The Big Boo Cast

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)

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)

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)

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!

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- 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)

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)

It's quite a week on Ye Olde Podcast: Melanie shares an AT&T update, I reminisce about the South Central Bell customer service reps of my formative years, and Melanie gets us up to speed on Caroline's most recent soccer games. 

Also, I overshare about Mississippi State's baseball series against Tulane, but I trust you've grown to expect this kind of thing.

And to top it all off, we have a long discussion about Italian food (I made a bolognese sauce, y'all) and catch up on Melanie's current Netflix goals. What a time.

Hope y'all enjoy!

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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

- State's walk-off grand slam in the Saturday game

- State's walk-off win in the Sunday game

- Bon Appétit's Bolognese

- Article by Sarah Jessica Parker in Grub Street

- To All the Boys: Always and Forever

- Sophie's Easter dress

- Melanie's Easter dress

- Anastasia Brow Wiz

- Olaplex Bonding Oil

- WandaVision (the most unexpected TV treat of 2021 for me)

- In and Of Itself on Hulu (not for the children)

-  Bobeau Long Open Front Cardigan in regular sizes and plus sizes

- Diva laundry detergent (it's price-y - so I stretch it out for special laundry occasions :-) and get about six months out of a bottle)

- Kirk Franklin's Tiny Desk Concert on NPR

- Prince Harry & James Corden

Sponsors:

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

- Native (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order)

- care/of (use promo code BIGBOOCAST50 for 50% off your first order)

- Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and a free gift)

It seems like it's been forever since we last said these words, but college baseball season is here! On this episode we talk about opening weekend for the Aggies and the Bulldogs, and we also discuss our weekend outings to the State / Alabama women's basketball game (me) and the San Antonio rodeo (Mel). Plus, Mel shares some ways we can all jump in and help Texans who are recovering from last week's ice storm.

AND. This week we get to spend some time talking with author Elizabeth Passarella. I mentioned her new book, Good Apple, on the podcast a few weeks ago (you may remember that I loved it), and Melanie and I were so excited to get to visit with her. You'll hear part of the conversation on this episode - the rest a few weeks down the road - and you are going to love her. Melanie and I had both talked to her for about three minutes when we realized that it felt like we've known her forever.

Hope y'all enjoy!

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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- How to Help Texas: San Antonio Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, West Texas Food Bank

- Mississippi State's new baseball uniforms with the "State" script (NBD but these might just be the best looking baseball uniforms in the country)

- Elizabeth Passarella

- Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella (it's really wonderful!)

- Rendevouz

- Corky's BBQ

- Payne's Bar-B-Que

- Levain Bakery

- Roku streaming stick

- YouTube TV

- Quilty weighted blanket

- 32 oz. deli food storage containers

- milk frother

- Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Dessicated Beef Liver

Sponsors:

- Best Fiends (download on the Apple App Store or Google Play)

- Prose (use this link for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order)

- FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box)

- KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month and free shipping)

This week we talk all about Melanie's Winter Extravaganza (TM) in San Antonio, which leads to a discussion about potential winter meals and our preparation (or lack thereof) for winter weather snacks. I also chronicle my Marvel Movie Plan (also TM but not really), and you'll be delighted (though not at all surprised) to hear me confuse the Captain America and Captain Marvel movies when I discuss what I've been watching. Bless my heart.

On top of all that, I share my Five Favorites this week, and next week - don't miss it! - because Good Apple author Elizabeth Passarella will be with us. 

Enjoy, y'all!

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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

-  Our Beauty Favorites episode on Patreon (complete with a Google Doc!)

- Ted Lasso on Apple TV+

- Melanie's favorite gumbo recipe

- Family Savvy's Spicy Hamburger Soup

- Bobby Sue's Everything Goes Nuts

- Whisps - WHAT A DELIGHT

- America's Test Kitchen Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

- Gimme Some Oven salad recipes

- The WandaVision Marvel Catch-up Viewing Plan (I said "Captain Marvel" instead of "Captain America" a solid three times in the episode, which really tracks in terms of my overall literacy in this area)

1) Avengers: Age of Ultron

2) Captain America: Civil War (I misidentified this one in the episode because SKILLZ)

3) Avengers: Infinity War

4) Ant Man & the Wasp

5) Captain Marvel

6) Captain America: Winter Soldier (also misidentified in the episode) (not necessary for WandaVision but oh-so-enjoyable)

7) Avengers: Endgame

- Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella

- Pendaflex Translucent Polyfile Jackets

- Anthropologie Baker Stripe Dish Towels

- Merrell Antora 2 Rainbow Trail Runner

- $10-ish Walmart sweatshirt (my wintertime companion) - and in plus sizes

- Gotham Steel pasta pot

- Always Pan by Our Place (we both have pondered this one)

Sponsors:

- Rothy's

- Apostrophe (use code BIGBOO to get $15 off)

- Hello Fresh (use code BIGBOO10 for 10 free meals and free shipping)

- Munk Pack (use code BIGBOO for 20% off your purchase)

On this week's episode Melanie teaches us a new word related to real estate, and I talk about three exciting discoveries from my most recent writing weekend at a local Hampton Inn. We also discuss our thoughts about how dogs perceive time.

And while we didn't plan it, Melanie offers her thoughts on blazers (I'm still thinking about what she said), and she also shares her Five Favorites - which I interrupt to discuss a pair of shoes I've been admiring from afar.

As always, please do enjoy.

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- Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- Godiva Signature Roasted Almond Dark Chocolate Mini Bars

- The Piano Guys on Apple Music and Spotify

- S-Town (this is not for the children; the language is definitely rated R)

- In and Of Itself (also not for the children - but one of the most compelling things I have watched in a long time)

- YouTube TV

- WandaVision

- Disposable black face masks

- Living Proof Dry Volume Blast

- Old Navy Boyfriend Ponte Blazer

- Graphic Image notebooks

- Aerie long-sleeve Western button downs

- Two Brunettes boutique

- Tinley Dolce Vita sneakers (interrupting Mel's Five Favorites to say that I am enamored)

- Maybelline Sky High mascara

- silicone vibrating face cleansing brush

- Revision Brightening face wash

Sponsors:

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

- Native (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order)

- Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off off your purchase)

- NuCalm (use this link for 50% off your 30-day subscription)

Be advised that you may get whiplash from this week's episode; we are all over the place with our topics. We move from discussing the new Buc-ee's in Birmingham to Melanie's new liver supplements to the fact that I read two books in 24 hours to Melanie's determination to solve her family's TV streaming issues once and for all.

And at the end of this episode, you'll hear an excerpt from our recent Patreon conversation with our friend and business manager, Retha Nichole. Our conversation with Retha is one of our favorite episodes ever - she offers so much wisdom and perspective - and we are so happy that you'll get to spend some time with her today. She is fantastic!

Enjoy, y'all!

Our Amazon Shop

Become a Patron!

Show Notes:

- Buc-ee's

- BeneRx (THE BEST topical pain relief - we both love it - use promo code BOOMAMA or promo code BIGMAMA for 10% off plus free shipping)

- Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella

- The Guest List by Lucy Foley

- Good Morning, I Love You by Shauna Shapiro

- Revision brightening face wash

- Liver supplements (YES. YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY.)

- twenty twenty fun Big Boo t-shirt (promo code BIGBOO15 for 15% off sitewide)

- twenty twenty fun Big Boo sweatshirt (promo code BIGBOO15 for 15% off sitewide)

- Our Patreon conversation with our friend / business manager, Retha Nichole

- Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Amethyst

- UGG Hank Joggers

- Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. by Laura Tremaine

- That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs

- Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety by Sissy Goff

- Perfect Coverage Bra by Third Love

- flat whisk (my favorite kitchen tool besides my knife)

- The full Patreon episode with our friend / business manager, Retha Nichole (on Patreon we do two bonus episodes a month for $5 / month - and you get access to all the previous episodes when you subscribe)

Sponsors:

- Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)

- Thrive Market (use our link for 25% off your first order and an exclusive free gift)

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