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

Katie Fenske - Mom of 3 | Potty Training Coach | Former Teacher | Mama Mentor | Boy Mom | Imperfect Mom | Lover of Mom Chats
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The Burnt Pancakes Podcast is here to remind you that in motherhood, EVERYONE BURNS THEIR FIRST PANCAKE. I’m Katie Fenske, a (not so perfect) mom of 3, and I’m inviting you to join in on my conversations with other moms as we talk about all things motherhood; the good, the bad and everything in between. We're flipping our motherhood mistakes into successes and learning how to just keep flipping. MOTHERHOOD TOPICS I DISCUSS:Child Birth and Postpartum RecoveryAdjusting to MotherhoodRaising BoysToddler Mom TipsBeing a Teen MomSelf Care in MotherhoodManaging Kid Sports and a Busy Family ScheduleEpic Mom FailsPotty Training WoesSurviving Summer VacationAND SO MUCH MORE!To see more of Katie, you can find her... Instagram @burntpancakeswithkatieYouTube: @burnt-pancakesWebsite: burntpancakes.comemail: katie@burntpancakes.com

  1. 3d ago

    159. Summer Mom Survival: Can I Admit I'm Ready for School to Start?

    Summer is supposed to be magical, right? Lazy mornings. Family adventures. Beach days. Pool days. Popsicles. Making memories with our kids. So why do so many of us find ourselves counting down the days until school starts? In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I'm getting real about the less glamorous side of being a summer mom. I had visions of creating this amazing, carefree summer with my boys, but the reality has been a little different. I'm tired. I'm overstimulated. I'm spending a fortune on snacks. My house is constantly messy, and I feel like I'm saying the same things over and over again. "Close the door!" "Flush the toilet!" "No, you can't have a snack. We just had breakfast!" "Get off the video game!" "Go outside and play!" "Stop bothering your brother!" And then there's the complicated part of wanting my kids to have the freedom to just go outside and be kids, while also worrying about neighbors, accidents, arguments and whether they're bothering anyone. I'll share a story about my boys riding bikes in the neighborhood, a situation where a neighborhood kid got hurt while playing with my kids, and the guilt and anxiety that followed—even though it was an accident. I'm also talking about the pressure to keep kids academically engaged over the summer, my attempt at summer schoolwork that quickly became a battle, the never-ending snacks and grocery bills, screen-time struggles, preteen attitudes, sibling fighting, and the guilt I feel when I admit that sometimes... I just want school to start. Because maybe we can love our kids, cherish these years and appreciate summer while also admitting that we're exhausted. In this episode, we talk about:  The summer we imagine vs. the summer we actually experience  The endless snacks and grocery bills  The constant noise and overstimulation  The never-ending summer mess  Parenting preteens during summer break  The things moms say on repeat all summer  The constant battle over screens and video games  Wanting our kids to go outside and play—but worrying about neighbors and accidents  The guilt that comes when another child gets hurt while playing with our kids  Why giving older kids freedom can still come with a huge mental load  The pressure to make summer educational  Why I gave up on summer schoolwork  Feeling guilty for wishing school would start  Why loving summer and being exhausted by summer can both be true  Letting go of the pressure to create the "perfect" summer 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  2. Aug 7

    158. Decoding Gen Alpha (Because... Bruh.)

    Your sweet little kid is suddenly spending all their time in their bedroom, doesn't want to participate in family activities, and somehow speaks a language you don't understand. Welcome to raising a preteen! 😂 In this episode we're talking about the weird, funny, sometimes emotional transition from having a little kid to raising a preteen. It's a stage where our kids are becoming more independent, craving privacy, and sometimes acting like hanging out with their parents is the absolute worst thing they could possibly imagine. And then there's the language... Because what exactly does "bruh," "buns," "cheeks," "chud," and "twin" mean?! And if your preteen tells you "W Mom," congratulations! You've officially earned a win. 🙌 We'll also talk about the phrase every preteen mom knows all too well: "In a sec." Need them to get dressed?  "In a sec." Take out the trash?  "In a sec." Get in the car?  "In a sec." And somehow, "in a sec" can mean anything from 30 seconds to approximately three business days. 😂 In this episode, we talk about:  Why your preteen suddenly doesn't want to hang out with you anymore  The emotional side of watching your little kid become more independent  Why they would rather be in their bedroom than participate in family activities  How to stay connected when your child doesn't seem interested in connecting  Why preteens seem to develop their own language overnight  Decoding bruh, buns, cheeks, chud, and twin What "W Mom" means—and why getting one feels like a parenting trophy  Why "in a sec" is apparently not an actual measurement of time  How preteens can seem so grown up one minute and still so little the next  Finding new ways to connect with your child as they grow  Why this stage can be bittersweet but also really fun The preteen years can be confusing. We're learning how to give our kids more independence while still reminding them that we're here when they need us. And yes, we're also trying to figure out what the heck they're talking about. Because apparently we're raising kids and learning a new language at the same time. If you're in the preteen stage too, you're definitely not alone! 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  3. Jul 31

    157. Talking About Puberty Doesn't Have to Be Awkward

    Many parents dread "the talk," but what if we've been thinking about it all wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Amy Streavel and Faviola Mercado from Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties to discuss how parents can confidently navigate conversations about puberty, body changes, relationships, and sexual health with their children. Together they share why these conversations should start earlier than most parents think, how to create an open and judgment-free environment, and how to help kids separate facts from the misinformation they encounter online. Whether you're raising young children, tweens, or teens, this episode offers practical tips to help build trust and keep communication open throughout every stage of development. In this episode, we discuss:  Why "the talk" should be an ongoing conversation instead of one big discussion  When parents should begin talking about puberty  Five important puberty topics every child should understand  How to reduce awkwardness and answer difficult questions  Helping teens build confidence and healthy communication skills  Navigating misinformation on social media  How to become your child's trusted source for accurate information  Tips for parents who don't feel prepared for these conversations Connect with Amy and Faviola Substack: @pposbcTwitter/X: @PPOSBC Instagram: @plannedparenthoodosbc Facebook: @plannedparenthoodosbcTikTok: @pposbc_ 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  4. Jul 24

    156. From Newborns to Teens: The Many Transitions We Go Through As Moms

    Motherhood Is a Series of Goodbyes... and Hellos: Navigating Every Transition of Raising Kids No one tells you that motherhood isn't just one journey, it's a lifetime of transitions. Just when you finally feel like you've figured out one stage, your child grows, changes, and suddenly you're learning how to be a mom all over again. In this episode, I reflect on the many seasons of motherhood, from bringing home your first baby to chasing toddlers, surviving the elementary school years, and navigating life with preteens who don't need you in quite the same way anymore. This episode is a reminder that every stage brings both joy and grief. While we celebrate our children's growing independence, we're also quietly saying goodbye to the little versions of them we've loved so deeply. If you've ever looked at your child and wondered, "When did you get so big?" this conversation is for you. In this episode, I discuss:  Why motherhood is really a series of transitions, not one long season  The identity shift that happens when you become a new mom  The chaos, humor, and lessons of the toddler years  Why the first day of school changes moms just as much as kids  The invisible milestones we don't realize are "lasts" until they're gone  What it's like parenting preteens and learning to let go a little at a time  How moms continue to grow and evolve alongside their children  Why it's okay if you don't love every stage of motherhood Whether you're rocking a newborn, potty training a toddler, packing school lunches, or watching your preteen become more independent, this episode will remind you that you're not alone and that every season has its own kind of beauty. 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  5. Jul 17

    THROWBACK: When Your Nest Becomes Empty

    Today I dive into a heartfelt momversation with Christina Campbell, a remarkable mother of four. In this episode, Christina shares her experience and valuable tips when her oldest daughter made the leap into independence and started her own life. With raw authenticity, Christina opens up about her range of emotions when her daughter first expressed her readiness to move out. We explore the pride and joy she felt for her daughter's newfound independence, intermingled with a sense of loss and adjustment for herself. Navigating this significant transition, Christina sheds light on the importance of open and honest communication with her daughter.  As the empty nest loomed, Christina delves into her personal journey of coping with the newfound space. She shares the emotions and feelings that surfaced and the strategies she employed to navigate this phase. Rediscovering her identity became a pivotal aspect of Christina's experience. She takes us on her path of self-care, pursuing personal interests, and connecting with friends. Staying connected with her daughter remained a priority for Christina. She divulges the various ways they nurture their bond, from regular phone calls to an upcoming visit, reminding us of the enduring connection between a parent and child. Drawing from her own experience, Christina provides practical tips for parents facing a similar journey. Her advice includes acknowledging and accepting emotions, maintaining open communication, prioritizing self-care, and actively engaging in shared activities to keep the familial bond alive. 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  6. Jul 10

