The Big Boo Cast

It's been an exciting few days here at The Big Boo Cast because Melanie's fantastic new book, Church of the Small Things, released this past Tuesday. Yay, Melanie! Yay, everyone who gets to read it! So you might not believe it, but on this particular episode we actually stick with a theme and talk about some of our very favorite small things. I went sort of sentimental and nostalgic with my list, and Melanie went sort of practical with hers, and the result is that somewhere in the overlap of our lists, we found a way to talk about some topics that we adore (specifically: comfy clothes, our latest obsessions, the best parts of friendship, and exciting new snack options).  We had the best time recording our very special Church of the Small Things episode - hope you enjoy it! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: Church of the Small Things (signed copies!) by our very own Melanie Shankle Barefoot Dreams Coastal Chic Lite Hooded Cardigan Holy Kombucha GT's Cayennade Kombucha Kristen Bell's Hurricane Harvey Instagram posts GAP Ribbed Sleep Leggings Somersaults Sunflower Seed Bites, salt and pepper "A Stanford researcher's 15-minute study hack lifts B+ students into the As" Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants by Louie Giglio "Little Things Mean A Lot" by Kitty Kallen Subscribe to The Big Boo Cast on iTunes

Well, the first thing I should probably mention is that we recorded this episode while we were having a thunderstorm in Birmingham, and Hazel was losing her fool mind over the weather. Just think of her barking as soothing background music.  The second thing I should probably mention is that we talk a LOT about college football this time around. It's just that time of year, y'all. So we break down the latest with Melanie's Aggies and my Bulldogs, we discuss Melanie's need for some football boundaries, and I break down my most recent trip to Starkville.  (Full disclosure: Melanie and I recorded this episode just a few days after Mississippi State's decisive victory over the LSU Tigers. It was a glorious time. Since then, however, the Bulldogs have experienced the heartache of a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Needless to say, we recorded a quick post-State/UGA follow-up segment to address this sad MSU turn of events, along with the outcome of the A&M/Arkansas game. Stay tuned at the end for that.) We also talk about Homecoming dresses (because CAROLINE IS THAT OLD NOW, HOW DID THAT EVEN HAPPEN?), rose hip oil (who's surprised?), and TV. These are a few of our favorite things. Hope y'all enjoy it! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Sophie's pretend friend Gerald McRaney wins an Emmy - This Is Us - Hart of Dixie - Mary Beth Whalen's When We Were Worthy - Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil - "It's A Heartache" by Bonnie Tyler - Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things  - Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All - Melanie on Twitter and Instagram - Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

Well, first of all, we recorded this episode with Melanie talking on her phone because her microphone was in the guest room where P was napping. Sure, we could have waited until another day so that the sound quality was better, but when you've only recorded 80 podcasts over the last 10 years, you take the recording opportunities when they present themselves - no need to wait for pesky sound equipment. Second, we answer several of your questions in this podcast, including how we navigate arguments in our marriages and whether watching This Is Us is worth it (short answer: YES). We also discuss fall fashion, disagree about whether booties have run their course, and marvel at our current state of skin care contentment. Finally, we talk about workout pants and granola because, well, of course. We'd love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we'd be honored if you'd leave us a review. Enjoy, y'all!   Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Lincee Ray from I Hate Green Beans - The Happy Hour Live with Jamie Ivey - Bayou City Fellowship Church (for Hurricane Harvey relief) - Texas A&M vs. UCLA (the 2nd lowest football point of Melanie's life) - Meghan Markle in Vanity Fair - Princess Kate expecting her third baby - Sophie still likes booties (especially these) - Lucy Perfect Core Capri Leggings (Sophie says: I found mine at TJ Maxx) - Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil (aka Shankle Oil) - It CC Cream Sample Size - Skinceuticals Sunscreen - Zella Capri Workout Leggings - GAP Sculpt Compression Leggings - L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise - Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (Melanie enjoys this product) - Purely Elizabeth granola - Early Bird granola - "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift - "Pop Culture Current Events" on The Popcast with Knox and Jamie - "You Look So Good in Love" by George Strait ***** - Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things - Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All - Melanie on Twitter and Instagram - Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

