The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Latest Episodes:

EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Candle-gate continues on today's episode. Has Tyler replaced the one he broke yet? It's hard when he's been so busy on all the projects around the farm, including a pool!

Kelly and Lizz talk about all the tariff drama from last week and how it turned out to be nothing, at least for now. But there is still plenty to talk about in the car industry, specifically the used car market. Bottom line, everything is expensive right now.

Speaking of expensive, how is it you can have $75 worth of groceries and still not have an entire meal? It's time to normalize to having just a main dish for a meal and not all the sides. Kelly blames the three-compartment kid's plates and is ready to throw them all out.

Last week on the podcast, Kelly and Lizz talked about all the scary things in your food and home products that everyone on the internet tries to warn you about. It can all feel so overwhelming, so today they are sharing the simple switches they made that helped them sleep better at night.

There is big news for The Car Mom family as Kelly got her CPST recertification while doing some good in the community. But even bigger news, Lizz is in the process of getting her CPST certification as well! This leads right into a big Industry News story on the Consumer Reports infant car seat tests. Is it time to worry?

Finally, the biggest story of the day - The Car Mom Car of the Year top 4 finalists have been announced! Did your favorite make the cut?

THINGS TYLER BROKE Feb 06, 2025

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Could a Carpool podcast merch drop be in the works? Standy by for a sweatshirt!

Today on the podcast, Kelly explains why she is keeping notes during Tyler's clumsy phase. So far he's broken a candle, light and barstool and she's keeping the info for future use. Meanwhile, Lizz is getting frustrated with social media telling her everything is dangerous. She WILL keep using fragrances!

In Last Three Transactions, Kelly and Lizz will explain their recent bank account subtractions! Kelly is still raving over the retractable markers and bought more for their mom's house. Lizz spent a LOT on lactation cookies. Will they be worth it? Plus, a new dress, vitamins, a light switch plate and begrudgingly signing up for Paramount+.

Kelly must address the AI Ford Excursion everyone is sending her in Industry News. It looks nice but it's time to separate fact from fiction. Also, could more self-driving cars be on the road soon? And can you trust them?

Finally, in Ditch the Drive-Thru Kelly is bringing back a Carpool favorite - salmon bowls!

NO ONE'S MAD AT CHIPS AND SALSA Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Kelly and Lizz are back together in the same place to record the podcast! But this may be the last time it happens for a while. Why? It's all about efficiency in 2025!

Today on the podcast Kelly has a wrap-up of Fred's birthday party. She's breaking down what worked and what didn't. Was the chuck roast, ziti and green beans a success? She learned some very important lessons including the need for a utensil caddy and a chip and salsa bowl.

In Industry News, the word on everyone's lips is tariffs! What does it mean for the auto industry? This story is constantly changing (if fact, it changed since this episode was recorded Monday morning) and there are so many talking heads saying different things. What do you need to know if you're looking to buy a car right now? Basically, do not rush into a car purchase and Kelly will explain why.

Finally, Kelly and Lizz reveal their weird quirks and in Ditch the Drive-Thru remind us of a very simple way to elevate a simple meal when you just don't want to cook.

TEACHING YOUR KIDS ABOUT MONEY w/ RACHEL CRUZE Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Kelly and Lizz have a BIG show for you this week with finance expert Rachel Cruze! But before they get there, Kelly has a big update on Fred's birthday. Remember when she said she wasn't going to throw him a birthday party? Plans have now been made and there will be a party. Kelly is hoping this will be an opportunity for her to be a better hostess for her family. She even found a local baker to make the cake! Of course it will never be as good as her mother-in-laws carrot cake but it will serve the purpose of this party.

But the big story in today's episode is, of course, Kelly and Lizz's chat with Rachel Cruze! They discuss what it was like growing up the daughter of Dave Ramsey and how they taught her about money at an early age. She talks about when is the right time to introduce money and allowances to your kids and how to do it. Plus, how involved are parents allowed to be in their teenagers and adult children's financial decisions? Of course, they couldn't let Rachel go without getting her favorite Ditch the Drive-Thru recipe: white sauce pasta.

CLICK HERE to get Rachel's children's books and follow her on Instagram @rachelcruz.

CHIN THE BOTTLE Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

It's a car heavy episode of the Carpool! First and foremost, Kelly recaps the trip to New Orleans that didn't happen. Who was the most disappointed: her husband or her kids that were promised a weekend with grandma and grandpa? Meanwhile, Lizz went to a wedding and discovered the new wedding hack that needs to be at every reception.

The biggest story of the week, the Car Mom Car of the Year is on its way! Kelly and Lizz break down how they got the scores and reveal the top 10 finalists. Did your favorite make the cut? It's going to be up to YOU to vote for your choice of Car of the Year!

Kelly and Lizz have a new motto that all moms need to hear: "chin the bottle." What does it mean and how can it help you? Plus, they play Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon!

There is a great question from the emails on car shows and how to tackle them. In Industry News, Ford is upping their production of the most affordable vehicles. But what is going on with their SUV lineup? And Jeep is trying to win over customers with the Wagoneer S.

Finally, in Ditch the Drive-Thru Lizz has a wrap hack that is so easy you'll wonder why you never thought of it before!

THE CUTEST GIRL IN THE ROOM Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

It's cold outside! The current temp as of this recording is only 8 degrees and Kelly and Lizz are feeling it. An escape to better weather would be great right about now, but who knows if Kelly's trip to New Orleans will even happen with them getting record snowfall!

Either way, it's time to back and Kelly is dreading it. Moms know that after a couple kids finding the perfect outfit can be a major struggle. That's why the group chat has been lit this week as Kelly has been going through all her outfits and getting the approval of the ladies in the family. The good news? Skinny jeans are back!

Lizz is starting to think about Valentine's Day and finding the perfect gift for her husband. She feels like she failed Matty for Christmas (although we think what she got him is the most adorable thing ever) and wants to knock it out of the park on February 14th. She came up with some great ideas and some practical advice all of us could use this year.

Speaking of spending money, it's time to dive into Last Three Transactions. It's dinner auction season and Kelly is spending getting ready for her favorite time of year. Would you bid on her mystery influencer gift set? Lizz did a White House/Black Market for an upcoming photo shoot and stocked up on Spiderman t-shirts for James.

In Industry News, there is a new president in office and Kelly will explain what that could mean for the future of electric vehicles and Scout's new innovation - physical buttons! Plus, breaking news on Lizz's new car!

Kelly has a Ditch the Drive Thru that is DM worthy. Finally, something new to do with that chuck roast!

Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com

THIS IS NOW A MONSTER JAM FAN PODCAST Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Fresh from the Monster Jam stadium, Kelly and Lizz are ready to talk all things monster trucks in today's episode! Did you know that Monster Jam sold more tickets than Taylor Swift in 2024? This and more fascinating discoveries from the ladies tour of the trucks and interviews with the drivers. The Car Mom is now team Sparkle Smash!

This is the start of a new era for Kelly, as she enters into the memory making stage with her kids. Lizz has a new fast lane philosophy handed down from a family friend who seems to have it all together - you're six months away from a new phase.

In Industry News, Kelly and Lizz explore the latest updates from Jeep, including the controversial decision to keep the name "Wagoneer S" for their new electric SUV, despite a public naming contest. Additionally, they touch on the cooling demand for Tesla's Cybertruck and the implications for the electric vehicle market.

Finally, the episode wraps up with Ditch the Drive-Thru where they are playing cookbook roulette and a practical tip for combining takeout with homemade sides to create a balanced meal.

Today's episode is brought to you by Clean Simple Eats. Use code 'Carpool10' at checkout to get 10% off your order. CleanSimpleEats.com

ARE WE THE NEXT BLIPPI? Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

The snow is melting, the sun is shining and the tank is full! Kelly and Lizz are finally fully back into work and noticing how much Instagram has changed in the three months they were out. Has the time of polished main feed posts gone?

Lizz recaps her weekend trip to Fort Worth Texas and resisting the urge to tell young women on their way to yoga class to cherish the moment. Kelly is preparing for a trip to New Orleans to speak at one of the biggest dealers conferences. But the biggest upcoming adventure is by far their upcoming trip to Monster Jam! They're going to tour the monster trucks and interview the drivers. Are kid's YouTube content in the Car Mom's future?

It's time to get a little profound as the ladies discuss mom guilt. There are so many situations that can make you feel guilty as a mom whether it's when your kid cries during drop-off as you head off to work or when you have to ignore the needs of one child for a time to take care of the other. Kelly explains why as a mom you may have to just get comfortable with that guilt.

Next on the docket, where is the accountability for sellers on Facebook marketplace? Kelly is shopping for some furniture but nobody seems to be checking their messages. Plus, you have to be on the lookout for those scams and not just on Marketplace. Lizz recently had a woman try to scam her in a mom Facebook group.

In Industry News, the Tesla Model Y is FINALLY getting a redesign! However, if you're in the market for a used car, the Car Mom has released a list of great family cars for $600 a month and under. This is also a great time to remind everyone of all the awesome resources at thecarmomofficial.com.

Finally, Kelly is working on getting through the current milk crate of meat in her freezer and finally tackled a brisket. Although she was intimidated at first, she found a recipe from the Pioneer Woman that is the talk of the town!

THE GREAT CAR SEAT/STROLLER COMBO DEBATE Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Remember when Kelly and Lizz said last week the kids were headed back to school? One of the biggest storms in Missouri history kind of stood in the way of that. But now the kids are finally back to school and the Car Moms are ready to head full stream into the new year!

Kelly kicks it off with a discussion over the viral Walmart Birkin bag dupe and it leads to a discussion on buying dupes and fakes. Lizz has a suggestion for a good bag you're going to love that won't break the bank and isn't trying to be something else. Also, a good reminder when you're shopping for new clothes online, make sure to check the material list!

All this clothing and shopping talk leads perfectly into Last Three Transactions. Lizz finally broke down and got the cookbook Kelly has been going on and on about. Plus, she's making keepsake boxes for both of the kids and bringing back the Pantene. Kelly is still super excited over her purchase of the click markers and how much her kids love them. This week, she's also super excited about her other purchases including the Skylight, a play tent and a marriage saving iPhone charger.

For the Carpool advice section, Kelly and Lizz delve into the stroller and car seat combo debate. Are the trendy Doona strollers worth it? We'll talk about the pros and cons.

In Industry News, Kelly is breaking down the 25 best selling cards of 2024 and the controversy surrounding VW's Scout brand. Finally in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is sharing the amazing lunch she made for herself and Lizz the other day and a listener writes in with a perfect winter comfort meal idea.

CONSUMER REPORTS MOST RELIABLE BRANDS FOR 2025 w/ JENNIFER STOCKBURGER Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

Today's episode is full of little veggies and the full meat and potatoes as Kelly and Lizz chat with Jennifer Stockburger from Consumer Reports. As you know the Car Mom is a BIG fan of Consumer Reports not just for cars, but for appliances too! Guess who finally got a new food processor thanks to a their guide?

It couldn't be the most perfect time to talk with Jennifer as Consumer Reports just released their automotive reliability rankings for 2025. She breaks down the process they go through to get the the rankings that includes their members giving feedback on over 300,000 vehicles. The results are fascinating and includes a new #1 brand when it comes to performance and reliability.

On the other hand, there are seven brands that don't have a single vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends. Why is that? And why do some brands rank low on reliability yet high on customer satisfaction? There is also new numbers on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that is very promising and Jennifer explains the results.

The big question - what should used car shoppers be looking for right now? What are the most reliable used cars on the market? There are a lot of factors to look at right now, including the the shortages during the pandemic, and Jennifer gives us tips on what consumers should be on the lookout for.

Consumer Reports is giving Carpool listeners a special discount to becomes a member. Head to cr.org/thecarmom to sign up!

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