Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Bonus: ADHD Deep Dive with Mike McLeod

Tue, 21 Jul 2026

Shanna and Laura sit down with Mike McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, co-host of "The ADHD Parenting Podcast," and author of "The Executive Function Playbook," to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They dive into common misconceptions about ADHD, when parents might start to see signs of ADHD in their children, how screen time affects neurodivergent kids, how to navigate the ADHD medication journey, and so much more. Mike also breaks down exactly what executive function is and shares practical strategies parents can start using today to help strengthen their kids' executive functioning skills. This episode is available one week early for Patreon members at the Friends and Besties tiers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Mike McLeod's background and how he became an ADHD expert
Why ADHD is not a superpower, and why that framing can be harmful
At what age to start evaluating your child for ADHD
What executive function actually is
The four pillars of executive function
Working memory: hindsight, foresight and why ADHD kids are stuck in the present moment
Practical strategies to strengthen executive functioning at home
Screen time and ADHD: what the research actually says
EdTech in classrooms
ADHD medication: safety, effectiveness and navigating trial and error
Common ADHD myths busted
Why ADHD kids need authoritative parenting
How to stop carrying the mental load alone

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

GrowNOW ADHD - Mike's organization, parent training and student skills coaching
"The Executive Function Playbook: Building Independence in Kids with ADHD" by Mike McLeod - Mike's book, frequently referenced in this episode
"The Executive Function Playbook in Action: Activities and Exercises to Support Kids with ADHD" - the companion workbook
"The ADHD Parenting Podcast" - co-hosted by Mike McLeod and Ryan Wexelblatt, founder of ADHD Dude
GrowNOW ADHD on Instagram
Dr. Russell Barkley on YouTube - recommended for more on working memory and executive function
Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP - also recommended for more on executive function
"The Digital Delusion" by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath - a must-read for parents and educators on edtech
BookThinkers - the event Mike attended in Boston

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.

Ep. 420: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Mon, 20 Jul 2026

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna share recent parenting successes, including a meltdown intervention 6,000 miles from home and a wardrobe sacrifice that saved the day. Also, Laura reports on her child-free trip to Italy, and Shanna recaps a birthday that didn't go as planned. 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:

• What to do when your birthday doesn't go as planned

• Travelling solo as a mom

• A jet lag hack when travelling abroad with kids

• Using sensory awareness to help a dysregulated child

• The value of having a parenting village

• Why parenting techniques sometimes work better when coming from someone other than the parent

• What happens when you forget to clean up a spill in your car

• Gateway breakfast foods

• The best items to pack for a trip abroad

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Annenberg Beach House, Santa Monica

• Armstrong Nursery

• Little Bites by Entenmann's

• Nano Bag

• Salt-Water Sandals Sun-San Boardwalk

• Paper fans on Amazon

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.

Bonus: Listener Questions - Having Another Baby, Sibling Conflict, Baby Personality Traits and More!

Thu, 16 Jul 2026

Shanna and Laura answer listener questions on everything from what your child's personality at 15 months might tell you about who they'll become, to ideas for handling sibling conflict, to whether it's harder to go from zero to one child or one to two, and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What your baby's personality at 1-2 years old might tell you about who they'll become

• How BFP episode lengths are determined (and why they aim for 50 minutes)

• Favorite and least favorite phases of parenting

• The threenager phase: why three might be the hardest age

• Canadian and Romanian/EU dual citizenship: Laura's situation explained

• Ideas for managing sibling fighting

• Using specific praise as a tool for reinforcing good sibling behavior

• Teaching your younger child not to take the bait from an older sibling

• Deciding to have another child

• Transitioning from zero to one child vs. one to two

• The surprising music our kids are loving right now

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• "The Ghost Ship That Didn't Carry Us" by Cheryl Strayed - The essay Laura recommends for anyone deciding whether to have a second child

• The Greatest Showman soundtrack

• "This Is Me" by Keala Settle

• Weezer's Blue Album

• Indiana Jones soundtrack by John Williams

• "The Rocky Road to Dublin" from the Sinners soundtrack

• "The Wellerman - Sea Shanty" by Nathan Evans

• BFP Episode 110 - Deciding to Have Another Baby

• BFP Episode 415 Extras on Patreon - Includes the outtake story about Laura's brother Jeff completing a map project at the last minute

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.

Ep. 419: Serious Talks in Silly Places

Mon, 13 Jul 2026

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.

Ep. 418: Impulse Control

Mon, 06 Jul 2026

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