

The Big Boo Cast
Melanie Shankle & Sophie Hudson
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.
Plus, of course, their hair.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2026 • 55min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 477
This week Melanie and I catch up on the college football playoffs as well as the first few games of conference play in SEC basketball. Melanie also shares about her epic clean-out of Caroline's closet (Caroline was texting me throughout this process, btw), and I have an update on the new television and our most recent Helen dinner.Plus, we discuss Golden Globes fashion, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
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Birmingham Show (4/23) Live Stream Tickets
If you'd like to listen online, you can do that here.Show Notes:
Ole Miss / Miami game
Trinidad Chambliss denied additional eligibility
Indiana / Oregon game
Fernando Mendoza gets confetti in his mouth
Auburn's buzzer beater in A&M game overruled
Bucky McMillan's post-game interview
Helen in Birmingham
Bayonet in Birmingham
Sophie's weekly newsletter (with show notes)
(by the way, Melanie has a new Substack - and she's blogging again!)
Amy Poehler's podcast
Amal Clooney at Golden Globes
Emma Stone at Golden Globes
Parker Posey at Golden Globes
Jean Smart at Golden Globes
Britney Snow at Golden Globes
Best Dressed at Golden Globes
Amazon workout top
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost on Apple TV
People We Meet on Vacation on Netflix
Upsky dog bowl
Linbsunne ball point pens
OSEA Dream Bio-Retinol body cream
oversized turtleneck tunic sweater
The Original Beeswax furniture polish
Sponsors:
Hungryroot - use code BIGBOO for 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life
ZocDoc - use this link to download the app and book an appointment
OSEA Malibu - use code BIGBOO for 10% off
Helix - use this link for 20% off sitewide

Jan 8, 2026 • 1h
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 476
This week Melanie and I have lots of thoughts about Ole Miss football, Curt Cignetti, and what on earth we should do with our old VHS tapes. We also discuss our shared hope that we'll be game-playing families and my unexpected encounter with my old maternity clothes.On top of that, we talk about a new show on Netflix that has totally captivated us despite the fact that we're puzzled by what we're watching, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.Happy New Year, everybody!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
Birmingham Show (4/23) Live Stream Tickets
If you'd like to listen online, you can do that here.Show Notes:
canasta
PhotoScan app
Ole Miss / Georgia game
Kim Mulkey and Lane Kiffin
Curt Cignetti
Texas Tech's new QB
Carson Beck
Fernando Mendoza
Mississippi State baseball conditioning
State beats the Longhorns in basketball
Aggies beat LSU in basketball
Members Only: Palm Beach on Netflix
Gardens of Jaipur printed curtains
oversized sweater dress
return address stamp
Thrive Market organic extra virgin olive oil
big pearl beads
Sponsors:
Boll & Branch - use code BIGBOO to unlock 15% off
Hungryroot - use code BIGBOO for 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life
Branch Basics - use code BIGBOO for 15% off the premium starter kit
AG1 - get a free duffel bag and a free welcome kit with your first subscription order

Jan 1, 2026 • 49min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 475
On this episode I share all manner of enthusiasm about the new year (WHAT IS BETTER THAN A NEW YEAR REALLY THERE IS NOTHING), and Melanie shares all manner of enthusiasm about her extensive house clean-out (WHAT IS BETTER THAN A CLEAN-OUT REALLY THERE IS NOTHING). Of course we recap our respective Christmases and discuss all that we've done (and watched) to celebrate the season.
Melanie also offers an alternate calendar theory, and it's her turn for Five Favorites.
Happy New Year, everybody!
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Show Notes:
Little Em's Oyster Bar in San Antonio
Biscoff Christmas Crack
vibration plate
USA pans on Amazon
family takes turns raiding grandmother's closet
eulogy for Anna's pacifier
(also, THIS TURKEY)
Stranger Things
Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller
Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith
The Traitors
Shrinking
Bridgerton
linen cover thick spiral notebook
Style Edit root concealer
Amazon Essentials crew neck t-shirt
baggy wide leg cargo sweatpants
Bounce fleece tunic
Sponsors:
Cash App - download the app and use our referral code, SECURE10, for the offer in this episode
Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
Laundry Sauce - use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off

