Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey
Laura Birek, Shanna Micko
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.
- 59 minutes 35 secondsEp. 389: Metamorphosis
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
-"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.
15 December 2025, 8:00 am - 55 minutes 37 secondsEp. 388: Making Tough Decisions
In the special segment "Big Topic," Laura shares a difficult decision she made recently that affects her entire family. She discusses the first moment that her gut instinct signalled that things were amiss in this particular situation as well as the events leading up to the decision. Also, Shanna talks about a smaller scale, but still significant, tough choice she recently made to take care of herself. 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:
-Making tough decisions to take care of yourself and your kids
-Learning from your past mistakes as a mom
-Knowing when to trust your gut as a mom
-What to do when your child is having a hard time at school
-How to talk to your kids about a big change
-Two fantastic, funny picture books for kids
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-"Bathe the Cat" by Alice B. McGinty, Illustrated by David Roberts
-"Strange Planet: The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature" by Nathan W. Pyle
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.
8 December 2025, 8:00 am - 49 minutes 37 secondsEp. 387: Out of Context
In the brand-new special segment "Out of Context," Laura and Shanna share random text messages they have sent or received that shed light on their parenting life, diving into the topics of kids' crushes, classroom behavior, time management and more! Also, Laura reflects on her surprising feelings about staying up late with her kids, and Shanna reports on the situation that put her kids' Halloween party in peril. Finally, they 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:
-Should I let my kids stay up late for special occasions?
-Throwing a Halloween party for your kids
-Being sick as a parent and pushing yourself too hard
-Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of communication it requires to be a parent
-Receiving a report from your kid's teacher that they have misbehaved at school
-Lurking on your kids' social media posts
-Trying not to act too excited when your selective eater tries new foods
-A fun, family-friendly activity in Los Angeles
-Feeling unsure when your kid brings home an intensive project from school
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
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.
1 December 2025, 8:00 am - 57 minutes 33 secondsEp. 386: Is My Child Being Bullied?
In the special segment "What the Hack?!," Shanna and Laura share some of their favorite parenting tips and tricks, including ideas for preventing toddlers from knocking over valuable items, being prepared when you're in the car with your kids, using honey bears in a fun way and more! Also, Laura reports on the unsettling reports she has been getting from her 6-year-old's school, Shanna discusses her attempt to power through her recovery from a recent illness, and both moms share their families' plans for Thanksgiving this year. Finally, they 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:
-Laura and Shanna's plans for Thanksgiving this year with their families
-Parenting while sick and trying to push through the recovery phase
-Finding out your child is being bullied at school
-Tips, tricks and hacks for making your parenting life easier
-Disappointment about not being able to follow through on a commitment
-Fun how-to drawing books for kids
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-Flashlight metaphor for pain management
-Using honey bears in the shower
-The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt
-"Ed Emberley's How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff" by Ed Emberley
-Cookbook stand (to use for holding kids' drawing books)
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.
24 November 2025, 8:00 am - 47 minutes 36 secondsEp. 385: AI Did Me Dirty!
In the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna share the embarrassing or hilarious parenting experiences they have had recently, including a destructive laundry mishap, an inappropriate AI encounter and more! Also, Shanna reports on how she is managing sciatic nerve pain, and Laura discusses her realization that she now has an "edgy" older kid. Finally, they 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 your kids do things that seem mature beyond their years
-What to do if you have sciatic nerve pain
-Laundry mistakes
-Going to great lengths to avoid saying "no" to your kids
-Feeling embarrassed about the way you send your kid to school
-When AI steers you wrong
-Revamping your kid's bedroom without spending money
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek
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!
This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP
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.
17 November 2025, 8:00 am - 52 minutes 8 secondsEp. 384: Overheard in a Grocery-Store Parking Lot
In the special segment "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous, or offensive things they've heard people say recently, including some hilarious comments from Laura's kids, a surprising parenting tactic Shanna overheard in a grocery-store parking lot, and more! Also, Shanna reports on leaving her family for a retreat in the mountains, and Laura talks about her last-minute ticket score that led to an exciting mom's night out. Finally, they 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:
-Going on a moms-only weekend retreat without your kids
-Going to a concert with your mom friend
-Using Resort Pass to take your kids to a pool for the day
-Hilarious things our kids say to us
-Surprising things strangers say to us
-Encouraging your child's interest in art
-Taking your kids to the library
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-Radiohead's "There, There" music video
Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
-Ep. 382 (Where the outtake of Shanna and Laura talking about 6-7 is from)
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!
This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP
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.
10 November 2025, 8:00 am - 57 minutes 48 secondsEp. 383: Why Are My Kids Saying 6-7?
In the special segment "Internet Insanity," Shanna and Laura dive into the 6-7 trend and finally get to the bottom of what this Gen-Alpha slang means and where it comes from. They also share other gems they've found on the web recently, including surprising toddler comfort items, one-of-a-kind jewelry made from an unexpected source, and more! Also, Laura celebrates the release day of her new potty training book, and Shanna worries for her future now that her 6-year-old has started sleepwalking. Finally, they 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:
-The release of Laura's book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent"
-When you catch your child sleepwalking
-What to do when your child has a night terror
-Jewelry made using bodily fluids
-Cute and hilarious emotional support items for toddlers
-Why are all the kids saying 6-7, and what does it mean?
-Using an unusual method to help teach your child to read
-A household product that brings Laura disproportionate joy
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek
-Toddler's emotional support helmet Instagram reel from Brie Matthews
Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
-Ep. 382 (Where the outtake of Shanna and Laura talking about 6-7 is from)
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!
This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP
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.
3 November 2025, 8:00 am - 55 minutes 55 secondsEp. 382: Spooky Parenting Stories
Shanna and Laura get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky special segment, sharing scary parenting stories that will strike fear in even the most confident parents! Also, Laura reports on her kids' creepy Halloween costume choices, and Shanna reacts to her 6-year-old's last-minute request to switch costumes. Finally, they 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:
-Kids' Halloween costumes
-Halloween parties
-Scary parenting stories
-Phrogging
-Purgatory box
-Creating screen-time rules with your kids
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
-Ep. 335 (Where Shanna talks about her Halloween party last year)
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!
This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP
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.
27 October 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 1 minuteEp. 381: Kids' Reward System 2.0
In the special segment "Loose Ends," Laura and Shanna circle back on topics they've talked about in previous episodes, including updates about periods, pulmonologists, pet rocks and more! Also, Laura reports on taking her new book out into the world at the Celebration of the Young Child event in Pasadena, and Shanna reports on the new and improved reward system that she recently introduced to her kids to encourage their positive behavior. Finally, Shanna and Laura 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:
-Attending a popular event to talk about potty training and Laura's new book
-Ideas for creating a successful reward system for your kids
-How to get an accurate bra measurement
-Should I let my child wear press-on nails?
-What are "shark teeth" in kids?
-Ideas for teaching your kids about puberty and periods
-Kids' emotional attachment to inanimate objects
-Celebrating your kids' creative endeavors
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek
-Celebration of the Young Child festival in Pasadena
Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
-Ep. 360 (Where Laura talks about bra measurements and Shanna talks about Elle's fake-nail debacle)
-Ep. 366 (Where Laura visits the pulmonologist)
-Ep. 367 (Where Laura talks about Auggie's "shark teeth")
-Ep. 369 (Where Laura reports on Auggie's first lost tooth)
-Ep. 375 (Where Shanna discusses making a bespoke puberty slideshow for her kids)
-Ep. 379 (Where Shanna reports on Cece's emotional interaction with a neighbor's landscaping rock)
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!
This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&ut
m_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP
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.
20 October 2025, 7:00 am - 43 minutes 51 secondsEp. 380: Talking Trash: When Your Kid Spreads Rumors... About You!
In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" Shanna and Laura reveal the current parenting dilemmas that have their hair standing on end, diving into the topics of things you never want your kids to touch and things you wish your kids would never say. Also, Shanna reports on her 6-year-old's first softball game of the season, and Laura shares her 4-year-old's new dramatic interest. Finally, Shanna and Laura 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:
-Kids' extracurricular activities
-Weird things our kids find
-When your kid spreads gossip about you
-A backyard toy that Shanna's kids love
-The unexpected benefit of Laura's new recording setup
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
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.
13 October 2025, 7:00 am - 57 minutes 6 secondsEp. 379: Today's Meltdown Is Brought to You by...
In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the situations that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including unexpected morning meltdowns, big feelings about inanimate objects and more! Also in this episode, Laura discusses the trials and tribulations of naming a family pet, and Shanna reports on a weekend road trip with her kids to see a unique sporting event. Finally, Shanna and Laura 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:
-Laura and family decide on a name for their new kitten
-Shanna and family take a road trip to San Diego
-The unpredictability of kids' emotions
-How to handle major meltdowns right before school starts
-Reviews for Laura's book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent"
-A fun museum to go to with kids in San Diego
Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
-Maragritaville Hotel San Diego
-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" on NetGalley
Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
-Ep. 378 - (For the episode where Laura adopts a new kitten)
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.
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