Burnt Pancakes: Momversations | Conversations for Imperfect Moms, Chats About Mom Life & Interviews with Real Mamas

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations , I’m joined by Shelby Merrill, mom of two and founder of the Car Seat Scrub Club. Shelby turned a super relatable pain point (hello, sticky, snack-filled car seats!) into a business that helps busy parents breathe easier. She picks up dirty car seats, deep cleans them at her home, and delivers them fresh and spotless the next day. We chat about how...

We’re bringing back one of our all-time favorite episodes of The Burnt Pancakes Podcast ! If you’re expecting a baby, dreaming up future kid names, or just obsessed with baby name meanings and trends, you’ll love this fun and insightful conversation. In this re-aired momversation, I chat with Amber—the one and only Name Fairy —a professional baby name consultant who helps families find names that...

As a mom, I've watched my kids become seemingly mesmerized by their screens, and it's a struggle I know many parents face today.  Join me, Katie Fenske, on this magical journey as I welcome Susie Spikol, a naturalist and the author of "Forest Magic for Kids," to the Burnt Pancakes Podcast.  We share heartfelt stories and practical advice on how to rekindle your child's con...

In today’s episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, we’re throwing out the overwhelm and getting back to the heart of what your newborn actually needs: you. Host Katie sits down with neonatologist, lactation consultant, and author Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie to talk about The Baby Bonding Book—a science-backed, judgment-free guide to connecting with your baby in the most important ways. We cover: W...

School’s out, the kids are home, and moms everywhere are wondering… how are we going to survive summer? In this fun and honest BONUS episode, I am joined by fellow mom and podcast host Tanya Valentine to talk all things summer break: the excitement, the overwhelm, the snacks, the screen time, and the pressure to make memories (while just trying to stay sane). We’re sharing what summer feels like i...

Starting solids is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—milestones of early parenthood. From figuring out when to start, to worrying about choking hazards, allergies, and whether you’re doing it “right,” it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of conflicting advice. In this episode of Burnt Pancakes, I’m joined by Cinthia Scott—registered dietitian, lactation consultant, mom, and co-author of the upc...

Today I welcome Nikki Brooker, founder of Yana, an organization making a significant impact in the lives of mothers.  Nikki shares her journey into motherhood, beginning with her marriage to her middle school sweetheart and their subsequent move to Colorado. Facing the challenges of raising children away from family, Nikki recounts how relocating to Ohio introduced her to a supportive community th...

Ever feel like you're doing all the right parenting things —being gentle, meeting every emotional need, creating magical childhoods—yet still ending up overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure if it’s even working? In this episode, I’m joined by parenting coach and founder of Hi Fam, Avital Schreiber Levy , who’s here to challenge the modern parenting trends that leave moms burnt out and kids emoti...

Have you ever wondered why there are so FEW skincare products tailored specifically for boys? This week on Burnt Pancakes, I unravel the often-overlooked gender disparity in the skincare industry with Sabrina Yeville, the brilliant mind behind Gryme.  Sabrina shares her journey from being a beauty industry executive to pioneering a line of clean, age-appropriate personal care products for our youn...

Today we explore the crucial yet often overlooked postpartum period with Kristin Revere, an experienced birth and postpartum doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas.  Kristin's journey into the world of doula work began after her own challenging birth experiences and the lack of resources available during her pregnancies.  From a career in political fundraising to advocating for women's h...

Master the art of enjoying home-cooked meals with Madison Wetherill, today's guest on the Burnt Pancakes Podcast. Madison, a mom of three boys and a former picky eater turned food blogger, takes us on her personal journey from culinary novice to finding solace and joy in the kitchen.  Discover how she turned mealtime into a therapeutic experience and learn her secrets for transforming everyda...

Before having kids, the mom I envisioned myself to be is a little different than the mom I actually turned out to be.  From being a sports obsessed mom to letting my kids eat everything in the car, on this episode, I reflect on the type of mom that I am today.  Whether it is bribing my kids or allowing way more screen time than I expected, this episode is a fun reflection about how my unique mothe...

Let's Discuss Jaime's Book Together: Click HERE if you are interested in having a book club in June with her book Absorbed Jaime Townzen never imagined her path would lead from the watercolor canvas to the pages of her debut novel. Yet, amidst the chaos of motherhood and unexpected caregiving roles, she discovered profound insights and resilience.  Jaime discusses her journey from stay-a...

Motivational speaker and success coach Deborah Mallow joins me to share her  insights on self-care and cultivating a positive mindset. Growing up in Manhattan with fashion designer parents and having a career in textile design, Deborah's optimism and passion for human connection shine through as she discusses her book, "Six Steps to Fewer Days that Suck."  Her journey from fashion t...

USE CODE: "ITSPOTTYTIME" for 10% Growing Up Prebiotics Get it HERE Founder and CEO of Begin Health, Madeline Lauf, joins us on the Burnt Pancakes podcast to share compelling insights into the world of children's gut health.  Madeline's mission to revolutionize parental approaches to nutrition shines through as we discuss the pivotal first years of life and their impact on immun...

Use code "PANCAKES" for 40% off Cozy Earth bedding, pajamas, towels and more! Emmy award-winning TV host and best-selling author Tamron Hall shares her heartfelt journey into motherhood through IVF. With candor and warmth, Tamron opens up about becoming a mother later in life, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and the power of sharing one's story.  Her motherhood expe...

Get the Alora Baby Monitor + App: https://www.littleone.care/?sca_ref=8311449.N2FYbX00ge Ivy Brooks once faced an intense fear of childbirth and the prospect of navigating single motherhood. Her journey, however, is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, she bravely peels back the layers of her life, sharing how she overcame tokophobia and embraced her unexpected pregnancy with a spirit of...

Learn the secrets of turning everyday chaos into cherished cinematic memories with Kalee Isbell, the inspiring founder of Isbell Family Films. Discover how Kalee transformed her experience with postpartum depression into a thriving career by capturing the raw beauty of family life on film.  As a mother navigating the challenges of parenting two young children, just 20 months apart, Kalee offers an...

Picture this: you're at a T-ball event, surrounded by a sea of parents, and your five-year-old, suddenly announces something so inappropriate that you wish the ground would swallow you up.  If you've ever been caught in the comedic chaos of parenting moments like this, you're in good company. Join me, Katie Fenske, on the Burnt Pancakes podcast as we navigate the wonderfully embarra...

Would you trade a few extra hours of sleep for the peace of a morning without chaos? On this episode of the Burnt Pancakes podcast, I whisk you away into a playful world of parenting dilemmas with a special "Would You Rather" game designed just for parents.  We laugh through scenarios like managing a toddler who absolutely refuses naptime versus a tween who simply won't leave the co...

Years ago, I found myself staring at an ultrasound screen, grappling with a wave of unexpected emotions. The image revealed I was having another boy, and despite my joy at being pregnant again, a shadow of sadness crept in as I had always dreamt of having a daughter.  Join me on this episode of the Burnt Pancakes Podcast, where I open up about the the heart-wrenching yet common experience of gende...

Marketing and media expert Orlana Darkins brings her wealth of experience and passion for youth development to our latest episode.  We explore her journey from organizing celebrity events to founding the Shyne Awards, a platform celebrating young achievers.  Orlana shares her insights on empowering teenagers through confidence-building, diverse experiences, and cultivating responsibility. With pra...

Remember the time your toddler, with the best of intentions, helped you with baking cookies...only to have it end in a complete mess?  You're not alone! On today's I  share the beautifully chaotic journey of embracing the messiness of parenthood.  From stepping back and letting my boys do their own school projects to cleaning my car and folding laundry, I chat about how these imperfect a...

Join me on a journey through parenting practices from around the globe. We'll explore everything from the Finnish baby box that provides expecting parents with essential items, to the serene approach to pregnancy in Japan. Discover how Koreas focus on postpartum recovery and bonding. I'll also discuss the unique Danish tradition of letting babies nap outside in the fresh air. This episod...

Today, I'm joined by Alessandra Wall, an executive coach and mom of two boys, who shares her fascinating journey of juggling ambition and motherhood. From her transition from child psychologist to business owner, Alessandra opens up about how motherhood prompted her to seek a new balance in life.  Alessandra's story is one of unexpected ambition sparked by parenthood, pushing her to chas...