The Big Boo Cast

Latest Episodes:

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 230 Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

Here's what I'll say about this week's episode: it's a whole lot. Melanie and I both talk about our weekends, I offer a (nerdy) update on my June's Journey progress, and then we both share graduation gift ideas. It's that time of year, y'all.
Plus, Melanie shares her Five Favorites, and the end result of all of that content is a pretty long podcast episode. We'll be back on Monday with our final installment of the Five Questions series (Annie Downs is our guest!), and then next Thursday we'll be back again with Episode 231. Look at all that fun!
Enjoy, everybody!
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Show Notes:

- June's Journey

- Hay Day

- Star Stable

- Gameguard shirt monogrammed or school version

- Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener (one or two of these in a cute zipper pouch would be a great gift) (my favorite shade is not in fact called Champagne - it's called Stella, which has a champagne shimmer)
- Stoney Clover mini pouch

- Leather valet for wallet, keys, spare change, etc.

- Seersucker monogrammed towel wrap

- Funky Monkey shower slides

- Bagsmart large toiletry bag

- The North Face Berkeley duffel bag

- LL Bean extra large tote bag

- ABLE Rachel wristlet (use promo code BIGMAMA20 for 20% off)
- ABLE Vantage bracelet (use promo code BIGMAMA20 for 20% off)
- ABLE Beam ring (use promo code BIGMAMA20 for 20% off)
- acrylic stapler and tape dispenser (and I found acrylic scissors!)
- hand crank weather radio emergency radio / flashlight

- devotional book (All in All by Sophie, Everyday Holy by Melanie, Awaken by Priscilla Shirer, New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp, Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff) and journals (these by Rifle Paper, these by Pencil & Paper, and these Moleskine journals which would work for girls or guys)
- personalized phone power banks

- Case pocket knives

- a really good flashlight

- Smathers & Branson needlepoint wallets and belts

- Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Chili Lime tortilla chips
- Old Navy dolphin hem run shorts

- Mangopop round neck t-shirt body suit

- Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid face wash

- Kamissy smock tank top with ruffle hem cami top

Sponsors:

- Third Love (use this link to get 20% off your first purchase)
- Hello Fresh (use promo code BIGBOO12 for 12 free meals including free shipping)
- Storyworth (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)
- Rothy's

Big Boo Five Questions with Lisa Jackson Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

This week on the fifth installment of Five Questions - a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Lisa Jackson, who just so happens to be our literary agent. Lisa works in Colorado Springs with Alive Literary Agency, and I know Melanie would agree that, in so many ways, she is the wind beneath our writing wings. You might even convince us to sing a duet about how much we love her. On today's episode, we talk about how publishing has changed, what agents and publishers are looking for in a book, and Lisa's favorite parts of being a literary agent.
We'll be back later this week with our regular episode - Episode 230 - and then next Monday we’ll have another episode of Five Questions with one of our very first friends from Ye Olden Days of Blogging - and one of our favorite writers - the delightful Annie Downs.
Hope y'all enjoy!
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Show Notes:

- Lisa Jackson

- A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet

- Nobody's Cuter Than You
- Little House on the Prairie series

- Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
- Barbara Brown Taylor

- Wendell Berry

- Alive Literary Agency

- Lisa on Instagram

Sponsor:

- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 229 Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

We have a special guest on this week's episode, and we couldn't be happier about it. Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso) has taken Instagram by storm over the last few months - she is a funny, wise, non-partisan former government teacher - and she has created such a beautiful online community. Melanie and I have gotten such a kick out of following her and learning from her, so when it worked out for us to get to actually talk to her, we couldn't say "yes" fast enough.
And listen - we cover a lot of ground. We talk about Sharon's informational, non-partisan approach to teaching people about government and democracy, we talk about how Sharon shattered Melanie's lifelong belief about Texas' ability to secede from the union, and we talk about how important it is to really listen to one another so that we can understand one another better - especially when we disagree (my favorite quote of Sharon's: "We cannot work for each other's mutual destruction"). We're also going to talk about make-up, and if you've seen Sharon's eyeshadow skills on Instagram, you'll understand why.
We'll also have our usual round of Five Favorites at the end of the episode (it's my turn this week!), and we'll be back next Monday with a new Five Questions (featuring our literary agent, Lisa Jackson) and our usual brand of shenanigans next Thursday on episode 230.
Enjoy, everybody!
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Show Notes:

