Just to recap from the summer, we listened to encore episodes in July and then talked about being consistent throughout August. The "Dear Progressor," episode will now air every other month, so still make sure to leave me your messages with what you learned and how you're growing! The submissions this month are definitely special, some even made this non-cryer get a little misty eyed. I hope these messages (and songs!) help you realize that as you strive for progress and growth, you are not alon...
Aug 31, 2020•27 min•Ep. 282
Last month I announced a change for the podcast - each month we would alternate between the " Dear Progressor " episodes and an interview with a "regular" listener. This month I chatted with a member of this community, who is just like you, because it's so important for you to see that progress and growth is achievable even if you're not an expert. Kendra Brimhall opens up about her progress story, and how she built a constructive mindset around habits. As a self described chronic-monster-list-m...
Aug 26, 2020•35 min•Ep. 281
For a long, long time I valued my worth based on my outcomes. If I didn't look a certain way, or achieve a certain thing, I thought that meant I wasn't good enough as a person. I now know, and want you to also understand, that I was wrong. The truth is, for myself included, you'll never make it. You've probably heard in more than one of my interviews a discussion about arrival - and whether or not we ever fully arrive into who we think we need to become. We truly don't, I don't think we're desig...
Aug 21, 2020•14 min•Ep. 280
This is a power-packed episode that I know I will listen to over and over again. The tips are simple and doable, and there are lots of them. Every week I send out Progress Pointers, basically all the good stuff in a nice graphic, so that you can listen and learn without taking notes. In this interview we uncover why we get sooo distracted, and how to become indistractable, through understanding our individual values and time. Nir Eyal , author and behavioral designer, has spent years researching...
Aug 19, 2020•59 min•Ep. 279
My husband, Brad, and I are sitting down to give you a super informal update on our lives! A while back we talked about a lot of the unknowns we faced when we sold our home by owner in the middle of a pandemic without knowing where we'd land. Today we're sharing the exciting news that we bought a house, along with answering the questions you asked. And, with the upcoming school year, we've decided to homeschool our children. This is something I have always wanted to do and given the current pand...
Aug 14, 2020•44 min•Ep. 278
Certain things are frequent topics on this podcast, and habits and routines has been one of them. If you're still overwhelmed and unsure of how to make those changes in your life, that's OKAY. Today's episode aims to use routines to free up your life and mind when you learn how to maximize consistency with your routines. Ashley Brown, of Routines and Things , is a self proclaimed "Type A" personality who struggled with a major life transition, which led her to understanding that routines could m...
Aug 12, 2020•43 min•Ep. 277
I want to talk to you about a pervasive lie that flys around the self development world. I believe that the idea of being an overnight success is a lie! If you're looking to achieve long-term change with quick fix type answers, then this is not the place for you. Instead, what I do wholeheartedly believe, is the power of being consistent. That's right, doing your best, most of the time, over time, is the way to work towards real and lasting growth. This has been evident many times in my own life...
Aug 05, 2020•34 min•Ep. 276
I knew Cori Connors growing up as the “Mom” of the neighborhood–the one always ready to laugh with instead of scold you, eager to cheer you on, and willing to sit with you when you’re down. She is an angel to many, and she also has an angel voice backed by her record-selling songwriting abilities. Cori talks about how creativity cannot flourish while in the restraints of perfectionism; that in order to really get to the meat of who we are and the gifts we have, we need to get comfortable with be...
Jul 29, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 274
Seven types of rest?! Yep. But don’t worry, you’re likely not lacking in each of those areas. And actually, if you can see where your bucket needs filling and focus on that area then you will feel real restoration. Our guest actually has a rest quiz you can take to determine those areas! Today’s episode looks at why you are so exhausted and how to change that. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a wife, mother, physician, speaker, and author. As an internal medicine doctor she began to notice that her p...
Jul 22, 2020•40 min•Ep. 274
One of the biggest takeaways from interviews about happiness, has been about how to fulfill this need internally, rather than relying on external factors. If you are still struggling, consider reframing how to choose more happiness as owning your choices. That’s right! You can choose happiness. “I DON’T LOVE MY LIFE, BUT I CAN’T CHOOSE OTHERWISE.” Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Maybe it’s your family, your career, your personal development, or something else entirely that you blame for...
