
No Manual: A Momcast
70 episodes — Page 1 of 2
Motherhood Looks Good on Us
Raising a Business While Raising a Baby: With Erin Dockstader
Mom Hot Takes
Why My Toddler Cried: The Two Toddler Edition
Guilt, Gratitude, and the Myth of "Every Moment"

Ep 64Parenting on Purpose: Passing Down Faith, Not Just Rules
This week Erika and Laura discuss what it looks like to share faith as a parenting, wanting to guide their children in faith, from the little moments each day to showing what big faith and how the character of Jesus shapes us. Talking about the real pressure of getting it right and the joy of watching faith blossom.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 63Scrolling Through Motherhood: When Information Becomes Overload
This week Erika and Laura discuss parenting and motherhood with the internet. How much information is too much? Does having the internet as a parent help or hinder our abilities and instincts? When do we google and when do we put our phones down?If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 62Second Time Around: Surviving (and Loving) Year One Again
This week Erika and Laura look back on the first year with their seconds born babies, Zada and Cruz. The joys of having two kids, the struggles of wanting to show up for both kids well and everything in between. They discuss how easy it is to forget what to expect from kid to kid and hoe fun it is to watch the sibling love grow.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 61A Dadcast: What Kind of Humans I’m (we're) Trying to Raise Ft. Stuart Simpson
This week, Erika sits down with her husband, Stuart, to talk about the values and life skills he hopes to pass on to their kids. From cultivating humility and keeping Christ at the center of their lives to practical lessons like changing the oil in their cars and driving a stick shift, Stuart shares what he believes matters most. He also speaks candidly about the responsibility he feels as a father and the weight—and privilege—of shaping the next generation.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 60Discovering A Rhythm: A Journey With Fertility Awareness With Lindsay Boyko
This week Erika and Laura sit down with return guest Lindsay Boyko to discuss all things fertility tracking. Lindsay shares her journey of learning about the reality of her body and tracking menstrual cycles, using tracking effectively as a birth control method to getting pregnant and the peace and joy that comes with understanding the changes and rhythms of her body.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 59Before the Babies: The Little Things We Secretly Miss
This week Erika and Laura get real about the things the miss from before motherhood, Discussing the reality of loving their children and not wanting to give up motherhood for the world and wishing they could sleep in anytime and go on spontaneous date nights still.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 58Not the Ultrasound We Expected With Mama Beth
This week Erika and Laura sit down for an emotional and raw conversation with Mama Beth about her experience with ectopic pregnancy. From the physical pain to the emotional struggle of learning she would never have another baby. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 57When He Shows Up: The Little Things That Mean Everything
This week Erika and Laura discuss what support looks like in their homes. How their husbands, Stuart and Michael support them every day from checking if anything is needed on the way home from work and making sure there is time for showers and self care. Having a good teammate makes all the difference and shouting out the things that keep things going.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 56Mom Moments
This week Erika and Laura talk about some of the mom moments that didn't make the cut before, sharing about play places kisses and and watching movies in silence, the funny, the emotional, the stressful. We all have them, If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 55The Part They Don’t Post: Running on Empty
This week Erika and Laura get real and vulnerable about what is hard in this season of parenting. The challenges of maintaining relationships while being constantly needed by your kiddos to not having time for self-care and everything in between.If you want to check in along with us:What is emotionally hardest?What is physically hardest?What is mentally hardest?What is relationally hardest?If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 54ABC, OMG: The Alphabet According to Toddlers
This week Erika and Laura share the alphabet in their households. Their toddler's most commonly used words or phrases for each letter. From favorite grandparents to sassy phrases to memorized books. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 53Coffee, Cuddles, and Sleep Regression
This week Erika and Laura discuss the struggles of sleep regression. Getting real about having baby's and toddler's not sleeping at night, fighting naps, waking up early, needing extra support sleeping and trying to figure out how to survive with coffee and the occasional nap.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 52Christmas Survival Stories
This week Erika and Laura talk about Christmas. Sharing the joys of watching the delight on their kids faces opening presents, the struggles of too much sugar and overestimation and what's its like to be the one creating the magic. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 51One Year: Still No Manual, Still Figuring It Out
In this special one year anniversary episode Erika and Laura talk about what this year of podcasting and creating No Manual: A Momcast has looked like. From the origin story of how they started, to the episodes that have meant the most and some behind the scenes stories never shared.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 50A No Manual Christmas
This week Erika and Laura get in the Christmas spirit talking about the traditions they grew up with, what they hope to continue with their kids, the traditions they are starting with their families, Santa, and the joys of celebrating Christmas as moms.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 49A Dadcast: Dad Quiz Ft. Stuart Simpson
This week Erika sits down with her husband Stuart to quiz him on what he knows about her, their lives, and most importantly-- the kids. From clothing sizes to favorite snacks and coffee orders. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 48Motherhood Around The World
This week Erika and Laura talk about what motherhood looks like around the world, sharing birthing and postpartum experiences, sleep expectations, maternity leave, and coming of age traditions. Sharing their thoughts on the traditions they love and the ones they're happy to skip and learning more about how parenting around the world differs and yet is all the same. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 47Life Lately: The State of Our Sanity
This week Erika and Laura discuss what life looks like right now raising two year olds, infants, and working full time jobs. The fun parts, the hard parts, and the general reality of being moms in this stage of life.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 46It Takes a Village
This week Erika and Laura discuss community in motherhood. What does "It Takes a Villages" actually mean, what does that look like. Wishes for their villages and how they hope to be better villagers.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 45Chaos & Choices: The Mom ‘Would You Rather’ Challenge
This week Erika and Laura have some fun and some laughs asking some would you rather questions debating the real tough motherhood questions like spit up vs milk spills and stepping on a lego vs listening to Baby Shark. Join us on Instagram to continue the debates.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 44The Courage to Pause: Choosing Family Over the 9-to-5 With Lindsey O'Donnell
This week Erika and Laura sit down with Lindsey O'Donnell to talk about the journey she took from full time working mom to staying home with her kids. From adjusting to not having a boss and the struggle of no longer financially contributing to the family to changing their life around to make this big change work. She tells us how her priorities changed and about the struggles and joys of the SAHM life.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 43Candy, Costumes, and Chaos: A Halloween Chat
This week Erika and Laura get excited for Halloween. Talking how they feel about Halloween as moms, favorite costumes, childhood traditions, traditions they want to continue. Including listener submissions.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 42What's Saving Our Lives: Mom Edition 2
This week Erika and Laura are back to discussing the everyday things—big and small—that are helping them survive and even thrive in this current season of motherhood. Inspired by Kendra Adachi, host of The Lazy Genius podcast and her regular practice of “What’s saving your life right now?”, Erika and Laura take a thoughtful look at the top 10 things that are bringing them sanity, joy, and a little bit of breathing room amidst the chaos.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 41No One Talks About This Part: The Loneliness of Being a Mom
This week Erika and Laura discuss how isolating mom life can be. Motherhood is often painted with images of joy, bonding, and unconditional love — but there’s another side that rarely gets talked about: the loneliness. With 82% of moms reporting feeling alone this is one of the most common struggles of motherhood. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or somewhere in between, that sense of being "alone in a full house" can creep in — especially in the quiet moments no one sees. This conversation isn’t about fixing or judging — it’s about acknowledging what’s real. If you’ve ever felt alone in your motherhood journey, this one’s for you.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 40Healing in Motion: A Story of Solo Parenting and Resilience with Stacy Wright
This week Erika and Laura sit down with Stacy Wright as she tells us about navigating solo parenting after the loss of her husband to cancer. From keeping his memory alive in their family to finding a community to help with meals, school pickups and care problems, Stacy talks about the reality of loss as a wife and mother and how she survived.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 39Rage, Guilt, Repeat: The Hidden Struggle of Motherhood
This week Erika and Laura talk about something that so many moms know and yet we hardly ever are honest about; Mom Rage. From the moments when we feel out of control and explode to the crushing guilt that comes after and trying to learn how to give ourselves grace and figure out what steps to take to not let the rage control us. If you've experienced anger, frustration, and rage this one's for you. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 38Young, Strong, and a Mom: The Story of a Teen Mom with LaNae Jenneiahn
This week Erika and Laura talk with LaNae about her experience becoming a mom at 17 in a religious household. From the shame that comes from others to the determination to make it work before adulthood even hit, LaNae shares the realities, the struggles, the joys, and how she made it.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 37When Birth Becomes Power: One Mom’s Redemptive Home Birth Journey With Elle Flowers
This week Erika and Laura continue talking with Elle Flowers about her motherhood experience. Sharing her story of welcoming her biological kids into the world, feeling uninformed and out of control a traumatic c-section to knowing everything a mom can know to experiencing a redemptive labor and delivery in her own home, Elle shares what she's learned and experienced. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 36Full Circle: A Foster Mom’s Journey Through Reunification, Heartbreak, and Adoption With Elle Flowers
This week Erika and Laura talk with Elle Flowers about her experiences through motherhood. Becoming a mom through foster care, the bittersweet experience of her first placement being reunified and fostering the boys who ended up staying with her forever. Her journey shows the real truths of being a foster mom, from the frustrations and heartbreak to the unimaginable love for another mom's child.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 35Remaining You While Raising Them Book Review Part 2
This week Erika and Laura continue talking book club style discussing their thoughts about Alli Worthington's book "Remaining You While Raising Them: The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood" discussing topics like social media, mom guilt, self-care, perfection, and allowing our kids to fail.Remaining You While Raising ThemIf you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 34Remaining You While Raising Them Book Review Part 1
This week Erika and Laura start talking book club style discussing their thoughts about Alli Worthington's book "Remaining You While Raising Them: The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood" discussing topics like social media, mom guilt, self-care, perfection, and allowing our kids to fail.Remaining You While Raising ThemIf you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 33Slack Messages & Snack Requests: Surviving Work-from-Home Mom Life
This week Erika and Laura discuss the chaotic collision of remote work and raising kids. From sending Slack updates mid-diaper change to answering emails while nursing, we’re spilling all the messy, magical, and mildly unprofessional truths about juggling careers and kiddos under the same roof.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 32Crisis of the Week: Mom Was Singing
This week Erika and Laura have some laughs about the things their toddlers cried about this week. From sweet empathies to having to put on pants and everything in-between.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 31A Dadcast: The Kids Will Remember This… Probably Ft. Stuart Simpson
This week as Stuart fills in for Laura, Erika and Stuart discuss some of the traditions and rituals they have started as a family that they cherish the most. From daily routines to special milestone celebrations and all the sweet moments in-between. What are your favorite family traditions?If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 30Sleep-Deprived and Still Alive: 2 Years of Mom Mayhem
This week Erika and Laura reflect on their first two years of motherhood as Lloyd and Colt's 2nd birthdays come up. Discussing some of the fun and wonderful highs as well as the lows they weren't prepared for. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 29I Am Tired, Thanks: Our Mom Pet Peeves
This week Erika and Laura are venting just a little bit. From being told we "look tired" (gee, thanks) to people overstepping boundaries and acting like they're the parents— this episode is all about the little (and big) things that drive us absolutely bonkers.What things drive you crazy as a mom?If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 28The Silent Storm: A Journey Through Postpartum Depression With Ambree Shehan
This week Erika and Laura sit down with Ambree Shehan, in this powerful and vulnerable episode as she opens up about her deeply personal experience with postpartum depression. From the quiet moments of struggle to the path toward healing, Ambree shares the raw truth behind the smiles and lullabies.We explore what postpartum depression really looks and feels like, how societal expectations can silence mothers, and why seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.Whether you're a new mom, a partner, a friend, or simply someone who wants to understand PPD better, this conversation offers compassion, connection, and hope.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 27More Than Grandma: A Guardian, A Guide, A Hero with Sharon Bauer
This week Erika and Laura sit down with Sharon Bauer (Laura's grandmother-in-law!) to discuss what are experience was like raising her grandchildren. From supporting their parents, to bringing them into her own home, she talks about it all, the joy, the heartbreaks, and the challenges of continuing to parent far beyond what they planned for. If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 26What's Saving Our Lives: Mom Edition
This week Erika and Laura dive into a candid conversation about the everyday things—big and small—that are helping them survive and even thrive in this current season of motherhood. Inspired by Kendra Adachi, host of The Lazy Genius podcast and her regular practice of “What’s saving your life right now?”, Erika and Laura take a thoughtful look at the top 10 things that are bringing them sanity, joy, and a little bit of breathing room amidst the chaos.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 25I Would Never: The Things We Swore We'd Never Do (But Totally Did)
Remember all those promises we made before we became moms? “I’ll never let my kid eat snacks in the car.” “Screen time? Not in this house.” Yeah… about that.This week Erika and Laura are getting real about all the parenting lines we drew in the sand—only to wipe them away with a diaper wipe and a prayer. From turning into our own moms to letting cartoons babysit for “just 20 minutes,” we’re sharing the surprising, hilarious, and humbling things we never thought we’d do… until we did.Join us for laughs, confessions, and a comforting reminder that motherhood rarely goes as planned—and that’s okay.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 24Waiting, Hoping, Loving: One Mom’s Journey Through Adoption With Anna Lord
This week Erika and Laura sit down with Anna Lord, a courageous and compassionate mother who opens up about her emotional journey through adoption. From the first whispers of hope to the waiting period, and finally to the moment she held her son for the first time—this conversation is raw, real, and full of love.Anna shares the highs and lows of navigating the adoption process, the unexpected lessons she learned, and the transformative power of unconditional love. Whether you’re considering adoption, in the midst of your own journey, or simply want to understand the heart of motherhood through a new lens, this episode is one you won’t forget.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 23From Pigtails to Independence: Parenting Preteen Girls with Claudine Norden
This week Erika talks with Claudine Norden who gets candid about navigating the wild, wonderful, world of raising preteen girls. From the early years in pigtails to watching her girls gain independence, we talk about what it looks like guiding young women into finding themselves and learning how to stay yourself as motherhood changes.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 22Welcome to Motherhood: Honest Advice for First-Time Moms
Welcome to the wild, wonderful, and sometimes overwhelming world of motherhood. This week Erika and Laura are talking directly to the first-time moms — the ones running on love, caffeine, and maybe a little panic. Whether you're pregnant, freshly postpartum, or just starting to find your rhythm, this episode is packed with honest, no-judgment advice from moms who’ve been there. We're here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think. Grab your coffee (reheated for the third time?) and tune in for some real talk, reassurance, and support.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 21One Step at a Time: A Conversation About Motherhood, Autism, and Hope with Sara Rainwater
This week Erika and Laura talk with Sara Rainwater, a devoted mother who opens up about the emotional journey of learning her son had autism — and how that diagnosis became the beginning of a deeper, more meaningful path of love, growth, and hope.Sara shares what those early days looked like, the fears and unknowns she faced, and how she found strength in small victories and everyday moments. From navigating therapies and support systems to redefining what "progress" looks like, this conversation is a raw, honest, and ultimately uplifting look at parenting through the lens of neurodiversity.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]

Ep 20No One Asked… But We Answered Anyway
This week Erika and Laura answer questions to allow y'all to get to know us better both as mom's and as not as humans outside of motherhood.If you would like to share your story, your wins, mom moments, or have episode requests we'd love for you to connect with us on Instagram @no_manual_podcast or [email protected]