Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

In the special segment “Internet Insanity,” Shanna and Laura share the wild and wacky content they've found online recently, including a baby name that has risen to fame for a surprising reason and a mom-group breakup of epic proportions. Also, Laura shares how a Percy Jackson obsession turned into a spontaneous after-school trip with her kids, and Shanna talks about the device that enabled her 9-year-old to arrange her own play date. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including family outings at two Los Angeles landmarks, one beautiful and one bizarre. 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:
A spontaneous after-school adventure with your kids
When your kid starts planning their own social life
Giving your child a “just enough” phone for safety and texting friends
2025's name of the year and what it says about baby naming trends
Toxic mom-group drama, celebrity edition
Keeping longtime friendships going as parents
Fun, unusual day trips around Los Angeles with kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
Percy Jackson book series
Percy Jackson series on Disney+
Percy Jackson end credits
Griffith Observatory
Tracfone
"The 2025 Name of the Year is Elara" by Laura Wattenberg
"How a ‘Splash’ Joke Led to the ‘Madison’ Baby Name Boom"
Perez Hilton
"Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group" by Ashley Tisdale French
"Matthew Koma (Hilary Duff's husband) getting in on the 'mom group' drama"
Huntington Gardens
Old Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 397 - Where Shanna's kids go to "field trip" camp
Ep. 305 - Where Sebastian fell and got a gash on his nose at the Huntington Gardens

Connect with Us
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: [email protected]

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.

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a clever chemistry-based solution that saved bath time and a surprising moment of jumping into action to help a stranger. Also, Shanna checks in about adjusting to a new chapter now that the kids are back at school and she must figure out what’s next after leaving her job, while Laura shares an unexpected weekend saga that took a sharp turn. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a full agenda “mommy camp” day and a new hobby that’s quickly becoming a kid’s entire personality. 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:
Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's next
Giving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shift
Handling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from home
Solving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdowns
Citric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by it
When motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situation
Planning an all-day outing with kids to avoid a wide-open day at home
Watching your kid fall in love with a new hobby

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
Piccle P street artist
Chuck E. Cheese Fun Pass
Bath Bomb Potion Kit
Citric Acid
Trails Cafe
Jesse Owens Park
Zootopia 2
Guitar Ninjas
Fender Squier 3/4-size electric guitar
Guitar strings mnemonics

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 397 - Where Laura talks about the bath potions as her BFP for the week
Ep. 384 - Where Sebastian wonders why Laura didn't marry Tom York of Radiohead

Connect with Us
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: [email protected]

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.

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Laura and Shanna quiz each other about old-school pregnancy tests, the shocking resale value of kids' toys, the cost of giving birth in the 1950s and more! Also, Laura reports on the sweet relief of her kids returning to school after winter break and her 4-year-old getting his first eye exam, and Shanna talks about the surprising result of sending her kids to a week-long "field trip" camp. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a toy that will excite your kids for bath time and a sweet local event that will inspire you to check the activity calendar at your local library. 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:
Returning to school after a long winter break
What to do with your kids during an extended winter break
How long, busy days outside of the house affect your child's mood and regulation
How much did it cost to have a baby in the 1950s
Why are some LEGO sets so expensive?
What was the first pregnancy test like?
What kids' toy was originally created for adults?
How many LEGO bricks are there in the world?
A fun bath toy for kids that Laura loves
A fun, local, free activity that Shanna took her kids to

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Bing Crosby
InfantSEE - Infant eye exam program
Steve & Kate's Camp
Glendale Central Library
SkyZone Trampoline Park
"How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby Now?"
Ole Kirk's LEGO House
LEGO Unicef Van
Star Wars Death Star LEGO set
The Rabbit Test
"10 Wacky Facts About Play-Doh That Will Amaze You"
Bath Bomb Potion Kit
BARK Reading Dogs

Connect with Us
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: [email protected]

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.

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 mode
Struggling to get your kids to take medicine
Auggie's 7th birthday
Pulling off a big surprise for your kid
Tips for going to Disneyland in the rain
What'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 cover
Insoles for rain boots
MEL Magazine article about Uranus
The Open Book bookstore
The Last Bookstore
Descanso 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 @bfppodcast
Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.
Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
Email us: [email protected]

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.

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 holidays
Stroller envy: missing the days when you had a mobile cart for all your kid gear
Managing kids’ video game obsession, meltdowns, and tough transitions

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
Harry Potter Lego sets
Five Nights at Freddy's kids costume
Captain America kids costume
Air drum sticks
America's Test Kitchen gingerbread cookies
Pottery wheel for kids
School kit from Lakeshore Learning
Nex Playground
Chemex carafe
Cuisanart water kettle
Hulken bag
Pickwick Ice Center
Ransom Notes game

Connect with Us
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: [email protected]

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.