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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

AP 580: How to Plan a Week You Can Win || Jessica Jackson

Jessica Jackson , creator of the Thriving in Motherhood podcast, shares her journey from struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety to finding her way to thriving in motherhood. She recounts the challenges she faced, including a life-threatening illness after the birth of her third child, and how these experiences led her to discover the power of planning and creating a vision for her life. Jessica emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear vision, breaking it down into manageable...

Mar 11, 202447 minEp. 580

AP 579: Our first real influencing experience, a new-to-me sourdough recipe, my next interior design project, my favorite youtube series, and a podcast update || Messy Middle March 2024

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 ...

Mar 07, 202422 minEp. 579

AP 578: 4 Habits That Are Helping Me Show Up

Reflecting on the chaos of the last week while my husband has been out of town, I realized how it echoes past times when this hectic pace was the norm for me. Those times were what sparked a shift in prioritizing showing up more as myself, in my own life. My journey towards embracing this led to a deep appreciation for the power of habits, not as rigid routines but as flexible tools to navigate life's demands. Today I'm sharing four key habits, and how these simple practices have become my ancho...

Mar 04, 202425 minEp. 578

AP 577: How to Get Past Your Past || Bonus episode with Jason VanRuler

In this episode, I interviewed Jason Van Ruler, a seasoned therapist, about the profound impact of our past on our present and future. Jason shared his personal journey, reflecting on a childhood marked by upheaval and trauma, which shaped his perspective and propelled him towards a career in therapy. Jason highlighted the transformative power of vulnerability and connection in the healing process, underscoring that healing is indeed possible, albeit a journey rather than a destination. He encou...

Feb 29, 202440 minEp. 577

AP 576: “You Are a Tree!” How to choose flourishing over productivity || with Joy Marie Clarkson

Metaphors shape our perceptions of ourselves, our relationships, and our capacity for personal growth and change. When we use them to speak about ourselves and our world, they are reflective of the beliefs we carry and the truths we prize. Today, our guest Joy Marie Clarkson wants you to better notice the metaphors you’re anchoring into and how to switch them to ones that encourage flourishing over productivity. If you’re tired of your constant cycles of updating, crashing, and rebooting, Joy wi...

Feb 26, 202449 minEp. 576

AP 575: How do you get into medical school as a busy mom? || with Kaylee Steiner

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me ? This episode is part of a series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real people who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits. Access exclusive supporter benefits Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 22, 202441 minEp. 575

AP 574: “How can I better manage the resentment I feel towards my family?” || Coaching call with Sarah

In this coaching call episode, I chat with Sarah, a mom struggling with resentment in her family relationships. We delve into her feelings of being under appreciated and overwhelmed by the weight of her responsibilities. Together, we explore the roots of her resentment and uncover her desires for more peace, flexibility, and self-expression. Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of acknowledging her wants and choices, as well as the steps she can take towards reclaiming her sens...

Feb 19, 202449 minEp. 574

AP 573: Can I make a good habit to STOP a bad one? || Growth Spurt

When I teach how to create habits, I inevitably get questions about what to do about bad habits. In fact, I recently received a voicemail from a Progressor named Amy, asking this very question. She gave me permission to dive into her bad habit for all of us to hear, because I think it's something that many of us wish we could change: spending unnecessary time on our cell phones. Tune in to hear me break this down, and uncover what's really going on in our minds that leads us bad habits. Access e...

Feb 15, 202415 minEp. 573

AP 572: A New Way to Love and Be Loved || with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh

So many things inform our personal definition of love: how we were raised, how love was modeled for us, our culture, and more. But what is the most meaningful definition of love? Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh is a world-renowned social psychologist, specializing in sexuality and relationships. Based on her research, she shares a new way to look at love, and as part of that, a new way to love and be loved. Dr. Sara is interested in helping people move past a more superficial love, to the type of love that...

Feb 12, 202454 minEp. 572

AP 571: How Will You Surprise Yourself? || Growth Spurt

A woman recently asked me, regarding my Do Something List, “What is one of the most interesting things you’ve discovered about yourself in the process?” My answer surprised me, and I'm sharing it in this episode. What could you be surprised about when you discover yourself? When you make time for exploration, for possibility, for a little push? What parts of yourself will you bring back? What parts of yourself will you find for the very first time? Get the free DSL training. Live Boldly Podcast ...

Feb 08, 202410 minEp. 571

AP 570: The #1 Reason Why Women MUST Do Habits Differently

After years of my own ups and downs, plus coaching many women through their struggles with habit formation I came to a realization: there is a reason that women must do habits differently. This realization had a lot to do with the impact of invisible labor on our ability to form habits. Using my training and experience I created the Sticky Habit Method, designed specifically for real women like us. If this sounds like something you need, but with the added accountability of my guidance and a com...

Feb 05, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 570

AP 569: Why I actually liked January, scheduling things to look forward to, finalizing my DSL, learning about gardening, and a listener supported podcast model update || Messy Middle February 2024

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 ...

Feb 01, 202424 minEp. 569

AP 568: 3 Actionable Ways to Optimize Your Sleep || with Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell

Today, we have Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, physician and certified sleep specialist, on the show. We dive deep into the importance of sleep and how it can transform your life. Dr. Holliday-Bell shares her personal journey with insomnia and how it led her to become a sleep specialist. We discuss common mistakes people make regarding light exposure, bedtime routines, and the mindset shift needed to prioritize sleep. Dr. Bell emphasizes the power of small changes in your bedtime routine and encourage...

Jan 29, 202439 minEp. 568

AP 567: HONEST REVIEWS: Beddy's || preview of More Personal

Each month on More Personal you'll hear honest reviews from me and my podcast manager, Taylor, where we share our beautifully blunt reviews on products you often see peddled online. The difference? We bought these items ourselves as an objective consumer. And at the end of the episode we'll each share the one other thing we're genuinely loving lately. If you've enjoyed these Friday episodes you can access exclusive supporter benefits to continue listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Jan 26, 202427 minEp. 567

AP 566: Do Something List Workshop: Make your DSL for 2024

The DSL has changed so many lives—literally—and it started, quite unexpectedly with my own. You’ve likely heard me talk about the Do Something List many times over the years and have wondered if it’s right for you. If you can’t make goals this year, want to supplement whatever goals you were able to make, or you simply need some momentum to figure out who you are, then this is what the DSL is for. Today’s episode is a condensed replay of the live version I taught mid-January, but here for you so...

Jan 25, 202459 minEp. 566

AP 565: Create Your Own Miracle Morning, One Doable Step at a Time || with Hal Elrod

Years I hosted a "Get Up Early Challenge" on Instagram, and it went really well for so many of us...until it didn't. The problem was that the habit didn't stick, it was too much too soon. But, I did learn something really important, and that was that by getting up earlier and investing in myself, I had more to happily to give to my family and my responsibilities. Shortly after this challenge I was introduced to The Miracle Morning , by Hal Elrod, and it gave me the motivation AND information tha...

Jan 22, 202447 minEp. 565

AP 564: DEEP DIVE: Positive Thinking || preview of More Personal

Each month on More Personal I'll take on a deep-but-brief breakdown of a hot personal development topic, history, or persona. While this episode isn’t meant to be a complete synopsis, it will definitely get you thinking and, likely, talking. Today's topic is how positive thinking swept the earth with its motivational methods, but along the way got twisted into shame-driven toxicity. Either way, the world will never be the same. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habi...

Jan 19, 202427 minEp. 564

AP 563: Cast a Vision || Growth Spurt

Last year I felt like I had abandoned my goals and day planning by February. As I reviewed them again recently, surprisingly a lot of what I had envisioned still materialized. Clearly defined visions give direction, making it easier to break down the necessary steps and create a meaningful impact on both conscious and subconscious levels. In this episode I'll explain what that looks like in goal planning, and give you a unique twist on setting a word for the year that aligns with the feelings yo...

Jan 18, 202414 minEp. 563

AP 562: “How can I consistently exercise as a busy mom with limited time and resources?” || Coaching Call with Alycia

The most common New Year’s habit people want to work on is exercise, and for so many good reasons. Yes, there can definitely be some external 'shoulds' on that list, but exercise also helps us with our bodies, our minds, our mood, and our spirit. Alycia is a busy mom of four, so we work on finding a realistic starting point, then discuss a manageable goal with a plan for small steps to get there and gradually increase. If this is a goal of yours, but you're struggling to implement supportive hab...

Jan 15, 202448 minEp. 562

AP 561: CASUAL CONVOS: "Influencers" || preview of More Personal

Each month on More Personal I'll be having what I call a casual convo with my podcast manager, Taylor, on different hot topics. This is a preview of our new private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. In the future episodes like these will only be available for the two highest levels of supporters of About Progress. Sign up HERE . Access exclusive supporter benefits Sign up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Try Sideshow now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...

Jan 12, 202435 minEp. 561

AP 560: A creative + practical tool to make a good GOAL || Growth Spurt

Sometimes a creative acronym is the most helpful way to embrace a new, or hard-to-love, concept. Today that concept of G.O.A.L.S. is being taught by Misty Marsh, a mom of 4 big-hearted kids and a professional coach for women creating online courses. She understands how difficult it can be to balance motherhood and business and loves making it possible for women to provide for their families while working for a reasonable number of hours from home. If you need a new approach to goal-setting this ...

Jan 11, 202412 minEp. 560

AP 559: Goal Planning with Soul: how to make goals that match your soul and not your “shoulds” || with Kate House

What do you honestly think about goal-setting? For years I was averse to the idea, driven by the fear of failure if I couldn't accomplish them all perfectly. Now, I set goals differently by keeping my season, my values, and my wants at the forefront of my planning. Together with today's guest, Kate House, we dive in to how you can do that, too, by setting intentions and crafting goals with soul. Kate House is the host of The Live By Design Podcast, a health coach, and online educator. Her purpos...

Jan 08, 202447 minEp. 559

AP 558: BOOK REPORT: Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese || preview of More Personal

This is a preview of our new private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. In the future episodes like these will only be available for the two highest levels of supporters of About Progress. Sign up HERE . Each month on More Personal I'll share an unfiltered book review, including information on the author, what I loved and didn't love, some of my favorite quotes, and questions I'd love to ask the author. Plus, you'll receive a guide you can use in your own book club! NY Times book review, ...

Jan 05, 202418 minEp. 558

AP 557: INTRODUCING: MORE PERSONAL || The state of the podcast, its future, and how I can’t do it alone

This is a more personal episode that addresses the current state of the podcast as I reflect on the highs and lows of 7+ years. I'm sharing some fun facts about the podcast that you might not know, plus some meaningful ways it has truly changed my life. Lastly, I'm ready to introduce the newest addition to the podcast, a listener-supported-model called "More Personal" that will allow you ways to receive extra episodes, access to online gatherings, my real book reviews, and more. Access exclusive...

Jan 04, 202434 minEp. 557

AP 556: It’s OK to Want More || Why it matters that you know what you want + how to overcome your fears of wanting more

After an intense realization of my own personal desire for more, I'm ready to talk to you about your own desire for more. I discuss what “more” might look like for you, how to let go of the fear, anchor in, and reach for more. Not just for this year, but for all of your years. I am getting into the fear that often compels us to suppress our desires, conform to societal expectations, and become inadvertent people-pleasers. This is a narrative that resonates with many women, myself included, who h...

Jan 01, 202445 minEp. 556

AP 555: MESSY YEAR 2023 REVIEW: Adjusting to my fifth newborn, garden boxes, the ups and downs of the podcast, the habit baselines that saved me, how my DSL surprised me, the books and entertainment I loved most, and goals for my family in the new year

This is a yearly spin on my usual monthly series where I share 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 year. 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 th...

Dec 18, 20231 hr 27 minEp. 555

AP 554: How to Eat with More Confidence During the Holidays || with Megan Andersen

This episode is all about reclaiming joy and confidence in our relationship with food during the holiday season. In this conversation with Megan Andersen, a nutrition coach specializing in intuitive eating, we dive deep into the pressures women face during this time of year. Megan shares her insights on navigating the holiday food landscape without succumbing to anxiety, guilt, or restrictive mindsets. We explore the concept of "flexibility within structure," unraveling the idea that there's no ...

Dec 11, 202345 minEp. 554

AP 553: Mental Coping Skills for OVERWHELM || a 2-part conversation with Stacy Toth from the Whole View

Today's episode dives deep into a word that has defined much of my 2023: overwhelm. As I reflect on how I navigated the chaos, sharing the highs and lows of my year, I'm thrilled to be joined by Stacy Toth, a certified problem solver, inclusive educator, and host of The Whole View podcast. Stacy and I discuss the nuances of overwhelm, from the surprising physiological signs to practical coping strategies. We also discuss tools and tips to help you navigate this challenging season. It's a meaning...

Dec 08, 202351 minEp. 553

AP 552: Skiing with my kids this winter, the holiday traditions we're enjoying, the songs I'm learning on the piano, getting back into day planning, and the Trader Joe's treat that I look forward to all year || Messy Middle December 2023

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 ...

Dec 07, 202320 minEp. 552

AP 551: Are you on the list? | Practical Ways Prioritize Yourself + Why it Matters

Amidst the lengthy lists we make this time of year, including gifts to buy and service to render, are you on the list? While it's extra relevant throughout this holiday season, it matters all year long, too. In this episode I'm sharing why it's such a big deal to prioritize yourself, and the ways in which you start doing it right away. SNL Clip , Dr. Julie Hanks Episode , Janae Chandler episode Take my free DSL Workshop in January! Finding Me Academy My FREE DSL Training My FREE habits class Ful...

Dec 04, 202345 minEp. 551
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