Podcasts about 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.   

Today, we're doing things a little differently—our guest is a dad. Author and spoken word poet, Tanner Olson, shares his heart (and humor!) as we chat about his long journey to fatherhood and what God has taught him along the way. Tanner's words and vulnerability are profound as he reminds us to  s l o w  d o w n , notice the world around us, and that there's always hope in the midst of hardship. Oh, and he also tells us what dads actually want for Father's Day, so don't miss out.  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. Tanner shared his POV about fatherhood; listen to this bonus episode to hear POV: You're a Single Mom. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

Whether it's a different job, or another church, or yet another military move, we've all been the new girl at some point in our lives. Today, author Lindsay Swoboda—who's moved seventeen times!—joins us to chat about how we can hold the unknowns of a Life Raft Season loosely, yet intentionally. Lindsay shares her best tips for creating a sense of home, encourages us to sit with our kids in their pain instead of trying to take it away, and challenges us to pursue new friendships, even if it feels awkward. We hope this conversation gives you the confidence to build a life of connection, no matter what city or life situation you land in.  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. Lindsay shares tips for being the new girl. Listen to this bonus episode to hear our tips on Taking Your Friendships Out of the Group Chat. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

One of our all-time favorite guests and unofficial Mentor Mom of the C+C team, Krista Gilbert, is back to answer alllllll our questions about motherhood. A mom to four grown kids, Krista shares her best advice for marital disagreements (humility is underrated), tailoring parenting to kids' individual needs (one-on-one time is key), and navigating the conversations we'd rather avoid (like, changing bodies and sex). From sibling relationships to responding to our kids' choices, Krista graciously reminds us that it always starts with us and our modeling, but it doesn't end there: our identity is not tied to our kids' outcomes, and that may be the greatest encouragement of all.  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. Krista hasn't been our only mentor, listen to this Ask a Mentor Mom with Ruth Chou Simons.  For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

What does it mean to be a "good enough" mother in the midst of chaos, chronic illness, and creativity? In this episode, Ashley Fenker shares the story behind her book Good Enough Mother: Stories and Essays, and how the isolation of the 2020 pandemic sparked her return to writing. In our conversation today, Ashley opens up about her struggles and the healing power of journaling, reflection, and creative expression. This honest conversation explores the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood—and the freedom that comes with letting "good enough" be enough.Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: The Opt-Out Family with Erin Loechner (EP339)Previous Episode: Intentional Learning at Home with Erin Loechner (EP200)Previous Episode: Minimalist Living: The Big Apple with Elizabeth Passarella (EP159)Connect with Ashley:WebsiteBook: Good (Enough) Mother by Ashley Fenker InstagramAbout Ashley|Ashley Fenker is the author of the new release, Good (Enough) Mother: Stories and Essays, which ranked #1 Top New Release on Amazon. It was distinguished as a recipient of Awards & Accolades from Kirkus Reviews and it was selected by editors to be featured in the May 1, 2025 issue of Kirkus Reviews Magazine. Her articles and essays have appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Upworthy, HuffPost, HelloGiggles, Fathom Magazine, Scary Mommy, Coffee + Crumbs, and more. Her essays have gone viral, bringing in hundreds of thousands of page views from readers across the globe. She lives in a quiet country house in Maryland with her husband and their growing family.Episode Sponsors |Clear Intentions would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you've been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I'd love to help you achieve your goals! We'll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Armoire and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/clear* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast2093/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by author Greta Eskridge, who shines a light on how to approach a dark topic with our kids: pornography. The stats tell us it's not a matter of if our kids will be exposed to porn, but when. Luckily equipping our kids doesn't have to be as scary as we think. Greta shares practical language for age-appropriate, hope-filled conversations and makes a strong case for moms to lead the way. We hope this episode gives you the confidence to talk with your kids about porn so they can stay safe in our digital world and also grow into sexually whole adults. 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. For more on how technology is affecting our kids, listen to our bonus episode Kids + Tech (Our Version). For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

One of our all-time favorite guests, Aundi Kolber—author, mother, and therapist—is back, and today she's encouraging us to take what we need. Aundi sheds light on how and why we end up disembodied, how to reclaim connection with our God-given needs (especially as moms), and how we can play the role of participant in our own healing. Whether you're struggling to notice what you're lacking or struggling to prioritize your own care, we adore Aundi's nudge to approach ourselves and circumstances with tenderness, but also a touch of fierceness that proclaims, “I matter.” 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. Aundi helped us tune into our needs. Listen to this bonus episode, How to Ask Better Questions, for some ideas to learn what's important to others in your life.  For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Welcome to Rhythm, Routine, and Reverence! In this episode, I sit down with Ashlee Gadd, a writer, photographer, mother, and founder of Coffee + Crumbs. Ashlee's latest book, Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood, is an inspiring invitation for moms to embrace their creative callings, no matter how busy life feels.Together, we dive into the tension between creativity and motherhood, the guilt that often accompanies carving out time for personal passions, and how to overcome perfectionism in creative work. Ashlee shares practical advice, her own creative rituals, and how faith plays a role in her creative journey. If you've ever struggled to find time for creative expression amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting, this conversation is for you.Resources & Links* Ashlee's Book: Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood* Follow Ashlee on Instagram: @ashleegadd* Coffee + Crumbs Website: www.coffeeandcrumbs.net* Ashlee's Substack: ashleegadd.substack.comJoin the GOLDENTIME CollectiveIf you're looking for a space to nurture your own creative practice and bring more intention into your daily rhythms, I invite you to join the GOLDENTIME Collective. This is a 6-week coaching course designed for mothers who want to reconnect with themselves, cultivate meaningful habits, and live in alignment with their values. As a podcast listener, enjoy 15% off with the code PODCAST15. Join now and you get to bring a friend for free!! Right now if you screenshot the podcast episode and tag me in your IG stories you can go into the draw to win a free GOLDENTIME journal this month. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganrosewilson.substack.com/subscribe

From rediscovering the art of thrifting to embracing breathwork, today we're sharing what's keeping us grounded in the midst of life's demands. While Ashlee's fueling her body with protein smoothies and filling her Little Free Library with hope-filled books, Katie's got Jackie Hill Perry in her earbuds and Half Baked Harvest meals on her plate. We hope this episode inspires you to find a workspace with loads of natural light (it doesn't have to be a coffee shop!) and a sliver of time to finally clean out that junk drawer.  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 the original What's Saving My Life Right Now bonus episode. Spoiler: We're still Rage Cleaning™ for mental health. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Amanda spends two years of her impressionable adolescence under the care of Larry Nassar, former family medicine physician and team doctor of the US women's national gymnastics team. Having not fully understood that what she experienced was abuse, it's only later—when Amanda and her husband struggle to conceive—that the details of her painful story come to light. Then, just as the case against Larry begins to hit the media, Amanda becomes pregnant. She steps forward, along with 155 other women, to testify against Nassar in court. Amanda uses her voice for the daughter she's carrying, and in the process re-discovers her own. Content warning: sexual abuse.  At the close of this series, we want to extend a special thank you to each woman who bravely offered their story to the project. If this series impacted you, encouraged you, or opened your heart or mind in some way, please help us spread the word. We'd love for you to share this series with your friends and family, your colleagues, and even your online circles. If you've only got a minute to spare, please leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts, which helps other women find our show. “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. Special thanks to WDIV in Detroit for permission to use their reporting on the Nassar case and trial. We also want to thank Stacy Kaiser and Dr. Lauren Bouchard for their expertise. To learn more about RAINN or M-Power or any of the information we shared in today's episode visit our show notes at coffeeandcrumbs.net/makingamother. This episode is brought to you by Needed—offering Radically Better Nutrition™. Use CC20 at checkout to get 20% off your first order. This series is also brought to you by the paid Substack Community of Coffee + Crumbs. To support our work in the future, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com. From all of us at Coffee + Crumbs, thank you for listening to Making a Mother. 

Jerrell's first baby is born six weeks premature, despite an otherwise typical and healthy pregnancy. At her postpartum appointment, she learns that Black women are 60% more likely to give birth prematurely than white women, and that Black maternal and infant mortality rates are more than double those of white women — regardless of socio-economic status or education. Experts weigh in on why these disparities exist and challenge all of us to ask: what are we doing about it? “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. Special thanks to Dr. Lauren Bouchard and Cecily Smith. To learn more about Abide Women's Health, the Cleveland Clinic or any of the information we 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.

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 of a single product. If you're shopping between Jan 6th-20th, check out their New Year's deal, which offers 25% off your first subscription.  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. 

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 of a single product. If you're shopping between Jan 6th-20th, check out their New Year's deal, which offers 25% off your first subscription.  Thank you for supporting the brands that helped make this series possible.  

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 of a single product. If you're shopping between Jan 6th-20th, check out their New Year's deal, which offers 25% off your first subscription.  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.  

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, we're taking a look at hospitality with a twist(!) and sharing intentional creative gatherings we've either hosted or been invited to. Ashlee raves about a good ol' fashioned book club (surprise, surprise), show-and-tell parties, and gives more gold stars and hearts for Galentine's Day, while Katie loves commemorating the change of seasons—think fall soup competitions and end-of-summer backyard movies—and also makes a point to honor special dates like friendaverseries in unique-to-you ways. We hope this episode inspires you to host your own creative get-together. And hey, if you only take one thing from this episode, let it be this: any party where you can wear pajamas is a good party.  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. We'll be sure to celebrate this festive time of year with a creative gathering. Listen to this bonus episode to hear our Very Strong Opinions about other holiday happenings. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Today we're talking with a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Cameron Chesnut, about how aging affects our skin. Dr. Chesnut gives us holistic insight on our most potent anti-aging defenses (exercise! sleep! nutrition!) and gives us the sought-after scoop on which products actually do make a difference (collagen! retinols! Vitamin C!). He also weighs in on the great sunscreen debate, gives the pros and cons of Botox, and takes our rapid-fire “worth it, or not?” quiz. Whether you're planning to age naturally or maximize modern technology to erase your wrinkles, we hope this conversation brings clarity to some of the most common skin care questions. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. We wish more people knew all the good stuff Dr. Chesnut shared about taking care of our skin. Listen to this bonus episode to see what else we wish more people knew about. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

Just in time for the most divisive political week of the year, special guests Elizabeth and Chris McKinney—authors of Neighborhoods Reimagined—are here today to share the importance of finding common ground with those living near us. How do we go from pulling into the garage and shutting it behind us to actually befriending our neighbors? Using the Beatitudes as a launching point, the McKinneys offer encouragement and practical tips (simply wave! remember names! start a Facebook page! invite one or two families to gather with you!) to create neighborhood flourishing. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. The McKinneys are helping us make the most of our neighborhoods. Listen to Money Saving Hacks to see how we're making the most of our paychecks.    For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Today, our girl Jill Atogwe is back (!) to chat about her new children's book: Left Out — a rhyming reminder that while God didn't give everyone the same bodies or abilities, everything God left out is something He can use for His glory. From pool party insecurities and complicated health issues to feeling “left behind” in certain stages of life, we confess that trusting God's limits and timing is not always easy—even though we know it's always for our good. We hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone, and also encourages you to be on the lookout for other women who might be feeling left out. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. It's easy to feel left out of all the commitments for kids' activities these days. Listen to this bonus episode to see how we do extracurriculars without the guilt.    For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Do you ever feel guilty for wanting time to nurture your creativity and passions as a mother? What if embracing your desire for beauty and creating can enrich your home and spirits of yourself and your children? Ashlee Gadd—author, photographer and founder of Coffee and Crumbs—joins Dave and Ann Wilson to discuss embracing play, modeling a love for art in your children, and more! Show Notes and Resources Connect with Ashlee and hear more of her thoughts at ashleegadd.com and on social media on Insta. Grab her book, "Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood," in our shop! Explore Coffee + Crumbs, a platform and podcast that brings mothers together through storytelling. And check out the community the Coffee + Crumbs team created to inspire and equip mothers to create in the margins: Exhale. The book Ashlee mentioned, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron can be found here. "Gospel in a Pumpkin" Get your free download with activities, pumpkin-face stencil sheets, and a guided script to help your kids learn about what matters most while you carve your jack-o-lanterns.

