Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Laura Birek, Shanna Micko

Getting a big fat positive pregnancy test (your BFP!) is just the beginning of a wild, emotional and often funny ride into parenthood, and "Big Fat Positive" is here for you through it all. On this weekly podcast, hosts Shanna and Laura share their pregnancies and parenthood in real time, starting at just eight weeks pregnant. They tell hilarious true stories, tackle tough parenting topics, share favorite tips and products, explore the wild and wacky corners of parenthood, and bring in expert guests for trustworthy insight on pregnancy, babies, mental health and more. Whether you’re newly pregnant, navigating life with a newborn or deep into the parenting years, "Big Fat Positive" offers a smart, supportive mix of laughter, honesty and evidence-based information, plus the feeling of having two best mom friends in your corner, reminding you you’re not doing this alone. New episodes are released every Monday.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 419: Serious Talks in Silly Places

    In the special segment "Never Have I Ever," Shanna and Laura reveal the unexpected things they've done recently that they never imagined doing before having kids, including navigating an awkward conversation in a public place. Also, Laura reports on her 7-year-old's last week of first grade, and Shanna solves a months-long medical mystery involving her daughter's toe. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • The last week of first grade • How to pack for a solo international trip • Figuring out what is going on with your kid's toe • Medical pedicures: what are they and are they worth it • Hiding things from your kids (for their own safety) • Age-appropriate explanations for things you weren't ready to explain yet • Clothing rental subscriptions • An item that makes packing your kid's lunches easier Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • Sex Positive Families • useacondom.com • Nate the Hoof Guy on TikTok • Nuuly clothing rental • Bentgo Buddies reusable ice packs Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

  2. Jul 6

    Ep. 418: Impulse Control

    In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about staving off sickness when you're a parent, managing your child's impulsive behaviors, knowing when your child needs speech therapy, and more! Also, Shanna reports on an action-packed getaway to Ojai and Santa Barbara with her mom and girls, and Laura shares two updates about her 5-year-old, including a drawing milestone and a dollar-store hack that's been a hit. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • Should I give my child a structured or unstructured summer break? • A SoCal weekend getaway that is close to Los Angeles and FUN! • Family-friendly activities in Ojai and Santa Barbara • The benefits of taking your kids on adventures in nature • Getting your child an eye exam • When your child suddenly has a leap in drawing skills • Ideas for how to stay healthy and avoid sickness when you are a parent • Situations that make you feel uncool as a mom • How do you know if your child needs speech therapy? • How does impulsive behavior manifest in children with ADHD? • Tips for handling impulsive behavior • Audiobooks and podcasts we currently love • A fun, local, family activity - mini golf • The best affordable sunscreen that your kids will actually like Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • Lake Casitas kayak rentals • Santa Barbara Zoo • Land Shark Tours Santa Barbara • BFP Episode 75 - where Shanna first talks about being intimidated by teenagers • The ADHD Parenting Podcast • Mike McLeod: Executive Function-ADHD Specialist • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) • Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke • Famesick: A Memoir by Lena Dunham • Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz • Love Trapped podcast • Search Engine podcast episode - "Why doesn't anybody come to my parties?" • The Interview podcast episode - "Robby Hoffman Will Always Feel Poor, No Matter How Rich She Gets" • If Books Could Kill podcast • Since You Asked podcast • Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb • Sherman Oaks Castle Park Mini Golf • Trader Joe's Invisible Gel Body Sunscreen • Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

  3. Jun 29

    Ep. 417: Just Say No!

    In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura turn back time to give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about kids' haircuts and handmade crafts. Also, Laura checks in about the surprising reason her child woke her up in the middle of the night, and Shanna gives updates about her daughter's student council run and talent-show debut. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • Weird reasons you get woken up in the middle of the night when you're a parent • Processing emotions about your child's last year of preschool • When your child runs for student council • Preparing your child for a talent show • Whether to give your child bangs • Handling your child's deep emotional attachment to an object Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • Underwood Family Farms • Vertigo by Beach Bunny Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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. a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Jun 22

    Ep. 416: Bringing Home the Class Pets

    In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including questions about an unusual DIY craft project and an unexpected singing technique. Also, Shanna reports on the drama surrounding her family's turn at chick-sitting the class pets, and Laura talks about her 5-year-old's ear tube and adenoid surgery. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • Taking home your child's classroom pets for the night • Ear tube and adenoid surgery • The unexpected how-to videos we Googled this week • When your child picks up a new hobby • Two fun films that our kids love watching Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie • Children's Hospital Los Angeles • Wicked Aviary Plague Doctor DIY Tutorial • Vertigo by Beach Bunny • Matilda (1996) • Matilda the Musical (2022) • Matilda by Roald Dahl • Yodel Beat from Trolls World Tour Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

  5. Jun 15

    Ep. 415: Better Late Than Never!

    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 student-council campaigns and shopping for kids' clothes. Also, Laura reports on accidentally reaching a parenting milestone, and Shanna recaps her last-minute scramble to help her 7-year-old complete a school project. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • When is a good time to get rid of your baby monitor? • Managing deadlines for your kids' school projects • Helping your kid run for student council • Where to find plain, unbranded clothes for your kids Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent by Laura Birek and Gia Gamabaro Blunt • Great Big Family Play Day at the Autry Museum • PCIT - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

  6. Jun 8

    Ep. 414: Sad Doll Disease

    In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the fascinating or unusual things they have learned about recently, including the story of how a mom on maternity leave saved a major motion picture and a disturbing phenomenon involving a beloved children's toy. Also, Shanna navigates her daughter's last-minute wardrobe crisis, and Laura spends Mother's Day doing exactly what she wanted. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including events that provided some big laughs. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • Planning a Mother's Day outing with your kids • Validating your child's feelings vs. gaslighting them into positivity • Reclaiming hobbies after having kids • How a mom saved Toy Story 2 • Why your Owala (and other plastic items) may be melting • Surprising your partner: tips for keeping a secret in the age of smartphones • The Netflix Is a Joke Festival: a good excuse to see live comedy in LA Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • The Next Web article: "How Pixar’s Toy Story 2 was deleted twice, once by technology and again for its own good" • Reddit post about melting plastic Owala water bottle • Sad Doll Disease - article in New Scientist • Owala water bottle • The Handsome Podcast • The Wiltern • Largo at the Coronet • Flight of the Conchords • Netflix Is a Joke Festival Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

  7. Jun 1

    Ep. 413: Failing the Sniff Test

    In the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna share the embarrassing or hilarious parenting experiences they have had recently, including an interaction with an unsuspecting stranger, an incident with a curious cat and more. Also, Laura celebrates her 10th wedding anniversary with an out-of-the-ordinary trip, and Shanna recaps a nail-biting end to her 7-year-old's softball season. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a piece of office equipment that had to be rationed like screen time. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • Taking your first overnight trip as a couple after having kids • Self-driving cars: would you try a Waymo? • When your child is facing a big moment and you're a nervous wreck • Kids with ADHD and visual tracking challenges in sports • Cats and kids: an unpredictable combination • Regulating your own emotions on a bad parenting day • Sleep disruption from enlarged adenoids in kids • Electric pencil sharpeners: a surprisingly divisive household item • Face painting at kids' sports events Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • The Line LA - Hotel that Laura and Corey went to for their anniversary • Waymo - Self-driving cars • Hard Fork - podcast that radicalized Laura on self-driving cars • Gwen - Restaurant that Laura and Corey went to for anniversary dinner • Martin Riese - Water sommelier • "Mom" by Meghan Trainor - Cece's walkup song • Spotify Jam • "Mr. Sun" by Raffi • "Grumpy Monkey" - Kid's book Shanna mentions • Robot Electric Pencil Sharpener • Face Paint Pens (Jim & Gloria) Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode: • Ep. 407 - Where Shanna first talked about the Savannah Bananas San Diego trip • Ep. 410 - Where Laura first discussed Sebastian's ENT follow-up and upcoming ear tube surgery Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

  8. May 25

    Ep. 412: The School Auction

    In the special segment "Out of Context," Laura and Shanna share random text messages they have sent or received that shed light on their parenting lives, including shocking elementary-school auction items, bizarre stovetop contraptions and more. Also, Shanna gives an update on her 7-year-old's daily medication routine, and Laura reports on a last-minute volunteering opportunity that turned into an hours-long commitment. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including an exciting new parenting support program and a long-awaited Disneyland milestone. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 and 5 years old. Topics discussed in this episode: • Helping your child get comfortable with a daily medicine routine • Whether or not to use a reward system to help your child take medicine • When volunteering at school becomes a whole "thing." • What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)? • Picking your battles with neurodivergent kids • Shockingly inappropriate items in a school auction • Kids playing April Fools' Day pranks on their parents • Disneyland height requirements and the fast pass card hack Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode: • UCLA PCIT Program - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy individual and group sessions • Five Below - Shanna's treasure box supply sources • Wheel of Names - Shanna's homework rotation system • The Comeback - HBO show Laura watched while babysitting at Nora's • The Traitors - Peacock reality show (Nora's murder mystery party theme) • Highlights Magazine - Source of the April Fools' food prank activity Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode: • Ep. 410 - Where Shanna talks about her struggle to get Cece to take her new daily medication • Ep. 411 - Where Laura's BFP was the Long Beach Grand Prix • Ep. 388 - Where Laura discussed switching the kids' schools Connect with Us: • Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast • Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast • Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. • Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Email us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com • Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast 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.

4.7
out of 5
491 Ratings

About

Getting a big fat positive pregnancy test (your BFP!) is just the beginning of a wild, emotional and often funny ride into parenthood, and "Big Fat Positive" is here for you through it all. On this weekly podcast, hosts Shanna and Laura share their pregnancies and parenthood in real time, starting at just eight weeks pregnant. They tell hilarious true stories, tackle tough parenting topics, share favorite tips and products, explore the wild and wacky corners of parenthood, and bring in expert guests for trustworthy insight on pregnancy, babies, mental health and more. Whether you’re newly pregnant, navigating life with a newborn or deep into the parenting years, "Big Fat Positive" offers a smart, supportive mix of laughter, honesty and evidence-based information, plus the feeling of having two best mom friends in your corner, reminding you you’re not doing this alone. New episodes are released every Monday.

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