Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Latest Episodes:

Parenting Gets Better: What to Look Forward To - Ep. 402 Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In the new special segment “Just You Wait,” Laura and Shanna flip the usual fear-mongering script about parenting older kids and share some of the things that get better as children grow up. Also, Shanna gives an update on Cece’s ear-piercing saga, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's ENT appointment to discuss his ear tubes. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a family board game that turned out to be a huge hit and a delightfully bizarre piece of "junk mail." Shanna’s kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Following through on something scary and being proud of yourself
Going to the ENT to discuss ear tubes for your child
Using a digital otoscope at home
The things that get more fun and entertaining as kids get older
The joy of kids becoming more independent with snacks and bedtime reading
Sweet ways older kids show love and affection
How much easier life gets when you can leave the room without constant worry
Watching your child stick with an activity and build real skills over time
A family board game that helps kids practice money skills
A hilarious prank-mail

Products, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 401 - Where Shanna originally takes Cece to get her ear pierced

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kid Meltdowns Rooted in Old Memories - Ep. 401 Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the things that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including situations in the distant past that seem to have induced an anxiety attack and a jealousy-induced meltdown. Also, Laura is skeptical about her son's newest extracurricular activity, and Shanna is surprised by the incident that leaves her daughter looking "like a pirate." Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a joyous celebration at the park and a volunteer position that actually sounds fun. Shanna’s kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Signing your kid up for an extracurricular activity that requires a big time commitment
Dads taking the lead on planning activities for the kids
Getting your kids' ears pierced
Handling your child's anxiety and allowing them to make their own decisions about their body
Can a traumatic situation that happened when your child was a baby or toddler still affect them?
When your child feels extreme jealousy toward their sibling
Navigating your kids' big feelings about something seemingly trivial
Setting rules about screen time and how your kids handle those rules
Having a joint birthday party for your kids
Volunteering for your kids' extracurricular activity

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 271 - Where Laura talks about how the Writers' Strike is affecting her family

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

400th Episode: Baby Names, Second Kids and Broken Rules: Q&A - Ep. 400 Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

Laura and Shanna celebrate their 400th episode of "Big Fat Positive" with a very special "Checkin' the Inbox" segment, in which they answer listener questions sent in via voice memo! They dive into the topics of baby naming, deciding whether to have a second child, the parenting “rules” they swore they’d never break and more! Also, Shanna recaps Elle’s 10th birthday celebrations, and Laura shares a sweet sibling moment during Sebastian’s 5th birthday trip. Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a party activity that will excite all your guests and an ingenious way to brush up on your foreign-language skills during your kids' bedtime. Shanna’s kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Celebrating 400 episodes of Big Fat Positive
Big birthday milestones
How the podcast has changed our lives
Handling the decision about going from having more than one child
Baby names we love
Fun ideas for your kids' birthday parties
Graphic novels to read with your kids
A unique idea for brushing up on your foreign-language skills

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breaking Up With Your Mom Group - Ep. 399 Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment “Internet Insanity,” Shanna and Laura share the wild and wacky content they've found online recently, including a baby name that has risen to fame for a surprising reason and a mom-group breakup of epic proportions. Also, Laura shares how a Percy Jackson obsession turned into a spontaneous after-school trip with her kids, and Shanna talks about the device that enabled her 9-year-old to arrange her own play date. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including family outings at two Los Angeles landmarks, one beautiful and one bizarre. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

A spontaneous after-school adventure with your kids
When your kid starts planning their own social life
Giving your child a “just enough” phone for safety and texting friends
2025's name of the year and what it says about baby naming trends
Toxic mom-group drama, celebrity edition
Keeping longtime friendships going as parents
Fun, unusual day trips around Los Angeles with kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Embracing "Mom Mode" in Unusual Circumstances - Ep. 398 Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a clever chemistry-based solution that saved bath time and a surprising moment of jumping into action to help a stranger. Also, Shanna checks in about adjusting to a new chapter now that the kids are back at school and she must figure out what’s next after leaving her job, while Laura shares an unexpected weekend saga that took a sharp turn. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a full agenda “mommy camp” day and a new hobby that’s quickly becoming a kid’s entire personality. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's next
Giving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shift
Handling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from home
Solving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdowns
Citric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by it
When motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situation
Planning an all-day outing with kids to avoid a wide-open day at home
Watching your kid fall in love with a new hobby

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fascinating Facts: Old Pregnancy Tests and LEGO Bricks - Ep. 397 Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Laura and Shanna quiz each other about old-school pregnancy tests, the shocking resale value of kids' toys, the cost of giving birth in the 1950s and more! Also, Laura reports on the sweet relief of her kids returning to school after winter break and her 4-year-old getting his first eye exam, and Shanna talks about the surprising result of sending her kids to a week-long "field trip" camp. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a toy that will excite your kids for bath time and a sweet local event that will inspire you to check the activity calendar at your local library. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Returning to school after a long winter break
What to do with your kids during an extended winter break
How long, busy days outside of the house affect your child's mood and regulation
How much did it cost to have a baby in the 1950s
Why are some LEGO sets so expensive?
What was the first pregnancy test like?
What kids' toy was originally created for adults?
How many LEGO bricks are there in the world?
A fun bath toy for kids that Laura loves
A fun, local, free activity that Shanna took her kids to

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pulling Off a 7th-Birthday Surprise - Ep. 396 Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including a ridiculously juvenile question about astronomy and an out-of-the-ordinary query about a popular theme park. Also, Shanna checks in about a major life transition happening during a chaotic holiday week, and Laura talks about the big surprise she planned for Auggie's 7th birthday. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including an outing that made the kids feel like they’d entered a magical new world and a holiday family tradition. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Experiencing a big work/life change while still in full holiday-parent mode
Struggling to get your kids to take medicine
Auggie's 7th birthday
Pulling off a big surprise for your kid
Tips for going to Disneyland in the rain
What's the right way to pronounce “Uranus”
Do kids these days go to bookstores?
Taking your family to a fun holiday light show

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes referenced in this episode:

Ep. 364 (Where Shanna teaches Cece how to swallow pills)
Ep. 257 (Where Shanna struggles to get Cece to take medication)

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stroller Envy and Screen-Time Gripes - Ep. 395 Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of stroller envy and screen time. Also, Laura reports on the people, gifts and baked goods that made her Christmas special, and Shanna talks about managing a hectic, cooped-up holiday week with a sick kid. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a fun family outing and an indoor activity that unexpectedly became a big hit. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

A low-key, rainy Christmas week and what it’s like hosting visiting family (and dogs)
Parenting your sick child during the holidays
Stroller envy: missing the days when you had a mobile cart for all your kid gear
Managing kids’ video game obsession, meltdowns, and tough transitions

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advocating for Your Child at the Doctor's Office - Ep. 394 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna reveal the unexpected things they've never done before having kids, including a desperate attempt to complete a puzzle in inclement weather and a disturbing doctor's appointment that ended in tears. Also, Shanna talks about her attempts to have a low-key Christmas, and Laura reports on her family's festive week of ice dancing and dreidel spinning. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Last-minute holiday decorating and keeping expectations low
A kid getting sick right before Christmas and deciding when to go to urgent care
Taking your kids to festive holiday events
Celebrating Hanukkah with friends
When you realize you are doing something wacky and unreasonable as a parent
Tough doctor visits with kids
Navigating fear, consent and advocating for your child in a medical setting
How kids misunderstand medical “threats” and why wording matters
A funny public moment involving a kids’ character and an unexpected song choice
Volunteering at your kid's school and reading a funny picture book to your kid's class
A parenting win: getting your kid re-engaged in an extracurricular activity

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 379 - (Shanna talks about going to the Museum of Illusions)
Ep. 358 - (Laura talks about Auggie quitting parkour and starting jiu-jitsu)

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are We Creating Second-Child Syndrome? - Ep. 393 Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about sentimental baby items and encouragement to advocate for yourself in the early days of new motherhood. Also, Laura manages to get her reluctant kids to go on an urban adventure, and Shanna celebrates her daughter's 7th birthday and travels to Phoenix with her family for a celebration-of-life event. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Finding outdoor adventures close to home for your family
The difficulty of transitions with kids
Attending a memorial/celebration of life and what it’s like to do meaningful rituals with kids
Reflections on early parenting choices and what we wish we could tell our younger selves
Why keeping up with milestone keepsakes for all your kids is important
Navigating career and creativity opportunities as a new mom
Anti-mom bias at work and within creative spaces, and why advocating for yourself matters
Kids exploring the performing arts and the joy of seeing them come alive creatively
Finding helpful online communities and learning new routines that are rewarding

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 283 - (Laura discusses Auggie's reluctance to participate in his school's theater production)
Ep. 285 - (Laura reports on Auggie's refusal to participate in the theater production on the day of the show)
Ep. 374 - (Laura talks about her boys getting excited about their hiking "costumes" in Portland)
Ep. 376 - (Shanna talks about her stepdad's passing)

Connect with Us

Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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