The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 and the welcome Lizz to a new decade! She's officially thirty, flirty and thriving. Now it's back to work with maternity leave officially over for both Kelly and Lizz. They're looking forward to a big year for the Car Mom and hopefully for a very boring one personally. No more moving or kids in 2025! At least that's the plan...  First things first, it's time for Kelly and Lizz to reveal their words of the year and why they'll be making a 2025 bingo card to keep track of their goals. Speaking of goals, the ladies have some big ones for this year with the business that they're not ready to share just yet. BUT they have their health, fitness and cooking goals they are planning on tackling. #1 - get a good sports bra!  But really, what we all want to hear about is Kelly's 30th birthday party extravaganza! This murder-mystery party was a rousing success and the ladies have some tips if you're looking to throw one yourself. Then, it's time to wrap up the holidays with what Kelly and Lizz learned this year. What worked and what didn't? You might want to get a pen and paper to write this down.  Since they're talking parenting hacks, Lizz uncovered a date night back from her dad that might be life changing. How did the kids never find out that during their weekly date night, mom and dad were really just in the basement the whole time?  Kelly has a Fast Lane Philosophy to share from her husband Tyler that will change the way you think about everything. Plus, a fun parenting idea to keep the kids busy. Oh, and it's time to start clearing out things around the house! How many champagne flutes does one household need?  Inspiration from Costco and @makayla_thomas_fit bring you this week's Ditch the Drive-Thru with a super easy recipe the whole family will love. Then finally, Kelly doesn't have a full Industry News report but we MUST talk about the potential Nissan and Honda merger.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Kelly and Lizz are striving to be more positive on the pod this week, but first Lizz needs to talk a little about the giant zit on her head. On the other end of the spectrum, Kelly is getting super excited for Thanksgiving and their dads Lemon Drop Martinis. Speaking of the holidays, which is better - the lead up to Christmas or Christmas day itself?  Kelly has some advice for moms this week, do that little thing you want to do but think you don't have time for. Want to make the viral brown sugar pop-tart? Do it! Hopefully she'll take her own advice and make that Thankful Turkey...  In Driveway Dumps, Lizz is discovering the awkwardness of trying to make adult friends as a couple with kids. What is the etiquette here? Kelly is not ready to be the parent of a big kid but IS ready to not have to parent a toddler while 9 months pregnant ever again!  Fast Lane Philosophy is deep this week. Lizz came across a post on Instagram that hit her hard: "You would die for your kids, but would you get healthy for them?" Equally, Kelly came across one that hit her hard: "Believing in Jesus and not doing what he demands is what the devil does."  In Industry News, the Grand Highlander is getting a new trim, an interesting new feature that might be coming to cars and how 3D printing is allowing old cars to get those parts that are no longer being made. The Frisco Melt is making Lizz's day in Ditch the Drive-Thru and Kelly has a similar more fancy version she's making.  Finally, we hear the stories from two moms that lost their littles ones too soon in Blake's Besties.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly and Lizz aren't here to judge you for putting up your holiday decorations. If that's what makes you comfortable, you do you! Kelly is so ready for the holiday season, her Christmas cards are arriving and she's picking out Libby's stocking. But don't worry, they're not too far into the Christmast state of mind as they have some leftover Halloween candy to deal with first. It's all about recognizing the space you're at in today's episode, and the space Kelly and Lizz are currently at involves planning their Thanksgiving espresso martinis.  In Driveway Dumps, Kelly has discovered her next method to get out of her ugly era thanks to switching to silver jewelry. Then somehow both ladies have discovered new tricks to making their eyelashes pop!  Last three transactions have Kelly and Lizz revealing their latest purchases including a fabric shaver, new stroller and cardigans. Plus, we figured out why Kelly is only giving two gifts to her kids this year at Christmas - she's already giving them everything else! Lizz is on a sippy cup journey and should Kelly keep her towel warmer for research purposes? This all leads to a really interesting question - when do we go from comforting our kids to spoiling them?  In industry news, the price gap between new and used cars is wider than ever, the shocking number of Ferraris on the road and how to tell if your used car has flood damage. Then in Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly has a recipe for a turkey taco skillet you're going to want to try and Lizz has advice to avoid turning your child into a picky eater.  Finally, we share two more beautiful stories from Carpool listeners on the little ones they lost way too soon.  Visit CleanSimpleEats.com and use code CARPOOL10 at checkout for 10% off your order. That’s Clean Simple Eats .com code CARPOOL10 for 10% off your order. https://glnk.io/0wvl/the-carpool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices