Shows
Hands Up If You're HumanFrom "Good Girl" to "Good Girl Deprogrammer" - Finding Your Freedom with Michelle MinnikinThis time I’m speaking with someone on a mission. A mission of “Good Girl” deprogramming. An Occupational Psychologist by training, a diagnosis of ADHD in 2020 was the spotlight Michelle Minnikin needed to understand herself and highlight the coercive control the systems society and culture impose on women especially.Michelle is crystal clear when it comes to her own values, freedom (perfect for this podcast), fun and autonomy, and that to break the patterns of coercive control whatever she now does has to meet two of her three values. Anything less and whatever it is it's a...2025-04-291h 04
Good Girl Deprogramming27 - Authenticity, Approval, and Power with Alawna OzokaEpisode 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 co...2025-04-2634 min
Good Girl Deprogramming26 - Smashing the Patriarchy, One Post at a Time with Jeremy StockdaleEpisode 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...2025-04-1236 min
Good Girl Deprogramming25 - Permission to Be Too Much with Angie ColeeEpisode 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 o...2025-03-3033 min
Good Girl Deprogramming24 - The Power of Your Voice with Jo DarbyEpisode 24 - The Power of Your Voice with Jo DarbyJo 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 Ol...2025-03-1638 min
This Is The NorthEp 26. Breaking Free from Good Girl Conditioning: A Conversation with Michelle MinnikinWelcome to 'This is The North' podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.In this compelling episode, I speak with Michelle Minnikin, psychologist and author of 'Good Girl Deprogramming', about the systemic conditioning affecting women in modern society. Michelle brings both professional expertise...2025-02-2436 min
Good Girl Deprogramming23 - Feminist Business & Redefining Success with Clara WilcoxEpisode 23 - Feminist Business & Redefining Success with Clara WilcoxClara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced (doubly qualified) coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.We discuss the exhaustion of “good girl conditioning,” the power of self-employment, and the importance of working in alignment with your values.Clara shares her journey from corporate life to self...2025-02-2236 min
Good Girl Deprogramming22 - Ditching Good Girl Conditioning for Good with Victoria TheriaultEpisode 22 - Ditching Good Girl Conditioning for Good with Victoria TheriaultVictoria is the founder and owner of DISCover What Works. She’s a Certified Team Facilitator, DISC and EQ Analyst and a Keynote Speaker.Victoria helps raise individual and team performance as well as notably improve client service. She’s a co-author of the book Pursuit 365, and the creator and host of the DISCovering You podcast which explores the role that personality plays in our interactions at work and beyond, and how it affects us as we navigate through life.Wh...2025-02-0937 min
Good Girl Deprogramming21 - Being a Little Bit Naughty with Steph EduseiEpisode 21 - Being a Little Bit Naughty with Steph Edusei
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 Ange...2025-02-0231 min
Good Girl Deprogramming20 - Really Useful Conversations with Michelle Minnikin and Andrea NewtonEpisode 20 - Really Useful Conversations with Michelle Minnikin and Andrea Newton
In this week’s episode, Andrea Newton welcomes back Michelle Minnikin, to the Really Useful Conversations Podcast.
They explore the roots of societal conditioning, how it impacts women in the workplace and beyond, and how Michelle’s work is helping women unleash their inner rebels. Michelle also gives a sneak peek into her sessions at the upcoming Actually She Can event.
What we talk about:
1:33 - What Is Good Girl Conditioning?
3:50 - Michelle’s Sessions at Actually She Can...2025-01-2528 min
Good Girl Deprogramming19 - Guilt, Boundaries, and Asking for What You Need with Michaela ThomasEpisode 19 - Guilt, Boundaries, and Asking for What You Need with Michaela Thomas
Michaela Thomas is a Clinical Psychologist, coach, speaker, founder of the psychology practice The Thomas Connection and author of The Lasting Connection – develop love and compassion for yourself and your partner.
Michaela specialises in the intersection between perfectionism and ADHD, with its ties with stress, anxiety, depression, productivity, procrastination, burnout, and overall wellbeing. Michaela helps ambitious female leaders with ADHD burn bright without burning out, finding sustainable success using her Pause Purpose Play framework in group coaching, therapy and sp...2025-01-1931 min
Really Useful ConversationsActually she can! - with Michelle Minnikin helping us to ditch our good girl conditioning!A favourite guest on the podcast Michelle Minnikin joins me again this week but to talk this time about her contribution at Actually, she can! There is no way we could have organised a day of personal growth and professional development for women, by women without including the powerhouse that is Ms Minnikin! A professional speaker, author of the fabulous "Good Girl Deprogramming" and workshop facilitator, Michelle helps women to break free from the constraints of the conditioning that girls grow up with and encourages them to unleash the rebel within, and I am delighted that she agreed to travel to...2025-01-1528 min
Good Girl Deprogramming18 - Harnessing Rage for Good with Hira AliEpisode 18 - Harnessing Rage for Good with Hira Ali
Hira Ali is a leadership development and allyship specialist, executive career coach, and acclaimed writer and speaker. Her award-winning career is dedicated to helping others realise their potential. Her work has been featured in outlets such as The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Telegraph, B.B.C., HuffPost, and Entrepreneur.
She is a Senior Advisory Team member for Benedictine University Illinois L.E.A.D.S., an IDEA Practitioner at NASA, and an advisor for the Women in Transport Intersectionality Advisory Group. Recognised...2025-01-1231 min
Good Girl Deprogramming17 - Noticing the Water We Swim In with Katy LumsdenEpisode 17 - Noticing the Water We Swim In with Katy Lumsden
Katy is a seasoned practitioner in organisational behaviour, organisational development, and human resources, with extensive leadership experience across the public sector in Ireland, as well as in church and trade union environments. Her work is driven by a passion for learning and empowerment through self-inquiry, underpinned by a values-led approach.
Holding an MBS in Organisational Development, Organisational Behaviour, and Leadership, Katy has designed and delivered programmes for children and young people, focusing on leadership, followership, and culture. A regular speaker, podcast guest, and co-author...2025-01-0538 min
Good Girl Deprogramming16 - Redefining Ambition & Rethinking Christmas with Tiffany Scott & Alex MorganEpisode 16 - Redefining Ambition & Rethinking Christmas with Tiffany Scott & Alex Morgan
In this festive episode of the Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast, Michelle sits down with the dynamic duo Tiffany Scott and Alex Morgan, co-hosts of the Mambition podcast. This episode is a refreshing, honest, and often hilarious conversation about the realities of ambition, motherhood, and the invisible mental load that comes with Christmas.
Tiffany, Alex, and Michelle unpack the societal “shoulds” that weigh down women during the holiday season and share how they’ve redefined Christmas for themselves and their families. From rejecting perfectionism to lettin...2024-12-2232 min
Good Girl Deprogramming15 - The Hidden Costs of Workplace Politeness with Harriet Waley-CohenEpisode 15 - The Hidden Costs of Workplace Politeness with Harriet Waley-Cohen
With a background in psychology, a decade of experience in investments, and a further decade coaching senior women on confidence and leadership, Harriet Waley-Cohen is a speaker, facilitator, trainer, and coach specialising in supporting companies within traditionally male-dominated industries, including financial services, property, and tech.
She works with organisations to attract, recruit, and retain top female talent at all levels, fostering a culture of exceptional allyship and driving a measurable return on investment (ROI) from gender-focused DEI initiatives.
Her services range from...2024-12-1532 min
Good Girl Deprogramming14 - Deprogramming from Trust with Michelle MinnikinEpisode 14 - Deprogramming from Trust with Michelle Minnikin
In this episode of the Good Girl Deprogramming podcast, Michelle Minnikin takes us on a deep dive into Chapter 3 of her book, Good Girl Deprogramming, titled “Establishing Trust: We’ve Got Your Best Interests at Heart.”
With a powerful quote from Stephen King — “The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool” — Michelle sets the stage for a critical exploration of trust. While trust is essential for human connection, it can be weaponised to control and manipulate, particularly for women taught to “trust the grown-ups” in thei...2024-12-0817 min
Good Girl Deprogramming13 - The Burden of Being ‘Good’ with Rose CovenantEpisode 13 - The Burden of Being ‘Good’ with Rose Covenant
Rose Covenant is a globally recognised somatic healer and trauma expert, dedicated to helping conscious people who've already "done the inner work" go deeper to heal past trauma and dissolve destructive patterns. She supports clients to break free from societal conditioning and step into their fullest, unapologetic expression. With a background in international humanitarian work spanning over a decade in West Africa, Rose brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining science-backed methodologies with deep intuitive understanding.As the creator of The Recalibration Effect™, Rose specialises in hel...2024-12-0138 min
Good Girl Deprogramming12 - From Rebel Woman to Raising Rebels with Jo PhillipsEpisode 12 - From Rebel Woman to Raising Rebels with Jo Phillips
In this episode, host Michelle Minnikin welcomes Jo Phillips to the Good Girl Deprogramming podcast. Together, they delve into the journey from societal expectations to authentic self-expression, highlighting the challenges women face in corporate environments and how they can reclaim their power. Jo shares her experiences of breaking free from “Good Girl Conditioning,” championing leverage and confidence, and coaching other women to find their voices and build meaningful careers.
Jo’s early career was in the recruitment and staffing industry with market leaders such as Sta...2024-11-2333 min
Good Girl Deprogramming11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola HumberEpisode 11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola Humber
In this special episode to celebrate the first anniversary of Good Girl Deprogramming, Michelle sits down with her publisher, Nicola Humber.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing a book or simply want to live more authentically, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you break free from societal expectations and unleash your full potential.
Nicola Humber is the author of three transformational books, Heal Your Inner Good Girl , UNBOUND and Unbound Writing an...2024-11-1735 min
Good Girl Deprogramming10 - What Would Donna and Cheryl Do? with Dr Donna Elliot & Cheryl ReidEpisode 10 - What Would Donna and Cheryl Do? with Dr Donna Elliot & Cheryl Reid
Dr. Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid are the Co-Founders of Now Is Your Time, creators of the Mind Coding® framework, and authors of the #1 bestseller Become The Real You. As TEDx Women speakers and former senior leaders with over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, they bring a wealth of expertise in empowering women to break free from limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and fear. Their mission is to help women harness their inner power to live radically authentic lives.
2024-11-1039 min
Good Girl Deprogramming9 - Breaking Chains and Building Power with Amy PonsEpisode 9 - Breaking Chains and Building Power with Amy Pons
In this episode of Good Girl Deprogramming, Michelle Minnikin is joined by Amy, an advocate for workplace psychological safety and national team member of the End Workplace Abuse Movement. Together, they delve into the deep-seated systems of power—patriarchy, capitalism, colonialism—that perpetuate psychological abuse, especially towards women in the workplace. They share lived experiences, discuss the nuances of gaslighting, and highlight the importance of awareness and legislation for psychological safety. Listeners will also be introduced to the empowering concept of personal magic, the importance of curiosity, and e...2024-11-0335 min
Good Girl Deprogramming8. Understanding Coercive Control with Michelle MinnikinEpisode 8: Understanding Coercive Control
Episode Summary:
In this solo episode, Michelle Minnikin delves into one of the foundational topics of her work - coercive control. She explains how coercive control, often seen in abusive relationships and high-control environments, plays a critical role in how society conditions women to behave. Drawing from sociologist Albert Biderman’s Chart of Coercion, Michelle highlights the psychological manipulation tactics used to control women’s identities, behaviour, and self-worth through isolation, guilt, shame, and fear.
Key Themes:
Recap of Past Episodes: Michelle revisits previous episodes where she spoke to various guests about topics like gend...2024-10-2721 min
The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public SpeakingHow to Set Your Self Free and Be More You with Michelle Minnikin - 301The definition of ‘self-expression’ is the expression of one's feelings, thoughts, or ideas, through words, choices or actions, especially in writing, art, music, or dance. Sounds easy doesn’t it? The trouble is that we are all so bogged down with messages about how we should look, think, speak, and act; that it can make it difficult to let go of expectations and simply be ourselves… and for women this conditioning has many additional layers! What about you? How fully self-expressed are you? Do you want to speak on sta...2024-10-231h 09
Good Girl Deprogramming7. The Power of Being You with Vicky CampbellEpisode 7 - Vicky Campbell - The Power of Being You
In this episode of the Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast, Michelle is joined by Vicky Campbell, a coach and HR expert, to discuss the complexities of being a “good girl” at work and the toll it takes on our authentic selves. They dive deep into the emotional exhaustion that comes from masking, people-pleasing, and constantly trying to fit into rigid workplace expectations.
