

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

May 1, 2025 • 34min
AP 688: Why spring is both our busiest and my favorite season, the trips and tasks I'm checking off my DSL, writing my book proposal, the book and podcast I'm loving right now, and the big decision on my mind || Messy Middle May 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!
Reference my DSL: http://aboutprogress.com/monicadsl2025
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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Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
AP 687: The 5 Pillars to Respectfully Disagree Your Way to Stronger Connections || with Justin Jones-Fosu
Ever feel like we're all walking around with unspoken truths weighing us down, especially in our closest relationships? In this episode with Justin Jones-Fosu we unpack the tricky ways we avoid hard conversations, often thinking we're preserving harmony, but ultimately creating deeper divides and a sense of isolation. Justin's openness about his own journey really sets the stage for a truly vulnerable exploration of connection and disconnection.This conversation isn't about offering easy answers; it's about acknowledging the complexities of being human and relating to one another authentically. If you're craving a deeper understanding of why genuine connection can feel so challenging and how we might begin to bridge those gaps, then join us. This is an episode that will resonate long after you've finished listening.Related episodes: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/keys-to-overcoming-conflict-and-healing-connection-for-couples; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-navigate-hard-and-sometimes-political-conversations-with-people-you-dont-agree-with-with-julie-rose 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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Free DSL Training
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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

Apr 24, 2025 • 46min
AP 686: Redefining Motherhood: Breaking Free from Outdated Expectations || Wise Women Series with Dr. Gertrude Lyons
In this episode from the Wise Women Series, I interview Dr. Gertrude Lyons, an educator and podcast host focused on challenging traditional beliefs about motherhood and empowering women to redefine their journey as mothers. Practical advice in this conversation includes making a "do something list" to prioritize self-care and fulfillment, and the importance of celebrating small daily parenting successes to combat cultural pressures of perfection. Dr. Lyons also emphasizes that self-care and personal growth not only benefit mothers but also positively impact their children. Together, we explore the concept of redefining motherhood, embracing a personalized and fulfilling approach, and discuss insights from Dr. Lyons on her views and work in the field.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Leave a rating and review
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

Apr 21, 2025 • 46min
AP 685: Mastering Transitions: Finding Personal Fulfillment Amidst Overwhelm || coaching call with Ashley
I'm sharing an enlightening coaching session with Ashley, who reached out to tackle the difficult morning transition time between resting and responding to her children's needs. We delve deep into why this transition feels so difficult, exploring how a lack of fulfillment and personal energy impacts our ability to show up for responsibilities. I guide Ashley in understanding how to create a 'Do Something List' to find fulfillment and how this practical step can positively affect those challenging transition periods. Listen till the end to hear an update on Ashley's progress and how small intentional changes made a big difference in her life.Related episodes: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-everything-changed-when-i-learned-to-accept-my-limitsSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Dream workshop
Leave a rating and review
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

Apr 17, 2025 • 8min
AP 684: Have you ever considered going on a non-working “work weekend?” || Growth Spurt
My friend Rachel Nielsen and I recently decided to dedicate a weekend solely to checking off those lingering to-dos that pile up in our everyday lives. It wasn't about professional work but clearing out those constant mental load tasks, from family scheduling to household chores. In this episodes I'm sharing the logistics and what I learned, while encouraging you to consider a non-work work weekend—whether alone or with friends—to tackle these tasks and make your daily life smoother.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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Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 2025 • 54min
AP 683: What to Do When Things Need to Change In Your Marriage || with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife
Have you ever felt like your personal growth is at odds with your role within your relationship? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife to explore this challenging dynamic. We delve into the intricacies of how traditional roles and covert expectations can hinder personal development, especially for women. Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares valuable insights on how to become a change maker in your relationship, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and mutual growth. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone striving for a more balanced and fulfilling partnership.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Leave a rating and review
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

Apr 11, 2025 • 9min
AP 682: Why You NEED to Dream || Growth Spurt
Do you believe in the importance of dreaming? Some of my core childhood memories are of using my imagination while playing in cottonwood trees, and I now realize how those early dreams eventually shaped my path.In this episode we'll explore why dreaming is not just a luxury but a necessity for all of us, regardless of our circumstances. I also have an exciting invitation for you to join my upcoming workshop, 'How to Dream Again,' where you'll uncover your passions and learn small steps to reignite your dreams.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Join the How to Dream Again Workshop
Leave a rating and review
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 2025 • 36min
AP 681: Three Methods to Wake Up Earlier || from a former night-owl turned early bird
Are you a night owl struggling to embrace the early mornings? I'm raising my hand right now, because that is me! In this episode, I get into my journey of reform, from being a chronic night owl to an early bird. Plus, what that has changed for me in my daily life and why I stay motivated to keep up this practice.I'll share three actionable methods you can adopt to wake up earlier without relying solely on superhuman willpower. Whether you need the gradual, immediate, or combination method, there's a way for everyone. Tune in and discover how waking up early can transform your life in ways both deep and practical, without the moral superiority.Wake Up Early GuideRelated episodes: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/my-4-step-process-to-create-a-solid-easy-nighttime-routine, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/makeover-your-morning-routine, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/2-quick-tricks-to-get-to-bed-earlier-growth-spurt, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-shift-your-nighttime-routine-with-one-major-tweak, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/Create-Your-Own-Miracle-MorningSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Leave a rating and review
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

Apr 3, 2025 • 31min
AP 680: Tackling spring cleaning, the live entertainment I saw last month, the change in my toddler’s schedule that’s forcing me to reevaluate work and habits, working with a writing coach and exploring publishing options || Messy Middle April 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!
Leave a rating and review
Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE!
Book Launch Committee
Free DSL Training
Full Show Notes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 2025 • 46min
AP 679: Deep Dive: GLP-1s || A Special Bonus Episode from More Personal
This is a bonus episode from my premium podcast, More Personal, where we lean into the personal side of personal development. In today's episode, I'm taking you on a deep dive into the world of GLP-1 medications. I'll share my personal journey from skepticism to understanding, exploring how these drugs are reshaping the conversation around weight, health, and body image. Through my story and candid interviews with women who’ve used GLP-1s, we’ll uncover the complexities, benefits, and controversies of these medications. Get ready to challenge your perceptions and deepen your knowledge in this compelling first episode of our Deep Dive series on GLP-1s.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Leave a rating and review
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