The Big Boo Cast, Episode 121
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 fa...
1hr 4m Oct 24, 2018
1hr 4m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 120
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 pajam...
1hr 1m Oct 13, 2018
1hr 1m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 119
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 ...
1hr 7m Sep 26, 2018
1hr 7m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 118
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 wi...
1hr 1m Sep 14, 2018
1hr 1m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 117
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 ga...
1hr Sep 05, 2018
1hr
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 116
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 so...
1hr 4m Aug 26, 2018
1hr 4m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 115
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 (https://rstyle.me/n/c7xgvgt7xw) , and discuss this fall's fashion trends (or...
1hr 6m Aug 10, 2018
1hr 6m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 114
Well, our good friend Travis Cottrell (http://traviscottrell.com) 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 DISC...
1hr 15m Jul 30, 2018
1hr 15m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 113
Our good friend Travis Cottrell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgZwsm-3Luk&feature=youtu.be) is with us on this episode, and we have ourselves a blast. We talk about workout needs of extroverts vs. introverts, we hear about Travis' recent regional airline experience, and we answer a bunch of fun questions that people asked on Instagram. Also, please excuse the many phone alerts / dings / bee...
1hr 4m Jul 21, 2018
1hr 4m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 112
All righty, y'all - this is our Very Special Southern Charm Finale Re-cap. We talk about so many things: Craig, Kathryn & Shep, white tie attire, Patricia's pet caftans, Chelsea & Austen, and last but not least - the train wreck that is Ashley and Thomas. WE HAVE SOME THOUGHTS. And then, after we wrap up our Southern Charm discussion, we talk about several other shows we're watching and enjoy...
59m Jul 18, 2018
59m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 111
On this episode we talk about my unusually quiet house, the latest on Southern Charm, and a couple of Netflix movies that have renewed Melanie's faith in the romantic comedy. We also continue with the questions we didn't finish last week, and as it turns out, we talk a lot - A LOT - about parenting stuff (teenagers in general, only children in particular). You'll also hear all of my (Sophie's)...
1hr Jun 29, 2018
1hr
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 110
A few days ago some of the folks on our Big Boo Facebook page (http://facebook.com/bigboo) were kind enough to leave comments with some questions / topics that they wanted us to discuss, so that is exactly what Melanie and I do on this episode. We picked seven to start with, and my goodness: WE HAVE SOME THOUGHTS. I actually couldn't fit all of the answers into one episode (you'll hear the res...
54m Jun 23, 2018
54m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 109
In what is no doubt the complete opposite of a surprise, we had some sound issues with this one. We still don't know exactly why. What we do know, though, is that I sound like a loud talker and Melanie sounds like a soft talker who is trying to subtly communicate to me that I need to PIPE DOWN. So thanks in advance for bearing with us; we'll do our best to get that worked out for next time. As...
1hr 8m Jun 14, 2018
1hr 8m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 108
On this episode of the podcast we talk extensively about Southern Charm and caftans. AS YOU DO. We also chronicle some of our current, um, hormone-adjacent frustrations, recap what's happened for our teams so far in the college baseball post-season, and discuss some of our summer reading plans. Plus, Melanie brings us all up-to-speed on some highlights from The Bachelorette - and in doing so i...
1hr 10m Jun 07, 2018
1hr 10m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 107
If you're in need of a little superficial to kick off your summer, this is the episode for you. We talk about nail polish, our nail-related frustrations, our favorite summer shoes, and all the reasons why we're embracing the caftan for summer 2018. We also discuss the fact that, in all of our Enneagram 9-ness, we are not ever concerned with any details at any point in time unless we're talking...
45m Jun 01, 2018
45m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 106
The Royal Wedding happened. And now we recap. (Spoiler: WE LOVED EVERY SECOND.) Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: - Sofia Wellesley's dress (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5747601/James-Blunts-wife-Sofia-looks-stunning-colourful-collared-dress-Royal-Wedding.html) - Kitty Spencer's dress (https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fas...
59m May 25, 2018
59m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 105
This one is all Royal Wedding. And no small amount speculation. Needless to say, we are giddy with anticipation. Here's where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention: Harry & Meghan: Royal Rebels (https://www.mylifetime.com/specials/harry-and-meghan-royal-rebels) The Royal Wedding attendants (https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a15160126/meghan-m...
56m May 18, 2018
56m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 104
We spend considerable time on this episode breaking down all the fun we had at The Popcast Live! Show (Melanie) and The Happy Hour Live (Sophie), and then somehow we manage to segue into a discussion about McDonald's chicken options, a topic that we feel certain we have never before covered. We also (apparently) have A LOT OF THOUGHTS about this season of Southern Charm. So whether you watch o...
54m May 13, 2018
54m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 103
You'll be delighted (or not) to know that on this episode of the podcast we first discuss our respective struggles with our ongoing coughs. This is due to our combined age of 402. We also talk maybe a little too enthusiastically about the new royal baby (WE HAVE SOME THEORIES) before we spend some time revisiting Hazel's ACL situation. We also continue our pop culture discussion and dig into s...
1hr 2m Apr 26, 2018
1hr 2m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 102
We kick off this episode with an update on Hazel (as Sophie's mama would have said: "God love her") and then segue' into a discussion about our new favorite clothing store that we had almost forgotten about (credit to Melanie, of course, for the re-discovery). Then, like we threatened to do on the last couple of episodes, we talk about some of the pop culture influences that we loved when we we...
55m Apr 16, 2018
55m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 101
Some of you may know that Mississippi State lost the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship thanks to an incredible last-second shot by Notre Dame, so in the first part of episode 101, Melanie and I take some time to walk through some of the post-game emotions I felt last week in Columbus, OH. We also talk about our spring fashion frustrations, and I may or may not have called a cold-sho...
56m Apr 08, 2018
56m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 100
Well, well, well. This is our 100th episode of The Big Boo Cast, and it only took us 11-ish years to get to this point. Try not to be overwhelmed by our frenzied pace. Anyway, on this episode we talk about Spring Break travels, our sassy new podcast t-shirt, and a few new beauty favorites. There are also several moments where we laugh until we wheeze. So, you know, pretty much the usual. Th...
1hr 17m Mar 30, 2018
1hr 17m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 99
This is part two of our recent conversation with our funny, wise, loves-him-some-80's-music friend, Travis Cottrell. After we wrapped up lo, all of our many thoughts about 80's songs, we moved into some serious reminiscing (at least from Melanie and me) about the country music of the early 90s. And then we talked about at least twenty more artists / songs that filled our 20s with love and happi...
50m Mar 27, 2018
50m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 98
As you can imagine, Melanie and I were delighted to have our good friend Travis Cottrell join us on Episode 98. We caught up on life in general - what's been going on with our kids, spring sports, Travis' feelings about the reboot of American Idol - and we also talked a little about Travis' FANTASTIC new worship album, The Reason. More than anything else, though, we enjoyed the fire out of a d...
1hr 5m Mar 22, 2018
1hr 5m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 97
Well, episode 97 is really a continuation of episode 96, and I even thought about calling it episode 96.5, but WHATEVER EVERYBODY WE ARE SO CLOSE TO 100 AND I WILL TAKE EVERY NUMBER I CAN GET. Therefore comma I am embracing episode NINETY-SEVEN with everything I have. SO, here's what's happening this go 'round. Melanie and I continue our discussion of every day favorites (makeup remover! K-cup...
1hr 3m Feb 27, 2018
1hr 3m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 96
This episode is the first of a two-part series, which all sounds very fancy until you realize that it's actually not fancy even a little bit. But here's what happened: first we talked about Melanie's car troubles and my new simple suppers plan. Then Melanie and I had a *very* lengthy discussion about some of our everyday favorites (coffee, running shoes, Mexican entrees, etc.), and since we tal...
1hr 5m Feb 23, 2018
1hr 5m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 95
I don't even know what to tell y'all about Episode 95, so how about some fun facts? Number of times we thought we'd worked out a time to record it: approximately 14. Number of times we actually recorded it: 2. Number of times we were able to retrieve the files after we recorded: 1. Number of times I wondered if we would ever complete Episode 95: at least 20. Number of times teenagers' spor...
58m Feb 18, 2018
58m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 94
Maybe the most important aspect of this episode is that Melanie has some very exciting news about her eyelashes. And honestly, why would any of us care about any other topic when clearly there have been some VERY IMPORTANT eyelash developments since the last episode? We do, however, talk about a bunch of stuff before we get to the eyelashes. We answer some of your questions about marriage and ...
1hr 6m Feb 03, 2018
1hr 6m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 93
Well, for the first half of this episode Melanie and I talk about movies and TV, and for a big chunk of the second half of this episode, we talk about marriage. Yes. I know. MARRIAGE. Which we hardly ever talk about in any sort of detail. But we have us a fine conversation about it right here on episode 93. We also discuss our new favorite music and an outstanding list of Amazon products that ...
1hr 10m Jan 28, 2018
1hr 10m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 92
Well, it's our first episode of 2018, and true to form, we're all over the place. We analyze Hazel's behavior during Christmas break, we marvel at the fact that Melanie is smitten with a real-live musical (The Greatest Showman), and we decide we like Bruno Mars' new single more than Justin Timberlake's. As you do. We also talk college football (WHO IS SURPRISED) and compare Melanie's commitmen...
1hr 8m Jan 09, 2018
1hr 8m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 91
A couple of weeks ago Melanie and I realized that by the end of this year we would have recorded TWENTY TWO EPISODES of the podcast in 2017, and if you think that hasn't blown our minds just a little bit, then clearly you missed the part where it took us NINE WHOLE YEARS to record the previous 68. We realize that for actual podcasting professionals (or, you know, people who just take some time ...
1hr 9m Dec 30, 2017
1hr 9m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 90
Our good friend Travis Cottrell (http://traviscottrell.com) is with us on this episode of the podcast, and we talk about all manner of unrelated topics. We dig into some Christmas traditions, discuss our favorite Christmas music, break down the college football play-offs (along with our coaching changes), and ponder the deep well of teenage sarcasm that is currently full to overflowing in all o...
1hr 8m Dec 15, 2017
1hr 8m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 89
On this episode Melanie and I talk to our (hilarious) (also deeply gifted) singer / songwriter / comedian friend Dave Barnes (http://davebarnes.com) , and unfortunately I forgot to hit "record" for the first 15-20 minutes of our conversation. SO THERE'S THAT. And what that means for you, dear listener, is that when I finally did in fact hit the record button, we were smack-dab in the middle of ...
1hr 6m Dec 11, 2017
1hr 6m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 88
I know. We didn't expect to record a new episode this quickly, either. But our football coaches are no longer our coaches. And we found out this morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged. As you might imagine, we needed to talk about these things. Please do enjoy. - The targeting call on Deshazor Everett (aka the targeting thorn in Melanie's side) (https://www.youtube.com/watc...
59m Nov 28, 2017
59m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 87
When we decided to do a Christmas Gift Guide for the podcast, we thought we'd pick five gift options a piece. Ten total. Easy breezy. Here's how many gifts we actually discuss: EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE. That might be a slight exaggeration, but have mercy we talked about all manner of Christmas gifts and chased all manner of Christmas gift rabbits, so to speak. We had the best time talki...
1hr 5m Nov 23, 2017
1hr 5m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 86
So, full disclosure - we recorded this podcast episode over a week ago, but then I (Sophie) went out of town last weekend for speaking stuff and this past week was jam-packed and I just got around to editing and recording the sponsor stuff and etc. Better late than never, I guess. And for your sake it's probably better that you don't have to listen to my post- Alabama / Mississippi State heartb...
1hr 1m Nov 19, 2017
1hr 1m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 85
This time around we discuss the Mississippi State / A&M game, the Astros' win in the World Series, and the glory of a redemptive sports moment. (For example.) (This is the GIF (https://media.giphy.com/media/R8JaPcCfB6AI8/giphy.gif) Melanie texted Sophie during the State / A&M game.) (This is the GIF (https://media.giphy.com/media/31lPv5L3aIvTi/giphy.gif) Melanie tweeted after the Astros' vic...
1hr 1m Nov 03, 2017
1hr 1m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 84
We are all over the place in this podcast episode - from an exercise class that I recently tried to pajama leggings to hypothetical situations that would make us sprint to kombucha to football to mascara to essential oils to our feelings about scarves. BUCKLE UP, PEOPLE. Also, I sound more quiet than usual on this episode, and after troubleshooting to the point of utter frustration, I have com...
1hr 23m Oct 26, 2017
1hr 23m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 83
It's been an exciting few days here at The Big Boo Cast because Melanie's fantastic new book, Church of the Small Things (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/church-of-the-small-things-melanie-shankle/1125946364#/) , 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...
1hr 8m Oct 05, 2017
1hr 8m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 82
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 ...
1hr 11m Sep 25, 2017
1hr 11m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 81
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 equ...
1hr 2m Sep 11, 2017
1hr 2m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 80
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 pa...
1hr Aug 21, 2017
1hr
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 79
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 ...
1hr 22m Aug 08, 2017
1hr 22m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 78
Well, this super-sized podcast was a mighty memorable moment for Melanie (http://thebigmamablog.com) 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 Bonni...
1hr 27m Jul 25, 2017
1hr 27m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 77
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 (http://thebigmamablog.com) 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 tal...
1hr Jul 13, 2017
1hr
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 76
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 theori...
52m May 31, 2017
52m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 75
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, Souther...
1hr 4m May 22, 2017
1hr 4m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 74
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, ...
1hr 15m Apr 03, 2017
1hr 15m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 73
As you might expect, we spend some time in this podcast recapping Melanie's recent visit to Birmingham, and we talk at length about our visit to SEC Headquarters. I don't think it's overstating it to say that it was a life highlight. We also talk about the Oscars, the ageless wonder of Halle Berry, texting etiquette, a few favorite podcasts, and the great mystery of why none of the old SEC Wiv...
56m Mar 02, 2017
56m
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 72
Okay first of all Melanie has some internet issues on this podcast - she cuts in and out at times - and while the (lack of) internet service is unfortunate, I will say that she mines her inconvenience for some comedy gold. BE WARNED, AT&T. We also talk about our ongoing efforts to eat better and exercise more, and as you will hear we are just as thrilled as we can be about all of that. Also on...
58m Feb 15, 2017
58m