a lot about her health during her sugar-free journey and is ready to share it. The 40 Days of Less was a big hit for Lizz and has inspired her to keep clutter to a minimum. 

SHOUT OUT HOLY WEEK

There's been some drama this week in the St. John household as Lizz ended up spending a couple of nights in the hospital with Sloan. What the doctor first thought was an ear infection turned out to be an infected salivary gland. An important lesson was learned: always check the lymph nodes! Also, why aren't there more reviews for pediatricians?  Over at the Stumpe household, things were a little more calm as they had an adults-only dinner with zero kids! They also have new residents at the farm with the addition of three new lambs and some baby chicks just in time for Easter. The timing is extra perfect as Tyler is about to become a Catholic. Plus, they are learning all the benefits adults gain from using a trampoline. Could this be the next workout trend?  The internet has been full of drama this week and Kelly has SO much to say about the Barbie Dream Fest drama. This is NOT something you will see at The Car Mom Auto Show! Meanwhile, Lizz is still on her organization grind and has gained some new, inspiring tips thanks to social media.  Industry News this week is all about what to expect at the New York Auto Show. Make sure you are following Kelly to get all the latest news you need to know! Outside of the Auto Show, there is some hot tea coming from Stellantis. Why are they giving tickets to their own employees?!?  Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz has the perfect outside meal for the summer and Kelly is all about cabbage soup. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING YOUR NEXT FAMILY CAR

Kelly is in for a solo episode today and this one is great if you are thinking of buying a car for your family. Drawing on her years of consulting experience, Kelly shares everything you need to know before heading to the dealership. She'll break down what to know before you go, what to know while you're there and the most common mistakes you could make. Can you make your current car work? What are your plans for the next 5 years? She'll give you all the questions you'll need to ask yourself before deciding which car is right for you. 

AFTER ACTION REPORT

In case you're not on the Youtube private channel, Kelly has been on another health journey. Hives have appeared everywhere and now she's on a brand new diet that is going to make Easter very boring this year. But not all is wrong as two new additions to the farm that is bringing plenty of excitement: a trampoline and piglets!  Meanwhile, Lizz has an After Action Report of the St. Louis zoo and the nearby cathedral. What is an "After Action Report"? This is definitely an idea you're going to want to steal for your family.  There's a new fashion trend on Instagram and it's going to humble the Gen Z girls. For years they have had the pleasure of walking around in sneakers and comfortable boots. They don't know what we had to go through dancing on tables in heels. Now they will know our pain!  Then it's on to a very special interview with Jen Morand, the woman in charge at the Chicago Auto Show. She will talk about who goes to the auto show, why they go to the auto show and spills the tea on the manufacturers that don't show up.  Speaking of auto shows, get tickets to tour the New York Auto Show with Kelly here. 

A LOT GOING ON IN THE MOST MAJOR WAYS

MAJOR CONFESSION AND A NEW MICRO-HOBBY

A late night recording session leads to a big confession from one of our ladies. But before you hear it, remember that Lent does not count on Sundays! Speaking of the Lent season, Kelly has the report from her dinner with the priests. This was a big deal at her house, so much that Tyler bought special equipment to clean the house top to bottom!  Now that she has the dollhouse, it's time for a new micro-hobby to emerge for Kelly. This time, it's a family affair! Kelly and the kids are picking their brackets for March Madness. Who will have the best bracket of them all? Could they be in the running for any money?  Kelly has another Base Model Luxury and Lizz has to physically control her eyes from rolling. It's a book. A physical book. But it's giving her guilt-free me time so who are we to judge? Lizz, on the other hand, has a Fast Lane Philosophy she discovered while doing her 40 Days of Less. Most people want more, she wants her big flex to be having less.  A tragic story in this week's Industry News has led to a stop sale and recall of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. What you need to know and watch out for. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Lizz is making nachos and Kelly is in her Reuben sandwich era. 

MAYBE THE MILLENNIALS HAD IT FIGURED OUT

Does this week feel long to anyone else or is it just the pregnant mom with a new puppy? Lizz and her family are adjusting to the newest bundle of joy and the timing couldn't be better with the weather warming up. However, both Kelly and Lizz are not leg ready for summer. But really, who is?  Kelly has a confession about her wedding, she really would love a hair redo. Everything else was perfect, but the part has not stood the test of time. It's more proof that millennials had it right all along when it comes to fashion. Even Coachella looks are all millennial-coded. The ladies have a big evening ahead as Kelly is cashing in her big dinner auction spend for an evening topped off with dinner cooked by the priests. It's going to be a big night with games, wine and NO kids! They're going to have some adult fun like their parents did at their ages. But not as much fun as they've recently discovered from their mom.   Kicking off Industry News with a reminder that tickets for the Car Mom Auto Show are on sale NOW! Click here to get yours. Elsewhere in the industry, Ford has brought back the Explorer Hybrid for one very important person: the Pope. Could this be the collab of the year? Speaking of cars, three moms need some car advice in the advice segment and Kelly is lending her expertise. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is all about cooking chicken in her air fryer. Then Lizz reveals Matty's favorite meal she makes.   

NEW PUPPIES AND DINNER AUCTIONS

It was a BIG weekend for both Kelly and Lizz. First off, yes, there is a new addition to the St. John household. Lizz got a puppy! Now you might be thinking: why get a puppy while pregnant? She explains the whole story behind getting the new puppy and why this is actually the perfect time, even if she has to have a good cry every once in a while.  Kelly's big weekend started with her FINALLY purchasing the Fisher Price dollhouse of her dreams. It cost $500, but it's an investment! This is something she plans on having her grandchildren play with. Then, it was off to another dinner auction! Is Kelly more of a silent or live auction girl? Turns out, she can't really decide.  In Industry News, Volkswagen is releasing its redesigned Atlas and somehow hasn't invited the Car Mom to check it out. How rude! Finally, in Ditch The Drive-Thru it's all about the chuck roast. Oh, and a check-in on Kelly's sugar-free journey. 

BABY NAME VIBES

Lizz is feeling MUCH better for today's podcast. She had a plan to get through the morning sickness and got her pep back in her step. Over at the Stumpe household, you might hear an extra voice coming through the microphone. Kelly has not mastered the art of the sneak-a-way and Fred will be making an appearance on the podcast!  This leads to a great Advice Question from a Carpool listener. She's headed back to work and needs help finding childcare. What are the best ways to find a nanny and how much do babysitters cost? Kelly and Lizz share their experiences and advice. Lizz needs some advice of her own as she can't seem to settle on a baby name for baby #3. She has a vibe she's going for. Any ideas?  One final Advice Question comes from an indecisive mom looking for a new family car. This illustrates that there is no single "best family car." It's all going to depend on that family's needs and how they plan on using it. What works for one family might not work for the next and Kelly explains why.