The Big Boo Cast

We have a special guest on this week's episode, and we couldn't be happier about it. Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso) has taken Instagram by storm over the last few months - she is a funny, wise, non-partisan former government teacher - and she has created such a beautiful online community. Melanie and I have gotten such a kick out of following her and learning from her, so when it worked out for us to get to actually talk to her, we couldn't say "yes" fast enough. And listen - we cover a lot of ground. We talk about Sharon's informational, non-partisan approach to teaching people about government and democracy, we talk about how Sharon shattered Melanie's lifelong belief about Texas' ability to secede from the union, and we talk about how important it is to really listen to one another so that we can understand one another better - especially when we disagree (my favorite quote of Sharon's: "We cannot work for each other's mutual destruction"). We're also going to talk about make-up, and if you've seen Sharon's eyeshadow skills on Instagram, you'll understand why.  We'll also have our usual round of Five Favorites at the end of the episode (it's my turn this week!), and we'll be back next Monday with a new Five Questions (featuring our literary agent, Lisa Jackson) and our usual brand of shenanigans next Thursday on episode 230. Enjoy, everybody! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - The Carol Burnett Show - Sharon McMahon - Sharon's Instagram - Sharon's Government for Grown-ups - Dave (the movie) - BH Cosmetics Hangin' in Hawaii eyeshadow palette - Latisse eyelash serum - Revitabrow eyelash serum - Go Big or Go Home mascara by KVD Beauty - Subversion eyelash primer by Urban Decay - Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix - Palmer's Cocoa Butter Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil - Thrive Causemetics 3-in-1 Brightening Face Wash - Delicious Miss Brown - Kardea Brown's Fried Pork Chops with Homemade Table Gravy - Tyler Glamorous Wash in Diva (a laundry splurge - but one small bottle will last for six months or so) - OPI Hollywood & Vibe Sponsors: - Audible (use this link or text BIGBOO to 500500) - Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and an exclusive free gift) - Native (use promo code BIGBOO at checkout and get 20% off your first order) - Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)

This week on Five Questions - a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Elizabeth Passarella, a contributing editor at Southern Living magazine and the author of Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. We started this conversation a few weeks ago on Episode 224, so we are delighted to bring you part two today. Elizabeth grew up in Memphis, has lived in New York for the last twenty years, and talks to us on this episode about the best Memphis barbecue, the Southern food she misses, and whether or not releasing a new book was what she expected.  We'll be back later this week with our regular episode - Episode 229 - and then next Monday we’ll have another episode of Five Questions with our beloved literary agent, Lisa Jackson.  Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Amy Grant & Ellie Holcombe's song, "A Woman" - "El Shaddai" - Lead Me On - Sandi Patty - Amy Grant's The Collection - "Old Man's Rubble" - "All I Ever Have to Be" - Honey Baked Ham - Sister Schubert's rolls - Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York - Fran Keenan's Instagram (this is how I found out about Elizabeth's book) - Elizabeth's website - Elizabeth on Instagram Sponsor: - AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

We're back with a new regular episode after a week away, and we catch up on all manner of things: Caroline's last soccer game, the weather in Alabama, college baseball, and what we've been watching.  We also discuss what we're thinking about cooking for Easter, a new hidden object game that has captured my fancy, and Melanie's latest round of Five Favorites. Last thing: don't miss our latest Five Questions Bonus Episode with Retha Nichole - and we'll have another Five Questions this Monday. Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - Last Chance U Basketball - June's Journey - A Place to Call Home - Melanie's Breakfast Casserole (she uses Alexia Potato Puffs - cooked ahead of time - instead of bread) - Pioneer Woman's Marlboro Man Sandwiches (I only use one stick of butter and it's all fine) :-) - Mexican Cornbread (scroll down and you'll see the recipe) - Twice Baked Potatoes (this is our favorite recipe - except I like to cook a few strips of pepper bacon and crumble it up instead of using bacon bits) - Kut from the Kloth Gidget cutoffs - Kingdom Pets duck jerky and sweet potato treats - Good & Gather salt and pepper roasted macadamia nuts - Naturewell collagen intense moisturizing cream - Tan Luxe body butter Sponsors: - FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box) - Prose (use this link for a free, in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order) - SoulCycle (use promo code BIGBOO for a free pair of select cycling shoes with purchase of SoulCycle at-home bike) - Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your purchase)  

This week on Five Questions - a bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Retha Nichole, our favorite life and business coach who also happens to be the business manager for our podcast. Retha has a way of cutting straight through excuses and procrastination and helping people not just see their goals - but figure out how to make forward progress. So whether you've dreamed of writing or painting or starting your own business or running a half marathon, Retha has some great tips to help you get started and build momentum. This week we'll also have a new regular episode - Episode 228 - and then we'll be back next Monday with episode four in this bonus series, a (continued) conversation with the author of Good Apple, our new friend Elizabeth Passarella. Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Retha's website - Retha's Instagram - Retha's Sunday Planner - Retha's STUCK ebook Sponsor: - AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

This week on Five Questions - our new bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Laura Tremaine, our longtime blog friend and newly published author. Laura is insightful, honest, and she has had such an interesting journey from blogging to podcasting to writing a book. We had an absolute blast talking with her. And just a reminder: there's no regular episode this week because Melanie and I are taking a little time off, but we'll be back again next week with a new Five Questions and a new regular episode. You can also find us over on Patreon where there's a new episode on spring fashion - complete with our spring fashion memories from the late 80s / early 90s.  Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - 10 Things to Tell You - The Popcast Live Show - Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. - Laura's website - Laura on Twitter  - Laura on Instagram Sponsor: - AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

On this week's episode Melanie and I talk about how we're dealing with the things that signal Ye Olde Passage of Time - like Caroline's dorm room decor and Alex's 18th birthday. We also discuss some things we've been watching, and I of course feel like I need to rehash some recent Mississippi State baseball developments. Just a heads up about next week: on Monday we'll have the latest installment of our new Five Questions bonus series, but there won't be a new regular episode next Thursday (it's Spring Break in Birmingham, so I am going to try to catch up on book edits). We'll be back the following week with two new episodes - a bonus episode on Monday, March 29th, and Episode 228 on Thursday, April 1st. There will also be a new Patreon episode that comes out this Friday, March 19th.  Thanks so much for listening, everybody! Hope you enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - Mississippi State's latest walk-off win - The Real World Homecoming: New York - Firefly Lane - WandaVision - Dorm Rooms of Mississippi and Beyond - Canva Mood Boards - Caslon camo sweatshirt in regular sizes and plus sizes (this sweatshirt is my favorite purchase in a long time - it is lightweight and soft) - A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal, edited by Sarah Bessey - College Campus Skyline Notepads by Two Funny Girls - 50 States of Beauty - American Gouache prints - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charles Mackesy - The Wonder Years - Big Boo Five Questions with Erin Moon Sponsors: - KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off any line and free shipping) - Best Fiends (download in the Apple App Store or on Google Play) - Rothy's - Third Love (use this link for 20% off your first purchase)

If you're wondering why in the world you're seeing a new podcast episode on a Monday, here's why. Melanie and I are doing a bonus series called Five Questions with some of our favorite writers - and some of our favorite people who are connected to our writing life. These are shorter, 25-ish to 30-ish minute episodes that we hope will brighten your day and encourage you, too.  This week we're talking with our dear, brilliant friend Erin Moon. She is, as always, a delight - full of wisdom about writing and Texas and a host of other things. And as for the regular episodes, they're not going anywhere. We'll be back later this week with episode 227, and then we'll be back again next Monday, and then we won't be back next Thursday because of Spring Break, but then we'll be back in the Monday / Thursday rhythm the week of the 29th. See how that all works out? Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Erin Moon - Bucc-ee's - @sharonsaysso on Instagram - Explosions in the Sky on Apple Music and Spotify - Erin's Instagram - Brennan Manning - Henri Nouwen - Anne Lamott - Madeleine L'Engle - Larry McMurtry Sponsor: - AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

On this week's episode we discuss Melanie's Spring Break getaway in Dallas, along with how breezy (not) I was on Alex's first college tour at Samford. We also talk about a couple of fun things I found at Target - and a TV show I recently watched and enjoyed. And just in case you're wondering: we oh-so-briefly discuss the Meghan and Harry interview with Oprah, but this is not the episode where we'll break down all of that (for one thing, Melanie hadn't seen it yet when we recorded, and for another thing, we're going to need a whole Patreon episode in order to really dig into that whole thing). HOWEVER comma we still have some exciting news; we announce a new series of bonus episodes that will be coming your way over the next six weeks, *and* it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Just look at all that fun! Enjoy, y'all! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - twenty twenty fun sweatshirt from Milk & Honey tees - Turtle Creek Lane - Revolve (one of Mel and Caroline's online faves) - The Flight Attendant (not for the children) - Harry & Meghan interview with Oprah (we have a Patreon episode coming out later this week) - Knox Rose at Target - Elf Precision Brow Pencil - Progressive multi-focus blue light blocking glasses - Halogen sleek flat hoop earrings - Explosions in the Sky on Apple Music and Spotify - Everything but the Bagel nuts at Trader Joe's - Chelsea 28 cowl neck sweater Sponsors: - NuCalm (use this link for 50% off your 30-day subscription) - Hello Fresh (use the promo code BIGBOO12 for 12 free meals) - Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for 4-week trail, plus free postage and a digital scale) - Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and a free gift)

It's quite a week on Ye Olde Podcast: Melanie shares an AT&T update, I reminisce about the South Central Bell customer service reps of my formative years, and Melanie gets us up to speed on Caroline's most recent soccer games.  Also, I overshare about Mississippi State's baseball series against Tulane, but I trust you've grown to expect this kind of thing. And to top it all off, we have a long discussion about Italian food (I made a bolognese sauce, y'all) and catch up on Melanie's current Netflix goals. What a time. Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes - State's walk-off grand slam in the Saturday game - State's walk-off win in the Sunday game - Bon Appétit's Bolognese - Article by Sarah Jessica Parker in Grub Street - To All the Boys: Always and Forever - Firefly Lane - Derek - Sophie's Easter dress - Melanie's Easter dress - Anastasia Brow Wiz - Olaplex Bonding Oil - WandaVision (the most unexpected TV treat of 2021 for me) - In and Of Itself on Hulu (not for the children) -  Bobeau Long Open Front Cardigan in regular sizes and plus sizes - Diva laundry detergent (it's price-y - so I stretch it out for special laundry occasions :-) and get about six months out of a bottle) - Kirk Franklin's Tiny Desk Concert on NPR - Prince Harry & James Corden Sponsors: - AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free) - Native (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order) - care/of (use promo code BIGBOOCAST50 for 50% off your first order) - Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and a free gift)

It seems like it's been forever since we last said these words, but college baseball season is here! On this episode we talk about opening weekend for the Aggies and the Bulldogs, and we also discuss our weekend outings to the State / Alabama women's basketball game (me) and the San Antonio rodeo (Mel). Plus, Mel shares some ways we can all jump in and help Texans who are recovering from last week's ice storm. AND. This week we get to spend some time talking with author Elizabeth Passarella. I mentioned her new book, Good Apple, on the podcast a few weeks ago (you may remember that I loved it), and Melanie and I were so excited to get to visit with her. You'll hear part of the conversation on this episode - the rest a few weeks down the road - and you are going to love her. Melanie and I had both talked to her for about three minutes when we realized that it felt like we've known her forever. Hope y'all enjoy! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - How to Help Texas: San Antonio Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, West Texas Food Bank - Mississippi State's new baseball uniforms with the "State" script (NBD but these might just be the best looking baseball uniforms in the country) - Elizabeth Passarella - Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella (it's really wonderful!) - Rendevouz - Corky's BBQ - Payne's Bar-B-Que - Levain Bakery - Roku streaming stick - YouTube TV - Quilty weighted blanket - 32 oz. deli food storage containers - milk frother - Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Dessicated Beef Liver Sponsors: - Best Fiends (download on the Apple App Store or Google Play) - Prose (use this link for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order) - FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box) - KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month and free shipping)