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

Bonus: More Mom Wins!

Laura and Shanna share extra mom wins that they didn't have time for in Episode 237! Shanna reports on how she responded to a family outing that went sideways, and Laura talks about how she reacted when she found a lost child at the botanical garden. Shanna's kids are 4 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 22 months old. Want to get in touch? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast This episode's show notes can be found here. Join...

Jan 20, 202324 min

Ep. 237 - Repairing a Parenting Mistake

In the special segment "Mom Wins," Laura makes a hilarious but life-saving sacrifice on a treacherous staircase, and Shanna channels her inner Dr. Becky to repair a parenting mistake. Also, Laura wonders if she should have handled her three-year-old's recent vaccination differently, and Shanna reports on the dramatic call she got from her six-year-old's school nurse. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 4 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and ...

Jan 16, 202357 min

Ep. 236 - My Threenager Is Using "Bad" Words!

Shanna and Laura reveal the funny and unusual things they've asked the internet about parenting recently in the special segment "What I Googled This Week," including a strange reaction to a popular beverage, a mysterious phrase heard on the playground, an over-the-top threenager behavior and more! Also, Shanna talks about her daughter's fourth birthday, and Laura reports on her 22-month-old's new verbal skill. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 4 and 6 years ...

Jan 09, 202356 min

Ep. 235 - Do You Love Your Kids Equally?

Laura reports on her three-year-old's new development in swim class, and Shanna compares one of her parenting struggles to that of a character on a very popular tv show. Also, in the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura grill each other with amusing and educational trivia questions about unique baby names, obscure medical traditions, unheard-of mothering traditions and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kid...

Jan 02, 20231 hr 1 min

Ep. 234 - 2022 Wrap Up - Our Biggest Challenges, Laughs and Revelations

As 2022 comes to an end, Shanna and Laura reflect on the last 12 months. They keep it real as they look back on 2022 and share their biggest laughs, deepest challenges, most unexpected realizations, favorite podcasts and more. Also, Shanna reports on her three- and six-year-old's first paying job and Laura reports on her three-year-old's new conflict-creating behavior. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old ...

Dec 26, 20221 hr 5 min

Ep. 233: Super Moms!

In the special segment “Super Moms,” Laura and Shanna share the stories of some heroic moms who used their instinct and courage to save the day. Also, Laura talks about wrapping up her stressful week with a cleaning frenzy, and Shanna reports on her three-year-old's adorably awkward preschool picture day. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 20 months old. Want to get in touch? Send us an email and fol...

Dec 19, 202248 min

Ask Us Anything Mini-sode #6 - Kid-Friendly Meals

Laura and Shanna answer more listener questions! They share their go-to dinner ideas for kids, talk about whether Laura can imagine an alternate reality in which she doesn't have kids, and discuss why Shanna chose not to know the sex of her embryos during IVF. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, email us at [email protected], or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! This episode's show notes can be found here. Big Fat Positive: A...

Dec 16, 202221 min

Ask Us Anything Mini-sode #5 - The Real Deal with Screen Time

Shanna and Laura answer a listener's question about how much screen time they allow their kids to have and what types of rules and boundaries they set for the devices. They also offer advice about activities to do at home to occupy and engage high-energy toddlers. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, email us at [email protected], or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! This episode's show notes can be found here. Big Fat Positiv...

Dec 14, 202222 min

Ep. 232: Talking to Your Kids About How Babies Are Made

In the special segment “OMG I'm Freaking Out,” Laura and Shanna report on the parenting-related situations that have their hair standing on end, including a disturbing and mysterious smell in Laura's house, a benign activity that TikTok has Shanna fretting about and more! Also, Shanna talks about sharing the different ways babies are made with her six-year-old, and Laura discusses a dramatic incident with her boys involving an umbrella. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shann...

Dec 12, 20221 hr 6 min

Ask Us Anything Mini-sode #4 - Holiday Traditions with Kids

Shanna and Laura answer a very popular listener question about what holiday traditions we have with our kids, including our thoughts on Santa, Elf on the Shelf, Christmas trees and more. They also tackle the tricky topic of how to split time between family members during the holidays when you have kids. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, email us at [email protected], or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! This episode's show ...

Dec 09, 202229 min

Ask Us Anything Mini-sode #3 - Work-Life Balance When You're a Mom

Laura and Shanna dive into the topic of work-life balance when answering a listener's question about managing work, kids, spouses, social life and producing a podcast. They also answer questions about how to do bedtime check-ins with a toddler and the best time to get LASIK eye surgery when you're a new mom. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, email us at [email protected], or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! This episode's ...

Dec 07, 202227 min

Ep. 231: High-Energy Kids

Laura discusses a realization she had about her three-year-old's behavior, and Shanna talks about enduring the elements with her six-year-old to try out for softball All-Stars. Also, in the special segment, "They Said What?!," they report on the outrageous, hilarious and questionable things people have said to them lately, including some unexpected advice about teaching safety to kids, some unusually strong feelings about felines, a spooky question from a child and more! Finally, they share thei...

Dec 05, 20221 hr

Ask Us Anything Mini-sode #2 - Baby Gender Disappointment

We answer a listener's question about how to deal with baby gender FOMO, and we spill the tea on whether Shanna and Laura have ever gotten into a squabble. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, email us at [email protected], or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! This episode's show notes can be found here. Big Fat Positive is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Dec 02, 202217 min

Ask Us Anything Mini-sode #1 - Our Most-Asked Question

In our very first Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, we answer a listener question about how to handle tricky diaper changes, and we tackle the most-asked question we get from listeners. If you have a question for an upcoming Ask Us Anything Mini-sode, email us at [email protected], or reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast! Big Fat Positive is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 30, 202217 min

Ep. 230: Parenting Is Humbling

In the special segment, "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna reveal embarrassing and unexpected situations they’ve never been in before having kids, including a doorstep dump drop, bagel breath and more! Also, Shanna reports on the difficulty of unexpectedly having her kids home from school all week, and Laura talks about a special mommy/son outing with her three-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s...

Nov 28, 202257 min

Bonus: Our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Shanna and Laura give you a head start with your holiday shopping by sharing some of their favorite, tried-and-true gift ideas for newborns, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kids, partners, new parents, pregnant people and those trying to conceive. Our 2022 holiday gift guide - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/gifts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 23, 20221 hr 2 min

Ep. 229: When Do You Feel Like Yourself Again?

Laura and Shanna answer listener questions in another round of "Checkin' the Inbox," covering the topics of parenting while sick, dividing household duties with our spouses, the challenges of breastfeeding in public and more! Also, Laura reports on her toddler's first parent-teacher conference, and Shanna talks about the questionable reason her daughter was sent home from preschool. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are ...

Nov 21, 20221 hr 1 min

Ep. 228: Raising Respectful, Feminist Boys

Laura and Shanna answer listener questions in the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," covering the topics of feminism, family resemblances, the future of BFP and more! Also, Shanna reports on a surprising new morning routine that her girls have spearheaded, and Laura talks about an unusual incident that happened in the night with her three-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 20 months old....

Nov 14, 202256 min

Ep. 227: Throwback: Shanna's First Boyfriend

Laura discusses a big decision that she has to make about her 1-year-old's daycare, and Shanna talks about her reluctance to let her girls run a lemonade stand. Also, in the special segment "Throwback," Shanna tells a story about her first boyfriend and reflects on some important life lessons she learned from her mom at the time. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 20 months old. Learn more about your...

Nov 07, 202254 min

Ep. 226: Grief While Parenting

In a special "Big Topic/Throwback" segment, Laura talks about the recent passing of a loved one, discusses how she explained the loss to her three-year-old and shares memories from her childhood. Shanna reports on her six-year-old's crush on a surprising person and on her kids' recent escape from their house. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 20 months old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Oct 31, 202259 min

Ep. 225: Halloween Fun and Frights

Shanna and Laura get in the Halloween spirit by sharing their plans and revealing their families’ costumes for one of their favorite holidays. Also, in the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?" they share the seemingly innocuous things that have caused their little ones to melt down, dissect the reasons behind the huge emotions, discuss how they handled the situations and explore how they might have done things differently. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids ar...

Oct 24, 202259 min

Ep. 224: Baby's First Time at Daycare

Laura reports on her 19-month-old's first week of daycare and how the transition is affecting him and the family, and Shanna shares her three-year-old's unique plans for Thanksgiving dinner. Also, in the segment "Today I Learned," Shanna and Laura dive into the fascinating topics of regrettable baby names, infant X-rays, toddler metabolism and more Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 19 months old. Le...

Oct 17, 20221 hr 7 min

Ep. 223: Funny Things We've Taught Our Kids

In the special segment "Mom Confessions," Laura and Shanna divulge their most outrageous and embarrassing parenting moves, including the hilarious things they've taught their kids, hidden from their kids and eaten off their kids. Also, Laura reports on some big news about an upcoming change in her childcare situation, and Shanna shares some exciting news about her three-year-old's speech therapy. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Lau...

Oct 10, 20221 hr 3 min

Ep. 222: Embracing Your Child's Talents

Shanna's three-year-old achieves a very unexpected new milestone, and Laura's three-year-old discovers a unique talent. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Laura and Shanna follow up on past topics they left hanging in previous episodes, including whether Shanna's daughter still has a preschool boyfriend, how Laura is handling her son's picky eating, if they have officially prepared for their untimely deaths and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are...

Oct 03, 20221 hr 8 min

Ep. 221: Like Parent, Like Child

Laura reports on her toddler's recent language explosion and creative ability to delay nap time, and Shanna discusses the ways she is seeing herself in her three-year-old. Also, in the special segment "Gripe Water," they dive into the topics of pernicious packaging, men making fun of moms and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 18 months old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...

Sep 26, 20221 hr 7 min

Ep. 220: Shanna's Mystery Package

Shanna receives a mystery package and must use her detective skills to determine where it came from and why, and Laura has to manage her 18-month-old's intense separation anxiety. Also, in the special segment "Internet Insanity," they share the wackiest parenting-related things they've come across online recently, including a bizarre teething remedy, eerie fetal images and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 ...

Sep 19, 20221 hr 8 min

Ep. 219: Why Can't Mama Have Nice Things?!

Laura and Shanna share some of their favorite parenting tips in the segment “What the Hack?,” including ideas for getting permanent marker out of clothes, snapping toddlers out of meltdowns, teaching little kids your phone number and more! Also, Laura reports on her attempts to set up exciting activities for her 18-month-old, and Shanna celebrates her three-year-old's recent success in preschool. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Lau...

Sep 12, 20221 hr 4 min

Ep. 218: Losing Can Be a Win

In the special segment "Mom Wins," Shanna and Laura celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a successful board-game session, a creative solution to helping kids release energy and more! Also, Shanna reports on her daughter's recent performance in "Shrek Jr.," and Laura discusses her three-year-old's attempts to be part of the tween crowd. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 18 months ...

Sep 05, 20221 hr 4 min

Ep. 217: Pandemic Parenting Hangovers

In the special segment "Big Topic," Laura and Shanna dive deep into the topic of parenting during the pandemic and the residual effects that experience has had on their lives. Also, Laura reports on her family trip to Portland, and Shanna has an eye-opening conversation with her three-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 years old and 17 months old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Aug 29, 20221 hr 2 min

Ep. 216: Trying New Parenting Skills

Shanna and Laura admit the odd and embarrassing things they've asked the internet lately in the special segment "What I Googled This Week," including the topics of stool samples, snug-fitting sleepers and more! Also, Shanna reports on trying some new parenting techniques with her 3-year-old, and Laura discusses a major setback in her progress to re-sleep train her 17-month-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 3.5 and 6 years old, and Laura’s kids are 3.5 y...

Aug 22, 20221 hr 3 min