We are thrilled to be back with a brand new podcast series to go along with our brand new Coffee + Crumbs book, You're In Good Company. In upcoming weeks, you'll hear from every writer who contributed to this collection of essays—a true preview of what's inside these pages. First up, Katie shares how making sourdough is a metaphor for letting grief and healing take its time, while Ashlee introduces us to the idea that "friendship" can be a verb; it's something we do with commitment and consistency. We hope this episode (this whole series, really!) encourages you to live out the gift of friendship—right where you are, with the people in front of you.

This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous 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 us (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast.

Releasing You're In Good Company is a huge win; listen to this bonus episode to hear more about What Went Right for us last year.

For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

Today, we're talking all things foster care with Jessica Mathisen, a foster, adoptive, and bio mom. Jessica sheds light on the enormous need for vulnerable kids to have a safe place to call home, misconceptions about foster care, challenges for foster families, and how churches, neighbors—and essentially everyone—can help in some capacity. Good news: being a Super Christian is not a prerequisite for making a difference. If you're feeling convicted by this conversation (we sure are), she encourages us to take the next baby step because we'll never know all the good that God is doing with each "yes" along the way. 

This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous 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 us (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast.

Jessica shares about foster care; listen to this episode to hear An Honest Conversation About Adoption.

For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

From the time she is young, Faith has a desire to foster or adopt, and assumes it will happen after she gets married. But a life-changing conversation with a pastor challenges her to pursue foster care, even though she is a 29-year-old single woman. This one decision sets off a cascade of events that lead her to motherhood, love, and a fresh appreciation for how God's plan isn't constrained by our idealized timelines.

"Making a Mother" is a production of Coffee + Crumbs. 

Executive Producer, Writer: Ashlee Gadd. 

Producer, Writer, Host: Julie Vlahon. 

Writer: Sonya Spillmann

Music, Sound Design, Mix Engineer: Scott Vlahon

For more information on today's episode—including podcast club discussion guides—check out our show notes at coffeeandcrumbs.net/makingamother. If you'd like to support the show, please share this episode with a friend and consider leaving us a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts. 

This episode is brought to you by Needed—offering Radically Better Nutrition™. Use CC20 at checkout to get 20% off your first order.

This episode is also brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CC10 and get 10% off your first month.

Thank you for supporting the brands that helped make this series possible. 

Do you ever feel like motherhood has you confined within the four walls of your home, unable to make a difference in the wider world? On today's episode, we're chatting with Osheta Moore— author of "Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Broken World"—about peacemaking. Is there a better topic to cover the day of midterm elections? Osheta speaks passionately about peacemaking in our everyday lives, encourages us to seek subversive joy in the face of despair, and challenges us to tell better stories about the people who frustrate us. Plus, don't miss her hilarious story about adjusting to the "vehicular Hunger Games" of the school car line and the one uncomplicated question Osheta asks her kids every day to keep their focus on joy.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, we hope this episode lifts you up and reminds you that you can be a peacemaker right here, right now, right where you are.  

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered: where did I go? Today we're talking about how our personal style has shifted from pre-kid life to mom life. From getting dressed in the morning to washing our face at night—we're spilling the beans on our makeup, clothing, and skin care must-haves. In this episode, Ashlee divulges which magical perfume earns her compliments from both flight attendants and sandwich shop employees, while Indiana shares a hack for keeping her wardrobe fresh through the holiday season. Plus, April explains why it's necessary to hire a babysitter to go shoe shopping with her husband. Whether your daily uniform is a ponytail and yoga pants or you can't leave the house without a swipe of red lipstick, we hope this lighthearted chat puts a smile on your face and reminds you that you're beautiful inside and out.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today Indiana is chatting with two of her real-life friends about the logistics of being full-time working moms. Jesse Coulter and Akia Ng join us to discuss the tightrope act of daily life, how they juggle childcare drop-offs and pick-ups, what they've had to "let go" of, and more. You'll also hear Jesse share how she prioritizes time with her husband (day dates!) and Akia admits she sometimes has stay-at-home-mom envy. Plus, we hear what moments make it all worthwhile.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Calling all Monica Gellers! From family schedules and laundry to email and to-do lists—today we're sharing the organizational tips and systems that keep our homes running (relatively?) smoothly. In this episode, April shares a smart hack for managing mail (tip: don't let it enter the house!), Ashlee passionately discusses her cutthroat approach to clutter, and Indi is mostly just here to listen and learn. Whether you geek out over a pretty color-coded calendar like April or keep your entire family's schedule in your head like Ashlee, we hope this conversation makes you smile and possibly inspires you to finally tackle that one system in your house that isn't working.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're talking about motherhood and work with Noonday Collection founder, Jessica Honegger. Despite the internal grappling she endured while building her company as a young mom, Jessica has learned in recent years to embrace the paradox of "and" instead of "either/or" when it comes to working. She also shares about an aha moment she experienced during an exchange with a stay-at-home mom in the middle of Starbucks. (Indi may or may not have cried.) Whether you work full-time or stay at home or find yourself somewhere in between, we hope this dialogue reminds you there is no one-size-fits-all for mothering, and that all of our unique roles are special and worth celebrating. 

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're pulling back the curtain on how we communicate with our spouses—from arguments to resolutions and everything in between. We're spilling the beans on our silliest recurring fights, how we do (and don't) flirt, and when/how we tackle hard conversations in our homes. Plus, you'll learn our stances on R-rated text messages and why nacho cheese is a surprisingly contentious topic! Whether you've been married for two years or two decades, we hope this conversation makes you smile and reminds you that all of our marriages are a work in progress.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

To wrap up our mini-series on growing your family, today we're talking about infertility with C+C writer Melanie Dale. We discuss how infertility can put pressure on your sex life, the depression Melanie experienced as she was going through fertility treatments, and how she eventually broke through to a healthy place with the help of girlfriends and a counselor. Plus, we hear all about the sperm illustrations in her forthcoming book, Infreakinfertility! For those of you who have walked this road before or are currently walking it now, we hope Melanie's voice gives you hope for the future and possibly helps you find a tiny bit of humor in it along the way.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

With Ashlee and April both being pregnant, we thought it was high time to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of gestating (speaking of ugly—does anyone else hate that word?). Tune in today to hear us discuss everything from first trimester puking to maternity fashion to whether or not it's appropriate to register for your third (or fourth!) baby. You'll also hear a short rant about the awkwardness of prenatal weigh-ins, and find out which host didn't know she was pregnant until she was 18 weeks along. Whether you're in the throes of morning sickness, debating if you can pull off maternity overalls (you so can!), or waddling around three days past your due date—this one goes out to all our fellow pregnant mommas. Growing a human is hard work, and you're doing an awesome job!  

As always, we hope this conversation fills you up like a coffee date with good girlfriends.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

In part two of our mini-series on growing a family, today we're addressing a side that isn't often discussed publicly: what happens when spouses disagree on whether or not their family is complete? C+C writers Jenn Batchelor and Anna Quinlan join host Indiana Adams for a vulnerable conversation on what it looks like when one spouse wants another baby, and the other doesn't. While we don't have a beautiful bow to wrap up today's episode with, we hope this raw and honest discussion encourages you, especially if you're walking a similar road with your spouse.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Bedtime: the struggle is real. Today we're talking about how we handle the end of the day—who's in charge of the routine, what tricks we use to keep our kids sleeping as long as possible, and what creative stunts our children can be found pulling at the 8pm hour. We all commiserate over sleep deprivation during those newborn months and April shares her personal philosophy on how getting your baby to sleep is kind of like meeting someone's pit bull.

We hope this conversation makes you smile and reminds you that you are not alone in your bedtime trials!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

 To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

When Kate receives the call about a newborn boy in need of foster care and a forever home, her heart is ready to open wide. Assured that the baby's mother is unlikely to regain custody, she dreams of a future with this child. Meanwhile, Cindy begins to see glimmers of hope amidst all her struggles. Fueled by faith and a determination to turn her life around, she begins the hard work of creating a stable home. Through time and a mutual love for the same baby boy, Kate and Cindy form an unlikely friendship. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to put the best interests first for the child they both cherish.

