Burnt Pancakes: Momversations | Conversations for Imperfect Moms, Chats About Mom Life & Interviews with Real Mamas

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We gave our 12-year-old his first phone… and honestly, this parenting decision felt way more emotional and complicated than I expected.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the full story behind why we waited until now, the daily arguments and pressure leading up to it, and how hard it was watching our son feel left out while “everyone else” seemed to already have a phone.

We talk about:

•  The constant phone debates happening in our house 
•  Tween FOMO and social pressure 
•  Why we delayed giving him a smartphone for as long as possible 
•  Concerns about social media, screen time, sleep, and internet access 
•  Research on how phones are affecting kids today 
•  The reasons our son said he wanted a phone 
•  Why we chose the Pinwheel Phone instead of a traditional iPhone 
•  What the Pinwheel offers parents and kids 
•  My son’s honest reaction to getting it 
•  The boundaries and rules we set around phone use 
•  What surprised me most after giving him a phone 
•  The worries I still have as a mom raising kids in the digital age 

This episode is honest, relatable, and for every parent trying to figure out how to navigate technology without feeling like they’re getting it all wrong.

Because parenting kids with smartphones is something none of us were really prepared for.

If you’re in the middle of the “Should we give our kid a phone?” phase, this episode is for you.

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

Motherhood has a way of shifting everything including how we see ourselves. Whether you're in the thick of little-kid chaos, considering a return to work, or entering a brand-new season like the empty nest, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a piece of who you are.

In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Fruehwirth, mom, career consultant, life coach, and author of The Four Stages of Living. With over 20 years of experience supporting moms through major life transitions, Christine brings both practical tools and deep empathy to this conversation.

We talk about identity loss in motherhood, why going back to work can feel more emotional than expected, and how to create balance without chasing perfection. Christine also shares her SSET framework—Survive, Stabilize, Emerge, Thrive, and how it can help you move forward when you feel stuck.

This episode is honest, validating, and full of those “me too” moments every mom needs.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why identity loss is so common in motherhood
• The emotional reality of returning to work
• Common fears moms face when re-entering the workforce
• What balance actually looks like (hint: it’s not perfect)
• Why self-care is essential, not selfish
• Christine’s SSET framework and how to apply it
• Small steps to take when you feel stuck in survival mode
• Navigating identity shifts in the empty nest stage

Connect with Christine:
Book - "The Four Stages of Living: Your Guide to Surviving Life's Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath" - https://amzn.to/4uxS22X
FlexCareers Consulting - flexcareersconsulting.com

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

Feeding a baby can feel like one of the most emotional and overwhelming parts of early motherhood. Between social media, conflicting advice, and the pressure to “do it right,” many moms are left feeling exhausted, guilty, and unsure of themselves.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Amber Ginn, board-certified lactation consultant, certified doula, and founder of The Latchlink. Amber became a mom at just 15 years old and now supports families across the country through her telehealth lactation practice. Her approach is practical, compassionate, and refreshingly judgment-free.

We talk about the pressure moms feel around breastfeeding and feeding choices, the barriers many families face when trying to access support, and how mothers can make decisions that work for their unique families without guilt or perfectionism.

This episode is full of reassurance, encouragement, and honest conversation for any mom who has ever questioned whether she’s doing enough.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Amber’s journey into motherhood at 15
• The emotional weight of feeding decisions
• Why moms feel pressure to feed “perfectly”
• Breastfeeding expectations vs. reality
• Supporting teen and young mothers
• Access and insurance barriers in lactation care
• How to find feeding solutions that fit your real life
• Letting go of guilt and trusting yourself as a mom

Connect with Amber:

• Website - The Latchlink - https://get.thelatchlink.com/consult-ga
• Instagram: @thelatchlink - https://www.instagram.com/thelatchlink

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

Have you ever looked at your child’s report card and thought, “I know they’re capable of more… so what’s going on?”

You’re not alone. So many parents are raising kind, hardworking kids who still struggle in school and it can feel confusing, frustrating, and even scary.

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I’m joined by Dr. Linda Silbert, an educational expert with more than 40 years of experience helping students who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. She’s also the co-author of the bestselling book Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades: What Parents Need to Know and Do.

Together, we talk about what’s really behind poor grades, how to support kids without damaging their confidence, and the practical steps parents can take when school becomes a daily battle. This conversation is full of reassurance, real strategies, and hope for families who are navigating academic struggles.

Whether your child is falling behind, avoiding homework, lying about assignments, or simply feeling discouraged, this episode will help you better understand what they need—and how to show up for them in a way that builds trust and resilience.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why good kids sometimes get bad grades
• What parents can do when their child is struggling in school
• How to protect your child’s self-worth during academic challenges
• The lasting impact of the pandemic on students
• What to do if your child has dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia
• Supporting children with ADHD and daily school routines
• How to respond to a poor report card without shame or panic
• Study skills strategies that actually work
• How to make homework less stressful for everyone
• Building trust when kids lie about homework or tests

Connect with Linda:

Website: https://www.stronglearning.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stronglearningcenter
YouTube: https://youtube.com/https://www.Youtube.com/@stronglearning
Her Book: Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades
Book: Berticus: How I Survived School! And Bullies! and Farley Finnigan!

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

If you’ve ever created a routine on Sunday night only to abandon it by Wednesday morning, this episode is for you. 🙋‍♀️

We’re talking all about routines and why they matter, why they’re so hard to keep, and how to finally create systems that support you instead of stress you out. Because let’s be honest, most moms aren’t lacking motivation… they’re lacking routines that actually work for real life.

I’m joined again by mom of three and life coach Tanya Valentine, and she’s breaking down the biggest reasons routines fail and what moms can do differently. 

We also talk about what life looks like when routines aren’t in place, why so many moms feel overwhelmed and behind, and how small, realistic changes can make a big difference in your daily life.

Tanya shares her practical approach to building routines that stick, including her DAD Method, designed to simplify your day and reduce the mental load that so many moms carry. And if you’re the mom who feels like you’ve tried every planner, checklist, and schedule out there—she has encouragement and actionable steps just for you.

Connect with Tanya:

IG and FB: @tanyavalentinecoaching.
Website: tanyavalentinecoaching.com

Sign Up for Tanya's upcoming workshop here: https://www.tanyavalentinecoaching.com/routines

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

With Mother’s Day around the corner, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of moms in every stage of motherhood.

After spending weeks watching a mama bird in my front yard tirelessly care for her baby birds, I couldn’t help but see the connection to motherhood. She worked all day, flying back and forth to feed her babies, staying close when one of them wandered too far, and constantly watching over them without recognition or applause.

It made me reflect on the quiet, often unnoticed work that moms do every single day to care for their families. The meals made, the rides given, the worries carried, the lessons taught, and the love poured out. Much of it happens behind the scenes, but all of it matters.

In this episode, I walk through the stages of motherhood—from newborns to grown children—and highlight the small but powerful ways moms show up in each season. This is not an episode about complaining or venting. It’s about celebrating, honoring, and recognizing the steady, faithful work of motherhood.

Whether you are rocking a newborn in the middle of the night, chasing a toddler, managing busy school schedules, supporting a teenager, or loving your adult children from afar, this episode is a reminder that your work is meaningful and your presence matters more than you may realize.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• The mama bird in my yard and what she taught me about motherhood
• Why so much of motherhood happens behind the scenes
• The unseen work moms do in the newborn and infant stage
• The patience and emotional energy required during the toddler years
• The mental load of the “middle mom” schedules
• The emotional support moms provide during the teenage years
• How motherhood continues even when kids are grown

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

Have you ever warned your kids about something… watched them ignore you… and then found yourself dealing with the exact disaster you predicted?

Welcome to motherhood.

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I’m sharing a few classic “I told you so” moments from my own house, including the time Jett put putty in his hair after I specifically told him not to, and the time my boys decided to go ding dong ditching and ended up in trouble with the neighbors. At the time, I was furious. Embarrassed. Exhausted. Wondering why I even bother giving warnings in the first place.

But now? I can laugh about it.

This episode is about those moments when our kids don’t listen, when consequences become the teacher, and when motherhood reminds us that sometimes lessons have to be lived, not explained. We’ll talk about why kids ignore us, why those moments feel so personal as moms, and how we can move from anger to humor once the chaos settles.

If you’ve ever thought, Why do I even talk? — this one is for you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• The infamous putty-in-the-hair incident
• The ding dong ditch disaster and the dreaded neighbor apology
• Why kids don’t listen even when we’re clearly right
• Why “I told you so” moments hit us emotionally as moms
• The difference between warnings and real-life consequences
• How time turns frustrating parenting moments into funny family stories
• Giving ourselves grace when parenting doesn’t go perfectly

The Big Takeaway

Kids aren’t ignoring you because you’re failing.
 They’re learning. Testing boundaries. Figuring things out the messy way.

And sometimes, motherhood looks like being really mad in the moment… and laughing about it later.

Let’s Keep the Momversation Going

I would love to hear your own “I told you so” moments.
Send me a message or share this episode with a friend who is currently living through her own parenting prediction gone wrong.

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

We are in the sweet spot of motherhood, that middle stage where the diapers are gone, the sleep is better, and the kids are becoming more independent… but they still think you’re cool and want you at their school performances.

In this solo episode, I’m talking about life as a “middle mom” to kids who are 6, 8, and almost 12, the stage where motherhood feels a little lighter, a little freer, and honestly, a lot more fun. It’s the season where they can buckle themselves into the car, tell actual funny jokes, and carry on real conversations… yet you still get the magic of kindergarten crafts and sweet snuggles.

I share the bittersweet feelings of leaving the baby and toddler years behind, the unexpected perks of this stage, and why I truly believe this season of motherhood deserves to be celebrated. If you’re in the thick of toddlers or staring down the teenage years, this episode will remind you that every phase has its beauty, but this one? This one feels like the sweet spot.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why the “middle mom” stage feels like newfound freedom
• The surprising joy of kids becoming more independent
• How better sleep changes everything
• The shift from survival mode to actually enjoying motherhood
• The fun of real conversations and hearing your kids’ personalities shine
• Still getting the magic of school performances and childhood milestones
• The bittersweet reality of no longer having babies or toddlers
• Why this season of motherhood is worth soaking up

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

Motherhood changes everything — not just our schedules and responsibilities, but also how we see ourselves.

In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist Jennifer Teplin, LCSW, founder of Manhattan Wellness and mom of three. Jennifer spends her days working with women who are navigating the emotional side of motherhood; the identity shifts, the overwhelm, the guilt, and the pressure so many moms feel to “do it right.”

In our conversation, we talk about the internal experience of motherhood and why so many moms struggle silently with feelings they think they’re not supposed to have. Jennifer shares insight from both her professional background and her personal experience as a mom, helping normalize the complicated emotions that often come with raising kids.

We talk about why motherhood can bring both joy and grief as women adjust to their new identity, why perfectionism and mom guilt are so common, and how moms can begin to quiet the harsh inner voice that tells them they’re not doing enough.

Jennifer also shares practical ideas for supporting your nervous system when you feel overstimulated, exhausted, or touched-out. 

In this episode we talk about:

• The emotional identity shift that happens when women become mothers
 • Why it’s normal to grieve parts of your pre-mom self
 • Where perfectionism and mom guilt come from
 • How to soften self-criticism and show yourself more compassion
 • Nervous-system support for moms who feel overstimulated or touched-out
 • Why moms experience big emotions like rage, sadness, and anxiety
 • How relationships can change after kids and ways couples can reconnect
 • Why imperfect motherhood is still meaningful and good motherhood

Connect with Jennifer:

Website: www.manhattanwellness.org
Free 15 minute consultation call for therapist matching: https://calendly.com/team-manhattan-wellness
instagram @manhattan.wellness
tiktok @manhattan.wellness

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you. 

In this episode I'm having a real and honest conversation about something that often gets quietly debated in motherhood: the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home mom versus being a working mom.

So many moms feel pressure to defend their choice or explain why their path is the “right” one. But the truth is, there isn’t one right way to do motherhood. Every family is different, every season looks different, and every decision comes with both beautiful rewards and real challenges.

I shares my own experience of working outside the home before transitioning into stay-at-home motherhood and the surprising identity shift that came with it. From the flexibility and presence that staying home can provide to the isolation and loss of professional identity that can sometimes follow, I talk openly about the parts people don’t always say out loud.

I also dive into the realities of working motherhood. While maintaining a career can bring financial independence, personal fulfillment, and adult connection, it can also come with constant mental juggling, logistical stress, and the familiar feeling of mom guilt.

This episode isn’t about deciding which path is better. It’s about recognizing the trade-offs, extending empathy to one another, and letting go of the comparison trap that so many moms fall into.

Because whether you stay home, work outside the home, or find yourself somewhere in between, motherhood is full of complex emotions that deserve honest conversations.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Katie’s transition from working outside the home to becoming a stay-at-home mom
 • The emotional and identity shifts that can happen when leaving a career
 • The biggest benefits of being a stay-at-home mom, including flexibility and presence
 • The hidden challenges of staying home, such as isolation and lack of recognition
 • The empowering aspects of working motherhood
 • The realities and pressures working moms often face
 • The comparison trap between stay-at-home moms and working moms
 • Why every choice in motherhood comes with trade-offs
 • How seasons of motherhood can change over time

If you’ve ever wondered whether you made the “right” choice for your family, or if you’ve felt the quiet pressure of comparison, this episode is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all version of motherhood.

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: [email protected]

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓  FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.