About Progress

"Joy [is] a spiritual way of engaging with the world that's connected to practicing gratitude." ~Brene Brown If you've been working on happiness, get ready to up-level it to JOY. Joy is different than happiness. It's deeper and more eternal in nature and effect. It's earned through opposition. It's chosen and cultivated. And when the going REALLY gets tough, the good news is that "joy" will be there for us. In this episode, we go deep in discussing why joy is different and longer lasting than happiness, and how we can choose it by focusing on: 1) Keeping Perspective 2) Being Present 3) Maintaining a Practice of Gratitude Show Notes Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (affiliate amazon link) Last week's episode with Paul Cardall, Kenz Hall, and Charley Jenkins: 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

"We need to create something for someone else that they might not be able to create themselves." ~Charley Jenkins Surely, we can all agree that music has defined our lives from time to time--but what about save our lives? That's exactly what the Worth of Souls project and album is trying to do. Paul Cardall and a troop of incredible artists collaborated to create a movement designed to save people who are at the brink of complete despair, to pull them back from depression, doubt, anxiety, negativity, and worthlessness. Paul and two of his artists--Kenz Hall and Charley Jenkins--joined the podcast today to talk about the project and why they're passionate about it, the mission behind their songs, and how music has the unique ability to change--and even rescue--lives by reminding us all of our eternal value. Show Notes Worth Of Souls Project--where you can get the album, find out more about it and the project, and explore resources. PLEASE SHARE IT! Paul's website, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook Kenz's website, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook Charley's website, YouTube, and Facebook PAST INTERVIEW WITH PAUL Last week's episode: Managing Our Thoughts to Find More Joy in Parenthood, with Lisa Andersen 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

"We can flip our thinking about our kids. They don't make us feel any certain way. It's us. We have that control." You want to know a magical trick for parenting? You're in charge. I know, revolutionary right? But really--you are in charge. However, not in the way you might think. Here's how: You're in charge of YOURSELF. Your thoughts, your emotions, and your actions. Regardless of what your kids do and who they are (after all you can do to teach them, of course!), only you can manage how you show up around your kids. It's not your kids' fault when you're up to your neck with stress, anger, bitterness, and anxiety about parenting them. That's on you! The good news is that because of this, you can actually shift how you feel about your kids and parenting--and you are truly capable of doing so. If you want more joy and less resentment/guilt in your parenthood journey, listen in to this episode with Lisa Andersen from @thrivingmotherhood. She is brilliant at instructing us how to better manage our thinking so that we find more fulfillment in our parenthood and by extension increase our capacity to better guide our children to manage their own thinking, emotions, and actions. Show Notes Lisa's Instagram Last week's episode: Overcoming the Complexities of Our Childhoods, with Rachel Nielson 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

“Think of your own child being that scared and how you would comfort them. Treat yourself with similar grace.” Rachel Nielson didn't realize how much her mother's long battle with cancer affected her childhood until it was affecting her adulthood, and badly. She found herself stuck in a terrible cycle of self-hatred and perfectionism, coupled with a Savior's-complex within her relationships. Years of therapy and growth taught Rachel how to move beyond the trauma of her youth and better embrace her present and, most importantly, herself. Rachel is on the podcast to teach us what we can do to move past the insecurities, bad relationships, poor influences, sadnesses, and traumas of our childhoods and better create the life we want to live. She also shares how she learned to embrace grace in how she views her parents and extend that grace to her own life as well. Show Notes Rachel's Website, Podcast, and Instagram Last week's episode: Are you Happy? 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

Let me ask you this: are you happy? Why is it that most of us would have a really hard time answering that question? Well, I have a lot of theories. People too often have the wrong idea of what happiness actually looks like (it's not rainbows and butterflies, people!), and they hinge it on their circumstances or others. I've been guilty of this. Oh, have I been guilty! (Sorry, husband, for all the times I made your responsible for my happiness!) So today's podcast is devoted to my thoughts on happiness--what it REALLY looks like, and three ways we can work on our happiness right now, right here. Show Notes Last week's episode: How to Find Real Strength in Vulnerability || with Preston Pugmire 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Weakness is pretending that you’re not feeling emotions, [and thereby] denying yourself of that humanity.” If you haven't heard of Preston Pugmire, get yourself acquainted quick. This "renaissance man" has a lot to say and it's going to change your life. Preston--a speaker, life coach, musician, and podcaster (Next Level Life)--teaches us how to free ourselves from shame, guilt, and perfectionism by tearing down the facades we've created and getting to the heart of who we truly are. In other words, VULNERABILITY. Preston himself knows what this looks like first-hand, as he unexpectedly had his own facade torn down and his true self become exposed. Living life more authentically has transformed everything for the better and Preston believes it can transform our lives as well. Preston speaks about how men in particular are imprisoned emotionally--and by extension, in every other way--by not allowing themselves to explore their real, authentic identity. For us all, Preston teaches how we can discover that our greatest strength comes from our vulnerability. Show Notes Preston's website, Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook community Last week's episode: Arming Kids Against Pornography 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We have to continually have those conversations because it normalizes the idea of talking about tough topics." Dina Alexander returned to the podcast to teach parents how to talk to our children about another hard topic: pornography. We first discuss what Dina has researched are the trends in pornography, including the average age of exposure, what your children are "learning" from porn, and how they are targeted by the industry. This information is essential to knowing better what our children are up against and HOW to better prepare them to make good decisions when they are faced with pornography (and the research shows, they will ALL be exposed to it at some point). Dina then shares a variety of ways to open the dialogue with children, first by using proper sexual education and then by empowering our kids to know the truth behind the porn industry--what false messages they teach, how they use teens as a primary target. We can then go into arming our kids to actively fight against the tides of culture and instead choose a life with healthy sexuality pursued at the right time. And we can do all of this without using guilt and shame. Ultimately, Dina teaches parents that the best thing we can do for our children is provide a family culture of open dialogue where no topics are off the table. And in turn, the effects are children who are better empowered to stand up and live their values. Show Notes Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books Educate and Empower Kids' book on pornography, books on body image, book on technology Dina's last interview on Body Image Last week's episode: Monica's birth story 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a follow-up to my interview with childbirth educator Laura Dugovic, here is the birth story of my sweet baby born on February 5th. (I share his name briefly on the interview, but won't be typing it up here as I guard my kids' names online.) You'll hear about what led up to the birth, what I did to help with the pain without using an epidural, and how Laura's resources and positive affirmations completely transformed this birth. Instead of feeling either traumatized or like a caged animal as I have in the past, I felt strong and centered. If you've been following along with me on Instagram, then you know that E had emergency surgery at 9 days old, just a few days after recording this episode. His intestines were twisted, which is life threatening as the bowels can quickly die. We returned home much sooner