A passionate, driven and honest Change Maker. Having worked across most HR Specialisms in the fast go, go, go Financial Services industry for 20 years I kn...2024-10-2033 min
Pause Purpose PlayRebel against good girl conditioning, with Michelle MinnikinIn this episode, I welcome guest Michelle Minnikin and we delve into the multifaceted realities of societal conditioning, gender expectations, and the unique challenges of living with ADHD. Listen in to hear Michelle discuss her new book, and the impact of 'Good Girl' conditioning and ADHD on women's lives.
01:41 Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth
03:46 Discovering Good Girl Conditioning
05:25 Coercive Control and Societal Expectations
06:41 Strategic Exhaustion and Daily Struggles
10:19 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Challenges
20:46 Rebelling Against Good Girl Conditioning
28:21 Hope for the Next Generation
29:03 Navigating Personal Relationships
30:29 Household Dynamics and Gender Norms
32:34 ADHD and Neurodiversity
34:23 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth
39:39 Male Allies and Shared Re...2024-10-1754 min
Good Girl Deprogramming5. Confronting Misogyny with Felice AylingEpisode 5 - Felice Ayling - Confronting Misogyny
Meet Felice Ayling, the dynamic force behind Loud Women, where she empowers female founders to not just make a mark but to make a meteor-sized impact. With a flair for shaking things up, her mission is to help bold, driven women like you unleash the full potential of your business with confidence and style.
What we talk about:
1:38 September’s Traumatic Events
Michelle and Felice discuss the heavy month of September, reflecting on recent traumatic events and disasters. They decide to keep...2024-10-0547 min
Good Girl Deprogramming4. Unpacking Gender Conditioning with Don RyanEpisode 4 - Unpacking Gender Conditioning with Don Ryan (Trigger Warning - Suicide)
Don has working in the social work for more than 30 years, both doing clinical work as a therapist with children who have experienced trauma and in welfare systems work working to reduce violence towards children, in domestic violence, and with people experiencing homelessness.
In his personal life, Don lost three family members to suicide beginning with his father while a college senior in 1989, his cousin Vinny in 2013, and his youngest brother Brendan in 2022. After a year of examining these three deaths and how...2024-09-2932 minGood Girl Deprogramming3. Breaking Free from Good Girl Conditioning with Michelle MinnikinEpisode 3: Breaking Free from Good Girl Conditioning
Welcome to Episode 3! Today, we’re diving into the core of Good Girl Conditioning, unpacking the sneaky societal norms that have held us back and how we can start breaking free. Michelle goes solo to guide us through Chapter One of her book, Good Girl Deprogramming, exploring how these rules have shaped our behaviour and, more importantly, how we can reclaim our true selves.
Follow Michelle on social media:
Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin...2024-09-2317 min
Finding My Voice PodcastGood Girl Deprogramming – Unleash the Rebel Within with Michelle MinnikinStacia, your host, is joined by Michelle Minnikin, a chartered psychologist, coach, author, and co-founder of multiple businesses, along with her partner James Eves. With 20+ years in leadership, organisational development, coaching, and personal development, Michelle is passionate about transformative change. She specialises in positive psychology, guiding individuals towards clarity, purpose, and fulfilment with warmth and playfulness. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, she enjoys family life with James, her son Oliver, and their four pets. In today’s episode, Michelle shares her journey towards her Good Girl Deprogramming, which started with her ADHD diagnosis in December 2020. Th...2024-09-131h 19
Good Girl Deprogramming2. From Rage to Rebirth with Ceryn RowntreeEpisode 2: From Rage to Rebirth - with Ceryn Rowntree
Ceryn Rowntree is a Storyteller, Primal Witch and Medium on a mission to help us all re-member, reclaim and re-weave the wisdom that is held within us. Author of two books to date, including The Divine Feminist, Ceryn is based in Northumberland, UK and works online with clients across the world.
What we talk about:
2:41 - Ceryn's role as a storyteller, primal witch, and medium and her concept of "divine feminism," which combines feminist thought with a deeper, energetic perspective. and R...2024-09-0930 min
Good Girl Deprogramming1. Introduction to Good Girl Deprogramming with Michelle MinnikinEpisode 1: Introduction to Good Girl Deprogramming
Welcome to the first episode of The Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast! In this episode, Michelle introduces the podcast and shares her personal journey of overcoming Good Girl Conditioning. She discusses societal expectations, the impact of coercive control on women, and how writing her book, *Good Girl Deprogramming*, transformed her life. Michelle outlines what to expect from the podcast, including interviews, solo episodes, and practical tips for breaking free from conditioning.
Follow Michelle on social media:
Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/
Linkedin - htt...2024-09-0917 min
The Unbound Writer's ClubEpisode 183: Moving Beyond Perfectionism with Michelle MinnikinIn this episode of the Unbound Writer’s Club, Nicola chats to unbound author Michelle Minnikin about recording the audio version of ‘Good Girl Deprogramming: Unleash The Rebel Within’ – her transformational book that offers “a fresh perspective on the pervasive effects of coercive control on women's lives and provides practical strategies for reclaiming your agency, discovering your true self, and embracing your 'bad' side’”. Click here to listen to a previous episode featuring Michelle.In this Episode:What makes Michelle an unbound writer?Did Michelle always know she was going to record an audio version...2024-09-0418 min
Good Girl DeprogrammingGood Girl Deprograming Podcast - TrailerJoin author, coach, and organisational psychologist Michelle Minnikin as she unpacks and challenges the 'Good Girl' narrative that limits women in their personal and professional lives. In each episode, explore the stories, strategies, and psychology behind breaking free from social conditioning, reclaiming authenticity, and thriving on your own terms.
Episode 1 is coming Monday 9th September 2024!
Subscribe now for empowering conversations and insights.2024-08-2401 min
Mambition#21 - "From Army Brat to Work Pirate: Deprogramming Good Girls with a Psychologist's Insight" with Michelle MinnikinIn this episode, co-hosts Alex and Tiffany sit down with Michelle Minnikin, a psychologist, coach, and work pirate.
Michelle takes us on a compelling journey from her roots as an army brat who initially played by the rules, to her discovery of the concept of deprogramming 'good girl' conditioning.
This revelation not only liberated her from her own programming but also empowered her to encourage others to unleash their brilliance upon the world.
In this episode, we delve into pivotal themes in Michelle's life, including how she discovered she had...2024-07-1453 min
A Better HR BusinessEpisode 255 - Michelle Minnikin from Work Pirates and Author of Good Girl DeprogrammingToday I'm joined on the A Better HR Business podcast by Michelle Minnikin, CEO of Work Pirates and author of 'Good Girl Deprogramming', to explore psychology, workplace culture, and breaking free from societal conditioning.
Michelle's journey toward Good Girl Deprogramming began with her ADHD diagnosis in December 2020, a revelation that brought clarity and understanding to her life. Embracing this newfound self-awareness, Michelle explored her own conditioning and examined how societal norms had shaped her identity.
Work Pirates is a People Development Consultancy that provides coaching, mentoring, facilitation, training, process, and program creation.
Some...2024-07-0828 min
Unf*cking WorkAlexandra Couzens - Unf*cking WorkIn this episode of the Unfucking Work Podcast, Michelle Minnikin and James interview Alex, who shares insights into their journey of realising the flaws in the traditional approach to work and life. Alex discusses the importance of living intentionally and mindfully, rather than on autopilot, and reflects on the pivotal moments in their life that led to this realisation. She also explores the concept of post-traumatic growth and how personal tragedies can accelerate our journeys towards self-discovery and fulfilment. Alex shares her perspective on finding a balance between work and personal life, as well as her upcoming...2024-04-2335 min
The Elephant in the OrgUnf*cking Work for Women with Michelle MinnikinSend us a textIn the captivating Episode 19 of "The Elephant in the Org," titled "Unf*cking Work for Women with Michelle Minnikin," hosts Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, and Marion Anderson delve into the pervasive challenges women face in the workplace. Joined by guest Michelle Minnikin, an acclaimed author, organizational psychologist, and workplace culture expert, this episode explores how societal conditioning and coercive control mechanisms contribute to the systemic barriers hindering women's professional advancement.Michelle shares insights from her latest book, "Good Girl Deprogramming," discussing the detrimental effects of societal...2024-03-1353 min