The Big Boo Cast

So Melanie and I are taking a little break this week, but we're sharing an episode that will be new to most of you. Last month on Patreon we did a Closer Look episode on health and body image, and we got more feedback - comments, DMs, emails - than we have on any other episode. People's reactions were encouraging and candid and inspiring. Given that, we thought we would share the epsiode here, too. Here's what we told our Patreon folks when we originally posted it: For this Closer Look episode Melanie and I decided to talk about health and weight and body image and etc. It's something that I write about in a chapter of the new book, and several of you have asked if we might be willing to talk about this very thing. Melanie and I have both found ourselves in not-great places with our physical health over the last several years, so I think no one is more surprised than we are by how much we have grown to love being active. So. You're going to hear a some of our stories from our teenage years through college and adulthood and now into middle age. Two really different body types, two really different histories with food and exercise - but both of us hitting our 40s and realizing that something needed to give. (Also both of us getting really angry at our husbands before we made a commitment to ourselves and our health. AS YOU WILL HEAR. :-) ) All that to say: no doubt Melanie and I are both works in progress. But we both have gotten to a place where we feel strong and we actually like to move. I struggle with my weight more than Melanie does - this is no secret - but I am so grateful to be in a place where my level of activity helps to quiet the negative voices in my head. And I'm also grateful for friends like Melanie where I can talk about this kind of stuff openly and without judgment. That has been such good medicine. Hope y'all enjoy! p.s. Quick disclaimer: if you have dealt with an exercise or eating disorder, this episode may be not be the most enjoyable for you, especially if you struggle with negative feelings about your physical body. We certainly don't want to trigger that or say anything that might make you feel anxious, so I just wanted to make you aware that we talk a lot about exercise and size and body image in this episode in case it's healthier for you not to listen. And also, if we could, we would give you a big hug right now - because you are awesome. :-)  If you would like to join us on Patreon, we would be delighted to have you. For $5 a month (plus tax, in some states), you get a Closer Look episode - where we talk about something we're both thinking about or obsessed with or analyzing like crazy - and a Q&A where we answer Patreon listeners' questions. It has been a ton of fun, and if you join now, you'll have access to all the old episodes as well as the new content. It's easy-breezy to sign up. Show Notes: - Stand All the Way Up   - This is a sad state of affairs for show notes - but we mostly talk about our personal stories instead of products. The good news is that maybe this episode won't cost you a lot of money for new skin care products. :-) 

This episode is a real hodge-podge, which might well be our very favorite kind. We talk about corn and laundry detergent and hair ties and Melanie's pre-Hamilton television concerns. We also discuss a guasha stone tutorial Melanie recently watched as well as how tired we are of cooking. Because PANDEMIC. And we spend some time breaking it on down in terms of some big ole takeaways from Somebody Feed Phil.  Enjoy, y'all! Become a Patron Show Notes: - Kasey's Summertime Corn - 2 14 oz. bags frozen corn, 1 block cream cheese, 4 Tbs. butter, 2 Tbs. sugar, salt and pepper to taste. 4 hours on low in crock pot, or add 1/4 cup half and half and cook on medium low on the stove, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes - Nike Hair Ties - Guasha Stone - Tutorial on how to use the Guasha Stone - Hamilton on Disney + - Erin Moon's Hamilton spreadsheet - Gain Essentials Orange and Energetic Grapefruit - Family Savvy Baked Ziti - Somebody Feed Phil - Karen Howell Sponsors: - Magic Spoon (promo code BIGBOO for free shipping) - Thrive Market (use our link for up to $20 toward your first order)

When we start this episode, I'm maybe not in my best frame of mind on book release eve (Stand All the Way Up came out this past Tuesday). But then Melanie compares my writing to mashed potatoes, and then we talk about Jessica Simpson's memoir, Open Book, and let me tell you: my frown turned upside down. DO NOT SLEEP ON JESSICA'S WRITING ABILITY, friends. For the rest of the episode we do a Q&A, and this, this is one of our very favorite things. We didn't make much of a dent in the questions y'all submitted via IG, but we had a blast talking about Melanie's skin care regimen and my green ring and why we will likely never have a YouTube channel, among other things. Enjoy, y'all! Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Stand All the Way Up (Sophie's new book) - Open Book by Jessica Simpson - Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions mascara - Ben Rector - Dave Barnes - Dave Barnes on episode 89 of the podcast - Bright Balance 3 in 1 cleanser - Ponds Cleansing Balm - Zo skin health products that Melanie is currently using  - Elta MD clear face sunscreen - Sunday Riley Luna retinol sleeping night oil  - Obagi Retinol - Sunday Riley Vitamin C serum - Elta MD sport sunscreen - Cheeky Maiden complexion soap (Sophie's fave -and it's so affordable) - Teddy Organics rosehip oil - Creme de la Blair moisturizer - Gua sha facial tool - Glo revive light therapy anti-aging light - Jouer Soft Focus Hydrate & Set Powder - Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow - Downluxe Goose Feather Down Pillow - Garth is on Netflix! (The Road I'm On) - Somebody Feed Phil Sponsor: - Beachbody on Demand (text BIGBOO to 303030 for a free two-week trial)

This week we talk about Caroline's recent wisdom teeth removal, a couple of recent Amazon finds, and a strange Instagram account that is also somewhat captivating. We also discuss a viewing strategy for Hamilton on Disney Plus and reminisce about the cough drops of our youth. As you do. We also discuss Alex's return to football workouts and Melanie's dry shampoo strategies. We trust that your life will be enriched by this illuminating content.  :-)  Enjoy, y'all!  Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Living Proof Dry Shampoo - Sally O'Malley - Hamilton movie on DisneyPlus - Lin Manuel Miranda's White House performance before Hamilton was a musical - Hamilton on CBS Sunday Morning - Erin Moon's extensive Hamilton spreadsheet - The Heir Affair - amusing_asmr Instagram account - This is my favorite from the asmr IG page - Evriholder Fur Removal Broom - Guasha Facial Massage Tool - Sucrets - Luden's - Dot's Pretzels - Mrs. America on Hulu - Mrs. America opening credits - Mom Celebrity Translator - Stand All the Way Up (releases June 16th!) Sponsors: - Magic Spoon (promo code BIGBOO for free shipping) - Best Fiends (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play) - FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first order)

Y'all come to us for lighthearted nonsense, so we did our best to provide a little of that this week. We also took some time to put the lighthearted stuff in context at the beginning of the episode, and we hope you'll hear our hearts as we do that. So as always, we hope there will be points in this episode where you laugh. But after you listen, we hope that you'll join us in praying for justice and healing in our nation.  We remember George Floyd. We remember Ahmaud Arbery. We remember Breonna Taylor. "Do you know what I want?     I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it.     That’s what I want. That’s all I want." - Amos 5:24, The Message We love y'all. Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Brownicity - an anti-racism curriculum by Dr. Lucretia Berry (there's an initial intro video about the way the course is structured, but each participant works through the curriculum independently - and there is also a curriculum for kids) - An incredible discussion with Priscilla Shirer and Dr. Tony Evans - Family Savvy Black Bean, Corn & Feta Dip - Family Savvy Charcuterie - Family Savvy Houston's Spinach & Artichoke Dip - Family Savvy Strawberry Brownies - Bacon Wrapped Dates - Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Crusted Little Sausages - Ellen DeGeneres Chambray Denim Romper - Athletic Works Tank Top in regular and plus sizes - Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich - Ben Platt's "Take Me to the Pilot" - Sweet Magnolias - All Things Reconsidered by Knox McCoy Sponsors: - Penguin Random House - Beyond the Break (follow the link for a free excerpt) - Thrive Causemetics (use the promo code BIGBOO for 15% off your first order)

On this episode we talk about what we feel is the worst of the take-out food as well as the joy of getting to eat in a restaurant (at safe distances) again. We also discuss my obsessive analysis of patio furniture as well as one of Ben Platt's most recent songs. So all that to say: we may have reached a point where we need some new hobbies. That being said, we also dig into some potential summer reading goals and talk though my favorite parts of the Downton Abbey movie. Then we get real sad talking about how much we miss sports, so if you need us, we'll just be at our respective houses watching old Mississippi State and A&M baseball clips. Enjoy, y'all! Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Wicker Egg Chair from Walmart - Melanie's favorite outdoor LED lights - Oofos - Kindle Paperwhite - Sophie's newsletter - The Silent Patient - Heavy - Such a Fun Age - Carnegie's Maid - The Heir Affair - Downton Abbey (the movie) - Sweet Magnolias - Ben Platt's "Take Me to the Pilot" - Acousic Covers playlist on Spotify - The Last Dance Sponsors: - FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first subscription box) #fabfitfunpartner - Thrive Market - Magic Spoon (use promo code BIGBOO for free shipping)

This week we recount our adventures during this past weekend's Living Proof Livestream, which was the biggest blast and good for the soul in so many ways. We also talk about an exciting new powder option I've ordered, and we do a quick run-down of a couple of funny moments from various Housewives.  So yes. We basically start the podcast talking about Beth Moore and work our way to the Real Housewives. This is what you call a microcosm of our real-live lives. We also discuss some recent Southern Charm news and continue to analyze my calf injury (which is so much better, by the way). Basically it's all the riveting content you've ever wanted. Sort of. Enjoy, y'all! Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Living Proof Livestream (it'll be up until the end of May, I think) - Melanie's hair tutorial on Instagram - Living Proof volume spray (for the record, this is not Beth Moore's line of hair care products) :-)  - Sophie's favorite folding chair (IT ROCKS) - Jouer Soft Focus Hydrating Powder - Olaplex No. 4 shampoo - Olaplex bonding oil - David's favorite lake shoes - Dead to Me - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Real Housewives of New York - Southern Charm - Outer Banks - Friday Night Lights - gaithappens Instagram - peanut roller - foam roller - Superfeet - Part 1 of our Patreon episode with Perry Sponsors: - Beachbody on Demand - special free trial membership when you text BIGBOO to 303030 - Care/of - 50% off your first order with promo code bigboocast50

Occasionally we have big news to report on the podcast, and this is one of those times (well, at least for us): Melanie's internet has been fixed. Like, REALLY fixed. Like, the AT&T technician of the decade was assigned to Melanie's house, and he GOT IT HANDLED. So Melanie's going to tell us all about that, and she is literally so keyed up by her newfound internet speed and reach that her microphone has never been less stationary. At one point I wondered if she was putting things in drawers. But listen - she deserved to not worry about that microphone because INTERNET SPEED APLENTY. What a glorious day. We also discuss my calf injury (sorry - it's a pandemic, so we have to talk about things like muscle strains because we're not leaving the house very often) and some fun finds to make the day-to-day more enjoyable. Like good bobby pins. Because you can never underestimate the power of a good bobby pin. Enjoy, y'all! Become a Patron! Show Notes: - 1917 - "Paper Dolls" by John Mayer - AirPods Pro ($15 off at Amazon) - "You like these little bags you just hold" - The wallet / clutch I decided on - Outer Banks - Dead to Me - Sophie's They Still Write Love Songs playlist on Apple Music - Sophie's They Still Write Love Songs playlist on Spotify - spiral bobby pins - Radical Night Repair (this is the "shed like a snake" peel that Melanie did a couple of weeks ago - and she loved it!) - Cabales Seamless, Wireless Sports Bras (Melanie's new favorite comfy bra) - C9 Champion's Women High Waist Capri Legging - Living Proof Livestream Sponsors: - FabFitFun (coupon code BIGBOO for $10 off your first order) #fabfitfunpartner - Magic Spoon (promo code BIGBOO for free shipping) - Best Fiends (download for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play)

In this episode we get an update on how Melanie's face has fared  after she tried a NO JOKE exfoliation product. We also talk about a show we both loved watching, and I demonstrate some remarkable self-pity related to a recent calf injury. As one does, of course. And if you're looking for some graduation gift ideas, we are here to serve. We share several ideas for guys and girls, and as always, we've never met a gift-giving opportunity we haven't enjoyed talking about. Y'all take care. Hope you enjoy! Become a Patron Show Notes: - the foam roller Sophie bought at Target - the peanut massage ball that's going to bring about Sophie's walking comeback - Never Have I Ever on Netflix - Our Amazon shop - Mindy Kaling's books - "Don't make me sing." - Two Funny Girls - notepads, notecards, laundry bags, clear crossbody bags - Tony Evans Study Bible - Everyday Holy (in stock at Amazon and only $9!) - Rifle Paper Co. journals - All in All (in stock at LifeWay and 25% off) - Minted heart collage - Anthropologie Block Letter Monogram necklace - personalized stacking rings - goodr sunglasses - Eddie Bauer oversized down throw - Project Repeat t-shirt quilt - Old Try awesome letter-pressed prints - essential oil diffusers for girls or guys - Laurel Mercantile Co. Gardiner Park candle -  Monogrammed Leather Charger roll-up - Hanging Toiletry Bag from Amazon - Hanging Toiletry Bag from Lands' End (it's actually 1/2 off right now with code PLUMS - so it's a crazy good deal) Sponsor: - The Relief Products (use promo code BIGBOO for 50% off your order; offer expires June 1st)

It's a big week in the life of our little podcast, primarily because on this particular episode Melanie commits to trying a recipe that will require her to deal with raw chicken.  Oh, HE WILL DO IT. We also talk about our latest quarantine-ish developments (that is to say: what we've watched on TV / pondered in the stillness of our hearts), and we share some Mother's Day gift ideas. This might be helpful to you if 1) you have no idea what to buy your mom and/or mother-in-law or 2) you need to print out a list for your people, along with maybe a subtle note that HERE IS WHAT YOU TURKEYS CAN PURCHASE FOR ME IN ORDER TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION. However you feel like you should address that is totally up to you. Hope y'all enjoy! Become a Patron Show Notes: - Samin Nosrat's Buttermilk Brined Chicken - Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat on Netflix - a basic, reliable meat thermometer - Alexia Potato Puffs - Hazel's new dog bed - Olive & June Manicure Kits (free shipping with code BOOTCAMP) - Large Hammock Swinging Chair - Folding Rocking Chair - Between You & Me wooden signs  - AirPod Pros ($25 off at Verizon - but you won't see the discount. until you put them in your cart) - Rifle Paper Co. AirPod Pros cases - Melanie's Ultimate Country Music Playlist - Women's Kimono Robe - Vuori joggers (20% off if you sign up for emails) - Big Boo Too Box at Hummingbird Farms (promo code MOM20 for an additional 20% off any gift set) - Pura Smart Home Diffuser Set Sponsors: - Storyworth (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first purchase) - Magic Spoon (promo code BIGBOO for free shipping)