Épisodes

  • 31 - Raising Liberated Girls with Caroline Bowmer

    31 - Raising Liberated Girls with Caroline Bowmer
    Jan 11 2026

    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

    Please like, subscribe, and share. It really helps this message reach the people who need it.


    Join the conversation

    What would you have needed to hear at age 12? Let us know in the comments.
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    36 min
  • 30 - What Is a Bad Person? Unravelling Good Girl Conditioning with Alex Barker

    30 - What Is a Bad Person? Unravelling Good Girl Conditioning with Alex Barker
    Jul 7 2025

    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!
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    45 min
  • 29 - Leadership Lessons with Steph Edusei

    29 - Leadership Lessons with Steph Edusei
    Jun 17 2025

    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!
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    32 min
  • 28 - Resist. Speak Up. Do Good with Marion Anderson

    28 - Resist. Speak Up. Do Good with Marion Anderson
    May 21 2025
    Episode 28 - Resist. Speak Up. Do Good with Marion AndersonMarion Anderson is a Scottish expat living in North West Arkansas, the Co-founder and CEO of The Fearless PX, and co-host of The Elephant in the Org podcast—where workplace taboos get the airtime they deserve. Currently pursuing a PhD, her research dives into psychological safety and how companies are (or aren’t) getting it right when it comes to remote, hybrid, and return-to-office policies. When not debating the future of work, she’s a devoted dog parent to Jack and Talisker—the latter named after her favorite Scottish whisky, of course. Expect hot takes, humor, and just the right amount of rebellion.What we talk about:01:48 – Growing up in 1980s West of Scotland: poverty, violence, and early caregiving03:36 – The strategic good girl: how conditioning served and harmed04:04 – Rebellion in HR: rejecting outdated norms and using data-driven influence05:59 – Class trauma, food insecurity, and safety behaviours that linger07:18 – Avoiding more dangerous paths: controlled rebellion and survival08:42 – Caring for her father through illness and dementia from a young age10:15 – Making the impossible decision to place her dad in care14:16 – Grieving through dementia: ongoing loss and emotional suppression19:06 – Burnout in the Middle East: filling the void with work and others’ problems19:41 – Complex PTSD and the realisation of deep emotional damage21:16 – The origin of Marion’s PhD: why workplace inclusion for carers matters24:23 – The George Banks problem: work built for men, not women25:23 – Elon, inequality, and the illusion of meritocracy27:59 – The cost of existing and how working class women are punished28:36 – Living in the US South: brainwashing, amnesia, and resistance31:23 – The call to arms: speak up, be a nasty woman, use your power33:01 – Research as resistance: how people still want to be heard37:42 – Why psychological safety must not be the next DEI casualty39:50 – The business case is clear—but control and conformity are rising40:47 – Final words: resist, speak up, do good—because it’s the right thingFollow Marion on social media: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx/ Elephant in the Org - https://theelephantintheorg.buzzsprout.com/ The Fearless PX - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fearless-px 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/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook 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 QuizFind 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!
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    42 min
  • 27 - Authenticity, Approval, and Power with Alawna Ozoka

    27 - Authenticity, Approval, and Power with Alawna Ozoka
    Apr 26 2025
    Episode 27 - Authenticity, Approval, and Power with Alawna OzokaAlawna Ozoka is a Certified Professional Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Amazon International Bestselling Author of “Awareness Put Me On”.Her entrepreneurial journey began when she co-founded In Common, a platform to increase the economic wellness of the Black community. She later founded an operations management consultancy that supported small businesses with their customer strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.While her expertise is in project and operations management, Alawna’s passion is rooted in serving others. As an Authenticity Life Coach, she partners with individuals and companies looking to align their actions with their core values. She serves on the Board of Directors at Podium RVA, a nonprofit empowering youth 11-19 to communicate confidently and boldly to succeed in school, career, and life. Alawna also serves as a speaker, leading inclusion talks around topics like owning uniqueness, pushing through fear, and living in purpose.Whether it be coaching clients, collaborating with businesses, or speaking, Alawna’s love for humanity fuels her next steps. It is her mission to expand access to strategically undervalued groups and amplify their voices.What we talk about1:24 – Alawna joins: The LinkedIn connection that sparked a conversation1:58 – Did you grow up a Good Girl? Alawna’s early experiences4:37 – Pulling away from approval-seeking: “I’m not for everyone”6:01 – Who am I? Identity beyond roles and expectations8:22 – Living in the grey: Holding discomfort and growth9:15 – Control what you can: Power in small actions11:31 – Community, boundaries, and conscious activism14:04 – What does resistance to Good Girl Conditioning look like now?17:10 – Showing up authentically in business and social media19:44 – The realness of entrepreneurship: It’s not cute22:39 – Tenacity, resilience, and starting from scratch24:44 – Being a generalist and creator: No labels required25:40 – What does authenticity mean day-to-day?29:19 – Making things enough: Small shifts in power31:09 – The importance of community and connection33:39 – Final reflections: Where do you have power?Follow Alawna on social media: Website: www.alawnaozoka.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alawnaozoka/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alawnaozoka/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/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook 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 QuizFind 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!
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    35 min
  • 26 - Smashing the Patriarchy, One Post at a Time with Jeremy Stockdale

    26 - Smashing the Patriarchy, One Post at a Time with Jeremy Stockdale
    Apr 12 2025
    Episode 26 - Smashing the Patriarchy, One Post at a Time with Jeremy StockdaleJeremy is the CEO and founder of Ylead, a leadership consultancy launched in 2020 to champion a more data-driven and human-led approach to developing leaders with purpose. Drawing on over two decades of experience in the banking industry, Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise from leading large, diverse, and multi-functional teams across the UK and Africa.Jeremy began his career at Barclays, working in branch roles before quickly progressing into strategic, operational, and customer-facing leadership positions. After earning his MBA with Distinction, he stepped into more senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Global Head of Servicing & Support. His move from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create lasting cultural change. Through Ylead, Jeremy works with organisations around the world to cultivate inclusive leadership, gender unity, and equity through a lens of curiosity, compassion, and continuous learning.Jeremy is also a passionate advocate for gender equity. He is well known for his “On Wednesdays We Smash the Patriarchy” LinkedIn series, which explores the real-world impact of gender inequality on women and men alike. His posts spark vital conversations and challenge traditional thinking-offering insights drawn from both personal reflection and ongoing learning.An engaging and candid speaker, Jeremy is regularly invited to deliver keynote talks, facilitate leadership development programmes, and consult on inclusive workplace cultures. Outside of work, Jeremy describes himself as an “enthusiastic armchair sportsman,” a slow but determined runner, and a lifelong Chelsea fan. He’s also a proud and dedicated father to Phoebe and Toby, whose insights and lived experiences continue to inspire much of his writing and advocacy work.Jeremy’s mission is simple but profound: to help leaders see differently, lead courageously, and create cultures where everyone-regardless of gender-can thrive.What we talk about01:35 – Meeting Jeremy: LinkedIn connection, smashing patriarchy, and the T-shirt story.02:11 – The backstory behind the “On Wednesdays We Smash the Patriarchy” series.04:23 – Being more provocative and stepping into discomfort.05:55 – The gendered nature of online backlash: men vs. women.07:48 – Fear of complaints and the mental load of posting as a woman.10:06 – Critical thinking and the art of disagreement.14:55 – Tone-policing, corporate leadership, and gendered feedback.17:25 – The fish and water analogy: men not seeing the patriarchy.20:42 – Discussing the Netflix series “Adolescence”: trauma, gender, and critical responses.24:44 – Jeremy’s turning point: reading Invisible Women and Everyday Sexism.25:27 – Book recommendations and reading women’s voices.26:22 – Learning from mistakes and navigating allyship with humility.28:06 – Structural change and the long game: what would it take to fix the police and education?35:43 – Leadership matters: how we grow (or don’t) great leaders.Follow Jeremy on social media: Jeremy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-stockdale/ Ylead on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/yleaduk/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/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook 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 QuizFind 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!
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    37 min
  • 25 - Permission to Be Too Much with Angie Colee

    25 - Permission to Be Too Much with Angie Colee
    Mar 30 2025
    Episode 25 - Permission to Be Too Much with Angie ColeeAngie is a business coach and marketing strategist working with creative entrepreneurs - the rule breakers and rebels. She helps you turn ideas into assets and assets into revenue streams... all without becoming a completely different person or losing your edge.Angie has a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon and has consulted with and run creative teams for Jeff Walker’s Product Launch Formula (PLF), MasterClass, Lowe’s, Copy Chief, Orzy Media, and Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad brand.Angie is the author of Permission to Kick Ass (now available on Amazon!) and hosts a podcast by the same name. When she's not writing or publishing new episodes, you’ll find her on the road living as a full-time digital nomad with her cats, Stella and Ollie.What we talk about:02:04 – Shoutout to Podcast Producer James Ede02:56 – Growing Up with Good Girl Programming04:08 – Creative Swearing & Leadership Clues05:19 – Bluntness, Neurodivergence & Being Too Much06:33 – Boundaries & Saying No07:54 – Party Exit Strategies & Emotional Capacity09:30 – Doomscrolling for Comfort10:22 – Rabbits vs Cats: Pet Personality Wars11:07 – Proving Yourself & Confidence Evolution13:01 – Digital Nomad Life & Solo Travel14:39 – Living Off Grid & Facing Fear15:12 – TV Inspiration: Yellowstone & Beth Dutton16:07 – Channeling Iconic Women17:41 – What You Admire in Others18:52 – Stop Judging Women for Existing19:20 – Glennon Doyle Wisdom: Disappoint Others, Not Yourself20:39 – Being Afraid of Disappointment21:52 – Hairdresser Stories & Speaking Up22:49 – Disappointment Isn’t the End23:07 – Politics, Social Media & Real Conversations24:55 – Avoiding the Binary Thinking Trap26:00 – Energy Management & Not Caring Online27:19 – Becoming Unfuckwithable28:23 – You Can Be Kind and a Ballbuster28:57 – We Love Flawed Characters29:15 – Making ‘Wrong’ Decisions Is Okay30:02 – Final Reflection: What If It Did Go Right?Follow Angie on social media: Angie’s website: https://permissiontokickass.com/ Permission to Kick Ass book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLVY3G3T Permission to Kick Ass podcast (available on all major streaming platforms): https://permissiontokickass.buzzsprout.com/ Angie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecolee/ Angie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@permissiontokickass Angie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realangiecolee Angie on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/angiecolee/ Angie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@permissiontokickass 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/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook 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 QuizFind 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!
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    34 min
  • 24 - The Power of Your Voice with Jo Darby

    24 - The Power of Your Voice with Jo Darby
    Mar 16 2025

    Episode 24 - The Power of Your Voice with Jo Darby

    Jo Darby is the Founder of Voice in the Room, delivering public speaking and communication training that transforms teams and individuals into confident speakers and influential leaders.

    An expert in effective communication and public speaking working with

    Prior to establishing Voice in the Room she spent ten years practicing as a family and employment law barrister at Trinity Chambers in Newcastle. Before joining the Bar, she was a professional theatre director working for national and international companies, from Bristol Old Vic, to ATYP Sydney, Australia.

    Highly experienced at helping others confidently craft their message and create powerful communication that can connect with any audience


    What we talk about:

    • 01:27 - Meet Jo Darby: From barrister to public speaking coach

    • 01:41 - Did Jo feel pressure to be a ‘good girl’ growing up?

    • 05:45 - What changed? Learning to step outside the ‘good girl’ mould

    • 10:01 - The challenges of being a woman in law

    • 12:50 - Voice in the Room: Jo’s business and mission

    • 18:20 - The power of storytelling & why we all need to be heard

    • 24:26 - Jo’s passion project: Girl Talks and helping young women find their voice

    • 28:06 - Challenging limiting beliefs & stepping into your expertise

    • 32:51 - Listener challenge: What would you do if no one was watching?

    • 36:49 - Final thoughts: Owning your power & embracing change


    Follow Jo on social media:

    Voice In The Room - https://www.voiceintheroom.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodarbyvoiceintheroom

    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!
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    38 min