Coffee + Crumbs Podcast

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.

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.

In honor of Father's Day, we're thrilled to be interviewing our first male guest! Father and couples counselor Zach Brittle joins us this week to talk about the transition into fatherhood, how dads can find friendship (and whether moms should help), and the very best thing you can get a man for Father's Day. This candid conversation about parenthood and marriage will be an episode that both moms and dads can relate to. Plus, Ashlee gears up for Whole 30, and we share a few bands that are making us happy 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 Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

This week April and Lesley talk with Sarah Powers, co-host of The Mom Hour Podcast, about the best and hardest parts of having three kids. We talk about what went into our decisions to grow our families, how our pregnancies and births differed each time, and the hardest parts of adjusting to life with three. Plus, Sarah offers encouragement for moms of littles (it only gets better!) and April lusts after Lesley's leather minivan seats. 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 with Catherine McNiel about incorporating spiritual disciplines into our lives as mothers. That's right: we're diving into rich, soul-inspiring practices for moms who want to grow in their faith, but have neither quiet nor time. Regardless of your background, this is a guilt-free episode for mothers who want to connect with God without adding more "shoulds" into their lives. Plus, Catherine's encouragement to young mommas who find going to church in this stage of life flat out exhausting. 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.

What are you doing to celebrate Mother's Day this year? What do you wish you were doing? This week we're talking about all things Mother's Day: the history of the holiday itself, what to do when your spouse isn't a mind-reader, how to share the day with others, and what our ideal Mother's Day really looks like. Plus, fellow C+C writer Sonya Spillmann gets honest about why this holiday can be extra bittersweet for women who've lost their own mothers. 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.

This week we're talking with Jena Holliday-- artist, illustrator, and creator of Spoonful of Faith. You'll hear us talk about what it's like to mother when you have a chronic illness, and why autoimmune diseases can be especially mysterious and frustrating for so many women. Jena also offers gentle advice to moms who are struggling with their identity, and how to take the first step in chasing dreams. Plus, Jena and Lesley both get brave and share dreams they haven't said out loud before! 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.

The Magic of Motherhood is officially out! This week we're recapping all things book launch: the party in Sacramento, what it was like for the Coffee + Crumbs writers to meet in real life, our favorite moments from the weekend, and more! Plus, you'll hear Ashlee Gadd and April Hoss read one of their essays from The Magic of Motherhood. We wish we could have parties in all the cities, but until we win the lottery, this recap is the best we could do. 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.

Marriage is hard work. Throw in a few kids and it can be extra, extra hard work. In this episode, we're getting real honest about some of the storms we've weathered in our marriages. Plus, you'll hear why all of us are advocates for marriage counseling, how we split up household chores, creative ways we make time for our spouses, and April's three guiding questions for couples who work opposite schedules. 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 baaaaaack! The giggles and chit chat are at an all time high as we reconnect after our long three month break from podcasting. In this episode we're talking about all the ways we've changed since having children--from the stuff we swore we'd never let our kids wear and do, to our post-baby beauty routines. Plus, we're joined by a few C+C writers as we vulnerably share some of the ways our bodies look and feel different since birthing 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 celebrating the end of our first season by answering listener questions. In this super fun episode you'll hear Ashlee, April and Lesley talk about everything from sleep training to breastfeeding, what we're making for dinner, the best postpartum jeans, establishing our own family traditions, and what we're buying our kids for Christmas. We hope you'll laugh with us as we joyfully celebrate the end of season one. 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.

April Hoss reads her essay, Consider Yourself Warned, about how difficult the holiday season can be for women waiting to get pregnant or adopt.

In this episode we interview hit blogger and HGTV.com star Erin Loechner about how she turned away from fame and frenzy to chase a slower lifestyle. We talk about everything from capsule wardrobes to slow blogging, cutting down on social media use, and managing gift giving during the holiday season. This one will change your perspective, renew your priorities, and shift your focus for 2017. 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.

On today's Coffee Break, Lesley reads her essay Preparing to Jump, about the sometimes complicated decision of trying to get pregnant for the first time.

In this episode, Lesley gets to chat with New York Times bestselling author, Ann Voskamp, about her new book The Broken Way. You'll hear Ann's encouragement for moms who feel like they don't have enough time in their days (hint: swap your to-do list with a to-love list), and learn what the gift of going first means. Plus—why both women are drawing crosses on their wrists, some of Ann's advice for mama writers, and her charge to Americans on Election Day. If you're feeling sad, discouraged or just a little fragile—this is an episode you don't want to miss. 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!

On today's Coffee Break, regular C+C contributor Melanie Dale talks about that one time she snuck away to a movie theater in the middle of the day with a friend, and why having older kids is awesome.

When Love Feels Heavy by N'tima Preusser is still, by far, the most well-read essay on Coffee + Crumbs. Today, N'tima shares more about her postpartum mental health journey, subtle signs that you may be struggling with depression or anxiety, and some ideas of what to do if you are. This is one of our most authentic, touching episodes yet; a breath of fresh air for any mama in the trenches of infant life. 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!

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and it's a season for recognizing the pain so many families experience but don't always feel comfortable talking about. In this episode Lesley talks to clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Zucker about her personal story of loss, the grief process and changing the way we talk about miscarriage. Plus, hear about a new C+C initiative to help mothers in developing countries. 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!

This week we're talking to Krystal Festerly, mom of three and editor of The Village Magazine. You'll hear all about how The Village got started--she launched it the same day she gave birth to her second child--and why the quarterly publication is dedicated to bringing back sisterhood between mommas. Plus, hear a little about Krystal's third birth, and why she calls it a healing experience. 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!

In part two of our working mom conversation, Lesley and Kelsey discuss the term "default parent" and how they split up household chores with their husbands. Plus, three things Kelsey does as soon as she walks in the door at night, her kitchen whiteboard system to manage the chaos, how she gets herself fed every morning (freezer burritos!), and the chores her family chooses to outsource. 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!

Being a full-time working mom is quite the juggling act. In this episode, Lesley talks with Kelsey Wharton, co-host of The Girl Next Door podcast. You'll hear about Kelsey's transition back to work after her first baby (it was harder than she thought it would be), simple ways she simplifies her evenings, and how all moms need to support each other in the quest to make workplaces more breastfeeding/pumping friendly. Plus, hear about Kelsey's beauty capsule routine and how a sleep coach saved her sanity. (Also: spoiler alert! This is a two-part episode with Kelsey. Check back later this week for the second half of our conversation.) 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!

Being a mom is all of it: light and dark, highs and lows, fever pitch frustration and all-consuming love. In this episode we get to chat with Mandy Arioto, author of the newly released book Starry-Eyed, about how the brightest and darkest moments of motherhood can become a sacred opportunity to encounter God. We talk about pursuing rest in our busy lives, celebrating our worthy callings as mothers, beating the comparison trap, and why telling our stories is so important. Plus, the single most important question you can ask another woman and a few tips on keeping little ones busy in the late afternoon hours. 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!

This is an episode with a very special mama of two very special kids. We're talking with Heather Avis, author of the The Lucky Few, about raising children with Down Syndrome. Find out what made Heather afraid when she was preparing to adopt them, how we as parents can teach our kids to be inclusive of children who may look or act different, and why raising a child with special needs is the ultimate honor. Plus, April and Lesley lament the terrible day when children give up their mid-day nap. This is an episode that will encourage your soul and may even cause you to look differently at your own parenting 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!

Creating a baby registry is one of the most overwhelming tasks for soon-to-be-parents. In this episode, we're talking about our favorite registry items, the things we registered for but never used, and strategies for finding products that work for your unique personality and lifestyle. We also chat about some of our favorite brands, the ongoing search for the perfect stroller (#facepalm), and why Babylist is the best baby registry on the planet. Plus, you'll get to eavesdrop as Ashlee, Lesley, and April learn a lot of new facts about each other (one of them uses pacifier wipes, gasp). Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave a review on iTunes!

It's hard to stay original on the internet, but Nicole DeFord of Jelly Bird Signs shares how she finds inspiration to create her wildly popular rustic wooden signs which sell out within seconds of their release on Etsy. We chat about her unique business model, what it's like to work with her husband, best advice for decorating your house, and how to pursue art in the midst of a crazy, busy life. Plus, all three ladies admit to driving minivans. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave a review on iTunes! kmuk2yxy

In this week's episode, Lesley interviews three Coffee + Crumbs writers about how they each adopted baby boys through the foster care system. We discuss why they chose this route of adoption, the best and hardest parts along the way, and how to take the first step. Whether you're considering adoption for your own family, or simply want to be inspired by real stories of powerful love, this is an episode you shouldn't miss. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave a review on iTunes!

With summer around the corner, fitness is at top of mind for many women. But beating yourself up, or using guilt as a way to motivate you to eat right and exercise, never works. In this episode, pilates instructor Robin Long of The Balanced Life encourages moms to take care of their body and mind, once and for all. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave a review on iTunes!

Is every pregnancy the same? Is labor always scary, even if you've done it before? Three pregnant mamas talk about the unique fears, joys, and challenges they're experiencing while anticipating first, second and third babies. Plus, the baby products we're most excited about owning this time around. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave a review on iTunes!

Get ready for a fascinating conversation with an American mom raising her bicultural and bilingual daughter in Guatemala. We talk about how our own traditions and childhoods play into our parenting, the role of extended family in raising a child, and the beauty of owning fewer material items amongst other interesting differences in raising a child outside the United States. And, for our listeners with a sweet tooth, Ashlee and Lesley discuss their sugar addiction (and why it's totally fine to eat dessert every night!) Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus you'll find show notes for this episode and a shop full of darling products for moms. Also, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave us a review in iTunes!

We're convinced there are few childhood milestones parents fear more than potty training. Get ready for a hilarious and honest conversation with Lesley, Ashlee and April as they share the highs and lows of their own children's experiences. Whether you're gearing up to potty train, or in the thick of a terrible training experience, you'll love this fun and encouraging potty pep talk. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for episode show notes and a growing archive of inspiring essays and podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes!

The road to motherhood isn't always easy. In fact, 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility. In this episode, April and Lesley interview regular Coffee + Crumbs writer, Suzy Krause, about her pregnancy story. Suzy talks about how Mother's Day can be an especially difficult holiday, the role social media can play in the painful waiting game, and what to say (and not to say) to a friend trying to get pregnant. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for episode show notes and a growing archive of inspiring essays and podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes!

Three self-employed working moms discuss the importance of teaching our kids what we do when we're not emptying the dishwasher. Plus, hear about the logistics, joys and challenges of pursuing career ambitions while managing the demands of young children. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus show notes on this and every episode. Also, don't forget to subscribe and/or leave a review in iTunes!

When you have three kids under the age of three, you know a thing or two about the joys and frustrations of motherhood. We chat with regular Coffee + Crumbs writer, Katie Blackburn, about keeping a big picture perspective during the very busy season of mothering young children. Katie offers wise and encouraging advice for any woman in the trenches of motherhood, plus April, Katie and Lesley talk about how often kids get sick all the time. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus show notes on this and every episode. Also, don’t forget to subscribe and/or leave a review in iTunes!

What’s scarier: a swanky cocktail party where you don’t know anyone, or trying to break into the mom circle at your local park? In this episode, Lesley and Ashlee talk with author Melanie Dale about why friendship with other moms is so important, the four bases in a mom dating relationship, and how to take a friendship to the next level. Plus, the easiest way to feel pretty when you’re six months pregnant. Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus show notes on this and every episode. Also, don’t forget to subscribe and/or leave a review in iTunes!

Welcome to the all-new, much anticipated podcast from Coffee + Crumbs. In our first episode we chat about what you can expect from our new show, or, how we basically want to be Sarah Koenig when we grow up. Plus, hear about Ashlee’s love for grocery store flower bouquets, and the big mistake April made before her scheduled c-section. (Hint: we’re talking about bikini waxes!) Like what you heard? Visit www.coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey, plus show notes on this and every episode. Also, don’t forget to subscribe and/or leave a review in iTunes!