It’s been a while… and we’re back.

In the first episode of 2026, Michelle is joined by educator, tutor, author and business owner Caroline Bowmer – her co-author on Good Girl Deprogramming – Girl’s Edition and the accompanying Caregiver Guide.

This honest, funny, and deeply grounded conversation explores what it really means to grow up as a “good girl,” why perfectionism starts so young, and how we can support girls aged 10–14 to trust themselves before self-doubt takes hold.

Together, Michelle and Caroline talk about teenage brains, school pressure, fear of failure, people-pleasing, and why adolescence isn’t a problem to fix – it’s a vital transformation to protect.

This episode is for parents, carers, educators, and anyone who wants the next generation of girls to grow up freer than we did.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back to the Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast

01:17 – First episode of 2026 and why it’s been a while

02:05 – Growing up as a “Good Girl” and perfectionism

07:40 – How the girls’ book came together

10:45 – Test readers, early impact, and school transitions

16:00 – The teenage brain and the chrysalis metaphor

22:40 – Pressure, exams, and fear of failure

27:40 – Michelle’s journey into Good Girl Deprogramming

31:00 – Why self-love is still radical

33:40 – What we hope this book gives girls

35:10 – What’s next and final reflections

In this episode we explore

• Why “being good” can quietly damage girls’ self-worth

• How teenage behaviour is communication, not defiance

• The importance of supporting trusted adults alongside girls

• Why self-love is the foundation of confidence and autonomy

• How to reduce pressure without removing care or standards

Mentioned in this Episode

• Good Girl Deprogramming – Girl’s Edition (ages 10–14) - out on 16th Jan 2026

• The Good Girl Deprogramming Caregiver Guide

• Good Girl Conditioning

• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and fear of failure

If you enjoyed this episode

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Join the conversation

What would you have needed to hear at age 12? Let us know in the comments.

Episode 30 - What Is a Bad Person? Unravelling Good Girl Conditioning with Alex Barker

Alex is a Captain of Be More Pirate, a book turned social movement and home for professional rule breaking (look out for season 3 of our podcast coming soon...)

Alex is author of How to: Be More Pirate, a speaker, facilitator, and a coach for women. For the past four years she has delved into the world of good girl conditioning with Pass the Mic; a speaking programme designed to help women find and own their voice.

What we talk about:

• 1:48 – Alex shares how being the eldest child shaped her “good girl” tendencies.

• 4:00 – Ballet, boobs, and being shamed for not fitting the mould.

• 9:27 – The subtle but powerful role of media, Spice Girls vs. societal approval.

• 14:45 – The evolution from good girl to fierce boundary-setter.

• 23:30 – The small ways we override our needs (and how to reclaim your day).

• 35:34 – The big provocation: What is a bad person, really?
  

Follow Alex on social media:

Website - https://alexbarker.co.uk/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabrkr & https://www.instagram.com/bemorepirate/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-barker-46745471/

Follow Michelle on social media:

Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin

Buy Good Girl Deprogramming

Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)

Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk

Take the Good Girl Quiz

Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 29 - Leadership Lessons with Steph Edusei

Steph is back on the podcast - this time to talk about her BRAND NEW BOOK!! The Little Book of Leadership Lessons.

Steph Edusei is the Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice, a large children and adults charitable hospice. She’s also a Director of the North East Chamber of Commerce.

As an integral part of her local community, Steph has been a leader with Girlguiding UK for over 30 years and holds the position of Chair at Eliot Smith Dance Company. Previously, she served as a Non-Executive Director of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and was the co-chair of The Angelou Centre, a Black-led women's charity offering training, counselling, and refuge support.

Steph is the founder of the ‘Black All Year’ podcast and associated events. She uses the platform to amplify black voices, highlight the challenges faced by Black people, and celebrate their successes and achievements.

In 2022, Steph was named Transformational Leader at the Northern Power Women Awards.

In 2024, Steph was named on the BusinessCloud Northern Leaders list and in 2025 Steph was added to the prestigious Northern Power Women Power List.

What we talk about:

• 01:48 – Steph shares the story behind her book A Little Book of Leadership Lessons.

• 02:38 – Growing up Black and female: Steph talks about navigating identity and expectations.

• 09:07 – The real roots of imposter syndrome and how it’s not just in your head.

• 14:55 – Steph reflects on how burnout and illness forced her to re-evaluate her identity and leadership.

• 30:14 – The mic-drop question: “If you believed you have always been enough, what would you do differently?”

Follow Steph on social media:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephedusei/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-edusei/

Website - www.stephedusei.co.uk (live very soon)

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/steph.edusei.leadership

Get Steph’s Book - https://amzn.to/44jWTKD (also available at load of other bookshops)

Follow Michelle on social media:

Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin

Buy Good Girl Deprogramming

Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)

Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk

Take the Good Girl Quiz

Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!