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
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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

    THROWBACK: Family Travel Tips with Lee Freidman

    Ever pondered the possibility of globetrotting with your tots in tow? It's a daunting thought for many parents, but our guest, Lee Friedman of Mango Tree Travel, turns that challenge into charming chronicles of exploration. She's traded her corporate law briefcase for a passport full of stamps and a wealth of knowledge on family travel. Join us as Lee debunks myths about vacations being on hold until the kids are older, revealing instead how these escapades can deepen the parenting experience and create indelible bonds. Embarking on a family journey often seems like navigating a maze without a map, but that's where the expertise of modern travel advisors comes in. This episode peels back the curtain on the meticulous planning that goes into tailor-made vacations that cater to the pint-sized traveler without sidelining the parents' desire for luxury. We cover everything from the nitty-gritty of starting a travel-focused business to the joy of incorporating your own family into the research process. It's an insightful look at how the right advisor can turn your family holiday from a logistics nightmare into a dreamy escape. Wrapping up with practical pointers, we crack the code on choosing the perfect locales for both tiny explorers and teenage adventurers. Find out why shallow pools and calm beaches are the secret ingredients for toddler-friendly trips or how a villa in Grenada can teach you a lesson or two about childproofing on the fly. Plus, she'll share a sneak peek into my own family's travel bucket list, stirring up wanderlust for safaris, Caribbean escapes, and European adventures. So tune in, and let's chart a course for family travels that are not just manageable, but magical. (00:09) - Traveling With Kids (06:37) - The Rise of Modern Travel Advisors (16:02) - Traveling With Toddlers and Teens (23:50) - Tips for Traveling With Kids and Dream Vacation Spots (28:32) - Traveling With Kids You can connect with Lee here: https://mangotreetravel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mango_tree_travel/ 📺 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.

    41 min

  2. Jun 5

    151: Why "Good Enough Parenting" Is Actually Healthy

    Do you ever feel like you’re failing at motherhood because you lose your patience, forget things, or can’t keep up with the pressure to “do it all”? In this episode I'm talking about the idea of “good enough parenting”  and why your kids don’t actually need a perfect mom. I sharesthe origin of the term coined by pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, the surprising “30% rule” from attachment research, and why small parenting mistakes can actually help children build resilience, emotional regulation, and independence. If you’ve been carrying the pressure to optimize every part of your child’s life while also feeling burned out and overwhelmed, this episode is the reminder you need:  Connection matters more than perfection. In this episode, we discuss:  What “good enough parenting” actually means  Why kids benefit from imperfect parents  The “30% rule” and attachment research  Why repair matters more than perfection  How over-parenting can hurt resilience  Examples of healthy struggle for kids  Letting go of mom guilt and unrealistic expectations  Why your kids need a loving parent, not a flawless one 📺 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.

    19 min

  3. May 29

    150: Giving Kids Phones: When, How and Why

    Use code PINWHEEL10 for 10% off We gave our 12-year-old his first phone… and honestly, this parenting decision felt way more emotional and complicated than I expected. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the full story behind why we waited until now, the daily arguments and pressure leading up to it, and how hard it was watching our son feel left out while “everyone else” seemed to already have a phone. We talk about:  The constant phone debates happening in our house  Tween FOMO and social pressure  Why we delayed giving him a smartphone for as long as possible  Concerns about social media, screen time, sleep, and internet access  Research on how phones are affecting kids today  The reasons our son said he wanted a phone  Why we chose the Pinwheel Phone instead of a traditional iPhone  What the Pinwheel offers parents and kids  My son’s honest reaction to getting it  The boundaries and rules we set around phone use  What surprised me most after giving him a phone  The worries I still have as a mom raising kids in the digital age This episode is honest, relatable, and for every parent trying to figure out how to navigate technology without feeling like they’re getting it all wrong. Because parenting kids with smartphones is something none of us were really prepared for. If you’re in the middle of the “Should we give our kid a phone?” phase, this episode is for you. 📺 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.

    33 min

  4. May 22

    149. Who Am I Now? Motherhood Identity Shifts and Re-Entering the Workforce with Christine Fruehwirth

    Motherhood has a way of shifting everything including how we see ourselves. Whether you're in the thick of little-kid chaos, considering a return to work, or entering a brand-new season like the empty nest, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a piece of who you are. In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Fruehwirth, mom, career consultant, life coach, and author of The Four Stages of Living. With over 20 years of experience supporting moms through major life transitions, Christine brings both practical tools and deep empathy to this conversation. We talk about identity loss in motherhood, why going back to work can feel more emotional than expected, and how to create balance without chasing perfection. Christine also shares her SSET framework—Survive, Stabilize, Emerge, Thrive, and how it can help you move forward when you feel stuck. This episode is honest, validating, and full of those “me too” moments every mom needs. In this episode, we cover: Why identity loss is so common in motherhoodThe emotional reality of returning to workCommon fears moms face when re-entering the workforceWhat balance actually looks like (hint: it’s not perfect)Why self-care is essential, not selfishChristine’s SSET framework and how to apply itSmall steps to take when you feel stuck in survival modeNavigating identity shifts in the empty nest stageConnect with Christine: Book - "The Four Stages of Living: Your Guide to Surviving Life's Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath" - https://amzn.to/4uxS22X FlexCareers Consulting - flexcareersconsulting.com 📺 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.

    29 min

  5. May 15

    148. The Truth About Breastfeeding Pressure and Mom Guilt with Amber Ginn

    Feeding a baby can feel like one of the most emotional and overwhelming parts of early motherhood. Between social media, conflicting advice, and the pressure to “do it right,” many moms are left feeling exhausted, guilty, and unsure of themselves. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Amber Ginn, board-certified lactation consultant, certified doula, and founder of The Latchlink. Amber became a mom at just 15 years old and now supports families across the country through her telehealth lactation practice. Her approach is practical, compassionate, and refreshingly judgment-free. We talk about the pressure moms feel around breastfeeding and feeding choices, the barriers many families face when trying to access support, and how mothers can make decisions that work for their unique families without guilt or perfectionism. This episode is full of reassurance, encouragement, and honest conversation for any mom who has ever questioned whether she’s doing enough. In this episode, we discuss: Amber’s journey into motherhood at 15The emotional weight of feeding decisionsWhy moms feel pressure to feed “perfectly”Breastfeeding expectations vs. realitySupporting teen and young mothersAccess and insurance barriers in lactation careHow to find feeding solutions that fit your real lifeLetting go of guilt and trusting yourself as a momConnect with Amber: Website - The Latchlink - https://get.thelatchlink.com/consult-gaInstagram: @thelatchlink - https://www.instagram.com/thelatchlink 📺 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.

    33 min

  6. May 8

    147. Homework Battles, Report Cards, and Real Solutions for Parents with Dr. Linda Silbert

    Have you ever looked at your child’s report card and thought, “I know they’re capable of more… so what’s going on?” You’re not alone. So many parents are raising kind, hardworking kids who still struggle in school and it can feel confusing, frustrating, and even scary. In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I’m joined by Dr. Linda Silbert, an educational expert with more than 40 years of experience helping students who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. She’s also the co-author of the bestselling book Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades: What Parents Need to Know and Do. Together, we talk about what’s really behind poor grades, how to support kids without damaging their confidence, and the practical steps parents can take when school becomes a daily battle. This conversation is full of reassurance, real strategies, and hope for families who are navigating academic struggles. Whether your child is falling behind, avoiding homework, lying about assignments, or simply feeling discouraged, this episode will help you better understand what they need—and how to show up for them in a way that builds trust and resilience. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why good kids sometimes get bad gradesWhat parents can do when their child is struggling in schoolHow to protect your child’s self-worth during academic challengesThe lasting impact of the pandemic on studentsWhat to do if your child has dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculiaSupporting children with ADHD and daily school routinesHow to respond to a poor report card without shame or panicStudy skills strategies that actually workHow to make homework less stressful for everyoneBuilding trust when kids lie about homework or testsConnect with Linda: Website: https://www.stronglearning.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stronglearningcenter YouTube: https://youtube.com/https://www.Youtube.com/@stronglearning Her Book: Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades Book: Berticus: How I Survived School! And Bullies! and Farley Finnigan! 📺 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.

    52 min

  7. May 1

    146. If Your Days Feel Chaotic, You Need to Hear This... with Tanya Valentine

    If you’ve ever created a routine on Sunday night only to abandon it by Wednesday morning, this episode is for you. 🙋‍♀️ We’re talking all about routines and why they matter, why they’re so hard to keep, and how to finally create systems that support you instead of stress you out. Because let’s be honest, most moms aren’t lacking motivation… they’re lacking routines that actually work for real life. I’m joined again by mom of three and life coach Tanya Valentine, and she’s breaking down the biggest reasons routines fail and what moms can do differently.  We also talk about what life looks like when routines aren’t in place, why so many moms feel overwhelmed and behind, and how small, realistic changes can make a big difference in your daily life. Tanya shares her practical approach to building routines that stick, including her DAD Method, designed to simplify your day and reduce the mental load that so many moms carry. And if you’re the mom who feels like you’ve tried every planner, checklist, and schedule out there—she has encouragement and actionable steps just for you. Connect with Tanya: IG and FB: @tanyavalentinecoaching. Website: tanyavalentinecoaching.com Sign Up for Tanya's upcoming workshop here: https://www.tanyavalentinecoaching.com/routines 📺 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.

    33 min

  8. Apr 24

    145. The Things Moms Do That Go Unnoticed

    With Mother’s Day around the corner, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of moms in every stage of motherhood. After spending weeks watching a mama bird in my front yard tirelessly care for her baby birds, I couldn’t help but see the connection to motherhood. She worked all day, flying back and forth to feed her babies, staying close when one of them wandered too far, and constantly watching over them without recognition or applause. It made me reflect on the quiet, often unnoticed work that moms do every single day to care for their families. The meals made, the rides given, the worries carried, the lessons taught, and the love poured out. Much of it happens behind the scenes, but all of it matters. In this episode, I walk through the stages of motherhood—from newborns to grown children—and highlight the small but powerful ways moms show up in each season. This is not an episode about complaining or venting. It’s about celebrating, honoring, and recognizing the steady, faithful work of motherhood. Whether you are rocking a newborn in the middle of the night, chasing a toddler, managing busy school schedules, supporting a teenager, or loving your adult children from afar, this episode is a reminder that your work is meaningful and your presence matters more than you may realize. In This Episode, We Talk About: The mama bird in my yard and what she taught me about motherhoodWhy so much of motherhood happens behind the scenesThe unseen work moms do in the newborn and infant stageThe patience and emotional energy required during the toddler yearsThe mental load of the “middle mom” schedulesThe emotional support moms provide during the teenage yearsHow motherhood continues even when kids are grown 📺 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.

    23 min
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About

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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