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If you're a mom who always ends up last on your own list, this one's for you. Jamira Pollard breaks down why putting yourself first isn't selfish — it's the foundation that lets you show up for everyone else. This clip is full of practical, no-cost ways to practice self-care for mothers: reading for fun, borrowing free library audiobooks, taking five quiet minutes before the day gets away from you. It's a simple but powerful reminder that self-compassion and daily habits — not big grand gestures — are what actually move the needle on how to feel happier. If you're working on personal growth and development or trying to build sustainable self-improvement into a busy life, this is the mindset shift to start with.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/stop-chasing-balance-and-learn-to-live-a-well-rounded-life-you-lovePreorder Sticky Habits book today!
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I recently chatted with Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell about why moms should prioritize their own sleep alongside caring for their children. She shared how our relationship with sleep is akin to any other important relationship—it needs nurturing. From the eye-opening concept of "sleep anxiety" to the practical tips on redefining our nighttime routines, our conversation unveiled how small changes can bring about big transformations in our energy and clarity.
For more enlightening tidbits, like why charging your phone across the room can be a game changer and the benefits of red lights during night feedings, make sure to tune into the full session on the About Progress podcast. Dr. Holliday-Bell's expertise and insights might be just what you need to reclaim restful, rejuvenating nights.
Dr. Holliday-Bell's The Sleep Savvy Mom’s Guide: Real Sleep Solutions For You & Baby, Instagram and Website
Complementary episodes: 3 Actionable Ways to Optimize Your Sleep
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Recently, style expert Julie Allen from the More for Moms conference and I explored how style is not just about what we wear but a pathway to reconnecting with who we are, especially as moms navigating life's changes. Julie shared powerful insights on seeing style as a tool for self-discovery and joy, urging us to break free from societal expectations and embrace our unique identities.
Julie highlighted the fun and freedom in using style as self-expression, offering practical steps to incorporate creativity into our daily lives. Her perspective on prioritizing personal joy and value is something every woman can benefit from. For a deep dive into our eye-opening conversation, tune in to the full episode.
Julie's TJG Summer Style Guide, Instagram
Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms Archive Pass with code LISTENER at checkout.
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Complementary episodes: Recent episode with Angela Foster on How to Dress Yourself as Your Body Ages
Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.”
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What if self-care had nothing to do with spa days, spending money, or carving out an hour for yourself? Taylor Elise Morrison breaks down the myths we've all believed about self-care — and offers a definition that actually works for real life: listening within and responding in the most loving way possible. If perfectionism has ever kept you from taking care of yourself because you couldn't do it "the right way," this clip will change how you see those little pockets of time in your day.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/the-biggest-self-care-myths-you-need-to-bust
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As a mom, my vision involved perfect moments with my kids, unaware of the strain overstimulation could bring. It's not just juggling cleaning or cooking but managing the hidden pressure of sensory overload. This isn't a flaw—it's our nervous system waving a red flag for help. What's the secret to steering through it?
In this episode, I sit down with Alex Viera, a pediatric occupational therapist and nervous system coach, to explore how we can mitigate this stress. Discover how simple shifts in meeting basic needs and embracing joy can lighten the load and restore our sense of self. Tune in to hear Alex’s insights on transforming overwhelming moments into manageable ones.
Alex's website and socials
Complementary episodes: Interview with Alyssa Blask Campbell on the nervous systems; Interview with Dr. Anna Packard, eating disorder therapist on healing your relationship with your body; Solo episode on the N’s of Numbing Out
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Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
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If you've ever felt like no matter how much you get done, it's never enough — this one's for you. Stephen Lawson breaks down what's really going on beneath the surface of our productivity obsession: it's not a time management problem, it's a peace problem. And underneath that? Fear. The fear of failure, of success, and something even deeper — the discomfort of facing how short life actually is. If you're ready to stop racing toward perfection and start living your actual life right now, this conversation is a must-watch.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-dramatically-shift-your-time-management
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2021 was a whirlwind, packed with both personal and global challenges that shook me to my core. From heartbreaking family losses to the brink of quitting my beloved podcast, "About Progress," every twist demanded a new sense of resilience. In taking a step back that summer, I stumbled onto an unexpected path of self-discovery and transformation. But what exactly did that pivotal break reveal, and how did it reshape my journey?
Reflecting on this year of change taught me that the moments of discomfort often hide the most valuable lessons. Embracing authenticity over established norms opened doors I never imagined, both for me and my community. Curious about the twists and turns that led to a profound shift in my life's work? Tune in to find out how a seemingly ordinary year became a turning point, sparking growth that continues to this day.
Old episodes to support: Interviews with JFF and Carolyn Bever, Lexie Kite, Solo episode on Motivation; Taylor Chan, Shirin Eskadani, Kendra Adachi, Patrice Washington, JFF and Dr. Julie Hanks, Rachel Nielson, Meg Conley, solo episode on Martyrdom
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Get your AirDoctor purifier for up to $300 off with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
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I recently had the opportunity to dive deep into the world of emotional eating and food freedom with Sabrina Magnan. As someone who battled eating disorders and the pervasive influence of food on my life, this conversation resonated profoundly. Sabrina shared her personal journey from synchronized swimming to food freedom, revealing how much our eating patterns are tied to emotions and control. Her insights on the deeper purpose food serves and the steps to rebuild a healthy relationship with it were incredibly eye-opening.
Sabrina's approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and the need for internal change over external willpower. By addressing disordered eating patterns and fostering self-trust, Sabrina's method offers a roadmap to reclaiming your life from food obsession. This episode reinforced the belief that healing from these ingrained patterns is possible and deeply transformative.
Sabrina's workshop, Instagram, website
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Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.
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Complementary episodes: Interview with Alyssa Blask Campbell on the nervous systems; Interview with Dr. Anna Packard, eating disorder therapist on healing your relationship with your body; Solo episode on the N’s of Numbing Out
Get your AquaTru water purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
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If your cleaning routine keeps falling apart, it might not be a motivation problem — it might be a systems problem. Monica Packer shares her simple "when-then" method for building daily habits that actually stick, even on your worst days. No rigid schedules, no all-or-nothing pressure. Just practical self-improvement that works with your real life, not against it. Because personal growth and development doesn't have to be complicated — it just has to be doable.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-make-cleaning-easier
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I wanted to share with you that I've revamped my Do Something List for 2026, and it's all about flexibility and self-reclamation. Remember, this list isn't about ticking off resolutions but rediscovering myself through tasks like baking new recipes or attending cultural events. As life shifts, so does my list, ensuring it remains a source of joy and personal growth throughout the year.
Remember, it's never too late to start your own list and find what makes life more meaningful!
Check out Monica’s DSL for 2026
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When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was consumed with preparing for the needs of the little one, spending hours reading books and researching products. But what I didn’t prepare for was the transformation within myself - a lesson that each pregnancy unveils a new version of who I am, shifting my identity, expectations, and even my understanding of motherhood.
In our discussion, Nina Spears emphasized the importance of preparing for the mother just as much as the baby. We often forget that with each baby born, a new mother is also born, requiring just as much care and support. This journey pushes us to redefine what success looks like, challenge our predispositions, and ultimately build a support system that acknowledges and nurtures the endless, often invisible labor we undergo. If there’s one thing I wish for expectant mothers to take away, it's this: you deserve to prepare and care for yourself just as much as you do for your child.
Nina's website, Instagram, Podcast
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Finding yourself after years of putting everyone else first isn't a straight path and Kayley knows that better than most. In this clip, she gets real about what it actually felt like to be a stay-at-home mom of seven while quietly carrying a dream she didn't think she was allowed to have. She opens up about the depression, the identity loss, the guilt, and the slow, hard work of building a marriage that actually goes both ways.
What she discovered along the way? The biggest obstacle was never the logistics. It wasn't the kids, the schedule, or even the MCAT. It was believing she was worth inconveniencing her family for. That's the self-compassion work no one talks about, the daily habit of reminding yourself that your needs, your goals, and your growth matter too.
If you've ever talked yourself out of something because it felt selfish, or if personal development has felt more like a luxury than a necessity, this one's for you. Because how you feel about yourself shapes everything…your marriage, your happiness, your ability to keep going on the hard days.
https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-do-you-get-into-medical-school-as-a-busy-mom
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Exciting news - my debut book, Sticky Habits, is hitting the shelves on September 8th! We often think only a certain "habit person" can master habits, but I'm here to flip that idea on its head. Habits are here to help you, not control every second. They're meant to support pivotal parts of your day, like your morning routine or evening wind-down, so you can focus on what truly matters.
Consider where a small habit might bring ease and alignment into your life. Embracing habits isn’t about filling your day with robotic tasks but being real about where they can genuinely support you. If this resonates with you, visit stickyhabitsbook.com to pre-order Sticky Habits and snag some awesome bonuses before the big launch! Thanks for being a part of this journey.
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In my recent conversation with Nir Eyal, a best-selling author and behavioral expert, we delved into the nature of beliefs, underscoring how they are neither facts nor fixed. Nir shared an enlightening perspective on how beliefs can be either limiting or liberating. It's fascinating to learn how our minds can be both our greatest allies and our heaviest burdens when clinging to outdated beliefs.
The takeaway? We have the power to rewire our perception and shift those beliefs, treating them as tools rather than truths, which allows us to nurture motivation and reduce suffering. Applying this idea to everyday life, I find it empowering to tackle the "muck"—those sticky areas where we feel stuck—by reassessing my beliefs. It resonates with how I coach women to see their identities dynamically. This is a gentle reminder to all of us: let’s hold our identities lightly and focus on who we want to become.
Nir's book, guide, journal, website, Instagram
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First episode with Nir on distraction: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-become-indistractable
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If you've ever fallen off a habit and spent more energy beating yourself up than getting back on track, this one's for you. Sandra Chuma breaks down why shame is one of the biggest blockers to real personal growth and development and why the path to lasting daily habits actually starts with self-compassion, not self-criticism. She makes a distinction that hit hard: there's a difference between being a failure and experiencing a failure. One crushes you. The other teaches you. If you're working on self improvement and wondering why you can't seem to stick with anything, the answer might not be discipline, it might be the way you're talking to yourself.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/keys-to-creating-big-routines-by-starting-with-small-habits
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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.
Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!
Get 50% off last year’s More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout.
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Feeding our families is a never-ending task, one that can weigh heavily on both our minds and wallets. I used to feel overwhelmed by the constant need to plan, shop, and cook meals, but I've discovered a few strategies that have transformed our dinner routine into something manageable and even enjoyable. By keeping an essentials list, planning and shopping biweekly, and focusing on simple repeat meals, I’m not only saving money but also finding more peace around mealtime. These approaches have allowed me to reduce stress and spend more quality time with my family, enjoying meals rather than dreading them. I hope these insights help you reclaim your evenings and bring joy back to your family dinners this summer.
Get Your Grocery Game Plan Guide
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Recent episodes on a similar topic: 3 Simple Ways to Take the Dread Out of Dinner, A Simpler Way to Feed Your Family, How I’ve Saved Major Money On Groceries; How to Dramatically Cut Your Grocery Bill
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What happens when your body finally says enough — even when you love your work, even when everything looks fine from the outside? Becky Higgins shares the moment an anxiety attack forced her to stop, let go, and make the biggest trade-off of her life. What she discovered on the other side — more confidence, more clarity, more alignment — is a reminder that rest isn't the opposite of personal growth and development. It might actually be the path to it. If you've been white-knuckling your way through your daily habits and responsibilities, wondering why you still don't feel happy, this one's for you.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-you-need-to-say-no-to-good-things
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As I reflect on 2020 in celebration of About Progress turning 10, I'm reminded of how the global pandemic altered life as we knew it, personally affecting our family with immediate, life-altering decisions. Looking back, I'm proud of how I showed up for my community, even when navigating difficult discussions online about race and politics.
Behind the mic, 2020 was both a professional boon and a personal gauntlet. Despite the upheavals, I remain grateful for the thriving support of my community and the success of Podcast University, proof that confronting discomfort can lead to profound opportunities. While I continue to balance openness with privacy, the common thread remains—curiosity and connection, the fuel of our shared journey on About Progress.
Old episodes to support: Interviews with Arielle Estoria, Nir Eyal, Brooke Snow, Jasmine Bradshaw, and Kolbie Blume, What to do When You Don’t Know What to do About Racism
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Shang Saavedra is a personal finance expert who helped me rethink frugality in a liberating way. Our conversation explored the emotional roots of our money habits, revealing how mental health significantly impacts financial literacy. Shang shared her personal story of living off 20% of her income during her twenties, not out of scarcity, but with the goal of buying time and freedom later. This approach was truly eye-opening, showing me that frugality can lead to joy when it's aligned with our values. Shang's inspiring and compassionate approach left me feeling more empowered and hopeful about my financial journey, and I hope sharing her insights will motivate you to embark on your path to financial freedom too.
Shang's free investing guide, Instagram, website
Referenced IG post
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Recent episode on a similar topic: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/you-re-not-bad-at-money-how-to-build-a-system-instead-of-a-budget-with-rebecca-palmer
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