About Progress

“Think of your own child being that scared and how you would comfort them. Treat yourself with similar grace.”   Rachel Nielson didn't realize how much her mother's long battle with cancer affected her childhood until it was affecting her adulthood, and badly. She found herself stuck in a terrible cycle of self-hatred and perfectionism, coupled with a Savior's-complex within her relationships. Years of therapy and growth taught Rachel how to move beyond the trauma of her youth and better embrace her present and, most importantly, herself. Rachel is on the podcast to teach us what we can do to move past the insecurities, bad relationships, poor influences, sadnesses, and traumas of our childhoods and better create the life we want to live. She also shares how she learned to embrace grace in how she views her parents and extend that grace to her own life as well.  Show NotesRachel's Website, Podcast, and InstagramLast week's episode: Are you Happy?Monica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact Monica for coaching or consultationsMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let me ask you this: are you happy? Why is it that most of us would have a really hard time answering that question? Well, I have a lot of theories. People too often have the wrong idea of what happiness actually looks like (it's not rainbows and butterflies, people!), and they hinge it on their circumstances or others. I've been guilty of this. Oh, have I been guilty! (Sorry, husband, for all the times I made your responsible for my happiness!) So today's podcast is devoted to my thoughts on happiness--what it REALLY looks like, and three ways we can work on our happiness right now, right here.Show NotesLast week's episode: How to Find Real Strength in Vulnerability || with Preston PugmireMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Weakness is pretending that you’re not feeling emotions, [and thereby] denying yourself of that humanity.”If you haven't heard of Preston Pugmire, get yourself acquainted quick. This "renaissance man" has a lot to say and it's going to change your life. Preston--a speaker, life coach, musician, and podcaster (Next Level Life)--teaches us how to free ourselves from shame, guilt, and perfectionism by tearing down the facades we've created and getting to the heart of who we truly are. In other words, VULNERABILITY. Preston himself knows what this looks like first-hand, as he unexpectedly had his own facade torn down and his true self become exposed. Living life more authentically has transformed everything for the better and Preston believes it can transform our lives as well.  Preston speaks about how men in particular are imprisoned emotionally--and by extension, in every other way--by not allowing themselves to explore their real, authentic identity. For us all, Preston teaches how we can discover that our greatest strength comes from our vulnerability. Show NotesPreston's website, Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook communityLast week's episode: Arming Kids Against PornographyMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We have to continually have those conversations because it normalizes the idea of talking about tough topics." Dina Alexander returned to the podcast to teach parents how to talk to our children about another hard topic: pornography. We first discuss what Dina has researched are the trends in pornography, including the average age of exposure, what your children are "learning" from porn, and how they are targeted by the industry. This information is essential to knowing better what our children are up against and HOW to better prepare them to make good decisions when they are faced with pornography (and the research shows, they will ALL be exposed to it at some point). Dina then shares a variety of ways to open the dialogue with children, first by using proper sexual education and then by empowering our kids to know the truth behind the porn industry--what false messages they teach, how they use teens as a primary target. We can then go into arming our kids to actively fight against the tides of culture and instead choose a life with healthy sexuality pursued at the right time. And we can do all of this without using guilt and shame. Ultimately, Dina teaches parents that the best thing we can do for our children is provide a family culture of open dialogue where no topics are off the table. And in turn, the effects are children who are better empowered to stand up and live their values. Show NotesEducate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their booksEducate and Empower Kids' book on pornography, books on body image, book on technology  Dina's last interview on Body ImageLast week's episode: Monica's birth storyMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a follow-up to my interview with childbirth educator Laura Dugovic, here is the birth story of my sweet baby born on February 5th.  (I share his name briefly on the interview, but won't be typing it up here as I guard my kids' names online.) You'll hear about what led up to the birth, what I did to help with the pain without using an epidural, and how Laura's resources and positive affirmations completely transformed this birth. Instead of feeling either traumatized or like a caged animal as I have in the past, I felt strong and centered.   If you've been following along with me on Instagram, then you know that E had emergency surgery at 9 days old, just a few days after recording this episode. His intestines were twisted, which is life threatening as the bowels can quickly die. We returned home much sooner than we planned after six days total at the hospital, five of which were in the PICU. Thank you SO much for your many messages during this time, and most especially your prayers. We felt them and know that his surgery and outcome were miraculous. Show Notes:Laura's Website, Resources for positive affirmations, and InstagramLast week's episode on fighting terminal illness with Mandie ShermanMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have learned that anything that I thought of myself, that I saw of myself, is not nearly the capacity that I truly am."   Mikael Monson NEVER planned on homeschooling her four children; in fact, she was staunchly against it for some time. But when the inner call for her came to pull her kids out of public school and teach them from home, Mikael took a huge leap of faith and did just that. Mikael shares why homeschooling is the right fit for her family, how she does it, and what she has learned about standing firm with her convictions. Ultimately, she believes that if everyone listened and followed the voice inside them regardless of their own plans, they'll be made capable of meeting the challenges that come with the call. Show Notes:Mikael's Instagram and YouTube channelInterview with doula/childbirth educator Laura DugovicMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I don't think that 'acceptance' is an excuse to diminish yourself or to not hold yourself accountable to your best work . . . We should develop and expand and grow in whatever we feel called to do." Nesha Woodhouse is the director of Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy and came from a intensive background in honing one of her beloved gifts--dance. But Nesha learned in her own life--and now passes on to her students--that mastery of our gifts can only truly flourish if our motivation is to bless the lives of others and ourselves. This is in contrast to being driven by competitiveness, comparison, or approval-seeking. So many preach acceptance of self. While this is paramount to overcoming the challenges life throws at us, our souls also crave GROWTH. Nesha speaks on this important balance of seeking mastery of our gifts while also being driven by the right reasons--to more fully reach our own individual potential and bless the lives of others. Now as the director of hundreds of youth pursuing greatness, Nesha strives to help the develop this truth within themselves and to in turn share their gifts with the world. Show NotesNesha's Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy Last week's episode with Dina Alexander on positive body image with children Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura DugovicMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If we get so caught up in how we look, how our friends look, if we look good enough, we are missing the richness of life.” Dina Alexander is back to teach us how to combat the perfect images social media projects for the children in our lives. BOTH boys and girls are constantly infiltrated with pictures and ideas about what their bodies are supposed to be like, and how they can get them. Listen in to this conversation to learn how to create an open communication in your home where these tough topics can be fully explored. Equip yourself with ways to arm your children the knowledge and self-respect necessary to own a confident, grounded view of themselves and their bodies.  Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas. Listen to this episode below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like the show, please subscribe!!  Show NotesEducate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their booksEducate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology   Dina's last interview on TechnologyLast week's episode with Mallory Wahlstrom WrightInterview with doula/childbirth educator Laura DugovicMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m getting my self-esteem from looking in . . . I have worth in my trying.”  Although Mallory Wahlstrom Wright was an accomplished musician, dancer, and athlete, she suffered immensely from perfectionism-bred low self esteem. As a way to cope with never feeling like she measured up, she turned to controlling her body and her weight. Years of this behavior led to a crippled life that she wasn't sure she could make her way back from. A series of lows pushed Mallory to seek help, but the biggest tipping point was when her older brother needed a kidney transplant--and Mallory turned out to be the *perfect* match! Following the surgery, Mallory faced near-life-taking complications and faced a very hard recovery. Through it all, she gained a newfound appreciation for her body and her life. Mallory learned to seek inward and find her own unique light that she now shares from her dance and harp students, to our listeners. Show Notes:Last week's episode on overcoming fear with childbearingMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My only approach is to love and strengthen all women, no matter what kind of birth they want to have.” Laura Dugovic had prepared for a meditative birth with her first child, but what she experienced was gritty, loud, sweaty . . . and still completely transformative.  Laura is a doula and birth educator, but one who strives to help ALL women feel empowered to face birth with an attitude of a rockstar, regardless of what method they feel best suits them and their needs. In today's episode, Laura works with our host--Monica--in a smaller version of what she does with her clients in a typical session. She talks Monica through her deep-seated fears of birth and teaches her how to manage her thoughts so she is better prepared to face the upcoming birth of her fourth child.  Show Notes:Laura's Website and InstagramLast week's episode on goals with Mandie ShermanMonica's Facebook and InstagramMonat 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)Contact MonicaMore Podcasts from About ProgressSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices