

About Progress
Cloud10
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 54min
AP 709: How to Prioritize What Matters Without Burning Out || with Greg McKeown
Greg McKeown is a bestselling author known for his insightful works on essentialism and effortless living. In this conversation, he tackles the burnout culture, urging listeners to embrace prioritization and meaningful choices. He emphasizes the significance of trade-offs, especially for women juggling multiple responsibilities. Greg introduces the idea of 'relaxation as a responsibility' and offers practical tips for nurturing relationships and personal well-being. He also shares strategies for defining life priorities and managing health while deepening connections.

7 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 11min
Letting Go of Perfectionism and Learning to Be Fully Known || H&K with Kendra Adachi
Kendra Adachi, known as the Lazy Genius, discusses her transformative journey away from perfectionism. She emphasizes that embracing life's messiness is essential for authenticity. Through personal stories, Kendra shares insights on identity loss, grief, and the fear of being truly seen. She encourages listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward change, reminding us that real freedom flourishes where perfectionism fades. It's a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability and the beauty of living authentically.

Jul 21, 2025 • 48min
AP 708: Why Joy Isn’t the Same as Happiness—and How to Reclaim It EVEN During a Difficult Time || with Tanmeet Sethi
In this episode, Dr. Tanmeet Sethi and I delve deep into the often misunderstood distinctions between joy and happiness. Dr. Sethi shares her profound insights on how joy, unlike happiness, is a birthright that resides within our bodies and can be accessed through mindful practices and connection to our physical selves. During our conversation, Dr. Sethi eloquently explains the importance of feeling pain instead of avoiding it and how this process can lead to a more profound, sustainable joy.
If you've ever felt disconnected from happiness or struggled with trauma, this episode offers enlightening perspectives and practical advice on reclaiming joy. Join us as we explore these transformative concepts and learn why joy is truly worth fighting for every day.
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Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod ; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers; and by Fearless Finance, chat with a planner for free to make sure it’s a good fit, and you’ll get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS at fearlessfinance.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 19, 2025 • 8min
How One Yes Sparked a Fitness Movement That’s Changing Lives || H&K with Emily Nelson
When Emily Nelson got the nudge to co-create High Fitness, she had no idea it would grow into a movement that’s empowering thousands—from new moms to 70-somethings. In this heartfelt clip, she shares the moment she said yes, the vision behind a workout that welcomes everyone, and why it’s about so much more than just sweat and burpees—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/emily-nelson-empowering-yourself-to-become-the-best-version-of-you
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 14, 2025 • 52min
AP 707: How to Dramatically Cut Your Grocery Bill Without Extreme Couponing || with Rachel Coons
In today's episode, I sit down with Rachel Coons to discuss practical ways to save on your grocery bills. We'll explore how you can cut down your grocery expenses significantly by shopping less frequently, meal planning efficiently, and reducing food waste.
Rachel shares invaluable tips and strategies, including her renowned SHOP method, to help you save both time and money. We also delve into the benefits of intentional shopping and how these small changes can lead to substantial savings without sacrificing the quality of your meals. Plus, I'll share some exciting updates about a new guide I'm releasing to help you further in your journey to financial stability.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
Rachel's Money Mom Club
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod ; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 12, 2025 • 7min
How One Tube of Lipstick Changed Everything || H&K with Kayti Oldham
When a difficult postpartum season left Kayti Oldham feeling lost, one bold swipe of red lipstick helped her feel like herself again—and sparked a whole new calling. Kayti shares how personal healing, a passion for helping women, and a major "aha" moment about the beauty industry led to her empowering approach to makeup.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/kayti-oldham-finding-joy-in-the-real-you
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7, 2025 • 50min
AP 706: Stressed, Snappy, and Stuck? This One Practice Can Help You Feel Like You Again || How to Take a “Me Day”
Today, we're diving into the concept of 'Me Day' and why it's so vital for our mental and physical health. I’ll be breaking down what a 'Me Day' is, why it matters so much, and sharing step-by-step tips on how you can carve out this essential time for yourself. We'll also tackle common obstacles and highlight the psychological and physical impacts of not having enough 'me time,' supported by research from reputable sources.
In addition, I share a personal story about a memorable argument with my husband that underscored the necessity of taking time for myself. Whether you’re a mom, a caregiver, or simply someone balancing too many responsibilities, this episode is a must-listen. I want to help you show up better for yourself and those you love by prioritizing 'me time.'
Other links referenced: American Psychology Association, Psychology Today, Burnout episode with Amelia Nagoski, Hobbies episode
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, use code PROGRESS at https://landing.fearlessfinance.com/ for $50 your first session; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 5, 2025 • 7min
How to Thrive Through Major Life Transitions || H&K with Aubrey Baldwin
What do you do when everything familiar disappears—your support system, your sense of purpose, even your physical well-being? In this powerful story, military wife Aubrey Baldwin shares how she moved to a remote Texas town, faced extreme loneliness and pregnancy illness, and still found her way back to herself. Through tiny acts of courage—like visiting a bakery alone or teaching piano lessons—she discovered what it means to create joy and fulfillment in the middle of hard transitions. Her story is a tender reminder that you’ve made it through 100% of your hard days—and you’ll make it through this one too.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/powerful-ways-to-create-fulfillment-in-seasons-of-change
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30, 2025 • 55min
AP 705: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Making Confident Decisions || with Jessica Frew
In this episode, Jessica Frew and I dive deep into the topic of overthinking and decision-making, exploring how women, in particular, struggle with these issues. Jessica shared invaluable insights on how overthinking often manifests in our lives, from endless researching to self-judgment.
Jessica introduced practical steps to overcome overthinking and to make more confident decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and letting go of societal "shoulds." From the concept of humble decision-making to actionable advice on taking small steps towards our desires, this conversation is packed with wisdom that many women will find relatable and empowering. Jessica’s insights offer a roadmap to reclaiming our inner decision-maker and living a life in alignment with who we truly are.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get on the waitlist for Italy! Single traveler survey here.
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, use code PROGRESS at https://landing.fearlessfinance.com/ for $50 your first session; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 8min
You Don’t Have to Hide Your Mess to Be Loved || H&K with Cori Connors
Songwriter Cori Connors shares her inspiring journey of embracing imperfection by literally leaving her garage door open. She highlights the power of vulnerability and authentic connections, emphasizing that you don't need to be perfect to be loved. Connors addresses issues of self-doubt and societal pressures, encouraging listeners to celebrate their true selves. Through personal stories, she illustrates how embracing the messiness of life can lead to a stronger sense of community and belonging.