
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

May 30, 2024 • 48min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 392
The Shankles have been in Montana, the Hudsons have been in Hoover (at the SEC baseball tournament), and on this episode that means that Melanie and I have a lot of catching up to do. There have been outdoor adventures, there have been NCAA grievances, and there is a whole lot of college baseball to look forward to as the regionals get cranked up this weekend.
Also, I have cooked some meals, so I talk about that - and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- 2024 Graduation Gift Ideas
Show Notes:
- The Resort at Paws Up
- Sophie on The Paul Finebaum Show with Cole Cubelic
- Cole's podcast, The Cube Show
- NCAA 2024 Regional Baseball Bracket
- French Onion Sliders for a Crowd
- King's Hawaiian pretzel slider buns
- Biscoff ice cream pie
- the Hudsons' favorite chicken parmesan recipe
- the Deshazor Everett targeting call that Melanie continues to question
- pictures of the new kitchen (look in the Kitchen 2024 highlight)
- appliance slider for coffee pot
- soft striped maxi dress
- Supergoop Glowscreen sunscreen in champagne
- gold coffee spoons
- Sonos Era 300
Sponsors:
- Storyworth - use this link to save $10 on your first purchase
- LolaVie - use code BIGBOO for 15% off
- AG1 - use this link for a free year's supply of vitamin D3 & K2 plus five free travel packs

May 23, 2024 • 52min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 391
This week Melanie listens patiently as I lament the projected college baseball regionals, and I listen with my mouth hanging open as Melanie shares a specific request P had for this past Friday's trash pick-up (no doubt, however, that it was certainly on-brand). In addition to those things, we discuss our shoe organization and the new season of Bridgerton.
Of course there's a kitchen / house update, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- 2024 Graduation Gift Ideas
Show Notes:
- A&M women's tennis team wins national championship
- predicted regionals for D1 college baseball
- Dudy Noble field
- Ryan Targac's pitch hit
- Sophie's shoe organizer
- sliding trays that go underneath your coffee pot
- Bridgerton season 3
- ten shelf organizer for shoes
- Free People Crafted cargo pants
- AE Dreamy Drape cargo jeans in white
- "Amen" by Rita Springer (and here's the link to Rita Springer's podcast)
- AE Slouchy House oversized t-shirt
Sponsors:
- Thrive Market - use this link for 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift
- Teux Deux - use this link to sign up for a free seven-day trial
- Lume - use code BIGBOO for 15% off your first purchase
- Helix - use this link for 30% off your mattress plus two free pillows

May 16, 2024 • 53min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 390
Right before we recorded this episode, I experienced a significant overtalking situation (to be clear, I was the one who was talking too much), so Melanie and I break down that unfortunate series of events before we discuss her time in College Station, our latest college baseball woes, and the most recent kitchen developments (so close! we're getting so close to the end!).
Plus, Melanie shares about a house she recently visited and loved, her new home furnishing goal, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- 2024 Graduation Gift Ideas
Show Notes:
- The George in College Station
- Aggies undefeated in non-conference games
- the rug where Hazel likes to hide things
- bamboo expandable kitchen drawer dividers
- J Crew popover shirt
- under cabinet organizer
- Daily Practice pull-on cargo shorts
- Oxford Pennant
Sponsors:
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 10% off your first order
- AG1 - use this link for a year's supply of vitamin D3 & K2 plus five free travel packs
- Honeylove - use this link for 20% off
- Green Chef - use code BIGBOO50 to get 50% off plus 20% off your next two months

May 9, 2024 • 50min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 389
This week everybody's sound is functioning properly (may the Lord be praised) as Melanie and I discuss my time in Houston, P's newest hobby, and the wonder of LSU baseball's Tommy White. We also talk about Caroline's very exciting book news, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- 2024 Graduation Gift Ideas
Show Notes:
- Caroline's book news
- Somebody Somewhere
- Pickwick & Co.
- Amy Hannon
- AromaPlan diffuser
- AromaPlan fragrance sample pack
- Tommy White
- The Idea of You on Amazon
- Queen Charlotte on Netflix
- Crash Landing on You on Netflix
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (our April Patreon book club pick)
- Et Serena quartz countertops
- Abby Moorer Hair and Makeup
- Sexy Hair Big Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder
- Battlefield of the Mind
- Cloth and Stone shirt dress
- letter charms at Allie & Bess (use code MELANIE20 for 20% off)
- Be All You Can Be pants
Sponsors:
- AG1 - use this link for a year's supply of vitamin D3 & K2 plus five free travel packs
- ZocDoc - use this link to download the app for free
- OSEA - use code BIGBOO for 10% off your first order
- MasterClass - use this link for an additional 15% off any annual membership

May 2, 2024 • 49min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 388
Granted, it's not an unusual occurrence, but it's been a tough week for audio excellence here in Big Boo land. Please forgive the absence of consistent volume on my end of things. Plus, Melanie and I recorded this episode in about three different installments because, well, life. However comma our sound gets sorted out by the 30-minute mark (better then than never, right?), and we did manage to have a fairly coherent conversation about our current college baseball situations as well as some thoughts about Taylor Swift's latest offering. Look at us persevere!
We also discuss my very late arrival on the Bridgerton train, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- 2024 Graduation Gift Ideas
Show Notes:
- Hunter Hines hits a two-run homer
- TSwift's The Tortured Poets Department
- Funny Story by Emily Henry
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (our April Patreon book club pick)
- Bridgerton
- viscose tunic dress
- The Perfect Jean NYC
- oven protector mat
- Universal Thread cinch waist maxi dress
- Better Homes & Gardens four-cube organizer
Sponsors:
- LolaVie - use code BIGBOO for 15% off
- Factor - use code BIGBOO50 to get 50% off your first box and 20% off your next box
- Helix - use code HELIXPARTNER20 for 20% off your order and two free pillows

Apr 25, 2024 • 49min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 387
This week Melanie and I recap the Birmingham live show as well as all the fun before and after it. Unfortunately there were a few travel complications when it was time to head back to Texas, but Mel tells the story of a Southwest gate agent who got some things handled in the Birmingham airport.
We also discuss our quick trip to Tuscaloosa, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
Show Notes:
- our Birmingham Guide with all of our B'ham favorites
- Cole's podcast, Cube Show
- The Margaret in Birmingham
- Mikey's Hot Dog Cafe food truck
- Google doc with all our live show clothes and shoes and links
- The Valley Hotel in Birmingham
- The Essential in Birmingham
- Oncept Porto sneakers
- Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels
- Nosh Social Co.
- Pomander Place striped blouse
- square aviator sunglasses
Sponsors:
- AG1 - use this link for a free one-year supply of vitamin D3 & K2 plus five free travel packs
- Lume - use code BIGBOO for 15% off your first order
- Thrive Market - use this link for 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift

Apr 18, 2024 • 51min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 386
This week Melanie and I recorded at EIGHT FORTY IN THE AM, and you will hear that in our voices - no doubt about it. We talk about Caroline's Aggie Ring Day, their time at the A&M baseball game, and the latest with my kitchen.
We also discuss our live show wardrobe situation, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
Show Notes:
- Tyler Childers
- starter mattress pad cooler
- Two Funny Girls
- "Mama my legs are sweatin'"
- AE Perfect Cargo denim shorts
- Bodega glasses
- Frank & Eileen dupe - a set for the apples
- Audiobook of Tom Lake - on sale on Libro.fm
- Think Royln puzzle tote
Sponsors:
- That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs - use this link to listen and subscribe
- Thrive Causemetics - use this link for 10% off your first order
- Helix - use code HELIXPARTNER20 for 20% off your mattress order and two free pillows
- AG1 - use this link for a free one-year supply of vitamin D3 & K2 plus five free travel packs

Apr 11, 2024 • 57min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 385
My microphone wasn't on for the first part of this episode (I PROMISE WE CHECK THESE THINGS, but computers / robots / user error / etc.), but thankfully Melanie's Official Look-at-the-Eclipse Break gave me time to correct the situation. In addition to the eclipse, we talk about college baseball, Kristen Wiig's skin, and the women's basketball championship game.
We also discuss an encouraging, hopeful doctor's visit that Melanie recently experienced, and it's Mel's turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
Show Notes:
- Dawn Staley with organ music
- Holly Rowe
- State and Georgia's 8th inning situation
- Zac Selmon's tweet
- our Patreon episode with Hayden Schott
- Caden Sorrell's incredible catch
- Dr. Harden in San Antonio
- Dr. Mary Claire Haver
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett - our Patreon book club book for May
- Patreon episode about what we thought made people rich when we were little
- Kristen Wiig in the Pilates sketch
- Palm Royale
- Carol Burnett and Kristen Wiig on The Kelly Clarkson Show
- Surprised by Oxford on Amazon Prime
- The New Look on AppleTV+
- PaperMate flair tip felt pens
- TruBar vegan cookie dough protein bars
- Naturium The Glow Getter body butter
- Marc Fisher Gemmie sandals
- AE Perfect Button-Up shirt
Sponsors:
- OSEA Malibu - use code BIGBOO for 10% off your first order
- MasterClass - use this link for an additional 15% off an annual membership
- AG1 - use this link for a free one year supply of vitamin D3 + K2 and five free travel packs with your first purchase
- Storyworth - use this link to save $10 on your first purchase

Apr 4, 2024 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 384
This week Melanie and I ponder the never-ending nature of a kitchen clean-out, we celebrate (and, in my case, grieve) the latest college baseball developments, and we recap our very lovely Easter weekends. A fine time was had by all.
We also discuss the high-quality Southern accents in a TV show we've both been watching, and it's my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, y'all!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
- Big Boo Live t-shirts for Birmingham
Show Notes:
- "Bowls, bowls, all types of bowls" on SNL
- Friendly Village china
- Fungo Golf with Hayden Schott
- Palm Royale
- Tate Taylor
- Mr. & Mrs. American Pie (I got the book title wrong in the episode)
- Only Murders in the Building
- Melanie's BFF the ChiliSleep Cube
- Aerie Vacay Everyday sweatshirt
- Shark MessMaster one gallon wet/dry vacuum
- Trü Frü
- Makeup by Mario Master Mattes eyeshadow palette
- brass wall sconces you don't have to wire
Sponsors:
- Green Chef (use code BIGBOO50 to get 50% off plus 20% off your next two months)
- AG1 - use this link for a free one year supply of vitamin D3 + K2 and five free travel packs with your first purchase
- ZocDoc - use this link to download the app for free
- Honeylove - use this link for 20% off

Mar 28, 2024 • 54min
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 383
This week Melanie has traveled to New Hampshire, we both traveled to the Land of Sports Pain, and we recap all of those literal and figurative trips in this episode (needless to say, the trip to New Hampshire was by far the most enjoyable). On top of that, I explain why we're tearing up my kitchen, and I share some very exciting oven news.
We also discuss some TV shows we're enjoying, we ponder the wonder of baby leaves, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
- Join Us on Patreon
- Our Amazon Shop
- Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
- Big Boo Live t-shirts for Birmingham
Show Notes:
- Zach Bryan
- Buying Beverly Hills
- Palm Royale
- wedges at Gus Mayer
- George Strait at Kyle Field
- Benefit Precisely My Brow ultra fine brow pencil
- Chili Sleep Cube mattress sleep system
- Naturium Glow Getter multi oil hydrating body wash
- Glorify app
- Morning in Mykonos espadrilles
Sponsors:
- AG1 - use this link for a free one year supply of vitamin D3 + K2 and five free travel packs with your first purchase
- Lume - use code BIGBOO for $5 off your starter pack
- Thrive Market - use this link for $30 off your first order plus a $60 free gift
- Jenni Kayne - use code BIGBOO for 15% off your first order