11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola Humber
Description
Episode 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 and creator of the #unbound365 journal. She's also the founder of The Unbound Press, a soul-led publishing imprint for unbound women.
After playing the archetypal good girl up until her mid-thirties, Nicola left her 'proper' job in finance to retrain as a coach and hypnotherapist and this leap of faith led her to what she does now: activating recovering good girls to embrace their so-called imperfections and shake off the tyranny of 'shoulds', so they can be their fullest, freest, most magnificent selves.
Nicola helps women to write the book their Unbound Self is calling them to write, whilst growing a community of soul-family readers and clients.
She's also the host of The Unbound Writer's Club podcast.
What we talk about:
2:30 – Nicola’s Journey - from corporate life to founding The Unbound Press
Nicola reflects on her path from the structured corporate world to creating The Unbound Press, a space where women’s unique voices and stories are celebrated.
4:51 – The Myth of the Linear Writing Process
Both Michelle and Nicola debunk the myth that writing a book is a linear process, explaining how life’s ebbs and flows shape creative journeys.
6:07 – Embracing Cyclical Creativity
They discuss how embracing natural cycles—seasonal, lunar, and menstrual—can help women let go of rigid productivity expectations.
8:12 – Fear of Criticism
Nicola opens up about the internal battle many writers face, from questioning their worth to fearing judgment from readers.
10:32 – Turning Criticism into Content
Michelle and Nicola share personal experiences of dealing with negative reviews and turning them into opportunities for reflection and growth.
13:36 – Pleasing Everyone vs. Authenticity
They explore the dangers of seeking universal approval, explaining how authenticity resonates more deeply with the right audience.
16:42 – Reconnecting with Your Body and Cycles
Nicola highlights the importance of listening to your body and cycles, breaking free from the linear productivity models that dominate workplaces.
20:21 – The Impact of “Good Girl” Conditioning at Work
Michelle previews her upcoming book, examining why high-achieving girls often struggle when they enter the workforce.
24:22 – Women Supporting Women
The conversation shifts to the transformative power of community, as they emphasise the importance of women lifting each other up.
27:31 – Writing Your Own Story
Nicola encourages aspiring authors to embrace their unique perspectives, even in a world saturated with similar stories.
30:36 – Valuing Your Own Experiences
They discuss how personal stories bring writing to life, helping readers connect with deeper truths.
33:22 – Listener Challenge: Embrace your “too muchness”
Follow Nicola on social media:
Website - https://nicolahumber.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolaahumber/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolahumber
Buy Good Girl Deprogramming
Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)
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