
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 17, 2024 • 50min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 412
On this episode Melanie and I discuss the variety of smells that greeted me during my travels last week, and of course we talk about college football: Melanie's high level of relaxation during a bye weekend, LSU's overtime win, the upcoming Big Boo Bowl, my current fight with Kirby Smart, and the fact that I accidentally messaged Dan Mullen on Instagram.
Naturally there are Side Eyes and I See Yous, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
Show Notes:
- Mississippi State / Auburn 2014
- Ole Miss at LSU
- Mississippi State at Georgia
- South Carolina at Alabama
- Kirby Smart pushes Michael Van Buren
- Michael Van Buren
- our friend and business coach Retha Nichole
- A&M's women's basketball coach Joni Taylor
- collared colorblock sweatshirt mini dress
- AirPods Pro 2
- Firelight Candles
- COOP Home Goods Eden cooling pillow
- USB and USB-C four-port charger
Sponsors:
- Mint Mobile - use this link for Mint Mobile offers
- AG1 - use this link to get 10 free travel packs and a bottle of vitamin D3 / K2 - a $67 value for free
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 20% off your first order
- Helix - use this link for 20% off all mattress orders

Oct 10, 2024 • 52min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 411
This past weekend delivered in terms of COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAOS - which, as we all know, is Melanie's favorite. So on this week's episode we talk about the chaos, and about our weekends, and about the latest with all my traveling. Plus, Side Eyes and I See Yous.
We also discuss my weekend in Melanie's favorite city (not) - and it's her turn for Five Favorites
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
- Convoy of Hope (for Hurricane Helene relief)
- The Rock Church - Boone, NC (our friend Travis' nephew is the pastor here - select "Helene relief fund" from the drop-down menu)
Show Notes:
- Missouri at A&M
- Kirby Smart disappointed in Georgia's atmosphere
- Alabama at Vandy
- Tennessee at Arkansas
- SEC Shorts
- Wake Forest & North Carolina marching bands play "Amazing Grace"
- Dan Mullen's Top 25 (THE SHADE)
- Nate Bargatze as George Washington, round 2
- Olamaie in Austin
- Paperboy in Austin
- The Otis in Austin
- "You Never Even Called Me by My Name" by David Allan Coe
- blue light aviator reading glasses
- Solely Foster collegiate cashmere and more (use code BOO15 for 15% off everything except mahjong and children's clothing)
- Old Navy So Soft vneck sweater
- Closer to God: A 40-Day Pursuit of God's Personal Presence by Jeannie Cunnion
- Pilcro relaxed roll neck sweater
- What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan
Sponsors:
- AG1 - use this link to get 10 free travel packs and a bottle of vitamin D3 and K2
- Trust & Will - use this link for 10% off plus free shipping of your trust plan documents
- OSEA - use code BIGBOO for 10% off
- ZocDoc - use this link to download the app for free

Oct 3, 2024 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 410
It was football shenanigans aplenty over the weekend, so of course Melanie and I share our thoughts about the games and the calls and the Pat McAfee antics. Plus, we discuss a Netflix show that has our whole hearts and break down the pieces and parts of our weekends.
Melanie also shares all the things she loves about Leanne Morgan's new book, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
- Convoy of Hope (for Hurricane Helene relief)
- The Rock Church - Boone, NC (our friend Travis' nephew is the pastor here - select "Helene relief fund" from the drop-down menu)
Show Notes:
- Mississippi State at Texas
- Kentucky at Ole Miss
- A&M vs. Arkansas
- Virginia Tech at Miami
- Georgia at Alabama
- end of Georgia / Alabama game
- Dan Mullen's Top 25
- Nobody Wants This on Netflix
- What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan
- Sophie's Introverting playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
- our Patreon episode about SNL favorites
- SEC Shorts
- The PLAN by Kendra Adachi
- Noah Kahan Stick Season candle
- Motor City Pizza Co. pepperoni pizza
- Fruit of the Loom seamless hi-cut underwear (from Melanie's recommendation on Patreon)
- Daily Practice Play oversized dress
Sponsors:
- Lumen.me - use this link for 15% off your purchase
- Maya Chia - use code BOO15 at checkout to get 15% off
- Boll & Branch - use this link for a special offer
- AG1 - get 10 free travel packs and a bottle of vitamin D3 and K2

Sep 26, 2024 • 52min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 409
On this week's episode Melanie and I talk about college football (sad trombone for me), Melanie's unprecedented closet clean-out, and my latest travels related to book-related fun and shenanigans. Plus, Melanie shares a Twitter account that has added some joy to her life - in addition to an explanation about why bird hunting is not what the Lord has for her.
As an added bonus, it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
- Dallas and Chin Up, America t-shirts / sweatshirts (orders close Wednesday night 9/26 at midnight)
Show Notes:
- Vandy at Missouri
- Arkansas at Auburn
- A Fine Sight to See: Leading Because You Were Made for It
- Sophie's Book Tour
- Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston
- The Graduate Auburn
- Botanic in Opelika
- Texas A&M police's Twitter account
- "Don't Close Your Eyes" by Keith Whitley
- Riddle Original milky spray lotion
- Crunchmaster Avocado Toast crackers
- laundry pod and dryer sheet holder
- storm grey Phoenix Oncepts
- Auden cozy ribbed wide leg pants
Sponsors:
- Lume - use code BIGBOO for 15% off your first purchase
- Factor - use code BIGBOO50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month
- Mint Mobile - use this link for a special offer
- AG1 - get 10 free travel packs and a bottle of vitamin D3 and K1

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 408
Well, college football is pretty much all wrapped up for me this season, so this week Melanie and I discuss that unfortunate development as well as the very positive turn of events for her Aggies. Plus, we discuss my book launch week and all the reasons it basically has been an absolute delight.
On top of that, there are Side Eyes and I See Yous, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Hope y'all enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
- Dallas and Chin Up, America t-shirts / sweatshirts
Show Notes:
- Mississippi State / Toledo
- Florida / A&M
- South Carolina / LSU
- Joe Tessitore's white suit
- Nick Saban singing "Wagon Wheel"
- Shane Beamer
- A Fine Sight to See: Leading Because You Were Made for It
- Sophie's Book Tour
- Little Professor in Birmingham
- Fairhope, Alabama
- The Grand Hotel
- Page & Palette in Fairhope
- Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston
- Maeve 3D bows shirt dress
- John Mark Enterprises on IG
- Ozzy dress in leopard
- Aerie Prep Rally rugby sweatshirt
- Woodsy sweater (or another option that's final sale 50% off)
Sponsors:
- Zbiotics - use this link and code BIGBOO for 15% off your first order
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 10% off your first order
- Boll and Branch - use this link for 15% off plus free shipping
- Honeylove - use this link for 20% off

Sep 12, 2024 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 407
This week Melanie and I bring back our college football Side Eyes and I See Yous as well as recap her weekend with Caroline home and my weekend at a conference about the Enneagram and Spiritual Disciplines. On top of that, I have a new book that's out this week, so Melanie makes us talk about that despite the fact that it wasn't on our episode outline.
We also discuss a couple of shows that have captured our attention, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
- Dallas and Chin Up, America t-shirts / sweatshirts
Show Notes:
- Notre Dame vs. NIU
- Alabama vs. South Florida
- Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State
- Melanie's new air fryer
- Life in the Trinity (this was the Enneagram workshop I went to)
- A Fine Sight to See: Leading Because You Were Made for It
- Sophie's Book Tour
- Taylor at the first Chiefs' game
- Travis' hat at the US Open
- Couples Therapy (NOT FOR THE CHILDREN)
- The Perfect Couple tv show
- The Perfect Couple book
- Sweed Cloud mascara
- sleeveless sweater vest
- dressy lace top
- Twofer sweater dress set
- Liv lounge set
Sponsors:
- Thrive Market - use this link for 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift
- Trust & Will - use this link for 10% off plus free shipping
- AG1 - use this link for 15% off your first purchase plus a free year's supply of vitamins D3 and K1 plus five free travel packs
- OSEA - use code BIGBOO for 10% off

Sep 4, 2024 • 47min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 406
This week Melanie processes her A&M / Notre Dame feelings (in addition to her game-time dehydration issues), and I'm ticked that my beloved Bulldogs are not, in my opinion, receiving the recognition that a lifetime member of the Southeastern Conference should receive. Mostly, though, we're just delighted that college football is all the way back - and we continue to be curious about how Nick Saban is going to handle the whole Pat McAfee / GameDay situation.
We also celebrate the return of my missing bracelets (it's a long story), and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
- Dallas and Chin Up, America t-shirts / sweatshirts
Show Notes:
- A&M vs. Notre Dame
- "Power" as Aggies' intro
- GameDay segment with illusionist
- Brian Kelly's post-USC press conference
- Karen Howell on Twitter
- Vanderbilt vs. Virginia Tech
- Saban and Pat McAfee
- Mississippi State vs. Eastern Kentucky
- our favorite belt fan (this thing is MAGIC)
- order a copy of A Fine Sight to See
- A Fine Sight to See book events
- Anthro brushed coatigan
- BoomBoom nasal sticks
- We the Free rugby striped sweatshirt
- multi-purpose stainless steel scraper
- AE Dreamy Drape stretch super high-waisted jeans
Sponsors:
- Helix - use this link for up to 30% off your mattress order plus two free pillows
- AG1 - use this link for 15% off your first purchase plus a free year's supply of vitamins D3 and K1 plus five free travel packs
- ZocDoc - use this link to download the app for free
- Honeylove - use this link for 20% off

Aug 29, 2024 • 48min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 405
Melanie and I are coming in hot with this week's episode because our quick trip to Dallas meant that we had to record today (Wednesday) - which is also when the episode releases. Add in the fact that Mel had to record outside and I was babysitting Hazel while window cleaners were working at our house, and you have a real audio masterpiece right here in episode 405.
We talk about our time in Dallas, our love for Shipt, Hazel's arthritis - and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
Show Notes:
- A Fine Sight to See: Leading Because You're Made for It
- book events for the new book
- The Cube Show
- My Lady Jane
- Only Murders in the Building
- Family Savvy chicken tetrazzini
- TikTok with Jesus (actually it was a Reel)
- Kenra Dry Texture Spray
- Italian print tissue paper
- American flag crewneck sweater
- Dolce Vita Bobby platform sandal
- Rodni ballet flats
Sponsors:
- Dwell - use this link for 25% off
- Mint Mobile - use this link to get three months of premium wireless service for $15/month
- Factor - use code BIGBOO50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off the next month while your subscription is active
- Helix - use this link for up to 30% off your mattress order plus two free pillows

Aug 22, 2024 • 50min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 404
Melanie and I were a little tired when we recorded this week, but all it took to create a little energy was a conversation about big trucks that carry limbs or maybe even gravel. We found our voices for sure and then managed to have discussions about what went on this past week as well as fashion trends for fall that leave us a little unsure.
We also talk about move-in for Alex's junior year, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream tickets for our Friday night Dallas show
Show Notes:
- foreground and background decisions on "Feckless Politicians & Fearful Churches" on The Holy Post podcast (start around 49 minutes)
- Emily in Paris
- Gus Mayer in Birmingham
- Melanie's maybe-flats from Zara
- twofers at Anthropologie
- Amy Grant's version of "Angels We Have Heard on High"
- Free People It's Official pullover
- Lancome L'Absolu Rouge cream lipstick in Exotic Orchid
- Brown & Haley Mountain Bars (peanut butter)
- St. Christopher medal necklace
- Maya Chia Advanced Multi-Correctional eyelash and brow treatment
Sponsors:
- AG1 - use this link for a free one year's supply of vitamin D3 and K2 + 5 free travel packs
- Zbiotics - use code BIGBOO for 15% off
- Lume - use code BIGBOO for 15% off
- Thrive Market - use this link for 30% off plus a free gift

Aug 15, 2024 • 50min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 403
This week there was more than Melanie and I could fit into a single episode - and I'm sort of sick about it because I had a whole Amy Grant / Jamie Golden story that I didn't have time to tell. NONETHELESS, we talk about an unfortunate series of events at the ranch, why Caroline is now Katniss Everdeen, and some of our favorite Olympic moments.
I also share a very nerdy sociological theory that I learned about last week, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Our event at Compass Church in Colleyville, TX on August 26th
Show Notes:
- That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs
- the latest at the ranch (if snakes are your enemy, don't look)
- Chappell Roan
- "Feckless Politicians & Fearful Churches" on The Holy Post podcast (if you just want to hear about foreground and background decisions, start around 49 minutes)
- Jordan Chiles' bronze medal controversy
- Raygun
- US women's basketball gold medal ceremony
- Simone Biles Rising
- Birdman Fitmingo protein powder
- Kevin Murphy Body Builder mousse
- puffy heart necklace
- Anecdote Enhanting Espresso martini candle
- Stylia eye patches
Sponsors:
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 10% off your first order
- Honeylove - use this link for 20% off
- Boll & Branch - use this link for 15% off your first order plus free shipping
- AG1 - use this link for a free one year's supply of vitamin D3 and K2 + 5 free travel packs