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:

• Piccle P street artist
• Chuck E. Cheese Fun Pass
• Bath Bomb Potion Kit
• Citric Acid
• Trails Cafe
• Jesse Owens Park
• Zootopia 2
• Guitar Ninjas
• Fender Squier 3/4-size electric guitar
• Guitar strings mnemonics

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 397 - Where Laura talks about the bath potions as her BFP for the week
• Ep. 384 - Where Sebastian wonders why Laura didn't marry Tom York of Radiohead

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: [email protected]

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.

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:

• "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Bing Crosby
• InfantSEE - Infant eye exam program
• Steve & Kate's Camp
• Glendale Central Library
• SkyZone Trampoline Park
• "How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby Now?"
• Ole Kirk's LEGO House
• LEGO Unicef Van
• Star Wars Death Star LEGO set
• The Rabbit Test
• "10 Wacky Facts About Play-Doh That Will Amaze You"
• Bath Bomb Potion Kit
• BARK Reading Dogs

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: [email protected]

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.

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:

• Disneyland California resident ticket deal
• “We Don’t Wear Ears” (Disney tips Instagram account)
• Waterproof stroller cover
• Insoles for rain boots
• MEL Magazine article about Uranus
• The Open Book bookstore
• The Last Bookstore
• Descanso Gardens Enchanted Lights

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: [email protected]

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.

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:

• Harry Potter Lego sets
• Five Nights at Freddy's kids costume
• Captain America kids costume
• Air drum sticks
• America's Test Kitchen gingerbread cookies
• Pottery wheel for kids
• School kit from Lakeshore Learning
• Nex Playground
• Chemex carafe
• Cuisanart water kettle
• Hulken bag
• Pickwick Ice Center
• Ransom Notes game

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: [email protected]

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.

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:

• Disney on Ice
• How to Play Dreidel
• Kanoodle - Brain Teaser Puzzle
• Museum of Illusions
• Blippi
• "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen
• "The Book That Almost Rhymed" by Omar Abed

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: [email protected]

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.

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:

• Flint Peak Trail
• "Big Fish" movie
• The Baby-Sitter's Club #33: "Claudia and the Great Search"
• "Flashback" (Shanna's short film)
• Shanna's Website
• Fine Hair Subreddit
• Pomeranian Subreddit

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: [email protected]

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.

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the fascinating or unusual things they have learned about recently, including an unexpected baby boom on a remote island in the South Pacific and the surprising history of the Tooth Fairy. Also, Shanna shares the details about her daughter's 7th birthday party, and Laura reports on her experience babysitting Shanna's kids. Finally, they share their BFPs or 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:

• Throwing kids' birthday parties with DIY flair
• Fun ideas for a 7-year-old's birthday party
• Getting kids together for a cozy “fake sleepover” night
• Reality TV crews, on-set romances and an unexpected family-friendly workplace
• The origins of the Tooth Fairy and the traditions that came before her
• Whether or not to send your kids to day camp over the winter break
• Discovering and using your employer's benefits for subsidized childcare
• When your child shows sudden changes in independence, fears and anxiety

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• 6-7 trend
• Pusheen the cat
• "Captain Underpants" movie
• People Magazine article: The Real Love Island? Survivor Crew Romances Have Led to 67 Babies..."
• "Survivor" TV show
• Forbes article: Where Did the Tooth Fairy Come From?
• Developmental leaps in children

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 383 - (Shanna and Laura discuss the origins of the 6-7 trend)

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: [email protected]

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.

As 2025 comes to an end, Laura and Shanna reflect on their last 12 months of parenting with honesty, humor and insight in the special segment "Year in Review." As they look back on 2025, they share their biggest laughs, unexpected wins and surprising realizations, including the hilarious thing Laura's kids taught her this year, the shocking incident that sums up the vibe of Shanna's year, their favorite shows of 2025 and more! Also, Laura reports on her family's recent trip to Hawaii, and Shanna talks about how she got her kids involved in Thanksgiving meal prep. Finally, they share their BFPs or 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:

• Taking a family trip with kids (the good, the chaotic and the realistic expectations)
• Thanksgiving routines that feel doable instead of overwhelming
• Letting kids help more at home, especially during the holidays, and why that matters
• "Mommy Magic" and making the invisible work visible for our kids
• Looking back at 2025 and reflecting on what this year actually felt like
• Small parenting wins that didn’t feel like a big deal at the time
• Things our kids taught us this year (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not)
• Finding ways to have fun again as adults, not just planning fun for our kids
• Navigating change, transitions and feeling pulled in a million directions
• Media, shows and pop culture that brought comfort, laughter or escape
• Looking ahead to the new year with intentions about how we want to feel
• A vacation activity that will create a core memory
• A fun board game to play with your family

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Pasadena's Celebration of the Young Child

-"Your Friend, Nate Bargatze" special on Netflix

-Lita the dog on TikTok

-Clara Batten on TikTok

-Perimenopause

-Baader-Meinhof phenomenon (aka Frequency Illusion)

-Rainbow Baby

-"Five Nights at Freddy's"

-"Ordinary" by Alex Warren

-"Severance"

-"The Chair Company"

-"The Carpool Detectives"

-Snorkle Bob's

-Humuhumunukunukuapua'a fish

-Telestrations

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 362 - (Shanna gets a concussion from a soccer ball)

-Ep. 381 - (Laura hosts a booth at the Pasadena Celebration of the Young Child)

-Ep. 221 - (Shanna and Laura go to a rage room)

-Ep. 378 - (Laura adopts her new kitten, Pumpkin)

-Ep. 355 - (Shanna tells her daughter about the Leprechaun and Santa)

-Ep. 356 - (Where Shanna tells her daughter about being a "Rainbow Baby")

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: [email protected]

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.

It’s Christmas week, and Shanna and Laura get festive answering listeners' holiday-themed questions in the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox!" They answer questions about handling the logistics of Santa, managing sibling jealousy during the gift-giving season, whether to do Elf on the Shelf and more! During the check-in, they share their families' plans for the holiday and discuss their gift ideas for their kids, their husbands (and each other!). In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox: Holiday Q&A," Laura and Shanna. Finally, they share their BFPs or 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:

• Navigating holiday overwhelm while juggling work, parenting and year-end transitions
• Should I keep Christmas plans low-key and realistic or go all-out?
• Holiday activities that help kids burn energy (and parents stay sane)
• Navigating the mental load of gift-giving and holiday expectations
• How kids’ interests change faster than we can shop
• Whether or not to exchange gifts with other adults
• The pressure to give “perfect” gifts vs. embracing simpler ones
• Family traditions we carried over from childhood - and new ones we’re creating now
• Holiday light displays as a new seasonal tradition
• Elf on the Shelf: love it, hate it, or skip it entirely
• How different families handle Santa
• Big gifts vs. small gifts (and who should get the credit)
• Fairness, siblings and navigating different ages during the holidays
• Deciding which holiday expectations are actually worth the effort
• Blending holiday traditions from different backgrounds
• Finding ways to make the season feel special without overdoing it

Products, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:

-Tiny Chef

-Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Lights

-LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

-5 Nights at Freddy's Costume

-Harry Potter Legos

-Kids Pottery Wheel

-Labubu

-Menorahs at Target

-The Boar's Head Carol

-The Alex Theater

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 343 - (Where Shanna talks about giving her kids a trampoline for Christmas)

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: [email protected]

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.

In the special segment "Would You Rather," Shanna and Laura present hypothetical parenting situations and then discuss which choices they would rather make, diving into the topics of bringing your kids to your own doctor's appointments, handling your kids' questionable choices in music and more! Also, Laura reports on her 6-year-old's first week at his brand-new school, and Shanna gives an update on the caterpillar that her first grader unexpectedly brought home a few weeks ago. Finally, Laura and Shanna 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:

-When you child starts a new school in the middle of the school year

-When your child brings home a caterpillar to take care of and observe turn into a butterfly

-Should I take my kids to my doctor's appointment with me?

-When your kids constantly request music that you don't want to hear

-Unexpected drama that prevents you from leaving the house on time with your kids

-Taking life expectancy into consideration when getting a new pet for your family

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Caterpillar to Butterfly Grow Kits

-"Jaws Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" by John Williams

-"Beetlejuice Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" by Danny Elfman

-"My Bum Is Itchy" song by Poopy Man

-"Macaroni with the Chicken Strips" song by Undignified Baby

-Hamster Rolling Ball toy

-Ball python lifespan

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

-Amanda Troop, Voiceover Artist

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 258 (Where Shanna talks about the softball party disaster when Cece was four)

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.