Coffee + Crumbs Podcast

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,...

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 back...

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 pro...

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 o...

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...

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 con...

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 account...

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...

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 l...

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 marki...

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 s...

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 to...

How do we guide our kids as they grow up in a world where the internet is infused in practically everything they touch? Today, renowned researcher Dr. Jean Twenge joins us for an eye-opening conversation about how smartphones are affecting kids—and also us. We chat about the link between social media and depression, how boys and girls are influenced differently, and how screen time affects younger...

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, red...

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 sportin...

From friendship gestures to body confidence to learning how to rest, in this episode we share a few small acts—done by us and others—that have left a big mark. Ashlee acknowledges the gift of putting down forks and being fully present, Katie gives us the lowdown on the five-minute phone call, and Jill shares her conviction to finally put on the swimsuit and jump in the lake. We hope this episode e...

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 s...

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 a...

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 f...

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 encour...

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 faithfu...

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 pho...

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 sil...

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 conver...

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 fi...