

About Progress
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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

Mar 27, 2025 • 45min
AP 678: Why You Don’t Need to Diet This Spring || Wise Women Series with Dr. Supatra Tovar
In this episode from the Wise Women Series, I interview Dr. Supatra Tovar, a licensed clinical psychologist, registered dietician, and fitness expert. Together, we dive deep into the harmful effects of diet culture and explore how dieting can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Dr. Tovar offers practical advice on shifting focus from dieting to nurturing a healthy relationship with food and body, emphasizing the importance of mindful and intuitive eating. We discuss societal pressures, the psychological impact of dieting, and strategies to cultivate a more empowering approach to nutrition. Tune in to learn how to deprogram diet culture and embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.Episode for companion listening: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-live-boldly-in-the-body-you-haveSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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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

Mar 24, 2025 • 56min
AP 677: Emergency Preparedness Basics for the Scared to Prepare || with Melanie Papworth
I sat down with emergency preparedness expert Melanie Papworth to discuss practical ways to prepare for various emergencies without feeling overwhelmed. Melanie shares her expertise on five key areas: evacuation, house fires, food storage, water, and power outages.We delve into simple, actionable steps you can take to start becoming more prepared, including making a grab list and purchasing a case of water. Melanie also shares insightful stories and tips that will help you and your family stay safe and prepared. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will leave you feeling more confident about your emergency preparedness.Melanie's Plan for AwesomeSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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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

Mar 20, 2025 • 15min
AP 676: How I Day Plan || Growth Spurt
This is a bite-sized episode where I share my personal process on day planning to increase productivity and reduce mental load. I'll guide you through my journey with various planners, how I set up my weekly planning sessions, and the steps I take to ensure each day is organized and focused. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your day planning methods, this episode offers practical insights and tools to help you create a system that works for you.Peacefully Productive Planner; Interview with Jess Massey, Episode on Rhythm Scheduling, Episode on De-PrioritzingSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Mar 17, 2025 • 55min
AP 675: “How do I stay consistent with my habits when my life circumstances change?” || Coaching Call with Alicia
Are life's unexpected twists making it hard to stick to your routines? In today’s episode I'm airing a coaching call with Alicia, a stay-at-home mom grappling with how to keep her exercise habits consistent amid life's many changes. We dive deep into redefining what baseline habits look like, so they remain achievable and fulfilling.You'll hear practical advice on overcoming decision fatigue, embracing the contradictions within ourselves, and discovering how to make habits inherently supportive. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to stay consistent with their routines, amidst life's changing seasons.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
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 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

Mar 13, 2025 • 23min
AP 674: My Do Something List for 2025 || Growth Spurt
Let this be a reminder that it is never too late to create your Do Something List for the year! I recently finalized mine and wanted to share it with you, even though it's March, to inspire you to create your own list. I'll be going through each item, explaining why it's on the list, giving updates, and sharing some fun anecdotes. From baking something new each month to planning adventures and trying my hand at arts and crafts, I hope my list will encourage you to make time for your own pursuits. Tune in to see what surprises me, and even what scares me, and why I stick with this practice year after year. My 2025 Do Something List, Free DSL TrainingSign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
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Mar 10, 2025 • 47min
AP 673: How to Live Boldly in the Body You have Now, Especially as you Age || with Meg Hadley
Join dietitian Meg Hadley and me as we open up about the challenging topic of body image, especially as we age. We discuss the personal and societal pressures women face to conform to certain body standards, Meg provides profound insights on the body image spectrum, and we explore the unrealistic expectations set by diet culture and the importance of shifting our focus from trying to shrink our bodies to expanding our lives.Together, we share practical tips on how to live more fully in the bodies we have now, and how to reclaim mental and emotional space from the obsession with body size. This conversation is a reminder that boldness looks different for everyone, and it’s about taking the steps that feel right for you to push back against societal norms and truly appreciate the body you have today.Let's redefine what it means to live boldly and embrace a more positive relationship with our bodies at any age.Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!
Meg's Workbook
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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 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

Mar 6, 2025 • 39min
AP 672: Birthday Party Chaos, Work Trip Reflections, the Latest Launch of the Sticky Habit Intensive, the Food and Drink I'm Loving, Looking Ahead to a Busy Spring, and my Deep Dive on GLP-1 Medication || Messy Middle March 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!
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Free DSL Training
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2025 • 44min
AP 671: How Can You Make Cleaning Easier || My Replicable System To Take the Overwhelm Out of Cleaning
What is 'cleanish?' For me, it's a flexible, realistic approach to maintaining a tidy home. In this episode I'll walk you through creating your own cleaning manifesto, which helps you prioritize what truly matters and ditch the overwhelming 'shoulds' of cleaning. I'll share personal tips and tricks on how to simplify, break down, and systemize your cleaning tasks so they're easier to manage, even in the busiest seasons of life. Whether it's dealing with clutter, tackling deep cleaning, or just staying on top of daily chores, you'll find practical advice to make your home feel more comfortable and welcoming. Get my 'cleanish' guide!Relevant past episodes:https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/greg-mckeown, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/the-roots-behind-your-clutter-problem-how-to-fix-them-with-tracy-mccubbin, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/simple-solutions-to-rock-spring-cleaning, https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/a-gentle-approach-to-cleaning-and-maintaining-your-home 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 AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers; 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

Feb 27, 2025 • 49min
AP 670: How to Better Handle Your Parenting Regrets and Become a Better Parent in the Process || Wise Women Series with Andee Martineau
In this episode from our Wise Women Series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andee Martineau, a mom of six, a parenting expert, and the creator of Connect Method Parenting. We delve deep into how parenting challenges can serve as catalysts for personal growth. Andee shares her own experiences and regrets as a parent, and provides invaluable insights on how we can transform our toughest parenting moments into opportunities for development.Whether you're a new parent or have been navigating this journey for years, Andee's wisdom will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take practical steps toward being the best parent you can be. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that blends expert advice with real-life experiences.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 LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; 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

Feb 24, 2025 • 54min
AP 669: What You Don't (but Should) Know About the Pelvic Floor || with Dr. Sara Reardon, the Vagina Whisperer
We're diving into an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of women's health: the pelvic floor. Joined by Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina Whisperer, we discuss everything from the basics of pelvic floor health to practical tips on how to manage and improve its function throughout various stages of life.We cover important issues like urinary leakage, painful intercourse, and pelvic organ prolapse, and share proactive ways to care for the pelvic floor, including using proper techniques. With insights on pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, Dr. Reardon offers valuable advice and resources that could significantly improve your quality of life. Whether you're new to this topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is a must-listen for any woman wanting to empower herself with knowledge about her body.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
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Free DSL Training
Sticky Habit Intensive
Full Show Notes
Sara's website, book, Instagram
Book Launch Committee
This episode is brought to you by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; 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