Have you noticed how often the boys and men in your life struggle with emotional intimacy? They tend to pull away when feelings run high. They insist they’re fine when clearly they’re not. They seem unable to say what’s really going on.[0:02] Chelle introduces Season 3, Episode 3 and welcomes Dr. Niobe Way.[1:47] Niobe shares a 'good girl' expectation she's shaking off. [2:44] Niobe defines thin vs. thick stories and how context shapes human development.[8:37] Niobe explains how patriarchy drives the “thin story” for boys and girls.[15:43] Niobe defines “boy culture” as a caricature that strips boys of their soft sides.[20:46] Niobe reframes emotional sensitivity as maturity, not immaturity.[22:01] Niobe outlines four findings from 40 years of research on boys and men.[30:59] Niobe compares girls’ “I don’t know” with boys’ “I don’t care,” explaining how both reflect cultural disconnection.[32:37] Niobe explains that nurturing our natural relational capacities can heal the crisis of connection. [39:40] Niobe shares how parents can practice curiosity and connection at home.[45:58] Niobe shares her final insights. [47:20] Post-show behind-the-scenes with Chelle and Evie. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com
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48:38
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48:38
The cost of staying silent
Have you ever felt stuck between two impossible choices—speak up and worry people will think you’re too much, or stay quiet and lose touch with who you really are? This is what Dr. Carol Gilligan calls a crisis of connection—caught between staying connected to others and staying connected to yourself.[1:35] Carol shares the ‘good girl’ belief she’s shaking off.[2:44] Carol explains how her research into ‘good girl’ behavior began.[6:13] Chelle and Carol discuss how girls lose their voices by age 11.[10:56] Carol introduces “the tyranny of nice and kind.”[13:35] Carol explains how girls trade authenticity for approval.[17:14] Carol explains the link between patriarchy and women’s silence.[19:19] Chelle reflects on how ‘being good’ was taught as safety.[20:48] Chelle and Carol explore how patriarchy silences men’s voices and creates a crisis of connection.[28:34] Carol explains why empathy threatens hierarchies.[32:52] Carol shares her closing statement that reclaiming our honest voice is an act of resistance — essential for democracy, equality, and true connection.[34.25] Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com
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37:19
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37:19
Are we stuck in the wrong conversation?
How do we protect each other? What do we all need to feel safe, seen, and valued—and how do we stop letting society’s gender expectations blind us to each other’s humanity?[0.50] Chelle introduces Season 3 of The Good Girl Game Changers podcast[1.49] Evie & Chelle share the gender expectations they're shaking off.[2.37] Chelle explains the theme of this season - gender compassion - and why it feels important to talk about now.[11.45] Chelle explores how the nervous system responds and relates to gender compassion.[17.08] Chelle shares a personal moment with her sons that inspired this season's conversation.[19.22] Chelle introduces her son, Charlie, to share his thoughts on the moment they shared.[24.23] Charlie shares how he navigates society's "strong boy" expectations.[31.13] Charlie shares what he's learnt from that moment and what he has carried forward about gender compassion.[33.20] Chelle and Evie discuss their thoughts on the conversation with Charlie[36.14] Outro[37.52] Post-show BTS moment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com
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38:59
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38:59
Last chance to join us...
In this episode we ask ourselves: on whose terms and for whose benefit am I living my wild and precious life?[0.01] Intro [0.41] Chelle reads the storybook [1.30] Evie guides listeners through the tool Take A Butterfly Hug. [3.25] Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com
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3:56
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3:56
Is your life truely yours?
In this episode, we explore why conforming to people's expectations has never saved anyone's soul. [0.01] Introduction[0.43] Chelle reads the storybook[1.16] Evie guides listeners through the too Shake It Off [2.35] Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com
Australia