In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I had the honor of talking with Nikki McIntosh, author of Rare Mamas: Empowering Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s Rare Disease and the incredible woman behind the Rare Mamas community.

Nikki’s story begins when her youngest son, Miles, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and everything in her world shifted. She left her 18-year marketing career and stepped fully into caregiving, advocacy, and creating a place for other rare moms to feel seen and supported.

During our conversation, we dive into:
✨ What those first days after a rare disease diagnosis actually feel like
✨ How Nikki found purpose, community, and strength in the middle of fear and uncertainty
✨ The emotional and mental load of caring for a child with a rare or complex condition
✨ Why humor and storytelling matter so much during hard seasons
✨ Practical tools from her book for navigating medical systems, advocating for your child, and protecting your own well-being
✨ The message Nikki hopes every lost or overwhelmed rare mama hears today

Even if you’re not walking through a rare disease journey, this conversation is full of encouragement for any mom who’s ever felt exhausted, stretched thin, or alone. Nikki’s honesty and heart are such a gift, and I know so many moms will feel less isolated after listening.

Resources I Mentioned:
– Her book: Rare Mamas by Nikki McIntosh
– The Rare Mamas community + podcast - HERE
– Instagram: @rare_mamas

If this episode touched you, please share it with a friend who might need the reminder that she’s not the only one, and that hope can live right alongside the hard.

📺 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_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

In today’s episode, I’m spilling the hot cocoa on how we do Santa in our house — the traditions, the magic, and yes… the moment my oldest started to figure it all out.

I’m sharing how my parents did Santa when I was growing up, why my husband and I decided to keep the tradition alive with our kids (even though some people say it’s “lying”), and what we’ve done over the years to keep the magic going without being caught red-handed.

You’ll also hear the story of when Ronin started asking questions, how we handled “the talk,” and how we’re now bringing him in on the fun for his little brothers.
It’s sweet, it’s sentimental, and a little bit funny — basically a true momversation about growing up, letting go, and keeping the joy of Christmas alive in a new way.

If you’ve ever wondered how other families handle Santa — or you’re just trying to figure out how to navigate that “Is Santa real?” conversation — this one’s for you.

In This Episode:

• The Santa traditions I grew up with
• Why we decided to continue the Santa magic in our family
• How we balanced Santa with the real meaning of Christmas
• The moment my son started putting the pieces together
• How we had “the talk” (and why it made me a little sad)
• What we’re doing now to keep the magic alive for his brothers

GET MY SANTA TAGS: https://burntpancakesshop.etsy.com/listing/1129506604

📺 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_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

This is a throwback episode from 2023.

Today I sit down with Bethany, from Bethany Jean Photography to talk all about family photos. She is not only an incredibly talented photographer with over 6 years experience, but she is also a mom to 4 kiddos. She knows what it is like to be on both sides of the camera lens. She's got all the tricks on how to get the perfect family photo even if your family is not so perfect (trust me, she has photographed my crazy boys multiple times).

Bethany gives us tips on how to choose the right photographer, when to book a photographer, what to wear, how to prepare for the shoot and what to do when your kids or partner aren't as cooperative as you hoped.

You will love this momversation!

You can find Bethany:
website: bethanyjeanphotography.com
Instagram: @bethanyjeanphotography

Bethany Pinterest Boards for Palette Inspiration
Bethany's Styling Tips

📺 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_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.