Explore every episode of the podcast About Progress

If you’ve looked in the mirror and seen nothing behind your eyes—not postpartum, not exhaustion, but the quiet disappearance of you —you're not alone. In this replay from the More for Moms conference, Monica shares a preview of a private workshop on one of motherhood's most important questions: Who are you underneath all the roles? Not because motherhood doesn't matter, but because it matters so much that you can't afford to lose yourself in it. Discover why your kids shouldn't have to carry the burden of proving your worth, what it means to live the "and equation,” and how to map your way back to a self you may not have met in years, or never known to begin with. Whether your kids are still tiny or already grown, this episode is your invitation to come back home to yourself. Order Sticky Habits! Get the Archive Pass (formally the All-Access Pass) for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns at https://www.quince.com/monica. Your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s More Mini Moments from More for Moms, where we honor some of the most stand-out moments from our speaker sessions. Catch up on some gems you missed, better prioritize what you want to listen to before the conference ends, or simply bask in the moments you loved.  You still don’t have to do it all, but remember: free access ends on Sunday night at midnight. Also ending at that time? Our limited-time bonus of getting the All-Access Pass (soon to be called the Archive Pass): a hardcover copy of Sticky Habits, delivered to any domestic U.S. address of your choice. Other included bonuses: lifetime access to video and audio versions of each speaker session, a private ad-free podcast feed so you can listen on-the-go for years to come, and the replay of my private mid-week workshop, “Finding Your Identity Outside of ‘Mom.’”  ⁠UPGRADE⁠ to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed ⁠PARTICIPATE⁠ in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker NOW!) ⁠CHECK OUT⁠ our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s More Mini Moments from More for Moms, where we honor some of the most stand-out moments from our speaker sessions. Catch up on some gems you missed, better prioritize what you want to listen to before the conference ends, or simply bask in the moments you loved.  You still don’t have to do it all, but remember: free access ends on Sunday night at midnight. Also ending at that time? Our limited-time bonus of getting the All-Access Pass (soon to be called the Archive Pass): a hardcover copy of Sticky Habits, delivered to any domestic U.S. address of your choice. Other included bonuses: lifetime access to video and audio versions of each speaker session, a private ad-free podcast feed so you can listen on-the-go for years to come, and the replay of my private mid-week workshop, “Finding Your Identity Outside of ‘Mom.’”  ⁠UPGRADE⁠ to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed ⁠PARTICIPATE⁠ in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker NOW!) ⁠CHECK OUT⁠ our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s More Mini Moments from More for Moms, where we honor some of the most stand-out moments from our speaker sessions. Catch up on some gems you missed, better prioritize what you want to listen to before the conference ends, or simply bask in the moments you loved.  You still don’t have to do it all, but remember: free access ends on Sunday night at midnight. Also ending at that time? Our limited-time bonus of getting the All-Access Pass (soon to be called the Archive Pass): a hardcover copy of Sticky Habits, delivered to any domestic U.S. address of your choice. Other included bonuses: lifetime access to video and audio versions of each speaker session, a private ad-free podcast feed so you can listen on-the-go for years to come, and the replay of my private mid-week workshop, “Finding Your Identity Outside of ‘Mom.’”  ⁠UPGRADE⁠ to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed ⁠PARTICIPATE⁠ in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker NOW!) ⁠CHECK OUT⁠ our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s More Mini Moments from More for Moms, where we honor some of the most stand-out moments from our speaker sessions. Catch up on some gems you missed, better prioritize what you want to listen to before the conference ends, or simply bask in the moments you loved.  You still don’t have to do it all, but remember: free access ends on Sunday night at midnight. Also ending at that time? Our limited-time bonus of getting the All-Access Pass (soon to be called the Archive Pass): a hardcover copy of Sticky Habits, delivered to any domestic U.S. address of your choice. Other included bonuses: lifetime access to video and audio versions of each speaker session, a private ad-free podcast feed so you can listen on-the-go for years to come, and the replay of my private mid-week workshop, “Finding Your Identity Outside of ‘Mom.’”  ⁠UPGRADE⁠ to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed ⁠PARTICIPATE⁠ in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker NOW!) ⁠CHECK OUT⁠ our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s More Mini Moments from More for Moms, where we honor some of the most stand-out moments from our speaker sessions. Catch up on some gems you missed, better prioritize what you want to listen to before the conference ends, or simply bask in the moments you loved.  You still don’t have to do it all, but remember: free access ends on Sunday night at midnight. Also ending at that time? Our limited-time bonus of getting the All-Access Pass (soon to be called the Archive Pass): a hardcover copy of Sticky Habits, delivered to any domestic U.S. address of your choice. Other included bonuses: lifetime access to video and audio versions of each speaker session, a private ad-free podcast feed so you can listen on-the-go for years to come, and the replay of my private mid-week workshop, “Finding Your Identity Outside of ‘Mom.’”  UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker NOW!) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one surprising thing that's quietly draining you is your shopping cart? As a style influencer, Julie Rose Allen had packages arriving in numbers so high she's pretty sure her neighbors started a group chat. But the wake-up call wasn't just about waste—it was realizing that the constant consumption robbed her of her own personal style. In this session, Julie shares how thrifting didn't just change her wardrobe, it flipped a switch in her mind. She stopped caring about the number on the tag. She found a meditative practice hidden in the racks (yes, really). And she rediscovered a creative autonomy that years of online consumption had quietly taken from her. If you're tired of chasing sales and fads, want to get higher quality items for your closet using less money, or even just want to use more of a creative part of your brain, learn how to thrift from Julie! FREEBIE for all: Fall Style Guide A simple guide to having fun getting dressed this fall! BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Thrift Bundle! Every month, Julie gives away a bundle of 5-7 thrifted items for someone in her community. She will send out a detailed questionnaire to understand your style, your sizing, and your inspiration and spend the month shopping for you!     Julie Rose Allen is first and foremost a mom to six kids ranging from middle school to young adults. She created the That Julie Girl community online as a place to encourage women to be intentional with their lives - through style, thrifting, travel, and friendship. She gives simple Big Sister advice to get more creative in your closet and have fun creating the life you really want. FOLLOW ON IG   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Short note: we recorded this session prior to securing our sponsors for the conference. All references to them were organic.) You have thousands of photos on your phone . . . and your kids almost never see them. In this session, photo expert Casey Von Stein (Miss Freddy) makes the case for actually using your pictures in easy-to-make photobooks that will be cherished by the whole family. She breaks down every obstacle that holds us back and replaces them with stupid-simple options that meet you where you are. Casey's family yearbook method takes a few hours a year, follows a "decide once" principle so you never have to rethink the process, and costs less than you'd think. If you've been telling yourself you'll make a photobook "someday," this conversation will finally help you cross that finish line.   FREEBIE for all: Managing Kids Memories eBook Do you feel overwhelmed by preserving kids memories? What should you do with all the STUFF of childhood? This 44 page digital guide has practical tips and project ideas for documenting childhood from birth through high school. BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Backup Bootcamp Course Everyone needs this course! Backup Bootcamp™ will teach you how to make sense of your digital photo mess. Video tutorials for both Mac + PC walk through centralizing photos from many devices (creating one digital photo hub), removing duplicates, sorting into simple folders, and backing it all up to the cloud.   Casey von Stein, aka Miss Freddy, is a certified Professional Photo Organizer in Golden Colorado.  She’s a mom of two (a 13 year old boy and 11 year old girl). After 10 years as a professional photographer, she realized that what people really needed was HELP managing and enjoying their photos.  She offers remote organizing services for clients worldwide and self-paced online courses for those who want to tackle their photo mess on their own. FOLLOW ON IG WEBSITE   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to loving motherhood isn't enjoying every minute, but recognizing the small, golden moments that make motherhood feel magical? Rachel Nielson, host of 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms Podcast, founder of Flecks of Gold Journal, and special sponsor of this Conference, wants moms to start looking for the tiny flecks of gold tucked into their days with their kids instead of waiting for the huge nuggets of joy.   This is a practice that saved Rachel's young motherhood when her expectations of cotton candy and angel babies met the cold hard reality of colicky newborns and fiery toddlers. Learning to locate the small, golden moments shifted the story Rachel was telling herself about her children and her parenting, and it's continued to support Rachel (and so many other moms) as her kids have grown, alongside their struggles.  With practical tips and simple mindset shifts, Rachel encourages every mom to stop trying to "enjoy every minute," and to instead focus on a single moment that documents daily why you love motherhood as much as you love your kids. FREEBIE for all: Find Your Magic in Motherhood Mini Course A 5-Day mini-course to help you find your magic in motherhood. BONUS raffled off to one participant: One Free Flecks of Gold Journal! Get 15% your Flecks of Gold Journal with the code MORE.   Rachel Nielson is a motherhood educator, podcaster, and mom of two. As a former high school English teacher, she has a gift for making complex ideas clear and actionable—a skill that shows up in everything she creates. Rachel's own path into motherhood came through adoption and IVF, and she expected to love every minute of it. Instead, she found herself lost in postpartum depression, wondering why loving her kids and loving her motherhood felt like two entirely different things. So she started the 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms podcast, where she's since interviewed more than 350 parenting and self-development experts, searching for the core principles behind a motherhood that actually feels good to live. What she learned along the way became the Self-Assured Motherhood Framework, the foundation for her live program, and the Flecks of Gold Journal for Moms. Everything Rachel creates is designed to help women find joy in their own unique motherhood, not the one they think they're supposed to have. FOLLOW ON IG WEBSITE    OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're doing the same workouts, eating the same way, but suddenly nothing is working. Your body composition is shifting, you're more tired, and you're wondering if your body is just . . . broken. It's not. It's changing. In this session, fitness and nutrition coach Amber Brueseke breaks down exactly what's happening hormonally during perimenopause and why the exercise approach that worked in your 30s is working differently now.  She shares the one shift that changes everything (hint: it's not more cardio), a bare-minimum workout plan that takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes a week, and the truth about cortisol, HIIT, and weight gain that social media keeps getting wrong. If you're approaching midlife--or are already there--this conversation will replace fear with a plan.  FREEBIE for all: Why Your Workouts Aren't Working A free 60 minute workshop where we'll diagnose what's not working with your workouts and how to fix it so that the time you spend sweating translates into more muscle and less fat. BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Build Your Workouts Program Most workout programs give you a plan and hope you figure it out. Build Your Workouts is different. Instead of handing you someone else's generic program to follow, it teaches you how to build your own completely customized to your body, your goals, and your life.   Amber Brueseke is the founder of Biceps After Babies, a fitness and nutrition coaching brand that has helped more than 10,000 women over the past decade. A former RN and certified personal trainer, Amber teaches both the tactical side of macro counting and the psychology behind why women get in their own way. Her podcast, Biceps After Babies Radio, has surpassed 5 million downloads. She lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids, and can usually be found lifting heavy at CrossFit or eating peanut butter straight from the jar. FOLLOW ON IG FACEBOOK TIKTOK WEBSITE   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to fixing your finances isn't another budget spreadsheet—it's your happiness? In this episode, financial expert and founder of Fearless Finance, Lori Atwood, reveals the surprising truth: when there's a gap in your life, you fill it somehow. And for many moms, that "filling" is costing you real money. The late-night Amazon orders, the impulse buys, the little treats that add up to big stress—they're not a discipline problem, they're a happiness problem. In this special session, discover why closing those emotional gaps is the real foundation for financial freedom, why your well-being might be the smartest investment you ever make, and the five sustainable habits that will increase your financial security. FREEBIE for all: A Planner's Checklist for Financial Security learn the 5 financial signals that you're financially "okay" BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: One Free Financial Review This includes moving through the online intake process and one hour with a planner, valued at $390.+ get $50 off your first financial planning session with the code PROGRESS. Lori Atwood, CFP®, created Fearless Finance to make expert, fiduciary, hourly financial planning accessible to everyone. No sales. No commissions. No asset minimums. No judgment. Fearless Finance operates nationwide, has over 2000 clients and is registered with the SEC (the legal entity is Atwood Financial Planning). Lori launched Fearless Finance in 2016. Before 2016, Lori started her 25-year finance career in telecom investment banking in Europe, then as the CFO of an internet company and in private equity. Lori holds a BA from UPenn and a Master’s from Georgetown. She enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her family. FOLLOW ON IG WEBSITE   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're not addicted to your phone; you're being manipulated. Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up With Your Phone and The Awesome Generation, joins the More for Moms Conference to reveal what the apps on your phone are really designed to do (hint: the same engineers studied slot machines). But this isn't another shame-fest about screen time. Catherine digs into why willpower alone never works, what your kids are silently noticing about your phone habits (every kid she's asked has a story), and the surprisingly small tweaks that can shift your whole family's relationship with screens—starting with a breakup letter to your phone and a $10 alarm clock. If you've ever ended an hour-long scroll wondering where your evening went, this one's for you. FREEBIE for all: Family Screen/Life Balance Starter Kit A PDF kit from Catherine Price with a suggested road map for when/how to introduce your kids to tech, Catherine's suggested family guidelines for how to create better boundaries with devices, recommendations for books and products, and a 15% discount off of her 7-day Family Plan for Screen/Life Balance. BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: 7-Day Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance Sick of fighting with your kids over screen time, social media, and smartphones? The Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance — delivered as a digital download — is a 7-day plan designed to help you and your family (including your partner/spouse and your kids) create better screen/life balance TOGETHER.  Each day, you’ll receive a concrete assignment or exercise that will help you and your family establish healthy habits and boundaries with screens, social media, smartphones, and video games. You’ll also receive discussion questions designed to prompt conversation and level the playing field between you and your kids.  The goal? To turn confrontations over screen time into productive conversations—and to help create better screen/life balance for everyone in the family.   Catherine Price is a leading voice in the national conversation about how people of all ages can create healthy relationships with technology and live meaningful, fun lives. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, her books include How to Break Up With Your Phone, The Power of Fun, and The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World, a book for kids and teens co-authored with Jonathan Haidt. Catherine and her work have been featured in outlets including The Best American Science Writing, NPR, The New York Times, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Wall Street Journal, and The Daily Show, among many others. She writes the popular Substack newsletter, "How to Feel Alive," and her TED talk on fun has been viewed more than 8 million times. Catherine's ultimate goal is to help people of all ages scroll less and live more. FOLLOW ON IG SUBSTACK WEBSITE   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She had a degree in opera, a dream of performing on international stages, but then suddenly--five kids under her roof. One day, a familiar aria came on the car radio and she couldn't stop crying. That was the moment Vanessa Quigley—co-founder of Chatbooks and mom of seven—realized she'd disappeared into motherhood. In this conversation with Monica Packer, Vanessa gets honest about what happens when you lose yourself in motherhood, how her husband's nudge toward a community theater audition brought her back to life, and why she believes you don't have to choose between being a great mom and being a whole person. She shares three practical habits for loving the life you're actually living, the case for getting in the photos (even when you don't love how you look), and how a monthly photo habit can rewire your brain to see the beauty in the chaos. If you want to feel part of your own life as a mother, this session is a must. FREEBIE for all: First book free with the softcover Monthbook subscription or the Monthly Mini subscription, with the code "MOMFREE" BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: One year subscription to softcover Monthbook or Monthly Mini   Vanessa Quigley is the mother of seven and co-founder of Chatbooks, the photo book company she and her husband Nate built from their kitchen table because they believed families deserved an easier way to hold onto what actually matters. What started as two parents trying to solve their own problem has grown into a company serving millions of families around the world. For seven seasons, Vanessa has hosted the MomForce Podcast, known for honest, unscripted conversations about every season of motherhood. And, when she's not playing with her two grandkids, you can find her fly fishing or hosting a Mahjong game. FOLLOW ON IG FOLLOW CHATBOOKS ON IG WEBSITE   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible GET INSTRUCTIONS on how to access the private feed, if you have an All-Access pass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever thought "making friends as a mom shouldn't be this hard," or feel like you're the only one struggling with friends, this conversation is for you. Catie Borland unpacks why mom loneliness is so real, and how the picture-perfect friendship expectations we carry are quietly disqualifying the real connections sitting right in front of us. Catie shares practical, do-it-today advice, plus the mindset shift that changes everything: some of your favorite friends are people you haven't even met yet. Whether you've been on a "friendship island" for years or just need the nudge to send that text, this episode will remind you friendship takes work—but it doesn't take much.    Catie Borland is a girl who loves to connect with others and to help others connect FOLLOW ON IG   OTHER LINKS UPGRADE to the All-Access pass for lifetime access, special bonuses, and a private, ad-free podcast feed PARTICIPATE in the private Facebook group (+vote for your daily favorite speaker) CHECK OUT our Sponsors, who made 7 free days and an affordable All-Access pass possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When was the last time you bought yourself a new bra? Or made your own dentist appointment as quickly as you make your kids'? In this clip, Nicole Walters gets honest about what happens when a mom gives and gives until there's nothing left, and how her body finally made her stop. She talks about the stretch when everything looked okay on paper and she still couldn't get out of bed, and what it looked like to start caring for herself again. If you're wondering how to be happier when life is full and you're running on empty, Nicole's answer is refreshingly small. Book a checkup with no goals attached. Practice saying one "no" a day, no explanation needed. These are daily habits, not a self improvement overhaul, and they come from a place of self-compassion instead of "I should be doing more." It's a gentle reminder that self-care for mothers isn't selfish, and that personal growth and development can start with treating yourself like someone worth showing up for. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-have-given-so-much-away-you-have-nothing-left-to-give  ⁠Order Sticky Habits⁠! Leave a ⁠review⁠ of the book Sign up for the ⁠More for Moms Conference⁠ with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I open the 2024 time capsule — my "make it or break it" year for the podcast. I revisit a world of elections, the Paris Olympics, and "very demure, very mindful," then get personal: I almost walked away from the show, threw spaghetti at the wall with the Supporters Club and one-on-one coaching, navigated a new ADHD diagnosis and speech delays with my kids, and discovered enough stuck to keep going. I share two standout episodes, the lessons I'm carrying forward, and why I'm choosing to stay as the 10-year anniversary approaches. Old episodes to support: Interviews with ⁠Hal Elrod⁠, ⁠Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell⁠, ⁠Jessica Jackson⁠, ⁠Joy Marie Clarkson⁠, ⁠KC Davis⁠, ⁠Dr. Aditi Nerurkar⁠, ⁠Emily Nagoski⁠, ⁠Rachel Coons⁠, ⁠Amber Brueseke⁠, ⁠Emily Hamlin⁠, ⁠Julie Rose⁠, and ⁠Jen Smith⁠ Order Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  This episode is brought to you by Quince and REBEL. Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been made to feel like you're too much and not enough at the same time? Sharon McMahon is back to talk about the women throughout history who refused to shrink themselves — women like María de López, Ida B. Wells, and Claudette Colvin — even when their own communities told them to sit down and shut up. We explore what we can learn from these women right now: that courage isn't about not caring what people think. It's about caring — and deciding not to let it stop you. No work for liberty can be lost. You just have to decide what you want to stand for and take the next needed step. Sharon's website, newsletter, Instagram, books  Complementary episodes: Past episode with Sharon McMahon on how it’s never too late and never too small Watch this episode on ⁠Youtube⁠   ⁠Order Sticky Habits⁠! Leave a ⁠review⁠ of the book Sign up for the ⁠More for Moms Conference⁠ with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  This episode brought to you by ⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We don't always clock it, but the things sitting in our closet can quietly shape how we feel about ourselves — especially in seasons when everything else feels like it's shifting. In this clip, stylist Jenny Eversole walks through her simple, soul-searching approach to rediscovering your personal style, while Monica opens up about the very real "who am I?" moment she hit postpartum, wondering if she was now just "an old, middle-aged mom with a newborn." It's a conversation about so much more than clothes. It's about identity, self-compassion, and giving yourself permission to feel like you again — even when your body, your role, or your daily life looks completely different than it used to. If you've ever stood in front of your closet feeling disconnected from what's hanging there, this one's for you. Getting dressed can be one small daily habit that either drains your confidence or quietly restores it — and this clip is a gentle nudge toward the version of personal development that starts with self-compassion, not self-improvement pressure. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/jenny-eversole-of-style-space  ⁠Order Sticky Habits⁠! Leave a ⁠review⁠ of the book Sign up for the ⁠More for Moms Conference⁠ with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm taking you behind the scenes of the wild but wonderful journey to the Sticky Habits book cover—from my very first DIY mock-up to the unexpected title change to the final holographic pink and gold cover I absolutely love. I was nervous about having any say at all, and I probably pushed the limits by sending my publisher a whole vision board. But I'm so glad I did, because the Wiley team made it even better. Grab your copy at stickyhabitsbook.com! Watch this episode on Youtube Order Sticky Habits! Leave a review of the book Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Complementary episodes: The BTS episodes: Here and Here; Messy Middle of Dreams This episode brought to you by ⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year or two ago, I did a whole deep dive on positive thinking—and while we all know the importance of believing in ourselves, science actually shows that if you don't already have a strong sense of self-worth, positive thinking can backfire and hurt you more. That research uncovered by my friend Dr. Marisa G. Franco, was the result of years of study that completely changed how she thinks about self-esteem, self-love, and secure attachment. In this episode, Marisa is back to reframe the way we think about self-worth. We talk about why some of our hardest patterns may be rooted in old memories, why shaming ourselves into change doesn't actually help us change, and what it looks like to become a safe place for every version of ourselves—including the messy, needy, angry, or insecure ones. If you've spent years trying to fix yourself into finally feeling worthy, this conversation is going to give you a very different way forward. You can follow her on Instagram (@DrMarisaGFranco) or sign up for her free quiz (www.DrMarisaGFranco.com) to assess your friendship strengths.  Complementary episodes: Past episode with Dr. Franco on friendship Order Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  ⁠Get the free DSL Training⁠. This episode brought to you by Quince. For free shipping on your order and 365-day returns at https://www.quince.com/monica. And by REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrice Washington opens up about a truth so many of us recognize but rarely say out loud: her busyness was never really about productivity — it was about earning love. She traces it back to childhood, to always being "the smart one," and how achievement became the way she proved her worth. Even after years of therapy and real self-awareness, she found herself still trapped in cycles of hurry long after she'd outgrown the need for them. This clip is for anyone caught in that same loop — the go-go-go that feels less like ambition and more like survival. Patrice's honesty about needing to be "so much more selective" and learning that she has to validate her own gift before anyone else does is such a powerful reframe for how to be happier and finally stop being a perfectionist. It's a gentle nudge toward self-compassion, daily habits that protect your peace, and the kind of personal growth that starts with asking why you're really doing what you're doing. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/ways-to-stop-chasing-busy-and-live-with-more-purpose Order Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can't believe it — we recorded a live episode of About Progress, and you're invited to join us for the whole thing. My friend Julie Rose, an NPR journalist and incredible interviewer, took the mic and asked me everything: how Sticky Habits went from a failed course to a published book, what 10 years and four million downloads of podcasting has taught me, and why I finally stopped waiting for permission to call myself a writer.  This conversation is about so much more than habits or books. It's about learning to be bad at things, giving yourself permission to be mediocre, and realizing that your worth isn't tied to your output. If you've ever felt like you're doing it all wrong, or that progress is something other people have figured out — this one's for you. Order Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  This episode brought to you by ⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I'm getting real with you the day before my book Sticky Habits officially publishes. This isn't a heavily outlined or scripted episode — it's a fireside chat where I'm sharing honestly about what this moment feels like from the inside. I talk about the intense, exhausting year it's been, the stress that's shown up in my body, the self-doubt that keeps creeping in alongside the excitement, and how publishing a book that's so deeply personal feels like standing at mile 25 of a marathon with no idea what waits on the other side of the finish line. I also share my hopes for what this book can do — not just for my own work and family, but for women everywhere who deserve a better, more realistic approach to habits. And I get honest about the choice I know I'll have to keep making: to pay attention to the empty chairs or the full ones. This episode is my way of thanking you for being part of this journey, and asking you to help me carry this book across the finish line. Complementary episodes: The BTS episodes: Here and Here; Messy Middle of Dreams Order Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  ⁠Get the free DSL Training⁠. This episode brought to you by ⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather Chauvin has a metaphor for change that's going to stick with you: double dutch. You're standing outside the ropes, terrified of getting smacked, but the courage is in jumping in anyway — even if it hurts. In this clip, Heather gets into why personal development and self improvement rarely happen in comfort, and why building real confidence means being willing to jump back in after you've been knocked down. She also shares one of her go-to daily habits for feeling happier: the "wouldn't it be nice if" journal prompt, a low-pressure way to notice what you actually want instead of white-knuckling your way toward rigid goals. For the moms in our community who feel stuck between wanting change and freezing up at the fear of it, this one's for you. You don't need it all figured out to take the next small step — a glass of water, a blocked-off Friday, whatever scares you a little. It's also a good reminder on how to stop being a perfectionist about your own growth: drop the need to do it flawlessly, and just start. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-make-self-sabotoge-your-friend ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!   ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  ⁠Get the free DSL Training⁠. This episode brought to you by ⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever felt like you're the only one who notices what needs to be done in your home—and you're tired of carrying that invisible weight—this episode is for you. I'm sitting down with Sam Kelly, therapist-turned-coach and author of the upcoming book Notice and Do, to talk about how we can teach our kids to share the mental load without adding another complicated system to our plates. We dive into what invisible labor really looks like (the brain work and the heart work), why noticing is a learned skill just like tying shoes, and how one small daily practice can transform your household over time. Sam's story hit me hard—she had the same light bulb moment I did, realizing that by doing it all ourselves, we're unintentionally teaching our kids that burnout is just part of being a mom. We talk about moving from martyr energy to mentor energy, letting go of perfectionism around chores, and raising kids who become cycle breakers. If you want practical, deeply validating advice that will lighten your load and change the narrative for the next generation, you won't want to miss this one. Sam's website, Instagram, free guide, book Complementary episodes: Fixing the Labor Disparity at Home LAST CHANCE to Preorder Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. This episode brought to you by ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever walked into a room and felt like you just don't fit — this one's for you. In this clip, Jasmine Bradshaw shares something that completely reframes what it means to feel different: the very thing that makes you feel like an outsider can actually become one of your biggest tools for connection.This is personal development in its most practical form. Jasmine breaks down how she learned to stop chasing surface-level fitting in and start building real, lasting connection instead — and she gives us two daily habits anyone can start using immediately: get curious about the spaces you're in before you try to change them, and get honest about your own values so you can actually voice them. It's simple, it's actionable, and it's the kind of self improvement advice that sticks because it doesn't ask you to become someone else.At its heart, this conversation is about self-compassion — giving yourself permission to see your differences as a gift instead of a flaw, and understanding that everyone, underneath it all, wants the same things: to feel happy, healthy, confident, and connected to people who really see them. That shift alone can be one of the most freeing parts of personal growth and development, especially for moms who so often put their own sense of belonging last. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-dont-fit-in LAST CHANCE to Preorder Sticky Habits! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm opening the 2023 time capsule — the year I had a newborn who wouldn't sleep, a body that wouldn't cooperate, and a podcast that hit a wall. I called it my survival year. But amid the exhaustion, I found gardening, sourdough, and a community that reminded me being present is being productive. I'm also sharing the conversations that carried me through — Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on self-expansion and Dr. Tanmeet Sethi on choosing joy when happiness isn't available — plus the hard truth that I paid to work that year and what it forced me to face about the future of About Progress. Old episodes to support: Interviews with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Emiy Nagoski, Taylor Morrison, Jess Massey, Arielle Estoria, Janssen Bradshaw, Brittney Hanks, Alyssa Blask Campbell, Julie Rose, Tanmeet Sethi . Solo episode on Rhythm Scheduling. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Sign up for the More for Moms Conference with $10 early bird pass: “LISTENER.” Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Get the free DSL Training. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  This episode brought to you by Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; and from REBEL, your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm sitting down with life coach Michelle Gauthier to unpack people-pleasing — that thing so many of us do disguised as just being nice. Michelle drops a reframe that gave me a full-body reaction: people-pleasing isn't really about kindness, it's about trying to control how others see us. The real gift of this conversation is Michelle's Love and Fit Test — two simple questions that help you pause before automatically saying yes: Do I absolutely love this idea, and does this fit into the type of life I'm trying to create? We walk through real examples, from lunch invitations to setting boundaries with family, and explore how making yourself part of the equation doesn't mean you're the only factor — just that you finally count. LAST CHANCE to claim your ticket for About Progress LIVE. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Michelle's podcast, free consultation Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Your next favorite find is waiting at fromrebel.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooke Snow gets real about the moment everything fell apart — and the moment that changed everything. After a near-death experience following childbirth, Brooke was quietly battling PTSD, panic attacks, and a depression that showed up as anger and disconnection from the people she loved most. In this clip, she takes us to the breaking point: a moment of losing her temper with her kids that left her collapsed on the ground in shame. But what happened next became the foundation for real, lasting change — a wave of self-compassion that shifted everything. This is a powerful look at what self-compassion actually looks like in the middle of a hard season, and how healing rarely comes from one big fix. For Brooke, it was daily habits — meditation, movement, support, consistency — layered together over time. If you're a mom in the thick of survival mode, feeling like you've lost yourself or lost your patience, this conversation is a reminder that personal growth and development doesn't require perfection. It just requires starting. Self care for mothers isn't selfish — it's often the very thing that makes us able to show up as the people we want to be. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/you-can-change-ways-to-start LAST CHANCE to claim your ticket for About Progress LIVE. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm taking you behind the scenes of how my book, "Sticky Habits," came to life. It's a journey that almost didn't happen, rooted in my personal struggle with perfectionism and the need for habits that align with who we truly are. I learned that traditional habit-formation methods often ignore the unique challenges women face, particularly with invisible labor and mental load. This realization pushed me to create a method that genuinely helps women reclaim their happiness through sustainable habits. Turning this vision into reality was a rollercoaster of courses, coaching, and eventually, a book. I was on the brink of self-publishing when a publisher’s unexpected interest led me to rethink everything. Securing an agent and navigating contract negotiations were challenging, but essential. If my journey resonates with you, I invite you to be part of it by pre-ordering the book. Let's transform women's habit creation to impact their lives meaningfully. Snag your ticket for ⁠About Progress LIVE⁠   ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good. Go to ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sat down with Elise Kirk to explore her journey with emotional eating, a coping mechanism that reveals more about deeper unmet needs than a lack of discipline. As a mother of five, Elise candidly shared how her struggles with dysregulation affect her everyday life, leading us to uncover the wisdom hidden in her behaviors. Our conversation delved into understanding how seemingly negative habits can be symptoms of stress, social rejection, and overwhelming demands. Through our discussion, I found myself reflecting on the importance of self-compassion over self-criticism. Together, we identified practical ways Elise could start addressing her depleted energy levels, focusing on true self-care beyond the surface. This episode is not only about recognizing the roots of one’s habits but also about holding space for personal growth in a way that's meaningful and realistic. Complementary episodes: Interviews with Sabrina Magnan, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, and Alyssa Blask Campbell; Solo episode on Numbing Out Snag your ticket for ⁠About Progress LIVE⁠   ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good. Go to ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever called yourself lazy or a bad housekeeper for having a messy junk drawer, this one's for you. Tracy McCubbin, professional organizer and self-proclaimed "child of a hoarder," breaks down why so much organization advice misses the emotional root of clutter — and how to stop being a perfectionist about your home. Tracy gets honest about the shame so many of us carry around our spaces, and offers a refreshingly simple reframe: your house isn't wrong and neither are you, it's just not working for you yet. That small shift in identity is one of the most powerful daily habits you can build for feeling more at peace at home — no color-coded pantry required. This clip is personal development and self-care for mothers in its most practical form. It's not about chasing a Pinterest-perfect house, it's about learning how to feel happier in the one you already have. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/the-roots-behind-your-clutter-problem-how-to-fix-them-with-tracy-mccubbin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm taking you behind the scenes of how my book, "Sticky Habits," came to life. It's a journey that almost didn't happen, rooted in my personal struggle with perfectionism and the need for habits that align with who we truly are. Throughout my path, I realized the habit-formation methods available often overlooked the unique challenges women face, particularly in terms of invisible labor and mental load. This sparked an obsession to create a method that genuinely supports women in reclaiming their happiness through sustainable habits. Turning this vision into reality was a rollercoaster of courses, coaching, and eventually, a book. Initially poised to self-publish, a serendipitous turn of events with a publishing company pushed me to rethink my approach. If my work has impacted you, I invite you to be part of this journey by pre-ordering the book. Let's change how women create habits that last and transform their lives. Snag your ticket for ⁠About Progress LIVE⁠   ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good. Go to ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this tribute episode of "About Progress," I honor the legacy of my dear friend Carol Lynn Pearson. Her life spanned 86 years, during which she was a celebrated poet, playwright, and activist, prominently championing marginalized voices in the LGBTQ+ community within the LDS faith. Reflecting on our friendship, a lingering regret remains with me: the times I allowed life’s challenges to pull me away from keeping in touch with her. Despite this, Carol Lynn’s unwavering forgiveness and wisdom continue to inspire me every day. I invite you to join me in celebrating her rich life and enduring impact as I share personal anecdotes and sing her song "I'll Walk With You," a testament to the love and companionship she so fervently embodied. Article on Carol Lynn First episode with Carol Lynn, “How to Evolve Alongside Your Gifts.” Snag your ticket for ⁠About Progress LIVE⁠   ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good. Go to ⁠Quince⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monica Packer opens up about a regret that's still a little raw — literally. After falling down the stairs at 33 weeks pregnant, breaking her finger not once but three times, and going through surgery wide awake at 37 weeks, she discovered something unexpected in her recovery: the scar tissue left behind wouldn't budge, no matter how hard she worked at it. It's a story about a broken finger on the surface, but underneath, it's about how we hold onto our regrets, why healing from them takes real daily effort, and how self-compassion makes all the difference. A must-listen for any mom who's ever felt stuck in her own scar tissue. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-its-ok-to-have-regrets-what-to-do-when-you-struggle-with-them ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!  Snag your ticket for About Progress LIVE Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Get the free DSL Training. Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't know about you, but I've spent way too many years thinking that if something felt hard, I must be on the wrong path. Turns out I was dead wrong — and this episode is me finally saying the quiet part out loud. I'm walking you through six lessons I've picked up from a decade of About Progress (plus a very embarrassing, very nerve-wracking turn in a community play) about what it actually feels like to be stuck in the middle of pursuing a dream. Spoiler: it's messy, it's uncomfortable, and it's exactly where you're supposed to be. I get into the difference between stopping and quitting, why "small wins over time" beats the all-or-nothing trap every time, and the lesson that changed how I see this whole journey — that the purpose was never the arrival, it was always you. Settle in for this one; it might be the nudge you need to stay on your own path a little longer. Complementary episodes: Value-Driven Living; Dream-Led Living; Stopping vs. Quitting; ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Join the ⁠Book Launch Committee⁠ for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.  Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever laid your head down at night feeling like nothing was ever enough, this one's for you. Jess Massey gets real about her own hustle culture rock bottom — the tunnel vision, the urgency addiction, the belief that everything is important (which really means nothing is). She opens up about what it cost her: presence with her husband, her friendships, her own mental health, all sacrificed at the altar of "keep your eye on the prize."  This clip is a gentle wake-up call for anyone chasing self improvement the wrong way — through burnout instead of balance. It's a reminder that personal development isn't about doing more, it's about becoming aware of the daily habits and beliefs driving you into the ground. If you're a recovering perfectionist who equates busyness with worth, Jess's honesty here might be the permission slip you didn't know you needed to slow down and reconnect with what actually matters. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/peaceful-productivity-the-antidote-to-hustle-culture-how-you-can-get-the-right-stuff-done-at-the-right-time ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this month's Remember When episode, I take a deep dive into the unforgettable year of 2022. Amidst global headlines I navigated personal challenges, including an intense pregnancy and significant shifts in my podcasting journey. Reflecting on these events, I’ve learned how embracing fun and resilience has been crucial for my family healing and personal growth. Join me as I explore professional struggles and breakthroughs, such as transitioning to a new ad network and revising podcast formats. This episode reveals how disappointments often pave the way for unexpected successes. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to many more years of growth with About Progress. Interviews with Eve Rodsky, Greg McKeown, Catherine Price, Mia Hemstad, Jody Moore, Kendra Adachi, Amelia Nagoski, Dr. Marisa Franco, and solo episode, How everything changed when I accepted my limitations. ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I chat with Rachel Nielson about the all-too-familiar feeling of being a 'martyr mom' and how it can leave us feeling drained and disconnected. We dive into the idea of embracing our personal values as a way to get out of that rut and truly enjoy motherhood. Rachel shares some fantastic tips on how to figure out what matters most to you and how to bring those values into your life in small but powerful ways. You'll hear us talk about why understanding and owning our choices is key to escaping martyrdom and finding fulfillment both for ourselves and our families. Whether it's planning fun adventures or just playing your favorite music during car rides, these little acts of self-care can make a big difference. Tune in to learn how to live a more authentic and joyful life as a mom! Complementary episodes: ⁠How to Be the Mom You WANT to Be, Not Who You Think You SHOULD Be⁠  ⁠Voice Your Values Guide⁠ Rachel’s ⁠IG⁠, ⁠PODCAST⁠, and ⁠WEBSITE⁠ Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms Archive Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever felt like your home (or your life) has to look Pinterest-perfect to count as "organized," this one's for you. Mika Perry breaks down why organization isn't about perfection at all — it's about preparation. She shares one of the simplest mindset shifts for how to be happier with your systems: don't wait around for motivation, because action creates motivation, not the other way around. It's a small daily habit that changes everything. Mika also unpacks something most of us mix up: the difference between decluttering and organizing, and why doing one without the other leaves you right back where you started. This is personal development you can actually use today — no perfectionism required. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/10-basics-you-need-to-know-to-organize-your-home ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I chat with Meagan Briggs, who shares her remarkable journey from reading occasionally to devouring over 150 books a year. Our conversation dives into how she reignited her love for reading and the role it plays in her life as a busy mom. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the importance of carving out time for ourselves, even in the midst of motherhood. Join us as Meagan offers practical tips on incorporating reading into your life and how audiobooks can fit seamlessly into a busy routine. Her insights have certainly invigorated my approach to self-care, and they might just do the same for you. Tune into the episode to discover how you can reignite your passions and fuel your personal growth. Complementary episodes: ⁠3 Tips to Becoming a Bookworm⁠ ⁠Meagan's Book Club Current Top Reads⁠ ⁠Meagan’s IG⁠ Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms Archive Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a mom who always ends up last on your own list, this one's for you. Jamira Pollard breaks down why putting yourself first isn't selfish — it's the foundation that lets you show up for everyone else. This clip is full of practical, no-cost ways to practice self-care for mothers: reading for fun, borrowing free library audiobooks, taking five quiet minutes before the day gets away from you. It's a simple but powerful reminder that self-compassion and daily habits — not big grand gestures — are what actually move the needle on how to feel happier. If you're working on personal growth and development or trying to build sustainable self-improvement into a busy life, this is the mindset shift to start with. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/stop-chasing-balance-and-learn-to-live-a-well-rounded-life-you-love⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I recently chatted with Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell about why moms should prioritize their own sleep alongside caring for their children. She shared how our relationship with sleep is akin to any other important relationship—it needs nurturing. From the eye-opening concept of "sleep anxiety" to the practical tips on redefining our nighttime routines, our conversation unveiled how small changes can bring about big transformations in our energy and clarity. For more enlightening tidbits, like why charging your phone across the room can be a game changer and the benefits of red lights during night feedings, make sure to tune into the full session on the About Progress podcast. Dr. Holliday-Bell's expertise and insights might be just what you need to reclaim restful, rejuvenating nights. Dr. Holliday-Bell's The Sleep Savvy Mom’s Guide: Real Sleep Solutions For You & Baby, Instagram and Website Complementary episodes: 3 Actionable Ways to Optimize Your Sleep Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms Archive Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, style expert Julie Allen from the More for Moms conference and I explored how style is not just about what we wear but a pathway to reconnecting with who we are, especially as moms navigating life's changes. Julie shared powerful insights on seeing style as a tool for self-discovery and joy, urging us to break free from societal expectations and embrace our unique identities. Julie highlighted the fun and freedom in using style as self-expression, offering practical steps to incorporate creativity into our daily lives. Her perspective on prioritizing personal joy and value is something every woman can benefit from. For a deep dive into our eye-opening conversation, tune in to the full episode. Julie's TJG Summer Style Guide, Instagram Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms Archive Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good.  Complementary episodes: Recent episode with Angela Foster on How to Dress Yourself as Your Body Ages Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if self-care had nothing to do with spa days, spending money, or carving out an hour for yourself? Taylor Elise Morrison breaks down the myths we've all believed about self-care — and offers a definition that actually works for real life: listening within and responding in the most loving way possible. If perfectionism has ever kept you from taking care of yourself because you couldn't do it "the right way," this clip will change how you see those little pockets of time in your day. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/the-biggest-self-care-myths-you-need-to-bust ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a mom, my vision involved perfect moments with my kids, unaware of the strain overstimulation could bring. It's not just juggling cleaning or cooking but managing the hidden pressure of sensory overload. This isn't a flaw—it's our nervous system waving a red flag for help. What's the secret to steering through it? In this episode, I sit down with Alex Viera, a pediatric occupational therapist and nervous system coach, to explore how we can mitigate this stress. Discover how simple shifts in meeting basic needs and embracing joy can lighten the load and restore our sense of self. Tune in to hear Alex’s insights on transforming overwhelming moments into manageable ones. Alex's website and socials Complementary episodes: ⁠Interview with Alyssa Blask Campbell⁠ on the nervous systems; ⁠Interview with Dr. Anna Packard⁠, eating disorder therapist on healing your relationship with your body; Solo episode on the ⁠N’s of Numbing Out⁠ Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Get the free DSL Training. Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever felt like no matter how much you get done, it's never enough — this one's for you. Stephen Lawson breaks down what's really going on beneath the surface of our productivity obsession: it's not a time management problem, it's a peace problem. And underneath that? Fear. The fear of failure, of success, and something even deeper — the discomfort of facing how short life actually is. If you're ready to stop racing toward perfection and start living your actual life right now, this conversation is a must-watch. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-dramatically-shift-your-time-management ⁠Preorder Sticky Habits ⁠book today! ⁠Leave a rating and review⁠ Get the free DSL Training. Follow About Progress on ⁠YOUTUBE⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2021 was a whirlwind, packed with both personal and global challenges that shook me to my core. From heartbreaking family losses to the brink of quitting my beloved podcast, "About Progress," every twist demanded a new sense of resilience. In taking a step back that summer, I stumbled onto an unexpected path of self-discovery and transformation. But what exactly did that pivotal break reveal, and how did it reshape my journey? Reflecting on this year of change taught me that the moments of discomfort often hide the most valuable lessons. Embracing authenticity over established norms opened doors I never imagined, both for me and my community. Curious about the twists and turns that led to a profound shift in my life's work? Tune in to find out how a seemingly ordinary year became a turning point, sparking growth that continues to this day. Old episodes to support: Interviews with JFF and Carolyn Bever, Lexie Kite, Solo episode on Motivation; Taylor Chan, Shirin Eskadani, Kendra Adachi, Patrice Washington, JFF and Dr. Julie Hanks, Rachel Nielson, Meg Conley, solo episode on Martyrdom Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Get the free DSL Training. Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing!  Get your AirDoctor purifier for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices