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. 320 - When Your Kids Have Crushes

In the special segment "Throwback," Shanna tells the story of the time in high school when she devised an elaborate plan to ask a boy she had a crush on to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Also, Laura reports on a family outing that made her realize how much her life has changed by having two rambunctious young boys, and Shanna gives an update on her regrettable, 12-month-long contract at the kids' tumbling studio. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years...

Aug 19, 202452 min

Ep. 319 - Handling Best-Friend Bombshells

In the special segment "Throwback," Laura tells the story of her very first best friend in Kindergarten and the turn of events in their friendship that broke her heart. Also, Shanna reports on her 5-year-old's language development, including the hilarious insults she coined, and Laura discusses the feelings that came up during her 3-year-old's preschool completion ceremony. 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 yea...

Aug 12, 202458 min

Ep. 318 - Seeing the Future with "Mom ESP"

Shanna tells the story of a mishap during her rejuvenating "me day," and Laura reports on her family's unique way of celebrating the 4th of July. Also, in the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying," Shanna and Laura thoughtfully dissect the seemingly mundane situations that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, including big feelings about desert birds and swing sets. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 ...

Aug 05, 20241 hr 4 min

Ep. 317 - Mom Anxiety: Can We Just "Let It Go"?

In the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna divulge their recent embarrassing and hilarious parenting moves, including a donut shop trip gone sideways, a Star Wars day gone awry, and more! Also, Laura reports on a revelation she had during a family outing to the beach, and Shanna decides to "let it go" when checking in on her kids' new summer camp. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 year...

Jul 29, 20241 hr

Ep. 316 - Playdate Gone Wrong

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura grill each other with amusing and educational trivia questions involving surprising facts about Disney theme parks and the energy required to sustain a pregnancy. Also, Shanna reports on hosting a group play date that took a turn she never saw coming, and Laura discusses the big emotions her 3-year-old felt after experiencing a complicated social interaction. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 ...

Jul 22, 20241 hr 5 min

Ep. 315 - Boob Pockets and Social Soup

In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Laura and Shanna turn back time and give pregnancy and parenting advice to their past selves, including words of wisdom about creating friendships, doing bedtime routines, committing to extracurricular activities and more! Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's last week of school, and Shanna reports on the ironic event that almost ruined her kids' first week of summer camp. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 ye...

Jul 15, 20241 hr 1 min

Ep. 314 - Will Summer Break Break Us?

In the special segment "What I Googled This Week," Shanna and Laura reveal the hilarious and embarrassing things they have asked the internet lately, diving into the topics of kids' candy, fire safety, the pelvic floor and more! Also, Shanna reports on the ups and downs of taking her kids to a theme park all by herself, and Laura talks about the surprising turn of events at her son's school art walk. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and L...

Jul 08, 20241 hr

Ep. 313 - Parenting Sacrifices You Never Saw Coming

In the special segment "Mom Wins!," Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including heroic sacrifices that involve indoor playgrounds and fancy notebooks. Also Laura reports on the skills that her 3-year-old has recently developed that makes him feel more like a big kid and less like a baby, and Shanna talks about how she celebrated her daughters' last week of school. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s ...

Jul 01, 202455 min

Ep. 312 - An Unusual Form of Parenting Jealousy

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into parenting jealousy, bedtime books and more! Also, Shanna reports on the newest temporary additions to her family, and Laura talks about choosing to celebrate her birthday unconventionally. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Topics discussed i...

Jun 24, 202457 min

Ep. 311 - Foreshadowing of the Teenage Years

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the intriguing things they have learned recently related to the world of parenting, including why an episode of Bluey was banned in the U.S. and a fascinating theory about why humans go through menopause. Also, Laura talks about how a new extracurricular activity triggered her 3-year-old's fear of heights, and Shanna reports on needing more snuggles in her life. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids ...

Jun 17, 202453 min

Ep. 310 - Is My Child Psychic?

In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" Shanna and Laura reveal the current parenting dilemmas that have their hair standing on end, including the topics of lying, smartphones, psychic abilities and more! Also, Shanna reports on the surprising way she spent her Mother's Day, and Laura talks about why she spontaneously chose to chaperone her 5-year-old's field trip to the farm. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5...

Jun 10, 202457 min

Ep. 309 - Parenting Pro Tips and Shoe-nanigans

In the special segment "What the Hack?," Laura and Shanna share some of their favorite parenting tips and tricks, including ideas for teaching kids how to put shoes on the correct feet, motivating kids to get dressed, effectively cutting mandarins and more! Also, Laura reports on her unexpected vehicle hullabaloo, and Shanna discusses a new project that has her feeling invigorated. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 y...

Jun 03, 20241 hr

Ep. 308 - Making a Visual Calendar for Your Kids

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna share the surprising and hilarious things they never thought they would do before they had kids, including cleaning up bizarre messes, doing odd things in public and more! Also, Shanna reports on going on a one-on-one date with her 5-year-old, and Laura talks about creating a visual calendar for her kids. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5...

May 27, 20241 hr

Ep. 307 - You Got Scammed!

In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about how to handle toy tantrums, dressing dilemmas, clutter clear-outs and more! Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's first parkour class, and Shanna checks in on her daughters' new shady behavior. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Parkour classes for kids and toddl...

May 20, 202456 min

Ep. 306 - One Way We Definitely Don't Want to Give Birth

Laura and Shanna share the wild and wacky parenting-related content they've found online recently in the special segment "Internet Insanity," including scandalous sourdough drama and a birthing device that will make your head spin. Also, Shanna reports on her struggle to get her kids to their extracurricular activities, and Laura talks about how her anxiety was triggered and reinforced by a series of events. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years ol...

May 13, 202456 min

Ep. 305 - Handling Unsolicited Parenting Advice

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 surprising comment at the grocery store, an unsolicited tidbit of parenting advice from a stranger and more! Also, Laura reports on an infection that presented itself stealthily in her son, and Shanna discusses how her "mom's night out" went haywire. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 an...

May 06, 20241 hr

Ep. 304 - Preparing for an Empowered Birth with Dr. Nicole Rankins

Shanna and Laura talk to Dr. Nicole Rankins about what pregnant people can do to create an effective birth plan. Dr. Nicole is a board-certified, practicing OBGYN and the host of the podcast "All About Pregnancy & Birth," and she is the creator of online courses "The Birth Preparation Course" and "Make a Birth Plan the Right Way" to teach pregnant people how to feel comfortable and empowered to have the birth they deserve. Also, Shanna reports on her spring cleaning plan for her kids, and Laura ...

Apr 29, 202459 min

Ep. 303 - Shanna's Dramatic Dinner

Laura reports on her three-year-old's progress with potty training, and Shanna tells the story of an unexpectedly dramatic dinner with her family. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Shanna and Laura give updates about topics they've talked about previously, including behavior issues, Botox and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Potty training ...

Apr 22, 20241 hr

Ep. 302 - Shamrocks and Samurais

In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying," Shanna and Laura analyze the things that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, including unexpectedly big feelings at pool parties, school fundraising events and more! Also, Shanna reports on her family's last-minute St. Patrick's Day celebration, and Laura talks about attending a local event that captured the heart of her five-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Lau...

Apr 15, 202458 min

Ep. 301 - What if My Son Wants to Wear “Girl” Clothes?

In the special segment "Mom Confessions," Laura and Shanna divulge their hilarious and embarrassing parenting moves recently, including using an unexpected product from the medicine cabinets, having surprising feelings while shopping at a big-box store and more! Also, Laura talks about potty training her three-year-old, and Shanna reports on chaperoning a second-grade field trip. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 yea...

Apr 08, 202458 min

Ep. 300 - Shanna's Mom Tells All!

To celebrate their 300th episode, Laura and Shanna have invited Shanna's mom Janet on the show! In this very special "Throwback" segment, Janet takes us back to her pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with Shanna. She talks about being pregnant during an ice storm, moving cross-country with an infant, how Shanna was the opposite of what she expected her to be and more. She also shares funny and fond memories of her early motherhood and offers her best parenting advice. Also, Shanna gives an up...

Apr 01, 20241 hr 13 min

Ep. 299 - Laura's Mom Tells All!

To celebrate their 299th episode, Shanna and Laura have invited Laura's mom Susan on the show! In this very special "Throwback" segment, Susan takes us back to her pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with Laura. She talks about what kind of baby Laura was in utero and out, shares fond and funny memories of that time, offers her best parenting advice and more! Also, Laura reports on a group outing to Chuck E. Cheese, and Shanna shares her family's new house rules and reward system. Finally, the...

Mar 25, 20241 hr 9 min

Ep. 298 - Letting Your Kids Go at Their Own Pace

In the special segment "Stump the Moms," Shanna and Laura quiz each other on parenting-related trivia, diving into the topic of bizarre teething treatments and more! Also, Shanna reports on feeling conflicted about her 5-year-old's sudden clinginess, and Laura discusses her 5-year-old's newfound enthusiasm for writing. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: -Fos...

Mar 18, 202453 min

Ep. 297 - Preparing for Your Second Child: Interview with Erica Djossa

Laura and Shanna dive into the topic of how to prepare for your second child with Erica Djossa, CEO and founder of Momwell and the author of the upcoming book "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More." Erica answers listener questions about evening out the mental load before baby arrives, handling concerns about loving your new baby as much as your first, preparing for a second child after having experienced postpartum depression and anxiety the first time around a...

Mar 11, 20241 hr 3 min

Ep. 296 - Letting Go of the Mother Load: Interview with Erica Djossa

Laura and Shanna talk with Erica Djossa, CEO and founder of Momwell and the author of the upcoming book "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More." They talk about strategies for reassessing our preconceived notions of motherhood, how to let go of the mental load that can often lead to burnout and more! Also, Shanna reports on her 8-year-old's off-the-wall birthday party, and Laura talks about her youngest son turning three and no longer being a toddler. Finally, th...

Mar 04, 202454 min

Ep. 295 - Report from a Disney Newb

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura air their petty parenting grievances, sounding off about drones invading inappropriate spaces, shockingly complex kids' books and more! Also, Shanna reports on her family's very first trip to Disneyland, and Laura talks about the joint birthday party she had for her 3- and 5-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discuss...

Feb 26, 202457 min

Ep. 294 - What Is Mother Phubbing?

Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of mother phubbing, anosmia, smoke-detector mysteries and more in this week's special segment, "What I Googled This Week." Also, Shanna reports on her 8-year-old daughter's request to change her name, and Laura talks about finally getting Covid after four years of avoiding the virus. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode...

Feb 19, 202454 min

Ep. 293 - Handling Your Child's Fear of the Dark

In the special segment "Mom Wins!," Shanna and Laura share some recent parenting successes, including solving a very tricky homework problem, instilling an important lesson about body boundaries and more! Also, Laura reports on her five-year-old's first day in tennis class, and Shanna reports on her five-year-old's newfound fear of the dark. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old. Topics disc...

Feb 12, 202456 min

Ep. 292 - Dear Past Me: Wisdom About Pregnancy, C-Section Recovery, Mental Health and More

In a brand-new special segment called "Dear Past Me," Laura and Shanna give pregnancy and parenting advice to their past selves, including words of wisdom about celebrating pregnancy, recovering from c-sections, knowing what to expect in the hospital after giving birth and more. Also, Shanna checks in on her kids' never-ending winter break, and Laura reports on her son's fifth birthday! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids ...

Feb 05, 20241 hr 6 min

Ep. 291 - Unleashing Your Inner Mama Bear

In the special segment “OMG I'm Freaking Out,” Laura worries that her kids' need for fairness has gone over the edge, and Shanna unleashes her inner mama bear on an unsuspecting stranger. Also, Laura talks about asking for help to make the holidays better this year, and Shanna reports on the surprise she got her kids that has been a long time coming. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 4.5 years old and 2.5 years old. ...

Jan 29, 20241 hr