Jul 15, 2020•41 min•Ep. 273
Raise your hand if you have fallen victim to circumstances, or excuses, and your list of “What if’s?” seems like the only thing in your life that is growing. Just like the old adage that a diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure, we too can learn how to shine if we push past resistance. The choice is yours, learn how to keep growing or allow self doubt to stop you in your tracks. In this episode, America’s Money Maven Patrice Washington weighs in on personal growth with what work...
Jul 08, 2020•39 min•Ep. 272
How is progressing going for you? Is it all over the place, back and forth, kind of a mess? GOOD. Progress is messy. All month long we are talking about what that looks like and how to deal with it. So what if you feel stuck, and need to know how to get out of a funk? The answer is simple – it’s you! And this episode contains the tools you need to show up for yourself. Natalie Norton, retired photographer turned podcaster and life coach, holds little back as she reveals the depths of her grief a...
Jul 01, 2020•50 min•Ep. 271
We've spent longer than I originally planned on discussing the most recent theme, "Be Healthy", with an emphasis on being, not getting, to our healthiest selves. The guests that shared their expertise this month were all full of valuable information, and in this episode I'm sharing how I got schooled, meaning what stuck out to me the most. Tune in for what I have to say, but also voices from the podcast community. This is the episode where I also let you in on what's been going on in the Packer ...
Jun 24, 2020•19 min•Ep. 270
In this episode I'm combining self development with science, and it really does work. For example, as part of my seemingly never-ending quest to develop healthy sleep habits I frequently say, "I prioritize sleep." I do not say, "I'm incapable of a good night's rest" or "It takes me forever to fall asleep" and other non-aspirational, self-identifying, statements. In order to really change, I've learned how confirmation bias can shift your health habits. Whether you already know what "confirmation...
Jun 19, 2020•31 min•Ep. 269
We're all born as intuitive eaters, if you think about it. Tiny babies know when they're hungry, and even cry a certain way to let us know! They also sometimes eat for comfort, know to stop when they're full, and feel no shame for these innate behaviors. If eating (and maybe in your head you think dieting ) is bringing up a lot of fear for you, it's time to get back to your instincts and learn the power of eating without fear. Taylor Chan is a registered dietitian and personal trainer on a missi...
Jun 10, 2020•41 min•Ep. 268
Christopher Clark didn't ask for a diagnosis of ALS at the peak of his life, family, and career. Over the five years he faced with continuously limited capacity to move and control his body, he still controlled how he was going to show up each day with his humor, smile, and generosity. Early on in my podcasting career, Chris accepted an invite from this no-name podcaster who wanted to take a microphone to his diminishing voice and record his story. That single episode changed my life forever. Li...
Jun 08, 2020•52 min•Ep. 267
Maybe you are like me and you thought systemic racism was mostly over after the Civil Rights Movement. Or maybe you still knew racism existed, but it was only happening far away and instigated by people who were nothing like yourself. But very likely, you are also like me, and have learned--both over time and especially the last few weeks--that racism is still very much part of our society today. I hope you tune in to this special episode, especially if this topic makes you uncomfortable. In it,...
Jun 05, 2020•44 min•Ep. 266
If the word exercise makes you squirm, it's time to let go of what it does, or doesn't, mean for you. And probably also, your excuses. Set aside the known health benefits, the aesthetics-only goals, and dig into how to put joy back into exercise. Because movement can actually help you manage your mindset. Christy Joy is passionate about exercise, but not in a drill sergeant type of way. She often works out alongside her four children, and recognizes that sometimes even if a minute of movement is...
Jun 03, 2020•47 min•Ep. 265
Do you find yourself giving up on your habits practically on the day you decide to start them? Do you blame your willpower, or lack thereof, for getting in the way of positive habit formation? What if I told you it's not just about self-control and it is possible for you to make the changes you want. In this episode I'm touching on two reasons why you struggle, and four ways you can boost your self-control. It is doable, and healthy, to create the habits you want for your whole self. I'm sharing...
May 29, 2020•19 min•Ep. 264
As I've spent the last decade and a half recovering from my own eating disorder, I have had the most success with intuitive eating. You don't need to be afraid of it; of letting go of diets and restrictions. It is possible to live life in accordance to your values, on the other side of harmful dieting or disordered eating. Beth Summers , author, coach, and foodie, teaches how to shift your relationship with your body and food. She says, "Eating intuitively is using your intuition, which I consid...
May 27, 2020•43 min•Ep. 263
You may have guessed from my months of semi-eluding, and probably saw this post , but we are officially moving! We sold our home, by owner, during a pandemic, and don't know exactly where we're going to land. Sound crazy? I get it, I do, but I'm actually feeling an exciting sense of curiosity and adventure. My husband, Brad, agreed to join me for this episode to answer your questions and share each of our feelings on this big leap. We do know where we are temporarily going, but hope to take our ...
May 22, 2020•44 min•Ep. 262
Notice the title of this episode isn't how to gain confidence, it's how to strengthen yours. That means you already have it, and if you're doubting that then you just need to uncover it. If you're basing your confidence just on the surface, then you're not really living up to your fullest potential. Wherever you fall, the episode will teach you how to progress. Arielle Estoria is a creator, writer, and speaker spreading light and positivity. She was also a self described "professional wallflower...
May 20, 2020•41 min•Ep. 261
I mentioned in this month's introduction episode, that your habits are neutral. It's worth a short solo episode explaining what that really means and how it can help you grow. You should feel some relief, you don't need to dramatically, or painfully, change your habits. You can, however, shift your views, to align with your values, and therefore shape your habits. Remove that familiar all-or-nothing way of viewing your habits, because when we moralize our habits we moralize ourselves. You are no...
May 15, 2020•14 min•Ep. 260
Do you want to know the most pivotal piece of advice a therapist ever shared with me? As I was finally seeking treatment after struggling for years with my eating disorder I was told this: you will deal with this forever. And I was actually relieved! I explain further in the episode, along with our mental-health-therapist guest, on the ways to better cope with your mental health struggles. Kimberley Quinlan is a mother, business owner, therapist, and podcaster. She also, somewhat uniquely, self ...
May 13, 2020•39 min•Ep. 259
Today I'm introducing the theme for May (really the next 6 weeks) with a disclaimer that, no, this is not turning into a diet and fitness podcast and blog. But, I do feel passionately about the importance of being healthy in allll aspects of your life. Tune in all month for interviews on achieving healthy habits that align with your values. Spoiler alert: this is not a quick fix, one-size-fits-all approach I'm offering. Using 4 tips, that I thoroughly explain, I teach that your mindset is the HO...
May 06, 2020•37 min•Ep. 258
We spent this past month learning about what I might even call my favorite theme yet, live with purpose. I hope you come away from the fantastic interviews this month knowing you don't need to find your purpose, you already have it. At first I wasn't sure if the theme was relevant given the current pandemic, but this community showed up and showed me the real importance of infecting purpose into our every day lives. As always, in addition to the "Dear Progressor," listener submissions I share wh...
Apr 30, 2020•16 min•Ep. 257
This is a power-packed episode meant to teach you how to play off your strengths, to add purpose to your present life. If that sentence, or just the title, has you bringing up your guards, wait just a second! All the questions you need to ask yourself are here for you to use right away, to learn how your strengths can guide your path. Tallia Deljou is a coach and podcaster with a background in positive psychology. Her bright perspective on helping women find joy in their purpose and strengths is...
Apr 29, 2020•44 min•Ep. 256
What does organization bring to mind for you? Do you jump to "the kitchen", "loose papers", "kids' clothing", or other large-project things? Perfectionism would have you think that's the only choice, and that kind of thinking is exactly what hijacks your growth. If you can shift your identity, you will shift your organization habits and outcomes. Organization is sooo much more than the overwhelming spaces of your home. I teach organization first in your mind, then as well in your space and time....
Apr 24, 2020•32 min•Ep. 255
In all honesty, I almost titled this episode, "How to Not Lose Your Shiz When Life Happens." I want you to tune in and know you're not alone in the feelings of panic, fear, anger, sadness or whatever else overwhelms you in this moment. And then, I want you to learn what you can do and how to stay calm in times of stress like these. Our returning guest , Jen Riday , is a mother of 6, podcaster and women's coach. She talks about her love of statistics, even spreadsheets, and routines that usually ...
Apr 22, 2020•45 min•Ep. 254
Today's episode might make you uncomfortable, but remember, you can have the discomfort of not growing or the discomfort of growing. Let's get started by asking yourself, whose life are you living? Is it really yours and are you really doing it with purpose? Because if not, and you're living for your children, your partner, your parents, etc. then this episode serves to teach you that you don't have to be the sacrificial lamb of your family. Dr. Julie Hanks is lending her expertise as a wife, mo...
Apr 15, 2020•41 min•Ep. 253
