Best Monica Packer Podcasts (2025)

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Pre-New Year Anxiety: Why We Spiral Before January || H&K with Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT 7:18

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4d ago7:18

7:18

In this personal growth podcast clip, licensed therapist Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT explains how anxiety quietly shapes our behaviors through avoidance, perfectionism, people-pleasing, reassurance seeking, and rumination. If you’re navigating personal development, trying to build healthier daily habits, or wondering how to be happier without burning o…

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#51 - The Messy Middle: When Passion Feels Hard 18:51

2d ago18:51

18:51

The beginning of a passion project feels exciting. The ending feels worth it. But the middle? The middle is messy. In this episode, I’m talking about the messy middle, that uncomfortable season where the excitement fades, the work feels heavy, and comparison creeps in. Inspired by a candid post from Monica Packer reflecting on nine years of podcast…

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AP 746: The Wisdom of Wintering: Why Your Hard Seasons Matter and How to Move Through Them || with Katherine May 52:57

6d ago52:57

52:57

Have you ever considered that the most profound growth happens in the stillness of life's winters? Katherine May's concept of "Wintering" challenges us to view these quiet times not as setbacks but as necessary periods for renewal and introspection. It's about recognizing that slowing down and stepping back can rejuvenate our spirits. By appreciati…

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308 🌟 How Breathwork Can Reduce Anxiety, Release Trauma, and Transform Your Life with Kurtis Lee Thomas 48:17

8d ago48:17

48:17

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Wendy Valentine sits down with Kurtis Lee Thomas, one of the world’s leading corporate mindfulness and breathwork trainers, to explore how something as simple as breathing can create profound shifts in mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Kurtis shares his personal healing journey, explains why …

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AP 745: The Courage to Be a Beginner + The Real Purpose of Creative Hobbies || with Kolbie Blume 56:57

2d ago56:57

56:57

In this conversation with Kolbie Blume, we explored how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper fulfillment in our creative pursuits. We discussed the concept of focusing on tiny moments of wonder rather than the final product, highlighting that the magic lies in the process, not the outcome. Our chat reminded me of the importance of investing in…

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What Healthy Boundaries Really Look Like || H&K with Julie Hanks 9:34

1h ago9:34

9:34

Discover how healthy boundaries can transform your personal growth, daily habits, and overall happiness. In this conversation with Julie Hanks, we explore why boundaries are essential for personal development and self-compassion. If you love self-help podcasts and want practical tools for feeling better, this episode is for you. Listen to the full …

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AP 744: I Need a Hobby: Real-Time Talk on the HOW Behind Hobbies || Bonus Episode 43:08

13d ago43:08

43:08

In a recent podcast episode, I walked through my quest to rediscover personal interests and prioritize them amid the whirlwind of daily life. Like many women, I'm navigating the busy demands of motherhood and work while yearning for outlets that are just for me—without needing them to be productive or result in a tangible outcome. I realize that it…

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307 💪 Build Strength, Boost Confidence & Break the “Meh” Life with Melissa JJ Vogel 1:01:31

15d ago1:01:31

1:01:31

In this inspiring episode, fitness and mindset coach Melissa JJ Vogel joins Wendy to break down what it really takes to transform your body, your confidence, and your life in midlife. Melissa shares her journey from rock-bottom exhaustion to becoming a strong, empowered woman—and how simple shifts like walking, strength training, and mindset rewiri…

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AP 743: How to Simplify Holiday Traditions + Create More Meaningful Family Fun || with Brooke Romney 42:20

16d ago42:20

42:20

As we head into the holiday season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to orchestrate the perfect celebration. The key takeaway from this conversation? Simplify and choose experiences that foster self-compassion and joy. Instead of clinging to traditions that no longer serve your family, tailor activities to meet everyone’s needs, ensuri…

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How to Raise Confident Kids || H&K with Dina Alexander of the non-profit Educate and Empower Kids 7:18

3d ago7:18

7:18

In this personal growth podcast episode, Dina Alexander shares simple, research-backed ways to help kids build real confidence—while also supporting your own personal development as a parent. This conversation is perfect if you love self help podcasts and want daily habits that make family life smoother. Listen to the full episode here: https://www…

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#50 - When Vacation Comparison Steals Your Joy 14:13

12d ago14:13

14:13

In this episode, Kathie shares a real moment from her recent family vacation when comparison almost stole the joy right out of the trip. After feeling frustrated and unprepared, she realized she was comparing this vacation to perfectly planned trips from the past, and it was making her grumpy and disconnected. She walks through how she used the SOA…

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AP 742: Feeling more like myself, turning in my book manuscript, highs and lows with my kids, a purchase that was on my DSL, what I'm looking forward to in 2026 || Messy Middle December 2025 37:51

20d ago37:51

37:51

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 perf…

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306 ✨ Your Cosmic Blueprint: How Astrology Reveals Purpose, Timing & Reinvention with Tara Redfield 1:04:10

22d ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this magical, mind-opening episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy sits down with modern astrologer and podcast host Tara Redfield to explore how astrology can be a powerful tool for navigating midlife reinvention. Tara breaks down what a natal chart really is, why those midlife “crisis” years are actually written in the stars, and how plane…

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AP 741: Did Something List: A Guide to Look Back on 2025, So You Can Reclaim Your 2026 54:56

15d ago54:56

54:56

I know we're all rushing to look forward and plan our goals, but I want to help you create your "Did Something List" to reflect on 2025 first. This list is a bit different from my Do Something List; it's time-centric and helps us look back so we can better look forward. By reflecting, we can honor the past year, validate our progress, and gather th…

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Why Improving Your In-Law Relationships Boosts Your Happiness || H&K with Natalie Clay 8:30

11d ago8:30

8:30

Learning how to relate to your in-laws isn’t just about family harmony — it’s a powerful step in your personal growth and development. In this conversation with couples coach Natalie Clay, we explore why shifting your mindset can make you feel happier, reduce perfectionism, and strengthen your daily habits for better emotional well-being. Perfect f…

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AP 740: The Best Books I Read || More Personal Preview 48:23

16d ago48:23

48:23

I love learning and talking about books, and I've found that getting back into reading—starting with just one or two books a month—is a key daily habit for my own personal development and learning how to be happier. That's why I dedicate a whole episode of More Personal to sharing my favorite reads every month! Today I'm sharing the best books I re…

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305 🌱 The Superfood to Reverse Aging & Manage Menopause with Dr. Catharine Arnston of ENERGYbits 1:04:00

28d ago1:04:00

1:04:00

In this fascinating conversation, Wendy sits down with Dr. Catharine Arnston — algae nutrition expert and founder of ENERGYbits — to explore the tiny superfood that’s transforming modern health. From boosting energy and protecting mitochondria to easing menopause symptoms and supporting longevity, algae may be the most powerful (and overlooked) too…

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AP 739: The Antidote to Comparison: How Gratitude Helps You Reclaim Confidence || with Kathie Gwilliam 43:18

23d ago43:18

43:18

In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kathie Gwilliam about how gratitude can play a pivotal role in our personal development and self-improvement. We delved into the sneaky nature of comparison and how it can erode our self-worth, leading to unhappiness. But Kathie presented simple, actionable steps on how to be happier by shift…

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You’re Allowed to Want More || H&K with Monica Packer 10:44

1M ago10:44

10:44

This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by challenging the belief that “normal women” shouldn’t dream big. Monica shares practical personal development tools and daily habits that support self improvement, including how to feel happy without burning out and how to stop being a perfectionist in your everyday life. If you lo…

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Replay #6 - Different Priorities, Same Table 16:57

27d ago16:57

16:57

As the Holidays approach, let's learn together how to avoid letting differing points of view ruin the holidays with your family. It all comes down to the fact that we often have different priority rankings, even when we hold the same values. Listen in to hear one of the big ah-ha moments of Kathie's life, and how it can teach us all how to more ful…

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AP 738: Small Joys for a Brighter Holiday Season || Growth Spurt 11:18

23d ago11:18

11:18

Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush? In this episode I'm sharing how I've found that small joys, like a quick YouTube break or a swipe of bright lipstick, can significantly boost happiness and ease perfectionistic pressures. These tiny habits help inject self-compassion into my day, allowing me to fully enjoy the present. For me, pairing mundan…

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304 🎙️ Grow a Successful Purpose-Driven Online Business with Stefanie Gass 48:46

1M ago48:46

48:46

In this inspiring episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy talks with Christian business and podcast coach Stefanie Gass about purpose, calling, and why midlife is the perfect time to begin again. Stefanie shares her journey from corporate success to surrender, healing, and ultimately building a thriving God-led business—and how simple obedience…

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AP 737: Midlife Makeover: How to Transform Crisis Into a Catalyst for Growth || with Wendy Valentine 43:37

1M ago43:37

43:37

Can a midlife crisis actually become a turning point for happiness and personal development? In this episode I'm exploring this idea with the inspiring Wendy Valentine, who transformed her life through self-care and self-compassion. Unlocking self-improvement isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it's about envisioning a new future fueled by choi…

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Belong to Yourself: Rethinking Sex, Self-Compassion & Personal Growth || H&K with with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife 7:52

1M ago7:52

7:52

This personal growth podcast episode dives into personal development and self improvement through the lens of intimacy—covering how to be happier, how to feel happy, daily habits, self-compassion, and how to stop being a perfectionist. A smart, self help podcasts–style convo for personal growth and development and self care for mothers—ideal if you…

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#49 - Do Something Anyway: With Guest Monica Packer 19:44

1M ago19:44

19:44

In this week's episode, Kathie sits down with Monica Packer, creator of the About Progress podcast, to talk about what it really means to push back against perfectionism driven by comparison. Monica shares her powerful “Do Something Anyway” philosophy: the idea that you don’t have to be ready, qualified, or perfect to start, you just have to begin.…

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AP 736: State of the Podcast Address: My Real Thoughts on What It’s Like to Pursue a Passion Project for This Long 47:00

1M ago47:00

47:00

It's been a wild ride since our first episode aired in November of 2016, and today I'm reflecting on what it's like to pursue something for this long. Pursuing a passion project like this has taught me about personal development, resilience, and how daily habits can lead us toward self-compassion and growth. It's been so much more than a podcast. I…

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303 🌈 Peaceful Divorce and Positive Co-Parenting with Gabriella Pomare 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

In this candid conversation, family lawyer and author Gabriella Pomare shares how to move from conflict to collaboration after divorce. We dig into co-parenting with grace (even with a difficult or narcissistic ex), her four Pillars of Communication—listen, pause, reflect, respond—plus boundaries, parallel parenting, and putting kids at the center …

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AP 735: How to Heal Anxious Attachment, Rebuild Self-Worth, and Feel Secure from Within || with Trevor Hanson 52:27

1M ago52:27

52:27

In today's episode we're covering some deep territory with my returning guest, Trevor Hanson, as we explore anxious attachment. It's crucial to understand how our attachment styles, shaped by our upbringing and personal experiences, influence our daily habits and relationships. Learning to trust ourselves and engage in self-care can transform insec…

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How to Grow Through Resistance || H&K with Patrice Washington 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

In this personal growth podcast episode of with Patrice Washington, we dive deep into what resistance really means on your journey of self-improvement and personal development. Patrice shares how to stop being a perfectionist, build self-compassion, and create daily habits that help you grow instead of burn out. This is one of the best podcasts for…

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#48 - Even the Outgoing Feel Left Out 14:50

1M ago14:50

14:50

Have you ever looked at someone who seems to have it all together socially — bubbly, confident, always surrounded by friends — and thought, they’d never understand how it feels to be left out? In this episode of Project Confidence, Kathie shares a story from her last week living in California that turned that assumption upside down. What started as…

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AP 734: The funk of all funks, some favorite fall traditions, the habit that's finally going better, how close I am to finishing my book, and the music and TV show I'm loving right now || Messy Middle ... 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

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 perf…

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302 🌟 Progress Over Perfection: A Journey of Self-Discovery with Monica Packer 53:03

2M ago53:03

53:03

In this powerful conversation, Wendy Valentine sits down with habits and identity coach—and recovering perfectionist—Monica Packer to unpack why perfectionism keeps midlife women stuck on the sidelines and how to choose progress over perfection. Monica shares her 2015 “aha” moment, explains the perfectionism pendulum (overachieving ↔ underachieving…

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AP 733: A Case for BIG Acts of Self-Care for Reconnection and Self-Reclamation 45:37

1M ago45:37

45:37

I've always emphasized the beauty and sustainability of small daily habits for self-improvement. But occasionally, our self-care journey demands a more significant leap to reboot our personal development. On this episode I shared how my recent solo trip to London was a radical act of self-care for me. It's essential to recognize that personal growt…

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How to Feel Happy in Your Own Skin: Body Positivity and Self-Compassion || H&K with Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst of June Loop Swimwear 7:03

2M ago7:03

7:03

In this personal growth podcast episode, Kristie Kemp and June Blackhurst of June Loop Swimwear share how true self-compassion and self-care for mothers start with embracing your body at every stage. They open up about aging, perfectionism, and the daily habits that lead to real personal growth and development. If you’ve ever wondered how to feel h…

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#47 - Annoyance is the Price You Pay for Community 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

We all want community. We search to belong, but we don’t always want the messy parts that come with it. In this episode, we explore a simple but powerful truth Kathie read on an Instagram post by therapyforwomen: “Annoyance is the price you pay for community.” When we long for frictionless relationships, we actually rob ourselves of growth. Real co…

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AP 732: The Truth About MLMs: How Multi-Level Marketing Hijacks Self-Help and Targets Women || Deep Dive Preview 42:08

2M ago42:08

42:08

In this special preview episode I take a closer look at Multi-level Marketing (MLMs) and their often hidden impact on women seeking personal development. While MLMs promise opportunities for self-improvement, they can often leave participants feeling stuck. In the full episode, I share personal experiences and insights to highlight the importance o…

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301 🦠 Brain Fog, Fatigue & Lyme: What Doctors Miss with Nicole Bell 50:37

2M ago50:37

50:37

In this powerful episode, Wendy Valentine sits down with Nicole Bell, author of What Lurks in the Woods and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, to uncover the truth about Lyme disease and tick-borne infections that are too often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Nicole shares her deeply personal story of her husband’s tragic battle with a misdiagnosed tick-bor…

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AP 731: When Productivity Becomes a Problem: Signs You’re Overcommitted and How to Reclaim Your Time + Energy || with Israa Nasir 48:12

2M ago48:12

48:12

I had the pleasure of speaking with therapist and author Israa Nasir about the often-hidden cost of toxic productivity. We delved into deeply relevant topics such as how an endless to-do list isn't just a badge of honor, but potentially a symptom of perfectionism that could be stifling your true happiness. Along the way, Israa shared some eye-openi…

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How to Heal Through Your Body || H&K with Jill Freestone 9:30

1M ago9:30

9:30

This personal growth podcast episode dives into how to be happier by learning to feel instead of fix. Jill Freestone shares powerful self-help and personal development tools to calm anxiety, build self-compassion, and create daily habits that support self-care for mothers. Perfect if you’re ready to learn how to stop being a perfectionist and disco…

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#46 - Imposter Syndrome: When Comparison Makes You Doubt Your Place 14:07

2M ago14:07

14:07

Have you ever worried that people will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think? If you have ever felt like an imposter, you are in good company, as Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks, Michelle Obama, and other successful people have also.In this episode, Kathie opens up about her own battle with imposter syndrome, how fears about not being a “real writ…

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AP 730: The Female Blueprint for Energy and Ease: How to Sync with Your Body Instead of Fighting It || Wise Women Series with Sarah Horne 52:16

2M ago52:16

52:16

In this episode I had the incredible opportunity to chat with yoga therapist and women’s mentor, Sarah Horne, about how women's bodies function on a 28-day rhythm. It was enlightening to learn how embracing this natural cycle can impact our personal development, allowing us to harness the wisdom of self-care for mothers and others like us. Sometime…

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300 🧠 Brain Health Breakthrough: Sleep Better & Stress Less with Ariel Garten 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

In this enlightening episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with neuroscientist and Muse co-founder Ariel Garten to explore the fascinating connection between meditation, brain health, and midlife transformation. Ariel explains how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire old thought patterns, strengthen emotional resilience, an…

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AP 729: In a Funk? Here’s How I’m Supporting Myself Through Mine and How You Can, Too 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

I recently found myself in a funk, overwhelmed by the hustle of life post my (mostly solo) trip to England. This reality check led me to explore personal growth strategies to find balance and happiness. Embracing self-compassion, I realized that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity, especially for busy moms like me.Reflecting on my journey, I d…

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Why Fun Isn’t Frivolous: Reclaim Joy Amid Busyness || H&K with Catherine Price 6:20

2M ago6:20

6:20

In this personal growth podcast episode, host Monica Packer and author Catherine Price dive deep into how to be happier through the science and practice of true fun. They explore what gets in the way of joy, like perfectionism, guilt, and endless responsibilities and share small, practical steps to rediscover your spark. Whether you’re seeking pers…

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#45 - The Message Isn't For You 12:15

2M ago12:15

12:15

Have you ever heard a piece of advice that everyone seems to love, but it just doesn’t sit right with you? In this episode, Kathie explores why not every message is meant for every person. She shares the story behind her “Do what makes you happy” sweatshirt, how it encourages her to stop people-pleasing, but made someone else cringe, and unpacks ho…

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AP 728: Let’s Validate Why it Feels “Easier” to Not Take Time for Yourself || Growth Spurt 13:40

2M ago13:40

13:40

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 perfe…

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299 ☯️ Sleep, Stress & Simple Habits for Thriving in Midlife with Erin Clifford 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

Wendy Valentine welcomes wellness expert, author, and coach Erin Clifford for a practical, no-hype conversation about creating work-life harmony in midlife. Erin shares why “balance” is a myth, how tiny, realistic habits outpace big overhaul plans, and why values, boundaries, and flexible routines are the true foundations of health. From stress and…

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Bonus Episode: I’ve Been Working on Something Just for You… 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Bonus episode! Kathie introduces her new Soaring Past Comparison booklet—a hands-on guide to help you move beyond comparison with confidence. Listen for a quick overview and grab your free shipping code while it lasts!

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AP 727: “Am I OK financially?” 5 Steps to Feel More Secure in Uncertain Times + Be More Recession-Proof || with Elizabeth Pennington from Fearless Finance 53:56

2M ago53:56

53:56

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 import…

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How to Discover and Nurture Your Gifts Without Guilt || H&K with Carol Lynn Pearson 8:01

2M ago8:01

8:01

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…