Happy Hour #35 is with my friend Melanie Shankle. You may know Melanie from her blog, The Big Mama Blog, where she's been cracking up all of us readers for years now.
Melanie lives in San Antonio with her husband and daughter. She is the author of three books, Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and her newest, Nobody's Cuter Than You, that just released this week on April 7th.
On the show today we talk about her book a lot, her friend Jen that she mentions in the book who is walking through cancer, how I started podcasting because of her and Sophie's podcast, talking with our kids about sex, the shows we watch, how much we both like baseball, college life, and how technology has ruined us all. I laughed so much in this podcast and loved every second of chatting with Melanie. I think that you will too.
Today's Happy Hour episode is exactly what I had in mind when I dreamed of my own podcast. One minute we're talking about the crazy things our kids say about sex, and the next minute we're talking about one of our friends struggling through cancer. It's the real talk that girlfriends have, and so this Happy Hour is one that you will love.
Links from the show:
- Melanie's blog: The Big Mama Blog
- Melanie and Sophie's Podcast: The Big Boo Cast
- Things we can't remember anymore thanks to technology
Connect with Melanie:
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Blog // Amazon
Freebies:
Melanie is giving away a copy of her newest book, Nobody's Cuter Than You, to THREE lucky winners from this blog. All you need to do is leave a comment and you are entered. Contest will end on Thursday, April 16th at midnight and only you people in the continental US can win (sorry all my overseas friends – but still enter and have it shipped to a friend here if you win!) I'd love to hear what you loved about the show, and if you have kids over 11 you know we want your best advice you have for us mamma's entering that stage of life! And just how sweet is my daughter, Story, with Melanie's book!
Share the Love:
I would love to connect with you guys on facebook, twitter and/or instagram about this episode! Feel free to share with your friends about the show! As always I love feedback from you guys on iTunes if you can. When you leave a comment and/or rating, it helps others find the show, and isn't that what we want …. more ladies at the Happy Hour with us!
{You can listen to the show HERE.}
Been waiting for this episode since you first mentioned wanting to interview Melanie! Love her blog and can’t wait to dive in to this episode! Also really excited to read “Nobody’s cuter than you,” Melanie is a great writer.
I am so excited to listen to this! Love both of your podcasts 🙂
Love Melanie’s other books! Would love to win this!!!
I love listening to your podcast while I exercise. I learn something new and am entertained. It makes the time fly by. What a treat to listen to both you and Melanie today! I look forward to reading her new book!
I loved her first two books and this next one looks great as well!
I would love a copy of the book! I can’t wait to read it.
I actually hadn’t heard of Melanie before you mentioned her, but her new book sounds right up my alley 🙂
I just love listening to your podcasts. The way you felt about serial every thursday, I feel that way when I see a new podcast of yours! I loved listening to you and Melanie chat and can’t wait to read this book!
Can’t wait to listen. Yours is my top favorite podcast I’ve ever listened to!
Nobody’s cuter than Story!
So enjoyed reading her first two books! My mom and I both follow her blog. I look forward to reading this one, then passing it on to my mom.
Glad you stuck it out. I mentioned interviewing her months ago and her and I kept having scheduling conflicts! Isn’t she great!
For some reason I really love it when people say they listen to the Happy Hour while exercising. It just makes me smile! In the middle of each show I need to start shouting: “Run faster. Don’t stop now. You got this!”
Ah thanks. I agree!
That’s a huge compliment. Thanks so much!
You are the best! Thanks! I really LOVED and anticipated Serial a lot, so this comment means the world to me!
I so enjoyed this! And yes, I have no idea what my children’s phone numbers are…
Teens: keep lots of food in the house….especially junk food.
I’m so excited to listen! I have been saving it for my morning run today.
Love the podcast. Can’t wait to read this new book!!
Favorite episode so far! Second fav was Kat Lee. Probably because I love both of their podcasts as well. I’ve already downloaded Melanie’s book to my kindle, but would love to win a copy to give my BFF. Your podcast is still the one I listen to as soon as I can after it shows up in my feed, so keep them coming!!
