We'll start with the bad news, Lizz is out for today's podcast. But the good news is Kate from Naptime Kitchen is BACK to take her place for the day! She's been living that book tour life but managed to find the time to join Kelly to talk about all the adventures she's had since becoming a published author. 

Then, it's time to rundown Last Three Transactions. Kate had to break down and buy a new Apple watch since her last one broke and realized how much she misses having it on her wrist. She's also been transacting to get ready for her daughter's birthday and running by a local bakery to grab her favorite go-to quiche for a quick meal at home. Kelly is stocking up on pre-cut parchment paper that has been a game changer in her kitchen. Plus, another Facebook Marketplace haul and a major order from Athleta. 

In Industry News, it turns out AI is NOT good at everything - specifically designing cars. Our dreams of flying cars might be on hold for a little longer as Hyundai announced it is halting his air taxi department. 

Finally, in Ditch the Drive-Thru how to elevate your tuna melt and grilled cheese sandwich. 

Today on the Carpool podcast, Kelly and Lizz delve deep into the art of hosting, offering practical tips and insights for creating memorable gatherings. Kelly shares her journey from feeling intimidated by hosting to embracing it as a way to foster community and in-person connections. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining a welcoming home environment, even with a busy family life, and provides actionable advice on meal planning, using paper products for easy cleanup, and keeping essential items on hand for spontaneous get-togethers. Kelly also highlights the significance of setting a good example for children by prioritizing real-life interactions over digital ones.

Who doesn't love a comfort TV show? It's those shows that you re-watch over and over again. Today on the Carpool, Kelly and Lizz discuss their "Model Line-up" of comfort TV shows. They both have a pretty good list and neither will contain "Gilmore Girls." 

Before they get to that, it's time to talk about the Second Summer that is currently happening in Missouri. Kelly wants a fall drink, but it's too warm outside for a hot drink. Will an Olipop do? Lizz is getting excited to break out the fall decorations, but not as excited as she is to watch the new season of "Dancing with the Stars."

It's been a while, but the advice segment is back this week answering questions on mom guilt and how long you can wait to upgrade your car. Speaking of upgrades, in Industry News Kelly reveals that more people are upside down when they trade in their car. Finally, it's all about Souptember in Ditch The Drive-Thru with a super yummy ham and bean soup recipe. 

Could Kelly be a Powerball winner? There was a winning ticket sold in Missouri and Tyler won't let her know if he has that ticket in his pocket. Will winning that money change her? You might not know if they won but there will be signs... like a 10 car garage. 

The Lions lost their first game of the season, but it wasn't all in vain. It helped Kelly remember just how fun watching football can be and now she has added all the games to her calendar to make it official. Now they just need to get Lizz on board... Speaking of Lizz, she's feeling like she is in her ugly era or as many of us refer to it as "That Time of the Month." It's led her to wonder why we ever got rid of moon lodges and she may be on to something. 

Both Kelly and Lizz came to the show with a base model luxury that has changed their life recently. First, Kelly bought some black wash cloths that have changed the game when it comes to makeup removal. Then, Lizz is exploring flavored whipped creams that have changed her coffee experience. 

In Industry News, Mercedes Benz are working on making their G-class vehicles convertibles. Elon Musk might be the world's first trillionaire if he takes the incentive package Tesla is currently offering him. Finally, GM electric vehicles are really giving everyone else a run for their money.  

Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool20' at checkout to get 20% off your order and free shipping. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

Kelly and Lizz are continuing getting ready for football season and to route for the Detroit Lions. Kelly is even wearing her new gear to get ready for the big game. Turns out Carpool Country is also Lions Country. But are they more excited for the game or the food? 

There's a lot of controversial opinions the ladies need to discuss today. First, Gen Z is now saying leggings are over but they're gonna have to take them from Lizz's cold, dead body. Why do we have to yuck someone's yum? Then, it's time to once again dive into the buying used vs. new convo. But that's not the only car controversy they need to discuss as Kelly has some hot takes on the Ford Expedition that everyone needs to hear. 

Base Model Luxury is back and Kelly will explain why cleaning out your fridge is the ultimate flex. This leads into a snack hack that Kelly discovered recently and Lizz is ready to make it the rule in her home... that is when she can get back in it. How life will change when this remodel is over! 

The biggest piece of Industry News this week is all about the groundbreaking interview just posted on the Car Mom Facebook page. Plus, is Jeep getting their stuff together? We're rooting for them! 

Finally, it's a comfort staple from the early days of newlywed bliss for Kelly that is the perfect fall meal. 

Summer has come to an end and Kelly is ready for football season! She is fully committing to being a Detroit Lions fan. But is she actually excited to watch the game or just excited to watch the commercials? Since summer is over, Kelly has a list of what she learned this year that she is taking into next year including kids camps, America clothing and hay season. 

The micro-hobbies are continuing as Kelly is now obsessed with buying banners to celebrate holidays and major family events. This is her first item in Last Three Transactions this week along with Labor Day sales from the Tea Collection and a birthday present for Sloan. Meanwhile, Lizz has been stocking up on Burt's Bee jammies, consignment shop finds and Paw Patrol toys from Facebook Marketplace. 

There's some juicy news in Industry News this week. First, the federal tax credit for electric vehicles is about to end. Kelly has details on the exact date it ends and how you may be able to still be eligible if the car you want isn't ready yet. Then, Hertz and Amazon are teaming up to sell used rental cars through the app. They'll break down exactly what that means and why this might not be the best idea. 

Finally, in Ditch the Drive-Thru Kelly and Lizz somehow managed to bring the same recipe without realizing it and it's a family staple you can easily make your family tonight! 

Is your micro-hobby listening to the podcast? Lizz is looking for a new one and really wants to stick to it this time. She's looking into spider plants and paint by numbers. Which one will she embrace? Kelly has plenty of micro-hobbies and right now she is concentrating on the family Christmas photo tradition. 

After a little Kelly and Lizz chat, it's time to get into a fascinating chat with Jessica Jermakian from the IIHS. They recently released their list of cars perfect for the first-time driver in your family. She'll talk about what to look for in a teenager's first car, key safety features and how to prepare your kids to hit the road. Plus, Jessica shares a unique Ditch the Drive-Thru that has us inspired! 

It feels like it’s been forever since it was just Kelly and Lizz and they have SO much to talk about… and not talk about. While Lizz has been solo parenting for two weeks (an experience that has changed her as a person), Kelly has been prepping for her birthday. Did you know that making the perfect potato salad could cause a lot of stress and discussion? A lot of tangible takeaways here from Kelly’s potato salad trauma. In the end it all turned out to be the perfect evening, including some lovely gifts from her family. This leads right into a tangible takeaway from Lizz on how to start the perfect gift tradition. 

The potato salad stress might have been a bit exaggerated by a MASSIVE interview for the Car Mom. Kelly and Lizz traveled to Detroit to chat with GM CEO Mary Barra. They gave a little preview of the interview as well as talked about the friends they did not make in the car seat lab. 

Another massive milestone happened in the Stumpe household as George headed off to school for the very first time. Kelly is so ready to be in her “mom of school kids” era and already planning her truck-or-treat decorations. Speaking of family time, Kelly is ready to introduce her kids to “Shark Boy and Lava Girl” in hopes that they will want to dress as them for Halloween. Is “Spy Kids” next? Both movies go perfect with a Ditch the Drive-Thru favorite: pulled pork bbq nachos! 

This week on the Carpool Podcast it's half solo pod with Lizz and half interview with both ladies! First, Lizz discusses the use of ChatGPT in parenting, sharing practical ways it can assist with tasks like creating packing lists, bedtime stories, daily schedules, meal planning, and rainy day activities. She emphasizes the tool's ability to learn and tailor responses based on user input, making it a valuable resource for busy parents. Then, Side Hustle Summer continues as Kelly and Lizz speak with KL Shaw, founder of The Salary Bump, who offers insights into career transitions, networking, and salary negotiations. KL highlights the importance of knowing one's worth and preparing effectively for interviews, while also discussing the value of networking in job hunting. 

Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool20' at checkout to get 20% off your order and free shipping. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com

It's a big ol' update episode with just Kelly and Lizz today! First, the renovation at Lizz's house is moving right along. You could basically call her a general contractor, but please don't for legal reasons. But that isn't the only big news in the St. John household as Lizz is about to join the minivan mom family. What car is she driving now? Speaking of new cars, Kelly is starting to get the new car itch. She's been in her current ride for over 18 months, a record for her. What should she pick up next? 

Since they are on the topic of cars and car seats, there is some DRAMA in the car seat community and Kelly needs to get some things off her chest. A new Evenflo car seat has a lot of people talking. Is it just a cash grab? It opens up a lot of talk about car seat safety tests and why the public doesn't get more information on the results. 

Kelly is on her hostess grind and shares tips on how to become the perfect hostess. This leads Kelly and Lizz to talk about their upcoming Thawgust and they need your help! Got a recipe to submit? They want to hear it! 

It's been a while and there is so much to break down in Industry News. First, there is no stopping Waymo as they are set to invade Dallas shortly with plans to expand further in the next year. Mary Kay is still giving their biggest associates cars and it's about to go all electric. A woman got revenge after her car got repossessed in the most sneaky way. Finally, one of Britney Spears' cars is about to go up for auction and might snatch a pretty penny. 

Today's episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Clean Simple Eats⁠⁠. Use code 'Carpool20' at checkout to get 20% off your order and free shipping. ⁠⁠CleanSimpleEats.com