Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey - podcast cover

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

Laura Birek, Shanna Mickobigfatpositivepodcast.com
Big Fat Positive is a smart and funny podcast about two best friends who found out they were pregnant at the same time. The show follows the moms-to-be on their journey through pregnancy and into new motherhood, week by week. With weekly check-ins, special guests and segments such as "OMG I’m Freaking Out," hosts Shanna Micko & Laura Birek recount the often hilarious and always honest highs and lows of being a pregnant woman and new mom..

Episodes

Ep. 349: Supporting Your Introverted Child

Shanna and Laura answer more listener questions in another installment of "Checkin' the Inbox," diving into the topics of gender disappointment, surrogacy, introversion and more. Also, Laura talks about throwing a joint birthday party for her sons at the same time she had to care for her ailing cat, and Shanna reports on her kindergartener losing her first tooth. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6 years old and 4 ...

Mar 10, 20251 hr 4 min

Ep. 348: The Best and Worst Parts of Parenting

In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about the most rewarding and most challenging parts of parenting, the best kids' books they've read recently, how to prevent getting peed on during a diaper change and more! Also, Shanna reports on the surprising reason she got a day off of parenting, and Laura discusses her moment of panic at Disneyland. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 9 years old, and Laura’...

Mar 03, 20251 hr 1 min

Ep. 347: Throwback: Laura's Middle-School Mess

In the special segment "Throwback," Laura reflects on sibling relationships as she recounts the time in 7th grade when she ran for student council and her brother became her political fixer. Also, Shanna reports on all the mishaps at the elaborate escape-room birthday party that she threw for her daughter, and Laura discusses the unexpected challenge that sprung upon her family this week. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 9 years old, and Laura’s k...

Feb 24, 202554 min

Ep. 346: Throwback: Shanna's Experience Having an Emergency C-Section

In the special segment "Throwback," Shanna turns back time to recount the story of the first time she gave birth and all the ways it turned out to be different from how she'd expected it to be. Also, Laura talks about introducing her 6-year-old to stop-motion animation, and Shanna reports on her last-minute scramble to plan an elaborate birthday party for her almost 9-year-old. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 3 min

Ep. 345: Would You Rather: Parenting Edition

Shanna and Laura introduce the brand-new special segment "Would You Rather: Parenting Edition," in which they present hilarious sets of hypothetical situations from their own lives and listeners' lives and then discuss which choices they would rather make. Also, Laura reports on her family's stay in Long Beach when they evacuated Los Angeles due to the wildfires, and Shanna discusses her efforts to maintain stability for her kids during the wildfire week. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and B...

Feb 10, 202549 min

Ep. 344: Snow Feels Like What?!

In the special segment "Internet Insanity," Laura and Shanna share the wild and wacky parenting-related content they've found online recently, including "Someone's Mom Said No," a hilarious meme that captures the reality of shopping with kids, as well as "Willy's Chocolate Experience," a fantastical children's event gone terribly wrong. Also, Shanna talks about her kids visiting her at work for the first time, and Laura reports on spending her son's 6th birthday in snowy Colorado. Finally, the m...

Feb 03, 202553 min

Ep. 343: Change of Plans

In the special segment, "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous or offensive things people have said to them recently about parenting, including stories about negligent neighbors and movie-theater mishaps. Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's surprising new outdoor interest, and Shanna discusses a last-minute pivot she and her husband had to make on Christmas Eve. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years old, and Lau...

Jan 27, 202553 min

Ep. 342: Sibling Roughhousing

In the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna share their recent embarrassing or hilarious parenting experiences, diving into the topics of desperate decisions and rough realizations. Also, Shanna reports on a surprising new development in her family's life, and Laura talks about how the roughhousing between her sons has intensified. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old. ...

Jan 20, 202558 min

Ep. 341: Weird Injuries You Get as a Parent

In the special segment "Loose Ends," Laura and Shanna circle back on topics they've talked about in previous episodes, including updates about inane injuries, toy tantrums, 5-year-olds' friendships, and one of BFP's colossal cliffhangers to date. Also, Laura reports on her 3-year-old's "why phase," which is more like a "who, what, when, where, why phase," and Shanna checks in on her dog, Sasha, and discusses the challenge of handling conflicting emotions when you are a parent. Finally, the moms ...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 3 min

Bonus: LA Wildfires - Parenting Through Crisis

Laura and Shanna come to you in real time to check in during the wildfires in Los Angeles. They provide updates about how they are doing during their city's crisis and have an insightful conversation with Gia Gambaro Blount, a local child development expert and parenting coach. about parenting during and after emergencies. Gia is a highly-regarded parenting expert in one of the areas that are being hit hardest by the devastation - Pasadena and Altadena - and she provides wisdom that not only com...

Jan 12, 202553 min

Ep. 340: Should I Get a Mammogram if I’m Breastfeeding?

Shanna reports on the shocking event that complicated her daughter's sixth birthday party, and Laura talks about getting a mammogram while breastfeeding. Also, in the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying," Laura and Shanna thoughtfully dissect the seemingly mundane situations that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, including big feelings at Whole Foods, the frozen yogurt shop and more. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6 and 8.5 years ...

Jan 06, 202555 min

Ep. 339: 2024 Wrap Up - Our Biggest Joys, Challenges and Surprising Revelations

2024 is coming to an end, and In the special segment "Year in Review," Laura and Shanna reflect on their last 12 months of parenting. As they look back on 2024, they share their biggest joys, challenges, realizations and more. Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's new interest in helping out in the kitchen, and Shanna talks about the challenges of planning for her kids' three-week winter break. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, a...

Dec 30, 20241 hr 2 min

Ep. 338 - Last-Minute Holiday Tips, Tricks and Gifts!

Shanna and Laura share last-minute gift ideas and holiday tips in the special segment "What the Hack?!," including tricks for hanging ornaments, managing holiday-morning chaos and more! Also, Shanna checks in on her mission to remove 1,000 pounds of sand from her backyard, and Laura talks about an artistic activity that has deeply engaged her 5-year-old. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 y...

Dec 23, 202454 min

Ep. 337 - Next-Door Grandma

In the special segment "Stump the Mom," Laura and Shanna grill each other with amusing and educational trivia questions involving surprising facts about family-favorite holiday movies, treats and toys! Also, Laura reports on what life has been like with her mom, aka Grandma Susan, living next door, and Shanna talks about diving into birthday party planning for her kindergartener. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids a...

Dec 16, 202450 min

Ep. 336 - No Going Back: Parenting Through Big Leaps and Milestones

In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura turn back time to give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about first-trimester morning sickness, toddler meltdowns and more. Also, Shanna's 5-year-old reaches a milestone that there's no turning back from, and Laura kids take a big leap in their room-sharing journey. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 yea...

Dec 09, 20241 hr 4 min

Ep. 335 - Making Big Life Decisions When You Have Young Kids

Laura and Shanna introduce a brand-new special segment in which they invite a fellow parent on to participate in a classic BFP segment of the guest's choice and share about what's going on in their parenting world! In this episode, Shanna and Laura chat with mom and writer Heather Sundell, who talks about her experience making a big life decision when she was 8 months pregnant. Also, Laura discusses her struggle to make time for her 3-year-old's school event during a very busy work week, and Sha...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 6 min

Ep. 334 - Sharing the Mental Load

In the special segment "What I Googled This Week," Shanna and Laura share the hilarious and embarrassing parenting-related questions they have asked the internet recently, diving into the topics of infant snot suckers, surprising swimming injuries, movie mysteries and more! Also, Shanna gives an update on the working-mom overwhelm she has been feeling recently, and Laura reports on a big change in her 3-year-old's bedtime routine. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna'...

Nov 25, 202458 min

Ep. 333 - Solving Bedtime Bedlam

In the special segment "Mom Wins," Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting successes, diving into the topics of solving bedtime dysregulation and creating fruitful family fun. Also, Laura reports on her family's deep dive into fall activities, including a trip to a truly unique pumpkin patch, and Shanna opens up about her struggle to manage transitioning back to working in the office while also juggling parenting responsibilities. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the wee...

Nov 18, 202454 min

Ep. 332 - Taking Playdates to a Whole New Level

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 troublesome toys and sloppy surfaces. Also, Shanna talks about taking "drop-off playdates" to a whole new level, and Laura reports on managing work and parenting when a deadline is looming. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 ye...

Nov 11, 202455 min

Ep. 331 - Toddler Queens

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the fascinating or unusual things they have learned recently, including a historical parenting choice that resonates today, a surprising weeklong break that some schools in the U.S. take and more. Also, Laura reports on leaving her kids for two nights for the first time ever, and Shanna talks about her 5-year-old's recent class presentation. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 y...

Nov 04, 20241 hr 1 min

Ep. 330 - Growing Up in a Haunted House

Laura and Shanna get in the Halloween spirit with a very spooky "Throwback" segment, in which Laura recounts unsettling moments from her childhood living in a haunted house. Also, Shanna reports on how the Halloween season disrupts her life, and Laura discusses the evolution of her 3-year-old's Halloween costume. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -H...

Oct 28, 20241 hr 3 min

Ep. 329 - Adventures, Antibiotics and the Apocalypse

In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" Shanna finds herself contemplating the apocalypse when she watches one of her kids' favorite shows, and Laura gets the willies when she imagines the upcoming phase in her kids' dental journey. Also, Laura reports on the spontaneous adventure she took with her 3-year-old, and Shanna reluctantly admits how she has backtracked on her resolve to simplify her family's life. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8...

Oct 21, 202458 min

Ep. 328 - Should I Do Fertility Testing?

In part two of "Checkin' the Inbox," Laura and Shanna answer more listener questions, diving into the topics of fertility tests, baby names, diet culture and more! Also, Shanna talks about her daughter's student council campaign, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's latest writing achievement. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Helping your kid run...

Oct 14, 20241 hr 5 min

Ep. 327 - When Should You Stop Being Naked in Front of Your Kids?

In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about strategies for keeping your mom-life organized, handling nudity in front of your kids, discussing your child's development with strangers and more. Also, Laura talks about feeling overwhelmed by managing her parenting, work and home life, and Shanna discusses what happened when she said "yes" to her 5-year-old's surprising idea for a play date. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shann...

Oct 07, 20241 hr

Ep. 326 - Helping Your Child Relax After a Bad Dream

In the special segment "What the Hack?," Laura and Shanna share some of their favorite parenting tips and tricks, including ideas for encouraging your kids' independent play, helping your kids relax after having bad dreams and more. Also, Shanna reports on the newest addition to her family, and Laura talks about her 3-year-old's sudden swimming skills. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years o...

Sep 30, 202458 min

Ep. 325 - The Creepy Thing Laura Heard on the Baby Monitor

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of unusual things we have bought for our kids, the eerie things we've heard lately as parents and more! Also, Laura discusses her experience getting a colonoscopy and how it affected her mom life, and Shanna reports on the newest reward system she's invented for her kids. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years ...

Sep 23, 20241 hr 5 min

Ep. 324 - What the Heck is Skibidi Toilet?!

In another installment of the segment "Internet Insanity," Shanna and Laura take a deep dive into the confounding world of Skibidi Toilet, including its origins, its hold on Gen Alpha and the moral panic surrounding its existence. Also, Shanna reports on the questionable thing her daughter's school did without parental consent, and Laura checks in on her 5-year-old's first week of Kindergarten. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Lau...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 3 min

Ep. 323 - Having a Mom Meltdown in Public

In the special segment "Internet Insanity," Laura and Shanna dive into a mysterious company that sells breast pumps online and their bizarre social-media marketing strategy. Also, Laura reports on her 3-year-old's back-to-school meltdowns, and Shanna recounts her own mom meltdown that recently happened in a very public place. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old. Topics discussed in thi...

Sep 09, 20241 hr 3 min

Ep. 322 - I Said What?!

In the special segment, "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous or offensive things people have said to them recently about parenting, including a scrutiny on screen time and a philosophy on floss; plus we dive into some surprising things WE said recently! Also, Shanna reports on her 5-year-old's infatuation with injuries, and Laura discusses how her family's recent vacation involved serious sleep struggles. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's...

Sep 02, 20241 hr 4 min

Ep. 321 - The Life of a Working Mom

Laura and Shanna both dive into the topic of being working moms. Laura reports on the challenges of her freelance projects ramping up at the least ideal time, and Shanna reports on adjusting to returning to the office after working remotely for almost six years. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Shanna and Laura give updates about topics they've talked about previously, including potty training, pom-pom jars, parkour and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna...

Aug 26, 202457 min