

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

Dec 6, 2025 • 7min
How to Raise Confident Kids || H&K with Dina Alexander of the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids
In this personal growth podcast episode, Dina Alexander shares simple, research-backed ways to help kids build real confidence—while also supporting your own personal development as a parent. This conversation is perfect if you love self help podcasts and want daily habits that make family life smoother.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/dinaalexander
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off
Leave a rating and review
Check out my workshops!
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Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
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Dec 4, 2025 • 38min
AP 742: Feeling more like myself, turning in my book manuscript, highs and lows with my kids, a purchase that was on my DSL, what I'm looking forward to in 2026 || Messy Middle December 2025
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!
Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth with code "COZYPROGRESS" and by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 1, 2025 • 55min
AP 741: Did Something List: A Guide to Look Back on 2025, So You Can Reclaim Your 2026
I know we're all rushing to look forward and plan our goals, but I want to help you create your "Did Something List" to reflect on 2025 first. This list is a bit different from my Do Something List; it's time-centric and helps us look back so we can better look forward. By reflecting, we can honor the past year, validate our progress, and gather the practical information needed to set a better, more practical course for 2026.
Don't skip this chance for personal growth—it will help you make 2026 the year you establish better daily habits and figure out how to be happier and how to feel happy without the exhaustion. Grab the free guide to create your list now at aboutprogress.com/didsomethinglist.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth with code "COZYPROGRESS" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2025 • 9min
Why Improving Your In-Law Relationships Boosts Your Happiness || H&K with Natalie Clay
Learning how to relate to your in-laws isn’t just about family harmony — it’s a powerful step in your personal growth and development. In this conversation with couples coach Natalie Clay, we explore why shifting your mindset can make you feel happier, reduce perfectionism, and strengthen your daily habits for better emotional well-being. Perfect for anyone wanting self-improvement, more peace at home, and practical tools for how to feel happy in real life.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-its-difficult-to-relate-to-your-in-laws-and-how-to-try
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 2025 • 48min
AP 740: The Best Books I Read || More Personal Preview
I love learning and talking about books, and I've found that getting back into reading—starting with just one or two books a month—is a key daily habit for my own personal development and learning how to be happier. That's why I dedicate a whole episode of More Personal to sharing my favorite reads every month! Today I'm sharing the best books I read in 2024 to give you a taste of what you get—it’s packed with recommendations across genres like historical fiction, romance, and non-fiction.
Whether you're working on self-compassion, figuring out how to stop being a perfectionist, or looking for self-care-for-busy-moms ideas, joining the Supporters Club will get you exclusive access to all my book reviews and behind-the-scenes content!
Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal, including my upcoming 2025 Best Books Read Review!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth with code "COZYPROGRESS" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2025 • 43min
AP 739: The Antidote to Comparison: How Gratitude Helps You Reclaim Confidence || with Kathie Gwilliam
In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kathie Gwilliam about how gratitude can play a pivotal role in our personal development and self-improvement. We delved into the sneaky nature of comparison and how it can erode our self-worth, leading to unhappiness. But Kathie presented simple, actionable steps on how to be happier by shifting our mindset towards gratitude.
By acknowledging our own unique gifts and appreciating others for their strengths, we can stop being perfectionists and enhance our daily habits for a more fulfilling life. This episode is a self-help resource perfect for mothers seeking self-compassion and personal growth.
Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth with code "COZYPROGRESS" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 2025 • 11min
You’re Allowed to Want More || H&K with Monica Packer
This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by challenging the belief that “normal women” shouldn’t dream big. Monica shares practical personal development tools and daily habits that support self improvement, including how to feel happy without burning out and how to stop being a perfectionist in your everyday life. If you love self help podcasts and are searching for the best podcasts for self improvement, this conversation will help you reframe ambition, practice self-compassion, and create sustainable personal growth and development. It’s especially powerful self care for mothers who want to honor their own dreams while still showing up for the people they love.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-normal-women-need-to-have-dreams-goals-and-ambitions
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20, 2025 • 11min
AP 738: Small Joys for a Brighter Holiday Season || Growth Spurt
Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush? In this episode I'm sharing how I've found that small joys, like a quick YouTube break or a swipe of bright lipstick, can significantly boost happiness and ease perfectionistic pressures. These tiny habits help inject self-compassion into my day, allowing me to fully enjoy the present. For me, pairing mundane tasks with mood-boosting moments has made a huge difference and I hope these ideas help you bring genuine joy to your holiday season!
Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE.
Old episodes to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/have-you-ever-thought-to-romanticize-your-life-growth-spurt
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 2025 • 44min
AP 737: Midlife Makeover: How to Transform Crisis Into a Catalyst for Growth || with Wendy Valentine
Can a midlife crisis actually become a turning point for happiness and personal development? In this episode I'm exploring this idea with the inspiring Wendy Valentine, who transformed her life through self-care and self-compassion.
Unlocking self-improvement isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it's about envisioning a new future fueled by choices that prioritize self-care. In this episode, discover how to stop being a perfectionist, start embracing the present moment, and work towards a joyful, intention-driven life.
Listen to my interview on The Midlife Makeover Show: https://wendyvalentine.com/progress-over-perfection/
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth with code "COZYPROGRESS" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 2025 • 8min
Belong to Yourself: Rethinking Sex, Self-Compassion & Personal Growth || H&K with with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife
This personal growth podcast episode dives into personal development and self improvement through the lens of intimacy—covering how to be happier, how to feel happy, daily habits, self-compassion, and how to stop being a perfectionist. A smart, self help podcasts–style convo for personal growth and development and self care for mothers—ideal if you’re hunting the best podcasts for self improvement without the shame spiral.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-hate-sex
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


