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 Progress
AP 677: Emergency Preparedness Basics for the Scared to Prepare || with Melanie Papworth
I sat down with emergency preparedness expert Melanie Papworth to discuss practical ways to prepare for various emergencies without feeling overwhelmed…
- About Progress
AP 676: How I Day Plan || Growth Spurt
This is a bite-sized episode where I share my personal process on day planning to increase productivity and reduce mental load. I'll guide you through my…
- About Progress
AP 675: “How do I stay consistent with my habits when my life circumstances change?” || Coaching Call with Alicia
Are life's unexpected twists making it hard to stick to your routines? In today’s episode I'm airing a coaching call with Alicia, a stay-at-home mom grappling…
- About Progress
AP 674: My Do Something List for 2025 || Growth Spurt
Let this be a reminder that it is never too late to create your Do Something List for the year! I recently finalized mine and wanted to share it with you, even…
- About Progress
AP 673: How to Live Boldly in the Body You have Now, Especially as you Age || with Meg Hadley
Join dietitian Meg Hadley and me as we open up about the challenging topic of body image, especially as we age. We discuss the personal and societal pressures…
- About Progress
AP 672: Birthday Party Chaos, Work Trip Reflections, the Latest Launch of the Sticky Habit Intensive, the Food and Drink I'm Loving, Looking Ahead to a Busy Spring, and my Deep Dive on GLP-1 Medication || Messy Middle March 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 671: How Can You Make Cleaning Easier || My Replicable System To Take the Overwhelm Out of Cleaning
What is 'cleanish?' For me, it's a flexible, realistic approach to maintaining a tidy home. In this episode I'll walk you through creating your own cleaning…
- About Progress
AP 670: How to Better Handle Your Parenting Regrets and Become a Better Parent in the Process || Wise Women Series with Andee Martineau
In this episode from our Wise Women Series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andee Martineau, a mom of six, a parenting expert, and the creator of Connect…
- About Progress
AP 669: What You Don't (but Should) Know About the Pelvic Floor || with Dr. Sara Reardon, the Vagina Whisperer
We're diving into an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of women's health: the pelvic floor. Joined by Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina…
- About Progress
AP 668: The Imperfections Make It Better || Growth Spurt
I recently began to realize there are some parallels between podcast editing and life, in that they both require embracing messiness. Whether it's editing…
- About Progress
AP 667: Habits That Are Helping Me Show Up Right Now
Are habits a ball and chain for you? They used to be for me, until I discovered ways to make them work in my favor, not against me. In this episode, I share…
- About Progress
AP 666: Will You Accept Someone Else’s Offering? What I Learned When I Almost Refused Brad’s Support || Growth Spurt
Do you ever feel utterly overwhelmed by the invisible labor that keeps your family running smoothly? In this Growth Spurt episode, I'm diving deep into a…
- About Progress
AP 665: It’s Never Too Late and Never Too Small || a conversation with Sharon McMahon on the late bloomers and small changers
Have you ever felt like you're running out of time to make an impact? This week you get to hear from our favorite government teacher, Sharon McMahon, while we…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
About ProgressDeep 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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
About ProgressFor 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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
About ProgressOur 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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
About Progress3 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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
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…
- About Progress
AP 640: Deep Dive: Trad Wives || 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…
- About Progress
AP 639: What to Do If You’re Facing a Crisis of Confidence || with Dina Scippa
Something that I noticed after the 2020 pandemic was that my face changed dramatically, leaving me feeling insecure after years of stress and upheaval. Even…
About ProgressAP 638: {fixed} Want to be a “Goal Girlie?” Here’s how to re-think your approach to goals || Wise Women Series, with Gabe Cox
In this episode of the 'Wise Women' series, I sit down with Gabe Cox, a goal planning and business strategist, to discuss how we can redefine our relationship…
- About Progress
AP 637: How can I better support my body’s new nutritional needs with more energizing lunches and snacks? || Coaching Call with Krystal
In today's coaching call, I had the pleasure of speaking with Krystal, a dedicated mom of four who recently had her fourth baby. We delved into the challenges…
- About Progress
AP 636: Do you blame yourself for your stress? + thoughts on the surgeon general’s advisory || Growth Spurt
In this episode, we dive into the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory on the mounting stress facing parents today, highlighting how mental health challenges…
- About Progress
AP 635: How to gain the skill of spending money well, change your relationship with budgeting, and improve your spending habits || with Jen Smith
In this episode we're diving into the practical and emotional aspects of managing money with Jen Smith, personal finance expert and co-host of the Frugal…
- About Progress
AP 634: This is the job || Growth Spurt
In this episode, I share a particularly tough Monday where a series of small, frustrating events made me feel overwhelmed and ready to run away. From toddlers…
- About Progress
AP 633: The N’s of Numbing Behaviors || Why we numb-out too easily and too often + how to do less of it, starting now
Have you ever found yourself doom scrolling into the late night, or snacking when you're not even hungry? You're not alone, and it's more common than you…
- About Progress
AP 632: A busier month than anticipated, some vulnerable thoughts, fall adventures that are planned, the morning habit that is going well, and a new skincare favorite || Messy Middle October 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…
- About Progress
AP 631: Why You're So Angry as a Mom + Strategies to Help || with Emily Hamblin
Parenthood surprised me in countless ways, but the biggest one was how angry my kids could make me. In this episode, Emily Hamblin shares her personal journey…
- About Progress
AP 630: How Do You Become a Fine Art Oil Painter? || With Cora Oaks
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…
- About Progress
AP 629: How do I put myself on the list while working full-time and acting as the primary caretaker? || Coaching Call with Jessica
In this coaching call I'm talking with Jessica, a supermom from Oregon who’s not just juggling two boys but also balancing a demanding full-time job and a…
- About Progress
AP 628: I thought I lost weight, but didn’t–what I learned from this weird experience || Growth Spurt
This story is a bit vulnerable, but the lesson I learned felt important enough to share. If you've been a listener for a little while you're likely familiar…
- About Progress
AP 627: How to Navigate Hard (and Sometimes Political) Conversations with People You Don't Agree With || with Julie Rose
In today's conversation with Julie Rose, we delved into her journey as a radio journalist and podcast host, discussing how she tackles challenging topics and…
- About Progress
AP 626: Is your lack of self-care creeping up on you? || Growth spurt
This is my second year of having my garden, and I've been struggling with this morning glory infestation that I thought I had under control at the end of last…
- About Progress
AP 625: Habits That Are Helping Me Show Up Right Now
This week I dive into the four habits that are helping me show up in my life right now. These are the practices that keep me going amidst the busy fall season…
- About Progress
AP 624: Our trip to California, school and childcare changes, interior design on my mind, a business shift and update, four fun things I’m loving lately || Messy Middle September 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…