It's always a treat to have our friend Travis Cottrell on the podcast, and this episode is no exception. We cover a wide stretch of conversational ground: favorite football snacks, the wonder of an Amish donut, our ever-growing kids, current Bible study options, and, of course, our obsession with rose hip oil. (That last one was more of a discussion between Melanie and me. But Travis was as patient as he could be when we talked about it.) (Or maybe he was just distracted.) We also reminisce about shampoos from the 70s. I would try to give you some context, but it's probably just easier if you listen for yourself. And no joke: Melanie must have taken her one-liner pill before we recorded; there are some Shankle Gems (I think we may have to trademark that phrase) (only not really) scattered throughout. Enjoy, y'all! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Travis Cottrell - Nut Thins crackers - Chicken in a Biscuit crackers - Beanitos - Melanie and Perry's wedding picture - "George. George Glass." - Awaken by Priscilla Shirer - Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio (from Sophie: I totally forgot to mention that this book is what our small group is reading this fall) - Community Worship San Antonio - Entrusted by Beth Moore - Seamless by Angie Smith - The One Year Josh McDowell's Youth Devotions - Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil - Toni Home Perm - "The Best Beauty Lessons We've Picked Up From Kate Middleton" - Dear Evan Hansen - Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things - Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All - Melanie on Twitter and Instagram - Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

I think it was last summer when Melanie and I first talked about Last Chance U. We both binge-watched season one of the Netflix series, and in addition to discussing it on the podcast, there were several times when we talked on the phone about it because we were so fascinated by a certain player or could not believe how someone reacted. Then, in episode 78 I mentioned that I'd watched season 2 and found it just as magical as season 1 (though, as I have often pointed out, the language is terrible). Anyway. All that to say: you can imagine our delight when Brittany Wagner, the academic counselor on LCU, agreed to be our special guest on episode 79. It was THE MOST FUN. So, in this episode, Melanie and I talk to Brittany about football and clothes and beauty products. (I should mention that I make a critical error and identify Mississippi State's season where they were ranked #1 as the 2015 season...but it was 2014...so I beg a thousand pardons.) We also hear about some of the players she'll be watching play D-1 this fall - and how her new career adventure got started (it's such a neat story). After Melanie and I finish our conversation with Brittany, we launch into a discussion about music, what we're cooking, and a whole host of unrelated items. In other words: business as usual. Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Brittany Wagner - Last Chance U on Netflix - Last Chance U - GQ article from 2014 - Ronald Ollie (spoiler if you haven't watched the show yet) - Dakota Allen (spoiler if you haven't watched the show yet) - 2013 Egg Bowl (the beginning of my irrational maternal affection for Dak Prescott) - The Red Cat Coffee House - 10K Pencils (Brittany's new company) - Frozen (and here's a post I (Sophie) wrote about some of the reasons I loved it so much) - Teddie Organics Rose Hip Oil (I've started using it since we recorded this podcast, and I AM A CONVERT) - Allure Beauty Box - Bare Minerals - Too-Faced Better than Sex mascara - Hummingbird Farms lavender body oil - Cool Sculpting - Nichole Nordeman's Every Mile Mattered - Yum Yum Sauce - Rita Springer's "Defender" - All in All playlist (and here on Apple Music) - The Popcast - "More Nos of Weddings" ***** - Melanie's new book - Church of the Small Things - Sophie's new journaling devotional - All in All - Melanie on Twitter and Instagram - Sophie on Twitter and Instagram

Well, this super-sized podcast was a mighty memorable moment for Melanie and me. Because much to our delight, legendary football coach Jackie Sherrill and his super-talented daughter, Bonnie Bishop, join us at the beginning of this episode. Specifically, they share some of the challenges they faced in terms of forming a relationship after Coach Sherrill married Bonnie's mom. Now they're extremely close, and they're doing speaking events about motivation and relationships - and how when it comes to life, it's more than Xs and Os. Mel and I had the best time talking with them about football and parenting and football and also football. And seriously - it was such a treat to be able to soak up their stories and their wisdom. You're going to love spending some time with them and laughing with them. After our conversation with Coach Sherrill and Bonnie, Melanie and I jump into our regular brand of nonsense: her dog Piper's recent bout with intestinal distress, our current Netflix favorites, my reaction to Dunkirk, and Melanie's new favorite skin care product. Hope y'all enjoy it! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Jackie Sherrill - Bonnie Bishop - Coach Sherrill on Twitter - Bonnie on Twitter and Instagram - Bonnie's website - Bonnie's latest album - Bonnie's "Ain't Who I Was" (There's a little language :-) - but my goodness this is a phenomenal song - and a quick BigBoo PSA: if you're drawn to the music Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, etc., then Bonnie Bishop's music will be right up your alley.) - Last Chance U - Season 2 - Jane the Virgin - Pentel Sign Pen (Sophie's forever favorite) - Organic Rose Hip Oil - (By the way, this article popped up in my Twitter feed this morning, and it sheds even more light on why Melanie has embraced this product.) - Dunkirk - Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Oil No. 6 (this stuff is a WONDER) - All in All, Sophie's new devotional journal for young women Grateful for y'all!  

In this episode we talk about our summertime travel, the life-changing hummus I recently enjoyed, our current struggles with our hair, and our lack of business vision or insight or skill. Melanie also states her very strong feelings about being on a boat in the middle of a large body of water (suffice it to say that a cruise is nowhere in her future) and relays a tale about a very aggressive seagull. We also talk about potential road trip destinations for next year, recap the summer movies we've seen (here's a hint: I have only seen two), run through a few other entertainment highlights from the last month or so, and break down our feelings about the Instastory. So there's some variety, I guess. Enjoy, y'all! Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Sophie's Kenya trip with Compassion (link to recap podcast with Jamie Ivey) - Dear Evan Hansen - Dizengoff in Chelsea Market - L'Oreal root cover - Magnolia Market - Opal ice maker - Chadillac's Backyard Water Park - Lake Tejas - The Marlboro Man Sandwich from Pioneer Woman - Melanie's new book: Church of the Small Things - Sophie's new book: All in All (a journaling devotional for young women) - Jenny from the Block - For Forever (from the Dear Evan Hansen cast recording) If you're on Facebook, well, we are, too!   Melanie's blog / Twitter / IG Sophie's blog / Twitter / IG

On this episode we discuss my almost-here trip to Kenya, what I refer to as Melanie's enthusiastic opposition to khaki, and recent events at the SEC Baseball Tournament. Recent events may or may not have involved me approaching someone I believed to be a This Is Us cast member. Basically there's a lot of talk about sports - college baseball in particular - a lot of laughs, and a lot of theories about why I might have felt so compelled to approach the alleged celebrity. Good times, people. We hope you enjoy. (You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.)

Let's just get this out of the way: there are times when Melanie's internet is dicey on this episode. KEEP DOING YOU, AT&T. But if you can stick with us during the our internet troubles, then you'll hear our thoughts on Pippa Middleton's wedding (Melanie is our resident royals expert), the madness that is May, and my upcoming trip to Kenya. We also discuss shoe options for summertime, Southern Charm Savannah, and the challenges of writing a devotional book (which, by the way, were surprising to both of us). Enjoy, y'all! (You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.)  

Well, we start off recounting some difficult times we've experienced in excruciatingly hot conditions. Our passion about this topic will surprise approximately no one. But then, in an unlikely turn, we discuss exercise: power walking, Melanie's first yoga class, and a new fitness class that involves a mini tramp (Melanie may try it, so STAY TUNED). We go on to share our thoughts about Costco, vacations, shorts, along with what we've been watching and reading. And naturally there's a lengthy discussion about all the skin care knowledge (and tips!) Melanie gleaned on her recent video shoot. You might want to grab a pencil. Finally, we talk a good bit about the NCAA women's basketball tournament because BULLDOGS. (You can find show notes on either of our blogs: http://boomama.net or http://thebigmamablog.com.) (Audio clip from ESPN.)