

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

Apr 28, 2022 • 1h 1min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 283
It's been a week-o-special-events for both of us, and on this episode we're going to talk about all of them. You'll hear about Melanie and Perry getting all dressed up for a wedding, my quick trip to see college friends, and Alex's performance in Into the Woods. Plus, Melanie has some exciting new skin care strategies to share.
We're also going to discuss TV (it's my favorite coping mechanism right now), and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope y'all enjoy!
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- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- our bonus episode with Kim Spradlin-Wolfe
- Into the Woods
- videos from the end of the show
- Melanie killing the game in her new dress
- Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix
- The Flight Attendant on HBOMax
- The Gilded Age on HBOMax
- Kathleen Jennings Beauty
- Clarins Depuffing Mask
- V-shaped slimming face mask
- A New Day Victoria wedge heels (order a half-size down according to Mel)
- R. Vivimos linen button-down tunic dress
- Tillamook cracker cuts in extra sharp cheddar
Sponsors:
- Stamps.com (use promo code BIGBOO for a four-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)
- iWi Life - use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first order
- Storyworth - use this link to save $10 off your first purchase
- OSEA Malibu - use promo code BIGBOO to get 10% off your first order

Apr 21, 2022 • 59min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 282
We're all over the place this week, so if you would like to hear about what's on sale at Anthropologie along with the snake situation at the ranch along with a round-up of some recent TV shows along with a story about some leggings, this is the episode for you.
We also talk about Melanie's latest additions to her skin care routine. And it's my turn for Five Favorites. Only somehow I ended up with Seven Favorites. As you do.
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- Maeve textured buttondown
- Maeve oversized tunic
- Into the Woods
- Inventing Anna
- Starstruck
- Anatomy of a Scandal
- Better Call Saul
- Alicia Keys' Athleta collection
- Kenra Thermal Styling Spray
- Hoson 1 1/4-inch curling iron
- Skin by Blair tonic
- Skin by Blair Bakuchiol
- Skin by Blair Ret de la Blair
- Skin by Blair Anniversary Trio
- Country Life Target-Mins 300mg magnesium supplement with silica
- the aspirational Trina Turk rainbow caftan
- Whisps
- Golden Eagle caramel corn
- Pilcro Ruffled Placket shirt
- foam earbud tips for AirPods Pro
- Oaked Bitter Orange candle by Sydney Hale Co.
- Quay Total Vibe sunglasses in green / brown
- Madewell pull-on shorts
- Favorite TikTok accounts: @snackqween, @catben, @567broadway, @jackieaina, @cost_n_mayor (be advised that you may occasionally hear some lively language)
- I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist
Sponsors:
- Noom
- Evite
- KiwiCo (use this link for 30% off your first month plus free shipping)
- Rothy's (use this link for $20 off your first purchase)

Apr 14, 2022 • 60min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 281
We both had lively weekends - Parents' Weekend for Mel, a John Mayer concert and Daddy's birthday celebration for me - and you're gonna get a recap of all of the above. We have some thoughts about concert couples and late-night fast food and the sweetness of being with family.
We also revisit the topics of doom piles and radishes, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- John Mayer Sob Rock tour
- Randall King
- John Mayer's "In the Blood"
- Weidmann's
- Sheseido Full Lash & Brow serum
- Wallaby Aussie style Greek yogurt in vanilla bean
- New June's Journey teams with podcast listeners: Big Boo Detectives 2 and Big Boo Podcast Fans
- turquoise squash blossom necklace
- clear stadium bag
- linen button down shirt
- Gold Bond crepe corrector
- Revision YouthFull lip replenisher
Sponsors:
- iwi Life (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first purchase)
- June's Journey - download on the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Helix (use this link for up to $200 off your mattress purchase and two free pillows)
- Hello Fresh (use promo code BIGBOO16 for up to 16 free meals and three free gifts)

Apr 7, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 280
Since we recorded our last episode a few days early, it felt like we had lived ten lives when we sat down to record for this week. That's why you're going to hear about a wide array of topics, from which ride made me nauseous at Universal to how college kids don't like to commit to activities to when our family received a free gift in Georgia to why I experienced buyer's remorse over a new dress.
A lot has happened, y'all.
There's no Five Favorites this week - we're doing a quick graduation gift guide instead - but rest assured that we'll be back with Five Favorites next week. I think it'll be Melanie's turn.
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey
- Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure
- Escape from Gringotts
- Knight's in Dawson, GA
- Duke Cannon men's toiletries
- a delicious milkshake in Columbus, GA
- John Mulaney From Scratch tour (not for the children)
- John Mayer Sob Rock tour
- "Landslide"
- Zara
Graduation Gift Ideas:
- Allie & Bess bracelet stack
- Kyle Cavan jewelry
- Morgan Harper Nichols print
- Dokotoo fuzzy fleece hooded cardigan
- Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sanders antimicrobial monogrammed towels
- Merrell men's hut moc (also in forest green, which is great)
- beaded game day straps
- embossed leather cord organizer
- small umbrella and waterproof backpack cover
- Grace Upon Grace, New Morning Mercies, and Live in Grace, Walk in Love
- portable chair
- dry erase board (I love this clear acrylic one) and dry erase markers
- tool kit
- Two Funny Girls grad gifts
Sponsors:
- Storyworth (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)
- Thrive Market (use this link to join today and get 40% off your first order and a free gift worth over $50)
- Prose (use this link for your free, in-depth hair quiz and 15% off)
- Peloton

Mar 31, 2022 • 51min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 279
On this episode we touch on some topics that aren't necessarily typical for us, like Melanie's recent revelation about her dogs' theme songs and my recent theory about a vegetable that I believe to be on the come-up in the roasted vegetable world. As you might expect, this led to a discussion about the vegetables and/or fruit that have risen to culinary prominence over the last several years, and I don't know, maybe Melanie and I need some new hobbies.
We also talk about Melanie's thoughts on The Gilded Age, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- Melanie's Instagram (the dog theme songs were in her stories, but maybe she'll make a highlight for us)
- SEC Baseball Tournament tickets
- Living Proof Dry Shampoo
- Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
- e.l.f. eyebrow pencil (in fairness, it is just a little bit over $4, so the bargain factor is big)
- Anastasia Brow Wiz
- Elyse Myers' roasted radishes video
- Revitabrow
- The Gilded Age
- Recaps of The Gilded Age by Go Fug Yourself
- Abbott Elementary on ABC
- puzzling fashion collection
- Kate's yellow dress
- Target-Mins Magnesium with Silica 300mg
- Bluetooth shower speaker
- "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin
- Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
- Alicia Keys / Athleta seasoft wide leg pant in raspberry fuschia
Sponsors:
- OSEA Malibu (use promo code BIGBOO for 10% off your first order)
- iWi Life (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first order)
- Green Chef (use promo code BIGBOO130 to get $130 off plus free shipping)
- Stamps.com (use promo code BIGBOO for a special offer that includes a four-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)

Mar 24, 2022 • 51min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 278
If you're wondering this week if Melanie is over her spirit of grievance with the NCAA regarding the college basketball tournament, she's going to settle that question for you almost immediately after this episode starts. We also explore two new topics - doom piles and tantouring - and lament our complete lack of skill when it comes to organizing and applying make-up.
It's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites, and you'll be delighted to hear that she comes up with a new slogan for arugula in the process. Take that, Whoop City.
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- doom piles
- Things I Bought and Liked on Instagram
- tantouring
- Brooke Shield's skincare routine
- Lemony White Bean Salad with Prosciutto
- Time & Tru high rise denim shorts
- square aviator sunglasses
- CRZ yoga sports bra with back closure
- Whitney boyfriend jeans (get 15% off with code MELANIE15)
- our latest bonus episode with Kim Spradlin-Wolfe
Sponsors:
- Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your purchase)
- Noom
- Rothy's (use this link for $20 off your first purchase)
- KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 50% off your first month plus free shipping)

Mar 22, 2022 • 36min
The Big Boo Cast Bonus Episode with Kim Spradlin-Wolfe
This bonus episode marks a first for us, and that's because our guest, Kim Spradlin-Wolfe, was actually a Survivor champion about ten years ago. This means she can claim some next-level mental and physical toughness, so suffice it to say that Melanie and I - as a couple of Enneagram 9s - are fascinated.
Kim also has anew show coming out on HGTV, so we talk about that along with a fun project she and Melanie are working on. You're going to love listening to her, and we got such a kick out of having time to sit down and talk with her.
We'll be back in a couple of days with our regular episode for the week (278). Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- Kim Spradlin-Wolfe
- Kim's Instagram
- Kim wins Survivor
- Kim's new HGTV show (and Perry does the landscaping!)
- Chelsea Meissner's house that Kim designed
- Morris & Co. wallpaper
- House of Hackney wallpaper
- Arhaus Furniture
Sponsors:
- Thrive Causemetics (use this link for 15% off your first order)
- Reel (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first order and free shipping)

Mar 17, 2022 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 277
Melanie is feeling so much better this week, and you'll be delighted to hear her back in her normal feisty form (particularly where NCAA basketball is concerned). We continue our discussion from a few weeks back about Whoop City (oh, it tickles me), and we also talk about my recent facial - not to mention how this past weekend's PJ Morton concert changed my life a little bit.
But wait! There's more! Melanie has a new book recommendation for us, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- Peter Burns
- Whoop City
- Sophie's March newsletter
- The Retreat Day Spa in Birmingham
- PJ Morton
- "Melodies from Heaven" at the PJ Morton concert in Birmingham
- Inventing Anna
- Julia Garner's Inventing Anna accent
- Unmissing by Minka Kent
- Redeeming Love movie
- Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams (this one is on Melanie's to-read pile)
- Everything Sad is Untrue (Patreon book club is March 21st for the $8 level)
- pearl(-ish) hoop earrings
- Vanilla Bean Oikos Greek yogurt with Purely Elizabeth Coconut Cashew granola
- spring sets - Ava & Viv velour top and velour shorts and Who What Wear lime green sweatshirt and terry lounge pants
- air fryer breakfast tostada (9 minutes in air fryer on 375)
- Anna Mae Groves on IG
- Our latest bonus episode with Kari Kampakis
Sponsors:
- June's Journey (download in the Apple App Store or on Google Play)
- iwi Life (use code BIGBOO for 30% off your first purchase)
- Hello Fresh (use code BIGBOO16 for up to 16 free meals and 3 free gifts)
- Helix (use this link for up to $200 all mattress orders and 2 free pillows)

Mar 15, 2022 • 36min
The Big Boo Cast Bonus Episode with Kari Kampakis
On this week's bonus episode Melanie and I talk with our friend Kari Kampakis. Kari, who lives in Birmingham and is the author of four books, just so happens to be one of our favorite Instagram follows. The mom of four daughters and a graduate of The University of Alabama, Kari has so much wisdom to share about friendship, the dynamics between moms and daughters, the power of being vulnerable and going first - and so much more. Her words are such an encouragement!
This isn't the only time you'll hear from us this week; we'll be back in a couple of days with our regular episode, so we'll talk to you again then!
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- Kari's Instagram
- Kari's website
- Kari's Twitter
- Kari's books
- Kari's new book, More Than A Mom (you can pre-order now!)
- 1883
- Cobra Kai
- Olexa's Cafe in Birmingham
Sponsors:
- Peloton
- Olive and June

Mar 10, 2022 • 40min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 276
Our friend Melanie is still under the weather, but once again she pushed through like a champion so we could get this week's episode handled. And listen - if you like a coherent train of thought, we should probably apologize. We talk about the condition of our eyelashes and the cost of streaming services and what we've been watching and the new sneakers that we both love.
Plus, it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites, which is always a treat.
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Our Amazon Shop
- Become a Patron
Show Notes:
- June's Journey
- Revitalash
- MACStack mascara
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- The Gilded Age
- Inventing Anna
- The Dropout
- PJ Morton
- PJ Morton's Gumbo Unplugged Live
- The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis
- New Balance 327s (note from Sophie: I got the moonbeam and madras orange from Urban Outfitters)
- St. Tropez self tan bronzing face mist
- Colsie terry french joggers + matching sweatshirt + shorts
- Bakers Brigade Mexican Hot Chocolate cookies
- Melanie's quarterly-ish newsletter
Sponsors:
- Thrive Market - use this link for 40% off your first order and a free gift worth over $50
- Prose - use this link for your free, in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order
- Framebridge (use promo code BIGBOO to save an additional 15% percent off your first order)