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All the self-help extremes out there seem designed for perfect robots. But what if progress doesn’t require perfection? Welcome to your gentle self-development hub: About Progress, a podcast and community devoted to progress made practical. Join host and coach, Monica Packer, and her special guests to get the hug AND kick in the pants you need to do something and grow in ways that stick.
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Does talking about money make you a little bit sweaty? Navigating the choppy waters of financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming, but my conversation with Elizabeth Pennington from Fearless Finance provided invaluable, clear-sighted guidance. In our conversation she laid out five crucial steps to ensure financial stability, emphasizing the importance of a stable cash flow and the necessity of building both a rainy day fund and a full emergency fund.
Whether you're anxious about a potential recession or just seeking better money management practices, Elizabeth’s insights provide a roadmap towards financial security and peace of mind. I'm so grateful for her guidance and encourage everyone to consider these powerful strategies in their own financial planning journey.
Use code ‘PROGRESS” for $50 off your first session at https://fearlessfinance.com/
More for Moms Conference, use code “LISTENER” for $20 off: https://www.aboutprogress.com/moreformoms
Past Episode to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-i-ve-saved-major-money-thousands-on-groceries-the-last-18-months-how-you-can-too
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Author and poet Carol Lynn Pearson shares gentle, soul-stirring wisdom on discovering your divine gifts, even in the busiest seasons of motherhood. Learn why creating space for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s sacred—and how your gifts are meant to flow through you, not from perfection.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/evolve-alongside-your-gifts
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Recovering perfectionist Kolbie Blume shares how she moved from fear and external validation to creative flow—starting with hand lettering, falling for watercolor, and learning self-compassion. If perfectionism has stalled your art, writing, or podcast, this convo will help you choose process over outcomes and finally start.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-perfectionism-is-getting-in-your-waySign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.
Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!
FINAL CALL to get on the waitlist for Italy: https://www.femalefoodie.com/food-tours/aboutprogress/
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I used to think that a true "habit person" had the perfect routine lined up every day without a hitch, but that's not reality. Life is unpredictable, and being flexible is crucial. From rethinking my morning routine with five kids in different schools to embracing the early wake-up calls from my toddler, alterations are unavoidable. It's a reminder that being a habit person is more about adaptability than rigid schedules.
By learning to honor the needs of each day—whether that's managing unexpected changes or giving grace to myself—I discovered that progress isn’t about having it all together. Instead, it’s about continually adjusting and finding what works in the moment, recognizing that everyone has to revamp routines as life shifts.
WATCH the DITL here: https://youtu.be/B7_I-bMgNVM
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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod
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Struggling to get along with your parents as an adult? Learn why differentiation spikes when you become an adult, how to swap judgment for empathy, and the exact conversation skills that move relationships from parent–child to adult–adult.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-get-along-better-with-your-parents
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In a conversation that originally aired on my private podcast feed, I spoke with my podcast manager, Taylor, about our personal experiences with multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. We delved into the icky factor of being approached by acquaintances with business propositions and the wider implications of these ventures. While these experiences did provide some social benefits and occasional income, they also left a cringey aftertaste.
Despite the mixed feelings, I don't regret my forays into MLMs. They taught me a lot about sales, personal value, and authenticity. I've grown since then, understanding the importance of being true to myself and my audience. If you're curious to learn more about this subject make sure to check out my most recent deep dive!
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Chanelle shares practical, mom-tested strategies to build a morning routine that survives nap schedules, night wakings, and real life—no perfection required.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/creating-a-morning-routine-that-works-with-chanelle-neilson-of-the-moms-who-know-podcast
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Our identity influences our behavior and vice versa, creating a cycle that can elevate or drag us down. By focusing on how we see ourselves and affirming the identity we aspire to, we interrupt negative patterns and cultivate growth. It's a transformative tool not only for my kids (I explain in the episode!) but for anyone seeking to improve their lives. Identity is indeed the key to unlocking potential.
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In a recent coaching call with Sheila we explored the challenges she faces at a career crossroads. After overcoming cancer, Sheila is determined to return to work part-time, yet faces employer resistance to her accommodations. Together, we addressed her fears of ageism and the struggle to find fulfilling, part-time work.
Sheila's journey illustrates the power of letting fears inform wise actions without controlling us. By preparing for age bias and embracing her teaching passion, she's opening herself to new opportunities. In moments of reflection, I encouraged Sheila to ask: "Am I doing what I can? Can I be proud of myself?" This approach helps transform fear into possibility, and can inspire you, too, to confidently navigate personal crossroads and assert your worth.
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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod
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Licensed therapist and sleep expert Christine Lawler shares the surprising connection between sleep and mental health—including postpartum depression, anxiety, and burnout. In this powerful conversation, we break down why sleep isn't just self-care—it's survival. If you've been stuck, exhausted, or told “this is just adulthood,” this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/christine-lawler-sleep-training
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The start of high school was a major leap for my daughter with special needs, magnified by her transition from a charter school. We both faced heightened anxieties about fitting in and managing sensory challenges. Our preparation included school visits and crafting a mental touchstone for her: to look for glimmers of light amongst potential darkness, akin to stars in a big, open night sky.
If you're navigating your own tough transitions, remember that seeking glimmers can be a powerful tool. Whether it's finding brief moments of support from friends, appreciating a compliment, or small personal victories, these glimmers can help guide you through. Thank you for being part of this collective progress, and may you find your own glimmers in the midst of challenges.
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Ever feel like you're always last on your own to-do list? With the start of a new school year, it’s the perfect chance for us moms to shift that narrative. In a conversation with Mia Hemstad, we delved into the vital role of self-care in reclaiming our time and energy.
Mia's "four B's" framework encourages us to thoughtfully prioritize our needs, whether that means indulging in a favorite show or finally scheduling that doctor’s appointment. By investing in ourselves, not only do we enhance our own well-being, but we also enrich our ability to support those around us. Let’s start this school year by putting ourselves at the top of our priority list.
Past Episode with Mia Hemstad: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/self-care-to-support-yourself-when-you-dont-feel-like-yourself
The 4B Self-Care Framework Guide: https://www.miahemstad.com/guide
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
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Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod
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Struggling with reactivity or feeling out of control? In this powerful clip, Monica Packer explains the science behind deep breathing and introduces a simple, 10-second practice that can help you create space between trigger and reaction. Learn how to use your "response gap" to reclaim calm, control, and alignment—one intentional breath at a time.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-be-less-reactive-and-more-in-control
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
More for Moms Conference
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Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.
Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
More for Moms Conference
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod; and by Fearless Finance, chat with a planner for free to make sure it’s a good fit, and you’ll get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS at fearlessfinance.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today I'm talking about the importance of acknowledging our desire for more in life without guilt or fear. As I work with my coaching clients, I've noticed that many women struggle with embracing their wants, fearing it makes them appear ungrateful or selfish.
I'm thrilled to launch the inaugural More for Moms Conference, a free virtual event featuring 25 inspiring speakers who are also moms, sharing their insights into areas like happiness and health. This conference aims to empower mothers to seek more fulfillment and progress. Wanting more isn't just about obtaining what we desire; it's about embracing who we genuinely are. So, I invite you to consider what you truly want more of in life and pursue it with courage, knowing it's okay to strive for more.
More for Moms Conference: https://www.aboutprogress.com/moreformoms
Guide for More: https://www.aboutprogress.com/more
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This episode is brought to you by AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers
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Artist and writer Ashmae Hoiland opens up about how creativity has been a powerful tool for healing, processing grief, and reclaiming personal agency. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares how choosing to create without pressure or an audience has transformed her relationship with art—and herself. Whether you're in a creative rut or just need permission to begin, this episode will inspire you to make space for creativity on your own terms.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/permission-to-create
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
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Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
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If you haven't heard yet, I'm thrilled to announce an exclusive female foodie tour to Rome, Italy, happening in October 2026. This adventure is designed just for our community by Brooke Eliason, the founder of Female Foodie. Recently, we hosted a Q&A session to answer all questions about the trip, revealing an itinerary filled with dining at Rome's finest restaurants and exploring iconic sites like the Vatican and Colosseum.
This journey isn't just about traveling; it's about rediscovery. You'll have plenty of free time to immerse yourself in the local culture and even participate in discussions to reconnect with yourself. Whether you're coming with a companion or are open to being paired with another traveler through our Single Rider Survey, this unique tour promises a blend of cultural and culinary experiences tailored just for you. So, if you've been contemplating this, now is the time to join us on this unforgettable trip!
Ready to join us? Get on the waitlist now at aboutprogress.com/italy!
Watch the video version: https://www.aboutprogress.com/romereplay
Tour Info + Waitlist (registration opens SOON) https://www.femalefoodie.com/food-tours/aboutprogress/
Single Rider Survey: https://forms.gle/jmndgw23tdSeUWf57;
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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1Today, I’m joined by my friend, author, and speaker Toni Collier, who knows firsthand what it means to rebuild a broken life. When Toni was last on the show, we talked about embracing brokenness. Since then, her life has essentially exploded in ways that would make most people retreat: betrayal, a public divorce, and the loss of her job, church, community, and home. And yet, Toni chose to let people into her pain.
In this powerful conversation, she shares how doing so ultimately helped her heal. We talk about how to trust again, find the right people to lean on, and let go of the need to be the strong one all the time. If you've been wondering how to navigate the messiness of life with others, this conversation will give you hope, courage, and practical steps forward.
Old episodes to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-embracing-your-brokenness-can-lead-to-greater-healing
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
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Book Launch Committee
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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your anxiety wasn’t just about your thoughts—but your unfelt feelings? In this powerful clip, counselor Nancy Jane Smith breaks down why our inner critic (aka the “monger”) might feel like it's helping us succeed, but is actually holding us back. She shares how acknowledging your emotions—even for just 90 seconds—can change everything. If you’ve ever wrestled with perfectionism, burnout, or anxiety, this one will hit home.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/https:%2F%2Faboutprogress-com%2Fnancy-jane-smith%2F
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
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Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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These podcasts are filled with so much goodness!!!! Monica is smart, organized, and well spoken. I get so much out of every single one of her podcasts. She is also super relatable and friendly which makes her podcast my #1 go to! Thank you for sharing your time and talents with all of us Monica! You are enriching all of our lives one podcast at a time! ❤
I have been listening to Monica for several years. I even met her once in the wild and she felt like a friend I already knew from listening to her podcasts. She is real and vulnerable with herself to help her listeners open up to become the best version of themselves. She was just as genuine in person. She has helped me to realize settling for mediocrity is not enough and in addition to her well researched and educated self she has awesome expert guests on the podcast to help give new ways of improving different aspects of her listener's lives. Being an About Progress listener has definitely helped me improve my life and reach for more. Thanks, Monica!
Thank you Monica for all of your dedication and hard work in creating such well rounded and insightful content on your podcast. I really enjoy every episode you put out 🙏
I was surprised in this podcast that questions I had or anger I have worked through in my own faith crisis weren't touched on, but I also love how individual we all are. So... thank you for sharing! this was beautifully done and so interesting to listen to. I even cried at once point, when it hit so close to home.
Monica, thank you for having the courage to be vulnerable and to share your experiences. I could feel your love for Christ as well as people that are trying their best to follow him. Thank you for your words.
I just discovered your podcast this week through the interview you did with Neena. I loved that episode and I can't wait to listen to the rest of your episodes! Thank you for creating this space.