Have 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 our marriage, and discuss how self-care transformed our lives individually and as a couple. From my early struggles with balancing motherhood and personal needs to Brad’s own journey to prioritize himself, this episode dives deep into the practical steps and hard conversations that saved us. Tune in to hear why self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for sustaining healthy relationships and personal well-being.

Referenced episodes: 3 types of self care, leave martyrdom behind, self care to support yourself, the biggest self care myths, practical ways to make time for yourself

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This episode is brought to you 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

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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

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 themselves an “expert,” and how we as consumers need to use a combination of brains and guts to ensure that our certainty doesn’t arrive directly from the wrong hands.

Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get your first month free) by using the code "FREEMONTH" when signing up as a Bestie or Ride-or-Die Supporter by February 1st. It's the ultimate "try before you buy." Go to aboutprogress.com/support to join the Supporters Club.

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Ever 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 fulfilling activities, and learn to curate a list that prioritizes you and your happiness. From getting handsy with new hobbies to making time for what truly matters, let's turn your aspirations into achievable, enjoyable actions. Whether you're new to this or a DSL veteran, this episode is packed with the inspiration and practical steps you need to make 2025 your most fulfilling year yet.

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

This episode is brought to you 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; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress

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Do 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 times.

This episode teaches us that by slowing down and valuing our quieter seasons, we can experience profound personal growth. Katherine also shares practical insights on how to lean into our winters and find the beauty and wisdom they hold. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will inspire you to embrace your own personal winters.

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

This episode is brought to you by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers; and by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress.

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Does 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 your first month free) by using the code "FREEMONTH" when signing up as a Bestie or Ride-or-Die Supporter by February 1st. It's the ultimate "try before you buy." Go to aboutprogress.com/support to join the Supporters Club.

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Part 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 with your long-term health goals.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, Megan's wisdom will inspire you to rethink your approach to exercise and prioritize consistency over intensity. Tune in for actionable tips and encouragement to make this new year your healthiest yet!

Monica on Self Care Simplified or listen on Apple podcasts; Jumpstart 30 Program

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! USE CODE “FREEMONTH” to get your first month free–code expires February 1st.

This episode is sponsored 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

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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, practical tips, and personal insights that’ll inspire you to live with intention and unlock your true potential. Follow Mantra with Jemma Sbeg wherever you get your podcasts.

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In 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, starting with simple hygiene routines and establishing a capsule wardrobe to make getting ready easier. This conversation was all about helping Sarah find flexibility within her routines and redefining what it means to be consistent in her unique life circumstances.

Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Use code "FREEMONTH” to get your first month free–code expires February 1st

This episode is brought to you by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers.

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It'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 felt anywhere close to the same.

Want the second half the the episode? Good news! You simply need to get access to More Personal (+ get your first month free) by using the code "FREEMONTH" when signing up as a Bestie or Ride-or-Die Supporter by February 1st. It's the ultimate "try before you buy." Go to aboutprogress.com/support to join the Supporters Club.

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If 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 goal-making and why, how I create my goals, and what 10 I landed on for 2025.

This is a full bonus episode, aired from More Personal–my private, premium, always ad-free podcast for members of the Supporters Club. To get access, sign up at the Bestie or Ride-or-Die level using the code “FREEMONTH” by February 1st to get your first month free. Go to aboutprogress.com/support to sign up!

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