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 

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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! 

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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. 

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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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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. 

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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! 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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? 

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