

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

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
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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

Nov 13, 2025 • 47min
AP 736: State of the Podcast Address: My Real Thoughts on What It’s Like to Pursue a Passion Project for This Long
It's been a wild ride since our first episode aired in November of 2016, and today I'm reflecting on what it's like to pursue something for this long. Pursuing a passion project like this has taught me about personal development, resilience, and how daily habits can lead us toward self-compassion and growth. It's been so much more than a podcast. I wan to thank you for your support as we continue to learn and grow together! Help me 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 10, 2025 • 52min
AP 735: How to Heal Anxious Attachment, Rebuild Self-Worth, and Feel Secure from Within || with Trevor Hanson
In today's episode we're covering some deep territory with my returning guest, Trevor Hanson, as we explore anxious attachment. It's crucial to understand how our attachment styles, shaped by our upbringing and personal experiences, influence our daily habits and relationships. Learning to trust ourselves and engage in self-care can transform insecurities into self-compassion.
Trevor shares profound insights into how recognizing and healing our "inner child" is essential for personal growth and development. He emphasizes the importance of daily habits that promote self-improvement and how to stop being a perfectionist. Join us to learn how understanding and healing attachment patterns can lead to personal fulfillment and genuine happiness.
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.
Past Episode to support: prior episode with Trevor: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/keys-to-overcoming-conflict-and-healing-connection-for-couples
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Get up to 40% off at Cozy Earth with code "COZYPROGRESS"
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 8, 2025 • 9min
How to Grow Through Resistance || H&K with Patrice Washington
In this personal growth podcast episode of with Patrice Washington, we dive deep into what resistance really means on your journey of self-improvement and personal development. Patrice shares how to stop being a perfectionist, build self-compassion, and create daily habits that help you grow instead of burn out. This is one of the best podcasts for self improvement if you’re a mom or a woman craving self care, purpose, and practical ways to learn how to feel happy again.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/resistance-is-part-of-your-path
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
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 6, 2025 • 29min
AP 734: The funk of all funks, some favorite fall traditions, the habit that's finally going better, how close I am to finishing my book, and the music and TV show I'm loving right now || Messy Middle November 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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
AP 733: A Case for BIG Acts of Self-Care for Reconnection and Self-Reclamation
I've always emphasized the beauty and sustainability of small daily habits for self-improvement. But occasionally, our self-care journey demands a more significant leap to reboot our personal development. On this episode I shared how my recent solo trip to London was a radical act of self-care for me. It's essential to recognize that personal growth and development sometimes require us to stretch beyond our comfort zones, reminding ourselves of our own self-worth and the importance of self-care.
These experiences, whether starting daily habits or planning an adventure abroad, define how to stop being a perfectionist and enrich our journeys toward how to feel happy. So, my call to you is straightforward: consider your own big step in self-care—it's time to reclaim, reconnect, and embrace your true self.
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
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 1, 2025 • 7min
How to Feel Happy in Your Own Skin: Body Positivity and Self-Compassion || H&K with Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst of June Loop Swimwear
In this personal growth podcast episode, Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst of June Loop Swimwear share how true self-compassion and self-care for mothers start with embracing your body at every stage. They open up about aging, perfectionism, and the daily habits that lead to real personal growth and development. If you’ve ever wondered how to feel happy in your own skin—or how to stop being a perfectionist—this self-help podcast conversation will remind you that confidence and contentment are the keys to self-improvement and how to be happier every day.Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/juneloop
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
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

Oct 30, 2025 • 42min
AP 732: The Truth About MLMs: How Multi-Level Marketing Hijacks Self-Help and Targets Women || Deep Dive Preview
In this special preview episode I take a closer look at Multi-level Marketing (MLMs) and their often hidden impact on women seeking personal development. While MLMs promise opportunities for self-improvement, they can often leave participants feeling stuck. In the full episode, I share personal experiences and insights to highlight the importance of self-compassion and genuine personal growth.
This is just a taste of the full episode available exclusively on my premium podcast. There, you'll discover deeper insights into personal development strategies and tips on how to be happier without the allure of MLM promises. Tune into the full episode for a comprehensive journey into making real, positive changes for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 2025 • 48min
AP 731: When Productivity Becomes a Problem: Signs You’re Overcommitted and How to Reclaim Your Time + Energy || with Israa Nasir
I had the pleasure of speaking with therapist and author Israa Nasir about the often-hidden cost of toxic productivity. We delved into deeply relevant topics such as how an endless to-do list isn't just a badge of honor, but potentially a symptom of perfectionism that could be stifling your true happiness. Along the way, Israa shared some eye-opening insights about self-care for mothers and the importance of self-compassion, particularly how recognizing the difference between urgent and important tasks can reshape your daily habits and overall perception of self-worth.
Whether you're tuning in for advice on how to feel happy or how to stop being a perfectionist, this episode is a treasure trove of practical tips and thoughts on how to stop burning out and start living a life more aligned to your values.
More for Moms Conference, use code “LISTENER” for $20 off: https://www.aboutprogress.com/moreformoms
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
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


