Coffee + Crumbs Podcast

From friendship gestures to body confidence to learning how to rest, in this episode we share a few small acts—done by us and others—that have left a big mark. Ashlee acknowledges the gift of putting down forks and being fully present, Katie gives us the lowdown on the five-minute phone call, and Jill shares her conviction to finally put on the swimsuit and jump in the lake. We hope this episode encourages you to take a quick inventory of the little things that are actually big things in your own life, too! This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.  

Is there anything better than reading a good book over summer vacation? Today, we’re sharing our latest favorites—from easy-breezy reads to life-changing memoirs. Whether you gravitate toward practical non-fiction, or prefer the poetry of a well-written novel, we’ve got you covered. We hope these recs inspire you to head to the library (or fill up that ever-growing Amazon cart) ASAP in search of stories that move you. Happy summer. Happy reading. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

Today we’re talking about the important–and sometimes misrepresented–topic of adoption. Katie chats with Becky (an adoptive mom) and Jamie (an adoptee) about the complexities and layers of this calling that most of the world never sees.  Becky shares the steep learning curve of being an adoptive parent, but also the undeniable gifts and joys God has shown her along the way. Jamie speaks honestly about the grief she’s walked through, sheds light on some common misconceptions about adoption, and moves us deeply when she talks about embracing her belovedness. Although adoption plays a different role in each of these women’s lives, both have come to the same conclusion: God’s grace is abundant, and He is in the business of making things new.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encourage

From soccer mom acquaintances to soul sisters, today we’re talking about different kinds of friendships and all things friendship with author and podcaster, Laura Tremaine. We chat about making friends a priority, believing the best in each other, and the less fun (but necessary!) stuff like navigating DTRs, friendship reckonings, and even break-ups. Plus, Laura shares a few tips for meeting new friends on the internet. (Did you know your C+C hosts met each other online!?) We hope this conversation inspires you to take a few minutes to pursue and appreciate the beautiful friendships in your own life. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.  

From the nitty gritty logistics to the right heart posture, today we’re talking all things hospitality. Sparkling floors and perfectly fluffed pillows: optional. Inviting people into our homes, as is, for real connection and real conversation: essential. Whether you enjoy cooking a beautiful three-course meal, or you’d rather serve store-bought cookies on a paper plate, we hope this episode encourages you to welcome old and new friends—and maybe that neighbor you keep meaning to talk to—into your life, mess and all. Plus, Katie gives a very convincing argument on why sheet pan nachos are the perfect food to serve any crowd.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

We vacuum crumbs only to have little hands drop more on the floor, and we try to figure out what’s for dinner (again!). At times, the monotony of being a mom can leave us wondering: does this even matter? Today, Jill and Katie talk with Coffee + Crumbs writer and author of All Who Are Weary, Sarah Hauser, who reminds us that although so much of motherhood goes unseen, God notices ordinary faithfulness and can use the most mundane moments for his glory. If you’re feeling weary, we hope this conversation refreshes your soul and reminds you that you’re seen, you’re deeply loved, and your work matters. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

After a loooong winter hiatus, we’re back just in time to celebrate the launch of Ashlee’s book, Create Anyway, which is now officially out in the wild (!). From infusing art into the most mundane tasks to reframing creativity as a posture, today we’re chatting about how creativity has changed us (and our mothering!) for the better. Plus, Katie and Ashlee get a little teary-eyed talking about photography. We hope this episode reminds you that creativity is valuable and worth carving out space for—not in spite of motherhood, but because of motherhood. In other news at Coffee + Crumbs, our Spring Collection is here! Head over to coffeeandcrumbs.net/spring-collection to check it out. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Substack community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join the party. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at C

In our last episode of 2022, please queue up the dramatic music and prep the stage for an imaginary awards ceremony celebrating the best moments, products, and people that have brightened our year. From the natural deodorant that doesn’t leave Jill smelling like greek salad (lol) to the bike shorts that made Katie finally realize she’s not as insecure as she used to be—most of these awards are silly, but some of them are meaningful, too. We hope this lighthearted conversation inspires you to create your own Best of 2022 list for the year!  Be sure to listen to the end for a few announcements about some exciting new changes coming to Coffee + Crumbs in 2023. For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

What is it like to be sober in a society that glamorizes and makes light of drinking so often, especially in correlation with motherhood? Today we’re chatting with Dana Bowman—a mother in recovery—who shares how she once found validation in “Wine Mom” culture, before hitting rock bottom in 2014. Through the honest lens of her own experience, Dana offers some alternative ways we can approach conversations, hospitality, and even social media posts more empathetically, to support those struggling with alcohol use.  If you think you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, we hope this episode meets you with grace and encourages you to take the next right step toward health and healing.    This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.n

From five-dollar simple pleasures to the splurges that were totally worth it, today we’re sharing a few of our favorite things. While Jill teaches us how to level up our at-home spa game (hello, eucalyptus shower spray!), Katie is here to convince us that mushroom coffee is definitely worth trying. Plus, Ashlee’s undying love for the weighted blanket continues, per her confession of hauling all fifteen pounds of it when she travels. Whatever you fill your cart with this week, we hope you have a cozy and happy Thanksgiving! This episode is not sponsored by Aquaphor (or anyone for that matter), but it probably could have been. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, che

Today we’re talking with Aundi Kolber—a mother, professional counselor, and author—about motherhood and trauma. For many of us, trauma is a word we have reserved for people who have gone through life-altering, dangerous, or abusive experiences, and we have never given attention to the “little t traumas” that add up over a lifetime. No matter where you are, or what you’ve survived, Aundi compassionately walks us through this important conversation on honoring your story, learning how to be a mother even if you didn’t have a great example, and taking care of yourself so you can, in turn, take care of others. You’ll also learn a few ways to parent with empathy, so you can guide your children through their own pain. Whether you’ve endured a devastating circumstance, or many months of overwhelm, we hope this episode encourages you to make space for healing. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Pa

In this honest and vulnerable episode, Katie talks with Sonya, Melanie, and Julie, three Coffee + Crumbs team members who were all diagnosed with breast cancer between 2020 and 2022. You’ll hear how all of these women felt or discovered something abnormal on their own and advocated for themselves to follow up on their intuition. You’ll listen in on the emotions that accompanied the agony of waiting for test results. They’ll let us in on how they shared the news with their kids. And mostly, you’ll hear from each of these women how cancer has forever changed them.  This episode takes us up close to women who have had a life-altering diagnosis, and our hope is that by listening, we can all learn empathy, compassion, or – if this diagnosis is yours – a way to walk forward with both courage and grace for yourself.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party

Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on your phone? Today we’re chatting with author Hannah Brencher about her 1,000 Unplugged Hours Challenge and how her creativity, marriage, and mothering have flourished since she’s started putting down her phone more often. Unplugging isn’t always easy (no more scrolling during date night arguments!), but as Hannah gently reminds us, there’s plenty of life to enjoy, even when we’re unavailable to the rest of the world. Whether you print Hannah’s tracker sheet, or simply take a quick inventory of your own habits, we hope this conversation encourages you to reclaim more of the beautiful life in front of you.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in y

Today we’re diving into the nuance of technology—acknowledging the good parts (access to information! efficiency! staying connected!) and the hard parts (overstimulation! addiction! lack of boundaries!). Plus, we take a sweet stroll down memory lane into some 90’s nostalgia. Whether you’re a tech guru or a digital minimalist, we hope this conversation encourages you as you continue navigating how to use the Internet wisely in 2022.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

It’s the last episode of the season, and today we’re chatting about what makes a Fun Mom™. Confession: two out of three of us struggle with this, but we’re tapping into our younger selves and discovering what makes us feel light and free. Everything from riding scooters with our kids, to simply creating spaces that empower them to find the magic themselves. Whether you’re the mom dancing around the house wearing a feather boa or the mom simply orchestrating opportunities for delight behind the scenes, we hope this episode helps you embrace whatever type of unique fun YOU bring to your family. After all, fun is the opposite of frivolous—it’s rooted in joy, and we could all use an extra dose of that. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For show notes, go to coffeeandc

Today’s episode is a bit more vulnerable than our regularly scheduled programming. We’re sharing a few honest stories about moments we wish we could take back, change, or at the very least, do over. While we don’t want to live in a perpetual state of should’ve, could’ve, would’ve—these moments have refined us and taught us something, which is why we’re sharing them with you today. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

Disclaimer: You may fill up your Amazon cart by the end of this episode (we did). Today, we’re talking about our favorite books of 2022 (so far) and what we’re excited to read with our feet up in lounge chairs this summer. From novels, to classics, to non-fiction books that challenge us to live more peaceful and joyful lives, we’re covering all sorts of categories—but we seem to be finding our groove in food memoirs?! Here’s to stories that shape and change us in the best ways. Can’t wait to hear what you’ve been reading, too. This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

With summer around the corner, today we’re sharing our best tips and tricks for traveling with kids. From packing an extra pacifier (in a different suitcase!) to always, always, always packing plastic bags—these travel hacks are, of course, inspired by personal experience. We also share our favorite mantras, lessons we learned the hard way, and the travel MVPs we’ve added to our bags of tricks over the years. Plus, you’ll hear Ashlee and Katie gasp in disbelief at Jill’s gross-but-heartwarming story about something a stranger did for her at an airport. This episode is sponsored by our favorite travel MVP of all time: SNACKS. (Just kidding. We have no sponsors. This episode is brought to you by our Patrons. As always.) Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or an international adventure this summer, we hope you have a memorable time! Don’t forget: just say no to supersize Gatorade.    For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

We’re honored to have Shekea Moreno on the show today, shining some light on the holy work of praying for our kids. We chat about why prayer is so important in the first place, some ideas for what to pray about (besides the one we all know a little too well: our kids’ obedience

From less-than-perfect dental hygiene to hoarding half a dozen beverages on the nightstand, today we’re dishing about the little quirks that make us who we are, inspired by the “I Can’t Be The Only One” chapter of Amy Krause Rosenthal’s Textbook. Join us for a number of (mostly shallow but occasionally deep) confessions, including but not limited to: throw up foods, the sheer satisfaction of carrying groceries in from the car in a single trip, and our complicated feelings around Botox and TikTok.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous and loving Patreon community. If you’d like to support the work we do for as little as $1/month, head to Patreon.com/coffeeandcrumbs to join the party (where we host discussions after every episode, offer bonus content, and more!). For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.