About Progress

I am so ecstatic to reach 100 episodes today! In honor of this wonderful number, I'm going to take you behind-the-scenes to the podcast: where the numbers are at, what's hard about it, what's wonderful, and where it's headed. This is unscripted and unedited. Stick with me through all the awkwardness, pauses, and stutters! Because friends, I'm in this for you. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE! Show Notes:50th Episode State of the Podcast Address My interview with Unpolished PodcastMy Interview with Preston PugmireMonica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Monica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coachingMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 "If I hadn’t made the bad paintings, then I wouldn’t have made the good paintings either.” I have three of Beth Allen's prints hanging on the walls of my home. I want about 100 more, and some of the "real thing," too.  Beth amazed me during our chat not just because of this artistry she has never known life without, but because of how she has worked so hard to hone her craft, given it permission to take all sorts of forms and genres, and allowed it to teach her that she simply can't be too hard on herself. Because Beth learned through years of fighting an eating disorder that smothered her creativity, that you have to be willing to allow room for imperfections to create masterpieces. Listen in to hear how Beth has cultivated her gift, how she navigates keeping her own character in her work while still satisfying others, what she learned the hard way from being a perfectionist, and what self-care looks like for her and its essential place in encouraging her artistry to flourish.Show Notes:Beth's Website and InstagramLast week's episode with Beauty Redefined and their Course (use code APBR30 for $30 off!!)Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Monica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coachingMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My daughter--Bear (secret code name!)--sat down in front of my desk on Sunday morning and asked to record an episode. I happily obliged, thinking it was just for the memories. But, she actually proved to record something pretty inspiring! She turns 7 today, so as a little surprise I thought I'd share this with you. Bear is very unique. She's very bright, creative, and very sensitive. She's had to overcome a lot in her short life and I'm very proud of her.Bear is a dreamer. She is totally into koalas and talks about them--and marine life--all day long, and wants to plan our study trip to Australia all day, every day (down to what plane we are taking and when). Bear is very inspired by the female scientists she's learned about thanks to her Bravery Magazines. (This have no idea I'm sharing this, but you need them!)If it sounds like she's reading off of something, Bear is not. She might have her dad's photographic memory--we're not sure yet, but this is the way she talks (exactly how she read it!). I encourage you to listen until the end when you get to hear about her own dreams! I hope you enjoy learning from Bear and her female scientists. Show Notes:Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Monica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coachingMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“When you think of your body in terms of what it can do and how you feel in it, instead of just how it looks, you open up this whole new world.” The past few years, there has been some shifts in how society (and by extension, advertising) is labeling "beautiful." But Doctors Lindsay and Lexie Kite of Beauty Redefined think that we can do even better. This is because even by broadening the definition of "beauty," we are still telling women that they are defined by their beauty. Lindsay and Lexie have researched the effect this thinking has on women and their lives, and they know what it takes to change it. The fact is that women ARE being held back by being objectified (including self-objectification), and that when they step into their own power and build BODY IMAGE RESILIENCE, their potential is limitless. Listen in to hear why this is the case and how we can empower ourselves by building this body image resilience. (Plus they have a tried-and-true course on this, so listen in to hear about that too!) Show Notes:Beauty Redefined Website, Instagram, and Course!Last week's episode with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-FifeMonica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Monica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coachingMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you’re going to be someone who is interested in intimacy, you have to be accepting of your body as it is. If you’re going to be capable of doing that, you have to forge a kind of meaningful self acceptance and self compassion.” Good body image = good sex. Bad body image = bad sex. It’s really that simple. Because it’s never about our bodies. It’s about how we are measuring our self-worth and the meaning we have placed on our bodies as an extension of our sense of self. And that measurement affects all areas our lives, including our love lives. Want to know more about why that is and how to change it? Listen to my podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on how we can get in better tune with what really matters—our minds and our souls—and by extension, improve both our body image AND our intimacy.(If you like the episode, please subscribe and SHARE IT! Thank you!)Show Notes:Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's WEBSITE, upcoming Art of Desire Wasatch Retreat, and Jackson Hole Couples Retreat!Prior Interviews with Jennifer: Here, here, and here.Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!)Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Monica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consulting and personal coachingMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's sad how easy it is to let our marriages slip into a place of neglect. But this needn't be if we just better prioritize our relationship and our spouse's needs! Becky Squire is here to discuss what the research shows about how putting your marriage first benefits your children and what husbands and wives need more of from each other. While the actual practice of these concepts will look different for each family, better prioritizing the most important relationship in the family will bless everyone.Show NotesBecky's blog and referenced articles: here, here, and hereMonica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK hereMonica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consultingMonat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and websiteRelated: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with MonatFabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)More Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kari Durrant is our wonderful highlight today! Kari shares boldly about how even as a health care professional, her own anxiety and depression pushed her to shift what she was doing in her life. For her, that meant admitting that the career path she was on wasn't the right thing for her, stepping back, and instead getting more honest with herself. The greatest thing about this? That meant doing things she LOVED again, including painting, hand-lettering, and even a triathlon. She has picked up so many skills, built a community, and more--all because she went for something small.  You can follow Kari here! She's also started offering water coloring classes, and I've signed up to knock off one of my own "do somethings."  You can listen to both parts below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!! Show NotesKari's Instagram and FacebookReferenced episode with Lisa from Hand Lettered DesignReferenced episode with Amber from Biceps After Babies Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS"Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK hereMonica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consultingMonat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and websiteRelated: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with MonatFabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)More Podcasts from About Progress  Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It was when I chose to let those small pieces of criticism encompass my thoughts that I started to doubt what I was doing.” Whether you are a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a star athlete, we all deal with the self-doubt, especially when initiated by criticism. Kylie Chenn created a very successful company at a very young age; but she constantly dealt with--and continues to--people who pushed back on her and her ideas, or others who were impossible to please.  Four years in to her business, Kyle has learned irreplaceable wisdom on how to not look to the external voices to measure your own worth. She shares what she did to overcome the nay-sayers, and how as her business continues to grow what she does to hold true to who she knows she truly is and the positive that is all around her. So if your special in-law or overwhelming boss is getting your goat today, listen to this episode to learn how to ensure your self worth can become so deeply grounded that you can bounce back from criticism and self doubt, and more fully own who you are and what you contribute to the world. Show NotesKylie's Instagram, aCanela Website, and InstagramVibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK hereMonica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for podcast consultingMonat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and websiteRelated: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with MonatFabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)More Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 “At what point do we figure out the cost is too high, and are we willing to put it down?” It's one thing to know that our devices are getting in the way of our relationships, work, and creative outlets. But it's another to successfully do something about it. Brooke White knows the struggle well. As an independent musician (she got her big break on American Idol ten years ago) and business woman (Girls with Glasses!), social media is a big part of her creating a committed online community that supports her work.But even with all that on the line, earlier this year Brooke found herself in a predicament: what started as a way to personally connect with her loved ones and beloved fans, social media was now robbing her of the life right in front of her. So Brooke decided to do something about it, starting with a month-long fast that quickly changed everything.Brooke and I planned on a 30 minute discussion on what she learned from her fast and how she is now attempting to still have social media in her life, but not BE her life. But as we dug into it, we had to quickly own that this topic involves a very layered, complicated relationship that all of us can relate to. Beyond it just being about prioritizing time, balancing our lives with social media entails a much deeper work including evaluating our purpose, owning our insecurities, and refusing to settle for a life numbed-out. Because of this, we chose to separate our chat into two parts. Part One: Brooke shares her history of using social media as a way to share so purely her life with others, and how this pursuit so gradually took over her ability to be present with her real life. She talks about a few moments where she had to accept that she needed to change her focus, not just with her social media use but with her life as well. Show NotesBrooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with GlassesMonica's Past Episode on TechnologyKim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website, Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in UtahVibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK hereMonica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for coaching or podcast consultingMonat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and websiteRelated: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with MonatFabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)More Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You’re allowed to choose to love yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s not self-centered. It’s quite simple. If you’re ready, go ahead.” Part Two: Brooke talks about what her social media break taught her, including some heart-breaking lessons. She discusses the struggle she's encountered as she steps back into her online life while still trying to balance her greater priorities, and what has worked for her. Finally, she openly shares the difficult lessons she has learned the past few years about how accepting herself fully--faults and all--is the key to really, truly moving forward with a richer, happier life. Show NotesBrooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with GlassesMonica's Past Episode on TechnologyKim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website, Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson"Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in UtahVibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK hereMonica's Facebook and InstagramContact Monica for coaching or podcast consultingMonat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and websiteRelated: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with MonatFabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link)Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link)More Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices