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PODCAST

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.

education self-improvement

All Episodes

19:53

My Hobby Year: How Sketching Wildflowers is Teaching...

About Progress ·

2026/02/28

This episode is a special shortened preview from More Personal, Monica's premium, private, ad-free podcast for the Supporters Club, starting at just $5 a month. Join the HERE TO STAY: 250 SUPPORTERS DRIVE and help ensure About Progress doesn't just make it to its 10 year anniversary this Fall, but make it so it's here to stay. Join the club ⁠HERE⁠. What if the point of hobbies isn't to be good at them? (A novel idea for us recovering perfectionists, I know . . . ) Ever start a hobby with

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8:11

How to Be Happier by Decluttering the “Shoulds” ||...

About Progress ·

2026/02/28

What if learning how to feel happy starts with letting go of perfectionism? In this conversation, we talk about personal growth and development for moms who are tired of carrying unrealistic expectations. You’ll hear how daily habits, self-compassion, and intentional self care for mothers can lead to real self improvement — without sacrificing your family. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop being a perfectionist and create space for personal development that actually fits your life, this episode

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53:37

AP 762: Remember When: A Ten Year Reflection|| 2017,...

About Progress ·

2026/02/26

Looking back on 2017, it's hard not to feel nostalgic about the immense growth and learning that happened during About Progress's first full year as a podcast. As I opened up behind the mic, it was a year where I stepped into the world of podcasting more confidently, juggling both personal and professional challenges. From interviewing new voices like Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife to pushing myself in ways I hadn't anticipated, it was a time of intense learning and adaptation. Fast forward to now,

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47:40

AP 761: Letting People In: Easy Hosting Ideas for...

About Progress ·

2026/02/23

Lately, I've been pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and build connections through hosting. As an introvert, it’s been easier for me to stay in my comfort bubble, especially after the habit of isolation I developed during the pandemic. But I realized that having people physically in my space, sharing laughs and stories, truly enriches my life.I’ve been inspired by today's conversation with Brittney Hanks, who reminded me that hosting isn’t about perfection or entertainment, but creating

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26:36

Working on Things: My 10 Goals for 2026 || from More...

About Progress ·

2026/02/21

(This episode is a special shortened preview from More Personal, Monica's premium, private, ad-free podcast for the Supporters Club, starting at just $5 a month. Join the HERE TO STAY: 250 SUPPORTERS DRIVE and help ensure About Progress doesn't just make it to its 10 year anniversary this Fall, but make it so it's here to stay. Join the club ⁠HERE⁠.)In this candid "Working on Things" episode, Monica shares her 10 personal goals for 2026 as she approaches her 40th birthday. You'll hear about

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42:30

AP 760: From Caretaker to College Grad: How Moms Can...

About Progress ·

2026/02/19

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 in life. Dr. Howard shared powerful stories from his own family, illustrating the generational impact of pursuing higher education. We talked about the importance of embracing your role as a mom in the classroom and how those experiences can be your greatest asset, not a hindrance.Our conversation left me with a profound realization:

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51:15

AP 759: From Career to Stay-at-Home Mom: How to...

About Progress ·

2026/02/16

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 deep-seated challenges that accompany such a monumental transition. Janie, like many, found herself yearning for personal connection and a sense of self amid the continuous tasks of motherhood. Throughout our discussion, we addressed practical strategies to help Janie reclaim her identity while embracing her chosen responsibilities as a mother

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8:50

What If Your Body Was on Your Side? Why You Don't...

About Progress ·

2026/02/14

What if feeling happier didn’t require more control, stricter rules, or perfect habits? In this powerful conversation, we explore how personal development, daily habits, and self-compassion intersect with our relationship to food and our bodies. Beth Summers breaks down why fear, perfectionism, and self-distrust keep so many women stuck—and how personal growth and development can begin by learning to trust yourself again. A grounding listen for anyone craving more peace, self-care for mothers, and a

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24:28

Not Like Other Girls: A Casual Convo on Internalized...

About Progress ·

2026/02/13

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 recording turned into a fascinating exploration of how we as women pit ourselves against each other—and for what?In this episode, we unpack: The origins of the "not like other girls" trope and how it shows up in our lives Our own experiences with feeling pressure to either stand out OR fit in (spoiler: we had opposite journeys!)

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19:18

AP 758: My DSL for 2026! || Growth spurt

About Progress ·

2026/02/12

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 setting strict goals, but prioritizing daily fulfillment. Each item on the list encourages me to honor my interests and passions, from baking something new monthly to hosting girls' nights and rediscovering hobbies like sketching wildflowers.This year, I aim to explore cultural events, reconnect with nature on new hikes, and even venture out

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51:24

AP 757: The Relationship Cycle That Keeps Couples...

About Progress ·

2026/02/09

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 cycles. Her insights reveal that the stories we tell ourselves about our partners can turn simple pain into full-blown panic. By recognizing these patterns, we can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection.In her book, "Who Deserves Your Love," KC shares practical advice for embracing a collaborative approach to

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7:27

Feel Happier Through Messy Growth || H&K with Cathy...

About Progress ·

2026/02/07

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 beginnings is the key to real personal growth and development. This conversation explores how to be happier, practice self-compassion, and build sustainable daily habits that support self improvement without shame. A must-listen for anyone navigating personal development, especially those seeking gentler self care for mothers and more freedom in

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11:30

February Book Report: Nine Books, Three Perfect Reads...

About Progress ·

2026/02/06

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 tech and teens. This month's lineup features some real gems, including three rare five-star reads: a cross-country journey with an unforgettable hero, a graphic guide that might just change how you think about smartphones, and a beautifully crafted story told entirely through letters.Monica dishes out honest ratings for all her recent

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31:32

AP 756: Surviving the flu, embarking on skiing...

About Progress ·

2026/02/05

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

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26:29

AP 755: Habits That Are Helping || Why Habits Matter...

About Progress ·

2026/02/02

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, consistent habits are crucial. By embracing habits that are personal, seasonal, and flexible, I can help myself feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.Recently, my life has been filled with professional demands like editing a book and preparing for a conference, all while managing the complexities of family life. To cope, I've been playing

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8:02

How to be More Authentic & Why It Matters || H&K with...

About Progress ·

2026/01/31

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 perfectionism and “shoulds” make it harder to belong, and how practicing self-compassion is one of the most underrated daily habits for feeling happier and more authentic in relationships. If you’re into gentle personal development and self-help that actually helps, this clip will feel like a breath of relief.Listen to the full episode here:

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39:20

AP 754: Remember When: A Ten Year Reflection || 2016,...

About Progress ·

2026/01/29

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 awe at the start of my journey with About Progress. That year marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for my blog and podcast, but for my personal growth.My first foray into blogging, followed by launching the podcast in November, was a leap into the unknown, full of technical challenges and self-doubt, yet it ignited a passion for

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45:27

AP 753: You’re Not Bad at Money! How to Build a...

About Progress ·

2026/01/26

Navigating the labyrinth of personal finance can often feel overwhelming, especially with societal pressures and the constant barrage of advice from various "experts." I myself have struggled with the anxiety of managing budgets and feeling as though I'm constantly missing the mark. Thankfully, Rebecca Palmer, a seasoned financial advisor, has shared insights that have reframed the way I view money. She highlighted that much of the stress stems not from personal failure, but from the systems that

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11:00

The Small Habits That Help Us Heal and Grow || H&K...

About Progress ·

2026/01/24

Lysha Smith opens up about how perfectionism, grief, and daily stress can coexist with joy, creativity, and growth. This conversation blends personal development with self-compassion and shows how to be happier by finding outlets that restore your energy. A self-help podcast favorite for women learning how to stop being a perfectionist, build healthier daily habits, and explore self care for mothers through real life.Listen to the full episode here:

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76:38

AP 752: BONUS: Do Something List 2026 Workshop!

About Progress ·

2026/01/22

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. This year, I’m sharing new insights from our workshop to align with how our lives continue to shift. The simplicity of adding small, meaningful tasks to our lives—like embracing a “me day” or trying something new—enables us to reconnect with who we are. Let's make this year about reclaiming our lives in ways that truly reflect ourselves!Get

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277 results

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