About Progress

In today's fast-paced world, finding focus can often feel like an impossible feat. Cody Cook-Parrott shared that when our attention is scattered due to overstimulation and technology addiction, we unintentionally lose a part of ourselves. Addressing this requires us to step away from shame, gently asking what we might be avoiding, and experimenting with practices that reclaim our attention through...

What if learning how to be happier isn’t about fixing your circumstances, but shifting your perspective? In this honest conversation, Mandi Winkleman shares how she navigated NICU stays, motherhood overwhelm, and everyday chaos with self-compassion and humor. We talk about personal growth and development in real life, daily habits that support emotional resilience, and how to stop being a perfecti...

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 simpl...

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 journ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

(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, Mon...

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...

In a recent coaching call with Janie, a mother navigating the shift from a professional career as a social worker to a stay-at-home mom, we delved into the deep-seated challenges that accompany such a monumental transition. Janie, like many, found herself yearning for personal connection and a sense of self amid the continuous tasks of motherhood. Throughout our discussion, we addressed practical...

What if feeling happier didn’t require more control, stricter rules, or perfect habits? In this powerful conversation, we explore how personal development, daily habits, and self-compassion intersect with our relationship to food and our bodies. Beth Summers breaks down why fear, perfectionism, and self-distrust keep so many women stuck—and how personal growth and development can begin by learning...

Join Monica and Taylor for a thoughtful (and surprisingly layered!) chat about the "not like other girls" conundrum. What started as a casual comment during recording turned into a fascinating exploration of how we as women pit ourselves against each other—and for what? In this episode, we unpack: The origins of the "not like other girls" trope and how it shows up in our lives Our own experiences...

In keeping with something I've done on the podcast for a few years now, I'm thrilled to share with you my Do Something List for 2026. This list isn't about setting strict goals, but prioritizing daily fulfillment. Each item on the list encourages me to honor my interests and passions, from baking something new monthly to hosting girls' nights and rediscovering hobbies like sketching wildflowers. T...

Ever find yourself stuck in the same argument over and over? Therapist KC Davis sheds light on how hidden defense mechanisms and vulnerabilities fuel these cycles. Her insights reveal that the stories we tell ourselves about our partners can turn simple pain into full-blown panic. By recognizing these patterns, we can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection. In her book, "...

In this powerful clip from one of today’s most loved self help podcasts, Cathy Heller breaks down why perfectionism keeps us stuck — and how embracing messy beginnings is the key to real personal growth and development. This conversation explores how to be happier, practice self-compassion, and build sustainable daily habits that support self improvement without shame. A must-listen for anyone nav...

Join Monica for February's Book Report, where she shares her latest literary adventures—from touching novels about unlikely families to eye-opening reads about tech and teens. This month's lineup features some real gems, including three rare five-star reads: a cross-country journey with an unforgettable hero, a graphic guide that might just change how you think about smartphones, and a beautifully...

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 simpl...

Life can feel overwhelmingly chaotic, and I've often found myself needing help to navigate through it. During these tumultuous times, I've learned that small, consistent habits are crucial. By embracing habits that are personal, seasonal, and flexible, I can help myself feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. Recently, my life has been filled with professional demands like editing a book and prep...

Amber shares why connection gets deeper when we stop performing and start showing the real parts of ourselves — even the messy ones. We talk about how perfectionism and “shoulds” make it harder to belong, and how practicing self-compassion is one of the most underrated daily habits for feeling happier and more authentic in relationships. If you’re into gentle personal development and self-help tha...

This episode is a “Remember When,” a monthly episode to honor About Progress turning 10 years old. Looking back at 2016, I’m filled with a mix of nostalgia and awe at the start of my journey with About Progress. That year marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for my blog and podcast, but for my personal growth. My first foray into blogging, followed by launching the podcast in November,...

Navigating the labyrinth of personal finance can often feel overwhelming, especially with societal pressures and the constant barrage of advice from various "experts." I myself have struggled with the anxiety of managing budgets and feeling as though I'm constantly missing the mark. Thankfully, Rebecca Palmer, a seasoned financial advisor, has shared insights that have reframed the way I view mone...

Lysha Smith opens up about how perfectionism, grief, and daily stress can coexist with joy, creativity, and growth. This conversation blends personal development with self-compassion and shows how to be happier by finding outlets that restore your energy. A self-help podcast favorite for women learning how to stop being a perfectionist, build healthier daily habits, and explore self care for mothe...

The Do Something List has been a game-changer, evolving from my personal challenge into a lifeline for so many women aiming to prioritize personal fulfillment. This year, I’m sharing new insights from our workshop to align with how our lives continue to shift. The simplicity of adding small, meaningful tasks to our lives—like embracing a “me day” or trying something new—enables us to reconnect wit...

What if joy in marriage isn't about chasing happiness, but embracing courage? Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's enlightening perspective reshapes our understanding of joy—not as mere happiness but as a deeper, more embodied openness to love and goodness, even amidst life's challenges. This kind of joy is interwoven with eros love—an expansive, soul-reaching connection that pushes us beyond our comfort...