My best friend, Jennifer, lives in Austin, Texas and I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. We are always finding new ways to stay connected inspite of the many miles between us. Your podcast is one of those ways, Jamie!
Jennifer emailed me the show notes and told me how much she enjoyed listening to this episode. Now, I can’t wait to listen!
I love that this episode allowed you the really experience the realization of your dream! It is really inspiring to watch you challenge yourself by taking in this new adventure!
I just found your podcasts and I’ve been binge listening to them! Thank you for doing them! They’re great. I loved this podcast especially because I love Melanie! Thanks for having her on.
I loved listening to you & Melanie chat! I listened especially close when you guys mentioned walking the road of pre-teens, phones & social media! Oh, if only there were a handbook for us to refer to. We are paving the way for those behind us. We’ll make it through…somehow!! 😉
Loved this episode! Such fun conversation balanced with real talk about hard realities. I am excited to read this book, and I will keep listening for more fun podcasts. Sidenote-I also am not a ‘zombie person’, but I really like “Walking Dead”. It is a show that shines a light on the best and worst of humanity. There are characters that represent such physical and emotional strength that I appreciate. Hershel was a phenomenal representation of what I believe to be an authentic walk with Christ-moments of doubt present at times but ultimately unyielding faith anchored in a God who is love and will redeem. I have been completely surprised by it as a show and am a fan:) And am a fan of your show as well! Thanks for sharing your fun friends with the world:)
I loved Melanie’s first 2 books… can’t wait to read this one!
I can’t wait to check out Melanie’s books!!! I bought the first two on Amazon today!! 🙂
What a fun episode! I’m new to your podcast; where has it been all my life? It gave me the joy required to mop my floors. 🙂
I was especially excited to listen to this podcast today because I “know” BOTH of you. I didn’t even know what a podcast was till Shay Shull mentioned The Big Boo Cast on her blog and shortly after Jen Hatmaker linked to (I think) your second podcast when you had her as a guest. So your two podcasts are the only ones I listen to. I want to find more similar ones because I just love listening so much while I’m cleaning up around the house or getting ready. Anyway, so excited to read “Nobody’s Cuter Than You!” I’ve enjoyed her first two books and it sounds like this one will be even better. As always, LOVE your podcast Jamie! 🙂
Oh! And I wanted to tell you, I am always telling my girlfriends about your podcast because I know they’d love it, but they’re all like, yeah, ok, because none of them really listen to podcasts. Well, my one friend Jessica text me the other day to get the name of it because she wanted to listen. 🙂 Now we can continue the conversations after we’ve both listened! SO excited!
Loved this episode and so excited to get this book! I’m in Canada but my precious bff is in California so I’d love to be in the draw to bless her with a copy. My kids are 11, 14 & 17 and if I can only advise parents one thing, it is to COMMUNICATE. Be the one that they can talk to about anything!
I love Melanie and her blog. So glad you talked to her! Enjoy your podcast.
I loved Melanie’s other 2 books, and even used a quote from “antelope in the living room”in my maid of honor speech for my sister’s wedding! Her writing is so funny and touching! I can’t wait to read this one! Thanks, Jaime, for all you do to make us listeners feel like we have made a new friend every week! 🙂
So happy to hear this podcast! I found your podcast through Sophie Hudson’s blog and I also found Melanie through her. Loved both of Melanie’s first two books (they are currently circulating through my friends as I force them to read them!) and I’m looking forward to this new one! I enjoy listening in on your conversations with such inspiring women.
Another great podcast Jamie! On the topic of teenagers and technology, my advice is to put off social media as long as possible. 🙂 I let my son get instagram when he was in 6th grade – convinced he was literally the only one in the whole school not on it. But in the end, he managed to find some risqué pictures and accounts…not technically porn, but really more than an 11 year old boy needs to see! So we put an end to that. He’s in 8th grade now and hasn’t asked about getting it back – and honestly, I think he has avoided a whole bunch of drama by not being there. I expect in high school we will revisit this, but a few more years of maturity can’t hurt!
I absolutely love Melanie Shankle and her writing! Her first two books are incredible and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! 🙂
I love Melanie’s books and sense of humor! I came to the podcast through Instagram following and loved listening to it. It sounds cliche but I totally laughed, cried and nodded my head through it! Women are so fun! Your conversation about teens/pre-teens and technology made me think to recommend resources by Dr. Kathy Koch. Have you heard of her? I’ve heard her speak in podcasts and at conferences and she’s the real deal. She’s got a new book either out now or soon called Screens & Teens. That’s all! Thanks for the fun listen while I nursed my baby! Can’t wait to listen to more!
ah thanks a bunch!
Thanks so much for this! Going to check this book out right now!
can’t wait to read this!
I want to win!
looking forward to reading Nobody’s Cuter Than You – would love to win!
two of my favorites!!
Sure would love this book
Can’t wait to read it!
Love, love, love Melanie and the Happy Hour podcast! (I may have let out an excited shriek when I saw this episode downloading, and it definitely turned out to be one of my favorites 🙂 Thanks, Jamie, for doing such an awesome job!
I have read Melanie’s other two books and given them as gifts! Would love to win this one!!
Looking forward to listening to this, and also to reading the book. Thanks!
Hey Jamie, I just found your blog because of the Melanie Shankle giveaway. (Love. Her. ) I can’t wait to listen to the show and I will definitely be looking you up on twitter!
Would love to win! Loved her first 2books!
Jamie,
I just found this through Twitter! Love being able to listen to your conversation with Melanie. I shared with her on Twitter how my small town problems have prevented thus far from getting her book locally
I would love a copy of her new book! Melanie’s other 2 books were great!
I would love to win a copy! I’ve been loving the podcast and all the fun conversations!
I loved listening in to the conversation! This is my first time listening to this podcast and I’m sure I’ll be back. 🙂
So excited to read Melanie’s new book. Thank you for the opportunity!
Would love a copy! I love Melanie’s blog!
I enjoy listening to your podcast each week. I also love Melanie’s podcast as well. I’d love to read Melanie’s newest book, thanks for the giveaway.
Laughed my way through this podcast! Such a fun show! Can’t wait to read her book!
would Love to win this book
I love The Happy Hour so much! I listen to it after I put my littles to bed and am tidying up the kitchen and the rest of our apartment. I laugh out loud so much and feel like I’m sitting with my girlfriends. Thanks for sharing this hour with us every week!
I haven’t read Melanie’s books but they’re on my list to be read. You guys cracked me up so much, really enjoyed this episode!
I just finished Sparkly Green Earrings, so I especially loved this episode.
I think this post is missing a certain photo of someone in a knight suit. *ahem* 😉
oh my gosh the Knight suit. YES i totally forgot to post. maybe it deserves it’s own post …. look for that soon!
Love listening to both of your podcasts!
Thanks Cathy. My biggest fear with social media is just what you just said.
Loved this podcast! I was moved by the book topic and would love to read it 🙂
The segment about Melanie’s friend Jen was so great. It was challenging to me to be a better friend and to not take any moment with a friend for granted.
I love her!
Loved your podcast with Melanie. I’ve started listening to her podcast and love it, but yours is still my favorite! Thanks for the Happy Hours!!
Loved this podcast! Still waiting on that picture of Jamie in the Knight costume!
Finished the podcast last night! Sounds like a great read, would love to win it. 🙂
Yay, I have finally found your podcast. Someone mentioned once how much she likes it but between the mention and later I’d forgotten to look it up. Probably a side effect of technology! So, I was so happy to be pointed here from Melanie’s blog today.it was a fun visit and I’m looking forward to hearing more now.
Definitely no kid advice from me, however I love the show and laughing along with y’all!
First-time listener to the Happy Hour. How fun! I follow Melanie’s blog and look forward to reading her new book.
So glad you are here! You’ll love all the guests on the Happy Hour!
Just discovered your site! I’d love to win a copy of the book.
Hi Jamie, I go to the Stone and am so glad I stumbled upon your podcast and blog. You’ve reminded me how much I love to read, and since I now have so many book recommendations, I have made more effort to read at night instead of getting sucked in to Netflix or Hulu!
This was such a sweet conversation! Love her first 2 books, can’t wait to read the third!
Melanie seems like such a wonderful friend to have around! I have been a long time blog reader of yours and fellow Austin Stone attendee for several years now, but am so happy I finally have been catching up on all your podcasts! Loved this conversation and would love to read Melanie’s latest book. Keep up the inspiring work, Jamie!
Dayna 🙂
I LOVED this Happy Hour! I mean, I do say that every time, but still. I loved her other books and I’d LOVE to win this one! In fact, I was just on Amazon trying to buy it as a gift to give away at my little Mom’s Brunch, but it’s out of stock. 😉 Hopefully I can snag one in time!
Jamie this was probably one of my favorites so far. Your genuine laughter with Melanie was so fun. And her heartfelt thoughts about her friend’s faith really touched me. 🙂
Love, love Melanie! I am the mom to two teenage boys (14 and 16) and all I can say is middle school is just tough. But high school is a beautiful thing! Hang on and try and relish the moments. Enjoy watching those boys turn into little men. I had to learn to let go of the little things (still working on that!) and turn my boys over to God. He’s totally got this. So happy to have found your podcast, Jamie. Just delightful and real. Enjoyed you and Melanie’s sex talk. 🙂 Too funny. Reminded me of when one of my boys told me when they were much younger that sex sounded messy! Would love to have one of Melanie’s books! Blessings!
LeeAnn love your wisdom. I do think I’m gonna love having high school kids. 🙂
Loved this episode so very much! Added her book to my book list (which grows every week thanks to you!)!
I hopped over here from Melanie’s blog and am excited to listen to the podcast. I’ve ordered a few copies of “Nobody’s Cuter than You” for some girlfriends already but would love to win a copy so that I get to have one too! Thank you both. 🙂
I am reading Melanie’s second book right now and love her perspective and wit. I always enjoy your podcasts for the serious and the silly! I great companion to me while I’m home with a toddler.
I’m also mom to three teens and have been thoroughly entrenched in the middle school years. Here is my advice. Find like-minded moms at your school and lean on one another hard! Also, know what is going on at school and make the administration your ally so that you are up to date. And, just hold on and pray. Early adolescence is tough, but I believe that we will all survive!
Jamie,
I find myself listening to your podcast on headphones when I’m prepping food for dinner and this week I found myself laughing hysterically over your conversation with Melanie and the talk about telling your kids about sex. My kids wanted to know what I was laughing so hard at and I couldn’t even bring myself to tell them. Hysterical! Love love love your podcast and Melanie’s books and blog. You both have the most fantastic humor! Thank you for making dinner prep more fun!
CONGRATS you won!!!
CONGRATS you won!!!
Congratss you won!
Hi! I just listened to this podcast with Melanie and I’m PRAYING you haven’t already picked the winners of the books 🙂 I am new to Melanie’s writing, as well as your blog, but I am in LOVE with both! I was cracking up when you were talking about things we won’t remember now because of technology, and how phone numbers are one thing we won’t remember, because I was the only one of my friends who didn’t have a cell phone our freshman year of college (2004). So I had a calling card (because their numbers were all long-distance–also not a thing!) and I would have to use it to call them from my dorm room phone! So, needless to say, I still have all of their cell phone numbers memorized because I had to dial them so many times my freshman year of college. Loved the podcast and I can’t WAIT to read Melanie’s books–especially her newest one!!
YAY!! Thank you Jamie! And thank you Melanie! Can’t wait to read it!