Nothing is Wasted with Ruth Chou Simons

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 children. While this topic can often feel overwhelming and/or doomsday-esque, Dr. Twenge offers us a good mix of tangible suggestions, practical tips, and the much-needed reminder that we need to model healthy relationships with our own smartphones first. Whether you’re already navigating the phone situation with your older teens, or rocking babies and not thinking about any of this yet, we hope this episode informs and encourages you as you continue making decisions around technology in your home. 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. Speaking of bonus episodes—join us next week in Substack for Kids & Technology (Our Version), where Ashlee and Katie break down their biggest takeaways from this episode, and share more of their personal experiences navigating technology-related decisions with their kids. Need to set up more healthy habits for yourself and your family? Check out our bonus episode, Rhythms + Routines Working For Us. 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.

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 encourages you to take a quick inventory of the little things that are actually big things in your own life, too! 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.  

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.  

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.  

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.