- The Carol Burnett Show

- Sharon McMahon

- Sharon's Instagram

- Sharon's Government for Grown-ups

- Dave (the movie)
- BH Cosmetics Hangin' in Hawaii eyeshadow palette

- Latisse eyelash serum

- Revitabrow eyelash serum

- Go Big or Go Home mascara by KVD Beauty

- Subversion eyelash primer by Urban Decay

- Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix

- Palmer's Cocoa Butter Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil

- Thrive Causemetics 3-in-1 Brightening Face Wash

- Delicious Miss Brown

- Kardea Brown's Fried Pork Chops with Homemade Table Gravy

- Tyler Glamorous Wash in Diva (a laundry splurge - but one small bottle will last for six months or so)
- OPI Hollywood & Vibe

Sponsors:

- Audible (use this link or text BIGBOO to 500500)
- Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and an exclusive free gift)
- Native (use promo code BIGBOO at checkout and get 20% off your first order)
- Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)

Big Boo Five Questions with Elizabeth Passarella Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

This week on Five Questions - a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Elizabeth Passarella, a contributing editor at Southern Living magazine and the author of Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. We started this conversation a few weeks ago on Episode 224, so we are delighted to bring you part two today. Elizabeth grew up in Memphis, has lived in New York for the last twenty years, and talks to us on this episode about the best Memphis barbecue, the Southern food she misses, and whether or not releasing a new book was what she expected.
We'll be back later this week with our regular episode - Episode 229 - and then next Monday we’ll have another episode of Five Questions with our beloved literary agent, Lisa Jackson.
Hope y'all enjoy!
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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- Amy Grant & Ellie Holcombe's song, "A Woman"

- "El Shaddai"

- Lead Me On

- Sandi Patty

- Amy Grant's The Collection

- "Old Man's Rubble"

- "All I Ever Have to Be"

- Honey Baked Ham

- Sister Schubert's rolls

- Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York

- Fran Keenan's Instagram (this is how I found out about Elizabeth's book)
- Elizabeth's website

- Elizabeth on Instagram

Sponsor:

- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 228 Apr 01, 2021

Show notes

We're back with a new regular episode after a week away, and we catch up on all manner of things: Caroline's last soccer game, the weather in Alabama, college baseball, and what we've been watching.
We also discuss what we're thinking about cooking for Easter, a new hidden object game that has captured my fancy, and Melanie's latest round of Five Favorites.
Last thing: don't miss our latest Five Questions Bonus Episode with Retha Nichole - and we'll have another Five Questions this Monday.
Hope y'all enjoy!
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- Become a Patron

Show Notes:

- Last Chance U Basketball

- June's Journey

- A Place to Call Home

- Melanie's Breakfast Casserole (she uses Alexia Potato Puffs - cooked ahead of time - instead of bread)
- Pioneer Woman's Marlboro Man Sandwiches (I only use one stick of butter and it's all fine) :-)
- Mexican Cornbread (scroll down and you'll see the recipe)
- Twice Baked Potatoes (this is our favorite recipe - except I like to cook a few strips of pepper bacon and crumble it up instead of using bacon bits)
- Kut from the Kloth Gidget cutoffs

- Kingdom Pets duck jerky and sweet potato treats

- Good & Gather salt and pepper roasted macadamia nuts

- Naturewell collagen intense moisturizing cream

- Tan Luxe body butter

Sponsors:

- FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box)
- Prose (use this link for a free, in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order)
- SoulCycle (use promo code BIGBOO for a free pair of select cycling shoes with purchase of SoulCycle at-home bike)
- Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your purchase)

Big Boo Five Questions with Retha Nichole Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

This week on Five Questions - a bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Retha Nichole, our favorite life and business coach who also happens to be the business manager for our podcast. Retha has a way of cutting straight through excuses and procrastination and helping people not just see their goals - but figure out how to make forward progress. So whether you've dreamed of writing or painting or starting your own business or running a half marathon, Retha has some great tips to help you get started and build momentum.
This week we'll also have a new regular episode - Episode 228 - and then we'll be back next Monday with episode four in this bonus series, a (continued) conversation with the author of Good Apple, our new friend Elizabeth Passarella.
Hope y'all enjoy!
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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- Retha's website

- Retha's Instagram

- Retha's Sunday Planner

- Retha's STUCK ebook

Sponsor:

- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

Big Boo Five Questions with Laura Tremaine Mar 22, 2021

Show notes

This week on Five Questions - our new bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Laura Tremaine, our longtime blog friend and newly published author. Laura is insightful, honest, and she has had such an interesting journey from blogging to podcasting to writing a book. We had an absolute blast talking with her.
And just a reminder: there's no regular episode this week because Melanie and I are taking a little time off, but we'll be back again next week with a new Five Questions and a new regular episode. You can also find us over on Patreon where there's a new episode on spring fashion - complete with our spring fashion memories from the late 80s / early 90s.
Hope y'all enjoy!
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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- 10 Things to Tell You

- The Popcast Live Show

- Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First.

