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 connection to nature amidst the overwhelming allure of technology. This episode is packed with inspiration and tools to help you encourage outdoor play that nurtures creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love for the natural world.

Together with Susie, we explore the incredible benefits of outdoor adventures, from climbing trees to hiking, all while balancing those ever-present parental safety concerns.

Connect with Susie Spikol:
Her Book: https://amzn.to/4mDRJR2
Website: https://susiespikol.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-spikol-53500a238/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiespikol/reels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susie.spikolfaber/

📺 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_

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:

Why emotional bonding is more powerful than any baby gadget

How delivery choices and early routines affect attachment

What to do if you don’t feel that instant connection

Everyday moments that help build long-term emotional security

How to quiet the noise and tune into your instincts

The #1 thing new parents actually need to focus on

Dr. Parga-Belinkie’s advice is warm, real, and backed by science—perfect for moms who are tired of being told they’re doing it wrong. Whether you’re in the thick of newborn life or just prepping for it, this episode is a breath of fresh air.

Resources & Mentions:
📘 The Baby Bonding Book – https://amzn.to/44KDUcX
🎧 Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie is also co-host of Pediatrics on Call podcast
📱 Website: https://www.jpbelinkiemd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jopargalinkiemd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-parga-57133923/

📺 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_

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 in our homes right now, what we’ve learned the hard way, and how we’re lowering the bar in all the best ways.

Plus, we’re inviting you to join us for something brand new:
👉 Mom Camp: Your Summer Survival Guide
A free weekly newsletter full of real talk, practical tips, and support from moms who get it, plus optional live virtual meetups every Thursday to connect and vent in real time.

🔥 In This Episode We Talk About:

• How we really feel about summer break as moms
• Childhood summer memories vs. summer mom reality
• The pressure to be “fun moms” and why we’re over it
• What we’re letting go of this year
• How to reimagine summer in a way that feels good for you
• A fun round of “Would You Rather: Summer Mom Edition”
• Why we created Mom Camp—and how you can join us

📩 Join Mom Camp: Your Summer Survival Guide

You don’t have to do summer alone.
Sign up for Mom Camp, a free weekly newsletter that brings you encouragement, practical tips, and a place to connect.
You’ll also get the invite to our Real Talk Meet-Up virtual hangouts.

👉 Join here: https://mailchi.mp/burntpancakes/mom-camp

📺 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_

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 upcoming American Academy of Pediatrics book Baby Leads the Way. Together with pediatrician Dr. Krupa Playforth, Cinthia has created a research-backed, approachable guide to help parents introduce solid foods with confidence and calm.

We talk about:

The signs your baby is truly ready for solids

How to safely let babies self-feed

Combining purees and baby-led feeding without confusion

Early allergen introduction and what the science says

Preventing picky eating by building adventurous habits early

Real-life tips for handling messy meals and skeptical relatives

Cinthia’s 6-pillar approach to raising healthy, intuitive eaters

Whether you're gearing up to start solids or you're deep in the spaghetti-on-the-walls stage, this episode is packed with practical tips and reassurance to help you feel confident—and maybe even laugh a little—along the way.

Connect with Cinthia
Book: Baby Leads the Way https://amzn.to/4jc3hHY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.baby.dietitian/
https://www.instagram.com/101beforeone/

📺 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_

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 that profoundly influenced her motherhood experience.

Listen in as Nikki explains how these experiences inspired her to establish Yana, with the mission to help mothers feel connected and less isolated.

In this episode:

(00:09) - Changing Lives Through Motherhood Organizations

(07:04) - Building Community in Parenthood

(09:52) - Empowering Mothers Through Support Groups

(22:11) - Support and Resources for New Mothers

(31:34) - Balancing Responsibilities in Motherhood

(42:50) - Yana M2M

Connect with Nikki Brooker:

Website: yanamom.com

Instagram: @yanam2m

📺 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_

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 emotionally fragile. Avital offers a refreshing third way that’s neither permissive nor authoritarian—but rooted in confident, values-based leadership.

We talk about:

• Why “child-led everything” might be hurting our kids more than helping
• What children actually crave from their parents (hint: it’s not constant entertainment)
• How to build a strong family culture that your kids will want to recreate
• The truth about mom guilt—and how to let it go
• What it means to future-proof your kids against anxiety, confusion, and internet overload
• Simple ways to start leading your family with calm, clarity, and confidence

Whether your home feels a little chaotic right now or you’re just tired of second-guessing every parenting decision, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and ready to reclaim your role as the heart of your family.

Connect with Avital:
Website: hifam.com
Instagram: @hifamlife
YouTube: Hi Fam on YouTube @hifamlife

If you loved this episode, share it with a mom friend who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more moms find the show!

📺 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_

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 young boys.

Together, we navigate the whirlwind adventure of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship while tackling the challenge of raising boys who are constantly on the move yet in need of safe and effective hygiene solutions.

Join us as we discuss fragrances in children's skincare, a topic most of us have never considered deeply.

Sabrina courageously reveals the intricacies of formulating her products, touching upon the difficulties she faced when working with fragrance suppliers and the myths surrounding natural scents.

Her commitment to transparency and safety while crafting appealing products for boys is nothing short of inspiring.

Our conversation is filled with laughter and heartfelt moments as Sabrina and I share our entrepreneurial journeys, with all the bumps and victories along the way. From the joys of creating a product line that resonates with our values to the challenges of juggling business with family life, we cover it all.

CONNECT WITH SABRINA:
Website: www.gryme.co
--- 20% off with code BURNTPANCAKES20
--- or with this link: https://gryme.co/discount/BurntPancakes20
--- Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42ZNpT9
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gryme.co/

📺 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_

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 health, Kristin shares her inspiring transition and emphasizes the importance of assembling a personalized birth team. Discover the value of postpartum planning and the varied roles that doulas can play in supporting new parents.

Kristin provides valuable insights into how access to updated information and resources can significantly enhance the birth and postpartum experience.

Learn about the unique approach of postpartum doulas at Gold Coast, who work with families throughout the first year, providing ongoing support beyond initial recovery.

Whether you're expecting, thinking about growing your family, or simply love a good conversation about motherhood, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

Connect with Kristin Revere:

Website: www.goldcoastdoulas.com

Her Book: Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby

Podcast: www.askthedoulas.com

Instagram: @goldcoastdoulas

TODAY'S SPONSOR:

Cozy Earth - Use code "pancakes" for 40%

📺 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_