Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

Laura Birek, Shanna Micko
  • 4.7 (478)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if you and your best friend were pregnant at the same time?  That's what happened to us! 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. Episodes 1 to 32 deal with pregnancy. Episode 33 and on deal with new parenthood. Tune in wherever you are on your journey! New episodes are released every Monday.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 391: 2025 Wrap-Up: Our Biggest Laughs, Struggles and What We Didn’t See Coming

    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 overwhelmingLetting kids help more at home, especially during the holidays, and why that matters"Mommy Magic" and making the invisible work visible for our kidsLooking back at 2025 and reflecting on what this year actually felt likeSmall parenting wins that didn’t feel like a big deal at the timeThings 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 kidsNavigating change, transitions and feeling pulled in a million directionsMedia, shows and pop culture that brought comfort, laughter or escapeLooking ahead to the new year with intentions about how we want to feelA vacation activity that will create a core memoryA 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 @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com 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.

    1h 5m

  2. DEC 22

    Ep. 390: Holiday Q&A: Traditions, Santa, Gifts and More!

    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 transitionsShould 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 expectationsHow kids’ interests change faster than we can shopWhether or not to exchange gifts with other adultsThe pressure to give “perfect” gifts vs. embracing simpler onesFamily traditions we carried over from childhood - and new ones we’re creating nowHoliday light displays as a new seasonal traditionElf on the Shelf: love it, hate it, or skip it entirelyHow different families handle SantaBig gifts vs. small gifts (and who should get the credit)Fairness, siblings and navigating different ages during the holidaysDeciding which holiday expectations are actually worth the effortBlending holiday traditions from different backgroundsFinding 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 @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com 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.

    47 min

  3. DEC 15

    Ep. 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 -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.

    59 min

  4. DEC 8

    Ep. 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: -Doheny State Beach Campsite -"Bathe the Cat" by Alice B. McGinty, Illustrated by David Roberts -"Strange Planet: The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature" by Nathan W. Pyle -Nathan W. Pyle on Instagram 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.

    56 min

  5. DEC 1

    Ep. 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: -Minecraft movie -"Steve's Lava Chicken" song -Zankou Chicken -Swan Boat Rides at Echo Park 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.

    50 min

  6. NOV 24

    Ep. 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: -Clear Museum Gel -Tissue box hack -Flashlight metaphor for pain management -Using honey bears in the shower -Rice-cooker pasta -The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt  -Choking-hazard check -"Let's Draw Aliens and Spaceships with Crayola!" by Kathy Allen (Author) and Neil Clark (Illustrator) -"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.

    58 min

  7. NOV 17

    Ep. 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: -Kids' Ghostface costume -What is sciatica? -Warmies Lavender Plush Bear -"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.

    48 min

  8. NOV 10

    Ep. 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: -TickPick -Chappel Roan tour -Resort Pass -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.

    52 min
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4.7
out of 5
478 Ratings

About

What if you and your best friend were pregnant at the same time?  That's what happened to us! 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. Episodes 1 to 32 deal with pregnancy. Episode 33 and on deal with new parenthood. Tune in wherever you are on your journey! New episodes are released every Monday.

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