"Making a Mother" is a production of Coffee + Crumbs. 

Executive Producer, Writer: Ashlee Gadd. 

Producer, Writer, Host: Julie Vlahon. 

Music, Sound Design, Mix Engineer: Scott Vlahon

Special thanks to Amanda Morales. To learn more about Serenity Foster and Adoption or other information shared in today's episode visit our show notes at coffeeandcrumbs.net/makingamother. If this story impacted you, please consider sharing it with a friend and leaving a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by Needed—offering Radically Better Nutrition™. Use CC20 at checkout to get 20% off your first order.

Thank you for supporting the brands that helped make this series possible.

At Coffee + Crumbs, motherhood is what brings us together, but how did we get here? On today's episode, we discuss whether or not we always wanted to be mothers, what those conversations looked like with our partners, and if we're "done" now. You'll learn who used to play pregnancy by stashing pillows under her shirt, who dreams of having a Home Alone sized family around her Thanksgiving table, and who never thought she'd be a mom but had a change of heart. Stick around for a big announcement during the second half of the show … well, a few big announcements, actually!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

While we may still be hitting the pool daily and enjoying ice cream all-too-frequently, we can almost hear the school bus rambling around the corner. Today we're talking about all things back to school: packed lunches, first day of school traditions, the carpool situation, and more! Plus, April shares some tips for getting off to a great start with your child's teacher and it does NOT involve a mason jar (phew!). We also come up with a million dollar business idea so if you'd like to take MUber to Shark Tank on our behalf, please be our guest.

We hope this conversation gets you excited for the coming school year and maybe even inspires you to start a new tradition. Don't forget to stay tuned to the very end to hear this week's slow clap from listener MeLoni!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! 

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're wrapping up our mini-series on how to have important conversations with your kids, and, well, this one is going to make you blush the most because we're talking about SEX. Our guest today is Kristen Crichton, a marriage and family therapist and professor of human sexuality at William Jessup University.

Kristen packs a punch in this conversation, reminding us why this dialogue should start at birth—because the greatest enemy of sexual wholeness is silence. Plus, she reminds us that we need to be the ones to tell our kids sex is fun and also teach them to respect Mom and Dad's locked door. We hope you leave this episode feeling empowered to make the most of every opportunity and every curious observation!

Remember: if you need to practice saying body parts without blushing or giggling, this makes an excellent Girls Night In. For more on this topic, be sure to head to our shownotes for a comprehensive list of book recommendations from Kristen.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

While our homes may have been overtaken by Cheerios and Legos, we still have dreams of their potential. Today we're talking about all things home decor: how we define our home style, where we like to shop, what room we'd love to make over if we won the lottery, and some of our worst home decorating flops. Plus, Indiana tells us about her prized golden armadillo, and Ashlee shares why she'll never buy another rocking chair off Craigslist. We hope this conversation leaves you feeling inspired to channel your inner Joanna Gaines, right after you make the kids pick up those Legos … again.

P.S. Don't forget to head to our website and check out the mood boards we created in the show notes today!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Continuing our mini-series on how to have important conversations with your kids, on today's episode we tackle how to talk about tricky people. Sam Sutherland—a social worker with more than 10 years of experience working with schools and social welfare organizations—joins Indiana and Ashlee to share her expertise on this topic. In this conversation, you'll learn why it's best to use the term "tricky people" over stranger danger, five rules to teach our kids by the time they're five years old, and some general tips for how we can empower our kids to trust their instincts. Plus, we talk about Sam's stance on sleepovers, the difference between secrets and surprises, and why she's never afraid to be the bad guy. We hope you leave this episode feeling equipped to have this conversation with your kids, and possibly implement some new strategies to help keep your family safe.   

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

To Pinterest or not to Pinterest—that is the question. On today's episode we're talking about all things birthday party! From big themed bashes to simple parties at the park, we cover invitations, menus, gifts and more on this much-requested topic. Plus, Indiana reveals the full name of Chuck E. Cheese (who knew he had a real name?!), and Ashlee goes on an accidental rant about her deep hatred of goody bags. Whether you're an overachiever, underachiever, or fall right in the middle when it comes to birthday parties, remember: all kids really want is cake.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

As part of our debut mini-series on how to have important conversations with your kids, today we're talking all about race. Latasha Morrison, founder of beabridgebuilder.com, joins host Indiana Adams and Coffee + Crumbs writer Melanie Dale to educate us on how to approach this topic with our children, and how to lead by example in the quest for racial unity. Tasha also speaks about the difference between diversity and racial reconciliation, the difference between being color brave and color blind, and how we can equip our children to speak up when they witness an injustice. We hope this dialogue inspires you to start having some conversations about race in your home, if you haven't already.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Join us for today's episode as we reflect on our love/hate relationship with exercise. We may as well have titled this episode, Fitness: This is How We Don't. You'll hear Ashlee share about the first and last Bikram yoga class she ever took, find out the real reason Indiana takes up new exercise hobbies (hint: shoes are involved) and cringe along with us as April shares her horrifying yet hilarious ballet class fail. You may not walk away with many practical tips from this episode, but maybe your abs will get a work out from laughing? We sure hope so.

Like what you heard?

Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Let's hear it for the dads! On today's episode, Kevin Madsen (hilarious host of the HeyDad podcast) joins us to talk about all things #dadlife. We discuss the cultural shift taking place in modern day fatherhood, dad stereotypes that drive Kevin nuts, and why men need good friends just like women do. Plus, Kevin shares an encouraging word for women who want to empower their husbands to lean into their roles as fathers. As you know, we only have a man on our show once in a blue moon, so we hope you enjoy this extra-special Father's Day episode!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

On today's episode, we're chatting about all things summer vacation. From flying with babies to surviving epic road trips, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling better equipped next time you head out of town with kiddos in tow. In this episode, Ashlee shares her secret for keeping kids quiet in the car, Indiana reveals her deep-seated love of all things Disney, and everyone has a good laugh over April's travel motto: Eat, Pray, Prime. (As Melanie Shankle would say—put that on a t-shirt.) Happy summer travels!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

After struggling with infertility, IVF and multiple losses, Kate and her paraplegic husband choose to pursue adoption through the foster care system. Meanwhile, Cindy—battling homelessness and addiction—gives birth to her sixth child, a boy, who is immediately removed from her care. In the next episode, we learn how these two women's stories collide and intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Content warning: sexual assault and pregnancy loss.

"Making a Mother" is a production of Coffee + Crumbs. 

Executive Producer, Writer: Ashlee Gadd. 

Producer, Writer, Host: Julie Vlahon. 

Music, Sound Design, Mix Engineer: Scott Vlahon

For more information on today's episode—including podcast club discussion guides—check out our show notes at coffeeandcrumbs.net/makingamother. If you'd like to support the show, please share this episode with a friend and consider leaving us a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts. 

This episode is brought to you by Needed—offering Radically Better Nutrition™. Use CC20 at checkout to get 20% off your first order.

This episode is also brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CC10 and get 10% off your first month.

Thank you for supporting the brands that helped make this series possible.

On today's episode of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, we approach a topic that every mother has likely faced at some point: loneliness. In this honest conversation, we unpack why motherhood in particular feels so isolating sometimes and ask ourselves, how can we be good friends even when we feel lonely ourselves? Whether you're new to motherhood altogether, or a veteran mom who hasn't found her tribe yet, we hope you can relate to this vulnerable conversation and walk away inspired to put yourself out there. Plus, you'll get to hear how Indiana and Katie (our podcast producer) met over a very glamorous matchmaking scheme in the middle of Costco. If you only get one thing from this episode, let it be this: even in your loneliness, you are not alone.

Can you relate to this conversation? Who are the friends that keep this season of motherhood from being lonely for you?

Like what you heard?

Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Ever wonder how other couples manage to have a regular date night once kids enter the picture? Today April, Indiana and Ashlee chat about the complexity of making date night happen with kids running around. You'll hear how the concept of 'date night' has changed from pre-kids to post-kids, how they make childcare work, what makes for a great date, and of course, what makes for a bad one as well. Plus, April shares about her 'stay-in date night clothes' and you'll get to find out what bizarre thing Indiana and her husband did for a cheap night out back in college. Whether your ideal date night includes a four-course meal at a hip restaurant or eating takeout on the couch, we hope you feel encouraged after this episode to plan a date night of your own this month! 

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

On today's show we talk with proud Texan, veteran blogger and New York Times bestselling author, Melanie Shankle, or as you may know her, Big Mama. Melanie was one of our most requested guests last season so we were thrilled she was able to share her hilarious, raw, and beautiful view of motherhood with us. Find out where the nickname Big Mama comes from, what lie both she and April are guilty of telling their pediatrician, and laugh along with us as we reflect on the myriad mundane moments that make up a life of mothering. Disclaimer: you'll also learn what the tweens today consider "oldies" on their playlists—and it's gonna make you feel old.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're talking about something close to all of our hearts: the art of gift giving. We share the good, the bad and the downright ugly gifts we've received, and we also share our philosophy on what makes a good gift (hint: it's not about the money). In this episode we offer tips for how to come up with a great gift when you're stumped and we laugh about the curse of being a gift-loving girl married to a man who just doesn't get it. Plus, you'll hear all about that one time Indiana's husband gave her a nose hair trimmer. Join us and laugh along as we unpack the art of giving gifts, Coffee + Crumbs style.

P.S. We've linked our favorite gift-giving sources and more gifts we love in the show notes today, so check them out!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

"Exhaustion has become the social norm among busy women. And let's admit the hard truth, we often find ourselves glorifying those busy schedules, giving ourselves a pat on the back when we squeeze one more commitment into an already too-packed day, and admiring others who seem to handle the juggling act as if they were a professional in a three-ring circus."

On today's episode Indiana talks with Shaunti Feldhahn, author and social researcher, about her latest research-based book, Finding Rest, and the practices science says we should make a part of our daily lives in order to become more rested women. Listen as they unpack the lie we believe that keeps us from rest and don't miss Shaunti sharing one simple thing that has been scientifically shown to improve 89% of relationships within 30 days ...

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

In today's episode, we're chatting about all things meal planning! Can you guess who geeks out over meal planning, who couldn't get dinner on the table without her kitchen gadgets, and who would rather just serve cereal for dinner?! You'll also hear Indiana show off her French skills and break down what on earth 'sous-vide' means, while April describes her "old school" meal planning techniques. Plus, Ashlee shares about that one time she went to McDonald's in the middle of the night while she was pregnant and destroyed the evidence before crawling back into bed. Whether you're a meal planning pro or cereal enthusiast, we hope you find laughter and grace in our "fed is best" motto for this episode.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

"You don't have to be blooming to be growing." Oh, how encouraged we are by these words from Ruth Chou Simons! On today's episode Indiana and Ashlee chat with Ruth, artist, photographer and mom to six boys, about her initial calling as an artist, her current blossoming career and what life looked like in the waiting in between. We talk about what it looks like to cultivate hope in the midst of the mundane, uncertainty, and creative setbacks.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

What do you do when your baby stops napping? (Tip: cry is not the answer.) In the first of our brand-new "This Is How We Do" episodes, Indiana, April and Ashlee share how they carve out time for themselves each day now that their kids are older. Quiet time, rest time, play-by-yourself-away-from-mommy-time … whatever you call it, this is when momma gets a much-needed break. Plus, you'll learn why Ashlee is still hanging on to her baby gate, why Indiana doesn't keep toys in her kids' rooms, and the magical "adventure treat" April hands out to keep her kids busy.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

When was the last time you and a friend had a conversation that got really vulnerable? Come to think of it, when was the last time you had a conversation with a friend about anything at all?! In today's episode Indiana chats with Jamie Ivey about the necessity of friendship, the value of vulnerability and how to be a "safe person" for others. Tune in to hear what Indiana does to make Jamie (almost) cry and stick around for Jamie's encouraging word for mothers of young children.

Like what you heard?

Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

We're baaaaack! In our premiere episode for season three, we're tackling motherhood + social media. Like most things, social media is neutral in and of itself, but it's the way we use it that has the power to build us up or tear us down. This week we're talking about how we use social media as both consumers and creators, why we occasionally take breaks from Instagram, what happens when we compare ourselves to others online, and the pitfalls of seeking validation from strangers. You'll also get to meet our fabulous new podcast host—who, of course!—found out about the job on Instagram.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Making a Mother is a collection of raw, honest stories about some of the complex circumstances and unthinkable challenges women face in the pursuit of motherhood. These stories speak to the physical scars left on our bodies, as well as the emotional scars left on our hearts. Featuring universal themes of loss and redemption, broken dreams and resilience, deep heartache and unwavering love—each episode showcases one woman's unique story of courage, hope, and tenacity.

Making a Mother will be released in January of 2025. If getting a peek into these stories moves you the way it moves us, we'd love for you to be part of our Making a Mother podcast launch team.

It's our final episode in 2017 (sob!) and Lesley has a big announcement to make (more sobs!). This week we're answering YOUR questions. You'll hear us chat about our favorite mom hacks, our favorite beauty products, how we talk to our kids about faith, and how we deal with rough toddler transitions. We also tackle mom guilt, sleep training, and picky eating. Oh, and April gets a serious case of the giggles when Ashlee confesses how many times she's joined and quit the gym. This episode is extra long, and we hope it tides you over until we return next year!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Christmas is around the corner and we are determined to enjoy the season. In this episode we talk with Alex Kuykendall about her new book, Loving My Actual Christmas. You'll hear us discuss how to fall in love with the season again, reflecting on themes of advent—hope, love, joy and peace—plus, practical advice on common Christmas stressors such as finances, schedules and extended family. We hope you'll finish this episode with the encouragement to go easy on yourself, remember what truly matters, and find joy in your own imperfect Christmas.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

In this episode Lesley chats with Sharon Hodde Miller about her new book, Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It's Not About You. We talk about insecurity—including our struggles with measuring ourselves against other women, the perils of image management, and what happens when we make parenting all about us. But it's not all deep and heavy! Sharon also tells a story about a fun surprise her husband recently planned for their anniversary and we discuss the classic 90's film She's All That. While we continue to live in a self-focused culture, we hope this paradigm-shifting message encourages you and challenges you in all the right ways.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Making baby books, creating photos albums, and keeping track of hundreds of family videos is enough to make any momma break out in hives! This week we're talking about allllll the ways to keep track of your family memories with easy, creative ideas for every personality type. From our favorite brands and products to technical logistics, we'll help you make a plan for storing and displaying all the beautiful memories you make each year. Plus, Ashlee gives a Christmas card photo pep talk, and April asks if she should make her kids a Powerpoint. Don't worry—we talked her out of that idea. Join us for a fun (and practical!) episode on how to preserve memories while also preserving your sanity.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

When a family learns their child has a disability, the road ahead is often filled with many questions, pain and unknowns. In this episode, Lesley chats with two very special mamas about their very special kids. Katie Blackburn (a listener favorite and our first returning guest!) is back sharing about her son's recent autism diagnosis along with Regina Robinson, mama to four children including a son with Down Syndrome. We encourage all women to listen to this episode with a pen in hand, ready to learn how to navigate the waters of a new diagnosis, or, to simply discover how to encourage the families at your playgrounds and churches who need friends in their journey.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

It's a decision every woman makes at some point in her motherhood journey: will she stay home, work part-time, juggle an at-home business, or work full-time? For some the decision is obvious; for others, it's a series of fluctuating factors. In this special ad-free episode, we are getting real honest about the joys and struggles of pursuing part-time work while raising young children. We discuss all that went into our decisions, things we didn't consider but wished we had, and the pros and cons of working from home. No matter where you fall on the spectrum—stay-at-home mom, full-time working mom, or somewhere in between—we hope you'll feel encouraged by this conversation and remember that God has a unique plan for your life and family.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

In this episode we're talking to three mothers about their different educational values and choices. From a public Spanish immersion school to Charlotte Mason homeschooling to a classical style private school, you'll hear how each family landed on their respective choices, what they love about their schools, and some of the things to consider as you wrestle with options for your own family—including how faith can play a role in that decision. We hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged and empowered, better understanding the choices other mothers make and the beauty that comes with every option.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

If you've been a mom longer than 24 hours (or should we say 24 minutes?), you know there's no room for perfectionism when it comes to parenting. So why do most of us still hold ourselves to unrealistic standards? In this episode, we talk with recovering perfectionist, Sarah R. Bagley, about how children have changed our "good enough" meters. We also talk about what the weight of control feels like physically, how to avoid passing the perfectionism gene to our kids, and our advice for new moms who are worried they're not getting it right (Sarah may have made us cry with that one!). Plus, Lesley gives Ashlee a lunch box hack that's changing her morning routine for the better.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Life is messy. We know this. But women––ordinary, everyday women––have never been braver, stronger, or more self-empowered. We are, as Jen Hatmaker says, bringing moxie back. In this episode we get to chat with one of our favorite women on the planet about her new book "Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild And Glorious Life." With her classic humor and warmth, Jen gives us the pep talk we didn't even know we needed—permission to leave our mom guilt behind, chase our God-given talents, and 'feel our feelings' whether we're sending kids off to kindergarten or college this fall. Plus, because we couldn't resist, we also ask her about incredibly important things like fashion, Whole30 and This Is Us.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

In this week's episode we keep it light and fun with a guide to getting dressed—from the actual logistics of getting ready in the morning (anyone tried to put on skinny jeans with a baby hanging on one leg?) to how important it is to change out of yoga pants every once in a while. From fluctuating bodies to changing careers, April, Ashlee and Lesley share what they've learned about style since becoming mothers. Plus, April shares her favorite postpartum clothing tips, and Ashlee explains why she hopped on the capsule wardrobe bandwagon. This is an episode for anyone who needs a reminder that while fashion can be fun, it's also not where we'll truly find our confidence. (Phew!)

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

From deserted baby books to the tens of thousands of photos sitting on our phones, it's easy to feel perpetually behind in memory keeping. Today, as we talk about the challenges of commemorating all the milestones, we also share our imperfect wins and how our approach has drastically changed since becoming first-time moms. Katie has a revelation about redefining what is actually worth remembering, while Ashlee shares her desire to capture the "essence" of her kids instead of data. We've come to the conclusion that a) we need to lower our expectations, and b) the chaotic, silly, and in-between moments are the ones that actually make up our lives. We hope this episode inspires you to keep doing your best—via quick notes jotted in a journal or by leaving the camera on the counter—to make those everyday memories the ones you keep. 

This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous 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 us (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast.

Listen to this bonus episode to see what else is saving our lives, besides taking the pressure off of memory keeping. 

For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

Today's candid conversation is with Rachael Kincaid (one of our all-time favorite people to follow on the Internet!). We cover the full gamut of topics—from what it's like to become a mother of six in just three short years, to some of the joys and challenges of step-parenting. We also talk about why her youngest children aren't involved in many extracurricular activities, what it's like to not have a dishwasher, how Rach and her husband protect their marriage, and how she gets time with each kid despite working full time outside the home. Rachael has been inspiring us online for years, and we're so thrilled to share a bit of her heart with you this week!

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

When Coffee + Crumbs listener Allie Roepe reached out to us last fall with a show idea around being a mother "half the time," we asked if she'd be interested in sharing her experience. In this episode we talk about what it's like to parent after a divorce, Allie's desire to split equal custody with her ex-husband, why their arrangement is even harder as time passes, and the everyday logistics of sharing custody. Allie also offers her encouragement for single moms or families navigating custody conversations. Plus, we talk about what we're reading, watching, and making for breakfast these days.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Everyone loves a good birth story, so, as April put it, we're bringing you the Coffee + Crumbs Vagina Monologues. In this episode we talk about allll the different ways we've birthed our babies from c-sections to epidurals to the un-medicated route--and the things we've liked and disliked about each. Plus, we get real about hospital undies and share the best advice you might ever hear about birth plans. You *might* want to listen to this one with headphones on.

Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.