- Laura's website

- Laura on Twitter
- Laura on Instagram

Sponsor:

- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 227 Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

On this week's episode Melanie and I talk about how we're dealing with the things that signal Ye Olde Passage of Time - like Caroline's dorm room decor and Alex's 18th birthday. We also discuss some things we've been watching, and I of course feel like I need to rehash some recent Mississippi State baseball developments.
Just a heads up about next week: on Monday we'll have the latest installment of our new Five Questions bonus series, but there won't be a new regular episode next Thursday (it's Spring Break in Birmingham, so I am going to try to catch up on book edits). We'll be back the following week with two new episodes - a bonus episode on Monday, March 29th, and Episode 228 on Thursday, April 1st. There will also be a new Patreon episode that comes out this Friday, March 19th.
Thanks so much for listening, everybody! Hope you enjoy!
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- Become a Patron

Show Notes:

- Mississippi State's latest walk-off win

- The Real World Homecoming: New York

- Firefly Lane

- WandaVision

- Dorm Rooms of Mississippi and Beyond

- Canva Mood Boards

- Caslon camo sweatshirt in regular sizes and plus sizes (this sweatshirt is my favorite purchase in a long time - it is lightweight and soft)
- A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal, edited by Sarah Bessey

- College Campus Skyline Notepads by Two Funny Girls

- 50 States of Beauty - American Gouache prints

- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charles Mackesy
- The Wonder Years

- Big Boo Five Questions with Erin Moon

Sponsors:

- KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off any line and free shipping)
- Best Fiends (download in the Apple App Store or on Google Play)
- Rothy's

- Third Love (use this link for 20% off your first purchase)

Big Boo Five Questions with Erin Moon Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

If you're wondering why in the world you're seeing a new podcast episode on a Monday, here's why. Melanie and I are doing a bonus series called Five Questions with some of our favorite writers - and some of our favorite people who are connected to our writing life. These are shorter, 25-ish to 30-ish minute episodes that we hope will brighten your day and encourage you, too.
This week we're talking with our dear, brilliant friend Erin Moon. She is, as always, a delight - full of wisdom about writing and Texas and a host of other things.
And as for the regular episodes, they're not going anywhere. We'll be back later this week with episode 227, and then we'll be back again next Monday, and then we won't be back next Thursday because of Spring Break, but then we'll be back in the Monday / Thursday rhythm the week of the 29th. See how that all works out?
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop

- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- Erin Moon

- Bucc-ee's

- @sharonsaysso on Instagram
- Explosions in the Sky on Apple Music and Spotify

- Erin's Instagram

- Brennan Manning

- Henri Nouwen

- Anne Lamott

- Madeleine L'Engle

- Larry McMurtry

Sponsor:

- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 226 Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

On this week's episode we discuss Melanie's Spring Break getaway in Dallas, along with how breezy (not) I was on Alex's first college tour at Samford. We also talk about a couple of fun things I found at Target - and a TV show I recently watched and enjoyed.
And just in case you're wondering: we oh-so-briefly discuss the Meghan and Harry interview with Oprah, but this is not the episode where we'll break down all of that (for one thing, Melanie hadn't seen it yet when we recorded, and for another thing, we're going to need a whole Patreon episode in order to really dig into that whole thing). HOWEVER comma we still have some exciting news; we announce a new series of bonus episodes that will be coming your way over the next six weeks, *and* it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Just look at all that fun!
Enjoy, y'all!
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- Become a Patron

Show Notes:

- twenty twenty fun sweatshirt from Milk & Honey tees

- Turtle Creek Lane

- Revolve (one of Mel and Caroline's online faves)
- The Flight Attendant (not for the children)
- Harry & Meghan interview with Oprah (we have a Patreon episode coming out later this week)
- Knox Rose at Target

- Elf Precision Brow Pencil

- Progressive multi-focus blue light blocking glasses

- Halogen sleek flat hoop earrings

- Explosions in the Sky on Apple Music and Spotify

- Everything but the Bagel nuts at Trader Joe's

- Chelsea 28 cowl neck sweater

Sponsors:

- NuCalm (use this link for 50% off your 30-day subscription)
- Hello Fresh (use the promo code BIGBOO12 for 12 free meals)
- Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for 4-week trail, plus free postage and a digital scale)
- Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and a free gift)

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