About Progress

If I can experience a major faith crisis, anyone can. Over the last 12+ years, I've been through an ongoing series of my own struggles with my faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today's episode is an honest share of how this came about for me, what issues I have struggled with and why, what I've done about them, and why I ultimately chose to stick with my LDS faith for life.   Below in the show notes, I've included the past posts I've written on this topic if you'd like to read more about my experience.  I've also included resources that have helped me tremendously. If you know someone who struggles or who is in a leadership position, please share this with them.  My hope is to peel back the shame that many who doubt suffer behind, to show leaders of my church how good and obedient members can still struggle with their faith, and how they can better love and help them through it. Thank you for your support!   Show Notes Prior posts on my faith: here, here, and here LDS website

Positive parenting is all the rage, and for good reason. But what if praising the good and ignoring the bad behavior isn't working for your spirited, willful child? What if another's special needs or incredible gifts demand a far more unique approach than what worked with other kids in your family? Wendy Bertagnole loves to guide parents through these exceptional parenting moments--because she has had to navigate them herself with her own three children, each with their own challenges that had to be addressed differently. On this episode, Wendy teaches to first ACCEPT your children and then move forward in better addressing what the ROOTS are to their unique needs and challenges.   Show Notes: Wendy's Podcast Website, Instagram, Online Workshop for Parenting Kids with Sensory Need,, and Books Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just two more days! Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress CoachingSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about yo

No matter how you crack it, life is plain hard. To endure it well, learn to laugh alongside the tears! Shaun and Nicole Johnson have inspired thousands of people to find the silver lining in their struggles because they've done the same for themselves. Their Instagram pageis full of posts of lip synching and hilarious skits that have inspired so much fun and laughter. But the greater purpose behind sharing them? Shaun and Nicole are seeking the humor through the trials they face as a married couple, including years of infertility, and they hope to inspire others to find that light for themselves, too. Listen in to hear how CHOICE and OPENNESS have both been important threads to the Johnson's unity throughout their difficulties, and why humor has been a wonderful method to unifying them. Learn how they are just a normal couple doing their best (read: don't compare yourself or your marriage to them!), why you need to feel the hard emotions in order to move forward, and what this can look like for you.   Show No

"Life is noisy, and crazy, and disruptive." Amen, sister! So how can we find hints from our Creator that we aren't here alone amidst all the distractions? Especially when we are facing trials we never expected to? Heidi Tucker was a brand new empty-nester looking for her place. After hitting a series of dead-ends and an early return of her missionary son, Heidi wondered how God was possibly involved in her life.  But the hope came. And it came in ways that took time and practice for Heidi to recognize. Heidi is on the show to share how you can see the signs of God's involvement in your life--especially if you're someone like me who struggles to recognize that. If you have a hard time figuring out how to connect with your higher power and are in desperate need of hope, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN and will give you real steps to find it in your own life!   Show Notes: Heidi's website and books: Finding Hope in the Journey, and Servie's Song Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few mo

For many of us, we suffer in silence due to shame. For others, it's because our struggles are connected to someone else's choices that we can't publicly share. For all of us, there are still ways to cope better with the quiet trials we face. Erin Shepard of Yarrow Therapyhas faced silent suffering in her own life due to chronic illness, and she often counsels people who do, too. In this episode, hear how to better cope with your trials, overcome shame where needed, and seek confidential guidance and support even when you can't have your trials be so publicly known. Erin also speaks to the importance of self-care, setting limits, giving yourself small things to aspire to, and establishing gratitude in place of bitterness.   Show Notes: Erin's Website, Instagram, and Facebook  Last weeks' episodes with on How to Be Healthy for the Right Reasons,and our Do Something Highlight Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few more weeks Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress CoachingSo

Carina Heilner was held back by her intense perfectionism for decades: with eating disorders, a big-time running obsession, and a overall focus on her appearing and looking the part.  But she's a fighter and now talks back to the negative voices in her head that used to drive her. Carina learned that she needed to voice how a trauma from her childhood affected her view of herself, and that the best way she could show herself she mattered was by allowing more room for compassionate imperfection.  Now, Carina's way to move forward is learning that PROGRESS is the way to personal freedom, not perfection.   You can listen the interview below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for “About Progress” wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!!     Show Notes: Progress Program!!!  Doors for application are open for just a few more weeksContact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching Song Credit: “Sweet Promise”

Accepting and loving yourself does not mean you stop trying where it counts. In fact, it's quite the opposite. This is the same where your health is concerned. There is a big difference between trying to get healthier due to aesthetics and self-loathing, vs. working on your health because you want to show yourself and your body a truer love. Charity Lighten is a nutritionist who believes there is power behind loving yourself enough to make some changes when you need them. She encourages people to not define their worth by the scale or their pant size, but she also knows the importance of treating your body well. Charity personally experienced the difference between being motivated by self-love vs. self-hatred and shares how that played out in her life, what her husband's cancer has taught her about what REALLY matters, and how she strives for improvement where it counts for her. Listen in to hear how this can look for you, too!   Show Notes: Charity's Instagram and Website; Silver Fern Brand's website and Ins

Listen, we all know that practicing more mindfulness is life-changing. We know this because it's all over the internet, newspapers, and even via our nosy neighbor who is working on it, too.  So why is it so hard to actually implement? That's because mindfulness is another muscle that needs to simply be trained. And training that mindfulness muscle? Anyone can do it. Andy Proctor--a happiness advocate and educator--is going to show you how. And that it can start by simply being more fully "present" with the day-to-day moments of your life. You want to finally get a handle of the runaway train that is your mind? Take heart! Just listen to this and start simple. Because we know you are no dummy! Show Notes: Andy's website, courses, podcast, and new Instagram course Resources Andy mentioned: Flow, Self-Compassion, Positivity Ratio Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress CoachingSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choi

There are a LOT of things that get in the way of our productivity. Because LIFE HAPPENS!! And life includes a whole lot of good that deserves our attention. It's not all bad!   However, it's time to end the frustration of our to-do lists and get in some real, practical ways to transform how we choose to devote our time.    Tonya Dalton of inkWELL Press is a productivity expert who is allllll about boosting your productivity in ways that are lasting (and DOABLE!). She's a believer in "a time and a season," prioritizing what REALLY matters (not what your mom thinks should matter), and working on small ways to make big shifts in your life.   End the "to-do" struggle! Tonya will point the way.   Show Notes: inkWELL's website, Instagram, and Tonya's Productivity Paradox Podcast Last week's interviews with Ashton Barrett and Melissa Lewis Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nic

A good marriage takes work, that we know. But when mental health struggles come up for one or both spouses, it can try the most important relationship of our lives in very unique ways.   Matt and Celeste Davis believe that facing these struggles together can instead make a marriage even better. Both have taken turns struggling with depression (see their past solo episodes with me here and here!), so they know first-hand how to guide a spouse through a very difficult time.   The Davis family thrives off of openness, communication, vulnerability, and strength--both independently AND together.    Listen in to hear their tips for helping a spouse through a dark time, how you need to be a care-giver, not a savior, and that talking, talking, talking is the best thing you can do for your marriage.   Show Notes: Matt's past interview Celeste's past interview Last week's interviews with Ashton Barrett and Melissa Lewis Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching More Po

Today's "Do Something Highlight" is with Melissa Lewis. After moving and facing huge trials, Melissa found herself again by making her own bucket list. Doing these small, fun, and challenging things helped Melissa get out of a dark place and helped her remember who she is. Listen in to hear what this looked like for Melissa and how you can do it, too! Show Notes Melissa's Instagram Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's easy to dismiss someone else's success. "They have such good genetics!" "Amazing that their dad got them their first big break." "Wish I had that talent!"   The truth is, progress is HARD. For everyone, regardless for how "blessed" they are.   Ashton Barrett is on the podcast today to share how improving oneself is both messy and magical. As a crossfit junkie, macro coach, and nutrition specialist, Ashton has walked herself and others through the roller coaster of progress. She understands the highs and lows, and wants to help you know how to better navigate it yourself--with plenty of grace and little of comparing yourself to others.   Listen in to hear how progress has looked for Ashton, and what she does to push herself through the hard and the stressful by challenging herself with the mantra, "Just one more." She also teaches how you can push yourself BECAUSE you love yourself, and what the growth mindset has to do with all things self-improvement.    Show Notes: Ashton's Website, Instagram, and Face

Natasha Grasso quit her high corporate job with big hopes to slow down her life and finally get pregnant.     In the process, she started a new jewelry-making hobby that became a real passion. Natasha looked past what was practical and logical, listened to her intuition, and took a leap into making her hobby into a business that supported the greater purposes of her heart: one focused on her family.   Learn how Natasha allowed the hard things in her life inspire perspective, rather than bitterness. Natasha also shares her beliefs about how there is no wrong way to mother and still find fulfillment. She also shares how motherhood has shaped her goals, company, and who she is fundamentally.     Show Notes: Natasha's Website, Instagram, and Monthly Jewlery Subscription: Bling Box Our last episode with Jody Moore on How to Stop Apologizing Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and Progress Coaching More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by

How often do you say the words, "I'm sorry?"   Odds are, it happens much more than you think. And most of the time, they're unnecessary apologies.      As women, we tend to fall into a cultural trap of apologizing for taking up space, for being human with human flaws, or for even getting bumped into at the grocery store.   At times, our apologies are a way of avoiding facing the parts of ourselves that are hard to own up to and work on.     Jody Moore of Better Than Happy wants to help you stop apologizing both to yourself and to others. If this involves building up a stronger sense of self and one with more compassion? Listen to hear how. And if this involves asking yourself deeper questions about why this might be the case and what you need to own about yourself? Also listen to hear why and how.   Show Notes: Jody's Website, Podcast, Facebook, and Instagram Last week's podcasts with Kim White (choose your WHY in trials) and Chanelle Neilson (create a morning routine!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact

If you're not naturally a morning person (Monica is a member of that club!), you know the viscous cycle of going to bed too late and never starting your day off on the right foot.     But there is hope for us snooze queens! Establishing a morning routine that works for YOU can be done in a very manageable, doable way. You have to ditch the all-or-nothing thinking and start smaller than you think you should. But in time, you'll be able to add to it and start your day off before your to-do list comes calling. And the effects will truly change your life!!   Chanelle Neilson is here to share how she created a morning routine for herself one small step at a time, why it has changed so much about her productivity and happiness, and how you can do this, too.     Chanelle's greatest advice? Start where you are, and start with what you need. So don't fear. This episode is not only helpful, but hopeful.     Monica is currently hosting a Wake-Up Early Challenge on Instagram! And Chanelle has a free resource for you on h

Kim White has been told she has only months to live more times than she can count the past 4 1/2 years. And yet, she's still kickin' it! But doing so hasn't been born purely from her ability to see the good in her trials. In fact, Kim readily shares that for a few years she struggled in BIG ways emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.   BUT as Kim decided her own "WHY" behind her cancer and other health battles, she has been able to find deeper empowerment to better face them. And also those good-bad days where kids throw tantrums;).    Listen in to hear how to better support yourself and others through trials, how it's OK to be mad and sad, what simple gratitude can do to shift things around, and how love is ultimately the greatest foundation for all things hard.   Show Notes: Kim's Instagram and referenced blog post Last week's interview on Vulnerability Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal Progress Coaching More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet

"Vulnerability" is a popular term these days. But for very good reason.   Forget thinking "vulnerability" is where your distant relative shares all the horrible minutia of her life. True vulnerability demands courage. The kind where we look at our true selves in the mirror, see what needs to change, and get going.   It's also the kind that lends yourself a tremendous amount of compassion as you navigate growth and the "humanness" you'll experience along the way.   Sarah Carpenter and Stacy Weinstein of the Unpolished Podcast are experts in this field, both from teaching others and practicing true vulnerability in their own lives. Listen in to hear what this really looks like, how vulnerability will empower you to move towards a much better you, and why it's possibly the only "should" that you need on your priorities.     Show Notes: Unpolished Podcast, Sarah's Website, Stacy's Website Last week's episode with Neena Warburton Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal c

"Stop being so childish!"    What if we encouraged the child-like strengths our children gravitate to instead of demanding they grow up?     What if we thought about what we liked to do as children ourselves--what our personalities were like, our interests, dreams, and even things we liked to do--and made that the basis for who we can better become as adults?    Neena Warburton believes that becoming more child-like is the key to unlocking what our spirit longs to be AND helps us better parent our kids.   So if you're struggling to figure out who you are because you don't recognize yourself any more--reconnect with your own inner child. And if you can't figure out how to handle a challenging kid in your life--translate their child-like traits into strengths and do your best to better cultivate that. (And engage with them more as a child, too!)   Neena is on the show to teach us how to do both.   Show Notes: Neena's website, Instagram, and Facebook Last week's episode with Christiana Hill Monica's next worksh

"I want to. I can. I will."   This is the mantra that got Kristina Southam to her goal of running a marathon and hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.   She's our "Do Something Highlight" today and sharing ways that she has done things that have scared her and the effect of them. One of these included taking a break from a graduate program she had worked so hard to get into, and how deferring ended up being the best way to reset her life.   Listen to hear about how she wanted to show up better for the people in her life, what self-care looks like for her, and what she learned about doing the right thing in the right season of life.   Show Notes: Kristina's Instagram and Las Vegas Race: Saints and Sinners Half and Relay Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you use the code "LISTENER" Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $25 and listen to the episode to hear

As an international model turned student, turned missionary, turned business owner and clothing designer,n speaker, advocate, and author (phew!), Rosemary Card has done and seen more than most almost-30-year-olds!    Rosie's gift of using her unique voice was forged through years of standing up to bullies, living up to her values amidst great pressure, and speaking up even within her own religious culture. She shines so brightly, and Rosie knows YOU can, too!   In this interview, Rosie shares how she found her own voice BY using it, what she believes we all need to do, and how faith is made stronger because of doubt.     Want to learn more from Rosie? You simply MUST read her book. It's the perfect mix of memoir, essays, and self-help from a gal-who-knows.   Show Notes: Rosie's website, book, Instagram, and Facebook MAMA SPRING BREAK! Last weeks' episodes with Camille Andros, Crystalee Beck, and my 100th episode! Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel