AP 624: Our trip to California, school and childcare changes, interior design on my mind, a business shift and update, four fun things I’m loving lately || Messy Middle September 2024

We just crossed our eight-year anniversary and it's time to do a 'State of the Podcast Address' where I'm opening up about why I keep pushing through the messy middle of my podcasting journey. You'll also hear a nostalgic snippet from my very first episode and the valuable lessons I've learned since then, such as the importance of doing things messy, doing them anyway, and doing them scared. I also discuss the challenges the podcasting industry is currently facing, how the supporters club is making a significant difference, and what the future holds for About Progress. Lastly, my husband Brad joins me to help answer some pressing questions about the podcast's journey and where we go from here. Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Referenced episodes: https://aboutprogress.com/most-likely-to-be-a-talk-show-host/, https://aboutprogress.com/introducing-more-personal/ Access exclusive supporter benefits Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers; Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if you could transform your relationship with food and make it a celebrated part of your life? In today's episode I'm joined by Brooke Eliason of Female Foodie, a true foodie with a vibrant love for all things culinary. Together we dive deep into her journey, exploring her heartfelt relationship with food, her experiences with diet culture, and her transformative trips to Italy. We discuss the beauty of intuitive eating, the joy of food rituals, and how embracing food as a celebration can enrich your life and relationships. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or someone looking to heal your relationship with food, this conversation is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical tips. Referenced episodes: Here Lies Monica, How to Use It Not Abuse It, Intuitive Eating Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From managing interruptions to juggling the demands of a busy life, I'm walking you through my personal journey towards making home workouts a lasting habit. You’ll get insider tips on the equipment I use, my flexible workout schedule, and how I balance intensity and time. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting, there’s something in this episode for you. Tune in and discover how to make exercise a sustainable and enjoyable part of your routine. Plus, you won’t want to miss the touching DM from a listener that truly captures the essence of this journey. Get my workout musts here! Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode originally aired on my listener-supported, premium podcast, More Personal. If you want access to more deep dives, including part two of this episode, honest reviews, casual convos, book reports, and other bonus content, make sure to become a supporter. As a woman navigating modern life, I find myself torn between two worlds. On one hand, I embrace traditional values: marriage, motherhood, and homemaking. Yet, I also recognize the importance of feminism and the pursuit of equality. Ultimately, I believe in a woman's right to decide, and navigate, her own path. The "tradwife movement," while appealing to some, raises concerns about potential limitations and societal pressures. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a society where women are empowered and valued for their contributions, regardless of their chosen path. Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something that I noticed after the 2020 pandemic was that my face changed dramatically, leaving me feeling insecure after years of stress and upheaval. Even though I knew better, I was struggling with attaching my sense of self to my outward appearance. Fortunately, I was able to have a conversation with Dina Scippa, a life coach and founder of Enough Labs, who specializes in helping women navigate crises of confidence and reconnect with their true selves. We explore what confidence truly means, how life circumstances can deeply affect our self-esteem, and practical steps you can take to regain self-trust and authenticity. Plus, Dina offers invaluable tips on dealing with low moments and how to build a sustainable foundation of self-confidence. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to uplift and empower. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PROGRESS and get on your way to being your best self; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the 'Wise Women' series, I sit down with Gabe Cox, a goal planning and business strategist, to discuss how we can redefine our relationship with goals. Gabe shares her journey from perfectionism to progress, emphasizing the importance of breaking down big dreams into manageable steps and celebrating small victories along the way. We delve into how shifting our focus from the summit to the path can bring joy and fulfillment, even in the busiest seasons of our lives. Whether you're looking to set new goals or simply find peace in your current journey, this conversation is packed with insights on achieving progress without the pressure of perfection. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PROGRESS and get on your way to being your best self; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's coaching call, I had the pleasure of speaking with Krystal, a dedicated mom of four who recently had her fourth baby. We delved into the challenges she's been facing with maintaining energy levels and establishing healthy eating habits, especially after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's. One key takeaway from this conversation is the importance of self-compassion and practical strategies for making nutritious meals manageable, even with a hectic schedule. Join us as we explore how to create habits that not only fit into a busy mom's life but also help in regaining a sense of self and energy. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PROGRESS and get on your way to being your best self; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory on the mounting stress facing parents today, highlighting how mental health challenges in caregivers impact both parents and their children. With 33% of parents reporting high stress compared to 20% of non-parents, it's clear that the pressures of modern life—raising kids in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, and dealing with financial and safety concerns—are taking their toll. I want to emphasize that stress isn’t a personal failing, but a reflection of real-life challenges. I'm sharing practical steps to manage your stress, nurture your well-being, and support your family, with tips you can incorporate into your daily life. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we're diving into the practical and emotional aspects of managing money with Jen Smith, personal finance expert and co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast. I share my personal struggles and transformations when it comes to budgeting and impulse spending, and we explore how you can move from feeling guilty about your finances to empowered by them. You'll learn how to do a 90-day spending inventory, understand the importance of aligning your spending with your values, and even discover the benefits of a 30-day no-spend challenge. If you're ready for a fresh, guilt-free approach to money that you can actually stick with, this episode is for you. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! 8 Years Favorite Things Giveaway Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress and Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod and AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices