As we head into the Christmas break it's a Kelly solo episode today! With four kids at home, she's sharing her best tips to make the most out of the holiday break. You're going to want to take notes (both now and during Christmas) because she is going to break down how she is going to make the most of the next couple of weeks. Kelly will tell us how to use this time to take care of your family, your house and yourself! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a couple life changing guest episodes, it's just Kelly and Lizz on today's podcast with a thrilling reveal of Sloan's theme song! Yes, both of the little ladies are here for this episode, but after this week it's off to daycare and back to work for the Car Mom. It's time to get on the boss babe blazer and plan all things the Car Mom for 2025, with some surprising changes. 

Kelly has tales from George's first field trip to the Dollar Tree. Yes, you read that right the Dollar Tree. BUT it might have been the cutest field trip ever! Meanwhile on the farm, Tyler is decided he is going to make an electric fireplace for their house all on his own and everyone is impressed. 

More random animal facts Kelly and Lizz have learned are sharing the truth about reindeers. Could all of Santa's deer be ladies? Plus, things you didn't know about tarantulas that you will have to share with your kids. 

This year Kelly started a new tradition of putting 25 books under the tree for the kids to read each night on the lead up to Christmas and its a big hit. Lizz is encouraging everyone to make memories with your long-time friends and not just reminisce about the good times. But they need your help to think up some activities to do with their friends that isn't just drinking at a bar. 

It's all about car seats in the advice segment, with questions on three across with an Irish twin on the way and another mom looking for the perfect one to fit into her stroller for easy ins and outs. In Industry News, Kelly and Lizz have to talk about the Nissan Armada reveal. Finally, we've got a new favorite in Ditch the Drive-Thru in the Taco Skillet thanks to Cooking in the Midwest. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Lizz have talked MANY times about how they are obsessed with baby names and today on the podcast they have on someone who took that same obsession and made it into a career! Colleen Slagen is an expert in baby names, helping countless couples find their perfect baby name. How did she become an expert in the first place? She shared her full story as well as her take on reusing name etiquette and why sibling names should be harmonious. 

But before Kelly and Lizz chat with Colleen, they have a few things to discuss. Lizz is meal planning a month in advance and Kelly found a new recipe app that has changed the game. The theme for Lizz's 30th birthday has been picked and it's a murder mystery ! Finally, it is that time of year, and with that it's time for annual discussion of pictures of men in their pajamas. Hopefully you aren't sending the ladies a Christmas card featuring your whole family in matching jammies... 

Follow Colleen Slagen on instagram @namingbebe and more about her baby name consultations at namingbebe.com

Go to CleanSimpleEats.com and use code CARPOOL10 for 10% off your order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One simple sentence has changed Kelly and Lizz's lives and it comes from the one and only Debt Free Mom - Carly Hill. Carly was a teacher that longed to be a stay at home mom for her four kids. So she worked on her finances and found a way to make it happen. Now she shares realistic budgeting tips on social media and helps families all over the country figure out their finances. It's quickly become Kelly's new obsession so of course they had to have her on the pod! 

During today's episode, she'll talk about how finances are not automatic. She'll also give some tangible tips on something you can start this week to help get your spending under control. Plus, what is the right side hustle for you to make a little extra cash? She has the key thing you need to do to make that side gig worth your time. 

Since Carly is here to talk budgeting and mindful spending, Kelly and Lizz thought it would be time to really bare their souls and do a Last Two Transactions. Will Carly judge their bank account subtractions? 

Before she goes, of course everyone needs to know what Carly is driving and her favorite Ditch the Drive-Thru recipe! 

Go to CleanSimpleEats.com and use code CARPOOL10 for 10% off your order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to recap the family Thanksgiving dinner. There were a lot of expectations, were they met? Kelly has a couple notes, Lizz has no notes but is quickly learning that the holidays with a toddler is MUCH different than the holidays with an infant. 

With the holidays in full swing, Kelly has some December advice - don't delay the joy. Go full glam with the red lipstick. Rock the sparkle shirt. In that spirit, she's throwing a party for the women in her life, no kids and no husbands. But first to decide the correct appetizers and cocktails to serve. 

Then, it's time for an apology. Specifically to anyone victimized by Lizz's bone broth hot chocolate. Who knew a simple drink would cause so much haters? 

In advice, Kelly and Lizz have a question from a listener that is struggling with presents for her in-laws. Since the family is growing she wants to cut back on buying for the adults and do a secret santa. The rest of the family isn't into the idea. How should she go about Christmas drama free? Plus, a question on buyers remorse and if it's okay to trade in so soon. 

The tea in Industry News is piping hot with the battle for Automatic Emergency Braking. NHTSA says a rule requiring them in all new cars will save countless lives but the auto industry is pushing back. Who will win? 

Finally in the Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly is attempting to make pizza dough from scratch and so far not loving it. Lizz is getting ready for a busy holiday season by stocking up on some frozen food favorites from Trader Joe's. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you bring a newborn to the movie theater? Kelly and Lizz are contemplating it as they both are desperate to see Wicked! Everyone is talking about it and unfortunately they might have to wait till it's streaming. 

By the way, is anyone else noticing how close Thanksgiving and Christmas are this year? It's making the holiday shopping season a little more stressful. Speaking of stress, both Kelly and Lizz have been diagnosed with D-MER. Never heard of it? You're not alone and frankly this is something all women should know about! 

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there were plenty of holiday deals to be had and the ladies made a ton of life-changing purchases. Kelly is very excited about her new protein bars, fleece lined tights and disposable vinyl gloves. Lizz grabbed some new books for the kids, travel bags and a dress for the Marine ball she is pretty sure is magic! 

Dear Carfax, if you're looking to sponsor a segment on the show, then Random Facts is made for you! Today it's more fascinating animal facts, including the animal with the thickest coat and just how smart are pigs? 

In Industry News, Kelly has to talk about the marketing push Jaguar is making for their new reveal. Is all bad press still good press? Also, it's time to break down the new Hyundai Ioniq 9. 

Finally, Kelly has a Ditch the Drive-Thru that sounds mouth-watering and will help get her through some of that half a cow she bought. Chicken fried steak anyone? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming a mom for the first time can be a scary and intimidating time. This week on the podcast we're talking to Lauren Puliz who is helping moms get through this tough transition. She's a marriage and family therapist and a Carpooler who specializes in helping new moms navigate this difficult part of parenting. She'll talk to Kelly and Lizz about distress tolerance skills, the dangers of comparing yourself to others and those "I don't feel like myself" moments. Plus, she's got a classic Ditch the Drive-Thru suggestion that is perfect for this time of year. 

Before the interview, Kelly and Lizz need to go over a few other things. Lizz has a Thanksgiving fun fact and we learn a fun fact about Lizz. Kelly needs to talk about buying new vs. used and needs the Carpoolers help picking out a birthday present. Also, the Millennial Word of the Day is BACK with not just one but TWO words! Make sure you are "sat" for this and get ready to "yap." 

Find Lauren Puliz on Instagram @millennial_mama_therapy or visit her online at millennialmamatherapy.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep schedules are all over the place, but Kelly and Lizz are ready to bring you another riveting episode of The Carpool Podcast! Lizz is feeling better after Tuesday's episode with Kris and a trip to the library for a lap time. It's amazing what being in a space that was so understanding that toddlers are gonna toddler will do for you! Meanwhile, Kelly is preparing for her first solo weekend at home with four kids. 

In Driveway Dumps, we MUST discuss the drama between Zach Bryan and his ex Brianna "Chickenfry." The Carpool is clearly team Bri! Also, Kelly needs to talk about socks. Why she's finally giving in to having just one type of sock for each kid and the tube sock for herself. 

Random facts are back! You'll never guess what the national animal of Ireland is. We learn what the most average color in the world is and a bonus chicken fact that might just creep you out a little. 

A Carpool listener has a question on how Kelly and Lizz deal with dog hair and a crawling toddler. What's the hack? Then, a mom has a question on fitting three kids in carseats into a Palisade. The answer isn't fun but needs to be said. 

There is only one story in Industry News this week, but it might be the best car story of all time! It involves a Rolls-Royce and a man in a bear costume. Finally for Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly shares the potato soup that is perfect for Soup Sunday! 

Before the episode ends, Kelly and Lizz share the stories of two Blake's Besties in honor of Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month, including one that is very personal to our Carpool family. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, the matriarch of the Suntrap family is BACK! Kelly and Lizz's mom Kris joins the show today to talk about raising five kids and her best marriage advice. She also talks about her pageant queen past and going to college with Brad Pitt. Yes, that Brad Pitt. 

But what she really came to the show today to do is rundown all her best Thanksgiving hacks. From your tablescape to post-games notes, Kris is here to help you have your best Thanksgiving ever! The game-changing turkey hack alone is going to change your life... 

In Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly and Kris talk soups and Kris has a dish Sydney is making that sounds amazing. Finally, Kris talks about what she is currently driving and her favorite family car of all time. 

Before Kelly and Lizz wrap up, they share two more stories of pregnancy loss for Blake's Besties. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BIG news to start off the pod today, the Thankful Turkey is up and Kelly's kitchen is clean! What the kids are saying they are grateful for could use a little work, but Lizz is very grateful for the Thankful Turkey and the new outlook it has given her sister on life. Kelly is thankful for soup. 

Speaking of turkeys, why don't we eat turkey eggs? We eat every other kind of bird eggs, what is wrong with a turkey egg? As Kelly and Lizz dive into that question, they realize that they really need to have more interests and do a deep dive into topics more often. For example: did you know that platypus sweat milk?!? A random facts segment could be coming to the podcast soon. 

Are you a "Go Wide" or a "Go Deep" cleaner? The ladies discuss the difference, why they are both "Go Wide" people and why it might be time to change it up. 

Kelly and Lizz are back to answering your advice questions in this episode, starting with a question on gold vs. silver jewelry. Which one is better for an engagement ring? Then finding the perfect grandpa car and advice on cleaning out your closet during postpartum. 

In Industry News, Kelly has details on the new Scout SUV electric vehicle. Do people with EVs go off-roading? It's time to investigate. Nissan is going through a rough patch and cutting jobs. Finally, what the next Trump presidency could mean for the electric vehicle market. 

For Ditch the Drive-Thru today, Lizz is making chicken nugget wraps that are a little elevated thanks to a special ingredient. Then, Kelly talks all about her buffalo chicken dish with sweet potatoes and cottage cheese. 

Finally, we share two more stories of little ones gone too soon during Blake's Besties. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices