Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

Laura Birek, Shanna Micko
  • 4.7 (482)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    Ep. 396: Can Laura Pull Off This Birthday Surprise?

    In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including a ridiculously juvenile question about astronomy and an out-of-the-ordinary query about a popular theme park. Also, Shanna checks in about a major life transition happening during a chaotic holiday week, and Laura talks about the big surprise she planned for Auggie's 7th birthday. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including an outing that made the kids feel like they’d entered a magical new world and a holiday family tradition. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: Experiencing a big work/life change while still in full holiday-parent modeStruggling to get your kids to take medicineAuggie's 7th birthdayPulling off a big surprise for your kidTips for going to Disneyland in the rainWhat's the right way to pronounce “Uranus”Do kids these days go to bookstores?Taking your family to a fun holiday light show Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: Disneyland California resident ticket deal“We Don’t Wear Ears” (Disney tips Instagram account)Waterproof stroller coverInsoles for rain bootsMEL Magazine article about UranusThe Open Book bookstoreThe Last BookstoreDescanso Gardens Enchanted Lights Past BFP episodes referenced in this episode: Ep. 364 (Where Shanna teaches Cece how to swallow pills)Ep. 257 (Where Shanna struggles to get Cece to take medication) 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.

    45 min

  2. JAN 26

    Ep. 395: Stroller Envy

    In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of stroller envy and screen time. Also, Laura reports on the people, gifts and baked goods that made her Christmas special, and Shanna talks about managing a hectic, cooped-up holiday week with a sick kid. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a fun family outing and an indoor activity that unexpectedly became a big hit. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: A low-key, rainy Christmas week and what it’s like hosting visiting family (and dogs)Parenting your sick child during the holidaysStroller envy: missing the days when you had a mobile cart for all your kid gearManaging kids’ video game obsession, meltdowns, and tough transitions Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: Harry Potter Lego setsFive Nights at Freddy's kids costumeCaptain America kids costumeAir drum sticksAmerica's Test Kitchen gingerbread cookiesPottery wheel for kidsSchool kit from Lakeshore LearningNex PlaygroundChemex carafeCuisanart water kettleHulken bagPickwick Ice CenterRansom Notes game 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.

    45 min

  3. JAN 19

    Ep. 394: Advocating for Your Child at the Doctor

    In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna reveal the unexpected things they've never done before having kids, including a desperate attempt to complete a puzzle in inclement weather and a disturbing doctor's appointment that ended in tears. Also, Shanna talks about her attempts to have a low-key Christmas, and Laura reports on her family's festive week of ice dancing and dreidel spinning. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: Last-minute holiday decorating and keeping expectations lowA kid getting sick right before Christmas and deciding when to go to urgent careTaking your kids to festive holiday eventsCelebrating Hanukkah with friendsWhen you realize you are doing something wacky and unreasonable as a parentTough doctor visits with kidsNavigating fear, consent and advocating for your child in a medical settingHow kids misunderstand medical “threats” and why wording mattersA funny public moment involving a kids’ character and an unexpected song choiceVolunteering at your kid's school and reading a funny picture book to your kid's classA parenting win: getting your kid re-engaged in an extracurricular activity Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: Disney on IceHow to Play DreidelKanoodle - Brain Teaser PuzzleMuseum of IllusionsBlippi"Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen"The Book That Almost Rhymed" by Omar Abed Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode: Ep. 379 - (Shanna talks about going to the Museum of Illusions)Ep. 358 - (Laura talks about Auggie quitting parkour and starting jiu-jitsu) 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.

    53 min

  4. JAN 12

    Ep. 393: Are We Accidentally Creating Second-Child Syndrome?

    In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about sentimental baby items and encouragement to advocate for yourself in the early days of new motherhood. Also, Laura manages to get her reluctant kids to go on an urban adventure, and Shanna celebrates her daughter's 7th birthday and travels to Phoenix with her family for a celebration-of-life event. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: Finding outdoor adventures close to home for your familyThe difficulty of transitions with kidsAttending a memorial/celebration of life and what it’s like to do meaningful rituals with kidsReflections on early parenting choices and what we wish we could tell our younger selvesWhy keeping up with milestone keepsakes for all your kids is importantNavigating career and creativity opportunities as a new momAnti-mom bias at work and within creative spaces, and why advocating for yourself mattersKids exploring the performing arts and the joy of seeing them come alive creativelyFinding helpful online communities and learning new routines that are rewarding Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: Flint Peak Trail"Big Fish" movieThe Baby-Sitter's Club #33: "Claudia and the Great Search""Flashback" (Shanna's short film)Shanna's WebsiteFine Hair SubredditPomeranian Subreddit Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode: Ep. 283 - (Laura discusses Auggie's reluctance to participate in his school's theater production)Ep. 285 - (Laura reports on Auggie's refusal to participate in the theater production on the day of the show)Ep. 374 - (Laura talks about her boys getting excited about their hiking "costumes" in Portland)Ep. 376 - (Shanna talks about her stepdad's passing) 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.

    58 min

  5. JAN 5

    Ep. 392: The Surprising History of the Tooth Fairy

    In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the fascinating or unusual things they have learned about recently, including an unexpected baby boom on a remote island in the South Pacific and the surprising history of the Tooth Fairy. Also, Shanna shares the details about her daughter's 7th birthday party, and Laura reports on her experience babysitting Shanna's kids. 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: Throwing kids' birthday parties with DIY flairFun ideas for a 7-year-old's birthday partyGetting kids together for a cozy “fake sleepover” nightReality TV crews, on-set romances and an unexpected family-friendly workplaceThe origins of the Tooth Fairy and the traditions that came before herWhether or not to send your kids to day camp over the winter breakDiscovering and using your employer's benefits for subsidized childcareWhen your child shows sudden changes in independence, fears and anxiety Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: 6-7 trendPusheen the cat"Captain Underpants" moviePeople Magazine article: The Real Love Island? Survivor Crew Romances Have Led to 67 Babies...""Survivor" TV showForbes article: Where Did the Tooth Fairy Come From?Developmental leaps in children Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode: Ep. 383 - (Shanna and Laura discuss the origins of the 6-7 trend) 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.

    53 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    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

  7. 12/22/2025

    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

  8. 12/15/2025

    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
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4.7
out of 5
482 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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