Dec 25, 2025 • 56min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 474
This past week has brought its share of A&M-adjacent football disappointment, but Melanie is finding comfort and solace by celebrating the Aggies' national championship in volleyball (GLASS HALF FULL, you understand). Meanwhile, here in Alabama, this past week has taught me some things about my personal needs from health care providers who draw blood, and I have found comfort and solace in watching television. As one does.
Melanie also has some thoughts about Amazon's AI assistant, Rufus, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everybody!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
Aggie women's volleyball wins National Championship
Chicken Oil Co. in Bryan
Aggie football loses to Miami
Johnny Manziel couldn't make it
Jazz TX
Pullman Market in San Antonio
Owning Manhattan on Netflix
The End of an Era on Disney+
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman on Netflix
Murdaugh: Death in the Family on Hulu
Love, Meghan on Netflix
Will Guidara
Spicy Hamburger Soup
Truremedy soap
sleeveless puffer vest
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater
turquoise big bead necklace
Aerie Like Candy crew sweater
Sponsors:
Homeserve - use this link to find the plan that's right for you
Hungryroot - use code BIGBOO to get 40% off and a free item of your choice for life
AG1 - use this link for $126 in free gifts for new subscribers
Trust & Will - use this link for 20% off

Dec 18, 2025 • 52min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 473
This week Melanie and I talk about the copious amounts of butter in our refrigerators as well as the seemingly inevitable tall boots experiment in my life. We also discuss A&M volleyball, our shared love for the new Taylor Swift docuseries, and my newest TV show obsession. On top of that, we share some Southern Living subscription info, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.Enjoy, y'all!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
Quality Bistro in NYC
David Yu, NYC chauffeur
Frye & Co. Miranda boots
NCAA volleyball championships
Helen in Birmingham
Bayonet's watermelon ice box pie is a big deal in the NYT
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix
The End of an Era on Disney+
Kam from The Eras Tour
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Pluribus on AppleTV
All Her Fault on Peacock
our new $10 level on Patreon
Southern Living subscriptions for $14.95
oversized sweater
Abib collagen eye patches
Relwen quilted insulated tanker jacket
Rowe Casa lymphatic cream
Chappywrap blanket
Sponsors:
Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
ZocDoc - use this link to book an appointment today
Drink LMNT - get your free 8-flavor sample pack with any order
Mint Mobile - use this link to shop unlimited wireless plans

Dec 11, 2025 • 1h
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 472
This week Melanie has some words of encouragement and exhortation for the College Football Playoff committee, and I am still trying to make sense of the fact that the Mississippi State Bulldogs are going to an actual bowl game. To play post-season football. WHAT IS EVEN HAPPENING.
Also, Melanie talks about some Christmas-themed shows that she has watched, I share all about my recent trip to New York, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
Notre Dame says no, thank you
State going to the Duke's Mayonnaise Bowl
College Football Playoffs
Rosemary's
Shukette
Quality Bistro
Chess
Ragtime
Joshua Henry
John Clay III
& Juliet
Oh What Fun
Home for Christmas
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
David Yu, NYC Driver
our Patreon Southern Living episode
get a Southern Living print subscription
get a Southern Living digital subscription
Helen in Birmingham
Whiskware salad dressing bottle
Maille mustard (here's the Lilo's Salad recipe)
Anastasia tinted brow gel
FITS Go with the Flow wool crew socks
Aprés Chill trousers (and I got the popover sweatshirt to go with them)
Sponsors:
OSEA Malibu - use code BIGBOO for 10% off sitewide
Postaway - use code BIGBOO40 for 40% off when you join
Dwell
AG1 - use this link for $126 in free gifts for new subscribers

Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 471
On this episode I sound like I'm recording inside a tunnel, and Melanie is clearly surrounded by a great deal of yard work, but neither of those things stops us from sharing our feelings about rivalry weekend (WOMP WOMP), Lane Kiffin (ENOUGH ALREADY), Thanksgiving festivities, parking lot etiquette, and (in Melanie's case), Stranger Things. There's also some exciting upcoming live show news, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.Thanks for listening, y'all!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
sad trombone for the Aggies
sad trombone for the Bulldogs
Stranger Things on Netflix
Kiffin's clothes in a parking lot
Kiffin's deal at LSU
Honey Baked Ham
Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime
we read Southern Living together on Patreon
NYX hydrating glossy lip stain
multi-color velvet ribbon
Chobani peppermint mocha creamer
Capri Blue woody fir and firewood candle
7 foot alpine tree with lights
Sponsors:
Helix - use this link for 27% off sitewide
Drink LMNT - get a free 8-flavor trial pack with any purchase
Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
Boll and Branch - use code BIGBOO for 25% off

Nov 27, 2025 • 49min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 470
It's Rivalry Week in college football, so on this episode Melanie and I discuss the Aggies' upcoming showdown with the Longhorns and the Bulldogs' annual battle with the Rebels. Naturally this leads into the two of us sharing / pontificating / pondering about all the Lane Kiffin coaching drama, so you're welcome for all of our thoughts despite the fact that not a single soul has asked us what we think.Mel also shares about her weekend of Christmas decorating, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.Hope you enjoy!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
potential SEC Championship Game match-ups
Lane Kiffin coaching drama
Ole Miss AD's social media statement about Kiffin
Deuce Knight
Bucky McMillan
Layne's in College Station
a great little cashmere pencil tree
Melanie's chocolate icebox pudding
Erborian CC Red-Correct
Pioneer Woman olive wood turner
COSRX The Ceramide Skin Barrier moisturizer
wooden tasting spoons
sleep headband with headphones
Sponsors:
Drink LMNT - get a free 8-count sample pack with any purchase
Trust & Will - use this link for 20% off
Branch Basics - use this link and promo code BIGBOO for 15% off a starter pack
Storyworth - use this link to save $10 or more on your order

Nov 20, 2025 • 51min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 469
Well, the Aggies got 'er done against South Carolina in the most dramatic way possible this past Saturday, so in this episode Melanie and I are going to break down her experience watching the most epic SEC comeback in the modern football era. And if you're thinking that what you just read sounds a little bit like Jesse Palmer introducing an episode of The Bachelor, well, you're not wrong. Which is to say: this is a football-heavy episode. Because Aggies.
We also make time to talk about what we've been watching and what I've been cooking. Plus, it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
Aggies stage epic comeback win
Oklahoma wins at Bama
Elko throws a chair post-game
Marcel Reed's TikTok
Georgia's onside kick against Texas
Bamboozled on Friends
The Beast in Me on Netflix
Being Eddie on Netflix
Tamalitoz hard candy
shirt tuck band
cotton pointelle mini skirt
crochet skirt
I Just Wanna Chat on IG
Sponsors:
AG1 - use this link to get a free welcome kit
Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
Mint Mobile - use this link to shop unlimited plans
Dwell - use this link for 25% off a subscription

Nov 13, 2025 • 50min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 468
As has been the case all season, college football has given us plenty to talk about this week (OKAY AGGIES), along with the fact that Melanie and I both got to spend some time at our alma maters. As usual, we break down Side Eyes and I See Yous - and I share why I am teaching myself to focus on Other Hobbies and Pursuits for the rest of the winter.
We also discuss what we're listening to and watching, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
Join Us on Patreon
Our Amazon Shop
2025 Big Boo Holiday Gift Guide
Show Notes:
Aggies win at Missouri
the Elkos in College Station
State loses to Georgia
Diamond Dawg Classic
Auburn shows life against Vanderbilt
Indiana beats Penn State
LSU loses to Alabama
Cam Coleman's TD catch (I thought I mentioned his name specifically during the episode, but I didn't)
Diego Pavia
Oregon's game-winning field goal on the road
Cole's new jacket
College Football playoff standings
Aggie Ring Day
Unicorn Girl
The Great British Baking Show on Netflix
The Diplomat on Netflix (and Keri Russell's character is the ambassador to the United Kingdom, not Great Britain)
Leslie Odom, Jr. - An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios
Chad Powers on Hulu
Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime
disposable eye steam masks
Aerie Softest Luxe crew sweater
St. Francis with pets Christmas ornament
the softest quilted pants
airplane wireless adapter for AirPods
Sponsors:
Helix - use this link for 27% off through December 1st
Homeserve - use this link to find the plan that's right for you
Boll & Branch - use code BIGBOO for 25% off (exclusions apply)


