All the self-help extremes out there seem designed for perfect robots. But what if progress doesn’t require perfection? Welcome to your gentle self-development hub: About Progress, a podcast and community devoted to progress made practical. Join host and coach, Monica Packer, and her special guests to get the hug AND kick in the pants you need to do something and grow in ways that stick.
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AP 678: Why You Don’t Need to Diet This Spring || Wise Women Series with Dr. Supatra Tovar
45:04
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45:04In this episode from the Wise Women Series, I interview Dr. Supatra Tovar, a licensed clinical psychologist, registered dietician, and fitness expert. Together, we dive deep into the harmful effects of diet culture and explore how dieting can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Dr. Tovar offers practical advice on shifting focus from…
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AP 677: Emergency Preparedness Basics for the Scared to Prepare || with Melanie Papworth
55:29
55:29
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55:29I sat down with emergency preparedness expert Melanie Papworth to discuss practical ways to prepare for various emergencies without feeling overwhelmed. Melanie shares her expertise on five key areas: evacuation, house fires, food storage, water, and power outages. We delve into simple, actionable steps you can take to start becoming more prepared,…
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This is a bite-sized episode where I share my personal process on day planning to increase productivity and reduce mental load. I'll guide you through my journey with various planners, how I set up my weekly planning sessions, and the steps I take to ensure each day is organized and focused. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your day p…
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AP 675: “How do I stay consistent with my habits when my life circumstances change?” || Coaching Call with Alicia
55:09
55:09
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55:09Are life's unexpected twists making it hard to stick to your routines? In today’s episode I'm airing a coaching call with Alicia, a stay-at-home mom grappling with how to keep her exercise habits consistent amid life's many changes. We dive deep into redefining what baseline habits look like, so they remain achievable and fulfilling. You'll hear pr…
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AP 674: My Do Something List for 2025 || Growth Spurt
22:49
22:49
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22:49Let this be a reminder that it is never too late to create your Do Something List for the year! I recently finalized mine and wanted to share it with you, even though it's March, to inspire you to create your own list. I'll be going through each item, explaining why it's on the list, giving updates, and sharing some fun anecdotes. From baking somet…
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AP 673: How to Live Boldly in the Body You have Now, Especially as you Age || with Meg Hadley
46:59
46:59
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46:59Join dietitian Meg Hadley and me as we open up about the challenging topic of body image, especially as we age. We discuss the personal and societal pressures women face to conform to certain body standards, Meg provides profound insights on the body image spectrum, and we explore the unrealistic expectations set by diet culture and the importance …
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AP 672: Birthday Party Chaos, Work Trip Reflections, the Latest Launch of the Sticky Habit Intensive, the Food and Drink I'm Loving, Looking Ahead to a Busy Spring, and my Deep Dive on GLP-1 Medication ...
39:13
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39:13This 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 perf…
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AP 671: How Can You Make Cleaning Easier || My Replicable System To Take the Overwhelm Out of Cleaning
43:51
43:51
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43:51What is 'cleanish?' For me, it's a flexible, realistic approach to maintaining a tidy home. In this episode I'll walk you through creating your own cleaning manifesto, which helps you prioritize what truly matters and ditch the overwhelming 'shoulds' of cleaning. I'll share personal tips and tricks on how to simplify, break down, and systemize your…
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AP 670: How to Better Handle Your Parenting Regrets and Become a Better Parent in the Process || Wise Women Series with Andee Martineau
48:51
48:51
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48:51In this episode from our Wise Women Series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andee Martineau, a mom of six, a parenting expert, and the creator of Connect Method Parenting. We delve deep into how parenting challenges can serve as catalysts for personal growth. Andee shares her own experiences and regrets as a parent, and provides invaluable insig…
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AP 669: What You Don't (but Should) Know About the Pelvic Floor || with Dr. Sara Reardon, the Vagina Whisperer
53:47
53:47
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53:47We're diving into an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of women's health: the pelvic floor. Joined by Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina Whisperer, we discuss everything from the basics of pelvic floor health to practical tips on how to manage and improve its function throughout various stages of life. We cover important issues like u…
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AP 668: The Imperfections Make It Better || Growth Spurt
8:36
8:36
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8:36I recently began to realize there are some parallels between podcast editing and life, in that they both require embracing messiness. Whether it's editing episodes for clarity, or juggling unexpected house guests and toddler tantrums, I challenge you (and myself) to consider how our own imperfections make us better, more human, and ultimately, more…
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AP 667: Habits That Are Helping Me Show Up Right Now
41:54
41:54
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41:54Are habits a ball and chain for you? They used to be for me, until I discovered ways to make them work in my favor, not against me. In this episode, I share five transformative habits that are helping me show up in my life right now. These aren’t your typical productivity tips; some are unconventional and rooted in creativity and fun! I'll walk you…
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AP 666: Will You Accept Someone Else’s Offering? What I Learned When I Almost Refused Brad’s Support || Growth Spurt
7:24
7:24
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7:24Do you ever feel utterly overwhelmed by the invisible labor that keeps your family running smoothly? In this Growth Spurt episode, I'm diving deep into a crucial aspect of sharing household responsibilities—acceptance. I'll recount a personal story of how my husband, Brad, surprised me with a much-needed break, and why accepting help is often harde…
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AP 665: It’s Never Too Late and Never Too Small || a conversation with Sharon McMahon on the late bloomers and small changers
54:35
54:35
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54:35Have you ever felt like you're running out of time to make an impact? This week you get to hear from our favorite government teacher, Sharon McMahon, while we explore how it's truly never too late to start making a difference. We dive deep into America's obsession with youth and meteoric success, shedding light on a more sustainable, incremental ap…
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AP 664: The Top Interviews of My Career, A Reading Challenge, New Habits for Me and My Husband, An Update on the Book I’m Writing || Messy Middle February 2025
33:31
33:31
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33:31This 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 perf…
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AP 663: How Self-Care Saved Our Marriage || an honest conversation on how healthy marriages need two people who are taking care of themselves
1:07:58
1:07:58
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1:07:58Have you ever felt like a martyr in your own home, doing everything right for everyone else but slowly losing yourself in the process? In this episode, my husband Brad and I share our deeply personal story of how we navigated the choppy waters of marital stress and found salvation through self-care. We’ll take you back to 2015, a pivotal year for o…
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Deep Dive: Are There Any Real Experts? How Ruby Franke and "Baldoni vs. Lively" act as case studies for the murky waters of online expertise
23:34
23:34
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23:34Deep Dive: Are There Any Real Experts? How Ruby Franke and "Baldoni vs. Lively" act as case studies for the murky waters of online expertise What do Ruby Franke, Justin Baldoni, and Blake Lively have in common? They reveal the real dilemmas we face as a society today: who can we trust as online experts? This is a deep dive in who get to call themse…
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AP 662: Do Something List 2025 Workshop!!!
1:16:22
1:16:22
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1:16:22Ever found yourself wondering where your year went and why those personal projects never got started? In this special bonus episode I'm sharing the DSL Workshop 2025, where we tackle exactly that. I guide you through creating your very own 'Do Something List' to ensure this year is different. We dive into reflection exercises, brainstorm fun and fu…
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AP 661: The Power of ‘Wintering:’ how to use the Winters of our lives to prioritize rest, retreat, and relationships || with Katherine May
53:03
53:03
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53:03Do you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges and wonder how to find peace amidst the chaos? I recently had the great honor of speaking with Katherine May, the author of 'Wintering' on this exact topic. We dive deep into the popular concept of 'wintering,' while Katherine sheds light on the importance of rest, retreat, and relationships during these…
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For the Ladies: Period and Bladder Products We've Tried
22:47
22:47
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22:47Does your period create carnage? Does your bladder lead to embarrassment? Welcome to the club! Today, Taylor and I share our go-to products that help our biggest lady problems in hopes that they can help you, too. This episode is for the ladies! Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get y…
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AP 660: How to Start and STICK with an Exercise Routine, Even with Low Motivation || Wise Women Series with Megan Dahlman
46:10
46:10
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46:10Part of our new Wise Women Series, this is an inspiring chat with fitness expert Megan Dahlman. We discuss practical and sustainable ways to start and maintain a fitness routine, especially as motivation fluctuates. Megan shares her insights on the importance of strength training and offers advice on how to ease into a fitness routine that aligns w…
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Ready to take a fresh path to self-discovery? Every Monday, Jemma of “The Psychology of your 20s” brings you a new mantra, breaking it down to show you how you can apply it to your own life. Whether you’re facing a major transition or looking to evolve your everyday routine, Mantra is the podcast for you. Join Jemma every week for reflections, prac…
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AP 659: How can I be consistent in taking care of myself during a tumultuous season as a busy mom with ADHD || Coaching Call with Sarah
55:50
55:50
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55:50In this coaching call, I had the pleasure of talking with Sarah, a creative mom who struggles with consistency due to her ADHD and the challenges of everyday life. We delved into what consistency looks like for her and how she can create touchpoints in her day that help her feel capable and confident. We identified practical steps she can take, sta…
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My Favorite Movie on Two Sisters, "Sense and Sensibility" || Marriage Movie Club with Brad and Monica
23:38
23:38
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23:38It's a movie that defined a lot of my growing up years, but really hit hard when I experienced my first real heartbreak: Sense and Sensibility. In our 18 years together, Brad has never seen it, despite it being one of my very favorite movies of all time. Today, we set out to change that. Listen in to hear why I love this movie so much and if Brad f…
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AP 658: My Goals for 2025 || BONUS episode from More Personal
52:56
52:56
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52:56If you have a complicated relationship with making and keeping goals, so do I! Goal-making and I have our ups and downs, and complete outs. But this year, it feels good and it feels right for me to get back into this practice. I did so, both personally and professionally. In this bonus episode, you’ll hear me share a bit about where I’m at with goa…
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AP 657: How to Start Day Planning Again by Shifting from Panic Planning to Peaceful Planning || with Jess Massey
54:07
54:07
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54:07Ever felt like planning your day was a prison rather than a support system? In this episode I chat with day planning expert Jess Massey to uncover how to shift from panic-led planning to intentional, peaceful productivity. Jess shares her personal journey and tangible steps to make day planning a flexible support system tailored to you. We delve in…
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Our Thoughts and Feelings on the New Year + Can A.I. Help Solve Our Resolution Problems?? || Casual Convos
23:12
23:12
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23:12Between Taylor and myself, we have a wide range of both life experiences and preferences when it comes to all things “New Year, New Me.” While I’m tackling this year in the most stereotypical of New Year fashions—all the goals!—Taylor is understandably (and wisely?) more reticent to jump on the bandwagon. We explore our past histories with goal-mak…
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AP 656: How to be a Successful “January Joiner” || Growth Spurt
10:01
10:01
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10:01Ever feel like a 'try-hard' gets a bad rap? In this bite-sized episode, I'm diving into why I love 'January Joiners' and how you can harness that New Year momentum to make lasting progress. Tune in as I share three key tips to help you ride the momentum wave successfully and avoid common pitfalls. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private…
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AP 655: Follow-Through Fallout || What to do when you no longer feel like following through
37:53
37:53
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37:53You know that feeling—you set an exciting goal or decide to start a new habit, but soon after, your initial enthusiasm fizzles out. I like to call that 'Follow-Through Fallout.' It happens to the best of us, and it's completely normal! Today, I'll share my own journey through this phenomenon, the unexpected hurdles I faced, and the strategies I use…
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3 Books I LOVED in December + a New Reading Challenge!
30:42
30:42
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30:42Do you like to read? Or wish you could more? I relate to BOTH! In today's special preview episode, I'm sharing half of January's Book Report from More Personal, my private, premium, always ad-free podcast exclusive to certain levels of the Supporters Club. In this episode, I review 3 of the books I read (and loved) in December, and introduce a new …
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AP 654: Skiing with my kids, breaking my nose, looking forward to my new DSL, my plan to find more calm in the new year, and I'm writing a book || Messy Middle January 2025
32:34
32:34
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32:34This 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 perf…
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AP 653: Signs You Have "High Functioning Anxiety" + Simple Ways to Help, Starting Today || with Michelle Grosser
40:18
40:18
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40:18Through a candid and revealing conversation, Michelle Grosser shares her deeply personal journey of navigating anxiety, touching on her experiences as a high achiever and the eldest of five children. She delves into the dissonance between outward success and inner turmoil, illustrating how high-functioning anxiety can often go unnoticed. Michelle p…
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AP 652: How to Raise a Confident Teen in an Insecure World || Wise Women Series with Kristi Simons
40:33
40:33
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40:33In this episode of the Wise Women Series, Monica welcomes Kristi Simons, an expert who is passionate about working with teens, to discuss the journey of self-discovery, self-worth, and empowerment. Kristi shares her personal story of transformation from being an educator to a confident teen coach. She opens up about her struggles with addiction and…
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AP 651: Do You Need to Rest More? How to Better Value and Prioritize Rest Alongside Your Responsibilities || with Dr. Yasmene Mumby
46:27
46:27
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46:27Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, wondering if there's a better way to recharge? In this episode, I sit down with the insightful Dr. Yasmene Mumby to explore the transformative power of rest and relaxation. We dive into setting realistic goals, cultivating healthy habits, and embracing self-compassion as a corne…
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AP 650: This month's highs and lows, our out-of-state adventure, home improvements, four things I'm loving lately, and what I'm planning right now for the new year || Messy Middle December 2024
35:12
35:12
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35:12This 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 perf…
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AP 649: A Better Way To End Your Year (+ Prep for Next) || A Did Something List
48:45
48:45
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48:45Feeling overwhelmed by planning and goal-setting? I've been there, too. In this episode I’m sharing my personal reflections on 2024 and how I'm going to use those insights to plan a meaningful and successful 2025. Let’s take a moment together to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, identify what truly matters, and set the right intentions for the ne…
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AP 648: Marriage Movie Club, ft. Back to the Future || BONUS episode from More Personal
53:41
53:41
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53:41This is a bonus episode from a fun series on my premium podcast where my husband and I reclaim our old hobby of watching and discussing our favorite films. We talk about old favorites, hidden gems, and everything in between. Join us as we share our thoughts, debate the best scenes, and maybe even disagree a little. This episode originally aired on …
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AP 647: How to Ensure YOU Enjoy the Holidays, Too (and Stop Self-Silencing) || with Dr. Amber Price
42:54
42:54
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42:54I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Amber Price as we delve into self-silencing, and why it's important to pay attention to during the upcoming holiday season. Dr. Price explains the roots and significance of this behavior, offering insights into how many of us unknowingly silence ourselves to meet others' expectations. We discuss the key aspects of se…
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AP 646: How to Reasonably Fit In More Movement || Wise Women Series with Emily Nichols
41:38
41:38
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41:38Part of our new Wise Women Series, this is an inspiring chat with Emily Nichols, a fitness instructor and behavior change specialist. Emily shares her journey from struggling with fitness to becoming a coach who empowers women to seamlessly integrate movement into their lives. The story about her own health transformation with her husband was truly…
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AP 645: How can I prevent my “Mad Mom” side coming out at bedtime with my kids? || Coaching Call with Melissa
41:24
41:24
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41:24Ever feel like you're running on empty by the time bedtime rolls around? You're not alone! Join me in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa, a devoted homeschooling mom of four, as we tackle this all-too-familiar problem. We discuss the immense responsibilities Melissa faces and how these shape her daily routine, plus how she strives to balance her…
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AP 644: State of the Podcast Address || Bonus Episode
48:26
48:26
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48:26We 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 mess…
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AP 643: How Becoming a Foodie Can Heal Your Relationship With Food (+ Your Body, Too) || with Brooke Eliason from Female Foodie
51:39
51:39
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51:39Ever 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 cu…
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AP 642: Enjoying fall festivities, learning some sign language, my upcoming Do Something List plans, and the documentary and book I'm loving || Messy Middle November 2024
22:28
22:28
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22:28This 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 perf…
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AP 641: How I’ve exclusively and consistently worked out from home for years
47:11
47:11
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47:11From 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 somet…
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AP 640: Deep Dive: Trad Wives || preview for More Personal
50:28
50:28
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50:28This 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 han…
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AP 639: What to Do If You’re Facing a Crisis of Confidence || with Dina Scippa
49:10
49:10
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49:10Something 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 Eno…
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AP 638: {fixed} Want to be a “Goal Girlie?” Here’s how to re-think your approach to goals || Wise Women Series, with Gabe Cox
45:48
45:48
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45:48In 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.…
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AP 637: How can I better support my body’s new nutritional needs with more energizing lunches and snacks? || Coaching Call with Krystal
55:41
55:41
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55:41In 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 impo…
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AP 636: Do you blame yourself for your stress? + thoughts on the surgeon general’s advisory || Growth Spurt
13:01
13:01
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13:01In 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…
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AP 635: How to gain the skill of spending money well, change your relationship with budgeting, and improve your spending habits || with Jen Smith
55:26
55:26
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55:26In 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 empow…
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