About Progress - podcast cover

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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

AP 610: Self-Care for When You DON’T Feel Like Yourself || with Mia Hemstad

Have you ever found yourself in the position of feeling complete overwhelm, maybe even anxiety or depression, knowing you desperately need to take care of yourself but are simultaneously unable to? Whether it’s the small things like eating, or showering, to the big things like enjoying a creative hobby, we sometimes forget to support ourselves in those ways when we need it the most. Mia Hemstad is a mother of two and a self-care coach, who has dealt personally and professionally with severe depr...

Jul 08, 202457 minEp. 610

AP 609: Think It’s Too Late? Start Where You Are

Have you ever felt like it was too late? Too late for your goals, traditions, or habits? Or, maybe you feel it’s too late to create better relationships? Feeling like it’s “too late” can bring up a lot of emotions: anger, guilt, or sadness. You feel like you should have known better! (“I should have started this last week or years ago!”) How can you recover from these feelings when you can’t change the past? Instead of being stuck in these feelings, I want to teach you how to start where you are...

Jul 01, 202438 minEp. 609

AP 608: Do You Struggle Making (and Keeping) Friends As An Adult? You’re Not Alone + Here’s Help! || with Dr. Marisa G. Franco

I have been surprised by something as an adult…I stink at friendship. When it comes to making new friends, or even staying connected with old friends, it has just become harder and harder. I also find myself become more and more introverted as I get older. And I think many of you can relate. Making and keeping friends as an adult has always seemed to be a hot topic, so if we’re all feeling this pull then why is it still so tough? Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins me...

Jun 24, 202445 minEp. 608

AP 607: Partnership in Marriage–how to shift power dynamics from “who’s in charge?” to “we’re in this together” || with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Dr. Julie Hanks

Is your marriage ready for more? More intimacy, connection, and collaboration? Then, it’s time for some changes. It’s time to move towards more partnership. This is where both spouses have their needs and desires be equally heard. This is where BOTH spouses’ contributions can be better valued and supported. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Dr. Julie Hanks (two of our top-favorite guests!) are joining forces to share what a partnership model looks like, why it’s essential to having deeply successf...

Jun 17, 202455 minEp. 607

AP 606: Why Grown Ups Need to Have Fun (+ How!) || with Catherine Price

If you had an hour totally to yourself, what would you do? Author Catherine Price explains in today’s interview that when faced with that exact situation she found herself signing up for a guitar class. That choice spiraled into what she now knows as true fun . When was the last time that you had fun? Maybe you’re wondering what fun even is. Catherine compiled her research into her book “The Power of Fun,” which she shares about in this episode along with some powerful personal anecdotes. By tak...

Jun 10, 202453 minEp. 606

AP 605: Our "Maycember," my DSL update, how I make day planning a habit, the popular gadget I finally bought, and a little bit of creativity fatigue || Messy Middle June 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 ...

Jun 06, 202425 minEp. 605

AP 604: 4 Ways I’m Saving My Summer (AKA, My Summer Plan)

Are you feeling overwhelmed about the summer ahead? Do you want to balance responsibilities and recreation with purpose and sanity? In this episode, I'll share my personal plan to save the summer! I'll walk you through four lifesaving strategies that will make your summer memorable and manageable. We'll talk about creating a vision, setting up systems, and ensuring everyone in the family is on board and contributing. Plus, I'll share some personal stories and practical tips to help you feel bala...

Jun 03, 202451 minEp. 604

AP 603: BONUS! Navigating Divorce with Imperfect Grace: Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care || with Dina Alexander

In this bonus episode we're getting into one of the tougher topics: divorce. It's messy, it's emotional, but it can also be empowering. In this conversation with Dina Alexander, mom and founder and CEO of Educate and Empower Kids, she's getting real about her own journey and why she decided to focus on helping others navigate theirs. We talk about finding "imperfect grace" – that space between breakdowns and breakthroughs. We also dive deep into self-care, even when it feels impossible. Plus, sh...

May 30, 202444 minEp. 603

AP 602: Minimalist Principles That Work For ALL (Even the Non-Minimalists) || with Diane Boden

For many of the early years of our marriage and family we lived in tight quarters that required a lot of diligence around the stuff we brought into our home. When I reflect on that, I realize I learned valuable lessons on organizing, purging, and being intentional about what we surround ourselves with. Those methods continue to shape my perspective even as our family and living space grows. Seeking guidance on how to apply more minimalist principles to everyday life, I invited Diane Boden, autho...

May 27, 202443 minEp. 602

AP 601: How Do You Become a Foot Zoning Practitioner || With Emily Marchant

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

May 23, 202421 minEp. 601

AP 600: “How can I prioritize time for myself during a season of change?” || Coaching Call with Katie

Today's episode is particularly close to my heart, as we explore the challenging, yet rewarding, journey of adapting to significant life changes while striving to retain and rediscover our personal time and creativity. During those big shifts it becomes imperative to recalibrate and redefine what it means to make time for ourselves, whether that's pursuing hobbies, practicing self-care, or enjoying the company of friends. In this coaching call with Katie, she shares a challenging adjustment peri...

May 20, 202444 minEp. 600

AP 599: Ways I’ve Personally Been Saving Money on Groceries (a WIP) || Growth Spurt

In this episode, we're ditching the guilt and diving head first into what I'm personally doing to save money on groceries, without resorting to extreme couponing or long hauls to discount stores. Remember, there are no 'shoulds' here - just ideas to experiment with! I'll also chat about what's still a work in progress for me, including trying new stores and prepping freezer meals. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes L...

May 16, 202418 minEp. 599

AP 598: Doable Ways to Dramatically Save on Groceries || with Rachel Coons

In this episode we dive deep into the world of grocery shopping, budgeting, and making sustainable financial habits with Rachel Coons. As many of you know, managing grocery costs has been a persistent challenge for me, and it's been a journey I've readily shared with all of you. Rachel not only shares eye-opening insights into why grocery prices have been soaring but also offers practical, real-world advice on how we can adapt and thrive despite these changes. From her innovative SHOP method to ...

May 13, 202450 minEp. 598

AP 597: You don’t have to be perfect to have good habits || Growth Spurt

In today's bite-sized episode, we're debunking the myth of the "habit person" – you know, the one who flawlessly executes a perfect routine every single day. Spoiler alert: that's not real! The truth is, good habit builders are actually all about consistent self-support. So, ditch the perfectionist mindset and tune in to learn why you can absolutely become a habit person. Don't let fear hold you back – the Sticky Habit Intensive starts May 13th, and I'll show you exactly how to build routines th...

May 09, 20249 minEp. 597

AP 596: Deep Dive: Rachel Hollis || preview for More Personal

This episode originally aired on my listener-supported, premium podcast, More Personal. If you want access to more deep dives, including part two of this episode, honest reviews, casual convos, book reports, and other bonus content, make sure to become a supporter . Rachel Hollis is a self-help guru whose empire brought her immense success, but also seemingly caused her downfall. I explore the reasons behind the strong reactions she evokes, her path to the top exceeding expectations, and the dam...

May 06, 202436 minEp. 596

AP 595: A Medical Emergency (Doing Okay Now!), Juggling Kid Extracurriculars, Hiking on My DSL, Three Things I’m Loving Right Now, Thoughts on Having a Kid in Middle School || Messy Middle May 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 ...

May 02, 202434 minEp. 595

AP 594: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Home || with KC Davis

KC Davis is a licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health platform Struggle Care. She offers a profoundly refreshing perspective on home management that's far from the all-or-nothing standard we’re so accustomed to. We dive deep into KC's story, exploring the journey from shame-driven perfectionism rooted in her past struggles with addiction, to discovering a compassionate and gentle approach to maintaining her home. KC shares how her diagnosis of AD...

Apr 29, 202449 minEp. 594

AP 593: How do you start a podcast? || with Andi Smiley

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

Apr 25, 202426 minEp. 593

AP 592: Simple Strategies to Experience Less Stress and More Resilience || with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

As a society we are currently experiencing unprecedented rates of stress and burnout, and feeling stressed is now more common than not. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the constant pressures of modern life, wondered how to discern between 'good' and 'bad' stress, or sought strategies to manage stress that actually align with your body's biology, this episode is for you. In this conversation with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar she advocates for managing stress, while exploring the impact of chronic stress...

Apr 22, 202458 minEp. 592

AP 591: My DSL Repeats || Growth Spurt

A recent message from a woman who was making her DSL list made me so excited, because it's never the wrong time of year to make yours! She asked me if there is anything I find myself repeating year after year, and I wanted to share that answer with all of you. From the things I repeat, to the reasons things change, consider this an unofficial update on my DSL, and an official invite to get started on yours today. Episode 582 on Friendship , Episode 517 "Me Day" Access exclusive supporter benefit...

Apr 18, 202416 minEp. 591

AP 590: “How can I stop being a ‘Perfectionist Parent’ and overreacting with my kids?” || Coaching Call with Kate

In this candid coaching call with Kate, a stay-at-home mom of two young children, we unravel the layers of perfectionism in parenthood and how we can treat ourselves with self-compassion. Kate shares her experiences of navigating the challenges of motherhood amidst major life transitions, including a cross-country move and the transition from working to full-time parenting. I encourage Kate to level with herself about her circumstances and redefine what it means to be a good mom within the conte...

Apr 15, 202452 minEp. 590

AP 589: What’s your #1 habit? || Growth Spurt

This is a bite-sized episode focused on ways to increase your progress right away. I want to help you identify your "habit keystone," the one thing that when carefully placed, allows everything else to be strong and held together. In this episode I'll tell you what mine is, and the hard truths I was facing when I discovered it. If you need some support in finding what your #1 habit is, then I'd love to have you join our next Sticky Habit Intensive . Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL T...

Apr 11, 202411 minEp. 589

AP 588: How Couples Can Create Strong Sexual Connections in their Long-Term Relationships || with Emily Nagoski

It's okay, and normal, that our romantic relationships change over time. What can be challenging is when we feel disconnected from the change Emily Nagoski, award-winning author and sex educator, and I discuss the common myths we’re all conditioned to carry around longterm committed relationships, the truth about those myths, and how we can, against all the odds thrown at us, learn to come back to each other, together. Emily's message of compassion, authenticity, and curiosity underscores the pr...

Apr 08, 202447 minEp. 588

AP 587: Our Spring Break in California, What I Hope to Do with My Garden, The Habit I’m Struggling With, Skincare I’m Currently Loving, Podcast Plans for This Summer || Messy Middle April 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 ...

Apr 04, 202426 minEp. 587

AP 586: 6 Practical Ways to Make Time for Yourself || why this time matters, how to get it, and what to do when you don’t know what to do with it

Do you have time for yourself? I mean real time devoted to your self-care, hobbies, and working on your Do Something List. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of making time for yourself amidst life's hustle and bustle. And I understand the struggle firsthand – whether it's juggling work, family, or just the chaos of everyday life, finding moments for self-care and personal fulfillment can seem impossible. From self-care routines to rediscovering hobbies, in this episode I'll explore how pr...

Apr 01, 202452 minEp. 586

AP 585: How do you start a handbell choir? || with Paige Erickson

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me ? This episode is part of a monthly 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 Free DSL Training Waitlist up for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 28, 202426 minEp. 585

AP 584: How to Shift from “Surviving” to “Thriving” || with Brandi Sellerz-Jackson

It’s officially been 4 years since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, I stumbled upon studies showing that the pandemic qualifies as a “collective trauma,” where we've all experienced psychological distress together. But here's the kicker: many people hesitate to admit they experienced trauma during the pandemic, perhaps because we downplay our struggles, comparing them to others' experiences. Beyond pandemics, we all have survival periods in life – those moments where we're bare...

Mar 25, 202453 minEp. 584

AP 583: Overcoming Barriers to Exercise || Bonus Episode from More Personal

In this special bonus episode you'll hear from me and my podcast manager, Taylor, as we address the flood of questions and comments that came in after a coaching call about making exercise a habit. We give our own personal histories with exercise, including what our current routines look like. Plus, we break down the three biggest barriers to exercise, and what overcoming those looks like for us. This episode originally aired on More Personal, the listener-supported private podcast feed. If you ...

Mar 21, 202448 minEp. 583

AP 582: "How do I make friends after a very isolating season of life?” || Coaching Call with Kim

Kim, a mother of three navigating the challenges of early parenthood, shares her struggles with connecting with others and the fear of vulnerability stemming from past experiences. Together, we uncover that what Kim really wants is to reclaim her sense of self and cultivate meaningful connections. Listen as we work on the small steps that Kim can take, emphasizing the gradual cultivation of friendships aligned with her values and identity. This episode will be relatable to many women that are se...

Mar 18, 202445 minEp. 582

AP 581: Have you ever thought to “romanticize” your life? || Growth Spurt

Inspired by a friend's recent story I wanted to explore what it truly means to infuse joy, luxury, and care into our daily routines. From simple acts like lighting a candle while washing our face to more elaborate rituals like organizing vegetables by color for meal prep, we'll uncover how these moments can transform our perspective and elevate our experiences. This concept of romanticizing life is more about mindfulness and gratitude, rather than mere romance. I want to help you find these mome...

Mar 14, 20249 minEp. 581
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android