

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

Oct 21, 2024 • 56min
AP 637: How can I better support my body’s new nutritional needs with more energizing lunches and snacks? || Coaching Call with Krystal
In today's coaching call, I had the pleasure of speaking with Krystal, a dedicated mom of four who recently had her fourth baby. We delved into the challenges she's been facing with maintaining energy levels and establishing healthy eating habits, especially after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's. One key takeaway from this conversation is the importance of self-compassion and practical strategies for making nutritious meals manageable, even with a hectic schedule. Join us as we explore how to create habits that not only fit into a busy mom's life but also help in regaining a sense of self and energy.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway!
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PROGRESS and get on your way to being your best self; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 2024 • 13min
AP 636: Do you blame yourself for your stress? + thoughts on the surgeon general’s advisory || Growth Spurt
In this episode, we dive into the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory on the mounting stress facing parents today, highlighting how mental health challenges in caregivers impact both parents and their children. With 33% of parents reporting high stress compared to 20% of non-parents, it's clear that the pressures of modern life—raising kids in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, and dealing with financial and safety concerns—are taking their toll. I want to emphasize that stress isn’t a personal failing, but a reflection of real-life challenges. I'm sharing practical steps to manage your stress, nurture your well-being, and support your family, with tips you can incorporate into your daily life.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Oct 14, 2024 • 56min
AP 635: How to gain the skill of spending money well, change your relationship with budgeting, and improve your spending habits || with Jen Smith
In this episode we're diving into the practical and emotional aspects of managing money with Jen Smith, personal finance expert and co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast. I share my personal struggles and transformations when it comes to budgeting and impulse spending, and we explore how you can move from feeling guilty about your finances to empowered by them. You'll learn how to do a 90-day spending inventory, understand the importance of aligning your spending with your values, and even discover the benefits of a 30-day no-spend challenge. If you're ready for a fresh, guilt-free approach to money that you can actually stick with, this episode is for you.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
8 Years Favorite Things Giveaway
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This episode is brought to you by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress and Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod and AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10, 2024 • 9min
AP 634: This is the job || Growth Spurt
In this episode, I share a particularly tough Monday where a series of small, frustrating events made me feel overwhelmed and ready to run away. From toddlers making messes to kids having meltdowns, I experienced it all. I then had a moment of clarity that helped me find peace in the chaos – realizing 'this is the job.' It's about accepting the responsibilities and challenges that come with being a parent and leaning into them with a positive mindset. I hope my story and the lessons I've learned inspire you to embrace your own challenges with resilience and dedication.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Oct 7, 2024 • 40min
AP 633: The N’s of Numbing Behaviors || Why we numb-out too easily and too often + how to do less of it, starting now
Have you ever found yourself doom scrolling into the late night, or snacking when you're not even hungry? You're not alone, and it's more common than you think! In this episode, we're diving deep into why we all numb out and, more importantly, how we can better cope with life's stressors. I'm sharing personal examples from my own life and from the many women I've coached. We’ll break down what triggers our numbing behaviors and how we can transform these habits into healthier ones. From understanding the science behind our tendencies to escape through low-energy activities, to learning actionable tips to bring more intention and self-care into our daily routines, there is something for everyone to learn about this subject!Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
8 Year Favorite Things Giveaway!
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This episode is brought to you by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress and by Aquatru, use code 'MONICA' for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2024 • 23min
AP 632: A busier month than anticipated, some vulnerable thoughts, fall adventures that are planned, the morning habit that is going well, and a new skincare favorite || Messy Middle October 2024
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!Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Sep 30, 2024 • 51min
AP 631: Why You're So Angry as a Mom + Strategies to Help || with Emily Hamblin
Parenthood surprised me in countless ways, but the biggest one was how angry my kids could make me. In this episode, Emily Hamblin shares her personal journey as a mom who unexpectedly faced struggles with anger and how it affected her and her family. She discusses the biological and mental aspects of emotional regulation, offering practical advice for managing anger and understanding its root causes. From identifying personal triggers and maintaining a 'body budget,' to using self-compassion and tailored coping strategies, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and ways to take action. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of parenthood with empathy, understanding, and realistic tools to become the parent you aspire to be.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!Emily's Podcast, WebsiteRegulation episode 541
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This episode is brought to you by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod and Aquatru, use code 'MONICA' for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2024 • 28min
AP 630: How Do You Become a Fine Art Oil Painter? || With Cora Oaks
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.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Sep 23, 2024 • 1h
AP 629: How do I put myself on the list while working full-time and acting as the primary caretaker? || Coaching Call with Jessica
In this coaching call I'm talking with Jessica, a supermom from Oregon who’s not just juggling two boys but also balancing a demanding full-time job and a plethora of household responsibilities. We dived deep into discussing how she can carve out those essential moments of 'me time' amidst her busy schedule. From the simplicity of a morning walk to setting realistic and supportive daily goals, we explored lots of practical advice and heartfelt insights.Jessica opened up about the challenges she faces in trying to balance work and home life, and we came up with some actionable steps to ensure she gets the self-care she needs. We talked about anchoring habits, finding joy in small achievements, and even the power of celebrating little victories. Join us for a mix of encouragement, actionable tips, and genuine, heartwarming moments.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Sticky Habit Intensive
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This episode is brought to you by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod and Aquatru, use code 'MONICA' for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19, 2024 • 12min
AP 628: I thought I lost weight, but didn’t–what I learned from this weird experience || Growth Spurt
This story is a bit vulnerable, but the lesson I learned felt important enough to share. If you've been a listener for a little while you're likely familiar with all of the work I've done over the years to detach my identity from my physical appearance, so that's what makes what I'm sharing that much weirder. My experience was a total eye-opener that confidence is a mindset, NOT a number. I realized that how I feel about myself has way more to do with my attitude than my weight. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. I hope this serves as a refreshing reminder to you, because I know I needed it, too.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
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


