Your 2nd Act
Welcome to Your 2nd Act podcast - where we celebrate the power and beauty of women in their middle years. Join me each week as I chat to inspiring women from all walks of life, sharing their stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Together, we'll explore the limitless possibilities of your next chapter and trust me, the curtain has just risen on your most exciting act yet.
Your 2nd Act
Breaking Free from ‘Good Girl’ Conditioning
Guys how many of you describe yourself as people-pleasers, perfectionists, or the one who’s always protecting others? Bloody exhausting… isn’t it!
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and today’s guest knows exactly how you feel. Dr. Michelle McQuaid, or Chelle as she’s known, is a globally recognized researcher, bestselling author, and positive psychology expert who combines cutting-edge science with her own deeply personal journey to help women let go of society’s ‘good girl’ expectations and finally live life on their own terms.
Despite building a life that looked picture-perfect on the outside, Chelle found herself burned out, unfulfilled, and questioning everything. Now, in her ‘grey queer’ years, she’s let go of perfection, rewritten her story, and is empowering women around the world to do the same.
Her latest book, The Perfectly Imperfect Little Girl, is a bold adult storybook that challenges the ‘good girl’ conditioning many of us grew up with. It’s an invitation to laugh, cry, and ask the big question: "Am I living life on my own terms?"
In today’s conversation, Chelle shares her personal journey of resilience and reinvention, why midlife is the perfect time to break free from societal expectations, and how we can all start living life authentically. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, this episode is here to remind you—you already are.
If this episode gave you a new perspective or made you feel less alone in your journey, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback means so much, it helps shape future episodes and keeps the conversation going. Feel free to reach out anytime at michelle@your2ndact.com. I’d love to connect!
And if you enjoyed this chat, why not share the love with a five-star rating or a quick review? Your words might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.
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Michelle x