About Progress

When Ellyse Harris quit her beloved job as a teacher to stay home with her newborn son, she found she needed something to remind herself of who she was. So she started to sew dolls of beautiful animals. And then those dolls became something people wanted to buy, and soon without even intending to, Ellyse found herself the founder of a small, but thriving, business. Ellyse is on the show to share how doing something small--creating again for her mental health--lead to so much more. She also shares how being the recipient of the High Five Grant(see this past episodefor more details on that--another round is coming up in January!) is going to go towards pushing her little business to the next level. Show Notes Ellyse's websiteand Instagram Mama Ladder's upcoming High Five Grant Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!) My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5) Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some days (weeks, and months) are just plain hard. There's no way around it. Except . . . . maybe we can laugh about it? Granted, those laughs might not be appropriate or helpful during all hard trials, but at very least finding ways to see the light even in the hard can miraculously change our perspective. Mandi Winkelmanis on the show to share how her own choice to see the light AND the humor in her dark times has lightened things and changed her views of her own suffering. Show Notes Mandi's websiteand Instagram Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!) My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5) Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Join Monica on Facebookand Instagram Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know that children's negative actions (anger, lashing out, tantrums, wailing, etc.) are often just the misplacement of their true emotions? (Think: exhaustion, frustration, disappointment.) It's true! Kids who are reacting in negative ways actually need guidance to understand what is really happening within themselves and, in turn, better cope with what life throws at them. This is called "emotional responsibility," where one truly recognizes their emotions, takes charge of them, and cares for them. Mindful Art Company's founders, Candace Little and Becky Farley, are on the show to teach us how to engage with ourselves (this is essential) and our children in a powerful way so they better learn how to do just that. Want to transform your family culture? I can guarantee that this will do just that. Show Notes Mindful Art Co's websiteand Instagram (get 50% off their digital products with the code "PROGRESS") Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for December's admittance are closed, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for January!) My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's hard to stay centered within our social media word as it is, but throw yourself into the middle of the holiday season and you'll easily find yourself spinning out of control. Courtney Casper wants to help you hit pause and reset your life based off of what reallymatters. For her, this includes a life of spirituality, choice, and intention. Listen to learn how to navigate difficult spiritual feelings, pressure to conform to and get caught up in the pulls of social media, and how to make the most of the smaller moments of our day, and the miracle of those small moments amounting to big investments in yourself. Show Notes Courtney's Websiteand Instagram Join my Progress Program: LAST few days to join my SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for acceptance are open next week, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for the group meeting time you want!) My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WE are celebrating TWO YEARS of the podcast! And I mean "we," because About Progress would be nothing without the listeners and the community we have created together. Today, I'm sharing four big lessons this little podcast taught me the past two years, including: Do it for you Consistency trumps everything Progress is messy (embrace the "messy middle") "Done" is better than perfect Additionally, I'm giving a sneak peek to how the show will change next year. The BEST (and scariest) change is that we will literally be hearing more from YOU the listeners. Listen in to hear how! Show Notes My Interview on Jealousy with Rachel Neilson of 3in30 podcast Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for acceptance are open next week, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for the group meeting time you want!) My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code “PROGRESS” for $5) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Body positivity AND swimwear? Yes, both!! Mother-daughter duo Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst weren't out to create a company when Kristie wanted to simply sew a swimsuit she felt confident in postpartum--but that's what happened! What sets June Loop apart? Instead of buying into having a one-size-only model approach (like most swimwear companies) June Loop strives to show that ALL women belong in beautiful suits and to feel confident about their unique bodies. From having "normal" ladies of all shapes and sizes model and do "try-ons" for their suits, to constantly delivering body positive messages, the ladies of June Loop have a mission to stand out in the fashion business. They deliver by guiding women to FEEL happy, stop worrying over their looks, and instead act fully present in their strong (swim)suit. Show Notes June Loop's website(use code "holiday30" to get 30% off from November 20-26th!) June Loop's Instagramand Facebook Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women (doors for acceptance are open next week, but you can apply now to reserve your slot for the group meeting time you want!) My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code "PROGRESS" for $5) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How would you respond to your spouse, friend, or sibling who express serious doubts about their faith? Brad Packer--Monica's husband--is on the show today to share what this was like for him. He answers: How he knew something was wrong. What he felt about Monica's struggles. How he supported her. Why he sticks with his faith. Additionally, Monica and Brad go through some Q&A submitted by the listeners, including how they are raising their children in the LDS faith, what resources have been helpful, what other issues are part of Monica's faith crises struggle, and more. If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!! Show Notes Prior posts on my faith: here, here, and here All the Books that have helped me Instagram, Facebook group, and websitementioned that were helpful resources and support Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women My new Work in Progress T-shirt!!(Use code "PROGRESS" for $5) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we changed the way we looked at doubts and times where we face great spiritual darkness? What if we decided instead that this WAS what faith is supposed to look like: a series of spiritual growing pains? Paul Cardall faced a deep spiritual crisis after surviving a heart transplant. Instead of joy, he felt consumed by trying to live up to the great blessing that it was to live. Everything in his life fell a part, and he couldn't understand why God had let him live and not the friends and children with the same congenital heart problems he had. Paul freely shares what faith looks like for him, how he's navigated his own series of darkness and questions, and what we can individually do to move through our own times of doubt and GROW! If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!! Show Notes: Paul's Website, new Christmas CD, and his recent Worth of Souls Project Past episodes with Paul: hereand here Progress Program!!! SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress Coaching Songs Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and LDS articles on women giving blessings here and here All the Books that have helped me Lamb of God and Rob Gardner's website Paul Cardall's website Carol Lynn Pearson's website Join my Progress Program: SMALL-group GROWTH coaching for women My new Work in Progress T-shirt!! (Use code "PROGRESS" for $5) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Notes: The Johnson's Instagramand Website Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just another week! Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress CoachingSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 more weeks Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress CoachingSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 CoachingSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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” and “Warm Lights” by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Instagram Last week's episode on Mindfulness with Andy Proctor Progress Program!!! Doors for application are open for just a few more weeks Contact Monica for podcast consultingand Progress CoachingSong Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Facebook Last week's episodes with Jody Moore and Natasha Grasso 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

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 Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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

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 how to get the hang of establishing your morning routine Show Notes: Chanelle's Podcast, Website and Instagram Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

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 Promise" and "Warm Lights" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 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

"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 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 Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

"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 a discount for $35 off) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

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 Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $25 and listen to the episode to hear a discount for $35 off) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

Camille Andros is used to juggling a lot of balls. As an author and mother of six, she often battles having a lot of important priorities and all at the same time. Not just in spite of this, but because of it, Camille has learned that in order to be "all in" and present with the task at hand, you have to practice the mindset of intentionality. Creating this mindset shift has enabled Camille to be a better author, mother, and work on her own self-development. Listen to learn how this is the case for Camille, as well as how she learned the importance of knowing her own "why" in all areas of her life, and about her new book The Dress and the Girl and its timely release during this important historical moment of immigration crises. Show Notes: Camille's Instagram, Website, and BOOKS: HERE (The Dress and the Girl) and HERE (Charlotte the Scientist is Squished)! Referenced episode with Preston Pugmire and his free Facebook group 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 a discount for $35 off) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

When Crystalee Beck got laid off three years ago, her first stop was to the library for some new books and then she took herself on a hike. Now as a successful entrepreneur and mother, Crystalee knows and practices the research behind how "playing" as an adult leads to far more productivity. Playing for the pure fun of it will bless anyone's lives, whether you're a stay-at-home mama or a climbing the corporate ladder. Listen to learn why this is the case and how it can translate in ways big or small to your own life. And join the Mama Spring Break (I'll be there!!!) while early registration is open! Mingle with fellow mamas making their own businesses, learn from the brightest mamas in the field, and--true to the preachings of this podcast--have some fun along the way! Show Notes: Mama Spring Break The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, and Facebook Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $50 during July, only!) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

I am so ecstatic to reach 100 episodes today! In honor of this wonderful number, I'm going to take you behind-the-scenes to the podcast: where the numbers are at, what's hard about it, what's wonderful, and where it's headed. This is unscripted and unedited. Stick with me through all the awkwardness, pauses, and stutters! Because friends, I'm in this for you. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE! Show Notes: 50th Episode State of the Podcast Address My interview with Unpolished Podcast My Interview with Preston Pugmire Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

"If I hadn’t made the bad paintings, then I wouldn’t have made the good paintings either.” I have three of Beth Allen's prints hanging on the walls of my home. I want about 100 more, and some of the "real thing," too. Beth amazed me during our chat not just because of this artistry she has never known life without, but because of how she has worked so hard to hone her craft, given it permission to take all sorts of forms and genres, and allowed it to teach her that she simply can't be too hard on herself. Because Beth learned through years of fighting an eating disorder that smothered her creativity, that you have to be willing to allow room for imperfections to create masterpieces. Listen in to hear how Beth has cultivated her gift, how she navigates keeping her own character in her work while still satisfying others, what she learned the hard way from being a perfectionist, and what self-care looks like for her and its essential place in encouraging her artistry to flourish. Show Notes: Beth's Website and Instagram Last week's episode with Beauty Redefined and their Course (use code APBR30 for $30 off!!) Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

My daughter--Bear (secret code name!)--sat down in front of my desk on Sunday morning and asked to record an episode. I happily obliged, thinking it was just for the memories. But, she actually proved to record something pretty inspiring! She turns 7 today, so as a little surprise I thought I'd share this with you. Bear is very unique. She's very bright, creative, and very sensitive. She's had to overcome a lot in her short life and I'm very proud of her. Bear is a dreamer. She is totally into koalas and talks about them--and marine life--all day long, and wants to plan our study trip to Australia all day, every day (down to what plane we are taking and when). Bear is very inspired by the female scientists she's learned about thanks to her Bravery Magazines. (This have no idea I'm sharing this, but you need them!) If it sounds like she's reading off of something, Bear is not. She might have her dad's photographic memory--we're not sure yet, but this is the way she talks (exactly how she read it!). I encourage you to listen until the end when you get to hear about her own dreams! I hope you enjoy learning from Bear and her female scientists. Show Notes: Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

“When you think of your body in terms of what it can do and how you feel in it, instead of just how it looks, you open up this whole new world.” The past few years, there has been some shifts in how society (and by extension, advertising) is labeling "beautiful." But Doctors Lindsay and Lexie Kite of Beauty Redefined think that we can do even better. This is because even by broadening the definition of "beauty," we are still telling women that they are defined by their beauty. Lindsay and Lexie have researched the effect this thinking has on women and their lives, and they know what it takes to change it. The fact is that women ARE being held back by being objectified (including self-objectification), and that when they step into their own power and build BODY IMAGE RESILIENCE, their potential is limitless. Listen in to hear why this is the case and how we can empower ourselves by building this body image resilience. (Plus they have a tried-and-true course on this, so listen in to hear about that too!) Show Notes: Beauty Redefined Website, Instagram, and Course! Last week's episode with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets HERE and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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

“If you’re going to be someone who is interested in intimacy, you have to be accepting of your body as it is. If you’re going to be capable of doing that, you have to forge a kind of meaningful self acceptance and self compassion.” Good body image = good sex. Bad body image = bad sex. It’s really that simple. Because it’s never about our bodies. It’s about how we are measuring our self-worth and the meaning we have placed on our bodies as an extension of our sense of self. And that measurement affects all areas our lives, including our love lives. Want to know more about why that is and how to change it? Listen to my podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on how we can get in better tune with what really matters—our minds and our souls—and by extension, improve both our body image AND our intimacy. (If you like the episode, please subscribe and SHARE IT! Thank you!) Show Notes: Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's WEBSITE, upcoming Art of Desire Wasatch Retreat, and Jackson Hole Couples Retreat! Prior Interviews with Jennifer: Here, here, and here. Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "JULY" to save $50 during July, only!) Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting and personal 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 sad how easy it is to let our marriages slip into a place of neglect. But this needn't be if we just better prioritize our relationship and our spouse's needs! Becky Squire is here to discuss what the research shows about how putting your marriage first benefits your children and what husbands and wives need more of from each other. While the actual practice of these concepts will look different for each family, better prioritizing the most important relationship in the family will bless everyone. Show Notes Becky's blog and referenced articles: here, here, and here Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) 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

Kari Durrant is our wonderful highlight today! Kari shares boldly about how even as a health care professional, her own anxiety and depression pushed her to shift what she was doing in her life. For her, that meant admitting that the career path she was on wasn't the right thing for her, stepping back, and instead getting more honest with herself. The greatest thing about this? That meant doing things she LOVED again, including painting, hand-lettering, and even a triathlon. She has picked up so many skills, built a community, and more--all because she went for something small. You can follow Kari here! She's also started offering water coloring classes, and I've signed up to knock off one of my own "do somethings." You can listen to both parts 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 Kari's Instagram and Facebook Referenced episode with Lisa from Hand Lettered Design Referenced episode with Amber from Biceps After Babies Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) 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 was when I chose to let those small pieces of criticism encompass my thoughts that I started to doubt what I was doing.” Whether you are a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a star athlete, we all deal with the self-doubt, especially when initiated by criticism. Kylie Chenn created a very successful company at a very young age; but she constantly dealt with--and continues to--people who pushed back on her and her ideas, or others who were impossible to please. Four years in to her business, Kyle has learned irreplaceable wisdom on how to not look to the external voices to measure your own worth. She shares what she did to overcome the nay-sayers, and how as her business continues to grow what she does to hold true to who she knows she truly is and the positive that is all around her. So if your special in-law or overwhelming boss is getting your goat today, listen to this episode to learn how to ensure your self worth can become so deeply grounded that you can bounce back from criticism and self doubt, and more fully own who you are and what you contribute to the world. Show Notes Kylie's Instagram, aCanela Website, and Instagram Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) 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

“At what point do we figure out the cost is too high, and are we willing to put it down?” It's one thing to know that our devices are getting in the way of our relationships, work, and creative outlets. But it's another to successfully do something about it. Brooke White knows the struggle well. As an independent musician (she got her big break on American Idol ten years ago) and business woman (Girls with Glasses!), social media is a big part of her creating a committed online community that supports her work. But even with all that on the line, earlier this year Brooke found herself in a predicament: what started as a way to personally connect with her loved ones and beloved fans, social media was now robbing her of the life right in front of her. So Brooke decided to do something about it, starting with a month-long fast that quickly changed everything. Brooke and I planned on a 30 minute discussion on what she learned from her fast and how she is now attempting to still have social media in her life, but not BE her life. But as we dug into it, we had to quickly own that this topic involves a very layered, complicated relationship that all of us can relate to. Beyond it just being about prioritizing time, balancing our lives with social media entails a much deeper work including evaluating our purpose, owning our insecurities, and refusing to settle for a life numbed-out. Because of this, we chose to separate our chat into two parts. Part One: Brooke shares her history of using social media as a way to share so purely her life with others, and how this pursuit so gradually took over her ability to be present with her real life. She talks about a few moments where she had to accept that she needed to change her focus, not just with her social media use but with her life as well. Show Notes Brooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with Glasses Monica's Past Episode on Technology Kim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website, Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) 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

“You’re allowed to choose to love yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s not self-centered. It’s quite simple. If you’re ready, go ahead.” Part Two: Brooke talks about what her social media break taught her, including some heart-breaking lessons. She discusses the struggle she's encountered as she steps back into her online life while still trying to balance her greater priorities, and what has worked for her. Finally, she openly shares the difficult lessons she has learned the past few years about how accepting herself fully--faults and all--is the key to really, truly moving forward with a richer, happier life. Show Notes Brooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with Glasses Monica's Past Episode on Technology Kim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website, Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) 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

"We don’t want or need to be perfect all the time. We need to be open to change and learning." If you're constantly berating yourself for falling short as a parent, I have fantastic news for you: You don't have to be a perfect parent to be a very good one. Parenting expert Georgia Anderson is on the show to share how research proves that a perfectionist parent is actually an ineffective--and unhappy--one. Instead, Georgia encourages this alternative: showing our kids that we aren't perfect, but that we will always work to repair our mistakes and keep trying. The way to do this? Georgia shares some phenomenal tips, including how showing yourself more compassion will transfer to your children, what to do when you see red, how we can use our bodies to change our emotions, and much more. Georgia was kind enough to share some big moments in her own life where she learned that perfectionism was holding her back as a parent, and how she squared her shoulders and moved forward during a traumatic change she and her family faced. Show Notes Georgia's Website, Instagram, and Facebook + her new THINK-DO CHALLENGE "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) 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

Show Notes Joanna's Instagram and Website "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Action of any kind--even if it's small--makes that big difference of showing you that you're not giving your power away and your life away." We live in a world of experts, ones that make you constantly feel guilty or frazzled. But Sid Garza-Hillman is here to hold your hand, make you laugh, and somehow inspire you to be better anyway, all with the premise that doing the right things most of the time (MOTT) is a really beautiful way to live. If you're an "all-or-nothing" person and find yourself most often on the "nothing" side of the equation, that way of viewing the world isn't working for you. It's time for a different way of managing the person you want to become. Sid teaches how to break intimidating goals and life-changes down into smaller, more manageable steps. And the even better part? How our follow-through needs not be 100% in order to still create truer, longer-lasting change. Self-care is showing yourself kindness, and Sid reveals that doing so as a parent will make you a far better influence for your children. The kids will take notice of your changes and walk the talk, just like mom and dad. Show Notes Sid's Book, Website, Instagram and Facebook Most recent episode with Meg Fee "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"If I try to stamp [sadness] out, then I'm cutting myself off from happiness in many ways because it's part of the spectrum. The two things are not inseparable. You cannot have one without the other." I'm sure many of us can agree that our 20s were equal parts traumatizing and memorable. Meg Fee's writing has allowed thousands along the ride to her won experience of this transformative decade. Meg freely and beautifully shared her struggles to overcome deep sadness due to "Ned" (her Nasty Eating Disorder), amazing first dates, frustrating bad boyfriends, and terrible jobs, all with the backdrop of New York City. Listen to this episode to hear more about what Meg lost to and what she gained from sadness, how language and writing were always apart of her story, what she does to move forward without regret, and how life's many curves can take us to a place far more meaningful than we ever could have forged on our own. Meg teaches how we can better couple with the sadness that is often our lot in life and that by doing so, we create more room for happiness, too. Meg also shares some insight behind her new buzz-worthy memoir, Places I Stopped on the Way Home. It's a page-turner! Check the show notes below for more links, as well as how to stream the episode right here in your browser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There are all sorts of ways for us to make a nice big mess and come out with something glorious in the end.” I knew Cori Connors growing up as the "Mom" of the neighborhood--the one always ready to laugh with instead of scold you, eager to cheer you on, and willing to sit with you when you're down. She is an angel to many, and she also has an angel voice backed by her record-selling songwriting abilities. Cori talks about how creativity cannot flourish while in the restraints of perfectionism; that in order to really get to the meat of who we are and the gifts we have, we need to get comfortable with being messy. Cori shares how we can better discover our talents and offer our own weirdness to the world with a bold confidence, one centered in love, curiosity, and imperfection. That's what Cori does, and she can tell you the truth--life is better messy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Those things I’m thinking or feeling are there to guide me, and I can trust what is going on inside of me and it will lead me to good.” Two years ago, Debbie Mayes and her family moved from a 5,000 sq foot home to a 200 sq foot remodeled bus and it changed everything. Here's the thing: it's not about the bus. It's about RECONNECTION. You see, the problem the Mayes family had was that they weren't as connected as a couple, as a family, or individually as well with their own emotions. Debbie and her husband, Gabriel, dove deep to repair what was broken for their household, and for them it meant allowing their emotions to act as beacons for self-healing and spending real quality time together as a family. So after listening to this interview, maybe you'll be interested in pairing your life down to the basics like the Mayes family did. Or perhaps you'll figure out how to better own the inner voices within you. Either way, Debbie and her team just want you to know that what's on the other side of this work is a much happier life. Show Notes The Mayes Team website, Instagram, and Facebook Bethel Podcast that Debbie referenced Last Week's Episode on COMPARISON Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS") and your FREE WEEK here The Mama Ladder's High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know that using social media directly correlates with higher rates of depression and anxiety? I believe the root of why this is the case is COMPARISON. After all, comparison truly is the thief of joy. I hate imagining how many times in my life (both on social media and in real life) I've been too caught up in seeing what I lack in comparison to others, only to miss the incredible blessings right in front of me. I'm sure the number is countless. I know that comparison is the root of my history of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, shame, worry, etc. Related to that are my flaws: I can be a people pleaser, I want people to like me, and I often look to others to reflect back my worth. BUT, I also believe that discovering this tendency in myself to compare has been a huge blessing. It's something I can actually work on and move past towards a richer, fuller life. Overcoming the comparison trap is a lesson I've had to learn over and over again, because it's sneaky and masks itself as other things (examples: stress, anxiety, apathy, sadness, etc.). Today's podcast episode is all about comparison. I talk about how it crept up on me the past few months and directly influenced my confidence and my productivity, and how I almost quit everything podcast-related because of it. I also share what the comparison trap can look like for all of us, including how easy it is to get caught in it through social media, and teach WHAT we can do to shift our mindset away from comparison towards self-assurance. If you like this episode, please SHARE it, subscribe, and leave a review! Show Notes Last Week's Episode on FEAR The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, Facebook, High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! (+ About Progress episode with three of the artists behind it.) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You already have within you what you need." What's holding you back from going after a goal, business, or piece of self-improvement? I bet you a million dollars that we can take whatever reason you'd say and get it back to the real main root: FEAR. Crystalee Beck from The Mama Ladder is on the show to teach us about seven common fears people face on their way to success and how to overcome them. So whether you're a mama who wants to turn her hobby into a business, an empty nester who can't get out of a rut, or a single man who can't seem to find the courage to switch careers, this episode is for you. Listen in to hear how we can overcome fear in the form of self-doubt, fear of failure, fear of SUCCESS (yes, this is real!), fear of money, and more. Crystalee teaches that all you need to overcome your fears is already inside of you. Additionally, Crystalee shares an incredible opportunity for a mama who wants to get a business going with the High Five Grant. The Mama Ladder is hosting a contest to give 5K to a deserving mom-turned-entrepreneur. Let's make a winner an About Progress listener! (And if we do, I'll have the winner on the show!) Crystalee has kindly given our listeners her e-book on fear for FREE! Click here to get it. Show Notes The Mama Ladder's website, Instagram, Facebook, High Five Grant, and FREE E-book for About Progress Listeners Last week's episode with Amber Runyon Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for coaching or consultations Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“People need three things to thrive: safe place, safe people, and safe purpose. We always forget that purpose piece” On a humanitarian trip to Ethiopia, Amber Runyon saw a big need--women and their families who were in the eleventh hour of suffering due to the effects of human trafficking. Imagine her shock when upon returning home, she discovered that her own city--Columbus, Ohio--was the fourth biggest city in the U.S. with human trafficking. What she first thought was a foreign problem was in her backyard--women who were sacrificing themselves to feed their children, with devastating outcomes. Amber wasn't going to have that. So this nurse became a founder of an incredible company, one that benefits victims of human trafficking, and in turn their families and larger communities, most domestic and abroad. Without any experience, but a lot of determination, Amber created a pathway out for those women by providing them with a save PLACE, PEOPLE, and PURPOSE. Amber talks about what her company does and how it helps those who are in darkness come back to the light. Amber also shares how she herself learned to create light in her own life after realizing she wouldn't want to be friends with herself. She now feels differently about that, and Amber teaches us how she got there. Be ready to be SUPER inspired by this incredible woman! Show Notes Eleventh Candle Co. Website (use the code "PROGRESS" to get 20% off!), Instagram, and Facebook Last week's episode with Andi Veenker Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The second you start doing something, you change your state.” Andi Veenker is a fitness wizard and self-help fanatic. But here's the best thing about her--she preaches that nothing will fix you (no book, no weight on the scale, no achievement, no nothing) UNTIL you love yourself first. And in order to find that self-love, you need to do something. (Does that sound familiar?) Andi is on the show to share how she learned to face depression head on by doing something about it as early on as possible (in contrast to her first round with postpartum depression). She teaches us how filling your life with daily small-to-great courageous acts will empower you to face those mental demons and create something spectacular with your life. Show Notes Andi's Instagram and Website Last week's episode on JOY Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Instagram and website Related: Monica's views on Sponsorship and WHY she's partnering with Monat Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) (Affiliate link) Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) Contact Monica for coaching or consultations More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices