The Big Boo Cast

It took us three tries to get this episode going; we had a little recording trouble with the site we normally use, so then we had to switch over to Skype and blah blah blah we're the Bad News Bears of podcasting. Hi, welcome to the podcast, now watch us get hit in the chest by a fly ball. Or maybe a microphone. Eventually, though, we found us a work-around, and we settled in for a nice, long chat about all manner of things: the State / Bama game, Melanie's recent trip to Marshall, Texas, upcoming speaking stuff, and an update on the Camellia boots. We also discuss the struggle of my current no-shopping resolution and a few things that have inspired the fire out of me lately. And finally, we break down our friend Jamie Golden's recent skincare product recommendations that she shared on Instagram. It's safe to say that she shared what most would consider a wealth of knowledge, and we are grateful. Enjoy, y'all! Show Notes: - Sam Edelman Camellia boots - H&M sweater tunic  - Ben Rector's Magic tour - Eric Church's Desperate Man - The Wondering Years by Knox McCoy - Jamie Golden's Instagram - Sophie's favorite facial soap - The Ordinary Sponsors: - Poshmark (download from app store; promo code BIGBOO5 for $5 off your first order) - PEX  - Casper (promo code BIGBOO for $50 off select mattresses; terms & conditions apply)

In this episode there is a very strange crackle-y noise that occurs randomly but consistently, and we have no idea what it is. I suggested to Melanie at one point that it was castanets, but clearly I was being sarcastic because as you all know we only play our castanets during the summer months. I don't even know what that means. Anyway, if you can will yourself to hang in there during all the clicking / crackling, you'll hear us talk about the Mississippi State / A&M game, one of my most confident parenting moments, and Melanie's new beauty routine that involves cloth surgical tape.  Y'all have no idea. It DELIGHTS me. Hope you enjoy! - Nick Fitzgerald's last touchdown against A&M - Sam Edelman Camellia boots (Melanie's jubilee!) - Syla sleep band - cloth surgical tape - Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial Moisturizer - QB1: Beyond the Lights - Closing Song Sponsors: - FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first subscription box - and the fall box really is FAB) - Prep Dish (promo code BIGBOO for 2 weeks free) - Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO20 for $20 off your contacts)

On this episode we talk about college football - specifically, the Bulldogs' misfortunes against LSU and the upcoming MSU / A&M match-up. We also discuss Harry and Meghan's baby news - along with their Australia trip.  Besides that? Oh, just a couple of new strategies from Melanie in terms of fighting her sleep lines, and some serious over-thinking / over-emoting from Sophie in terms of how fast time seems to move these days.  As the kids would say, we get all up in our feelings.  You know who else would say that? BRIAN CHALMERS. Hope y'all enjoy! - Brian Chalmers' latest (thanks, @JennyDawnTX) - SEC Shorts - SEC teams get their mid-season report cards - QB1: Beyond the Lights (it's FANTASTIC) - Jake Fromm's Twitter - The Good Place - The Syla - The Slip silk pillowcase - Meghan and Harry's Australia trip - The "portrait" in the glass carriage - Closing Song Sponsors: - care of (promo code BIGBOO for 25% off your first month of personalized care of vitamins) - RXBAR (promo code BIGBOO for 25% off their family pack)

Well, if you have ever wanted to hear Melanie and me speculate about the source of a dog's cough, this is the episode for you. We also talk about college football, the relentless heat of early October, and our inability to keep up with teenagers' trends despite our best efforts. Parenting. It is humbling. Finally, we discuss the mystery of free radicals, and Melanie shares some exciting pajama leggings news. Hope y'all enjoy! - The Good Place - Poldark - This Is Us - "Tokyo"  - A Million Little Things - Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan - Blue Mercury - Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair day cream - Aerie play pocket and cuff leggings Sponsors: - Prep Dish (promo code BIGBOO for 2 weeks free) - FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first subscription box) - Casper (promo code BIGBOO for $50 off select mattresses; terms & conditions apply)

There's a point in every college football season (at least for Aggies and Bulldogs) when disappointment, at least for a few minutes, obscures hope. Melanie and I found ourselves re-acquainted with some disappointment this past weekend, which definitely wasn't what we dreamed it would be. We break down all those feelings on this episode - along with continued analysis of targeting calls and the increasingly lose interpretation of roughing the passer. We also talk about the realities of traveling out of town for a speaking engagement, the joys of high school football games, and our practices regarding one-star book reviews. Also: books and fall fashion finds! Please do enjoy. - How to Tackle a Quarterback 2018 - The evolution of roughing the passer - My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan (just FYI, friends - this is not a book about a covenant relationship) - This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell - Universal Thread Lanae scrunch boots - Abercrombie textured open front cardigan - George Men's Short Sleeve Elongated Slub Hoodie - Closing Song Sponsors: - Prep Dish (promo code BIGBOO for 2 weeks free) - Poshmark (get the app and use the promo code BIGBOO for $5 off your first order) - Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO20 for $20 off your first order) - FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first subscription box - and the fall box really is FAB!)

Since Melanie and I went to Chicago last weekend, this episode seemed like a great opportunity to recap our trip. We talk about our unforeseen hotel challenges, our night at Hamilton, and our many, many laughs at The Popcast Live. We also discuss college football at great length - and ponder the dynamics of sliding into someone's social media comments with your team's catchphrase. Also, you will not be surprised to know that Melanie has a LOT of thoughts about Aggie football in general and Jimbo Fisher in particular. Hope y'all enjoy! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - An update on the Chicago Hotel Workers strike - Regina Phalange - Hamilton (Melanie is now a fan!) - The Popcast Live - When Melanie found out that A&M pulled within two points at the end of the Clemson game Closing Song Sponsors: - Prep Dish (promo code BIGBOO for 2 free weeks) - Poshmark (get the app and use promo code BIGBOO for $5 off your first order) - Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO20 for $20 off your first order) - care/of (promo code BIGBOO for 25% off your first order)

Well, you will not be surprised to learn that we talk a great deal - A GREAT DEAL - about college football in this episode. There's some accountability in terms of how one of us managed to go to Starkville this past weekend despite some seemingly overwhelming writing obligations, there's all manner of optimism since the Aggies and the Bulldogs combined to score over 100 points in their first games, and then there's the can't-deny-it reality that the SEC West is NO JOKE in 2018. We also discuss books and shows and our upcoming trip to Chicago. Which reminds me: we even tell you how to win two free tickets to The Popcast Live Show (this Saturday, September 8th), but HURRY - you have to leave a comment on our podcast Facebook page by 10AM central on Thursday, September 6th in order to be in the drawing. It would be so fun to see you in the Windy City! Enjoy, y'all! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - So much football. Maybe just use Google for that part. - The new season of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix - Making It with Amy Poehler & Nick Offerman - To All The Boys I've Loved Before on Netflix - The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society on Netflix - My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan - The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma's Table by Rick Bragg - Rick Bragg on Garden & Gun's Whole Hog Podcast (A DELIGHT, IT IS) - The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable - This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell - Closing Song Sponsors: - FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first FabFitFun box) - Casper (promo code BIGBOO for $50 off select mattresses; terms & conditions apply) - Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO20 for $20 off your first order)

As you (might) know, I'm working with a different computer these days, and somewhere in this new-to-me version of Garage Band (which is what I use to edit) I have somehow changed myself to a setting that is likely called "DJ From The 1970s." Melanie sounds quite normal, but I have an echo that will take you straight to the disco, and I have no idea how to fix it. I just know that it makes me sound like I recorded my part of the episode in a tiled bathroom. WELCOME TO EXCELLENCE, everyone. Despite the reverb, though, we plow our way through some topics. We talk about the heat (what? you're surprised?), we talk about SEC football, we talk about recent annoyances, and we delve into some strong feelings that we didn't even know we had. Please do enjoy. Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Sophie's car on the way to senior retreat - Mississippi State players learning the fight song - 10 things you might not know about Alabama Coach Nick Saban - Stonewall Kitchen Apple Grille Sauce - Spinach & Ricotta Bake - Closing Song SPONSORS: - KIND Kids Bars (promo code BOOCAST for 20% off your first order) - PrepDish (promo code BIGBOO for 2 weeks free) - Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO20 for 20% off your first order)

It's been a couple of weeks, so Melanie and I play catch-up in this episode. We talk about a unique challenge I'm facing this weekend, the technological heartbreak of late last week, and why a pep talk from other writers is a very sweet thing indeed. We also talk about the launch of Melanie's new book, Fearless Faith, and discuss this fall's fashion trends (or lack thereof). We also mourn the continued elusiveness of Melanie's much-desired Sam Edelman Camellia boots, so we trust you'll remember her in your prayers. Enjoy, y'all! - Fearless Faith - Melanie's brand-new devotional book for girls - Universal Studios (one of Sophie's favorite places on earth) - Hamilton Chicago - The Popcast Live in Chicago with Knox and Jamie (come see us!) - Erin Moon's tabbed Hamilton spreadsheet - BP Brice Notched Bootie - Closing Song Sponsors: - PrepDish - Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO for $20 off your first order) - Casper (promo code BIGBOO for $50 off select mattresses)

Well, our good friend Travis Cottrell is back with us this week, and oh, do we have a fine time. However, since y'all know how we like to pride ourselves on technological excellence, you might as well be aware that apparently my microphone wasn't completely plugged in for this episode. So be forewarned that I sound considerably more tin-ny than normal. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, however, because Melanie and Travis managed to get their microphones connected and it all works out fine in the end. On this episode we talk about our sleeping preferences (pillows, comforter weight, side of bed, etc.) and prove once and for all that Melanie and I are not low-maintenance individuals. Melanie also shares her surefire method for hacking hotel thermostats, and my enthusiasm for this bit of information probably reveals more about me than I'd like. We also answer more of your questions and cover a whole lot of conversational ground (you have never seen three people agonize more over their hypothetical guests to a hypothetical dinner party than we do). Plus, Neil Diamond shows up. Please do enjoy. Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:   - The Office - Peace Like A River - Friday Night Lights - The Great British Baking Show - Angela Cottrell's Chocolate Gravy - Amy Grant's Lead Me On - Whitney: Can I Be Me - Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy - Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee - The Popcast Live Show in Chicago (we can't wait!) - Closing Song 1 - Closing Song 2 - Our Big Boo Cast t-shirts from Milk and Honey Tees (and for the record, this shirt is CRAZY soft) - Schneider. You're welcome. Sponsors: - PrepDish (promo code BIGBOO for two free weeks) - Care/of (promo code BIGBOO for 25% off your first month)