Many moms feel like there's just no time for their creative passions. Ashlee Gadd—author, photographer and founder of Coffee and Crumbs—joins Dave and Ann Wilson to share how God led her to create in the margins of motherhood and offers hope for moms to thrive in seasons of change. Show Notes and Resources Connect with Ashlee and hear more of her thoughts at ashleegadd.com and on social media on Insta. Grab her book, "Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood," in our shop! Explore Coffee + Crumbs, a platform and podcast that brings mothers together through storytelling. And check out the community the Coffee + Crumbs team created to inspire and equip mothers to create in the margins: Exhale. The book Ashlee mentioned, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron can be found here. "Gospel in a Pumpkin" Get your free download with activities, pumpkin-face stencil sheets, and a guided script to help your kids learn about what matters most while you carve your jack-o-lanterns.

We're kicking off Season 10 by asking a mentor mom we adore and admire—Ruth Chou Simons—all the things about motherhood. A mom of six boys, Ruth shares her best strategy for navigating sibling arguments, how to cultivate life-long friendships with your kids, and openly answers the mother lode question: what's your biggest regret in parenting? From small practical tips to big picture hope, this conversation ends with an encouraging line we're still thinking about. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. Ruth shared about all seasons of motherhood. But if you're interested in hearing about how autumn is going for us, listen to this bonus episode: The Great Fall Reset. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

We've covered a lot of ground this season, so today—as a grand finale before we break for sabbatical—we're doing a quick refresher on our favorite episodes. As we rehash what stuck with us—like asking better questions, gathering around the table with our families, and how technology is affecting our kids—we also give a quick update on some previously mentioned intentions (gotta love public accountability!). If you're looking for some fun life-savers before the end of summer, Ashlee shares her go-to Costco “English Muffin Situation,” and Katie raves about the decaf cold brew she's drinking on tap. If you missed any of the episodes mentioned, there's plenty of time to play catchup over the summer while you try to remove sand from your kids' swimsuits.     This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous Substack community. We'd love for you to join us! Our yearly subscriptions are on sale through July 31st. You can support us for a whole year for around $25.  For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. Listen to one of our favorite episodes from the season: What's Saving My Life Right Now. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Today we're going back—waaay back—and reliving the nostalgic moments, foods, songs, and smells of our younger years. Katie reminisces about the fresh scent of dewy grass on the soccer field and her Nona's simmering spaghetti, while Ashlee shares about her childhood days doused in chlorine and the love language of her youth: mixed CDs, featuring Dashboard and Death Cab. Of course, we couldn't chat about adolescence in the ‘90s without taking an intoxicating stroll through Bath & Body Works and remembering the anticipation of TGIF gracing our televisions. We hope this episode inspires you to crank up that old school jam and take a trip of your own down memory lane.  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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. You just heard what influenced our childhoods and adolescent years, listen to this bonus episode to see what's influencing us now. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Open those library accounts and Amazon carts, because today we're sharing our latest favorite books, just in time for summer reading. We cover everything from non-fiction to novels, with a little bit of mystery, research, and personal essays sprinkled in between. And of course, Anne Lamott's most recent work is included (surprise, surprise). Whether you listen on Audible, read on your Kindle, or like to hold a good ol' fashioned paperback in your hands (it all counts!), we hope these stories inspire and entertain you while you sip refreshing bubbly water and lounge in the perfect chair. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For more stories—this time written by the Coffee + Crumbs team—listen to this bonus episode: Story Slam. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

Get the tissue box out, because today we're feeling ALL THE FEELS as we talk about launching kids into the world. Katie chats with C+C's mentor mom Krista Gilbert and C+C writer Sonya Spillmann, both of whom hate to admit the adage is true: the days are long but the years are short. You'll hear how these seasoned moms are leaning into the highs and lows of a long season of lasts, how they're marking this special time with tailored celebrations, and how they're caring for themselves along the way (spoiler alert: Sonya's answer involves horseback riding!). Whether your baby is finishing kindergarten or heading to college in the fall, we hope this episode encourages you to embrace whatever transitional season of motherhood you're in.  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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. Happy summer! From rhythm charts to chasing down indoor activities strictly for the air conditioning, don't miss this bonus episode about our favorite tips and tricks for surviving the summer months. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Forget the bounce houses and goody bags, today we're talking about OUR birthdays. From the simple gift of heartfelt cards to how we really feel about surprise parties, today we're diving into the art of celebrating. You'll also hear why Ashlee's recent birthday was a smashing success (spoiler alert: clear communication is key!), and why Katie is fully embracing a “go big or go home” mentality as she plans for her 40th next year. We hope this episode encourages you to commemorate your friends' birthdays, daydream a bit about your own, and get all those delightful plans on the calendar. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. We love celebrating our birthdays, but see what Rhythms + Routines Are Currently Working For Us in our everyday lives, too. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

Friends, grab your notepad and pen before you hit play on this one. Licensed professional counselor, renowned author, and co-host of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast Sissy Goff (!) is with us today—and you're going to want to write down everything she says. Sissy is both a beacon of light and a wealth of tangible advice. We chat about fostering deep connections with our kids, guiding children toward self-confidence, and even some simple steps to change the trajectory of our families if we need a restart on the path toward healing. Sissy's encouragement is equal parts practical and profound, and she saves her best piece of advice for last. We hope this conversation gives you reassurance and hope for parenting the exact kid(s) God knew you needed. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. We wish more people knew about Sissy Goff! We Wish More People Knew About This bonus episode, too! For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

Does getting your entire family around the table feel impossible at times? Between long commutes and conflicting sports schedules, nursing babies and pure exhaustion, there are plenty of reasons why we struggle to get around the table—even though we know it matters. According to Katie's stellar research and our own at-home attempts, eating together can foster connection, protect mental health, reduce stress, and make room for intentional conversations. This episode is certainly not a how-to on proper meals and table manners (if you only knew!), but rather a new-ish practice in our homes we hope you can pull up a seat for. Remember, it doesn't matter what shade of beige you're feeding your family—quesadillas and Dino Nuggets count—as long as you're serving it with a side of grace. 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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. Need recipe ideas for family dinner? We've got you covered.  Need better talking points around the table? Check out our bonus episode, How To Ask Better Questions. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.   

Tap, tap. Is this thing on? We're officially back after a looooong (unplanned) break, which is why we're kicking this episode off with an official State of the Podcast address. Thank you for your grace and patience with us! Today we're diving into the annoyances that don't bother us (as much) as they once did. You'll hear how Ashlee's no longer rattled by crying babies, how Katie's proudly sporting tank tops (get it, girl!), and how Jill is learning to let go of what others think of her. Whether you're someone who's easily irked—like two-thirds of us—or you stroll through life unruffled, we hope this conversion encourages you to feel less flustered by, or maybe even fully free of, something that's been getting under your skin.  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 the party (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. For a more in-depth conversation about what's been happening behind the scenes of the podcast, we share more in this bonus episode. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs.

Today I have Ashlee Gadd as my guest as we are talking about a "thing that matters" - creativity, or really, doing whatever it is that makes you feel more like you. We encourage our kids to be creative, yet as adults we often fully lose this part of ourselves to a busy life. We count creativity as something that we no longer have time for, that is inessential. Today's conversation challenges that and encourages you to keep creating, right in the margins of a busy life and motherhood. Ashlee s a wife, mother of three, believer, and the founder of Coffee + Crumbs. When she's not working or vacuuming Cheerios out of the carpet, she loves making friends on the Internet, eating cereal for dinner, and rearranging bookshelves. Her book, Create Anyway: the Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood, is now available wherever books are sold. Links: Minimal-ish Collective (book club) Ashlee's Book Ashlee's Podcast Coffee + Crumbs Ashlee on Instagram Desirae on Instagram Podcast website Sponsor: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your delivery and free veggies for life at Hungryroot.com/MINIMALISH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashlee Gadd is probably best known for creating Coffee + Crumbs, a life-infusing, creative corner of the internet where moms write and make and share and grow. Ashlee has done this work herself and wrote this beautiful book (her own photography included) called Create Anyway: Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. We talk about how to continue to create during full (or outright hysterical) seasons, permission slips for moms, and how to get a little less precious about perfect conditions for creativity. We are all wired to make things, so whether your idea of creativity is to write a sonnet or to make spreadsheet into a color-coded extravaganza, this conversation is for you.  Ashlee Gadd is the founder of Coffee + Crumbs--a beautiful online space where motherhood and storytelling intersect. As a writer and photographer, Ashlee has spent her entire motherhood creating in the margins. When she's not writing or vacuuming Cheerios out of the carpet, she loves making friends on the internet, eating cereal for dinner, and rearranging bookshelves. She and her husband have three kids and live in Northern California. Learn more at ashleegadd.com, coffeeandcrumbs.net, and Instagram @coffeeandcrumbs. Visit ⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

We are so excited to share this special bonus episode with you today! Have you ever thought that creativity was limited to scrapbooking, or that you just aren't a "creative person"? Ashlee Gadd, author of Create Anyway, is joining Natalie Abbott to talk about why being created in the image of God informs how we should view creativity, why creativity doesn't need to be a selfish pursuit, and how motherhood and creativity collide. May you be inspired to use the creativity God has given you to serve others for his glory!This month's memory verse: “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” — Colossians 3:12Today's Dwell guest: Ashlee Gadd is author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood and the founder of Coffee + Crumbs—a beautiful online space where motherhood and storytelling intersect. As a writer and photographer, Ashlee has spent her entire motherhood creating in the margins. When she's not writing or vacuuming Cheerios out of the carpet, she loves making friends on the internet, eating cereal for dinner, and rearranging bookshelves. She and her husband have three kids and live in Northern California.Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about Dwell's monthly kit with temporary tattoos, a display card, a key tag, and more to help you know and dwell on God's Word.Get our weekly devotional email: Dive deeper into this month's verse.Did you love today's episode?: We'd love to hear about it! Would you leave a rating or review in your podcast player to help others find the show?Links from today's show:Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood  by Ashlee GaddAshley Gadd's websiteDwell Differently Scripture Memory Journal // Use code PODCAST15 to take 15% off your journal today!Become a Dwell Differently member today! Support the show

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!  This week I sat down with Ashlee Gadd. Ashlee Gadd is the author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood and she is the founder of Coffee + Crumbs - a beautiful online space where motherhood and storytelling intersect. Ashlee has spent her entire motherhood creating in the margins, that means using whatever free time she has to become creative and connect with God through that creativity.  Do you love to write? Draw? Paint? Garden? Each of these are creative expressions and are a result of the beautiful and unique way God has designed you and me. Creativity is great for our brains but also our spirits and can give us new energy and bring us closer to the God who gave us that creativity in the first place. But when we become moms, finding time and margin for those creative outlets can be difficult. Depending on our season of life those margins may be smaller than others, but as my guest on this week's episode, Ashlee Gadd says, start somewhere even if its small. In this episode we discussed: How to steward the creative gifts God has given us Paying attention to the gifts others see in you And how creating every day can actually make you a better mom Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!  You can connect with Ashlee through Pinterest, Instagram, and her website.  You can also order her new book!    FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS: *Creating every day can make you a better mother.  *We should be stewarding the creative gifts God has given us; it is an act of worship, honoring and glorifying Him! *Experiment and find your niche! Maybe try painting, and if you realize it isn't for you, try something else!  *Other people can see things in you that you might not see, like your talents--listen to those voices who see your gifts!   REMEMBER: *Kids pick up more what's caught than taught. If we don't want our kids to become phone zombies, then we also can't be phone zombies!  *Assess what creativity does to your mind, spirit, and the physical energy it can provide.  *Assess what is possible in your current season of life. Have reasonable expectations and find your margins. For Ashlee, it means getting up at 5am in the morning so she can spend a couple hours writing. And remember, we are never stuck in one season forever, it will change.  *Start somewhere even if its small.    Connect with Somer!  Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this encouraging episode of Radical Radiance, host Rebecca George sits down with her longtime online friend Sarah Hauser to discuss Sarah's latest book All Who Are Weary: Finding True Rest By Letting Go of the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Carry. Through heartfelt conversation and personal anecdotes, Sarah shares her journey of experiencing burnout and the realization that perfectionism isn't worth sacrificing her mental and emotional well-being. Together, they explore the concept of self-sufficiency and the negative effects it can have on our lives. They dive deep into the struggles of feeling insignificant and the importance of surrendering to God when expectations aren't met. If you've ever felt weary and burdened by the pressures of life, this conversation is sure to provide encouragement and a breath of fresh air. Tune in to this episode and discover how to find true rest by letting go of the burdens you were never meant to carry! Sarah Hauser is a writer and speaker living in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and four kids. She shares biblical truth to nourish the soul—and the occasional recipe to nourish the body. She loves cooking but rarely follows a recipe exactly, and you can almost always find her with a cup of coffee in hand. Sarah completed her BA and MA at Wheaton College. She's a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and has written for Coffee + Crumbs, Risen Motherhood, The Rabbit Room, The Gospel Coalition, (in)courage, and more. Find her at sarahjhauser.com, on Instagram (@sarah.j.hauser), or check out her monthly newsletter at sarahjhauser.com/subscribe.com. Rebecca and Sarah chat about: Sarah's personal experience with burnout and the realization that perfectionism is not sustainable Importance of surrendering to God when expectations are not met Challenges of asking for help and feelings of shame Struggles with feeling insignificant and the importance of recognizing the value in every task done for God's glory The dangers of self-sufficiency and the importance of recognizing our dependence on God and others Sarah's book All Who Are Weary and her inspiration for writing it Order All Who Are Weary on Amazon ______________________________________ PSSSSSST! Did you know that Rebecca's debut book, Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl is available wherever books are sold? If you're ready to… See your gifts and talents from a gospel-centered perspective. Prioritize goals related to your calling as you move forward with gumption and grace. Maximize your passions in the work you do every day. Actively partner with God to serve Him and love others. Overcome negative thought patterns so you can brainstorm, develop, and create with the confidence of a go-getter girl! …then order today at the link here! Each chapter includes prayer prompts, Scripture for further study, questions for reflection, action steps to move your goal forward, and accompanying videos (for individuals or small groups). So grab a friend (or 8) and let's use God's Word as our compass to “do the thing”. After all, if not now…when?

A lot of women trade in their personal passions and hobbies when motherhood takes over. Motherhood is so important and there is no doubt -- some seasons require just about all of us (right!?) Yet, what if we can be great moms, and nurture our creative side too? Ashlee Gadd is on the podcast today to give listeners permission to pursue their creative gifts alongside motherhood! And I think you're going to be inspired! Ashlee is the Founder of the very popular website: Coffee + Crumbs, and she is an incredibly gifted writer. (One of my favorites!) Her new book, Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood is so good! In this interview you can hear some of Ashlee's personal journey -- finding the balance between motherhood and creativity, as well as some ideas for how we all might explore the gifts God has given us, even in the busiest of seasons! Find links and more over in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/Ashlee-Gadd Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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

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

“I cannot show up to be the mom I want to be for Bennett if I don't show up for myself,” says co-host Liz. But when you have so many things pulling at your attention—your kids, your work, your partner, your family and friends—how *do* you find time to show up for yourself? Ashlee Gadd, found of Coffee + Crumbs, knows this struggle all too well. Ashlee talks with new mama Liz about how she learned to let go of the guilt of not doing it all perfectly, and why pursuing what fills you up benefits everyone around you (especially your kids!). For anyone who pours their time into their children, their work, or any other important areas of their life, you'll find Ashlee's message so relatable—and see freeing.   Thanks to our episode sponsors! GREEN CHEF | get 60% off (plus free shipping!) with code simplified60 at https://greenchef.com/simplified60    MAEV | Get $40 off your first order at https://www.meetmaev.com/SIMPLIFIED    HATCH | Get up to 15% off (and free shipping!) at https://www.hatch.co/simplified    * * * GET Audio Episodes Ad Free + Early Access to New Episodeshttps://apple.co/3ICMUmk READ the Show Noteshttps://emilyley.com/podcast    SHOP Simplified Planners & Products! https://emilyley.com  SUBSCRIBE to Emily's Substack!https://emilyley.substack.com/    GET Emily's Latest Book!https://emilyleybooks.com/sure-as-the-sunrise    * * * SUBSCRIBE to The Simplified Podcast! Apple Podcasts | http://bit.ly/Simplified-Apple  Spotify | http://bit.ly/Simplified-Spotify  Stitcher | http://bit.ly/Simplified-Stitcher  YouTube | http://bit.ly/Simplified-YouTube    * * * Let's Be FRIENDS! Simplified: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/simplified/  Facebook |https://www.facebook.com/simplified  Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/emilyley/  Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/emilyley/  YouTube | http://bit.ly/Simplified-YouTube    Emily Ley:  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/EmilyLey/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/emilyley    Our Co-Hosts! Jessa Bray | https://www.instagram.com/jessabrayy/  Laura Kashner | https://www.instagram.com/laurakashner/  Liz Holtzman | https://www.instagram.com/lizmholtzman/   *** A Four Eyes Media Production

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

As someone who has been writing and creating on the internet for over a decade, I know first hand all the challenges that one can face in their pursuit of creative work. The desire to create is there, but the obstacles are real, especially if you become a parent and feel like your time, resources and energy are limited. My guest, Ashlee Gadd, is the perfect person to speak to his as she has just released a book called Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood Ashlee and I ended up talking for two hours about art and perfectionism, how it takes a village to create good work, and the social media of it all. We also took a tangent and had a fascinating discussion about paid communities (including Patreon - where I host Secret Stuff), and metrics and some of the more in-the-weeds parts of content creation. That part of the conversation will be available to Secret Stuff members only. JOIN SECRET STUFF HERE I felt so inspired after talking with Ashlee. You don't have to be a writer or online creator to enjoy this conversation. All of us are wired for some sort of creative expression and life can always get in the way of that. You can buy Ashlee's book Create Anyway wherever you buy books. I hope this conversation inspires you to pursue your own creative outlet with abandon. Ashlee Gadd on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleegadd Coffee + Crumbs on Instragram: www.instagram.com/coffeeandcrumbs Ashlee Gadd on Substack: www.ashleegadd.substack.com  Ashlee Gadd on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashlee_gadd/   MENTIONED in this episode: Ep. 57: Masterminds: How to create and structure a business peer group (with guests Jamie Golden, Bri McKoy, and Kendra Adachi)  The Social Dilemma documentary on Netflix Deep Work by Cal Newport Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport     SUBSCRIBE to 10 Things To Tell You so you never miss an episode! CLICK HERE for episode show notes FOLLOW @10ThingsToTellYou on Instagram FOLLOW @10ThingsToTellYou on Facebook JOIN the 10 Things To Tell You Connection Group SIGN UP for episode emails, links, and show notes JOIN the Secret Stuff patreon BUY THE BOOK: Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. by Laura Tremaine BUY THE BOOK: The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs by Laura Tremaine  

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

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

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

Today I had the opportunity to interview Ashlee Gadd, founder of Coffee + Crumbs and author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood.  Ashlee is passionate about encouraging women to embrace creativity in their lives as a means to enhance their well-being and that of their families. We talked about overcoming the guilt of pursuing creative passions: Ashlee noted that many women feel guilty for taking time to pursue their creative passions, viewing it as selfish, but reminds us how creativity can be a vital source of self-care and can contribute positively to family life. We touch on how creativity brings solidarity between you and your children, the importance of doing things solely for the purpose of enjoyment and how creativity can improve your mental health, leading to a more fulfilling, God-honoring life.  Follow along with us on IG @ashleegadd and @livingeasywithlindsey.     

Mothers often feel guilt when they pursue something that takes time away from their children, especially when that something could be deemed less important than parenting. Writer Ashlee Gadd felt the same way when she was navigating being a first-time mother, exhausted yet yearning to be creative. Now the mother of three, Gadd created Coffee + Crumbs, an online community for women wanting to express themselves through storytelling, and intentionally finds time to be creative. In her new book, Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood Gadd gives readers permission to pursue their creative gifts alongside motherhood. On today's episode she'll discuss: how being creative everyday makes you a healthier person and a better mother, why it is (more than) okay to create and mother at the same time, why it takes a village to raise our kids and also to make art and more…-------------------------------Links Discussed in This EpisodeOrder a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with SimplicityBeneficial Resource: Book: Adorning the Dark by Andrew PetersonConnect with Ashlee:WebsiteInstagramSubstackBook: Create Anyway by Ashlee GaddShow Notes for EP259: Create AnywayEnjoy this Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my recent book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With SimplicityQuestions? You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit the website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.Checkout the Minimalist Moms Podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you enjoyed today's episode of the Minimalist Moms Podcast, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Earth Breeze | Minimalist Mom listeners can subscribe and save 40%! Go to earthbreeze.com/minimalist to get started! Living Proof | That's LivingProof.com/minimalist and enter code: MINIMALIST to receive a free travel size dry shampoo with your purchase of forty-five dollars or more!ZocDoc | Visit zocdoc.com/minimalist to find doctors and specialists in your area for FREE!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast2093/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

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

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

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