The Big Boo Cast
Authors / speakers Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson - also known as Big Mama and BooMama on their blogs - talk about all the important stuff: faith, family, friends, football, fashion, and food. Plus, of course, their hair.

A couple of weeks ago Melanie and I realized that by the end of this year we would have recorded TWENTY TWO EPISODES of the podcast in 2017, and if you think that hasn't blown our minds just a little bit, then clearly you missed the part where it took us NINE WHOLE YEARS to record the previous 68. We realize that for actual podcasting professionals (or, you know, people who just take some time to plan) the 22 episode achievement might not be a big deal (or perhaps even mildly embarrassing because SLACKERS), but we prefer to channel Ramona Singer and say KUDOOZ TO US. Is this what victory feels like?

Anyway, on this episode we talk at length about our cooking-related ailments, our current viewing habits, our fascination with Meghan Markle, and our favorite moments from 2017. It was good times, y'all.

Enjoy, everbody!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Megaformer (Meghan Markle's favorite workout - allegedly)

- Meghan's and Kate's Christmas service ensembles

- The Crown on Netflix

- The Great British Baking Show (old seasons are on Netflix)

- Martha's vest

- Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil

- Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Oil (and you can still get a great deal on the Big Boo Box or the Big Boo Too Box by using the promo code BIGBOO26 when you check out)

- Church of the Small Things by our very own Big Mama 

- Meghan Trainor - "No"

- Washington Post subscription

- Travis Cottrell - "O Praise Him with Doxology" (the perfect way to wrap up the year)

 

Direct download: thebigboocastdecember29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:57pm CST

Our good friend Travis Cottrell is with us on this episode of the podcast, and we talk about all manner of unrelated topics. We dig into some Christmas traditions, discuss our favorite Christmas music, break down the college football play-offs (along with our coaching changes), and ponder the deep well of teenage sarcasm that is currently full to overflowing in all of our homes.

Also, you'd better believe that Neil Diamond makes an appearance. Or two. Or three.

Be warned: Melanie, Travis, and I talk about so much stuff that you may never get through all the links. But in case you'd like to try, you can find most of what we mention below.

Hope y'all enjoy this one - we sure did have a blast recording it.

- Travis Cottrell

- Russian Tea 

- Mannheim Steamroller's "Silent Night" (Trav's all-time fave)

- Travis' Ring the Bells Christmas album

- Audrey Assad's "Winter Snow" (Mel's all-time fave)

Daniel Renstrom's "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" (Soph's all-time fave)

- Christy Nockels' "The King is Coming"

- A Charlie Brown Christmas

Melanie's Christmas Toffee

- Sophie's favorite Chex Mix recipe

- Sophie's favorite Christmas gift she's ever received (aka "my precious)

- Red Bubble (SO MANY great things for teenagers)

- Playstation 4

- Elf on a Shelf (clearly Sophie will not be purchasing) :-)

- Travis' Christmas sweater

- Travis, Beth Moore, & Mandisa on the Living Proof Christmas Special (starts around 19:52)

- Mandisa's testimony

- Neil Diamond Christmas playlist

- Travis on Instagram

- Melanie on Instagram

- Sophie on Instagram

Direct download: thebigboocastdecember15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:03am CST

On this episode Melanie and I talk to our (hilarious) (also deeply gifted) singer / songwriter / comedian friend Dave Barnes, and unfortunately I forgot to hit "record" for the first 15-20 minutes of our conversation. SO THERE'S THAT. And what that means for you, dear listener, is that when I finally did in fact hit the record button, we were smack-dab in the middle of a conversation about the Enneagram and introversion / extroversion. So just stick with us during what will certainly feel like conversational whiplash. It'll all make sense soon enough.

And despite my personal technical ineptitude, I have to say that talking with Dave was super encouraging for Melanie and me (and I think it will be for you, too). He has such great perspective on writing / creating, and the way he thinks through that whole process was really therapeutic for us. We talk a lot about calling and the vulnerability involved in walking out whatever that calling happens to be - not to mention that we laugh a ton.

We also talk about the State / Ole Miss rivalry. Because OF COURSE. Just keep in mind that we recorded this episode before Mullen and Sumlin left the Bulldogs and the Aggies, respectively (WHAT WE DIDN'T KNOW, y'all. WHAT WE DIDN'T KNOW).

Enjoy, everybody!

"God Gave Me You"

"Craving You"

Enneagram 9 - Sophie and Melanie are both 9s

Enneagram 7 - Dave Barnes is a 7

Chasing Mississippi - Dave's album that totally hooked us over a decade ago

Hymns for Her - Dave's album that made Sophie cry the first time she listened

Who Knew It Would Be So Hard to Be Myself? - Dave's new album (four new songs out Tuesday 12/12!) (we'll update the link after the songs are released)

"Tell Her You Do"

"This Christmas"

A December to Remember - Dave's incredible Christmas album (he has two of them - and both are great!)

Sock Club

KIND Snack Cube

 

Direct download: thebigboocastdecember10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:56pm CST

I know. We didn't expect to record a new episode this quickly, either.

But our football coaches are no longer our coaches. And we found out this morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged.

As you might imagine, we needed to talk about these things.

Please do enjoy.

- The targeting call on Deshazor Everett (aka the targeting thorn in Melanie's side)

- Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's engagement video

- Melanie's favorite picture (the first one inside the article)

- Closing Song

Direct download: thebigboocastnovember27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32pm CST

When we decided to do a Christmas Gift Guide for the podcast, we thought we'd pick five gift options a piece. Ten total. Easy breezy.

Here's how many gifts we actually discuss: EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE.

That might be a slight exaggeration, but have mercy we talked about all manner of Christmas gifts and chased all manner of Christmas gift rabbits, so to speak. We had the best time talking about fun things to buy for your favorite hostesses or teenagers or husbands or friends or parents, and we hope our suggestions make your gift buying a little easier. And if Christmas shopping isn't your thing, we hope you enjoy our commentary. Because clearly we have SO VERY MANY THOUGHTS about various gift options.

Links for everything we mention are below. Enjoy, y'all!

- Teddie Organics rosehip oil (not on our list, but worth mentioning)

- Leslie Odom, Jr.'s Simply Christmas - Deluxe Edition

Baker Stripe Dish Towel Set (on sale for $15)

- 5-Word Prayers by Lisa Whittle

- Two Funny Girls' Personalized Styrofoam & Coffee Cups

- Pioneer Woman casserole dishes

- Pioneer Woman batter bowl

- Pioneer Woman Christmas measuring set

- Heather Gauthier canvases, tea towels, and prints (Heather designed the cover for Melanie's Church of the Small Things)

- Letterpress prints from Old Try

- Waterproof Birkenstocks for men and women

- Lash Stash Gift Set at Sephora

- Stila Star Studded All-Day (8) Liquid Lipstick Set

- Joy Susan Brushed Mini-Convertible Wristlet

May Designs - folios, agendas, personalized stationery  

- Glitter Gel Pens

- Lucy Perfect Core Leggings (just an FYI - not the gift guide)

- Lucy Final Rep top in long sleeve and short sleeve

- JoyLab Women's Performance Leggings Confetti Print in women's sizes and plus sizes

- Grippy Socks Stocking Stuffer

- Feetures Socks Stocking Stuffer

- North Face Apex Bionic Windproof and Waterproof Jacket 

North Face zip up fleece - Cap Rock fleece jacket 

- Rechargeable Waterproof LED Headlamp

-LED Light Bulbs

Surefire Sidekick Ultra Compact Triple Outlet Keychain Light

- GAP stripe ribbed sleep leggings

- Gilligan & O'Malley pajama pant joggers

- Pup Socks

- 3-in-1 Wireless Speaker Cooler

- All in All Journaling Devotional

Direct download: thebigboocastnovember22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm CST

So, full disclosure - we recorded this podcast episode over a week ago, but then I (Sophie) went out of town last weekend for speaking stuff and this past week was jam-packed and I just got around to editing and recording the sponsor stuff and etc. Better late than never, I guess. And for your sake it's probably better that you don't have to listen to my post- Alabama / Mississippi State heartbreak. What a game that was.

As far as this episode goes, we have A LOT OF THOUGHTS about November heat, social media, the anger that results from wearing Spanx (Melanie has a fantastic term for that), and college football. There's also some talk about a cat with a jar on its head. 

Enjoy, y'all!

- Will Ferrell's bellybutton

- Tasty video for Halloween treats (this video made Sophie irrationally angry

- our friend Jamie who used to make cake pops

- "Oh, Happy Day" video that Sophie has watched an excessive amount of times

- the Next Door app

- OPI You're Blushing Again

- Bobbi Brown Plum Brandy lipstick (Sophie's new favorite)

Hummingbird Farms Big Boo Box ($49 price won't show up until you use coupon code mentioned in this episode)

- Hummingbird Farms Big Boo Too Box ($49 price won't show up until you use coupon code mentioned in this episode)

 

Direct download: thebigboocastnovember19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:10pm CST

This time around we discuss the Mississippi State / A&M game, the Astros' win in the World Series, and the glory of a redemptive sports moment.

(For example.)

(This is the GIF Melanie texted Sophie during the State / A&M game.)

(This is the GIF Melanie tweeted after the Astros' victory.)

(You can see the contrast.)

We also talk Sol Dance (edited to add: pretty sure that I said Selena Gomez instead of Demi Lovato, but that is understandable since I am 104 and had also just read news that Selena and the Biebs are back together), the reality of life with our high-maintenance dogs, and Sophie's simmering jealousy about the fact that Melanie has calves that will fit into any boot. There might also be about ten minutes where we look at the Free People website and talk about the stuff that we like. 

So. You know. Super important, deeply serious things.

Enjoy, y'all!

 

<strong>Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:</strong>

 

- Carlos Correa's post-game proposal

- Melanie and Sophie at Houston's First Baptist The Gift of Christmas: A Women's Gathering on November 30th

- Gap striped sleep leggings - Melanie's fall and winter ministry

- Sam Edelman "Camellia" boots - a boot unicorn

- Your Girl tunic at Free People

- One Interlaken Tunic at Free People

- We the Free So Fresh Tee at Free People

- We the Free Blossom Thermal (the shirt Sophie loves but doesn't think is long enough) 

Happy Weekend, everybody!

Direct download: thebigboocastnovember2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:15pm CST

We are all over the place in this podcast episode - from an exercise class that I recently tried to pajama leggings to hypothetical situations that would make us sprint to kombucha to football to mascara to essential oils to our feelings about scarves. BUCKLE UP, PEOPLE.

Also, I sound more quiet than usual on this episode, and after troubleshooting to the point of utter frustration, I have come to the conclusion that my USB microphone wasn't plugged in and I was recording using my computer's internal microphone. Please forgive this latest technical difficulty. Unfortunately, I think we all know that it won't be the last. It's sort of how we roll.

Finally, we continue discussing our disagreement about booties but try to find some middle ground. We would appreciate your prayers.

Enjoy, y'all!

- Sol Dance

- Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil

- Immune Activator Supplement

- GAP sleep leggings

- Croft & Barrow Whispery Clouds Long Sleeve Pajama Top (plus sizes, too)

- Sonoma Pajamas Essential Long Sleeve Tee (plus sizes, too)

- GAP sleep shirt

Direct download: thebigboocastoctober25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:55pm CST

It's been an exciting few days here at The Big Boo Cast because Melanie's fantastic new book, Church of the Small Things, released this past Tuesday. Yay, Melanie! Yay, everyone who gets to read it!

So you might not believe it, but on this particular episode we actually stick with a theme and talk about some of our very favorite small things. I went sort of sentimental and nostalgic with my list, and Melanie went sort of practical with hers, and the result is that somewhere in the overlap of our lists, we found a way to talk about some topics that we adore (specifically: comfy clothes, our latest obsessions, the best parts of friendship, and exciting new snack options). 

We had the best time recording our very special Church of the Small Things episode - hope you enjoy it!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

Church of the Small Things (signed copies!) by our very own Melanie Shankle

Barefoot Dreams Coastal Chic Lite Hooded Cardigan

Holy Kombucha

GT's Cayennade Kombucha

Kristen Bell's Hurricane Harvey Instagram posts

GAP Ribbed Sleep Leggings

Somersaults Sunflower Seed Bites, salt and pepper

"A Stanford researcher's 15-minute study hack lifts B+ students into the As"

Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants by Louie Giglio

"Little Things Mean A Lot" by Kitty Kallen

Subscribe to The Big Boo Cast on iTunes

Direct download: thebigboocastoctober5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am CST

Well, the first thing I should probably mention is that we recorded this episode while we were having a thunderstorm in Birmingham, and Hazel was losing her fool mind over the weather. Just think of her barking as soothing background music. 

The second thing I should probably mention is that we talk a LOT about college football this time around. It's just that time of year, y'all. So we break down the latest with Melanie's Aggies and my Bulldogs, we discuss Melanie's need for some football boundaries, and I break down my most recent trip to Starkville. 

(Full disclosure: Melanie and I recorded this episode just a few days after Mississippi State's decisive victory over the LSU Tigers. It was a glorious time. Since then, however, the Bulldogs have experienced the heartache of a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Needless to say, we recorded a quick post-State/UGA follow-up segment to address this sad MSU turn of events, along with the outcome of the A&M/Arkansas game. Stay tuned at the end for that.)

We also talk about Homecoming dresses (because CAROLINE IS THAT OLD NOW, HOW DID THAT EVEN HAPPEN?), rose hip oil (who's surprised?), and TV. These are a few of our favorite things.

Hope y'all enjoy it!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Sophie's pretend friend Gerald McRaney wins an Emmy

- This Is Us

- Hart of Dixie

- Mary Beth Whalen's When We Were Worthy

- Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil

- "It's A Heartache" by Bonnie Tyler

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things 

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

Direct download: thebigboocastseptember24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:59pm CST

Well, first of all, we recorded this episode with Melanie talking on her phone because her microphone was in the guest room where P was napping. Sure, we could have waited until another day so that the sound quality was better, but when you've only recorded 80 podcasts over the last 10 years, you take the recording opportunities when they present themselves - no need to wait for pesky sound equipment.

Second, we answer several of your questions in this podcast, including how we navigate arguments in our marriages and whether watching This Is Us is worth it (short answer: YES). We also discuss fall fashion, disagree about whether booties have run their course, and marvel at our current state of skin care contentment.

Finally, we talk about workout pants and granola because, well, of course.

We'd love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we'd be honored if you'd leave us a review.

Enjoy, y'all!

 

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Lincee Ray from I Hate Green Beans

- The Happy Hour Live with Jamie Ivey

- Bayou City Fellowship Church (for Hurricane Harvey relief)

- Texas A&M vs. UCLA (the 2nd lowest football point of Melanie's life)

- Meghan Markle in Vanity Fair

- Princess Kate expecting her third baby

- Sophie still likes booties (especially these)

- Lucy Perfect Core Capri Leggings (Sophie says: I found mine at TJ Maxx)

- Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil (aka Shankle Oil)

- It CC Cream Sample Size

- Skinceuticals Sunscreen

- Zella Capri Workout Leggings

- GAP Sculpt Compression Leggings

- L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

- Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (Melanie enjoys this product)

- Purely Elizabeth granola

- Early Bird granola

- "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift

- "Pop Culture Current Events" on The Popcast with Knox and Jamie

- "You Look So Good in Love" by George Strait

*****

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

Direct download: thebigboocastseptember10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:26pm CST

It's always a treat to have our friend Travis Cottrell on the podcast, and this episode is no exception. We cover a wide stretch of conversational ground: favorite football snacks, the wonder of an Amish donut, our ever-growing kids, current Bible study options, and, of course, our obsession with rose hip oil.

(That last one was more of a discussion between Melanie and me. But Travis was as patient as he could be when we talked about it.)

(Or maybe he was just distracted.)

We also reminisce about shampoos from the 70s. I would try to give you some context, but it's probably just easier if you listen for yourself. And no joke: Melanie must have taken her one-liner pill before we recorded; there are some Shankle Gems (I think we may have to trademark that phrase) (only not really) scattered throughout.

Enjoy, y'all!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Travis Cottrell

- Nut Thins crackers

- Chicken in a Biscuit crackers

- Beanitos

- Melanie and Perry's wedding picture

- "George. George Glass."

- Awaken by Priscilla Shirer

- Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio (from Sophie: I totally forgot to mention that this book is what our small group is reading this fall)

- Community Worship San Antonio

- Entrusted by Beth Moore

- Seamless by Angie Smith

The One Year Josh McDowell's Youth Devotions

Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil

- Toni Home Perm

- "The Best Beauty Lessons We've Picked Up From Kate Middleton"

- Dear Evan Hansen

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

Direct download: thebigboocastaugust19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm CST

I think it was last summer when Melanie and I first talked about Last Chance U. We both binge-watched season one of the Netflix series, and in addition to discussing it on the podcast, there were several times when we talked on the phone about it because we were so fascinated by a certain player or could not believe how someone reacted. Then, in episode 78 I mentioned that I'd watched season 2 and found it just as magical as season 1 (though, as I have often pointed out, the language is terrible).

Anyway. All that to say: you can imagine our delight when Brittany Wagner, the academic counselor on LCU, agreed to be our special guest on episode 79.

It was THE MOST FUN.

So, in this episode, Melanie and I talk to Brittany about football and clothes and beauty products. (I should mention that I make a critical error and identify Mississippi State's season where they were ranked #1 as the 2015 season...but it was 2014...so I beg a thousand pardons.) We also hear about some of the players she'll be watching play D-1 this fall - and how her new career adventure got started (it's such a neat story). After Melanie and I finish our conversation with Brittany, we launch into a discussion about music, what we're cooking, and a whole host of unrelated items.

In other words: business as usual.

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

Brittany Wagner

Last Chance U on Netflix

- Last Chance U - GQ article from 2014

- Ronald Ollie (spoiler if you haven't watched the show yet)

- Dakota Allen (spoiler if you haven't watched the show yet)

- 2013 Egg Bowl (the beginning of my irrational maternal affection for Dak Prescott)

- The Red Cat Coffee House

- 10K Pencils (Brittany's new company)

- Frozen (and here's a post I (Sophie) wrote about some of the reasons I loved it so much)

- Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil (I've started using it since we recorded this podcast, and I AM A CONVERT)

- Allure Beauty Box

- Bare Minerals

- Too-Faced Better than Sex mascara

- Hummingbird Farms lavender body oil

- Cool Sculpting

- Nichole Nordeman's Every Mile Mattered

- Yum Yum Sauce

- Rita Springer's "Defender"

- All in All playlist (and here on Apple Music)

- The Popcast - "More Nos of Weddings"

*****

- Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All

- Melanie on Twitter and Instagram

- Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

Direct download: thebigboocast79.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43pm CST

Well, this super-sized podcast was a mighty memorable moment for Melanie and me. Because much to our delight, legendary football coach Jackie Sherrill and his super-talented daughter, Bonnie Bishop, join us at the beginning of this episode. Specifically, they share some of the challenges they faced in terms of forming a relationship after Coach Sherrill married Bonnie's mom. Now they're extremely close, and they're doing speaking events about motivation and relationships - and how when it comes to life, it's more than Xs and Os. Mel and I had the best time talking with them about football and parenting and football and also football. And seriously - it was such a treat to be able to soak up their stories and their wisdom. You're going to love spending some time with them and laughing with them.

After our conversation with Coach Sherrill and Bonnie, Melanie and I jump into our regular brand of nonsense: her dog Piper's recent bout with intestinal distress, our current Netflix favorites, my reaction to Dunkirk, and Melanie's new favorite skin care product.

Hope y'all enjoy it!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Jackie Sherrill

- Bonnie Bishop

- Coach Sherrill on Twitter

- Bonnie on Twitter and Instagram

- Bonnie's website

- Bonnie's latest album

- Bonnie's "Ain't Who I Was" (There's a little language :-) - but my goodness this is a phenomenal song - and a quick BigBoo PSA: if you're drawn to the music Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, etc., then Bonnie Bishop's music will be right up your alley.)

- Last Chance U - Season 2

- Jane the Virgin

- Pentel Sign Pen (Sophie's forever favorite)

- Organic Rose Hip Oil - (By the way, this article popped up in my Twitter feed this morning, and it sheds even more light on why Melanie has embraced this product.)

- Dunkirk

- Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Oil No. 6 (this stuff is a WONDER)

- All in All, Sophie's new devotional journal for young women

Grateful for y'all!

 

Direct download: thebigboocastjuly25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:46pm CST

In this episode we talk about our summertime travel, the life-changing hummus I recently enjoyed, our current struggles with our hair, and our lack of business vision or insight or skill. Melanie also states her very strong feelings about being on a boat in the middle of a large body of water (suffice it to say that a cruise is nowhere in her future) and relays a tale about a very aggressive seagull.

We also talk about potential road trip destinations for next year, recap the summer movies we've seen (here's a hint: I have only seen two), run through a few other entertainment highlights from the last month or so, and break down our feelings about the Instastory.

So there's some variety, I guess.

Enjoy, y'all!

Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

- Sophie's Kenya trip with Compassion (link to recap podcast with Jamie Ivey)

- Dear Evan Hansen

- Dizengoff in Chelsea Market

- L'Oreal root cover

- Magnolia Market

- Opal ice maker

- Chadillac's Backyard Water Park

- Lake Tejas

- The Marlboro Man Sandwich from Pioneer Woman

- Melanie's new book: Church of the Small Things

- Sophie's new book: All in All (a journaling devotional for young women)

- Jenny from the Block

- For Forever (from the Dear Evan Hansen cast recording)

If you're on Facebook, well, we are, too!

 

Melanie's blog / Twitter / IG

Sophie's blog / Twitter / IG

Direct download: thebigboocastjuly12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:47pm CST

On this episode we discuss my almost-here trip to Kenya, what I refer to as Melanie's enthusiastic opposition to khaki, and recent events at the SEC Baseball Tournament.

Recent events may or may not have involved me approaching someone I believed to be a This Is Us cast member.

Basically there's a lot of talk about sports - college baseball in particular - a lot of laughs, and a lot of theories about why I might have felt so compelled to approach the alleged celebrity.

Good times, people. We hope you enjoy.

(You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.)

Direct download: thebigboocastmay31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:06pm CST

Let's just get this out of the way: there are times when Melanie's internet is dicey on this episode. KEEP DOING YOU, AT&T.

But if you can stick with us during the our internet troubles, then you'll hear our thoughts on Pippa Middleton's wedding (Melanie is our resident royals expert), the madness that is May, and my upcoming trip to Kenya.

We also discuss shoe options for summertime, Southern Charm Savannah, and the challenges of writing a devotional book (which, by the way, were surprising to both of us).

Enjoy, y'all!

(You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.)

 

Direct download: thebigboocastmay20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:57pm CST

Well, we start off recounting some difficult times we've experienced in excruciatingly hot conditions. Our passion about this topic will surprise approximately no one. But then, in an unlikely turn, we discuss exercise: power walking, Melanie's first yoga class, and a new fitness class that involves a mini tramp (Melanie may try it, so STAY TUNED).

We go on to share our thoughts about Costco, vacations, shorts, along with what we've been watching and reading. And naturally there's a lengthy discussion about all the skin care knowledge (and tips!) Melanie gleaned on her recent video shoot. You might want to grab a pencil.

Finally, we talk a good bit about the NCAA women's basketball tournament because BULLDOGS.

(You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.)

(Audio clip from ESPN.)

Direct download: thebigboocastapril32017.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:25pm CST

As you might expect, we spend some time in this podcast recapping Melanie's recent visit to Birmingham, and we talk at length about our visit to SEC Headquarters. I don't think it's overstating it to say that it was a life highlight.

We also talk about the Oscars, the ageless wonder of Halle Berry, texting etiquette, a few favorite podcasts, and the great mystery of why none of the old <i>SEC Wives</i> episodes are online.

As seems to always be the case recently, we have a big discussion about <i>This Is Us</i> and why we all seem to want to feel emotion that deeply week after week. Plus, somewhere in the middle of all that, Melanie lays down a hashtag that's going to catch on like wildfire. Or 🔥, if you will.

Finally, we break down some of the finer points of #oldlove - and how that might affect, say, the way your husband gets to the hospital the morning of his knee surgery. Hypothetically. 

Direct download: thebigboocastmarch1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:46pm CST

Okay first of all Melanie has some internet issues on this podcast - she cuts in and out at times - and while the (lack of) internet service is unfortunate, I will say that she mines her inconvenience for some comedy gold. BE WARNED, AT&T. We also talk about our ongoing efforts to eat better and exercise more, and as you will hear we are just as thrilled as we can be about all of that.

Also on this podcast: some thoughts on the Grammys, foods we crave the most, how I found myself in an unspoken treadmill competition last week, my obsession with SEC women's basketball, and Melanie's elaborate skin care routine.

Then we tried to talk about books but I couldn't remember the names of the books I've read recently so we'll pick up with that topic next time.

You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com

Direct download: thebigboocastfebruary15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:54pm CST

 Well, the big news at the beginning of this podcast is that Melanie is snack mom for Caroline's soccer team, so we have a lengthy conversation about budgeting and price awareness and our limitations as household managers. We also spend some time talking about Melanie's feelings about chicken that's already off the bone, salsas we enjoy, goals for TV watching, and some exciting new cosmetic finds.

There's also a considerable amount of discussion about our optimal lighting and how maybe we're facing some skincare issues that make-up can't fix.

We also talk about why we can't talk about some stuff related to some writing stuff (and other assorted vagueries). But other than that it's all very specific.

We surely do hope you enjoy it.

You can find show notes and links on our personal blogs: http://thebigmamablog.com and http://boomama.net

Direct download: thebigboocastjanuary27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:05pm CST

In this podcast Melanie and I talk about her recent bout with the plague, our thoughts on soup, our favorite dresses at the Golden Globes, and then a bunch of other stuff that I don't really remember though I'm sure it's absolutely riveting.

Oh! We talk about why Melanie doesn't want to see <i>Manchester by the Sea</i>, our recent enjoyment of staying home pretty much all the time, and our assessment of the National Championship game.

Plus we ramble through approximately 72 different topics. But it's a podcast. And some days just recording a podcast feels like a victory.

You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com

Direct download: thebigboocastjanuary9.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm CST

Well, it's the first podcast of 2017 for Melanie and me, and our discussion seems to focus on several people that we really don't know even a little bit: Mariah Carey (not to mention her affection for a bodysuit), Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Queen Elizabeth, and Meghan Markle, to name a few.

There is a considerable amount of <i>La La Land</i>-related raving / fangirling. We also spend a lot of time talking about television - one of our very favorite topics - and then we reflect a little bit on 2016 and look forward to an awesome 2017.

All in all, a good time was had by all. Or at least the two of us. And we certainly hope it's a good time for you, too.

You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http:boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.

Direct download: thebigboocastjanuary2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:30pm CST