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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

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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68:15

AP 751: Joy in Marriage: How Acceptance, Choice, and...

About Progress ·

2026/01/19

What if joy in marriage isn't about chasing happiness, but embracing courage? Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's enlightening perspective reshapes our understanding of joy—not as mere happiness but as a deeper, more embodied openness to love and goodness, even amidst life's challenges. This kind of joy is interwoven with eros love—an expansive, soul-reaching connection that pushes us beyond our comfort zones and into a realm of growth and self-discovery.In my conversation with Dr. Finlayson-Fife, we

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8:59

Why Perfectionism Steals the Joy of Growth || H&K Dr....

About Progress ·

2026/01/17

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 feel happier and more fulfilled by leaning into the process, not the outcome. Their conversation touches on self-compassion and the kind of personal development that actually lasts. If you’ve been trying to stop being a perfectionist or looking for self-help podcasts that feel uplifting instead of overwhelming, this moment is for you. It’s

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28:54

AP 750: My Do Something List Recap for 2025 || Growth...

About Progress ·

2026/01/14

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 have had a complicated history; they once defined my life, yet I stepped away from them for nearly a decade. However, the Do Something List, born from a need to explore rather than achieve, has become an anchor in my life.Looking back at 2025, I marvel at how this list has helped me stay grounded through another transformative year. As we

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43:48

AP 749: Redefining Ambition: A Healthier Approach to...

About Progress ·

2026/01/12

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, much like nature itself. It's okay to redefine ambition as a desire for more life, while also allowing ourselves periods of rest and recalibration. From my discussion with Amina AlTai, it's clear that ambition must be intentional and aligned with our true values. Releasing the need for perfection and instead embracing recovery and personal

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7:44

The Freedom That Comes After Food Rules || H&K with...

About Progress ·

2026/01/10

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 letting go of perfectionism can create more mental space, deeper connection, and lasting happiness. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/the-power-of-eating-without-fear Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms

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47:24

AP 748: The Grumpiest Day, Holiday Highs, Netflix...

About Progress ·

2026/01/08

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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44:53

AP 747: Dream-Led Living || Why Every Woman Deserves...

About Progress ·

2026/01/05

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 our lives. We often let responsibilities, fears, and past failures dim our dreams, but it's time to change that. Dreams are not only powerful, but they're also necessary for living a meaningful life. Whether they're big or small, our dreams matter, and it's vital that we give them space to grow and evolve alongside us. Let's embrace our dreams

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7:18

Pre-New Year Anxiety: Why We Spiral Before January ||...

About Progress ·

2025/12/20

In this personal growth podcast clip, licensed therapist Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT explains how anxiety quietly shapes our behaviors through avoidance, perfectionism, people-pleasing, reassurance seeking, and rumination. If you’re navigating personal development, trying to build healthier daily habits, or wondering how to be happier without burning out, this conversation offers compassionate insight rooted in self-compassion and self improvement. Listen to the full episode here:

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