    155: Nutrition, Cravings & Energy Tips for Moms with Casey Weiss

    Motherhood is exhausting—but what if constantly feeling drained isn't something you just have to accept? In this episode, I'm joined by wellness coach Casey Weiss to talk about why so many moms feel depleted, overwhelmed, and stuck in unhealthy cycles. Casey combines nutrition, mindset, and nervous system regulation to help moms fuel their bodies, reduce stress, and create healthy habits that actually last. We also dive into some of the most common questions moms have about cravings, metabolism, snacking, and intermittent fasting without the guilt or unrealistic expectations. If you've ever found yourself standing in the pantry eating handfuls of snacks after a long day, relying on coffee to survive, or wondering why healthy habits feel impossible to maintain, this episode is for you. In this episode we discuss:  Why moms are constantly running on empty  The connection between nutrition, mindset, and the nervous system  How stress affects cravings and eating habits  What to do when you feel snacky all day  Tips for reducing cravings without relying on willpower  Common habits that can slow your metabolism  Ways to support a healthy metabolism naturally  Casey's thoughts on intermittent fasting for moms  How to make healthy eating feel easier (not harder)  Small changes that make a big difference in your energy Whether you're in the newborn stage or chasing teenagers around, this conversation is a reminder that taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's one of the best things you can do for your family. Connect with Cassie Weiss  Her website: www.yourcaseforwellness.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourcaseforwellness 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  7. Jul 3

    154. The Working Mom Happiness Method with Katy Blommer

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything for everyone else but still wondering if it's enough? In today's episode, I down with Katy Blommer, founder of Women's Best Life University, corporate vice president, author, and host of The Working Mom Happiness Method podcast. After spending 25 years building a successful career while raising a family, Katy has learned firsthand how easy it is for moms to become overwhelmed, burned out, and disconnected from themselves. She shares practical strategies for creating balance, building healthy habits, and finding happiness without sacrificing your goals or your family. In This Episode We Discuss:  Why so many working moms struggle with guilt and burnout  How women often tie their self-worth to self-sacrifice  What it really means to put yourself first  Building healthy habits that support confidence and energy  Creating balance between career and family life  Mindset shifts that help moms stop running on empty  How to pursue career growth without guilt  Why your value isn't determined by your productivity Connect with Katy  Her website: https://www.womensbestlifeuniversity.com/Her Book: https://amzn.to/43j8s3A  Social media: @katyblommer 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

  8. Jun 26

    153. The 90s Called... and They Want Their Trends Back: 90s Trends Making a Comeback

    Anyone else feel personally attacked when something from their childhood gets labeled as "vintage"? In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, we're taking a trip down memory lane and talking about all the 90s trends making a comeback. From Birkenstocks and baggy jeans to hacky sacks and Labubus (which are basically troll dolls with better marketing), it seems like everything old is new again. Join me as I reminisce about growing up in the 90s, share some of my favorite trends from back in the day, and laugh about watching our kids discover things we thought had disappeared forever. In This Episode:  Why Labubus remind me of troll dolls  The return of Birkenstocks and baggy jeans  Hacky sacks and other 90s activities making a comeback  The accessories, toys, and fashion trends that are suddenly cool again  Which trends I'm happy to see return—and which ones should stay in the past forever  How trends spread differently today than they did in the 90s Let's Keep the Conversation Going! What 90s trend are you excited to see come back? And what trend do you hope stays in the 90s forever? Send me a message on Instagram and let me know! 📺 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: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 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.

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The Burnt Pancakes Podcast is here to remind you that in motherhood, EVERYONE BURNS THEIR FIRST PANCAKE. I’m Katie Fenske, a (not so perfect) mom of 3, and I’m inviting you to join in on my conversations with other moms as we talk about all things motherhood; the good, the bad and everything in between. We're flipping our motherhood mistakes into successes and learning how to just keep flipping. MOTHERHOOD TOPICS I DISCUSS:Child Birth and Postpartum RecoveryAdjusting to MotherhoodRaising BoysToddler Mom TipsBeing a Teen MomSelf Care in MotherhoodManaging Kid Sports and a Busy Family ScheduleEpic Mom FailsPotty Training WoesSurviving Summer VacationAND SO MUCH MORE!To see more of Katie, you can find her... Instagram @burntpancakeswithkatieYouTube: @burnt-pancakesWebsite: burntpancakes.comemail: katie@burntpancakes.com

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