About Progress

Latest Episodes:

AP 780: The Perilous Financial Position of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom || More Personal Preview Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

You know that middle-of-the-night thought spiral, the one where you're suddenly calculating how your family would survive if your spouse didn't come home? In this preview from my premium feed, More Personal, me and my podcast manager are talking about it out loud, and it turns out, a lot of us have been quietly doing that math for years.

In this Casual Convo we get real about one of the most uncomfortable truths of being a primary parent: the financial precariousness hiding beneath the surface of every “traditional” family life. From the fear of losing your spouse, to the trad wife movement and MLM's, we cover it all while grappling with what we actually can control when solutions feel out of reach.

This one doesn't have a tidy resolution. But it might be the most honest conversation you hear about what it really costs to be the one who stays home.

Join the Supporters Club to get access to the full ad-free episode!

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

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

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.”

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

AP 779: Why Self-Discipline Isn’t Working for You (and What to Do Instead) || with Yashi Srivastava Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

I've always believed that more self-discipline could solve all my problems, from achieving my goals to becoming a better version of myself. But in my conversation with Yashi Srivastava, I learned that discipline isn't the only way to make progress. Yashi introduced the concept of "inner alignment," shifting my perspective on how we can achieve our goals by harmonizing our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls.

This approach challenges the traditional notion of discipline, encouraging us to explore what's truly happening inside us. Instead of jumping straight to action, we need to pause, listen to ourselves, and support our inner needs. This journey isn't about being the most disciplined person; it's about finding fulfillment and making meaningful strides toward the life we envision.

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.

Yashi's Website, Free Training

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”

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

How to Stop Numbing & Actually Meet Your Needs || H&K with Monica Packer Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever picked up your phone when what you really needed was rest, connection, or just a moment to breathe — this clip is for you. Monica Packer shares a simple, judgment-free process for recognizing numbing behavior and turning it into a moment of genuine self-care. This is personal growth and development in the most practical sense: no shame, no perfectionism, just getting curious about what you actually need and making a choice that feels aligned with who you are. If you're working on daily habits that support your well-being, or looking for self-compassion practices that are realistic for busy moms, this one will resonate. Because how to feel happy often starts with just asking yourself one honest question: What do I need right now?

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-i-do-with-numbing-behaviors

⁠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 778: Why Moms Need Creative Hobbies (and How to Actually Make Time for Them) || Wise Women Series with Sarah Welch Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

As I continue to explore the intersection of creativity and life’s daily demands, I can't help but reflect on a lesson that keeps coming back to me: creativity isn't a luxury; it's essential. In my recent conversation with Sarah Welch, we dove into how creativity helps us reconnect with who we truly are outside of the roles we cater to for others—whether it be as a parent, partner, or professional. For me, it’s about learning to lean into small chunks of time, asking for support where necessary, and, most importantly, remembering that every act of creation—regardless of its form—is a step back to my core self. Let’s talk about this journey. What creative practice surprises you, and how can you start integrating it into your life today?

⁠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.

Sarah’s Authors with Crayons Guide.

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now.

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

AP 777: How to Find Yourself After the Kids Grow Up (Identity After Motherhood) || Coaching Call with Shelly Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In a recent coaching session, Shelly shared her journey of grappling with shifting roles and the pressing question, "Who am I now?" This resonates with many women in transition, as life’s changes often unravel our established identities. The path to rediscovering ourselves doesn’t require an Eat, Pray, Love-type journey; instead, it’s about embracing small, meaningful actions that gradually rebuild our identity and trust. Rediscovery is an ongoing process rooted in everyday exploration. Whether trying a new restaurant, journaling to capture your thoughts, or revisiting old hobbies, every choice strengthens your sense of self. In these small moments, you uncover who you truly are beyond the roles you’ve known. Embrace this season of transition as a space for growth and self-discovery.

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.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress

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

Why You're Not Happy Even When You Have Everything You Wanted | H&K with Vanessa Quigley Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever felt like something was missing even when life looked perfect from the outside, this clip is for you. Vanessa Quigley opens up about the season of her life when she had everything she thought she wanted — and still wasn't happy. She shares how learning to embrace all parts of herself, not just her role as a mother, became the key to genuine personal growth and development. Whether you're craving more "me time," dreaming of a new chapter, or just trying to figure out how to feel happy again, Vanessa's honest take on seasons of life and self-care for mothers is both refreshing and freeing. Because being a good mom and becoming more fully yourself? Those aren't opposites — they're the same journey.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/you-can-be-more-than-one-thing
⁠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 776: Remember When: 2019 Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

In 2019, I found myself balancing the demands of being a mom to four kids while taking my podcast and business more seriously. I hired help to manage my time, launched new rounds of my progress program, and explored collaborations with guest teachers. Looking back, I am proud of the strides made toward expanding the diversity of guests and topics on About Progress. As we head into the 10th anniversary of the podcast, these lessons from 2019 continue to shape our path forward, bridging gaps and creating a richer space for personal development rooted in authenticity and varied experiences.

Old episodes to support: Interview with Gabrielle Blair, Vanessa Quigley, Saundra Dalton-Smith, Tony Overbay, and Natalie Norton

Get 50% off More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout.

⁠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.” Transform your space now.

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

AP 775: How to Handle Your Emotions So Your Kids Don’t Have To || with Eli Harwood, the Attachment Nerd Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

I had the opportunity to chat with therapist and author Eli Harwood about the messy, beautiful journey of parenting. Eli emphasizes the importance of focusing on our side of the parent-child relationship. It's not about blaming ourselves for our children's struggles, but rather about leveraging our emotions and experiences to enhance our connection with them. Parenting, Eli articulates, raises parents as much as it does children, and it's vital to approach our personal growth with compassion. Eli shared the five gifts from a secure parent—offering a glimpse into what important standards we can aim for as parents. We discussed how our emotional baggage can sometimes interfere with these gifts, but by understanding our patterns, like people-pleasing or perfectionism, we can grow and better support our kids.

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.

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

Ditch the To-Do List for Real Personal Growth || H&K with Tanya Dalton Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever ended a full, busy day feeling strangely unfulfilled, this episode is for you. Tanya Dalton joins us to talk about the mindset shifts and daily habits that actually lead to personal growth and development — without burning out or running on empty. We dig into how to stop being a perfectionist and why your to-do list might be working against you. Whether you're in a season of self care for mothers or just craving more clarity in your everyday life, this conversation will help you feel happier and more grounded in what actually matters.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-be-more-productive-and-less-busy-at-the-same-time

Preorder Sticky Habits book today!

Check out my ⁠⁠workshops⁠⁠!

Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠!

⁠Full Show Notes

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

AP 774: Having the Courage to be Misunderstood || Growth Spurt Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Recently, I tackled my "Read the Shelf Challenge" and picked up a fantasy novel that had been collecting dust. Imagine my surprise when I found it just okay, only to see it was adored by tens of thousands of others! This stark difference in opinion reminded me of a life lesson—we won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's perfectly okay.

This concept hit home for me during a challenging time at church with my child. Grappling with being misjudged, a friend's words became my mantra: Have the courage to be misunderstood. It's about processing difficult feelings and choosing to act from a place of inner strength, not resentment. As hard as it is, embracing this mindset helps us navigate misunderstandings with grace and continue on our progress journey.

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.

Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected