About Progress

Latest Episodes:

Working on Things: My 10 Goals for 2026 || from More Personal Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

(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 her complicated relationship with goal-setting, ways she makes goals doable but motivating, and how she's learning to celebrate milestones instead of bouncing right over them.

Monica also gets real about the challenges: feeling like two ships passing in the night with her husband, struggling with tech boundaries while running a business, the endless cycle of high-conflict children, and the weight of launching a book on a shoestring budget. But she also shares what's lighting her up—her hobby year (including returning to ballet!), plans for adventures, and her word of the year: reclamation.

Listen if you:

Want to hear an honest take on goal-setting that isn't about hustle culture
Are navigating the chaos of responsibilities and trying to feel like your life is your own
Need permission to do goals differently—broader, more flexible, more human
Are approaching a milestone birthday and want to make it meaningful
Appreciate messy, real conversations about personal growth

This isn't a polished how-to. It's a real-time look at someone figuring it out.

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AP 760: From Caretaker to College Grad: How Moms Can Reclaim Their Dreams Through Higher Ed || BONUS with Dr. Cedric Howard Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

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: education is not just for personal growth but can transform family legacies. If you've ever considered going back to school, take this as your sign to explore the possibilities. The journey may require some adjustments, but as Dr. Howard emphasized, it’s okay to be a little selfish with your education after years of being selfless. If you're ready to take that step, start by telling your story and showcasing the resilience and skills motherhood has instilled in you.

Dr. Howard's book

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AP 759: From Career to Stay-at-Home Mom: How to Reclaim Time, Identity, and Purpose as the Full-Time Parent || coaching call with Janie Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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. By exploring pressure-free mindset shifts and grounding habits, Janie is starting to balance self-care with motherhood. The journey towards progress involves small, consistent steps, focusing on what resonates personally rather than rigid routines.

Here to Stay Drive: join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

Book Launch Committee ⁠aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

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What If Your Body Was on Your Side? Why You Don't Need to be Afraid of Intuitive Eating || H&K with Beth Summers Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

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 gentler path to self-improvement.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-you-dont-need-to-be-afraid-of-intuitive-eating

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Not Like Other Girls: A Casual Convo on Internalized Misogyny and Self-Acceptance || Preview from More Personal Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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!)
How this connects to mommy wars, feminism, and those impossible gender roles we're all trying to navigate
Why Gen Z might actually be doing this better than we did
The beautiful messiness of self-acceptance

Plus: We get real about raising daughters, the cafeteria-style approach to life choices, and why "let people like what they like" might be the most important phrase ever.

Bottom line? We're all just humans having individual experiences. The sooner we accept ourselves (and each other), the better off we'll all be.

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.

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AP 758: My DSL for 2026! || Growth spurt Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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 for some out-of-state adventures. Each act on the list helps sustain my mental health and well-being while I continue to encourage others to pursue their unique paths to personal growth. Thanks for listening, and I hope you feel inspired to create your own list.

Monica’s DSL for 2026!

Here to Stay Drive: join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

Book Launch Committee aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

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Check out my ⁠workshops⁠!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
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AP 757: The Relationship Cycle That Keeps Couples Stuck (and How to Break It) || with KC Davis Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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 relationships. Her focus on self-awareness helps us slow down the vulnerability cycle, fostering more meaningful interactions. If you're caught in repetitive disputes, KC's strategies might be the key to understanding and improving your valuable connections.

Here to Stay Drive: join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

Book Launch Committee aboutprogress.com/bookcommittee

More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my ⁠workshops⁠!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes

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Feel Happier Through Messy Growth || H&K with Cathy Heller Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

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 their personal growth journey.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/do-you-believe-you-matter

More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off

Leave a rating and review

Check out my ⁠workshops⁠!

Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!

Book Launch Committee

Full Show Notes

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February Book Report: Nine Books, Three Perfect Reads || from More Personal Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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 reads, including quick takes on everything from fantasy epics to romance novellas, and updates on her Read the Shelf Challenge—complete with a live book selection using her fun prompt system. Whether you're hunting for your next great read or just love hearing about books that make you feel all the feelings, this episode is your cozy companion!

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.

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

AP 756: Surviving the flu, embarking on skiing adventures, advancing book edits, rediscovering ballet, and enjoying creative card-making || Messy Middle February 2026 Feb 05, 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!

Here to Stay Drive: join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable!

Take the refreshed DSL Training HERE
Check to see if you won a prize from our recent Favorite Things Giveaway
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my ⁠workshops⁠!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Full Show Notes

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