The Big Boo Cast

Latest Episodes:

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 87 Nov 23, 2017

Show notes

When we decided to do a Christmas Gift Guide for the podcast, we thought we'd pick five gift options a piece. Ten total. Easy breezy.

Here's how many gifts we actually discuss: EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE.

That might be a slight exaggeration, but have mercy we talked about all manner of Christmas gifts and chased all manner of Christmas gift rabbits, so to speak. We had the best time talking about fun things to buy for your favorite hostesses or teenagers or husbands or friends or parents, and we hope our suggestions make your gift buying a little easier. And if Christmas shopping isn't your thing, we hope you enjoy our commentary. Because clearly we have SO VERY MANY THOUGHTS about various gift options.

Links for everything we mention are below. Enjoy, y'all!

- Teddie Organics rosehip oil (not on our list, but worth mentioning)

- Leslie Odom, Jr.'s Simply Christmas - Deluxe Edition

- Baker Stripe Dish Towel Set (on sale for $15)

- 5-Word Prayers by Lisa Whittle

- Two Funny Girls' Personalized Styrofoam & Coffee Cups

- Pioneer Woman casserole dishes

- Pioneer Woman batter bowl

- Pioneer Woman Christmas measuring set

- Heather Gauthier canvases, tea towels, and prints (Heather designed the cover for Melanie's Church of the Small Things)

- Letterpress prints from Old Try

- Waterproof Birkenstocks for men and women

- Lash Stash Gift Set at Sephora

- Stila Star Studded All-Day (8) Liquid Lipstick Set

- Joy Susan Brushed Mini-Convertible Wristlet

- May Designs - folios, agendas, personalized stationery

- Glitter Gel Pens

- Lucy Perfect Core Leggings (just an FYI - not the gift guide)

- Lucy Final Rep top in long sleeve and short sleeve

- JoyLab Women's Performance Leggings Confetti Print in women's sizes and plus sizes

- Grippy Socks Stocking Stuffer

- Feetures Socks Stocking Stuffer

- North Face Apex Bionic Windproof and Waterproof Jacket

- North Face zip up fleece - Cap Rock fleece jacket

- Rechargeable Waterproof LED Headlamp

-LED Light Bulbs

- Surefire Sidekick Ultra Compact Triple Outlet Keychain Light

- GAP stripe ribbed sleep leggings

- Gilligan & O'Malley pajama pant joggers

- Pup Socks

- 3-in-1 Wireless Speaker Cooler

- All in All Journaling Devotional

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 86 Nov 19, 2017

Show notes

So, full disclosure - we recorded this podcast episode over a week ago, but then I (Sophie) went out of town last weekend for speaking stuff and this past week was jam-packed and I just got around to editing and recording the sponsor stuff and etc. Better late than never, I guess. And for your sake it's probably better that you don't have to listen to my post- Alabama / Mississippi State heartbreak. What a game that was.

As far as this episode goes, we have A LOT OF THOUGHTS about November heat, social media, the anger that results from wearing Spanx (Melanie has a fantastic term for that), and college football. There's also some talk about a cat with a jar on its head.

Enjoy, y'all!

- Will Ferrell's bellybutton

- Tasty video for Halloween treats (this video made Sophie irrationally angry

- our friend Jamie who used to make cake pops

- "Oh, Happy Day" video that Sophie has watched an excessive amount of times

- the Next Door app

- OPI You're Blushing Again

- Bobbi Brown Plum Brandy lipstick (Sophie's new favorite)

- Hummingbird Farms Big Boo Box ($49 price won't show up until you use coupon code mentioned in this episode)

- Hummingbird Farms Big Boo Too Box ($49 price won't show up until you use coupon code mentioned in this episode)

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 85 Nov 03, 2017

Show notes

This time around we discuss the Mississippi State / A&M game, the Astros' win in the World Series, and the glory of a redemptive sports moment.

(For example.)

(This is the GIF Melanie texted Sophie during the State / A&M game.)

(This is the GIF Melanie tweeted after the Astros' victory.)

(You can see the contrast.)

We also talk Sol Dance (edited to add: pretty sure that I said Selena Gomez instead of Demi Lovato, but that is understandable since I am 104 and had also just read news that Selena and the Biebs are back together), the reality of life with our high-maintenance dogs, and Sophie's simmering jealousy about the fact that Melanie has calves that will fit into any boot. There might also be about ten minutes where we look at the Free People website and talk about the stuff that we like.

So. You know. Super important, deeply serious things.

Enjoy, y'all!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Carlos Correa's post-game proposal

- Melanie and Sophie at Houston's First Baptist The Gift of Christmas: A Women's Gathering on November 30th

- Gap striped sleep leggings - Melanie's fall and winter ministry

- Sam Edelman "Camellia" boots - a boot unicorn

- Your Girl tunic at Free People

- One Interlaken Tunic at Free People

- We the Free So Fresh Tee at Free People

- We the Free Blossom Thermal (the shirt Sophie loves but doesn't think is long enough)

Happy Weekend, everybody!

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 84 Oct 26, 2017

Show notes

We are all over the place in this podcast episode - from an exercise class that I recently tried to pajama leggings to hypothetical situations that would make us sprint to kombucha to football to mascara to essential oils to our feelings about scarves. BUCKLE UP, PEOPLE.

Also, I sound more quiet than usual on this episode, and after troubleshooting to the point of utter frustration, I have come to the conclusion that my USB microphone wasn't plugged in and I was recording using my computer's internal microphone. Please forgive this latest technical difficulty. Unfortunately, I think we all know that it won't be the last. It's sort of how we roll.

Finally, we continue discussing our disagreement about booties but try to find some middle ground. We would appreciate your prayers.

Enjoy, y'all!

- Sol Dance

- Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil

- Immune Activator Supplement

- GAP sleep leggings

- Croft & Barrow Whispery Clouds Long Sleeve Pajama Top (plus sizes, too)

- Sonoma Pajamas Essential Long Sleeve Tee (plus sizes, too)

- GAP sleep shirt

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 83 Oct 05, 2017

Show notes

It's been an exciting few days here at The Big Boo Cast because Melanie's fantastic new book, Church of the Small Things, released this past Tuesday. Yay, Melanie! Yay, everyone who gets to read it!

So you might not believe it, but on this particular episode we actually stick with a theme and talk about some of our very favorite small things. I went sort of sentimental and nostalgic with my list, and Melanie went sort of practical with hers, and the result is that somewhere in the overlap of our lists, we found a way to talk about some topics that we adore (specifically: comfy clothes, our latest obsessions, the best parts of friendship, and exciting new snack options).

We had the best time recording our very special Church of the Small Things episode - hope you enjoy it!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

Church of the Small Things (signed copies!) by our very own Melanie Shankle

Barefoot Dreams Coastal Chic Lite Hooded Cardigan

Holy Kombucha

GT's Cayennade Kombucha

Kristen Bell's Hurricane Harvey Instagram posts

GAP Ribbed Sleep Leggings

Somersaults Sunflower Seed Bites, salt and pepper

"A Stanford researcher's 15-minute study hack lifts B+ students into the As"

Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants by Louie Giglio

"Little Things Mean A Lot" by Kitty Kallen

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The Big Boo Cast, Episode 82 Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

Well, the first thing I should probably mention is that we recorded this episode while we were having a thunderstorm in Birmingham, and Hazel was losing her fool mind over the weather. Just think of her barking as soothing background music.

The second thing I should probably mention is that we talk a LOT about college football this time around. It's just that time of year, y'all. So we break down the latest with Melanie's Aggies and my Bulldogs, we discuss Melanie's need for some football boundaries, and I break down my most recent trip to Starkville.

(Full disclosure: Melanie and I recorded this episode just a few days after Mississippi State's decisive victory over the LSU Tigers. It was a glorious time. Since then, however, the Bulldogs have experienced the heartache of a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Needless to say, we recorded a quick post-State/UGA follow-up segment to address this sad MSU turn of events, along with the outcome of the A&M/Arkansas game. Stay tuned at the end for that.)

We also talk about Homecoming dresses (because CAROLINE IS THAT OLD NOW, HOW DID THAT EVEN HAPPEN?), rose hip oil (who's surprised?), and TV. These are a few of our favorite things.

Hope y'all enjoy it!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Sophie's pretend friend Gerald McRaney wins an Emmy

- This Is Us

- Hart of Dixie

- Mary Beth Whalen's When We Were Worthy

- Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil

- "It's A Heartache" by Bonnie Tyler

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 81 Sep 11, 2017

Show notes

Well, first of all, we recorded this episode with Melanie talking on her phone because her microphone was in the guest room where P was napping. Sure, we could have waited until another day so that the sound quality was better, but when you've only recorded 80 podcasts over the last 10 years, you take the recording opportunities when they present themselves - no need to wait for pesky sound equipment.

Second, we answer several of your questions in this podcast, including how we navigate arguments in our marriages and whether watching This Is Us is worth it (short answer: YES). We also discuss fall fashion, disagree about whether booties have run their course, and marvel at our current state of skin care contentment.

Finally, we talk about workout pants and granola because, well, of course.

We'd love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we'd be honored if you'd leave us a review.

Enjoy, y'all!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Lincee Ray from I Hate Green Beans

- The Happy Hour Live with Jamie Ivey

- Bayou City Fellowship Church (for Hurricane Harvey relief)

- Texas A&M vs. UCLA (the 2nd lowest football point of Melanie's life)

- Meghan Markle in Vanity Fair

- Princess Kate expecting her third baby

- Sophie still likes booties (especially these)

- Lucy Perfect Core Capri Leggings (Sophie says: I found mine at TJ Maxx)

- Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil (aka Shankle Oil)

- It CC Cream Sample Size

- Skinceuticals Sunscreen

- Zella Capri Workout Leggings

- GAP Sculpt Compression Leggings

- L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

- Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (Melanie enjoys this product)

- Purely Elizabeth granola

- Early Bird granola

- "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift

- "Pop Culture Current Events" on The Popcast with Knox and Jamie

- "You Look So Good in Love" by George Strait

*****

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 80 Aug 21, 2017

Show notes

It's always a treat to have our friend Travis Cottrell on the podcast, and this episode is no exception. We cover a wide stretch of conversational ground: favorite football snacks, the wonder of an Amish donut, our ever-growing kids, current Bible study options, and, of course, our obsession with rose hip oil.

(That last one was more of a discussion between Melanie and me. But Travis was as patient as he could be when we talked about it.)

(Or maybe he was just distracted.)

We also reminisce about shampoos from the 70s. I would try to give you some context, but it's probably just easier if you listen for yourself. And no joke: Melanie must have taken her one-liner pill before we recorded; there are some Shankle Gems (I think we may have to trademark that phrase) (only not really) scattered throughout.

Enjoy, y'all!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Travis Cottrell

- Nut Thins crackers

- Chicken in a Biscuit crackers

- Beanitos

- Melanie and Perry's wedding picture

- "George. George Glass."

- Awaken by Priscilla Shirer

- Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio (from Sophie: I totally forgot to mention that this book is what our small group is reading this fall)

- Community Worship San Antonio

- Entrusted by Beth Moore

- Seamless by Angie Smith

- The One Year Josh McDowell's Youth Devotions

- Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil

- Toni Home Perm

- "The Best Beauty Lessons We've Picked Up From Kate Middleton"

- Dear Evan Hansen

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 79 Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

I think it was last summer when Melanie and I first talked about Last Chance U. We both binge-watched season one of the Netflix series, and in addition to discussing it on the podcast, there were several times when we talked on the phone about it because we were so fascinated by a certain player or could not believe how someone reacted. Then, in episode 78 I mentioned that I'd watched season 2 and found it just as magical as season 1 (though, as I have often pointed out, the language is terrible).

Anyway. All that to say: you can imagine our delight when Brittany Wagner, the academic counselor on LCU, agreed to be our special guest on episode 79.

It was THE MOST FUN.

So, in this episode, Melanie and I talk to Brittany about football and clothes and beauty products. (I should mention that I make a critical error and identify Mississippi State's season where they were ranked #1 as the 2015 season...but it was 2014...so I beg a thousand pardons.) We also hear about some of the players she'll be watching play D-1 this fall - and how her new career adventure got started (it's such a neat story). After Melanie and I finish our conversation with Brittany, we launch into a discussion about music, what we're cooking, and a whole host of unrelated items.

In other words: business as usual.

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Brittany Wagner

- Last Chance U on Netflix

- Last Chance U - GQ article from 2014

- Ronald Ollie (spoiler if you haven't watched the show yet)

- Dakota Allen (spoiler if you haven't watched the show yet)

- 2013 Egg Bowl (the beginning of my irrational maternal affection for Dak Prescott)

- The Red Cat Coffee House

- 10K Pencils (Brittany's new company)

- Frozen (and here's a post I (Sophie) wrote about some of the reasons I loved it so much)

- Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil (I've started using it since we recorded this podcast, and I AM A CONVERT)

- Allure Beauty Box

- Bare Minerals

- Too-Faced Better than Sex mascara

- Hummingbird Farms lavender body oil

- Cool Sculpting

- Nichole Nordeman's Every Mile Mattered

- Yum Yum Sauce

- Rita Springer's "Defender"

- All in All playlist (and here on Apple Music)

- The Popcast - "More Nos of Weddings"

*****

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

The Big Boo Cast, Episode 78 Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

Well, this super-sized podcast was a mighty memorable moment for Melanie and me. Because much to our delight, legendary football coach Jackie Sherrill and his super-talented daughter, Bonnie Bishop, join us at the beginning of this episode. Specifically, they share some of the challenges they faced in terms of forming a relationship after Coach Sherrill married Bonnie's mom. Now they're extremely close, and they're doing speaking events about motivation and relationships - and how when it comes to life, it's more than Xs and Os. Mel and I had the best time talking with them about football and parenting and football and also football. And seriously - it was such a treat to be able to soak up their stories and their wisdom. You're going to love spending some time with them and laughing with them.

After our conversation with Coach Sherrill and Bonnie, Melanie and I jump into our regular brand of nonsense: her dog Piper's recent bout with intestinal distress, our current Netflix favorites, my reaction to Dunkirk, and Melanie's new favorite skin care product.

Hope y'all enjoy it!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Jackie Sherrill

- Bonnie Bishop

- Coach Sherrill on Twitter

- Bonnie on Twitter and Instagram

- Bonnie's website

- Bonnie's latest album

- Bonnie's "Ain't Who I Was" (There's a little language :-) - but my goodness this is a phenomenal song - and a quick BigBoo PSA: if you're drawn to the music Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, etc., then Bonnie Bishop's music will be right up your alley.)

- Last Chance U - Season 2

- Jane the Virgin

- Pentel Sign Pen (Sophie's forever favorite)

- Organic Rose Hip Oil - (By the way, this article popped up in my Twitter feed this morning, and it sheds even more light on why Melanie has embraced this product.)

- Dunkirk

- Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Oil No. 6 (this stuff is a WONDER)

- All in All, Sophie's new devotional journal for young women

Grateful for y'all!

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