

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

Aug 28, 2025 • 52min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 457
Well, our kids are back at school once again, so apparently (this week, at least), Melanie and I have some freed up mental space to clock a collection of mild frustrations and also grievances. We discuss them, of course, along with a couple of internet-y things that have recently brought me all manner of joy.
We also share some anticipation about college football ('TIS THE SEASON), and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- gift a Costco membership (what a delightful option)
- Huntsville, Alabama is happening
- Snail on the Wall bookstore in Huntsville
- Marcus Lattimore's poem that brought me to tears
- Marcus Lattimore's IG
- new GAP commercial with Katseye
- let's calm down about Cracker Barrel
- Siete Street Corn tortilla chips
- Siete spicy dill pickle potato chips
- The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime
- "Bitin' List" by Tyler Childers
- Voluspa Temple Moss candle
- Spanx polo tank dress
- Swirl decorative glass pumpkins
- Cavaliere boots
- suede shoulder bag
Sponsors:
- ZocDoc - use this link to download the app for free and book your appointment
- Remi - use code BIGBOO to get up to 50% off your nightguard
- Drink LMNT - use this link for a free sample pack with any purchase
- Thrive Market - use this link to shop their Labor Day sale and get 30% off your order with a new membership

Aug 21, 2025 • 56min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 456
On this week's episode Melanie and I recap our (very brief) time together in Nashville, we talk about all the reading I've done over the past week (it's obnoxious, really), and we discuss a couple of takeaways from the most recent round of RushTok (all the balloons at the University of Arkansas really made an impression on us).
We also break down my first attempt at playing mahjong, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Caroline's new book, The Lion & the Bear, out October 14th
- The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville
- Drusie & Darr
- restrooms at The Hermitage
- Ladybird Taco
- New Heights episode with Taylor Swift
- Taylor Swift and sourdough
- Taylor Swift and Slim Aarons
- Bamboozled on Friends
- Lilo's Salad (this is the salad that Melanie and I love)
- Any Given Saturday on Netflix
- e newton jewelry
- Tri Delt Bid Day baloons at University of Arkansas
- Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
- These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean (fairly spicy in the event that you try to avoid spicy)
- Let's Make a Scene by Laura Wood (also fairly spicy with a really fun premise)
- The Ferryman by Justin Cronin (NOT The Journeyman - I got the title wrong on the episode)
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- Taryn Delanie Smith / The Unlikely Countrywoman on YouTube
- Bare Home comforter set
- By Anthropologie Hardware Side-Slit midi skirt
- Mateo's Cantina Salsa
- Just in Time cast recording
- We the Free Garden Painters pullover
Sponsors:
- Maya Chia - use code BIGBOO at checkout to save 15%
- AG1 - use this link to get a free $76 welcome kit when you subscribe
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
- Helix - use this link through September 8th to get 27% off

Aug 14, 2025 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 455
This week Melanie shares all about her fun weekend at the lake, I share all about cleaning out my refrigerator (life is full of glamour and also thrills), and we both share about the season finale of The Gilded Age (spoiler alert: WE ADORED IT).
We also do a quick analysis of groceries we throw away more often than not as well as dig into some of our recent thoughts about plastic surgery. Plus, it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Happy Trekking snack mix from TJ's
- Trader Joe's Hot Honey popcorn
- Bayonet in Birmingham
- Trader Joe's Greek Yogurt
- Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar
- Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar spread
- Lilo's Salad
- Any Given Saturday on Netflix
- Shiny Happy People (season two) on Amazon Prime
- The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime
- The Gilded Age on HBOMax
- Phylicia Rasad
- Siete Street Corn tortilla chips
- We the Free Lotus jeans
- Kut from the Kloth Blake super high rise jeans
- Anua Heartleaf pore cleansing oil
- PJ Harlowe Lainey / Lola set on sale
Sponsors:
- Trust & Will - use this link for 20% off
- Mint Mobile - use this link for the special offer
- Thrive Market - use this link to shop their back-to-school sale
- Boll & Branch - use this link to get 15% off and unlock free shipping

Aug 7, 2025 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 454
On this week's episode Melanie and I discuss her flounder gigging experience, my (two!) trips to Mississippi, and a dessert at Bayonet here in Birmingham that absolutely blew my mind. Plus, we talk about some music we've loved lately and our shared delight about a new Hollywood couple.
If that weren't enough (it probably isn't, but oh well - we tried), it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Trader Joe's dips ranking part one and part two
- That Green Dip
- Southwestern Tossed Salad
- Bayonet in Birmingham
- Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson
- Pamela, a love story
- Sonsie skin care
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloots
- Snipe Hunter by Tyler Childers
- Thelma & James - "Canaries in a Coalmine"
- Gloria Loring & Carl Anderson - "Friends & Lovers"
- Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
- The Gilded Age on HBOMax
- Cremo Palo Santo deodorant / antiperspirant
- Trader Joe's butter with garlic, parmesan, and herbs
- mattress topper
- Lavazza single serve espresso maker (also ordered Cafe Crema pods)
- We the Free Camden maxi sweatshirt dress
Sponsors:
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
- Hungryroot - use this link and code BIGBOO for 40% off your first box plus a free item for life
- AG1 - use this link to get the fre $76 welcome kit when you subscribe
- OSEA - use code BIGBOO for 10% off

Jul 31, 2025 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 453
Since our last episode I've been to New York City, Melanie has been to Nashville, and we both have stories to share. Truth be told, I sort of nerd it up this week as I share about the Broadway shows we saw on our trip, so please bear with me if that's not your sort of thing. MRS. HUDSON'S LITERARY CUP IS FULL.
We also talk through a creative idea from Perry, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Just in Time
- Jonathan Groff
- Shukette in NYC
- Angry Alan with John Krasinski
- John Proctor is the Villain
- Oh, Mary
- Tituss Burgess
- Death Becomes Her
- Ess-a-bagel
- Hard Rock Hotel NYC
- The Optimist in Nashville
- The Summer I Turned Pretty
- Billy Joel: And So It Goes
- Billy Joel Radio on Spotify
- And So It Goes double album collection
- My Mom Jayne
- The Bear
- It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
- Jules eyeshadow stick cream to powder
- The Unlikely Country Woman on IG
- Chase Me Cosmetics Superglo brightening pads
- La Lumiere New York bracelets
- Sundry vintage wide leg track pants
Sponsors:
- LMNT - use this link for your free sample pack with any purchase
- Maya Chia - use code BIGBOO at checkout for 15% off
- Hungryroot - use code BIGBOO to get 40% off your first box and a free item for life
- Dwell - use this link for 25% off a one-year subscription or 50% off a lifetime subscription

Jul 24, 2025 • 51min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 452
This week Melanie and I ponder the reality of technically being old enough to be grandmothers (we know it's a wonderful thing, but we're just not there yet) - which really makes Melanie's tale of her recent wedge-adjacent injury all the more timely (and perhaps painful). We also discuss some of the highlights of last week's SEC Media Days as well as the delight that is the new Billy Joel documentary.
On top of all of that, it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Little Em's Oyster Bar
- Cole Cubelic
- Roman Harper
- Sophie's IG highlight of Media Days fashion
- Lane Kiffin at Media Days
- Benjamin Watson
- Laura Rutledge
- Sark walks out to the Aggie War Hymn
- Eli Drinkwitz
- Mississippi State is winning at ice cream
- State players at Media Days
- Ashby at Clemson Insider
- The Gilded Age
- My Mom Jayne
- Billy Joel: And So It Goes
- Billy Joel's Greatest Hits Vols. 1 & 2
- It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
- Sophie at Birmingham Young Life fundraiser
- meat tenderizer
- Truly Grass Fed butter
- Soren mini shirt dress
- Pizzeria Uno frozen pizza
- magnetic measuring spoons
Sponsors:
- AG1 - use this link for a free sunscreen stick and welcome kit
- Helix - use this link for 27% off sitewide
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link to get their special offer
- ZocDoc - use this link to book an appointment today

Jul 17, 2025 • 52min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 451
On this episode Melanie and I talk about - wait for it - COLLEGE FOOTBALL. It's the week of SEC Media Days, and that always sparks a little football reflection (and also hope!) in the two of us. Given that, we enjoy a little pre-season analysis of A&M's September schedule before we recap our weekends and discuss a movie that we both unexpectedly adored. What a time.
Melanie also brings some rom-com concerns to the forefront, and it's her turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Diego Pavia
- SEC Football: Any Given Saturday
- Ladybird Taco
- AGT at Ladybird
- Aubie the Tiger
- Sophie with Cole on The Paul Finebaum Show (starts around 23 minutes)
- El Royale Cafe
- Superman
- F1
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Project Hail Mary preview
- The Love Haters by Katherine Center
- Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
- Tuesday Night Date Night with Katherine and Cole Cubelic
- Good Natured Carpet Deodorizer
- Salt & Stone santal and vetiver lotion
- OSEA undaria algae body oil
- Phoebe Scott on IG
- Grillo's pickle de gallo
Sponsors:
- Trust & Will - use this link for 20% off
- Mint Mobile - use this link for their special offer
- Boll & Branch - use this link for 20% off and free shipping
- Thrive Market - use this link to get 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift
Texas Flood Relief Resources:
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
- Convoy of Hope
- Texas Search & Rescue
- Cross Kingdom Church (designate RELIEF FUND in notes)
- Mercy Chefs
- Grape Juice Kerrville
- Salvation Army Kerrville
- Austin Pets Alive
- Beau Bear

Jul 10, 2025 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 450
Our hearts are so heavy for everyone who has been impacted by the devastation of the Texas flooding, and we talk about that at the beginning of this episode. We didn't know how to transition into our normal brand of silliness without addressing it, and we're praying that the presence and the comfort of the Lord will be so palpable for everyone who is hurting. Jesus, be near.
We also talk about my trip to Canada, Melanie's trip to Knoxville, and what we've been watching. Basically we just try to do what we usually do, and we hope that it will lighten a load / brighten someone's day a little bit.
Take care, y'all.
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Texas Flood Relief Resources:
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
- Convoy of Hope
- Texas Search & Rescue
- Cross Kingdom Church (designate RELIEF FUND in notes)
- Mercy Chefs
- Grape Juice Kerrville
- Salvation Army Kerrville
- Austin Pets Alive
- Beau Bear
Show Notes:
- Holland America cruise from Boston to Quebec City
- Quebec City, Quebec
- Trainwreck: Poop Cruise on Netflix
- Anne of Green Gables museum on Prince Edward Island
- Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia
- Dr. Edie Wadsworth
- STIR in Knoxville
- Bayonet in Birmingham
- Townsend, Tennessee
- Peaceful Side Creamery
- One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
- It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
- America's Sweethearts on Netflix
- The Bear on Hulu
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Think Royln Double Trouble crossbody - over 60% off
- Towel Crabbers
- Elemis Instant Refreshing Gel
- LMNT lemonade salt
- Free People Happy Place maxi sweatshirt dress
Sponsors:
- OSEA Malibu - use code BIGBOO for 10% off
- AG1 - use this link for a free welcome kit with your subscription
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your order
- Drink LMNT - use this link for a free sample pack with any purchase

Jul 3, 2025 • 55min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 449
I'm on the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between Canada and Maine this week (Melanie opted out of the trip because of the aforementioned ocean), so we recorded this episode before I left Birmingham, and we asked our friend Cole Cubelic - who is one of our all-time favorite people - to join us. As some of you may remember, Melanie and I met Cole a couple of years ago after he saw us at an event where my hair clip was in a constant state of malfunction. Now he's like the little brother we didn't know we needed. So this week we catch up with him about life and his thoughts about this fall in the SEC and the real meanings behind phrases that coaches use over and over.
We don't do Five Favorites this week, but I'll be back with five fresh favorites next week. :-)
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Cole's podcast, Cube Show
- MLB The Show
- Dairy Queen Blizzards
- Oreo The Most Stuf
- The Manchester in Lexington
- Fuego Tortilla Grill in College Station
- Just For Feet
Sponsors:
- Remi - use code BIGBOO for up to 50% off your nightguard
- Hungry Root - use code BIGBOO for 40% off your first box and a free item for life
- Drink LMNT - use this link for a free sample pack with any purchase
- Laundry Sauce - use code BIGBOO for 20% off

Jun 26, 2025 • 43min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 448
This week Melanie and I talk through our reactions to the College World Series (Razorbacks, we feel your pain, and Tigers, we congratulate you), we break down what's been going on in our respective lives over the past week, and we share some delight over all the good television that's been released since we last recorded.
We also discuss the fact that Melanie ordered some chicken on the bone at a restaurant, and it's her turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale now!
Show Notes:
- Arkansas loses to LSU in a heartbreaker
- Coastal Carolina coaches get ejected
- LSU fan painted up like a tiger
- Mama's Cafe' in San Antonio
- Current Charcoal Grill in Birmingham
- George Benson
- Al Jarreau's "Since I Fell For You"
- Panhandle Slim on IG
- America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- our Patreon episode 2024 about DCC
- Somebody Feel Phil
- The Gilded Age
- Helen Leland on IG
- how to correct your rounded shoulders
- Zen Sleep essential oil roll-on
- Curativa hypochlorous skin spray
- personalized dog collars
- Quince Luna stretch slim straight jeans
- J.Crew knit pajamas
Sponsors:
- Helix - use this link to get 27% off during their 4th of July sale
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for a special offer for new customers
- ZocDoc - use this link to find and book a top-rated doctor today
- Remi - use code BIGBOO for up to 50% off