

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

Aug 11, 2025 • 47min
AP 712: Why You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent to Raise an ADHD Child Well || with Drs. Lori and Mallory from the Childhood Collective
The fear of making mistakes can paralyze parents and prevent true connections with their kids. In this episode I explore this challenge with Drs. Lori and Mallory from the Childhood Collective, focusing on parents of neurodiverse children, particularly those with ADHD. We delve into the societal pressures and internal criticisms that complicate parenting and underscore the importance of striving for connection rather than perfection.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, we illustrate how embracing mistakes, practicing self-compassion, and prioritizing small steps can lead to more effective and fulfilling parenting. The episode also emphasizes the significance of repair work and offers actionable advice for handling guilt and missteps, ultimately framing imperfection as a gift to our children.
Listen to my episode on their podcast!
Get the Six keys to parenting a happy and independent child with ADHD
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More for Moms Conference
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Book Launch Committee
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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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 7min
How to Know When to Push or Pause in Your Personal Growth || H&K with Ashton Barrett
Feeling overwhelmed by your aspirations? The discussion reveals how to distinguish between productive growth and the danger of burnout. It emphasizes the impact of perfectionism and the importance of personal timelines. The 'power of yet' concept is introduced as a reminder that growth takes time. If you’ve faced self-doubt or pressure to keep up, this insightful conversation offers both comfort and motivation to carve your unique path.

Aug 7, 2025 • 36min
AP 711: Highlights from our summer, my 'Me Day,' getting scammed, exciting book announcement, what movies I'm watching with my kids, and how you can come to Italy with me! || Messy Middle August 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!
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.
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

Aug 4, 2025 • 42min
AP 710: How I’ve Saved Major Money (THOUSANDS!) On Groceries the Last 18 Months || + How You Can, Too
I'm sharing my journey of creating a practical and strategic grocery shopping plan to save money and reduce stress. I recount my experiences and the challenges I faced with rising grocery costs, and how I eventually developed a system I call the 'Smart Seven.' These seven strategies include how I plan, when I shop, and what I shop for.
These tips helped me save significant amounts on groceries, translating into less financial stress and more fun activities for my family. These tips are desinged to be adaptable for you, too, so give them a try. Get my free 'Grocery Game Plan Guide' to get started!
Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Related episodes: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-dramatically-cut-your-grocery-bill-without-extreme-couponing-with-rachel-coons
More for Moms
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 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

Aug 2, 2025 • 6min
Why Embracing Your Inner Child Makes You a Better Parent || H&K with Neena Warburton
What if the parts of you that felt carefree, curious, and joyful as a child are exactly what you need more of as an adult—and as a parent? In this heartfelt conversation, Neena Warburton shares how reconnecting with her inner child changed the way she parents and lives. You’ll hear how childlike qualities like wonder, creativity, and compassion are not traits to grow out of, but to grow into—with the wisdom of adulthood. This is a powerful listen for any mom ready to lead with softness, strength, and soul.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/embrace-your-inner-child-and-improve-your-parenting-too-with-neena-warburton
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.
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

Jul 28, 2025 • 53min
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.
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 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