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About Progress

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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Episodes

How to Resurrect Buried Dreams Without Abandoning What Matters || H&K with Janelle Alexandra

What if your old dreams still mattered—even the ones you buried under diapers, debt, or doubt? In this heart-opening conversation, life purpose coach Janelle Alexandra shares how to reconnect with your childhood dreams, design your ideal day, and give yourself permission to dream again— without giving up the people and priorities that matter most. You'll walk away with a powerful shift in perspective and a reminder: you were designed with your dreams in mind. Listen to the full episode here: htt...

Aug 16, 20257 min

AP 713: My Summer Was Not What I Hoped–Here’s How I’m Handling the Disappointment in Ways That Can Apply to You || Growth Spurt

I wanted a "best summer ever," but what I got was good, not great. If you’ve ever faced a similar disappointment—a goal that fell flat, a plan that didn't pan out, or a feeling that just wasn't what you'd hoped for—this episode is for you. I'm sharing my personal disappointment and how I'm handling it. Using my WN-WIN formula, we'll walk through what went well, what didn't, and what's most important now. Tune in to learn how to navigate your own disappointments with a practical and hopeful appro...

Aug 14, 202514 minEp. 713

AP 712: Why You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent to Raise an ADHD Child Well || with Drs. Lori and Mallory from the Childhood Collective

The fear of making mistakes can paralyze parents and prevent true connections with their kids. In this episode I explore this challenge with Drs. Lori and Mallory from the Childhood Collective, focusing on parents of neurodiverse children, particularly those with ADHD. We delve into the societal pressures and internal criticisms that complicate parenting and underscore the importance of striving for connection rather than perfection. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, we illus...

Aug 11, 202547 minEp. 712

How to Know When to Push or Pause in Your Personal Growth || H&K with Ashton Barrett

Feeling overwhelmed by your own goals? Ashton Barrett joins me for a heart-and-soul conversation about how to recognize when you're growing—and when you're grinding yourself into the ground. We talk about perfectionism, the pressure to perform, and the magic of the “power of yet.” If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt or like you’re behind on your progress, this episode will feel like a hug and a kick in the pants. Spoiler: your timeline gets to be your own. Listen to the full episode here: ht...

Aug 09, 20257 min

AP 711: Highlights from our summer, my 'Me Day,' getting scammed, exciting book announcement, what movies I'm watching with my kids, and how you can come to Italy with me! || Messy Middle August 2025

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 ...

Aug 07, 202536 minEp. 711

AP 710: How I’ve Saved Major Money (THOUSANDS!) On Groceries the Last 18 Months || + How You Can, Too

I'm sharing my journey of creating a practical and strategic grocery shopping plan to save money and reduce stress. I recount my experiences and the challenges I faced with rising grocery costs, and how I eventually developed a system I call the 'Smart Seven.' These seven strategies include how I plan, when I shop, and what I shop for. These tips helped me save significant amounts on groceries, translating into less financial stress and more fun activities for my family. These tips are desinged ...

Aug 04, 202542 minEp. 710

Why Embracing Your Inner Child Makes You a Better Parent || H&K with Neena Warburton

What if the parts of you that felt carefree, curious, and joyful as a child are exactly what you need more of as an adult—and as a parent? In this heartfelt conversation, Neena Warburton shares how reconnecting with her inner child changed the way she parents and lives. You’ll hear how childlike qualities like wonder, creativity, and compassion are not traits to grow out of, but to grow into—with the wisdom of adulthood. This is a powerful listen for any mom ready to lead with softness, strength...

Aug 02, 20256 min

AP 709: How to Prioritize What Matters Without Burning Out || with Greg McKeown

In this episode, I dive deep into a fascinating conversation with Greg McKeown, the bestselling author of "Essentialism" and "Effortless." Greg and I explore the concept of making life's essentials easier and more manageable. We discuss how the hustle culture often leads to burnout and how we can find a better way to prioritize what truly matters. We also touch on the importance of trade-offs, especially for women who often feel overwhelmed by responsibilities. Greg shares practical tips on how ...

Jul 28, 202553 minEp. 709

Letting Go of Perfectionism and Learning to Be Fully Known || H&K with Kendra Adachi

In this heartfelt conversation, Kendra Adachi shares how her journey away from perfectionism began—not with a dramatic overhaul, but by starting small and tuning into what truly mattered. She opens up about identity loss, grief, and the fear of being fully seen, offering hard-won wisdom on rebuilding a life that’s rooted in authenticity, not performance. This clip is a powerful reminder that freedom begins where perfection ends. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog...

Jul 26, 202511 min

AP 708: Why Joy Isn’t the Same as Happiness—and How to Reclaim It EVEN During a Difficult Time || with Tanmeet Sethi

In this episode, Dr. Tanmeet Sethi and I delve deep into the often misunderstood distinctions between joy and happiness. Dr. Sethi shares her profound insights on how joy, unlike happiness, is a birthright that resides within our bodies and can be accessed through mindful practices and connection to our physical selves. During our conversation, Dr. Sethi eloquently explains the importance of feeling pain instead of avoiding it and how this process can lead to a more profound, sustainable joy. If...

Jul 21, 202548 minEp. 708

How One Yes Sparked a Fitness Movement That’s Changing Lives || H&K with Emily Nelson

When Emily Nelson got the nudge to co-create High Fitness, she had no idea it would grow into a movement that’s empowering thousands—from new moms to 70-somethings. In this heartfelt clip, she shares the moment she said yes , the vision behind a workout that welcomes everyone , and why it’s about so much more than just sweat and burpees—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/emily-nelson-empowering-yourself-to-become-...

Jul 19, 20258 min

AP 707: How to Dramatically Cut Your Grocery Bill Without Extreme Couponing || with Rachel Coons

In today's episode, I sit down with Rachel Coons to discuss practical ways to save on your grocery bills. We'll explore how you can cut down your grocery expenses significantly by shopping less frequently, meal planning efficiently, and reducing food waste. Rachel shares invaluable tips and strategies, including her renowned SHOP method, to help you save both time and money. We also delve into the benefits of intentional shopping and how these small changes can lead to substantial savings withou...

Jul 14, 202552 minEp. 707

How One Tube of Lipstick Changed Everything || H&K with Kayti Oldham

When a difficult postpartum season left Kayti Oldham feeling lost, one bold swipe of red lipstick helped her feel like herself again—and sparked a whole new calling. Kayti shares how personal healing, a passion for helping women, and a major "aha" moment about the beauty industry led to her empowering approach to makeup. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/kayti-oldham-finding-joy-in-the-real-you Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-fre...

Jul 12, 20257 min

AP 706: Stressed, Snappy, and Stuck? This One Practice Can Help You Feel Like You Again || How to Take a “Me Day”

Today, we're diving into the concept of 'Me Day' and why it's so vital for our mental and physical health. I’ll be breaking down what a 'Me Day' is, why it matters so much, and sharing step-by-step tips on how you can carve out this essential time for yourself. We'll also tackle common obstacles and highlight the psychological and physical impacts of not having enough 'me time,' supported by research from reputable sources. In addition, I share a personal story about a memorable argument with my...

Jul 07, 202550 minEp. 706

How to Thrive Through Major Life Transitions || H&K with Aubrey Baldwin

What do you do when everything familiar disappears—your support system, your sense of purpose, even your physical well-being? In this powerful story, military wife Aubrey Baldwin shares how she moved to a remote Texas town, faced extreme loneliness and pregnancy illness, and still found her way back to herself. Through tiny acts of courage—like visiting a bakery alone or teaching piano lessons—she discovered what it means to create joy and fulfillment in the middle of hard transitions. Her story...

Jul 05, 20257 min

AP 705: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Making Confident Decisions || with Jessica Frew

In this episode, Jessica Frew and I dive deep into the topic of overthinking and decision-making, exploring how women, in particular, struggle with these issues. Jessica shared invaluable insights on how overthinking often manifests in our lives, from endless researching to self-judgment. Jessica introduced practical steps to overcome overthinking and to make more confident decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and letting go of societal "shoulds." From the concept of humble decisi...

Jun 30, 202555 minEp. 705

You Don’t Have to Hide Your Mess to Be Loved || H&K with Cori Connors

Songwriter Cori Connors shares how leaving her garage door open — literally and metaphorically — became a powerful act of courage and community. She talks about embracing her mess, rejecting perfection, and offering connection through authenticity. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide who you are to be accepted, this story will stay with you. Perfect for anyone navigating self-doubt, body image, or the pressure to appear put-together — and especially for women who are learning to show up as ...

Jun 28, 20258 min

AP 704: Special: Update On My Personal Goals for 2025 || Preview from More Personal

In this episode, I provide an update on my personal goals for 2025, sharing the progress I've made and the challenges I've faced along the way. From early bedtimes and family adventures to financial planning and creative projects, I reflect on what’s working and what needs improvement. It's all about messy progress and celebrating the small wins. I also share exciting news about the Supporters Club and how it's helping us keep About Progress going despite the ad challenges. Tune in for a candid ...

Jun 26, 202550 minEp. 704

AP 703: The Power of Adventure: How Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone is an Act of Self-Care and Rediscovery || with Brooke Eliason from Female Foodie

In this episode I sit down with Brooke Eliason, founder of Female Foodie, to discuss the transformative power of adventure. From my own experiences exploring London to Brooke's incredible journey of turning a three-month trip into an 18-month adventure across the U.S. and Europe, we explore how stepping outside your comfort zone can transform your life. We also dive into the benefits of organized travel and share some practical tips for reigniting your adventurous spirit, whether close to home o...

Jun 23, 202557 minEp. 703

How Two Moms Turned Fear into Bravery Magazine || H&K with Elyse Beard & Ashley Aikele

Ashley and Elise open up about the fears, perfectionism, and self-doubt they had to overcome while building Bravery Magazine from scratch. In this inspiring clip, they share how letting go of perfection and choosing progress helped them rediscover their creativity, purpose, and confidence. If you’ve ever felt like fear was holding you back—this one’s for you. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/elyse-beard-and-ashley-aikele-being-your-own-kind-of-brave Sign up as ...

Jun 21, 20258 min

AP 702: A LIVE Revisit of My Do Something List || Growth Spurt

The Do Something List is a tool I’ve used since 2016 to help me prioritize everyday fulfillment, and it has drastically changed my life. Today, I revisit and alter my current list in real-time, sharing the process and my thoughts as I refine my goals for the year. Through reflection, alteration, and some humorous anecdotes, I demonstrate the power of adapting our aspirations to fit our real lives, just as I have for nine years straight. Throughout this episode, I talk about my various current go...

Jun 19, 202527 minEp. 702

AP 701: From Fear to First Steps: How to Start a Dream Even When You're Scared || coaching call with Abbie

In this episode, I coach Abbie, a woman eager to launch her own creative business but held back by the fear of both potential failure and success. We delve into why starting something personal feels so vulnerable, how people-pleasing can hinder self-trust, and the reality of moving forward imperfectly even when scared. If you've felt stuck at the starting line of your dreams, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and actionable steps to help you move forward. Sign up as a Supporter to get a...

Jun 16, 202556 minEp. 701

How Small Steps Lead to a Big Dream || H&K with Gabrielle Blair

Overwhelmed by a big dream? Gabrielle Blair shares how breaking a massive goal — moving her family of eight to France — into tiny, manageable steps turned the impossible into reality. Learn why small actions create momentum and why you don't need the full plan to start. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-small-steps-take-you-big-places Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal . Episodes air each Friday! ⁠Get...

Jun 14, 20258 min

AP 700: 7 Life Lessons from Producing 700 Episodes || Growth Spurt

I can hardly believe we're celebrating our 700th episode! Hitting this incredible milestone over nearly nine years of podcasting has really made me reflect on the seven powerful life lessons I've learned along the way. These aren't just for podcasters; they're universal truths that can help you in your own life too. It’s been a hard but vital lesson to accept that not everybody has to love you for you to do good work, and that small wins truly do build over time, forming the consistent process t...

Jun 12, 202527 minEp. 700

AP 699: Declutter Without Perfection: How to Ditch the Instagram Standards to Create a More Peaceful, Simple Home || with Courtney Florey

Ever feel like your home is battling Instagram's "after" photos? I certainly do! My chat with Courtney Florey of Declutter and Dwell tackled this, as she believes these unrealistic standards can hinder progress by fostering comparison and pressure for perfection. We agreed homes are meant to be lived in, not just admired, and it's normal if yours isn't magazine-ready. This pressure can deter us from even starting, fearing too much time, money, or effort, or leading to burnout. Her practical advi...

Jun 09, 202548 minEp. 699

Body Image, Balance, and the Power of Self-Acceptance || H&K with Meg Miles

In this heartfelt moment, Meg Miles reflects on what true health really means—not perfection, but balance. She shares how working as a pediatric nurse shaped her passion for body confidence and women’s wellness, and how becoming a mother helped her speak to herself with more compassion. With quiet strength, Meg challenges the all-or-nothing culture of health and encourages women to make promises they can keep—not to be perfect, but to be present. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.abou...

Jun 07, 202510 min

AP 698: An eventful end to the school year, the garden is finally planted, learning a new craft from my DSL list, looking forward to my yearly “Me Day,” and the simple things I’m loving lately || Messy Middle June 2025

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 ...

Jun 05, 202543 minEp. 698

AP 697: Family Burnout Recovery Plan || How our shift from survival to FUN changed our family culture and relationships

Are you tired of the never-ending cycle of stress and burnout in your family life? In this episode, I share our family's journey from being overwhelmed and stressed to reclaiming joy and connection through our Family Burnout Recovery Plan. After realizing that simply changing our location wasn't enough to alleviate our constant stress, my husband Brad and I decided to make intentional fun a priority for our family. We dubbed 2022 our 'Year of Fun,' and focused on creating meaningful, enjoyable e...

Jun 02, 202552 minEp. 697

AP 696: BONUS! Thrifty Tips: Ways We Like to Save Money || Preview from More Personal

This is a bonus episode from my premium podcast, More Personal , where we lean into the personal side of personal development. In today's episode, we dive into thrifty tips to help you navigate difficult economic times. Join me and my podcast manager, Taylor Rockwood, as we tackle the balance between saving money and enjoying life. We share our own experiences and practical tips on secondhand shopping, managing grocery bills, evaluating monthly subscriptions, and redefining frugality. This episo...

May 29, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 696

AP 695: Fad or Fact: The Truth Behind Protein and Fiber, Essential Nutrients for Women’s Health || with Jenn Trepeck

In this episode, I sit down with health coach and podcaster Jenn Trepeck to dive deep into the world of nutrition, focusing on the importance of protein and fiber. We debunk popular food myths, discuss the role of balanced macro and micronutrients, and explore how the modern food environment has shaped our eating habits. Jenn shares expert advice on how to incorporate quality sources of protein, fiber, and fat into your diet, while also touching on the roles of supplements and whole foods. This ...

May 26, 20251 hrEp. 695
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