Shows / About Progress
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.
Episodes
About ProgressAP 760: From Caretaker to College Grad: How Moms Can Reclaim Their Dreams Through Higher Ed || BONUS with Dr. Cedric Howard
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Cedric Howard about a topic that resonates deeply with many moms in our community: returning to school later…
About ProgressAP 759: From Career to Stay-at-Home Mom: How to Reclaim Time, Identity, and Purpose as the Full-Time Parent || coaching call with Janie
In a recent coaching call with Janie, a mother navigating the shift from a professional career as a social worker to a stay-at-home mom, we delved into the…
- About Progress
What If Your Body Was on Your Side? Why You Don't Need to be Afraid of Intuitive Eating || H&K with Beth Summers
What if feeling happier didn’t require more control, stricter rules, or perfect habits? In this powerful conversation, we explore how personal development…
About ProgressNot Like Other Girls: A Casual Convo on Internalized Misogyny and Self-Acceptance || Preview from More Personal
Join Monica and Taylor for a thoughtful (and surprisingly layered!) chat about the "not like other girls" conundrum. What started as a casual comment during…
- About Progress
AP 758: My DSL for 2026! || Growth spurt
In keeping with something I've done on the podcast for a few years now, I'm thrilled to share with you my Do Something List for 2026. This list isn't about…
About ProgressAP 757: The Relationship Cycle That Keeps Couples Stuck (and How to Break It) || with KC Davis
Ever find yourself stuck in the same argument over and over? Therapist KC Davis sheds light on how hidden defense mechanisms and vulnerabilities fuel these…
- About Progress
Feel Happier Through Messy Growth || H&K with Cathy Heller
In this powerful clip from one of today’s most loved self help podcasts, Cathy Heller breaks down why perfectionism keeps us stuck — and how embracing messy…
- About Progress
February Book Report: Nine Books, Three Perfect Reads || from More Personal
Join Monica for February's Book Report, where she shares her latest literary adventures—from touching novels about unlikely families to eye-opening reads about…
- About Progress
AP 756: Surviving the flu, embarking on skiing adventures, advancing book edits, rediscovering ballet, and enjoying creative card-making || Messy Middle February 2026
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…
About ProgressAP 755: Habits That Are Helping || Why Habits Matter During Hard Times and 3 that are Helping Me Right Now
Life can feel overwhelmingly chaotic, and I've often found myself needing help to navigate through it. During these tumultuous times, I've learned that small…
- About Progress
How to be More Authentic & Why It Matters || H&K with Amber Price
Amber shares why connection gets deeper when we stop performing and start showing the real parts of ourselves — even the messy ones. We talk about how…
- About Progress
AP 754: Remember When: A Ten Year Reflection || 2016, Doing Something Again
This episode is a “Remember When,” a monthly episode to honor About Progress turning 10 years old. Looking back at 2016, I’m filled with a mix of nostalgia and…
About ProgressAP 753: You’re Not Bad at Money! How to Build a System Instead of a Budget || with Rebecca Palmer
Navigating the labyrinth of personal finance can often feel overwhelming, especially with societal pressures and the constant barrage of advice from various…
- About Progress
The Small Habits That Help Us Heal and Grow || H&K with Lysha Smith
Lysha Smith opens up about how perfectionism, grief, and daily stress can coexist with joy, creativity, and growth. This conversation blends personal…
- About Progress
AP 752: BONUS: Do Something List 2026 Workshop!
The Do Something List has been a game-changer, evolving from my personal challenge into a lifeline for so many women aiming to prioritize personal fulfillment…
About ProgressAP 751: Joy in Marriage: How Acceptance, Choice, and Eros Create Deeper Intimacy || with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife
What if joy in marriage isn't about chasing happiness, but embracing courage? Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's enlightening perspective reshapes our understanding…
- About Progress
Why Perfectionism Steals the Joy of Growth || H&K Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever
What if becoming your best self didn’t require perfection? In this personal growth podcast clip, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Carolyn Bever explore how to…
- About Progress
AP 750: My Do Something List Recap for 2025 || Growth Spurt
As I sat glued to the couch with my flu-stricken voice, I found myself reflecting on my goals for 2026 with unexpected waves of fear and overwhelm. Goals and I…
About ProgressAP 749: Redefining Ambition: A Healthier Approach to Personal Growth Without the Hustle || with Amina AlTai
For years, I battled with the idea that being ambitious made me appear too eager and self-serving. But I've learned that real ambition should ebb and flow…
- About Progress
The Freedom That Comes After Food Rules || H&K with Taylor Chan
What’s on the other side of fear, food rules, and constant self-criticism? In this personal growth podcast clip, we talk about how self-compassion, nuance, and…
- About Progress
AP 748: The Grumpiest Day, Holiday Highs, Netflix Nights, a Passion for Sewing, and Revamping Our Routine || Messy Middle January 2026
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…
About ProgressAP 747: Dream-Led Living || Why Every Woman Deserves to Dream and HOW You Can Make This Your Year to Re-Learn How
As we step into this new year, there's a part of us that remembers the dreams we once had. I'm on a mission to invite that dreaming girl inside us back into…
- About Progress
Pre-New Year Anxiety: Why We Spiral Before January || H&K with Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT
In this personal growth podcast clip, licensed therapist Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT explains how anxiety quietly shapes our behaviors through avoidance…
- About Progress
AP 746: The Wisdom of Wintering: Why Your Hard Seasons Matter and How to Move Through Them || with Katherine May
Have you ever considered that the most profound growth happens in the stillness of life's winters? Katherine May's concept of "Wintering" challenges us to view…
- About Progress
AP 745: The Courage to Be a Beginner + The Real Purpose of Creative Hobbies || with Kolbie Blume
In this conversation with Kolbie Blume, we explored how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper fulfillment in our creative pursuits. We discussed the…
- About Progress
What Healthy Boundaries Really Look Like || H&K with Julie Hanks
Discover how healthy boundaries can transform your personal growth, daily habits, and overall happiness. In this conversation with Julie Hanks, we explore why…
- About Progress
AP 744: I Need a Hobby: Real-Time Talk on the HOW Behind Hobbies || Bonus Episode
In a recent podcast episode, I walked through my quest to rediscover personal interests and prioritize them amid the whirlwind of daily life. Like many women…
- About Progress
AP 743: How to Simplify Holiday Traditions + Create More Meaningful Family Fun || with Brooke Romney
As we head into the holiday season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to orchestrate the perfect celebration. The key takeaway from this…
- About Progress
How to Raise Confident Kids || H&K with Dina Alexander of the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids
In this personal growth podcast episode, Dina Alexander shares simple, research-backed ways to help kids build real confidence—while also supporting your own…
- About Progress
AP 742: Feeling more like myself, turning in my book manuscript, highs and lows with my kids, a purchase that was on my DSL, what I'm looking forward to in 2026 || Messy Middle December 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…
- About Progress
AP 741: Did Something List: A Guide to Look Back on 2025, So You Can Reclaim Your 2026
I know we're all rushing to look forward and plan our goals, but I want to help you create your "Did Something List" to reflect on 2025 first. This list is a…
- About Progress
Why Improving Your In-Law Relationships Boosts Your Happiness || H&K with Natalie Clay
Learning how to relate to your in-laws isn’t just about family harmony — it’s a powerful step in your personal growth and development. In this conversation…
- About Progress
AP 740: The Best Books I Read || More Personal Preview
I love learning and talking about books, and I've found that getting back into reading—starting with just one or two books a month—is a key daily habit for my…
- About Progress
AP 739: The Antidote to Comparison: How Gratitude Helps You Reclaim Confidence || with Kathie Gwilliam
In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kathie Gwilliam about how gratitude can play a pivotal role in our personal development and…
- About Progress
You’re Allowed to Want More || H&K with Monica Packer
This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by challenging the belief that “normal women” shouldn’t dream big. Monica shares practical…
- About Progress
AP 738: Small Joys for a Brighter Holiday Season || Growth Spurt
Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush? In this episode I'm sharing how I've found that small joys, like a quick YouTube break or a swipe of bright lipstick…
About ProgressAP 737: Midlife Makeover: How to Transform Crisis Into a Catalyst for Growth || with Wendy Valentine
Can a midlife crisis actually become a turning point for happiness and personal development? In this episode I'm exploring this idea with the inspiring Wendy…
- About Progress
Belong to Yourself: Rethinking Sex, Self-Compassion & Personal Growth || H&K with with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife
This personal growth podcast episode dives into personal development and self improvement through the lens of intimacy—covering how to be happier, how to feel…
- About Progress
AP 736: State of the Podcast Address: My Real Thoughts on What It’s Like to Pursue a Passion Project for This Long
It's been a wild ride since our first episode aired in November of 2016, and today I'm reflecting on what it's like to pursue something for this long. Pursuing…
About ProgressAP 735: How to Heal Anxious Attachment, Rebuild Self-Worth, and Feel Secure from Within || with Trevor Hanson
In today's episode we're covering some deep territory with my returning guest, Trevor Hanson, as we explore anxious attachment. It's crucial to understand how…
- About Progress
How to Grow Through Resistance || H&K with Patrice Washington
In this personal growth podcast episode of with Patrice Washington, we dive deep into what resistance really means on your journey of self-improvement and…
- About Progress
AP 734: The funk of all funks, some favorite fall traditions, the habit that's finally going better, how close I am to finishing my book, and the music and TV show I'm loving right now || Messy Middle November 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…
- About Progress
AP 733: A Case for BIG Acts of Self-Care for Reconnection and Self-Reclamation
I've always emphasized the beauty and sustainability of small daily habits for self-improvement. But occasionally, our self-care journey demands a more…
- About Progress
How to Feel Happy in Your Own Skin: Body Positivity and Self-Compassion || H&K with Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst of June Loop Swimwear
In this personal growth podcast episode, Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst of June Loop Swimwear share how true self-compassion and self-care for mothers start…
- About Progress
AP 732: The Truth About MLMs: How Multi-Level Marketing Hijacks Self-Help and Targets Women || Deep Dive Preview
In this special preview episode I take a closer look at Multi-level Marketing (MLMs) and their often hidden impact on women seeking personal development. While…
- About Progress
AP 731: When Productivity Becomes a Problem: Signs You’re Overcommitted and How to Reclaim Your Time + Energy || with Israa Nasir
I had the pleasure of speaking with therapist and author Israa Nasir about the often-hidden cost of toxic productivity. We delved into deeply relevant topics…
- About Progress
How to Heal Through Your Body || H&K with Jill Freestone
This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by learning to feel instead of fix. Jill Freestone shares powerful self-help and personal…
About ProgressAP 730: The Female Blueprint for Energy and Ease: How to Sync with Your Body Instead of Fighting It || Wise Women Series with Sarah Horne
In this episode I had the incredible opportunity to chat with yoga therapist and women’s mentor, Sarah Horne, about how women's bodies function on a 28-day…
- About Progress
AP 729: In a Funk? Here’s How I’m Supporting Myself Through Mine and How You Can, Too
I recently found myself in a funk, overwhelmed by the hustle of life post my (mostly solo) trip to England. This reality check led me to explore personal…
- About Progress
Why Fun Isn’t Frivolous: Reclaim Joy Amid Busyness || H&K with Catherine Price
In this personal growth podcast episode, host Monica Packer and author Catherine Price dive deep into how to be happier through the science and practice of…
- About Progress
AP 728: Let’s Validate Why it Feels “Easier” to Not Take Time for Yourself || Growth Spurt
In this episode I'm exploring why self-care for mothers often feels like an impossible task. It's not a lack of self-compassion or personal development that's…
- About Progress
AP 727: “Am I OK financially?” 5 Steps to Feel More Secure in Uncertain Times + Be More Recession-Proof || with Elizabeth Pennington from Fearless Finance
Does talking about money make you a little bit sweaty? Navigating the choppy waters of financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming, but my conversation with…
- About Progress
How to Discover and Nurture Your Gifts Without Guilt || H&K with Carol Lynn Pearson
Author and poet Carol Lynn Pearson shares gentle, soul-stirring wisdom on discovering your divine gifts, even in the busiest seasons of motherhood. Learn why…
- About Progress
“I Wish” to “Why Not”: Overcoming Perfectionism to Reclaim Creativity || H&K with Kolbie Blume
Recovering perfectionist Kolbie Blume shares how she moved from fear and external validation to creative flow—starting with hand lettering, falling for…
- About Progress
AP 726: A life-changing trip, a back-to-school update, what I'm looking forward to this month, and all about my More for Moms Conference || Messy Middle October 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…
- About Progress
AP 725: Why Perfect Habits Are a Myth: 5 Principles to Adapt Your Routines During a Seasonal Shift
I used to think that a true "habit person" had the perfect routine lined up every day without a hitch, but that's not reality. Life is unpredictable, and being…
- About Progress
How to Get Along with Your Parents as an Adult || H&K with Georgia Anderson
Struggling to get along with your parents as an adult? Learn why differentiation spikes when you become an adult, how to swap judgment for empathy, and the…
- About Progress
AP 724: Confessions of Former MLM Girls: Shame, Sales, and Sisterhood || More Personal Preview
In a conversation that originally aired on my private podcast feed, I spoke with my podcast manager, Taylor, about our personal experiences with multi-level…
- About Progress
Morning Routines for Moms: Tiny Habits that Actually Stick || H&K with Chanelle Neilson
Chanelle shares practical, mom-tested strategies to build a morning routine that survives nap schedules, night wakings, and real life—no perfection required…
- About Progress
AP 723: A Quick Reminder: IDENTITY IS THE KEY || Growth Spurt
Our identity influences our behavior and vice versa, creating a cycle that can elevate or drag us down. By focusing on how we see ourselves and affirming the…