About Progress

"I want to. I can. I will."   This is the mantra that got Kristina Southam to her goal of running a marathon and hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.   She's our "Do Something Highlight" today and sharing ways that she has done things that have scared her and the effect of them. One of these included taking a break from a graduate program she had worked so hard to get into, and how deferring ended up being the best way to reset her life.   Listen to hear about how she wanted to show up better for the people in her life, what self-care looks like for her, and what she learned about doing the right thing in the right season of life.   Show Notes: Kristina's Instagram and Las Vegas Race: Saints and Sinners Half and Relay Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA on August 25th--get your tickets HERE and $15 off each ticket when you use the code "LISTENER" Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel Nielson (use code "AUGUST" to save $25 and listen to the episode to hear

As an international model turned student, turned missionary, turned business owner and clothing designer,n speaker, advocate, and author (phew!), Rosemary Card has done and seen more than most almost-30-year-olds!    Rosie's gift of using her unique voice was forged through years of standing up to bullies, living up to her values amidst great pressure, and speaking up even within her own religious culture. She shines so brightly, and Rosie knows YOU can, too!   In this interview, Rosie shares how she found her own voice BY using it, what she believes we all need to do, and how faith is made stronger because of doubt.     Want to learn more from Rosie? You simply MUST read her book. It's the perfect mix of memoir, essays, and self-help from a gal-who-knows.   Show Notes: Rosie's website, book, Instagram, and Facebook MAMA SPRING BREAK! Last weeks' episodes with Camille Andros, Crystalee Beck, and my 100th episode! Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christenson and Rachel

Camille Andros is used to juggling a lot of balls. As an author and mother of six, she often battles having a lot of important priorities and all at the same time. Not just in spite of this, but because of it, Camille has learned that in order to be "all in" and present with the task at hand, you have to practice the mindset of intentionality. Creating this mindset shift has enabled Camille to be a better author, mother, and work on her own self-development.   Listen to learn how this is the case for Camille, as well as how she learned the importance of knowing her own "why" in all areas of her life, and about her new book The Dress and the Girl and its timely release during this important historical moment of immigration crises.    Show Notes: Camille's Instagram, Website, and BOOKS: HERE (The Dress and the Girl) and HERE (Charlotte the Scientist is Squished)! Referenced episode with Preston Pugmire and his free Facebook group Monica's two-day, 24-hour workshop REDISCOVER YOU, with guest teachers Kim Christe

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

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

 "If I hadn’t made the bad paintings, then I wouldn’t have made the good paintings either.”   I have three of Beth Allen's prints hanging on the walls of my home. I want about 100 more, and some of the "real thing," too.    Beth amazed me during our chat not just because of this artistry she has never known life without, but because of how she has worked so hard to hone her craft, given it permission to take all sorts of forms and genres, and allowed it to teach her that she simply can't be too hard on herself.   Because Beth learned through years of fighting an eating disorder that smothered her creativity, that you have to be willing to allow room for imperfections to create masterpieces.   Listen in to hear how Beth has cultivated her gift, how she navigates keeping her own character in her work while still satisfying others, what she learned the hard way from being a perfectionist, and what self-care looks like for her and its essential place in encouraging her artistry to flourish. Show Notes: Beth's Web

My daughter--Bear (secret code name!)--sat down in front of my desk on Sunday morning and asked to record an episode. I happily obliged, thinking it was just for the memories. But, she actually proved to record something pretty inspiring! She turns 7 today, so as a little surprise I thought I'd share this with you.  Bear is very unique. She's very bright, creative, and very sensitive. She's had to overcome a lot in her short life and I'm very proud of her. Bear is a dreamer. She is totally into koalas and talks about them--and marine life--all day long, and wants to plan our study trip to Australia all day, every day (down to what plane we are taking and when). Bear is very inspired by the female scientists she's learned about thanks to her Bravery Magazines. (This have no idea I'm sharing this, but you need them!) If it sounds like she's reading off of something, Bear is not. She might have her dad's photographic memory--we're not sure yet, but this is the way she talks (exactly how she read it!).   I encour

“When you think of your body in terms of what it can do and how you feel in it, instead of just how it looks, you open up this whole new world.”   The past few years, there has been some shifts in how society (and by extension, advertising) is labeling "beautiful." But Doctors Lindsay and Lexie Kite of Beauty Redefined think that we can do even better.   This is because even by broadening the definition of "beauty," we are still telling women that they are defined by their beauty.   Lindsay and Lexie have researched the effect this thinking has on women and their lives, and they know what it takes to change it. The fact is that women ARE being held back by being objectified (including self-objectification), and that when they step into their own power and build BODY IMAGE RESILIENCE, their potential is limitless.   Listen in to hear why this is the case and how we can empower ourselves by building this body image resilience. (Plus they have a tried-and-true course on this, so listen in to hear about that too!

“If you’re going to be someone who is interested in intimacy, you have to be accepting of your body as it is. If you’re going to be capable of doing that, you have to forge a kind of meaningful self acceptance and self compassion.”   Good body image = good sex. Bad body image = bad sex.   It’s really that simple.   Because it’s never about our bodies. It’s about how we are measuring our self-worth and the meaning we have placed on our bodies as an extension of our sense of self. And that measurement affects all areas our lives, including our love lives.   Want to know more about why that is and how to change it? Listen to my podcast interview with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on how we can get in better tune with what really matters—our minds and our souls—and by extension, improve both our body image AND our intimacy. (If you like the episode, please subscribe and SHARE IT! Thank you!) Show Notes: Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's WEBSITE, upcoming Art of Desire Wasatch Retreat, and Jackson Hole Couples Retreat!

It's sad how easy it is to let our marriages slip into a place of neglect. But this needn't be if we just better prioritize our relationship and our spouse's needs!   Becky Squire is here to discuss what the research shows about how putting your marriage first benefits your children and what husbands and wives need more of from each other. While the actual practice of these concepts will look different for each family, better prioritizing the most important relationship in the family will bless everyone. Show Notes Becky's blog and referenced articles: here, here, and here Monica's next workshop in Walnut Creek, CA--get your tickets here and $15 each ticket when you buy two or more tickets with the code "TWOPLUS" Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter the code "PROGRESS10" to get $10 off your first month, making it only $10!) and your FREE WEEK here Monica's Facebook and Instagram Contact Monica for podcast consulting Monat Natural, Anti-Aging Hair Care: Contact Monica to learn more, OR research

Kari Durrant is our wonderful highlight today! Kari shares boldly about how even as a health care professional, her own anxiety and depression pushed her to shift what she was doing in her life. For her, that meant admitting that the career path she was on wasn't the right thing for her, stepping back, and instead getting more honest with herself. The greatest thing about this? That meant doing things she LOVED again, including painting, hand-lettering, and even a triathlon.   She has picked up so many skills, built a community, and more--all because she went for something small.    You can follow Kari here! She's also started offering water coloring classes, and I've signed up to knock off one of my own "do somethings."     You can listen to both parts below, or on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for "About Progress" wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like the show please share it, subscribe, and leave a review!!   Show Notes Kari's Instagram and Facebook Referenced epis

“It was when I chose to let those small pieces of criticism encompass my thoughts that I started to doubt what I was doing.”   Whether you are a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a star athlete, we all deal with the self-doubt, especially when initiated by criticism. Kylie Chenn created a very successful company at a very young age; but she constantly dealt with--and continues to--people who pushed back on her and her ideas, or others who were impossible to please.    Four years in to her business, Kyle has learned irreplaceable wisdom on how to not look to the external voices to measure your own worth. She shares what she did to overcome the nay-sayers, and how as her business continues to grow what she does to hold true to who she knows she truly is and the positive that is all around her.   So if your special in-law or overwhelming boss is getting your goat today, listen to this episode to learn how to ensure your self worth can become so deeply grounded that you can bounce back from criticis

 “At what point do we figure out the cost is too high, and are we willing to put it down?”   It's one thing to know that our devices are getting in the way of our relationships, work, and creative outlets. But it's another to successfully do something about it.   Brooke White knows the struggle well. As an independent musician (she got her big break on American Idol ten years ago) and business woman (Girls with Glasses!), social media is a big part of her creating a committed online community that supports her work. But even with all that on the line, earlier this year Brooke found herself in a predicament: what started as a way to personally connect with her loved ones and beloved fans, social media was now robbing her of the life right in front of her.   So Brooke decided to do something about it, starting with a month-long fast that quickly changed everything. Brooke and I planned on a 30 minute discussion on what she learned from her fast and how she is now attempting to still have social media in her lif

“You’re allowed to choose to love yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s not self-centered. It’s quite simple. If you’re ready, go ahead.”   Part Two: Brooke talks about what her social media break taught her, including some heart-breaking lessons. She discusses the struggle she's encountered as she steps back into her online life while still trying to balance her greater priorities, and what has worked for her. Finally, she openly shares the difficult lessons she has learned the past few years about how accepting herself fully--faults and all--is the key to really, truly moving forward with a richer, happier life.   Show Notes Brooke's Instagram, website, and Girls with Glasses Monica's Past Episode on Technology Kim Christenson's lovely post on her social media fast, her first interview with me, and her website,  Last week's episode on Imperfect Parenting with Georgia Anderson "Get Over Yourself" TICKETS for Perfectionism Workshop with Monica on June 21st in Utah Vibrant Bite fitness and nutrition coaching (enter

"We don’t want or need to be perfect all the time. We need to be open to change and learning."   If you're constantly berating yourself for falling short as a parent, I have fantastic news for you: You don't have to be a perfect parent to be a very good one.   Parenting expert Georgia Anderson is on the show to share how research proves that a perfectionist parent is actually an ineffective--and unhappy--one. Instead, Georgia encourages this alternative: showing our kids that we aren't perfect, but that we will always work to repair our mistakes and keep trying.    The way to do this? Georgia shares some phenomenal tips, including how showing yourself more compassion will transfer to your children, what to do when you see red, how we can use our bodies to change our emotions, and much more.    Georgia was kind enough to share some big moments in her own life where she learned that perfectionism was holding her back as a parent, and how she squared her shoulders and moved forward during a traumatic change she

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

"Action of any kind--even if it's small--makes that big difference of showing you that you're not giving your power away and your life away."   We live in a world of experts, ones that make you constantly feel guilty or frazzled. But Sid Garza-Hillman is here to hold your hand, make you laugh, and somehow inspire you to be better anyway, all with the premise that doing the right things most of the time (MOTT) is a really beautiful way to live.   If you're an "all-or-nothing" person and find yourself most often on the "nothing" side of the equation, that way of viewing the world isn't working for you. It's time for a different way of managing the person you want to become.    Sid teaches how to break intimidating goals and life-changes down into smaller, more manageable steps. And the even better part? How our follow-through needs not be 100% in order to still create truer, longer-lasting change. Self-care is showing yourself kindness, and Sid reveals that doing so as a parent will make you a far better influe

"If I try to stamp [sadness] out, then I'm cutting myself off from happiness in many ways because it's part of the spectrum. The two things are not inseparable. You cannot have one without the other."   I'm sure many of us can agree that our 20s were equal parts traumatizing and memorable. Meg Fee's writing has allowed thousands along the ride to her won experience of this transformative decade. Meg freely and beautifully shared her struggles to overcome deep sadness due to "Ned" (her Nasty Eating Disorder), amazing first dates, frustrating bad boyfriends, and terrible jobs, all with the backdrop of New York City.   Listen to this episode to hear more about what Meg lost to and what she gained from sadness, how language and writing were always apart of her story, what she does to move forward without regret, and how life's many curves can take us to a place far more meaningful than we ever could have forged on our own. Meg teaches how we can better couple with the sadness that is often our lot in life and tha

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

"Those things I’m thinking or feeling are there to guide me, and I can trust what is going on inside of me and it will lead me to good.”   Two years ago, Debbie Mayes and her family moved from a 5,000 sq foot home to a 200 sq foot remodeled bus and it changed everything.    Here's the thing: it's not about the bus. It's about RECONNECTION.   You see, the problem the Mayes family had was that they weren't as connected as a couple, as a family, or individually as well with their own emotions. Debbie and her husband, Gabriel, dove deep to repair what was broken for their household, and for them it meant allowing their emotions to act as beacons for self-healing and spending real quality time together as a family.   So after listening to this interview, maybe you'll be interested in pairing your life down to the basics like the Mayes family did. Or perhaps you'll figure out how to better own the inner voices within you. Either way, Debbie and her team just want you to know that what's on the other side of this wo