About Progress

I have been surprised by something as an adult…I stink at friendship. When it comes to making new friends, or even staying connected with old friends, it has just become harder and harder. I also find myself become more and more introverted as I get older. And I think many of you can relate. Making and keeping friends as an adult has always seemed to be a hot topic, so if we’re all feeling this pull then why is it still so tough?Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins me today to offer the science backed reasons behind loneliness and relationships in a way that will have you nodding along in agreement. Honestly, you may even audibly gasp at some of her explanations – in a good way! The hard things you have been experiencing when it comes to friendship are real, and they have names, and there are ways to really support yourself through them.For new weekly episodes during the summer months, sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you byFearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESSAirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiersLolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the codePROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your marriage ready for more? More intimacy, connection, and collaboration?Then, it’s time for some changes. It’s time to move towards more partnership. This is where both spouses have their needs and desires be equally heard. This is where BOTH spouses’ contributions can be better valued and supported. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Dr. Julie Hanks (two of our top-favorite guests!) are joining forces to share what a partnership model looks like, why it’s essential to having deeply successful marriages and families, and HOW couples can move past the obstacles getting in the way of being equally valued.  This won’t be a light-hearted episode for you to listen to. But it will be a life-changing one. It’s time for MORE in your marriage! If you’re ready for that, listen in to learn how.For new weekly episodes during the summer months, sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESSAirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiersLolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the codePROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you had an hour totally to yourself, what would you do? Author Catherine Price explains in today’s interview that when faced with that exact situation she found herself signing up for a guitar class. That choice spiraled into what she now knows as true fun. When was the last time that you had fun? Maybe you’re wondering what fun even is. Catherine compiled her research into her book “The Power of Fun,” which she shares about in this episode along with some powerful personal anecdotes. By taking care of ourselves in this way and giving ourselves the opportunity to let go and have fun, it makes us better at our responsibilities. If you are capable of having fun then you bring it to other people, and it’s a gift to give others that comfort, joy, and lightness. It’s time to take having fun more seriously and see how rewarding that can be.For new weekly episodes during the summer months, sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS, and AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling overwhelmed about the summer ahead? Do you want to balance responsibilities and recreation with purpose and sanity? In this episode, I'll share my personal plan to save the summer! I'll walk you through four lifesaving strategies that will make your summer memorable and manageable. We'll talk about creating a vision, setting up systems, and ensuring everyone in the family is on board and contributing.Plus, I'll share some personal stories and practical tips to help you feel balanced and connected. Join me for this insightful episode and learn how you can save your summer, too! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS, and AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode we're getting into one of the tougher topics: divorce. It's messy, it's emotional, but it can also be empowering. In this conversation with Dina Alexander, mom and founder and CEO of Educate and Empower Kids, she's getting real about her own journey and why she decided to focus on helping others navigate theirs. We talk about finding "imperfect grace" – that space between breakdowns and breakthroughs. We also dive deep into self-care, even when it feels impossible. Plus, she's sharing what surprised her most about divorce and offering up actionable tips for anyone going through it, or supporting someone who is.Past episodes with Dina. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS, and AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of the early years of our marriage and family we lived in tight quarters that required a lot of diligence around the stuff we brought into our home. When I reflect on that, I realize I learned valuable lessons on organizing, purging, and being intentional about what we surround ourselves with. Those methods continue to shape my perspective even as our family and living space grows. Seeking guidance on how to apply more minimalist principles to everyday life, I invited Diane Boden, author and podcaster of Minimalist Moms, to join the conversation. Diane shares her insightful journey to minimalism, emphasizing the importance of living with intention and finding freedom in simplicity. Together, we explore deep principles and practical tips that can help anyone create a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle, even for those who may not fit the traditional minimalist mold. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS, and AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there something that has made you think other people can do that, but not me? This episode is part of a monthly series to convince you otherwise. These episodes feature real people who are answering the question “How do you…?” about their various passions and pursuits.Emily's Instagram Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is particularly close to my heart, as we explore the challenging, yet rewarding, journey of adapting to significant life changes while striving to retain and rediscover our personal time and creativity.During those big shifts it becomes imperative to recalibrate and redefine what it means to make time for ourselves, whether that's pursuing hobbies, practicing self-care, or enjoying the company of friends. In this coaching call with Katie, she shares a challenging adjustment period following the addition of a child to her family, and how she is now ready to reprioritize her creative pursuits. If you're like Katie, feeling trapped in the cycle of struggle to find 'me time,' this conversation will shine a new light on your situation. Episode on rhythm scheduling. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by Fearless Finance, get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code PROGRESS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're ditching the guilt and diving head first into what I'm personally doing to save money on groceries, without resorting to extreme couponing or long hauls to discount stores.Remember, there are no 'shoulds' here - just ideas to experiment with! I'll also chat about what's still a work in progress for me, including trying new stores and prepping freezer meals. Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Waitlist for the next Sticky Habit Intensive Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices