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

Today I welcome Nikki Brooker, founder of Yana, an organization making a significant impact in the lives of mothers. 

Nikki shares her journey into motherhood, beginning with her marriage to her middle school sweetheart and their subsequent move to Colorado. Facing the challenges of raising children away from family, Nikki recounts how relocating to Ohio introduced her to a supportive community that profoundly influenced her motherhood experience. 

Listen in as Nikki explains how these experiences inspired her to establish Yana, with the mission to help mothers feel connected and less isolated.

In this episode:

(00:09) - Changing Lives Through Motherhood Organizations

(07:04) - Building Community in Parenthood

(09:52) - Empowering Mothers Through Support Groups

(22:11) - Support and Resources for New Mothers

(31:34) - Balancing Responsibilities in Motherhood

(42:50) - Yana M2M

Connect with Nikki Brooker:

Website:  yanamom.com

Instagram: @yanam2m

📺 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. 

Ever feel like you're doing all the right parenting things—being gentle, meeting every emotional need, creating magical childhoods—yet still ending up overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure if it’s even working?

In this episode, I’m joined by parenting coach and founder of Hi Fam, Avital Schreiber Levy, who’s here to challenge the modern parenting trends that leave moms burnt out and kids emotionally fragile. Avital offers a refreshing third way that’s neither permissive nor authoritarian—but rooted in confident, values-based leadership.

We talk about:

• Why “child-led everything” might be hurting our kids more than helping
• What children actually crave from their parents (hint: it’s not constant entertainment)
• How to build a strong family culture that your kids will want to recreate
• The truth about mom guilt—and how to let it go
• What it means to future-proof your kids against anxiety, confusion, and internet overload
• Simple ways to start leading your family with calm, clarity, and confidence

Whether your home feels a little chaotic right now or you’re just tired of second-guessing every parenting decision, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and ready to reclaim your role as the heart of your family.

Connect with Avital:
Website: hifam.com
Instagram: @hifamlife
YouTube: Hi Fam on YouTube @hifamlife

If you loved this episode, share it with a mom friend who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more moms find the show!

📺 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 wondered why there are so FEW skincare products tailored specifically for boys? This week on Burnt Pancakes, I unravel the often-overlooked gender disparity in the skincare industry with Sabrina Yeville, the brilliant mind behind Gryme. 

Sabrina shares her journey from being a beauty industry executive to pioneering a line of clean, age-appropriate personal care products for our young boys. 

Together, we navigate the whirlwind adventure of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship while tackling the challenge of raising boys who are constantly on the move yet in need of safe and effective hygiene solutions.

Join us as we discuss fragrances in children's skincare, a topic most of us have never considered deeply. 

Sabrina courageously reveals the intricacies of formulating her products, touching upon the difficulties she faced when working with fragrance suppliers and the myths surrounding natural scents. 

Her commitment to transparency and safety while crafting appealing products for boys is nothing short of inspiring. 

Our conversation is filled with laughter and heartfelt moments as Sabrina and I share our entrepreneurial journeys, with all the bumps and victories along the way. From the joys of creating a product line that resonates with our values to the challenges of juggling business with family life, we cover it all. 

CONNECT WITH SABRINA:
Website: www.gryme.co
--- 20% off with code BURNTPANCAKES20 
--- or with this link: https://gryme.co/discount/BurntPancakes20
--- Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42ZNpT9
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gryme.co/

📺 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. 

Today we explore the crucial yet often overlooked postpartum period with Kristin Revere, an experienced birth and postpartum doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas. 

Kristin's journey into the world of doula work began after her own challenging birth experiences and the lack of resources available during her pregnancies.

 From a career in political fundraising to advocating for women's health, Kristin shares her inspiring transition and emphasizes the importance of assembling a personalized birth team. Discover the value of postpartum planning and the varied roles that doulas can play in supporting new parents. 

Kristin provides valuable insights into how access to updated information and resources can significantly enhance the birth and postpartum experience.

Learn about the unique approach of postpartum doulas at Gold Coast, who work with families throughout the first year, providing ongoing support beyond initial recovery. 

 Whether you're expecting, thinking about growing your family, or simply love a good conversation about motherhood, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

Connect with Kristin Revere:

Website: www.goldcoastdoulas.com 

Her Book: Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby

Podcast: www.askthedoulas.com 

Instagram: @goldcoastdoulas 

TODAY'S SPONSOR:

Cozy Earth - Use code "pancakes" for 40% 

📺 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. 

Master the art of enjoying home-cooked meals with Madison Wetherill, today's guest on the Burnt Pancakes Podcast. Madison, a mom of three boys and a former picky eater turned food blogger, takes us on her personal journey from culinary novice to finding solace and joy in the kitchen. 

Discover how she turned mealtime into a therapeutic experience and learn her secrets for transforming everyday cooking from a stressful chore into a delightful family activity.

Juggling family life and mealtime madness? We've got you covered with practical meal planning strategies that fit seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules. From quick stir fries to versatile salsa chicken, we discuss how to keep meals exciting without overwhelming yourself. 

Madison shares tips to help you break free from repetitive dinners, all while maintaining a balance between catering to picky eaters and introducing new tastes to your family's palate.

Explore modern kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot and air fryer, which promise to revolutionize your meal prep routine. 

In this Episode:

(00:09) - Finding Joy in Cooking

(07:07) - Meal Planning for Busy Families

(10:51) - Strategies for Picky Eaters

(20:39) - Family Involvement in Cooking

(29:08) - Instant Pot and Air Fryer Versatility

(36:00) - Streamlining Meal Prep for Busy Families

Connect with Madison Wetherill:

Special Blog Post For Our Listeners: cookathomemom.com/show
Website: https://cookathomemom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookathomemom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookathomemom

📺 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. 

Before having kids, the mom I envisioned myself to be is a little different than the mom I actually turned out to be. 

From being a sports obsessed mom to letting my kids eat everything in the car, on this episode, I reflect on the type of mom that I am today. 

Whether it is bribing my kids or allowing way more screen time than I expected, this episode is a fun reflection about how my unique motherhood journey has shaped me into the person I am today.

📺 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. 

Let's Discuss Jaime's Book Together: Click HERE if you are interested in having a book club in June with her book Absorbed

Jaime Townzen never imagined her path would lead from the watercolor canvas to the pages of her debut novel. Yet, amidst the chaos of motherhood and unexpected caregiving roles, she discovered profound insights and resilience.

 Jaime discusses her journey from stay-at-home mom to caregiver for her elderly parents. Her creativity became a lifeline, helping her maintain a sense of self while raising teenagers and caring for aging parents.

Jaime talks about what inspired her to write her debut novel, Absorbed. Her story, set against the backdrop of the '90s, draws from personal experiences as a lifeguard and mother, weaving humor and pop culture into the challenges of adolescence. It's a narrative that encourages understanding and dialogue, inviting listeners to reflect on the power of creativity at any stage of life.

Parenting teenagers is no small feat, especially when dealing with ADHD and the pressures of academics. The conversation with Jamie highlights the importance of unconditional love, empathy, and open communication. By fostering environments where teens feel safe to express themselves and pursue their dreams, parents can better navigate the complexities of adolescence. 

As Jaime prepares her daughter for college, she shares the bittersweet mix of emotions that come with watching your child embark on their own journey. 

Connect with Jaime:

website: www.jaimetownzen.com

Her Book: Absorbed by Jaime Townzen 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jaimegetscreative 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.townzen/ 

Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@jaimegetscreative 

📺 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. 

Motivational speaker and success coach Deborah Mallow joins me to share her  insights on self-care and cultivating a positive mindset. Growing up in Manhattan with fashion designer parents and having a career in textile design, Deborah's optimism and passion for human connection shine through as she discusses her book, "Six Steps to Fewer Days that Suck." 

Her journey from fashion to motivational speaking underscores the power of breaking free from negativity and embracing realistic positivity to lead a fulfilling life.

Every day is an opportunity to make choices that shape our happiness. Deborah  highlights the impact of starting each morning with positive affirmations and a smile, effectively setting a joyful tone for the day. 

We delve into practical strategies from her book designed to instill balance, self-love, and emotional management, particularly for mothers juggling the demands of home and career. Through personal stories, we explore how small, intentional decisions can prevent negativity from taking over, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

 By practicing gratitude and engaging in activities we love, we can enhance our well-being and remind ourselves that we are enough. This episode is a heartfelt reminder for mothers and anyone looking to infuse more joy into their lives.

Learn More About Deborah:

Her Book: 6 Steps To Fewer Days That Suck

Website: thedailydecisions.com

thedailydecisions.com/inspire (join my positivity energy club and get access to Happiness, Motivation, Feel-Good Activities Worksheets) 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daily.decisions/

TODAY'S SPONSOR:

Use code "PANCAKES" for 40% off Cozy Earth bedding, pajamas, towels and more!

📺 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. 

USE CODE: "ITSPOTTYTIME" for 10% Growing Up Prebiotics Get it HERE

Founder and CEO of Begin Health, Madeline Lauf, joins us on the Burnt Pancakes podcast to share compelling insights into the world of children's gut health.

 Madeline's mission to revolutionize parental approaches to nutrition shines through as we discuss the pivotal first years of life and their impact on immunity, chronic illness, and even the nervous system. She unpacks the influence of birth methods, breastfeeding, formula innovations, and early antibiotic exposure on developing a resilient gut microbiome, highlighting the importance of nurturing beneficial gut bacteria from an early age. 

Madeline introduces "Growing Up Prebiotics," an innovative product that's changing the landscape of children's digestive health. We explore the pressing health issues in America and the need for preventative measures in early nutrition, focusing on groundbreaking ingredients like chicory root inulin and human milk oligosaccharides. These components not only address childhood constipation but also enhance overall gut health, moving children away from prolonged laxative use.

(01:33) Understanding the Importance of Gut Health 

(09:43) Understanding Gut Microbiome and Nutrition 

(17:37) Children's Misuse of Laxatives 

(20:57) Supporting Bowel Health Naturally 

(24:44) Talking to Kids About Gut Health 

(30:40) Promoting Kids' Digestive Health Through Education

USE CODE: "ITSPOTTYTIME" for 10% Growing Up Prebiotics Get it HERE

📺 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. 

Use code "PANCAKES" for 40% off Cozy Earth bedding, pajamas, towels and more!

Emmy award-winning TV host and best-selling author Tamron Hall shares her heartfelt journey into motherhood through IVF. With candor and warmth, Tamron opens up about becoming a mother later in life, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and the power of sharing one's story. 

Her motherhood experiences inspired her new children's book, "Harlem Honey," and offer valuable lessons for parents and children alike, illustrating the beauty found in life's imperfections.

We also explore parenting themes such as nurturing children's confidence and breaking traditional gender roles. Tamron's personal anecdotes reveal the challenges and triumphs of raising respectful and confident boys in today's world.

By sharing her experiences, we aim to inspire parents to balance career and family life while trusting their instincts. As we celebrate the launch of "Harlem Honey," we invite you to embrace the chaos and comedy of parenthood, much like flipping a perfectly imperfect pancake.

Get Tamron's book "Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid" HERE

📺 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.