than we planned after six days total at the hospital, five of which were in the PICU. Thank you SO much for your many messages during this time, and most especially your prayers. We felt them and know that his surgery and outcome were miraculous. Show Notes: Laura's Website, Resources for positive affirmations, and Instagram Last week's episode on fighting terminal illness with Mandie Sherman 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have learned that anything that I thought of myself, that I saw of myself, is not nearly the capacity that I truly am." Mikael Monson NEVER planned on homeschooling her four children; in fact, she was staunchly against it for some time. But when the inner call for her came to pull her kids out of public school and teach them from home, Mikael took a huge leap of faith and did just that. Mikael shares why homeschooling is the right fit for her family, how she does it, and what she has learned about standing firm with her convictions. Ultimately, she believes that if everyone listened and followed the voice inside them regardless of their own plans, they'll be made capable of meeting the challenges that come with the call. Show Notes: Mikael's Instagram and YouTube channel Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I don't think that 'acceptance' is an excuse to diminish yourself or to not hold yourself accountable to your best work . . . We should develop and expand and grow in whatever we feel called to do." Nesha Woodhouse is the director of Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy and came from a intensive background in honing one of her beloved gifts--dance. But Nesha learned in her own life--and now passes on to her students--that mastery of our gifts can only truly flourish if our motivation is to bless the lives of others and ourselves. This is in contrast to being driven by competitiveness, comparison, or approval-seeking. So many preach acceptance of self. While this is paramount to overcoming the challenges life throws at us, our souls also crave GROWTH. Nesha speaks on this important balance of seeking mastery of our gifts while also being driven by the right reasons--to more fully reach our own individual potential and bless the lives of others. Now as the director of hundreds of youth pursuing greatness, Nesha strives to help the develop this truth within themselves and to in turn share their gifts with the world. Show Notes Nesha's Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy Last week's episode with Dina Alexander on positive body image with children Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic 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 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 we get so caught up in how we look, how our friends look, if we look good enough, we are missing the richness of life.” Dina Alexander is back to teach us how to combat the perfect images social media projects for the children in our lives. BOTH boys and girls are constantly infiltrated with pictures and ideas about what their bodies are supposed to be like, and how they can get them. Listen in to this conversation to learn how to create an open communication in your home where these tough topics can be fully explored. Equip yourself with ways to arm your children the knowledge and self-respect necessary to own a confident, grounded view of themselves and their bodies. Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas. Listen to this episode below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts. If you like the show, please subscribe!! Show Notes Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books Educate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology Dina's last interview on Technology Last week's episode with Mallory Wahlstrom Wright Interview with doula/childbirth educator Laura Dugovic 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m getting my self-esteem from looking in . . . I have worth in my trying.” Although Mallory Wahlstrom Wright was an accomplished musician, dancer, and athlete, she suffered immensely from perfectionism-bred low self esteem. As a way to cope with never feeling like she measured up, she turned to controlling her body and her weight. Years of this behavior led to a crippled life that she wasn't sure she could make her way back from. A series of lows pushed Mallory to seek help, but the biggest tipping point was when her older brother needed a kidney transplant--and Mallory turned out to be the *perfect* match! Following the surgery, Mallory faced near-life-taking complications and faced a very hard recovery. Through it all, she gained a newfound appreciation for her body and her life. Mallory learned to seek inward and find her own unique light that she now shares from her dance and harp students, to our listeners. Show Notes: Last week's episode on overcoming fear with childbearing 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My only approach is to love and strengthen all women, no matter what kind of birth they want to have.” Laura Dugovic had prepared for a meditative birth with her first child, but what she experienced was gritty, loud, sweaty . . . and still completely transformative. Laura is a doula and birth educator, but one who strives to help ALL women feel empowered to face birth with an attitude of a rockstar, regardless of what method they feel best suits them and their needs. In today's episode, Laura works with our host--Monica--in a smaller version of what she does with her clients in a typical session. She talks Monica through her deep-seated fears of birth and teaches her how to manage her thoughts so she is better prepared to face the upcoming birth of her fourth child. Show Notes: Laura's Website and Instagram Last week's episode on goals with Mandie Sherman 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It doesn't get easier, but it gets lighter. It gets lighter because we get stronger . . . Your strength is going to help somebody else when they are weak." When we are facing especially hard times, we've all heard people say that things will get easier. Mandie Sherman disagrees. She knows from her lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis--a terminal disease--that it's not that things get easier, it's that we get stronger. And with that strength, we are then obligated to help others where they are weak. Mandie's strength is evident throughout this interview as she frankly shares about what life has been like with a disease that consumes much of her day with constant treatments and monitoring. She is resilient--yes. Realistic--yes. But coupled with these qualities is an contagious optimism, a choice Mandie has made to face each day with strength AND softness. Surrounding her is what Mandie calls her "army," people who love, support, and take care of her. Mandie's hope is that we can learn more about cystic fibrosis and in turn join our own army of helping others make it through their own difficult time. We recorded this interview a few months ago, and Mandie spent most of December in the hospital, including a surgery to help her breathing. Please click on the links in the show notes to share some love with Mandie, get one of her shirts to join her "army," and donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Show Notes: Mandie's Instagram, Blog, and Get the "Mandie Tee" (or sweatshirt) and join the Sherman Army! Donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Last week's episode on goals with Tiffany Webster 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"When we attach anything to our goals--our happiness, worth, value, success--our goals are no longer out becoming . . .[they're] just about needing to achieve to feel something." Sick of never meeting your goals? Too overwhelmed to even make some in the first place? It's not your method that needs some revamping; it's your motivation. When you are a recovering perfectionist, you'll have a love-hate relationship with goals. On one hand, you could have a past of going over-the-top, full throttle and letting your goals dictate every moment of your life, only to ALWAYS feel like a failure; on the other hand, you could be so over feeling like a failure that it's too overwhelming for you to even begin making goals at all. Time to find some middle ground. Want to know the secret behind revolutionizing your goals so they actually work? You've got to define your "WHY" behind them. Tiffany Webster joins me in a conversation on this topic today. You can prop us both up as "failed perfectionists," and therefore experts on making the goals for the wrong reasons. In this episode, Tiffany and I speak about how to better direct your motivation behind self-improvement, find the fine line between self-love and self-improvement, and how to shift your views of both yourself and your goals so you are better set up for success. Show Notes: Tiffany's BOOK, website, Instagram, and Facebook 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 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 you set aside other people's expectations, set aside the need for permission and live your most authentic self, life is a lot more freeing and you're making better decisions." Dina Taylor has faced many obstacles in her young life, but the two most recent--infertility and her 35-year-old husband's unexpected death--could have made her give up and give in. Not so, for Dina. Dina chose to persevere, and to do it her own way. Listen in to hear how Dina and her late husband, Dan, faced major health problems, infertility, and then a very difficult pregnancy together, how she picked up the pieces of her life after his tragic death ten weeks before the birth of their son, Jack, and the unique ways she chose to face grief and carry on. Dina also shares how she has found expanded love in her heart for a new life partner, Rick, and what has made all the difference for her the past 2 1/2 years. While this could have been a very heavy episode, instead Dina empowers us all to better face the struggles we each have by staying true to what is within us, listening to our hearts, and holding strong to what we know will best help us create the lives we want, not just in spite of our pasts but because of them. Show Notes: Dina's Instagram 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Just like you and I lived at the mall or lived at the football game on Friday night, a lot of our kids are living on social media . . . I want my kids to make their mistakes while still living with me. You want to give them parameters but also you want to give them the opportunity to make choices.” We all worry about the incessant draw that technology is having on our children these days. You see the debates on Facebook and hear the tense conversations amongst parents: How much tech-use is appropriate? How can we limit screen time? When should children be allowed to use technology? Before we can answer all that, however, we need to be asking the more appropriate question, as posed by Dina Alexander: "How can we empower our children to use technology responsibly and for good?" Dina is the founder of the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids, which strives to help parents "parent in the digital age" by preparing their children, not scaring them. She is an expert on so many hard topics we need to discuss with our children from technology, body image, to pornography. Today, she shares her well-researched views on what we can do to help our children learn to make wise choices with technology by building an open communication with them, one based on openness and love, not shame. Dina Alexander is the founder and president of Educate and Empower Kids (educateempowerkids.org), an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. She is the creator of Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image, How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelors from Brigham Young University. She is an amazing mom and loves spending time with her husband and three kids. Together, they live in Texas. Show Notes Educate and Empower Kids website, Facebook, and all their books Educate and Empower Kids' books on body image, and book on technology Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast is in response to an email I received from a listener who was frustrated that all my guests on the show are too "extraordinary." While thoughts swirled about me, I interviewed Melinda Peterson from Melinda Joy Writes to chat about how she has been writing a novel for ten years; but then we magically had a beautiful discussion on seeing the extraordinary within ourselves. Listen in to hear our conversation on this topic, my own expanded thoughts, my response to this email, as well as a highlight from one my "extraordinary-ordinary" friends--Brittney Hanks from Homegrown Traditions--who has encountered some tough failures as she and her husband navigate running a small business together. Excerpt from Melinda's email, following our interview (it's amazing!!): Show Notes Melinda's website, Instagram, and children-centered Instagram Homegrown Traditions website and Instagram Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It is that moment of complete 100% surrender that we step into that power we never had before.” Tiffany Webster knows a thing or two about surrender. As a lifelong perfectionist, life had a way of showing up and forcing her to slow down, and slow down hard: infertility, chronic illness, brain surgery, and poor mental health. That's just some of what Tiffany faced that helped her see she had to learn how to give in, look outward, and reach up--and in the process of doing that, she found greater strength than she ever knew possible. You might recognize Tiffany from her viral talk on perfectionism given at the Hope Works conference: "The Perfect Lie." Tiffany has recently released the most beautiful book--Embracing the Broken--that goes into great depth with what brought her to her lowest lows, the lessons she learned about the lies of perfectionism, and how we can rise above it. In this interview, we talk about this as well as how Tiffany deals with the messiness of progress, how we can stop wearing masks with each other, and what's on the other side of embracing the broken in your own life. Show Notes: Tiffany's BOOK, website, Instagram, and Facebook Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Comparison is evil . . . Any time you look at someone else's strengths that might be your weaknesses, you'll always come up short." 10 years ago, Tamarynn Bennett was 25 years old and had barely run more than a few miles at a time. So, she reasonably thought she would be a "one and done" with a marathon she signed up for. But after accidentally qualifying for Boston (!), she found herself drawn to the challenge and the thrill of racing. Like most athletes, Tamarynn has had her fair share of set backs and disappointments. From taking a full six years off of doing triathlons so she could focus on her family, to facing adrenal fatigue and injuries, to not being able to do races she had trained so hard for, Tamarynn has seen it all. Her persistence is admirable, but it's also reachable; Tamarynn likes to make it clear--she is ordinary and credits achieving these big goals just one step at a time and holding strong to the bigger picture. Tamarynn also discusses the personal trials her family has faced, and how they have both challenged and strengthened her commitment to what really matters. A big piece of that puzzle? Avoiding the trap of comparison and instead embracing the little progress we make each time we try, and then try again. Some recent good news since our interview was recorded: Tamarynn was not only able to finish the Chicago marathon she was nervous about completing due to an injury, but she also completed her first official Ironman!!!! Tamarynn described it as "magical." Congrats, Tamarynn!!! Show Notes: Tamarynn's Instagram Last week's interview with Lisa Funk Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering Recent interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We celebrated our year anniversary of the podcast a few weeks ago! To commemorate this time, I have a short, unedited, rambling State of the Podcast episode for you. In it, I share some of our stats, which episodes I think more people need to listen to, and where I see the podcast headed. Thank you for your incredible support!!! XO, Monica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I meet a ton of people who say, ‘Oh I can’t do that, I'm not creative . . .' Maybe they will never find that painting or drawing fulfills them, but they ARE creative in the way that they solve problems, or put things together, or organize . . . We can think about creativity differently in that we are created to create.” For Lisa Funk, lettering (also know as calligraphy) isn't just about creating beautiful text--it's about purposefully living a life she loves. Lisa found that by honing her craft and mastering inspirational messages, she was able to better face her inner mental health battles. Lettering changed Lisa's life! Once she started sharing her gift, she was surprised how people didn't just want to know where they could buy her artwork, they wanted to learn how to do it themselves. That's how Lisa became an accidental businesswoman, and one steeped in the goal in improving lives, one letter at a time. Lisa discusses how creativity is innate in all of us and how learning to work hard to develop our gifts can change us as people. She shares more in depth about how her own struggles with depression and more have taught her the importance of self-care and mindfulness, and that an essential piece of facing our demons is growing our gifts. Finally, Lisa teaches us how we can find our own intentions in life and live them more purposefully. Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering, combines instruction on brush lettering as well as how to approach learning this craft in a mindful, meaningful way. On top of the instruction are 50 affirmations to "trace, ponder, and apply." Lisa's hope is that this book, "can be the creative outlet so many women are looking for and at the same time help them to live an intentional life they love!" You can find The Guide to Mindful Lettering here. Show Notes: Lisa's website, Instagram, and Facebook Lisa's new book, The Guide to Mindful Lettering Last week's interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife: "Get Over Yourself" Jennifer's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Those that are most able to deal with their flaws, are most willing to be seen as human . . . That’s real moral courage, and that’s the kind of courage that sets us free." Have you ever heard the saying, "I am my own worst enemy?" If you've thought or said that about yourself, then this episode is for you. (And if you haven't, then this episode is also for you.) All of us carry the innate tendency to mask our own humanity--our flaws--from those we love, work with, and even ourselves. Doing so actually inhibits our growth, creates tension in our relationships, and leads to inner turmoil. The only way to get over all that is to get over ourselves. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife teaches us what this tendency looks like in action, and what we can do to fix it by facing our own flaws with compassion and true moral courage. She also helps us see what we get out of doing so: a life filled with challenges, certainly; but also a whole lot more love, fulfillment, and freedom. Show Notes: Jennifer's website and Holiday DEAL! Jennifer's Facebook Jennifer's past interviews with About Progress on perfectionism and goodness (doing things for the right reasons) 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 More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"With each thing I tried, every time it failed . . . I failed deeper and the problem got bigger. It got to the point where I no longer felt any control over it. I remember one day thinking, ‘I’m not going to try anymore.’” Julie Taylor was known online for being "real," but only she knew the truth--that she was hiding an addiction, and one especially riddled with shame: food addiction. Julie talks about the transformation she has been through the past few years of identifying herself as someone addicted to food, pursuing help for it, and how in time it made her far more real than she ever had been before. Julie's path unfortunately led her from one form of addiction to another--an obsession with perfection. One particular incident alarmed her husband: After accidentally having a bite of cheese while out to dinner, she sobbed for hours. Julie eventually decided that this other extreme way of living was making her just as unhappy as having no boundaries. The biggest key to Julie's TRUE healing arose as Julie came from a place of healing, rather than a place of punishment; from a place of wanting to change because she loved herself, not hated herself. Julie shares how this lesson can be applied to all of our weaknesses we need to work on, and how doing so will empower us all the better to finally see real results and lasting growth. Show Notes Julie's Instagram and Youtube channel 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) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I have worth and it isn’t always looking to the external to try to find validation, because that’s an endless competition that you’re never going to win. It doesn’t bring any happiness." Reachel Bagley is not your normal "fashion blogger." Sure, she has a fabulous sense of style--one that you're going to salivate over. But Reachel loves fashion because of what it can do to really transform someone's confidence, to help them feel more empowered to face their lives and their trials. She loves to really teach her clients and her followers what colors, cuts, and fits look best on their bodies, not just show her own polished outfits. (One of her mantras is: it's not that you aren't fitting into your clothes, it's that your clothes aren't fitting YOU.) Reachel knows what it is like to lack confidence, and in a really dark way. Her own sense of pride and love of her body took a beating after years of infertility. She saw her body as something to be punished, not loved, because of the way she saw it hurting her. But 10 years later and after a lot of work, Reachel has earned that love and acceptance of her body because she knows who she really is at her core. She knows that our worth isn't dependent on a size or a number on the scale--it's innate, and it will never change. Listen to learn about how Reachel came about this transformation, what she hopes to inspire in others, how she views fashion as a tool, how she got her start and developed her business into what it is today, and much more. Show Notes: Reachel's website, Instagram, and Facebook 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) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"By choosing your habits and staying with them, you are scientifically engraining them in your body . . . setting you on a pace that will help you achieve what you want to achieve." What do you get when you create the perfect mix of zen and science? Greg Karelitz, is what. Greg is the founder of the Positive Vibes Only Society (PVOS), a community with a mission to help people better live in the moment, backed up with science. As a touchstone, PVOSers sport a necklace that act as a physical reminder to live positively. Greg developed a fascination with the science behind positivity when he was at a big low: having just undergone a double hip surgery and with it a big life style change that eventually led to him experiencing anxiety attacks. He had his own necklace--the star of David--that helped him recenter during those moments. And perfectly, the hex in that symbol align with the shapes of the chemicals in our bodies that contribute to our happiness--chemicals that Greg was in the trenches of researching himself. This is how he was inspired to create not only the hex-shaped necklace, but the positive-focused society Greg leads today. Hear what Greg says about what he's learned about the science of positivity, how he got through his own dark times, what change he hopes to ignite in the world, how focusing on good habits contributes to our greater happiness, and how we can live in the moment even when we need to also deal with hard things. Greg is definitely an expert in this field, and it shows. Show Notes: Greg's website (new ladies-specific necklaces being offered!), Instagram, and Facebook Referenced interview with Andy Proctor 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) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica 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 don’t really appreciate time unless you’re looking at a diagnosis like cancer. . . You don’t appreciate the time that you have until you know that there could potentially be an end date.” Danielle Stepp was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma--cancer--as a new mother of a three month old baby girl. Her treatment entailed 12 debilitating rounds of chemotherapy. As Danielle made her way through this very difficult period of her life, she held on to her family, her friends, and what she calls "Prayer Power" to help her arise above the immense hardships. She also used her fighting spirit and treated cancer like a bull, and Danielle "wrestled it to the ground." Now a year cancer free (!), Danielle looks back to see what helped her through this hard chapter, how cancer has changed her, and what she has learned about not taking time for granted. Show Notes: Danielle's blog Compassion that Compells 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) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think the reason we all suffer is because it makes us stronger—it’s a strength, it’s a gift in a way . . . I could not write the music that I write had I not gone through hard things.” Paul Cardall knows a thing or two about suffering and turning that suffering into a gift. He was born with half a heart and experienced poor health throughout his childhood and well into his adulthood. In 2009, he underwent a full heart transplant that gave him a miraculous new way of living. And yet, it was after his transplant that Paul faced the darkest period of his life: guilt, depression, the ending of his marriage, and more. But Paul used his pain to create masterpieces that helped him rise above, music that has gone on to transform millions of lives across the world. Yes, millions. Listen to this interview to hear about how this is the case for Paul, how and why he started playing the piano as a late-teen, what the creative process is like for him, and how he believes wholeheartedly that our trials can transform our lives for good and make us stronger. Paul believes that his love of forming connections through his music could not have been as fully achieved had it not been for his suffering. He inspires us to rise through our own trials too, and to believe that there is so much goodness on the other side. If you like the show, please share, subscribe, and leave reviews!! Show Notes: Paul's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Paul's Music Paul's Production Company, Stone Angel Music Song Played: "Gracie's Theme" Paul and Tina's Interview on the LifeBeats Project! 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) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m not a professional athlete. I don’t do this to win money and races. I do this to enhance my life and it brings me joy, along with my family . . . As long as I'm putting them first and taking care of them, everything else usually falls into place.” Heather Jenson says this to describe how she views her "little" hobby as a triathlete. This sport can suck people into perfectionism, obsession, and the comparison trap. But Heather has learned how to resist the negative side of her passion and embrace it for the goodness it brings to her life and to her family. Heather shares how her love of racing (she started as a swimmer!) increased after dealing with a terrible bout of postpartum depression, that having big and then bigger goals to aspire to helped her regain what she thought she had lost within herself. She is so honest about how hard training can be, but how breaking up a huge goal into small pieces has helped her achieve big dreams. A favorite example she shared: Her first half-marathon was 10 years ago at 24 years ago and her time was 2:14. He latest half time was 1:36. And yet, Heather is insistent that running is her hardest sport and what incredible lengths she has gone to to improve. She is also just as insistent that if she can become an Ironman, so can you. So even if it's not you seeking to race in Kona like her, Heather inspires us to reach within ourselves, find some passions, and let them guide us to becoming better people inside and out. Heather will have an entire episode devoted to her on the show, "Quest for Kona" on @NBCsports next Wednesday, 10/25. Check your local listings for times! Here's some more information on the show: here and here. Show Notes: Heather's website and Instagram Last week's episode with Ganel-Lyn Condie My interview on The Luckiest Mom Podcast (click on Episode 151!) Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Insta feed 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) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" and "Tonight" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Some of the most challenging, heart-wrenching times of my life have in some ways become the greatest blessings . . . They were the pathways to learning.” The list of "life lessons" (aka: trials, obstacles, traumas, etc.) that Ganel-Lyn Condie has been through is astounding. And yet this woman walks with a bounce and speaks with a light that is absolutely contagious. Ganel-Lyn shares deeply about how surrendering to these lessons, giving up on perfection, and turning to a higher power have in turn strengthened her to better deal with what life has put in front of her. As an author and speaker, Ganel-Lyn doesn't shy away from hard topics as she's faced it all: parents divorcing, chronic illness, infertility, job loss, perfectionism, and the tragic passing of her sister, Meggan, through suicide. It's not that Ganel-Lyn doesn't have her hard days; it's not that she's eager to face another big trial; and it's definitely not that she knows the answers while in the middle of the darkness. But it IS a choice that she's developed to give in--but not give up!--learn what trials have to teach her, and in turn find greater empowerment to not only create a happier life for herself and her family, but for the world. Show Notes: Ganel-Lyn's Website, Instagram, Facebook, and BOOKS! Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research via her Monat Insta feed and website Fabletics! Get 2 leggings for $24 when you become a VIP member (they're the besssssst!) Q&A Episode + Interview with Janssen Bradshaw Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica 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

We've made it to 50 podcast episodes. Woohoo!! I am so thrilled about this, and grateful for those of you who have been with me from the beginning and just as grateful for the rest of you are are new to my podcast. You were kind enough to send in questions for this particular episode: things that you wanted to know about me, the podcast, my parenting, eating, children, where I live (and why), and more. This episode was super fun to record because I did it with my sister-in-law, Emily. But it's painful for me to listen to because it's seriously a huge exercise in obsessing over myself. Also, it went much longer than I had anticipated. If this is just as painful for you, I get it! We'll be back to our regular programming next Wednesday. Otherwise, I'd love to hear about some of YOUR answers to these same questions. Let's connect more! You can comment here or on my Instagram and Facebook, @aboutprogress. Thanks so much for your support! Show Notes: People I recommended you follow: The Listening Ear Projects, Talk Wordy to Me, Thriving Motherhood, and Julie In Real Life SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Fear is not a good reason to not do something. What is the worst that could happen? . . . If I can live with that worst case scenario, then I’m going to do it and stop worrying about failure." Janssen Bradshaw of Everyday Reading didn't think she was "creative" or "entrepreneurial." And yet, those two words completely encapsulate who she is now as the producer of a successful blog and a co-creator (alongside her husband) of a brand new business--children's rain boots! Janssen shares how starting one thing propelled her into another, and how even the failures she faced led to more opportunities anyway. Refusing to live based off of "what ifs" and fears has led to a series of Janssen trying new things bit by bit, and doing so has trickled down into all areas of her life. Janssen has learned that you can't just let life pass you by and not try things out of fear of failure or how hard it might be; because time passes anyway, and you'll only be left with regret and "what ifs." Janssen talks about what it is really like to be a successful blogger, how she is able to stay authentic and resist posting only for , why reading matters for her and her family, and her essential--and SIMPLE--was she survives the everyday chaos of raising a family and a business. Show Notes: Janssen's Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook London Little rain boots(!!!): Website and Instagram Janssen's FREE course on raising little readers Last week's podcasts with Ralphie from Simply on Purpose and Food: How to Use It, Not Abuse It, Part Two SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surprise! I have a bonus episode for you this week, and it's Part Two of my series on Food: How to Use it, Not Abuse it. Cultivating a healthy relationship with food has been a huge part of the work I've done for myself the past 11 years. I'm still focusing on it every day, but I see the improvements I have made that have made it all well worth it. I hope to inspire that in others, too! Part One is here, and there we spent a lot of time talking about what it LOOKS like to have a poor relationship with food and what you can begin to do about it. This episode--Part Two--involves more discussion on specific methods, both of which incorporate embracing a the "grey," ridding ourselves of black-and-white thinking, and moving towards natural moderation with how we view and eat food. The primary focus overall is Intuitive Eating, which is my very favorite eating philosophy. You can find the book here, and I'd definitely start with that; but I do recommend a coach if you are in the throes of trying to figure this out. I can recommend Elizabeth Dall and Stephanie Webb, both of whom are experts on this topic. Elizabeth is the primary Intuitive Eating expert for this episode, but Stephanie was the main expert for the last episode on this topic. (See their contact information below.) The second method is "Flexible Dieting," or also known as counting macros. Amber Brueseke is our expert on this, because not only does she know her stuff, but her whole goal is to move her clients towards Intuitive Eating. In essence, she wants to work herself out of a job. I know you'll enjoy this candid, helpful episode. Please let me know what you got out of it, and share it with those who you feel will benefit from it. Show Notes: Part ONE here Elizabeth's Instagram, Facebook, and website Amber's Instagram, Facebook, and website Past interview with AMBER Stephanie's Instagram and Website Intuitive Eating book (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!) SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What it means “to grow” is to practice something—one thing really deliberately—and do it over and over again. And then when you make a mistake, you look back and