About Progress

Latest Episodes:

How Your Strengths Can Guide Your Path | H&K with Tallia Deljou May 23, 2026

Show notes

Do you ever feel like you're good at something but it still doesn't feel like a strength? You're not alone — and there's actually a reason for that. In this clip, transformational coach and positive psychology expert Talia DelZotto breaks down the difference between skills and strengths, and why so many women miss their own strengths entirely because they're looking in the wrong place.If you've been on a personal growth journey but still struggle to answer "what are you good at?" without defaulting to your resume, this one's for you. Talia shares a simple but powerful framework — strength is who you are, skill is how it's expressed — and walks through reflective questions to help you finally identify what lights you up, energizes you, and pulls you into flow.This is the kind of self-awareness that makes daily habits feel more intentional, self-compassion feel more natural, and personal development actually stick.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-your-strengths-can-guide-your-path

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AP 786: What We Get Wrong Around Goal-Making + How to Pursue Bold Goals Without Burning Out || Wise Women Series, with Dr. Danielle McGeough May 21, 2026

Show notes

As someone who has historically had a complicated relationship with goals, I found Dr. Danielle McGeough's perspective refreshing and enlightening. One profound takeaway from our conversation was the concept of detaching self-worth from achievements. Danielle emphasized setting goals that focus on who you want to become on the journey, rather than just the destination. This shift in perspective transforms traditional goal-setting, allowing for personal evolution without the baggage of perfectionism or burnout. I’m excited to implement her insights and encourage you to explore this transformative approach. For anyone interested in similar conversations about practical progress, be sure to check out Danielle’s podcast, Plan Goal Plan.

Danielle's assessment, website, LinkedIn, Podcast

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AP 785: How To Dress Yourself and Rediscover Your Style as Your Body Changes || with Angela Foster May 18, 2026

Show notes

Feeling like you have nothing to wear often stems from a disconnect with your evolving body and lifestyle. My chat with Angela Foster illuminated how personal style is more about authenticity than trends. We discussed the importance of understanding your body shape and dressing for your current life phase, rather than an idealized image. Angela's approach is about crafting a wardrobe reflecting your true self and simplifying your daily routine. By focusing less on fleeting trends and more on what resonates personally, you transform your closet into a space that supports who you are, enhancing both confidence and ease.

Angela’s ⁠website⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, Body shape quiz: ⁠angelafoster.co/monica⁠

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!

Complementary episodes: 5 Steps to Reconnect with Your Style (episode on closet curation, referenced)

Sponsors links + codes: Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

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How to Stop Waiting to Be Happy & Choose Joy Through Hard Seasons | H&K with Sean & Nicole Johnson May 16, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when life isn't where you hoped it would be — and you're just stuck in the waiting? Sean and Nicole Johnson get refreshingly real about how they keep moving forward through infertility without letting the hard seasons consume them. Their approach is simple but powerful: feel it, then redirect. Nicole talks about processing emotions and then consciously choosing to move on, while Sean shares a surprisingly beautiful insight from his service mission — that the Spanish word for "have fun," divertir, literally means "to divert." Sometimes joy isn't about ignoring the pain. It's about making a deliberate choice to stop rehashing what you can't fix right now and pour yourself into something — and someone — else instead. This is a quiet reminder that personal growth and daily happiness aren't about having a perfect life. They're about choosing connection, showing up for others, and refusing to let what's missing define what's possible. What's one small way you could "divert" your attention toward something life-giving this week?

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/heather-jenson-achieving-big-goals-in-small-ways

⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today!

⁠Leave a rating and review⁠

Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠!

Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠!

⁠Full Show Notes

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AP 784: You’ll Never See Yourself the Way Others See You || Growth Spurt May 14, 2026

Show notes

I've been thinking a lot about a lesson from the book "Disillusioned" by Nicholas Binge: we can never see ourselves as our loved ones do. This isn't just about looks—it's about the way our essence shines through to those who care for us. Understanding that our reflection captures only a fraction of our true selves can offer us grace. By embracing this, we navigate life's changes with more compassion, recognizing the unseen beauty in how others perceive us.

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AP 783: The Importance of Cultivating the Smallest of Joys, Even Amidst the Toughest of Times || with Diane Shiffer, Your Chubby Vintage Nana May 11, 2026

Show notes

As I sat down with Diane Shiffer, I was awestruck by her radiant perspective on joy, especially in a world that often feels engulfed in darkness. Diane, known as the Internet's favorite nana, believes in the transformative power of small joys. As I listened, I realized that joy isn't about waiting for the grand moments; it's about practicing gratitude and noticing the little things that lift our spirits. Diane's journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and self-compassion. Her book, "The Smallest of Joys," teaches us that embracing imperfections and offering ourselves grace are essential steps to living a joyful life. This conversation reminded me of the importance of rest and grace as fuel for productivity, rather than distractions from it. If there's one takeaway from my conversation with Diane, it's that we should start noticing and celebrating those small moments of joy that we often overlook in our daily hustle.

Diane's Book, Website, Instagram

Complementary episodes: ⁠Interview with Tanmeet Sethi⁠

Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How One Mom Fought Postpartum Depression by Doing Something Just for Her || H&K with Heather Jensen May 09, 2026

Show notes

After her third baby, Heather Jensen hit a wall. Postpartum depression had taken the happy, positive person she knew herself to be — and she needed to find her way back. What she discovered was that investing in her own goals and personal growth wasn't selfish; it was the very thing that made her a better mom.

In this clip, Heather gets vulnerable about her mental health journey and how training for an Ironman became her self-care — not an escape from her family, but a way back to herself. She also shares the daily habits and mindset shifts that help her stop being a perfectionist about her training, keep family first, and still pursue big, scary goals. If you've ever wondered how to feel happy again after a hard season, or how to carve out space for personal development without the mom guilt, this one is for you.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/heather-jenson-achieving-big-goals-in-small-ways

⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today!

⁠Leave a rating and review⁠

Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠!

Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠!

⁠Full Show Notes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AP 782: Staging Fiddler on the Roof, crisis-turned-cleaning spree, reclaiming routines, a workshop for summer adventures, and savoring a Nashville escape || Messy Middle May 2026 May 07, 2026

Show notes

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 steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!

Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AP 781: How to Make This Summer Feel Different || The Simple 3-Step Formula for a Better Summer May 04, 2026

Show notes

As I geared up for summer, a unique approach sparked magic in our household. Instead of jumping straight into plans, I started by envisioning how I wanted the summer to feel, incorporating my kids' ideas as well. This strategy created the perfect recipe for a more intentional and structured summer, complete with visions of family connection and adventure. Reflecting on past years, it's clear that self-care played a crucial role in making this summer a success. Keeping these elements in mind, alongside the support of a family meeting to set the tone, ensured that our summer was more than just survival—it was an evolution into an enriching, joyous experience for all. While it may not always be perfect, loving my kids and doing my best is the ultimate goal.

Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.

Get the free DSL Training.

Complementary episodes: Rhythm vs. Block Scheduling episode

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Busy Moms Deserve Hobbies (And How to Actually Find One) || H&K with Sarah Hart-Unger May 02, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever talked yourself out of a hobby because you don't have enough time, it's not productive enough, or it just doesn't "count" — this one's for you. Monica and Sarah Hart-Unger get real about why personal growth and self-care for mothers has to include joy, not just optimization. They break down the cultural guilt that keeps women from allowing themselves fun, why your daily habits don't need to include a polished, passionate pursuit to qualify, and how a little self-compassion goes a long way when you're just trying to feel like yourself again. If you want to know how to be happier without a major life overhaul, the answer might be simpler — and a lot more fun — than you think. Dabble, friends. Just dabble.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-find-and-better-prioritize-hobbies

⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today!

⁠Leave a rating and review⁠

Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠!

Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices