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.