Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Latest Episodes:

Spooky Parenting Stories for Halloween - Ep. 382 Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Shanna and Laura get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky special segment, sharing scary parenting stories that will strike fear in even the most confident parents! Also, Laura reports on her kids' creepy Halloween costume choices, and Shanna reacts to her 6-year-old's last-minute request to switch costumes. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Kids' Halloween costumes

-Halloween parties

-Scary parenting stories

-Phrogging

-Purgatory box

-Creating screen-time rules with your kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-What is Phrogging?

-PBS Kids

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 335 (Where Shanna talks about her Halloween party last year)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP

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.

Our Kids' Reward System 2.0 - Ep. 381 Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment "Loose Ends," Laura and Shanna circle back on topics they've talked about in previous episodes, including updates about periods, pulmonologists, pet rocks and more! Also, Laura reports on taking her new book out into the world at the Celebration of the Young Child event in Pasadena, and Shanna reports on the new and improved reward system that she recently introduced to her kids to encourage their positive behavior. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Attending a popular event to talk about potty training and Laura's new book

-Ideas for creating a successful reward system for your kids

-How to get an accurate bra measurement

-Should I let my child wear press-on nails?

-What are "shark teeth" in kids?

-Ideas for teaching your kids about puberty and periods

-Kids' emotional attachment to inanimate objects

-Celebrating your kids' creative endeavors

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek

-Celebration of the Young Child festival in Pasadena

-A Bra That Fits subreddit

-Bird Fancier's Lung

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 360 (Where Laura talks about bra measurements and Shanna talks about Elle's fake-nail debacle)

-Ep. 366 (Where Laura visits the pulmonologist)

-Ep. 367 (Where Laura talks about Auggie's "shark teeth")

-Ep. 369 (Where Laura reports on Auggie's first lost tooth)

-Ep. 375 (Where Shanna discusses making a bespoke puberty slideshow for her kids)

-Ep. 379 (Where Shanna reports on Cece's emotional interaction with a neighbor's landscaping rock)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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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.

When Your Kid Spreads Rumors About You - Ep. 380 Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" Shanna and Laura reveal the current parenting dilemmas that have their hair standing on end, diving into the topics of things you never want your kids to touch and things you wish your kids would never say. Also, Shanna reports on her 6-year-old's first softball game of the season, and Laura shares her 4-year-old's new dramatic interest. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Kids' extracurricular activities

-Weird things our kids find

-When your kid spreads gossip about you

-A backyard toy that Shanna's kids love

-The unexpected benefit of Laura's new recording setup

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Inflatable slide

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

Toddler Meltdowns Over Inanimate Objects - Ep. 379 Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the situations that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including unexpected morning meltdowns, big feelings about inanimate objects and more! Also in this episode, Laura discusses the trials and tribulations of naming a family pet, and Shanna reports on a weekend road trip with her kids to see a unique sporting event. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Laura and family decide on a name for their new kitten

-Shanna and family take a road trip to San Diego

-The unpredictability of kids' emotions

-How to handle major meltdowns right before school starts

-Reviews for Laura's book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent"

-A fun museum to go to with kids in San Diego

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Savannah Bananas

-Maragritaville Hotel San Diego

-NetGalley

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" on NetGalley

-Museum of Illusions

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 378 - (For the episode where Laura adopts a new kitten)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

Potty-Training Q&A: Readiness, Road Trips and Poop Reluctance - Ep. 378 Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

To celebrate the release of Laura's new book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent," she and her co-author, Gia Gambaro Blount, answer listener questions all about potty training! They dive into the topics of when to know if your child is ready to start training, how to handle long car rides during the process, how to handle your child's reluctance to poop in the potty and more. Also in this episode, Laura reports on adding a new (and very cute) member to her family, and Shanna discusses getting down and dirty to improve her family's front yard. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Shanna's unexpected way of working out stress, feelings and grief after a loss

-The newest member of Laura's family

-Advice for when your child is having trouble pooping in the potty

-What age to start potty training your child

-Tips for long car rides when you are potty training your child

-Shanna's surprising playdate

-Laura's school project

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek

-Good to Go Parenting Website

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 339 (For the 2024 Year in Review episode, where Shanna hopes to hire a gardener)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

Hiring Your First Non-Family Babysitter - Ep. 377 Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment "Mom Wins!," Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including surprising successes inside a hotel lobby, at a big-kid's birthday party, in the presence of a claw machine and more! Also, Laura dives into a late-night crafting project that blows the minds of many children (and adults), and Shanna hires a non-family babysitter for the very first time. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-KPop Demon Hunters

-Making crafts on the Cricut

-Hiring babysitters

-Allowing self-expression in your children

-Managing your kids' meltdowns

-Hiring food-delivery robots

-Finding time and space for hobbies when you're a mom

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-KPop Demon Hunters Movie on Netflix

-"The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case" by Chuck Hogan

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 350 (For the episode where Shanna talks about her family's trip to Lake Arrowhead)

-Ep. 347 (For the episode where Shanna talks about taking Cece to an ice-skating party)

-Ep. 371 (For the episode where Laura talks about discovering food-delivery robots in her neighborhood)

-Ep. 19 (For the episode where Laura talks about spinning wool - before it made her nauseous)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

Talking to Your Kids About Loss and Grief - Ep. 376 Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura quiz each other with parenting-related trivia questions about gender representation in kids' books, the cost of high-end summer camps and more. Also, Shanna talks about the passing of a beloved family member, how she told her kids about the loss and how they processed their grief. Laura discusses the ups and downs of her 4-year-old's first week in TK at a new school. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Telling your kids about the death of a family member

-Surprising ways that kids process and handle grief

-Easing your 4-year-old into their first week of elementary school ever

-Fun facts about kids' books authors

-Summer camp trends

-Gendered characters in kids' books

-Sensitive vs. resilient kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-"Bears Will Be Boys: A data analysis of animal gender in children’s books" article in The Pudding

-Port O'Pines Summer Camp

-"The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive" book by W. Thomas Boyce, M.D.

-Different Pointe of View restaurant

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 375 (For the episode where Shanna talks about her family's trip to Phoenix)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

Puberty 101: Answering Kids' Awkward Questions - Ep. 375 Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Laura and Shanna reveal the funny and unusual things they've asked the internet recently in the special segment "What I Googled This Week," diving into the topics of puberty, kids' casinos, inappropriate words and more. Also, Laura reports on her family's action-packed week without childcare, and Shanna discusses how she handled taking her children on a trip to visit an ill grandparent. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-How to fill time with your kids during summer break

-Fun things to do around LA with kids

-Taking a family trip to visit an ill family member

-How to tell my child that their grandparent is sick?

-Questioning whether words and phrases are socially acceptable

-Deep diving into the world's cutest animal

-Educating your kids about puberty, periods and the menstrual cycle

-Video-game strategy (for moms)

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Peterson Automotive Museum

-La Brea Tar Pits

-Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

-Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

-Free LA Philharmonic rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl

-LA East Side Parents Instagram Account

-Bush babies jumping on TikTok

-KPop Demonhunters Movie on Netflix

-KPop Demonhunters Soundtrack on Spotify

-Improvised Shakespeare Company

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

When School Volunteering Gets Out of Control - Ep. 374 Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Laura and Shanna share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of volunteering, school-attendance policies, parties and more. Also, Shanna reports on the highs and lows of helping out at her kids' summer camp, and Laura discusses the surprising activity that captivated her kids on their recent vacation to Portland. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Volunteering at your kids' events and activities

-Hiring teachers/counselors as babysitters

-Taking a summer vacation with kids to Portland, Oregon

-Going to the most amazing pinball arcade

-Going hiking with your kids

-Setting boundaries when it comes to volunteering

-Stringent school-attendance policies

-Feeding your kids at parties

-Frustrating experiences at kids' sports and extra-curricular activities

-Back-to-school shopping with your kids

-Taking your kids to an immersive art experience

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Next Level Pinball Museum and Arcade

-Forest Park in Portland

-Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 373 (For the episode where Laura determines that going to Portland every summer is her family's tradition)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

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.

Introducing Your Child to Their Newborn Sibling: Q&A - Ep. 373 Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Shanna and Laura answer more listener questions about everything from embryo storage to family traditions, to friend jealousy and more! Also, Laura reports on how her family managed a week without childcare after her kids finished preschool and camp for the summer, and Shanna talks about going to a mom meetup in an unexpected place. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-How do you manage work and childcare during the summer when your kids are out of school?

-Managing work-life balance as a mom

-Finding ways to connect with other parents at work

-Did Shanna ever make a decision about what to do with her embryos?

-Our favorite off-the-radar family traditions

-Jealousy vs. FOMO with your adult friends

-Some of our favorite TV shows of 2025

-An excellent audiobook that Laura recommends

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Menchies - The oft-mentioned frozen yogurt shop that Shanna and her kids love

-"Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" by Laura Markham