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.
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Episodes

AP 664: The Top Interviews of My Career, A Reading Challenge, New Habits for Me and My Husband, An Update on the Book I’m Writing || Messy Middle February 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 ...

Feb 06, 202533 minEp. 664

AP 663: How Self-Care Saved Our Marriage || an honest conversation on how healthy marriages need two people who are taking care of themselves

Have you ever felt like a martyr in your own home, doing everything right for everyone else but slowly losing yourself in the process? In this episode, my husband Brad and I share our deeply personal story of how we navigated the choppy waters of marital stress and found salvation through self-care. We’ll take you back to 2015, a pivotal year for our marriage, and discuss how self-care transformed our lives individually and as a couple. From my early struggles with balancing motherhood and perso...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 663

Deep Dive: Are There Any Real Experts? How Ruby Franke and "Baldoni vs. Lively" act as case studies for the murky waters of online expertise

Deep Dive: Are There Any Real Experts? How Ruby Franke and "Baldoni vs. Lively" act as case studies for the murky waters of online expertise What do Ruby Franke, Justin Baldoni, and Blake Lively have in common? They reveal the real dilemmas we face as a society today: who can we trust as online experts? This is a deep dive in who get to call themselves an “expert,” and how we as consumers need to use a combination of brains and guts to ensure that our certainty doesn’t arrive directly from the w...

Feb 01, 202524 min

AP 662: Do Something List 2025 Workshop!!!

Ever found yourself wondering where your year went and why those personal projects never got started? In this special bonus episode I'm sharing the DSL Workshop 2025, where we tackle exactly that. I guide you through creating your very own 'Do Something List' to ensure this year is different. We dive into reflection exercises, brainstorm fun and fulfilling activities, and learn to curate a list that prioritizes you and your happiness. From getting handsy with new hobbies to making time for what ...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 662

AP 661: The Power of ‘Wintering:’ how to use the Winters of our lives to prioritize rest, retreat, and relationships || with Katherine May

Do you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges and wonder how to find peace amidst the chaos? I recently had the great honor of speaking with Katherine May, the author of 'Wintering' on this exact topic. We dive deep into the popular concept of 'wintering,' while Katherine sheds light on the importance of rest, retreat, and relationships during these times. This episode teaches us that by slowing down and valuing our quieter seasons, we can experience profound personal growth. Katherine also share...

Jan 27, 202553 minEp. 661

For the Ladies: Period and Bladder Products We've Tried

Does your period create carnage? Does your bladder lead to embarrassment? Welcome to the club! Today, Taylor and I share our go-to products that help our biggest lady problems in hopes that they can help you, too. This episode is for the ladies! Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get your first month free) by using the code "FREEMONTH" when signing up as a Bestie or Ride-or-Die Supporter by February 1st. It's the ultimate "try befor...

Jan 24, 202523 min

AP 660: How to Start and STICK with an Exercise Routine, Even with Low Motivation || Wise Women Series with Megan Dahlman

Part of our new Wise Women Series, this is an inspiring chat with fitness expert Megan Dahlman. We discuss practical and sustainable ways to start and maintain a fitness routine, especially as motivation fluctuates. Megan shares her insights on the importance of strength training and offers advice on how to ease into a fitness routine that aligns with your long-term health goals. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, Megan's wisdom will inspire you to rethink ...

Jan 23, 202546 minEp. 660

Introducing: “Mantra with Jemma Sbeg"

Ready to take a fresh path to self-discovery? Every Monday, Jemma of “The Psychology of your 20s” brings you a new mantra, breaking it down to show you how you can apply it to your own life. Whether you’re facing a major transition or looking to evolve your everyday routine, Mantra is the podcast for you. Join Jemma every week for reflections, practical tips, and personal insights that’ll inspire you to live with intention and unlock your true potential. Follow Mantra with Jemma Sbeg wherever yo...

Jan 21, 20256 min

AP 659: How can I be consistent in taking care of myself during a tumultuous season as a busy mom with ADHD || Coaching Call with Sarah

In this coaching call, I had the pleasure of talking with Sarah, a creative mom who struggles with consistency due to her ADHD and the challenges of everyday life. We delved into what consistency looks like for her and how she can create touchpoints in her day that help her feel capable and confident. We identified practical steps she can take, starting with simple hygiene routines and establishing a capsule wardrobe to make getting ready easier. This conversation was all about helping Sarah fin...

Jan 20, 202556 minEp. 659

My Favorite Movie on Two Sisters, "Sense and Sensibility" || Marriage Movie Club with Brad and Monica

It's a movie that defined a lot of my growing up years, but really hit hard when I experienced my first real heartbreak: Sense and Sensibility. In our 18 years together, Brad has never seen it, despite it being one of my very favorite movies of all time. Today, we set out to change that. Listen in to hear why I love this movie so much and if Brad felt anywhere close to the same. Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get your first mont...

Jan 18, 202524 min

AP 658: My Goals for 2025 || BONUS episode from More Personal

If you have a complicated relationship with making and keeping goals, so do I! Goal-making and I have our ups and downs, and complete outs. But this year, it feels good and it feels right for me to get back into this practice. I did so, both personally and professionally. In this bonus episode, you’ll hear me share a bit about where I’m at with goal-making and why, how I create my goals, and what 10 I landed on for 2025. This is a full bonus episode, aired from More Personal–my private, premium,...

Jan 16, 202549 minEp. 658

AP 657: How to Start Day Planning Again by Shifting from Panic Planning to Peaceful Planning || with Jess Massey

Ever felt like planning your day was a prison rather than a support system? In this episode I chat with day planning expert Jess Massey to uncover how to shift from panic-led planning to intentional, peaceful productivity. Jess shares her personal journey and tangible steps to make day planning a flexible support system tailored to you. We delve into her Hustle Sanely framework, designed to help you prioritize without sacrificing your well-being. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, directionless, o...

Jan 13, 202554 minEp. 657

Our Thoughts and Feelings on the New Year + Can A.I. Help Solve Our Resolution Problems?? || Casual Convos

Between Taylor and myself, we have a wide range of both life experiences and preferences when it comes to all things “New Year, New Me.” While I’m tackling this year in the most stereotypical of New Year fashions—all the goals!—Taylor is understandably (and wisely?) more reticent to jump on the bandwagon. We explore our past histories with goal-making around this time of the year, have a hilarious realization about what appears to be a gendered understanding of the whole “word of the year,” and ...

Jan 11, 202523 min

AP 656: How to be a Successful “January Joiner” || Growth Spurt

Ever feel like a 'try-hard' gets a bad rap? In this bite-sized episode, I'm diving into why I love 'January Joiners' and how you can harness that New Year momentum to make lasting progress. Tune in as I share three key tips to help you ride the momentum wave successfully and avoid common pitfalls. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal . Episodes air each Friday! Use code "FREEMONTH” to get your first month free–code expires February 1st Acce...

Jan 09, 202510 minEp. 656

AP 655: Follow-Through Fallout || What to do when you no longer feel like following through

You know that feeling—you set an exciting goal or decide to start a new habit, but soon after, your initial enthusiasm fizzles out. I like to call that 'Follow-Through Fallout.' It happens to the best of us, and it's completely normal! Today, I'll share my own journey through this phenomenon, the unexpected hurdles I faced, and the strategies I used to keep going. We'll explore why follow-through fallout occurs, break down the psychological factors behind it, and most importantly, discuss practi...

Jan 06, 202538 minEp. 655

3 Books I LOVED in December + a New Reading Challenge!

Do you like to read? Or wish you could more? I relate to BOTH! In today's special preview episode, I'm sharing half of January's Book Report from More Personal, my private, premium, always ad-free podcast exclusive to certain levels of the Supporters Club. In this episode, I review 3 of the books I read (and loved) in December, and introduce a new reading challenge I'm embarking on to help me read the books already crowding my shelves and calling my name. (Many of them for YEARS.) Want the secon...

Jan 03, 202531 min

AP 654: Skiing with my kids, breaking my nose, looking forward to my new DSL, my plan to find more calm in the new year, and I'm writing a book || Messy Middle January 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 ...

Jan 02, 202532 minEp. 654

AP 653: Signs You Have "High Functioning Anxiety" + Simple Ways to Help, Starting Today || with Michelle Grosser

Through a candid and revealing conversation, Michelle Grosser shares her deeply personal journey of navigating anxiety, touching on her experiences as a high achiever and the eldest of five children. She delves into the dissonance between outward success and inner turmoil, illustrating how high-functioning anxiety can often go unnoticed. Michelle provides practical, somatic techniques for calming the mind and body, emphasizing the importance of nervous system regulation. She explains how dischar...

Dec 16, 202441 minEp. 653

AP 652: How to Raise a Confident Teen in an Insecure World || Wise Women Series with Kristi Simons

In this episode of the Wise Women Series, Monica welcomes Kristi Simons, an expert who is passionate about working with teens, to discuss the journey of self-discovery, self-worth, and empowerment. Kristi shares her personal story of transformation from being an educator to a confident teen coach. She opens up about her struggles with addiction and self-doubt, and how becoming a mother during the 2020 pandemic reshaped her life. With insightful anecdotes, Kristi explains how she helps teens comb...

Dec 12, 202441 minEp. 652

AP 651: Do You Need to Rest More? How to Better Value and Prioritize Rest Alongside Your Responsibilities || with Dr. Yasmene Mumby

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, wondering if there's a better way to recharge? In this episode, I sit down with the insightful Dr. Yasmene Mumby to explore the transformative power of rest and relaxation. We dive into setting realistic goals, cultivating healthy habits, and embracing self-compassion as a cornerstone of personal growth. As we get deeper into our chat, Dr. Mumby shares some compelling stories about how taking time to rest has led to greater r...

Dec 09, 202447 minEp. 651

AP 650: This month's highs and lows, our out-of-state adventure, home improvements, four things I'm loving lately, and what I'm planning right now for the new year || Messy Middle December 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 ...

Dec 05, 202435 minEp. 650

AP 649: A Better Way To End Your Year (+ Prep for Next) || A Did Something List

Feeling overwhelmed by planning and goal-setting? I've been there, too. In this episode I’m sharing my personal reflections on 2024 and how I'm going to use those insights to plan a meaningful and successful 2025. Let’s take a moment together to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, identify what truly matters, and set the right intentions for the new year. I introduce you to the 'win-win' formula and explain how looking back can guide your future goals. Plus, I’m offering you a free ' Did Somethi...

Dec 02, 202449 minEp. 649

AP 648: Marriage Movie Club, ft. Back to the Future || BONUS episode from More Personal

This is a bonus episode from a fun series on my premium podcast where my husband and I reclaim our old hobby of watching and discussing our favorite films. We talk about old favorites, hidden gems, and everything in between. Join us as we share our thoughts, debate the best scenes, and maybe even disagree a little. 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, casu...

Nov 28, 202454 minEp. 648

AP 647: How to Ensure YOU Enjoy the Holidays, Too (and Stop Self-Silencing) || with Dr. Amber Price

I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Amber Price as we delve into self-silencing, and why it's important to pay attention to during the upcoming holiday season. Dr. Price explains the roots and significance of this behavior, offering insights into how many of us unknowingly silence ourselves to meet others' expectations. We discuss the key aspects of self-silencing and identify red flags to help you recognize when you’re falling into this pattern. Dr. Price provides practical advice on reclaiming you...

Nov 25, 202443 minEp. 647

AP 646: How to Reasonably Fit In More Movement || Wise Women Series with Emily Nichols

Part of our new Wise Women Series, this is an inspiring chat with Emily Nichols , a fitness instructor and behavior change specialist. Emily shares her journey from struggling with fitness to becoming a coach who empowers women to seamlessly integrate movement into their lives. The story about her own health transformation with her husband was truly motivational. During our conversation, Emily also shares practical tips for overcoming obstacles to working out from home and emphasized the importa...

Nov 21, 202442 minEp. 646

AP 645: How can I prevent my “Mad Mom” side coming out at bedtime with my kids? || Coaching Call with Melissa

Ever feel like you're running on empty by the time bedtime rolls around? You're not alone! Join me in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa, a devoted homeschooling mom of four, as we tackle this all-too-familiar problem. We discuss the immense responsibilities Melissa faces and how these shape her daily routine, plus how she strives to balance her desire for efficiency with her deep commitment to connecting with her children. Together, we brainstorm practical strategies to transform her evening...

Nov 18, 202442 minEp. 645

AP 644: State of the Podcast Address || Bonus Episode

We just crossed our eight-year anniversary and it's time to do a 'State of the Podcast Address' where I'm opening up about why I keep pushing through the messy middle of my podcasting journey. You'll also hear a nostalgic snippet from my very first episode and the valuable lessons I've learned since then, such as the importance of doing things messy, doing them anyway, and doing them scared. I also discuss the challenges the podcasting industry is currently facing, how the supporters club is mak...

Nov 14, 202449 minEp. 644

AP 643: How Becoming a Foodie Can Heal Your Relationship With Food (+ Your Body, Too) || with Brooke Eliason from Female Foodie

Ever wondered if you could transform your relationship with food and make it a celebrated part of your life? In today's episode I'm joined by Brooke Eliason of Female Foodie, a true foodie with a vibrant love for all things culinary. Together we dive deep into her journey, exploring her heartfelt relationship with food, her experiences with diet culture, and her transformative trips to Italy. We discuss the beauty of intuitive eating, the joy of food rituals, and how embracing food as a celebrat...

Nov 11, 202452 minEp. 643

AP 642: Enjoying fall festivities, learning some sign language, my upcoming Do Something List plans, and the documentary and book I'm loving || Messy Middle November 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 ...

Nov 07, 202423 minEp. 642

AP 641: How I’ve exclusively and consistently worked out from home for years

From managing interruptions to juggling the demands of a busy life, I'm walking you through my personal journey towards making home workouts a lasting habit. You’ll get insider tips on the equipment I use, my flexible workout schedule, and how I balance intensity and time. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting, there’s something in this episode for you. Tune in and discover how to make exercise a sustainable and enjoyable part of your routine. Plus, you won’t want to miss...

Nov 04, 202447 minEp. 641
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