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

Ever feel like motherhood is an uncharted territory with its own set of wild adventures? Well, strap in, because Stephanie Cooley and Vanessa Anderson of the Real Motherfuckers Podcast  bare it all about the rollercoaster that is raising kids. Whether you're navigating the choppy waters of making mom friends or weathering the storm of solo parenting when your partner's away, this episode...

Listen in as first-time mom Maegan Sanders pulls back the curtain on the reality of first-time motherhood, sharing the beauty and chaos that comes with the territory. From transitioning into the role of a mom to setting boundaries with family and managing screen time, Megan's candid stories offer a sense of solidarity and a treasure trove of tips for other parents navigating this wild ride. M...

Ever dreamt of swapping the city buzz for the tranquil hum of the countryside? If you have then saddle up for this episode of Burnt Pancakes. Meet Arlene Hunter and Caite Palmer, the dynamic duo behind the Barnyard Language podcast, who are here to whisk us away to the heart of rural living. Arlene, a seasoned dairy farmer from Ontario, and Katie, a beef and sheep farmer from Iowa with a side of t...

My oldest son. Ronin, just turned 10 and I can't believe I've been a mom for an entire decade! Join me on a  journey through my first decade of motherhood in this solo episode. Listen in as I open up about the ten lessons that have shaped my experience as a mom, beginning with the need for a supportive tribe. I share how stepping out of my comfort zone and into moms' groups transfor...

Ever wonder how a mom of six manages the juggling act of motherhood and homeschooling? Join me, Katie Fenske, as I sit down with Lindsey Lahm for an honest momversation that peels back the curtain on life with a large family. From the decision to close the chapter on expanding the brood to the vibrant and messy world of educating her kids at home, Lindsey reveals the genuine experiences that reson...

No one goes into marriage thinking they are going to get divorced but on average 50% do.  Joining me today is Sarah Armstrong, author of "The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce," who has walked this path herself and emerged with wisdom for parents eager to put their children first. We tackle the nitty-gritty of co-parenting, from ensuring kids don't feel like ping-pong balls between...

When we're faced with darkness, the human spirit has an extraordinary ability to seek out the light. This is what Stephen Johnston, fondly known as "Dad vs. Blindness," demonstrates as he shares the profound journey of his son's battle with retinitis pigmentosa. Stephen's experience as a physician gave him unique insight into his son's early warning signs guiding him...

Unlock the secrets to vocal empowerment with Erin Roberts of Aligned Voice, as we delve into the world of communication and self-assertion for mothers.  Discover how to navigate the challenges of advocating for yourself and your little ones, as Erin brings her expertise in technical, and emotional coaching to the forefront. This episode is a treasure trove for moms seeking to find their assertive...

As a former teacher juggling chalk and challenges, I have seen firsthand the hurdles that come with learning differences. But when you meet a dynamic duo like Lynn and Jon Greenberg, who have turned dyslexia into a springboard for creativity and collaboration, it's a story that demands to be shared. Our momversation on the Burnt Pancakes podcast peels back the layers of Jon's early strug...

You are invited as I celebrate the Burnt Pancakes podcast's first candle on the cake.  I'm your host, Katie Fenske, and today marks more than just an anniversary—it's a journey from a former teacher to a mom-on-a-mission, connecting with others through the airwaves.  I will walk down the memory lane of this podcast's origins, from a fledgling blog to a flourishing community. I&...

Imagine unlocking the treasure chest of a debt-free college education for your child. That's precisely what Dave Peterson, fondly known as Dave the scholarship coach, has mastered. Join us as the Burnt Pancakes family welcomes this sage of scholarships to share his journey from a worried parent to a beacon of hope for families striving to sidestep the student loan pitfall. Dave's son&apo...

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...

Experience the raw, transformative journey of motherhood with my special guest Sarah Parise, the heart and soul behind Great Days by Sarah, as we share the highs and lows of our postpartum adventures. Imagine laughing, crying, and nodding in agreement as you join our momversation on the unspoken hardships and the powerful connections we forge through the trials of motherhood. This episode promises...

Ever find yourself tiptoeing around the topic of sexual desire? Courtney Boyer, the mental health and sex therapist, is here to walk us through the intimate labyrinth of womanhood and motherhood, where the conversation is overdue.  On this momversation, we're peeling back the curtain on the realities of waning sexual interest, the journey of reclaiming that fire, and the tools necessary for f...

Unlock the power of healing through breathwork with Jennifer Henkle, a mother who has turned her personal trials into transformative triumphs. As a breathwork facilitator, Reiki master, and Soul Work coach, she shares an incredible journey of transformation from witnessing her daughter's health scare to becoming a healer who now guides others through their own emotional journey. Our momversat...

Every mother has felt the heat of anger bubble up in a moment of overwhelm, and if you've ever found yourself shouting before you even realized you were raising your voice, you're not alone. I sat down with Rachel Chote, a life coach whose mission is to empower moms to turn their rage into redemption. Our conversation pulls back the curtain on mom rage, a topic shrouded in silence, and w...

The heartwarming narrative of Madison Kopta's journey into motherhood is a tale that begins with a simple yet profound choice: to open her home and heart to two children in need of a family. Through Madison's eyes, we learn about fostering, adoption, and the harmonious melding of biological and adopted children under one roof. Her story includes a candid discussions about the emotional i...

Ever found yourself mopping up night sweats or shedding tears over an empty milk carton? Menopause can be a baffling journey, with symptoms that hit us out of left field. That's why I invited Adrien Cotton, a menopause wellness coach, to join us on the Burnt Pancakes podcast. Together, we unravel the mysteries of perimenopause and menopause, navigating the signal flares our bodies send us as...

Growing up in the neon-tinted era of the eighties and nineties, my guests, Katie and Megan,  navigated a world as teens without the constant buzz of social media notifications. Fast forward to today and they are both parents in the trenches of raising preteen and teen girls amidst the digital frenzy.  We reminisce about our simpler childhoods and contrast them with the complex landscape their daug...

Discover the multifaceted world of Emily Bolt—actress, mother, and podcast host—as she joins me to share her captivating journey from the Midwest to the spotlights of New York and Los Angeles. Emily's stories, offer a rare glimpse into the tenacity required to juggle auditions, gigs, and the tender joys of motherhood. Our conversation peels back the curtain on the actor's life, revealing...

Welcome back, Burnt Pancakes friends! As we shake off the holiday glitter and step into the bright potential of 2024, I'm here to share some personal musings on New Year's resolutions and changes that are stirring excitement in my life. Embracing the social media trend of "2024 ins and outs," listen in as I put my own spin on what I plan to welcome and bid farewell to this year...

Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey as I explore the origins and customs of some of our favorite Christmas traditions. Ever wondered why we decorate an evergreen tree, hang giant socks on our fireplace, or plant a mistletoe over our doorways? Or how about the stories behind Santa Claus and his reindeer, or the popularity of candy canes? This episode is packed with facts and stories that r...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Burnt Pancakes podcast, where I, your host, Katie Fenske, chat with my good friend Jocelyn about our shared experiences of being 'middle moms'. Tune in as we nostalgically look back on the joys of the baby and toddler stages and discuss the bittersweet transition to this new phase of motherhood. Our children, are in the middle age stage and we...

Join me, Katie Fenske, in a heartwarming and candid discussion about the realities of motherhood and the wisdom I wish I'd known as a new mom. From reminiscing about being 41 weeks pregnant and the humorous truth of going home from the hospital in a diaper, to acknowledging the importance of self-care, we're talking about it all. Let's walk down memory lane, remembering the sentimen...

Are you ready to level up your life and smash through those limiting beliefs? That's exactly what this momversation is about. Join me and my friends Christina and Magan as we share how we stuck to our resolutions in 2023. My guest share their transformative journeys. Christina shares how she accomplished her goal of eliminating negative self talk as well as becoming a clinical hypnotherapist....