Synopsis
Take back your life and dare to progress towards bettering yourself, honing your gifts, and using them for good in the world. Listen in to be inspired by others who are walking the same path of self improvement paired with self-love, and to be apart of a community who knows life is about progress, not perfection.
Episodes
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Our Thoughts and Feelings on the New Year + Can A.I. Help Solve Our Resolution Problems?? || Casual Convos
11/01/2025 Duration: 23minBetween Taylor and myself, we have a wide range of both life experiences and preferences when it comes to all things “New Year, New Me.” While I’m tackling this year in the most stereotypical of New Year fashions—all the goals!—Taylor is understandably (and wisely?) more reticent to jump on the bandwagon. We explore our past histories with goal-making around this time of the year, have a hilarious realization about what appears to be a gendered understanding of the whole “word of the year,” and Taylor shares her fascinating tales of using Artificial Intelligence to help her come up with some potential resolutions (+ a word of the year) for 2025. Take a peak into our brains (and our friendship) and alllll things New Year. Let us know if you use A.I. to help make your goals, too! Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get your first month free) by using the code "FREEMONTH" when signing up as a Bestie or Ride-or-Die Supporter by February 1st. It
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AP 656: How to be a Successful “January Joiner” || Growth Spurt
09/01/2025 Duration: 10minEver feel like a 'try-hard' gets a bad rap? In this bite-sized episode, I'm diving into why I love 'January Joiners' and how you can harness that New Year momentum to make lasting progress. Tune in as I share three key tips to help you ride the momentum wave successfully and avoid common pitfalls. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Use code "FREEMONTH” to get your first month free–code expires February 1st Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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AP 655: Follow-Through Fallout || What to do when you no longer feel like following through
06/01/2025 Duration: 37minYou know that feeling—you set an exciting goal or decide to start a new habit, but soon after, your initial enthusiasm fizzles out. I like to call that 'Follow-Through Fallout.' It happens to the best of us, and it's completely normal! Today, I'll share my own journey through this phenomenon, the unexpected hurdles I faced, and the strategies I used to keep going. We'll explore why follow-through fallout occurs, break down the psychological factors behind it, and most importantly, discuss practical tips to overcome it. Whether you're working on New Year's resolutions or any personal goals, this episode is packed with insights to help you push past the slump and achieve what you set out to do. Do Something Workshop, episode on Momentum Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Use code "FREEMONTH” to get your first month free–code expires February 1st. Access exclusive supporter benefits Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full S
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3 Books I LOVED in December + a New Reading Challenge!
03/01/2025 Duration: 30minDo you like to read? Or wish you could more? I relate to BOTH! In today's special preview episode, I'm sharing half of January's Book Report from More Personal, my private, premium, always ad-free podcast exclusive to certain levels of the Supporters Club. In this episode, I review 3 of the books I read (and loved) in December, and introduce a new reading challenge I'm embarking on to help me read the books already crowding my shelves and calling my name. (Many of them for YEARS.) Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get your first month free) by using the code "FREEMONTH" when signing up as a Bestie or Ride-or-Die Supporter by February 1st. It's the ultimate "try before you buy." Go to aboutprogress.com/support to join the Supporters Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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AP 654: Skiing with my kids, breaking my nose, looking forward to my new DSL, my plan to find more calm in the new year, and I'm writing a book || Messy Middle January 2025
02/01/2025 Duration: 32minThis 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! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Use code “FREEMONTH” to get your first month free–code expires February 1st. Leave a rating/review! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Workshop Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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AP 653: Signs You Have "High Functioning Anxiety" + Simple Ways to Help, Starting Today || with Michelle Grosser
16/12/2024 Duration: 40minThrough a candid and revealing conversation, Michelle Grosser shares her deeply personal journey of navigating anxiety, touching on her experiences as a high achiever and the eldest of five children. She delves into the dissonance between outward success and inner turmoil, illustrating how high-functioning anxiety can often go unnoticed. Michelle provides practical, somatic techniques for calming the mind and body, emphasizing the importance of nervous system regulation. She explains how discharging energy through movement and addressing physiological signs can create a profound impact on mental well-being. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to understand and manage high-functioning anxiety, offering hope and guidance toward a balanced and fulfilling life. Gift Guides, Do Something Workshop, Last week's episode on rest, Monica on the Calm Mom Podcast Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Gift Guid
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AP 652: How to Raise a Confident Teen in an Insecure World || Wise Women Series with Kristi Simons
12/12/2024 Duration: 40minIn this episode of the Wise Women Series, Monica welcomes Kristi Simons, an expert who is passionate about working with teens, to discuss the journey of self-discovery, self-worth, and empowerment. Kristi shares her personal story of transformation from being an educator to a confident teen coach. She opens up about her struggles with addiction and self-doubt, and how becoming a mother during the 2020 pandemic reshaped her life. With insightful anecdotes, Kristi explains how she helps teens combat the pressures of perfectionism, the impact of social media, and the importance of building resilience. Listeners will learn valuable tips on guiding teens through failure, the significance of self-care, and how minor daily moments shape our human experience. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Do Something Workshop, Last week's episode on rest Gift Guides Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Int
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AP 651: Do You Need to Rest More? How to Better Value and Prioritize Rest Alongside Your Responsibilities || with Dr. Yasmene Mumby
09/12/2024 Duration: 46minHave you ever felt overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, wondering if there's a better way to recharge? In this episode, I sit down with the insightful Dr. Yasmene Mumby to explore the transformative power of rest and relaxation. We dive into setting realistic goals, cultivating healthy habits, and embracing self-compassion as a cornerstone of personal growth. As we get deeper into our chat, Dr. Mumby shares some compelling stories about how taking time to rest has led to greater resilience and overall well-being. We tackle the everyday challenges people face in slowing down and the surprising benefits that come from giving yourself permission to rest. My aim with this episode is to equip you with the insights and inspiration to prioritize rest as a vital part of your self-improvement journey—I hope you find it as rejuvenating and energizing as I did. Referenced episode with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Did Something List episode, DSL Workshop, Did Something Guide Sign up as a Supporter to ge
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AP 650: This month's highs and lows, our out-of-state adventure, home improvements, four things I'm loving lately, and what I'm planning right now for the new year || Messy Middle December 2024
05/12/2024 Duration: 35minThis 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! State of the Podcast Address, Gift Guides, Did Something List episode, Did Something Guide, DSL Workshop Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Access exclusive supporter benefits Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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AP 649: A Better Way To End Your Year (+ Prep for Next) || A Did Something List
02/12/2024 Duration: 48minFeeling overwhelmed by planning and goal-setting? I've been there, too. In this episode I’m sharing my personal reflections on 2024 and how I'm going to use those insights to plan a meaningful and successful 2025. Let’s take a moment together to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, identify what truly matters, and set the right intentions for the new year. I introduce you to the 'win-win' formula and explain how looking back can guide your future goals. Plus, I’m offering you a free 'Did Something' guide to help you create your own roadmap for 2025. Join me for a heart-to-heart chat that includes practical tips, some personal stories, and, of course, that essential mix of a hug and a kick in the pants. Did Something Guide, DSL Workshop Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Gift Guides Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by Bett
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AP 648: Marriage Movie Club, ft. Back to the Future || BONUS episode from More Personal
28/11/2024 Duration: 53minThis is a bonus episode from a fun series on my premium podcast where my husband and I reclaim our old hobby of watching and discussing our favorite films. We talk about old favorites, hidden gems, and everything in between. Join us as we share our thoughts, debate the best scenes, and maybe even disagree a little. This episode originally aired on my listener-supported, premium podcast, More Personal. If you want access to more deep dives, including part two of this episode, honest reviews, casual convos, book reports, and other bonus content, make sure to become a supporter. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Gift Guides Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PROGRESS and get on your way to being your best self; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purch
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AP 647: How to Ensure YOU Enjoy the Holidays, Too (and Stop Self-Silencing) || with Dr. Amber Price
25/11/2024 Duration: 42minI’m excited to welcome back Dr. Amber Price as we delve into self-silencing, and why it's important to pay attention to during the upcoming holiday season. Dr. Price explains the roots and significance of this behavior, offering insights into how many of us unknowingly silence ourselves to meet others' expectations. We discuss the key aspects of self-silencing and identify red flags to help you recognize when you’re falling into this pattern. Dr. Price provides practical advice on reclaiming your autonomy and setting healthy boundaries without guilt. We explore ways to share responsibilities and maintain a balance between connecting with loved ones and honoring your own needs. Tune in to learn how to stop self-silencing and start fostering deeper connections with yourself and those around you. Referenced episode on traditions. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Gift Guides Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL T
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AP 646: How to Reasonably Fit In More Movement || Wise Women Series with Emily Nichols
21/11/2024 Duration: 41minPart of our new Wise Women Series, this is an inspiring chat with Emily Nichols, a fitness instructor and behavior change specialist. Emily shares her journey from struggling with fitness to becoming a coach who empowers women to seamlessly integrate movement into their lives. The story about her own health transformation with her husband was truly motivational. During our conversation, Emily also shares practical tips for overcoming obstacles to working out from home and emphasized the importance of finding a workout routine that fits your individual needs. If you're aiming to build sustainable fitness habits, tune in to this episode for valuable insights and inspiration! Referenced episode on traditions. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Gift Guides Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a
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AP 645: How can I prevent my “Mad Mom” side coming out at bedtime with my kids? || Coaching Call with Melissa
18/11/2024 Duration: 41minEver feel like you're running on empty by the time bedtime rolls around? You're not alone! Join me in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa, a devoted homeschooling mom of four, as we tackle this all-too-familiar problem. We discuss the immense responsibilities Melissa faces and how these shape her daily routine, plus how she strives to balance her desire for efficiency with her deep commitment to connecting with her children. Together, we brainstorm practical strategies to transform her evenings into moments of intentional connection without sacrificing much-needed self-care. Make sure to listen to the whole episode, this candid and relatable coaching session might just provide the right advice to help you navigate your own parenting challenges. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes T
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AP 644: State of the Podcast Address || Bonus Episode
14/11/2024 Duration: 48minWe just crossed our eight-year anniversary and it's time to do a 'State of the Podcast Address' where I'm opening up about why I keep pushing through the messy middle of my podcasting journey. You'll also hear a nostalgic snippet from my very first episode and the valuable lessons I've learned since then, such as the importance of doing things messy, doing them anyway, and doing them scared. I also discuss the challenges the podcasting industry is currently facing, how the supporters club is making a significant difference, and what the future holds for About Progress. Lastly, my husband Brad joins me to help answer some pressing questions about the podcast's journey and where we go from here. Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Referenced episodes: https://aboutprogress.com/most-likely-to-be-a-talk-show-host/, https://aboutprogress.com/introducing-more-personal/ Ac
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AP 643: How Becoming a Foodie Can Heal Your Relationship With Food (+ Your Body, Too) || with Brooke Eliason from Female Foodie
11/11/2024 Duration: 51minEver wondered if you could transform your relationship with food and make it a celebrated part of your life? In today's episode I'm joined by Brooke Eliason of Female Foodie, a true foodie with a vibrant love for all things culinary. Together we dive deep into her journey, exploring her heartfelt relationship with food, her experiences with diet culture, and her transformative trips to Italy. We discuss the beauty of intuitive eating, the joy of food rituals, and how embracing food as a celebration can enrich your life and relationships. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or someone looking to heal your relationship with food, this conversation is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical tips. Referenced episodes: Here Lies Monica, How to Use It Not Abuse It, Intuitive Eating Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habi
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AP 642: Enjoying fall festivities, learning some sign language, my upcoming Do Something List plans, and the documentary and book I'm loving || Messy Middle November 2024
07/11/2024 Duration: 22minThis 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! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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AP 641: How I’ve exclusively and consistently worked out from home for years
04/11/2024 Duration: 47minFrom managing interruptions to juggling the demands of a busy life, I'm walking you through my personal journey towards making home workouts a lasting habit. You’ll get insider tips on the equipment I use, my flexible workout schedule, and how I balance intensity and time. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting, there’s something in this episode for you. Tune in and discover how to make exercise a sustainable and enjoyable part of your routine. Plus, you won’t want to miss the touching DM from a listener that truly captures the essence of this journey. Get my workout musts here! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for
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AP 640: Deep Dive: Trad Wives || preview for More Personal
31/10/2024 Duration: 50minThis episode originally aired on my listener-supported, premium podcast, More Personal. If you want access to more deep dives, including part two of this episode, honest reviews, casual convos, book reports, and other bonus content, make sure to become a supporter. As a woman navigating modern life, I find myself torn between two worlds. On one hand, I embrace traditional values: marriage, motherhood, and homemaking. Yet, I also recognize the importance of feminism and the pursuit of equality. Ultimately, I believe in a woman's right to decide, and navigate, her own path. The "tradwife movement," while appealing to some, raises concerns about potential limitations and societal pressures. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a society where women are empowered and valued for their contributions, regardless of their chosen path. Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, g
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AP 639: What to Do If You’re Facing a Crisis of Confidence || with Dina Scippa
28/10/2024 Duration: 49minSomething that I noticed after the 2020 pandemic was that my face changed dramatically, leaving me feeling insecure after years of stress and upheaval. Even though I knew better, I was struggling with attaching my sense of self to my outward appearance. Fortunately, I was able to have a conversation with Dina Scippa, a life coach and founder of Enough Labs, who specializes in helping women navigate crises of confidence and reconnect with their true selves. We explore what confidence truly means, how life circumstances can deeply affect our self-esteem, and practical steps you can take to regain self-trust and authenticity. Plus, Dina offers invaluable tips on dealing with low moments and how to build a sustainable foundation of self-confidence. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to uplift and empower. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefit