About Progress

In this episode I'm exploring why self-care for mothers often feels like an impossible task. It's not a lack of self-compassion or personal development that's to blame, but the invisible labor—those daily habits and tasks that women silently shoulder.

This understanding is crucial for self-improvement; it helps us identify how to stop being a perfectionist trying to manage everything perfectly. To truly embrace self care, and to feel happy in our lives, we need to share these responsibilities, allowing us the space for growth and fulfillment.

Past episodes to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-have-more-fairness-in-housework-why-doing-so-dramatically-improves-your-relationships; https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/what-to-do-when-things-need-to-change-in-your-marriage 

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Does talking about money make you a little bit sweaty? Navigating the choppy waters of financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming, but my conversation with Elizabeth Pennington from Fearless Finance provided invaluable, clear-sighted guidance. In our conversation she laid out five crucial steps to ensure financial stability, emphasizing the importance of a stable cash flow and the necessity of building both a rainy day fund and a full emergency fund.

Whether you're anxious about a potential recession or just seeking better money management practices, Elizabeth’s insights provide a roadmap towards financial security and peace of mind. I'm so grateful for her guidance and encourage everyone to consider these powerful strategies in their own financial planning journey.

Use code ‘PROGRESS” for $50 off your first session at https://fearlessfinance.com/

More for Moms Conference, use code “LISTENER” for $20 off: https://www.aboutprogress.com/moreformoms

Past Episode to support: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-i-ve-saved-major-money-thousands-on-groceries-the-last-18-months-how-you-can-too

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This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod

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Author and poet Carol Lynn Pearson shares gentle, soul-stirring wisdom on discovering your divine gifts, even in the busiest seasons of motherhood. Learn why creating space for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s sacred—and how your gifts are meant to flow through you, not from perfection.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/evolve-alongside-your-gifts

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If you ever hold back from leaning into an interest because you will be "bad" at it, it's time to consider the beauty of being a beginner. In this inspiring session, artist Kolbie Blume shares her journey from self-doubt to creative confidence, revealing why the real magic happens when you let go of perfectionistic expectations and invest in yourself—even if it’s just for five minutes a day. Whether you’re craving a new hobby or struggling to put yourself on your own priority list, this conversation will challenge your inner critic and invite you to find messy wonder in the everyday.

FREEBIE for all: Painting the Wilderness Challenge

BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Wilderness Watercolor Landscapes tutorial book

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Kolbie Blume is a watercolor artist, author, and teacher who cares a whole lot about helping recovering perfectionists reclaim their inner artist and build a creative life. . 

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It may not seem like a big deal in the eyes of the world, but when you lose your sense of style you also feel like you lose your sense of self. Speaker, Julie Allen gets real about why so many women feel disconnected from their wardrobes, how style is deeply tied to identity, and why rediscovering your look is about so much more than clothes. If you’ve ever wondered how to dress for the person you are now (not just who you used to be), or felt stuck between trends and expectations, this conversation is for you—no matter your age, body, or season of life.

FREEBIE for all: The TJG Fall Style Guide + The TJG Summer Style Guide

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Julie Allen is your Internet Big Sister!  She is a 46 year old mother of 6 children, ranging in age from 21-11.  She works as a style influencer, mainly on Instagram, teaching women how to embrace style tools, instead of being stifled by rules. She makes fashion fun and doable by sharing simple style tips and tried and true recommendations for real life style. 

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What happens when a simple hobby takes root and ends up transforming your life? In this session, Cynthia Stringham shares her journey from amateur gardener to greenhouse owner and TV host—revealing how gardening became her "therapy," her business, and, most importantly. her way to connect with others. Discover why failure is part of the process, how to start small (even if you have zero experience), and the surprising life lessons that bloom when you get your hands in the dirt. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just garden-curious, Cynthia’s honest stories and practical tips will inspire you to dig deeper—both in your garden and in yourself. Whether it's gardening or another hobby you want to explore, this session will inspire you to grow something new.

FREEBIE for all: Spring Harvest Mix Planting & Grow Guide

BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Local winner: $50 to 42nd Street Greenhouse OR Non-Local Winner: $50 to Heritage Mums

Get the Basic Pass to watch and/or read each speaker session for free through Sunday, October 12th.

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Cynthia “Melon” Stringham is the passionate owner of 42nd Street Greenhouse in Millcreek, Utah, where she cultivates thousands of plants annually. She hosts PBS Utah’s Modern Gardener, sharing gardening tips and inspiring novice growers. In 2022, she and her husband revived the 42nd Street greenhouse’s 40-year legacy and launched and online plant company Heritage Mums, offering heirloom chrysanthemums. A lifelong gardener with a social media presence as Melon Monologues, Cynthia encourages growth, community, and some good times. 

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What if you never saw yourself as a “reader”—until one book club invitation changed everything? In this inspiring session, Meagan Briggs shares her unexpected journey from reading just one book a year to devouring over 150 annually—all while navigating the chaos and beauty of motherhood. Discover how she found connection, fulfillment, and a new sense of self through books, and why it’s never too late to reclaim a hobby that lights you up. Packed with practical tips, honest reflections, and a few can’t-miss book recommendations, this conversation will leave you rethinking what’s possible to turn the page and prioritie a new hobby in your own life.

FREEBIE for all: Meagan's Book Club Current Top Reads

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Meagan has been gushing about books on Bookstagram for over six years. Based in Colorado and a mom of four, she squeezes in reading time between school runs, snack refills, and recording episodes of her bookish podcast. She’s all about buzzy new releases, emotional book club picks, and audiobooks that make chores feel magical. If it’s twisty, heartfelt, or totally unputdownable, chances are Meagan’s already posted about it (and convinced you to read it too).

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We may think of travel as a one-and-done experience, but what if it was an ongoing--and meaningful--hobby? In this session, Preethi Harbuck shares how her family turned travel into a way of life, building empathy, resilience, and unforgettable memories along the way. Discover why adventure doesn’t have to wait for “someday,” how baby steps like small local explorations can transform your family, and the surprising ways discomfort leads to growth. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just dreaming of your first trip, this conversation will inspire you to see the world—and your own backyard—with new eyes, making adventure part of your family's story.

FREEBIE for all: Visual Packing List for Kids

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Preethi believes in the power of travel to inspire curiosity, connection, and advocacy. She and her husband Daniel have visited 90 countries with kids and love sharing tips & itineraries to help fellow families explore near and far. 

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What if the secret to stronger family bonds isn’t more structure, but more fun? In this session, Brooke Romney joins Monica Packer to share how letting go of perfection and embracing playfulness transformed her relationships, her parenting, and her relationship with parenting. Discover practical ways to infuse joy into everyday moments, why fun matters more than you think, and how even the smallest shifts can create connection. Press play and get inspired to make memories that matter, better be the mom you want to be, and shift your experience with motherhood.

FREEBIE for all: 75 Would You Rather Questions for Teens download

BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Your choice of a Modern Manners Flipbook

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Brooke believes no one should have to parent through the teen years alone. She's created books, a game, and a large online community that educates, encourages, and supports. 

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If digital photos a source of guilt and overwhelm, you’re not alone! In this session, photo organizing expert Casey von Stein (aka Ms. Freddy) validates why every mom struggles with messy camera rolls and helps you discover the mindset shifts and simple habits that make organizing and enjoying your photos easier than ever. Casey also shares her favorite tech tools and her “daily delete” secret. Whether you want to create meaningful photo books, connect with loved ones, or just find your favorite memories in seconds, this conversation will inspire you to finally take control of your digital photos—without perfection or overwhelm. 

FREEBIE for all: 3 Tricks for Taming your Camera Roll download

BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Backup Bootcamp Course

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Casey von Stein, aka Miss Freddy, is a certified Professional Photo Organizer in Golden Colorado.  She’s a mom of two (a 12 year old boy and 10 year old girl). After 10 years as a professional photographer, she realized that what people really needed was HELP organizing and enjoying their photos.  She offers remote organizing services for clients worldwide and self-paced online courses for those who want to tackle their photo mess on their own. 

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