you close that loop really quickly by recognizing what went well and what didn’t go well, and then you practice it again." Ralphie Jacobs admits that she was born with an innate love for children and a natural gift of caring for them. But even she was surprised as a young mom by how her well-informed, highly educated patience could "vanish." Recognizing this capacity in herself, Ralphie decided to deliberately change how she was parenting, to grow her skill set as a mother just as she would with any other talent, skill, or expertise that requires growth and practice. Now, Ralphie is a parenting expert who passes on the incredible (and I'd say LIFE-CHANGING) things she has learned over the years about how to grow purposefully within your job as a parent. And she makes it clear: the answers are actually quite simple. Ralphie shares how she became a parenting expert, what it looks like to use the growth mindset as a parent, how to increase your knowledge of what's out there BUT also rely on your instinct, how to reinforce good behavior in your children as a way to rid them of the "junk behavior," and what is the number one thing she wants every parent to know. For your use, here are the four main jobs we have as a parent that I took away from my discussion with Ralphie: 1) Teaching 2) Modeling Happiness 3) Being Purposeful Through Reflection and Redirection 4) Looking for the Good in Your Children Show Notes: Ralphie's Instagram, Facebook, and Resources Books Recommended: No Drama Discipline, Simplicity Parenting, Boundaries, Parenting with Love and Logic Referenced podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Last week's episode with the founders of BRAVERY MAGAZINE SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Ralphie has a special message for you parents who are reallllly in the trenches with parenting, for one reason or another. You will leave this podcast armed with tools--yes--but, even better, with hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Bravery is being scared, it’s being afraid; but doing it anyway . . . It’s OK to be afraid of something, but own those feelings and rise above.” You think if you were the masterminds behind a magazine with "Bravery" in the title, that you would be a very courageous person. Not so for these ladies. Elyse Beard and Ashley Aikele both profess that they have let fear hold them back for far too long. But when they had the idea to create a publication that inspires courage in children by sharing stories of brave women, they knew they had to be their own kind of brave. To build something so monumental from nothing entailed a lot of letting go alongside a whole lot of work. Elyse and Ashley talk about how they practiced "fake it 'til you make it," used their different talents, and in the end created something from nothing. Their dream is that ultimately this publication is far more than a magazine; it's a movement. Elyse and Ashley share how a huge part of being your own kind of brave is figuring out what your "thing" is, and how even the process alone can demand a special kind of courage. Ashley shares how perfectionism prevented her from following through with many ideas in the past; Elyse talks about how she couldn't figure out what talents she had to offer to the world and how unfulfilled she felt because of that struggle. But these women have risen above their own fears, and shown us that if we dare to believe in ourselves, try new things, and even risk failure, we can create something life-changing. And both of them feel that change within their own lives. Show Notes: Bravery Magazine's Kickstarter (where you can order the first printing!), Instagram, and Facebook (website coming soon) Last week's episode with Nicole Kalkowski SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You have unique experiences with each one of your children. I think that working to cultivate happiness in your home, even though you could be going through hard things . . . really pays off. What you think about transcends, and it impacts your everyday life.” Nicole Kalkowski has had to fight for her son throughout his entire life. From a toddler diagnosed with regressive autism then immediately after with a myriad of diseases, including mitochondria and epilepsy, Nicole has relied on her intuition and resilience to get doctors to hear her and to help her son. She has literally kept him alive. Redbook Magazine covered the Kalkowski family for an entire year, documenting what it was like to have a then-three-year old son with autism. (A beautiful picture from the feature is below, with article links in the show notes.) Nicole later became an advocate and got amazing legislation passed that will ensure other parents don't have to face the darkness helplessly, as her family had. Ryan (now almost a teen!) requires round-the-clock care. Nicole, with her husband and three other children, have adopted the phrase "Roll with it!" when life presents new challenges or interruptions to each day. That decision to let go is repeated often in Nicole's story, as she learned to rely on others, on God, and to search for happiness wherever possible. And Nicole sees it everywhere. You'll be inspired by this mother's resilience, how she knows who Ryan is at his core, and how she can say she is now grateful for the dark times she and her family have faced. Show Notes: Redbook articles on Kalkowski family: here, here, here, and here Last week's interview with Briana Johnson SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s so easy to let the fear take over and have your vision crumble, because you want it to work so much and you need it to work so much . . . [But] you need to stay connected to yourself, you need to stay connected to your vision, you need to stay connected to your higher power.” Briana Johnson is the genius behind the powerful podcast The LifeBeats Project. Her path to creating this successful community has been full of mountains of stress, self-doubt, and fear. Such is the way of going after dreams! But Briana assures us that is is alllll worth it because of who we become in the process. In this interview, Briana shares how creativity has been such a huge part of her life and how podcasting has become an important part of who she is and where she sees herself heading. In facing incredible trials with her husband's debilitating battle with aggressive M.S., Briana has been through a difficult transformation of her own. She shares how owning her story--while she fought it for some time--has enabled her to better accept the illumination of who she wants and needs to be. Briana is passionate about helping others find and own their story. She has a unique way of connecting with people, and she uses that gift to promote so much self-love and empowerment in others. Briana's wisdom helps us discover what we can do to better grow into who we are meant to be. If you like the show, please subscribe!! Show Notes: Briana's website, Instagram, and Facebook Briana's new 14 day course (use code "ABOUTPROGRESS" to get $26 off!!) Monica's interview on The LifeBeats Project SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The way that we relate to food is a manifestation of the way we are showing up or engaging in our life.” Ain’t that the truth, friends? This bit of wisdom came from one of the experts featured on today’s podcast—Stephanie Webb. Alongside Elizabeth Dall, we talk about the COMPLICATED relationship all of us often experience with food and what can be done about it. You might call it “emotional eating,” it could be “mindless eating,” under- or over-eating, numbing through food, eating disorders, or just plain obsession over what you will eat and when. No matter how you crack it, these are some of the various ways we can abuse food and it abuse us right back. If you want to know what this looks like, how you can begin fixing it, and why it’s worth doing so, check out today’s episode. If you like the show, please subscribe!! Show Notes: Stephanie's website and Instagram Elizabeth's website and Instagram Last week's episode with Lizzy Jensen Referenced Podcasts with more on Monica's battle with eating disorders: Here, Here (with Extraordinary Moms Podcast!), and Here (with The LifeBeats Project!) SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think if you continue to ask and seek . . . and then act on those things you’re feeling, life gets better and better. I think that’s how it’s supposed to be if you keep living outside of your comfort zone and pursuing those ideas, and thoughts, and feelings.” We all know that life takes us on many twists and turns. Lizzy Jensen's life is no different as her own has led her so many different directions than she had envisioned. So often, she thought she was supposed to pursue something for a certain "why," only to have the end-product of her work not match what she had first thought or even wanted. But for Lizzy, she now has the perspective that those twists and turns were each undeniably the "why" behind the beauty and purpose that has come of her own life's mission. Lizzy is passionate about helping others recognize what their own unexpected life paths have to offer them. Her latest purpose is to help people--women, especially--learn what gifts they have to offer the world and how they can then accomplish their own unique mission in life. Listen in to discover how to do just that, and learn so much more from Lizzy about the value of work, how to gain perspective when things don't go our way, her key to making goals, some truth-slams about parenthood, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I do think you have to choose happiness, because it’s YOUR life. You are in control of your own personal happiness. I could lay in bed sick and angry, or I could choose to laugh . . . and make a happy life. I don’t find that it is any more difficult than it was before. My problems have just changed.” Christopher Clark told me a story about another friend of his that was also diagnosed with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease. When this friend's doctor told him of his diagnosis, in almost the same breath the doctor made a plea that he would not take his own life. For many, receiving word that they have this untreatable, incurable, gradually debilitating disease is a death-sentence. For Clark, there was grieving to be sure; but there was also a determination to rise above the temptation to languish in his pain and despair, and instead to live the rest of his now-shortened life with a good amount of grace, and even more of humor. Chris's choice to find happiness in spite it all is evident throughout this interview, which is surprisingly entertaining given the topic of our discussion. We first explore his love of acting and directing and how he eventually pursued it as his profession. He is now a professor and head of the theatre department at Utah Valley University, on top of being a well-known actor and director. We talk about the huge transitions he and his family has faced the past year plus since his diagnosis, what physical symptoms he deals with daily, what he is the saddest about losing to his disease, what he has learned about himself through it all, and how he still finds the will to continue progressing in his personal and professional life in spite of it all. Show Notes: Christopher's Instagram Last week's episode with Emily Nelson SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Come and give your all. Don’t say, ‘I want to look this way or I want to be this way,’ but, ‘I want to become the best version of myself.’” Emily Nelson is one of the most high-energy women I've ever "met." And she puts that energy to good use as the co-creator and co-founder of HIGH Fitness, a workout that is taking North America by storm only 2 1/2 years from its conception. In today's interview, Emily talks about how her growing up years inspired her to have a strong work ethic, what she did to get past her initial shyness, and the path she took after college that eventually led to creating a new fitness brand with her friend and business partner, Amber Zenith. Emily is passionate about their vision: to not just create a class, but a fitness community that inspires men and women to move past focusing on the exterior, and instead on becoming the best versions of themselves. There is a reason why participants tell Emily every single day that her classes are changing their lives. You'll also love hearing about what Emily thinks is the hardest challenge behind trying to balance life as an entrepreneur and a mother, why she and Amber are committed to not filling their feeds with sexy photos to increase their business, and how they have combatted the nay-sayers by staying true to their mission to inspire each person who is apart of the High Fitness community to live their best life. Show Notes Emily's Instagram, and Amber's (her co-founder) Instagram High Fitness Instagram, Facebook, and website Last week's episode with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife SURVEY!!!! (It takes less than a minute to fill out--thank you!) Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Many of us resist developing ourselves into our own unique expressions of Godliness, of humanity, because we fear the exposure, and the risk, and the potential invalidation that comes through doing that . . . If that is the only paradigm we operate in, we limit our ability to really develop into beings capable of offering goodness in the world, and creating a better world through our own capacity." What is "goodness?" How do we develop it when faced with real and imagined pressures? Today, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife answers these questions by fleshing out the term "goodness" that often comes up in her teachings. Jennifer teaches us how to discover what it is we truly want and feel we "should" do with our lives and then how to better own our choices, especially when we are often only faced with difficult ones. Jennifer also offers how to live up to the core desires we have, more fully cultivate our gifts, and how to in turn better tolerate the internal and external push-back we might experience as we develop true goodness within ourselves and our lives. Like her past episode on About Progress, this interview is one worth listening to several times to fully glean Jennifer's wisdom. There are many ways to apply this discussion to parenthood, marriage, "control freaks," "victims," and those who live their lives based on others' approval. More on Jennifer: Jennifer Finlayson-Fife grew up in Burlington, Vermont as one of eight children. She studied Psychology and Women's Studies at Brigham Young University, and went on to receive her Masters and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She has a private practice in Chicago, IL where she works primarily with LDS couples on relational and sexual issues. She is a frequent guest on LDS-themed podcasts, and has written articles for LDS-themed magazines and blogs on the subjects of sexuality and modesty as well as mental health and faith. She is married to John Finlayson-Fife and has three wonderful children. Show Notes: Jennifer's website and upcoming workshops Video she recommended, "How to know you life's purpose in 5 minutes" Jennifer's past interview on perfectionism SURVEY! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcast episodes from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know the amazing benefits of exercise: mental acuity, emotional release, increased strength, more consistent metabolism, confidence, and on and on. But we don't often talk about the effects of abusing exercise, a trap we can all so subtly fall into. This can happen through both over- and under-use, although much of this episode it devoted to abuse through too much (or too intense, too often) exercising. Alongside my two expert guests--Meg Miles and Rachel Gainer--we discuss it all. How fitness is a powerful tool for good and so essential to our well-being; but also how abusing it can negatively alter our lives and become all-consuming. Learn through our discussion how to properly make exercise an important part of your life without letting it control you. In this episode, there is a wealth of science, personal stories, and loads of take-aways. Our goal? To empower the listeners to view their bodies--and fitness--with love and "healthy enthusiasm." Show Notes: Meg Miles's website, blog, and Instagram Past podcast interview with Meg Rachel Gainer's website and Instagram Past podcast interview with Rachel Articles on effects of overexercising on metabolism: here and here SURVEY! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcast episodes from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The preparation will meet your opportunity, and that is when you can have success. So, you need to work really hard and be ready for when you get that chance, because you never know when it’s going to come." Camille Andros is a woman of many interests including science, writing, and children (she has 6 of her own). For many years, she found herself focusing on one thing and then the other, all of which she loved and found fulfilling. But eventually, she found herself combining her passions into writing children's literature. She wants children to believe that they are smart and they can love science too, and her stories inspire just that and then some! Camille talks about her path towards getting published, how she believes in "a time and a season," the great importance for everyone to have hobbies and dreams, and the remarkable path her life has taken, one small step at a time! Oh, and you'll love Camille's view of how rejection can be a good sign that you're on the right path and how she has learned that slowing down actually helps her work. Show Notes: Camille's website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BOOK! SURVEY! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcast episodes from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It starts with who you are. Then what you do comes so naturally, and so beautifully, that that is respected because you were who you are first.” There is a reason Jeni Awerkamp's mom called her "Jeni Joy" growing up. This woman radiates light and positivity! Jeni makes this choice every day, and the biggest key to her finding that joy is to focus on who she IS first, not her "successes." This is a lesson Jeni learned after selling her interest in her rising business and instead focusing on motherhood. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit whose mind is always thinking about the next thing and a big thirst for creating; but she discovered that for her, she needed to invest her self-worth in who she was at the core and to not place her esteem on things, people, or achievements. Jeni also shares the importance of filling our buckets, how she creates and pursues goals, and how much happier she has been once she's chosen to let her hair down and embrace the "yellow" side of her personality. If you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!! Show Notes: Jeni's blog (it's fantastic!) and Instagram Monica's INTERVIEW with Briana from The LifeBeats Project (she's amazing!) SURVEY! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcast episodes from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s too easy to give in to the thought that ‘Well, this terrible thing happened to me . . .’ But at the end of the day, you write your own story . . . Your life is what YOU create. And I wanted to create something awesome.” Cara Baldwin had been a lifelong "overachiever." But at 30 years old, she found herself moving back in with her parents, filing for divorce with four very young children (the youngest being 6 weeks old), and wondering how she could face the humiliation of being this version of herself she never wanted to be. Beginning with a solo two-and-a-half week camping adventure with all four kids (aka "The Magic Five"), Cara picked up the pieces of her family, plucked up her courage, asked for help, and attended law school so she could support her children. Cara credits her kids, her family, her friends, her community, her faith, and her grit in rebuilding her life and rediscovering the woman she once was: one who believed in herself. Show Notes: Monica's INTERVIEW with Briana from The LifeBeats Project (she's amazing!) Last week's episode SURVEY! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." ~Winston Churchill We have all been there: you bust your behind trying to reach a goal, you have high hopes, but then you get dismal-at-best results. It's hard to not take it personally. I've been there recently and I found myself really questioning why I've been spending all this time doing something that is meeting seemingly lackluster fruit. But then I reminded myself, "Sometimes you don't make the cut." That's life. Every person who has ever amounted to anything, whether it's in the walls of their own homes or in grand corporations, have faced failures big and small. They have faced those moments where they wonder why the heck they're doing what they're doing and evaluate if it's worth the time, sweat, and tears. For me, I've decided to tailor back in some areas (the limited writing on my blog will now be non-existent for a time) and to redefine what "success" looks like for me. In today's podcast, I talk about admirable figures in our times who have didn't make the cut, what they did to overcome it, and what we can individually do when we face similar times. Show Notes: Articles referenced: Here and Here Stephanie's Website, Instagram, and Facebook Podcast Episode with Mark Lukach Monica's interview for the Extraordinary Moms Podcast SURVEY!!!! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“We didn’t recognize each other, or ourselves. How do you reconcile this? How do you go and redefine how we work together if who we are has taken some pretty fundamental changes?” Mark and Giulia fell in love at 18 years old and launched into what looked like would be a lifetime of happiness. Unexpectedly, three years into their marriage, their fairy tale fell apart as Giulia encountered struggles with her mental health that neither of them fully understood or knew how to deal with. But this isn't just a story about mental illness; it's a story about how a family chose to navigate a crisis and rebuild their lives based on love, not tragedy. Mark talks about what led to Giulia's first bout with psychosis and her eventual diagnosis with bipolar disorder. He shares how as a result they switched roles within their relationship, what it was like for Mark to battle his own depression just as Giulia started to get better, and how they learned to anchor into their new lives both together and individually. Both Mark and Giulia hope their son learns from their choice to focus on on love over fear and that life is beautiful, especially when they hold on to each other. About Mark: Mark Lukach is a teacher and freelance writer. He is the author of a memoir My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward. His work has been published in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Pacific Standard, Wired, and other publications. He is currently the Ninth Grade Dean at The Athenian School, where he also teaches history. He lives with his wife, Giulia, and their son in the San Francisco Bay area. Show Notes: Mark's website, Instagram, and where to find his book Monica's interview for the Extraordinary Moms Podcast SURVEY!!!! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Depression loves darkness . . . the only way to fight depression is to bring it into the light.” I'm sure you read that article "Marriage Isn't For You" that circulated the internet a few years ago. How am I so sure? Because everyone read it, as in 100 million strong all over the world. Seth Adam Smith is the author of that article, as well as four popular books (including his latest work of fiction!). Seth talks about what it was like to have a VIRAL article and the three years-long mind trip it sent him on as he tried to live up to the internal and external pressure to keep writing pieces to resonate with millions. Seth is much more than "the marriage guy" his article pegged him to be. He's been writing for as long as he can remember. One of the common themes he writes about is depression, and he's been doing that long before it was the cool thing to do. Seth has struggled with chronic depression since he was in third grade, and at his lowest low as a 20 year old, he attempted to commit suicide. What has risen from his broken soul is completely transformative. Seth has shifted his intense struggles to instead act as a force for good--or a "light in the wilderness," as he calls it--one that he holds high and proud, calling others to learn that life is worth living, and it is worth living well. You won't want to miss what Seth says about how we all should want to be "broken," and how he blew my mind with his thoughts on perfectionism. Please share this episode with anyone who you think can benefit. (Hint: it's all of us!) Show Notes: Seth's Website, Blog, Instagram, and YouTube Channel Seth's books: Here, Here, Here, and Here. Monica's interview for the Extraordinary Moms Podcast SURVEY!!!! Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Song Credit: "Sweet Promise" by Nicolai Heidlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"God didn’t take it away, but I have felt so many times that he has sent living angels to help me through, time and time again." Lauren Agostinelli-Gessel has been through more in her young life than most do in an entire lifetime. One week after getting married, she moved to Italy for months to receive a stem cell transplant and five rounds of chemotherapy. This was a drastic measure to help with her vicious form of Multiple Sclerosis. Lauren shares what led up to her diagnosis at 27 years old as a single mother of a two year old, how her fear of dying led to a marriage that wasn't right, what it was like divorcing with a little baby and a little boy while battling a debilitating disease, and how she found love again and married shortly before embarking on her intensive treatment in a foreign country. M.S. is different for everyone. Lauren talks openly about the physical side effects of her disease and how the hardest effects have been the mental and emotional. And yet, Lauren looks for the blessings in spite of the very hard challenges life has dealt with her; she most often finds these blessings in those around her, her earthly angels. You will not only learn so much, including how being dealt with hard life changes doesn't have to be the end of a happy life--you can look for the good and fight for your happiness. Show Notes: Lauren's email: MSIsNotTheEnd {at} gmail {dot} com Lauren's blog, Instagram, and YouTube videos on her: here, here, here, and here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica Free Audiobook through Audible! (Affiliate link) More Podcasts from About Progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices