About Progress

Cloud10
  • 4.9 (1.3K)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

All the self-help extremes out there seem designed for perfect robots. But what if progress doesn’t require perfection? Welcome to your gentle self-development hub: About Progress, a podcast and community devoted to progress made practical. Join host and coach, Monica Packer, and her special guests to get the hug AND kick in the pants you need to do something and grow in ways that stick.

  1. 1D AGO

    Navigating endless toddler colds, vein procedure fears, unforgettable family trips, Brandi Carlile admiration, and book launch jitters || Messy Middle March 2026

    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!  Special links: Sourdough Cookbook; Cinnamon foccaccia recipe (can use without sourdough); Undereye patches; Check to see if you won a prize from our Favorite Things Giveaway.  Get the free DSL Training. Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Fixing the Labor Imbalance at Home || How to Shift from Martyr to Change-Maker

    In my experience, women often carry the mental and emotional weight at home, which goes unnoticed. This burden leads to feelings of being undervalued, even when performed willingly. Sharing this labor isn't just about dividing tasks evenly, but about mutual recognition and appreciation for every contribution, fostering a genuine sense of partnership within the family. When I embarked on this journey to balance the labor in our home, it became clear that change must start with me. Through open conversations, I encouraged my family to recognize the invisible labor and prompted them towards owning more responsibilities. This process is gradual, but change arises from understanding our roles, communicating with compassion, and being willing to adapt together. Here to Stay Drive: join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min

  3. 6D AGO

    My Hobby Year: How Sketching Wildflowers is Teaching Me How to be Bad at Things || More Personal Preview

    This episode is a special shortened preview from More Personal, Monica's premium, private, ad-free podcast for the Supporters Club, starting at just $5 a month. Join the HERE TO STAY: 250 SUPPORTERS DRIVE and help ensure About Progress doesn't just make it to its 10 year anniversary this Fall, but make it so it's here to stay. Join the club ⁠HERE⁠. What if the point of hobbies isn't to be good at them? (A novel idea for us recovering perfectionists, I know . . . ) Ever start a hobby with excitement, only to face the harsh reality that you're not good at it? Welcome to my February Hobby Year update. This month I dove into sketching wildflowers, and QUICKLY discovered I'm bad at it. Really bad. But here's the twist: I promised to send these amateur drawings to new Supporters as handmade cards. Cue the inner perfectionist panic. In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I sat down with my sketch book, why promising these cards to people accidentally turned my hobby into a job, and the permission I had to give myself to be bad at something and share it anyway. Plus: a ballet class update (spoiler: I haven't been back yet), why February was supposed to be my "easy hobby month" (oops!), and my plans to tackle quilting in March. If you've ever struggled to make time for hobbies, felt embarrassed about not being instantly good at something, or wondered if it's okay to enjoy imperfect pursuits—this one's for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min

  4. 6D AGO

    How to Be Happier by Decluttering the “Shoulds” || H&K with Rachel Nielson

    What if learning how to feel happy starts with letting go of perfectionism? In this conversation, we talk about personal growth and development for moms who are tired of carrying unrealistic expectations. You’ll hear how daily habits, self-compassion, and intentional self care for mothers can lead to real self improvement — without sacrificing your family. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop being a perfectionist and create space for personal development that actually fits your life, this episode will help you simplify and start again. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-simplify-in-motherhood-with-rachel-nielson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 min

  5. FEB 26

    Remember When: A Ten Year Reflection|| 2017, Taking the Podcast (and Myself) More Seriously

    Looking back on 2017, it's hard not to feel nostalgic about the immense growth and learning that happened during About Progress's first full year as a podcast. As I opened up behind the mic, it was a year where I stepped into the world of podcasting more confidently, juggling both personal and professional challenges. From interviewing new voices like Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife to pushing myself in ways I hadn't anticipated, it was a time of intense learning and adaptation. Fast forward to now, it's wild to think about how the lessons of 2017 have influenced the trajectory of my life and work. It's a reminder that dreams do require work, but they are also what make the journey so deeply fulfilling and worth every moment. Complementary past episode to listen to: First episode ever!; First interview ever! Old episodes to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/finlayson-fife-perfectionism; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/selling-out-my-views-on-sponsorship; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/christopher-clark-creating-a-happy-life-in-spite-of-incurable-disease  Get your Sticky Habit Rainstorm printable HERE Here to Stay Drive: join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  6. FEB 23

    Letting People In: Easy Hosting Ideas for Busy, Overwhelmed Women || with Brittney Hanks

    Lately, I've been pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and build connections through hosting. As an introvert, it’s been easier for me to stay in my comfort bubble, especially after the habit of isolation I developed during the pandemic. But I realized that having people physically in my space, sharing laughs and stories, truly enriches my life. I’ve been inspired by today's conversation with Brittney Hanks, who reminded me that hosting isn’t about perfection or entertainment, but creating a space for genuine connection. It's been refreshing to see the connections strengthen and new friendships begin. If you’re like me, start with something manageable, put it on your calendar, and savor the rewarding experience of opening your home and heart to others. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  7. FEB 21

    Working on Things: My 10 Goals for 2026 || from More Personal

    (This episode is a special shortened preview from More Personal, Monica's premium, private, ad-free podcast for the Supporters Club, starting at just $5 a month. Join the HERE TO STAY: 250 SUPPORTERS DRIVE and help ensure About Progress doesn't just make it to its 10 year anniversary this Fall, but make it so it's here to stay. Join the club ⁠HERE⁠.) In this candid "Working on Things" episode, Monica shares her 10 personal goals for 2026 as she approaches her 40th birthday.  You'll hear about her complicated relationship with goal-setting, ways she makes goals doable but motivating,  and how she's learning to celebrate milestones instead of bouncing right over them. Monica also gets real about the challenges: feeling like two ships passing in the night with her husband, struggling with tech boundaries while running a business, the endless cycle of high-conflict children, and the weight of launching a book on a shoestring budget. But she also shares what's lighting her up—her hobby year (including returning to ballet!), plans for adventures, and her word of the year: reclamation. Listen if you: Want to hear an honest take on goal-setting that isn't about hustle culture Are navigating the chaos of responsibilities and trying to feel like your life is your own Need permission to do goals differently—broader, more flexible, more human Are approaching a milestone birthday and want to make it meaningful Appreciate messy, real conversations about personal growth This isn't a polished how-to. It's a real-time look at someone figuring it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  8. FEB 19

    From Caretaker to College Grad: How Moms Can Reclaim Their Dreams Through Higher Ed || BONUS with Dr. Cedric Howard

    Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Cedric Howard about a topic that resonates deeply with many moms in our community: returning to school later in life. Dr. Howard shared powerful stories from his own family, illustrating the generational impact of pursuing higher education. We talked about the importance of embracing your role as a mom in the classroom and how those experiences can be your greatest asset, not a hindrance. Our conversation left me with a profound realization: education is not just for personal growth but can transform family legacies. If you've ever considered going back to school, take this as your sign to explore the possibilities. The journey may require some adjustments, but as Dr. Howard emphasized, it’s okay to be a little selfish with your education after years of being selfless. If you're ready to take that step, start by telling your story and showcasing the resilience and skills motherhood has instilled in you. Dr. Howard's book Here to Stay Drive: join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good + participate in a whole month of special prizes. A little from many makes this work sustainable! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! More for Moms Conference use code “LISTENER” for $20 off Leave a rating and review Check out my ⁠workshops⁠! Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Full Show Notes Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

All the self-help extremes out there seem designed for perfect robots. But what if progress doesn’t require perfection? Welcome to your gentle self-development hub: About Progress, a podcast and community devoted to progress made practical. Join host and coach, Monica Packer, and her special guests to get the hug AND kick in the pants you need to do something and grow in ways that stick.

Information

  • Creator
    Cloud10
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    811
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content is copyrighted to Monica Packer. Do not use without permission.
  • Show Website
    About Progress

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