The Recovering Nice Girls Club

Angela and Natalie
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

We grew up in a time when girls were told to smile, play nice, and put up with bad behavior from men. We’ve survived messy relationships, heartbreaks, and lessons learned the hard way. Now, decades later, these two lifelong best friends are spilling the tea on how we ditched the “nice girl” script and reclaimed our voices. Join us for real talk, laughter, and the kind of honesty you only get from women who’ve been there, done that, and finally said "no more"! Whether you’re 20 or 60, these stories and lessons will hit home and may even help you break free from the nice girl syndrome too!

Episodes

  1. Jun 8

    Fake IDs, Road Trips and Dogs That Shart

    Angela and Natalie are back from a mini road trip, and somehow that turns into a full tour through questionable teenage decisions, ferry-line trauma, fake IDs made with glue sticks, dogs behaving badly, horses discovering sugar cubes, and the ongoing question: are we still cool? In this episode of The Recovering Nice Girls Club, Angela shares the surprisingly elaborate history of her teenage fake IDs, including one that involved a downtown Seattle adventure, a typewriter, and eight dollars well spent. Natalie looks back on underage club attempts, Canada road trips, sleeping in a tiny VW Scirocco, and the very real art of acting like you totally left your ID in the car when they're trying to card you at the bar. The girls debate whether Angela's adult children actually think they're still cool and eventually come to the only logical conclusion: maybe the kids aren’t sure, but we think we are and that's all that matters! There’s also Olivia the Greyhound, an incident with chocolate-covered almonds, an unfortunate dog story Angela probably should not have told, and proof that lifelong best friends can still entertain each other better than anyone else. Funny, nostalgic, slightly gross, and very much on brand.

    Fake IDs, Road Trips and Dogs That Shart

  2. May 6

    Episode 11: Menopause, Butter and Salad

    Angela and Natalie talk menopause, butter, and salad all in the same episode — because apparently midlife conversations can go from healthcare frustration to dairy appreciation in record time. Angela opens up about her struggle with insurance companies when it comes to covering basic reproductive and menopause healthcare. She shares how exhausting and frustrating it can be to fight for care that should be straightforward, especially when women are already trying to navigate symptoms, appointments, prescriptions, and the general confusion that often comes with this stage of life. These issues may hit home for many of our listeners, and we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not imagining how complicated the system can make things. After talking menopause, Natalie changes the conversation to... butter. That’s right. Creamy, glorious butter. She explains her deep appreciation for butter and how, at this point, bread may simply be the delivery system. Honestly, she’s not wrong. And then we talk salad. Angela has a favorite dressing, Natalie has decided lettuce isn’t necessarily a crucial ingredient in her salads anymore, and somehow this all makes perfect sense by the end of the episode. It’s an honest, funny, slightly random conversation about women’s health, food, frustration, friendship, and the strange little joys that get us through the day.

    Episode 11: Menopause, Butter and Salad

  3. Mar 30

    9: I Hurt Myself Sleeping… and Other Midlife Realities

    This week, the Recovering Nice Girls Club is finally IRL (in real life), and things get real, hilarious, and just a little unhinged (in the best way). We’re talking: The very real struggle of transitioning from wool socks to flip flops (and whether your toenails are emotionally ready) A Hawaii vacation that was… basically a week-long rainstorm The moment you realize you’ve officially entered the “I injured myself sleeping” phase of life And why putting on a belt suddenly feels like an Olympic event But this episode also has heart. After loss, there’s a new beginning—Angela introduces her newly adopted greyhound, Olivia (yes, she’s a world traveler from Australia and yes, she’s basically a velvet couch potato 🖤). We get into the surprising realities of retired racing dogs, second chances, and what it actually takes to learn how to “just be a dog.” And because this is who we are… we somehow also cover: Feeding tortillas to wild animals (apparently a universal hit) Why women are conditioned to be “nice girls” in the first place And whether hormones might secretly be the key to feeling like a puppy again 👀 It’s equal parts laughter, honesty, and “did we really just say that out loud?” If you’ve ever: Tried to hold it together while life throws you curveballs Felt like your body didn’t get the memo that you’re still 25 Or wondered if being “nice” is actually holding you back …this episode is for you. Grab a drink, settle in, and come hang out with us 💛

  4. Mar 22

    10: Brownies, Best Friends & a Potato in the Mail

    🎙️ This week, the Recovering Nice Girls Club accidentally turns into a cooking show… and honestly, we’re not mad about it. We’re baking brownies, making “healthy” blueberry scones (don’t ask too many questions), and doing what we do best, talking about literally everything else along the way. In this episode, we go way back: The exact moment we met (and why we didn’t like each other at first 👀) The infamous Holly Hobbie coat incident The staged recess fight that fooled everyone And the heartbreak of being separated… followed by letters, long-distance calls, and yes, mailing each other potatoes Because that’s what best friends do. We also get into: The phrases only our generation understands (“for Pete’s sake” and “smack dab” anyone?) Why kids today make zero sense sometimes And how a fifth-grade teacher somehow knew we were meant to stay friends for life This episode is messy, nostalgic, and full of laughs, but underneath it all, it’s about something real: 👉 The kind of friendship that sticks… no matter what. If you’ve ever had a best friend who feels more like family, or if you’ve ever laughed so hard you cried while making something in the kitchen, this one’s for you. Grab a snack (or a potato 🥔), and come hang out with us.

  5. Feb 24

    8: Societal Expectations and Creating Your Own Path

    This episode of The Recovering Nice Girls Club explores the delicate balance between grieving a profound loss and finding the "spark" to move forward. Natalie and Angela share deeply personal stories about the loss of beloved animal companions, the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated industries, and how they are learning to trade "nice girl" compliance for authentic confidence. Can you find hope in the midst of heartbreak? After a short break, Natalie and Angela return with a heartfelt and honest conversation about life’s most difficult transitions. This week, Angela opens up about the sudden loss of her beloved dog, Gem, and the bittersweet journey of preparing her home to adopt another rescue. Meanwhile, Natalie celebrates the launch of her second children’s book, The Heart of a Wild Horse, which mirrors her own experience of healing after losing a soul-mate horse of 18 years and opening up her heart again to adopt a wild horse. Together, they discuss why finding a "spark" of excitement is vital for lifting yourself out of the heavy fog of grief. The duo also tackles the reality of being a "Recovering Nice Girl" in the professional world. Natalie shares a candid look at the strategies she uses to be taken seriously as a woman in the boat detailing industry, from finding her voice with skeptical customers to her "nothing to see here" wardrobe strategy for navigating male-dominated boatyards. In this episode, we discuss: Navigating Pet Loss: The unique bond with rescue animals and the process of "home studies" for adoption. Telling Your Story: Natalie finds ways to tell her story through her children's books and Confidence vs. Compliance: Learning to stand your ground when experts (or "crusty sea captains") doubt your abilities. Generational Shifts: A look at how expectations for women have evolved from the 1960s to 2026. (Spoiler alert - they haven't changed much!) Links Mentioned: The Heart of a Wild Horse The Adventures of Barnaby, Penelope, and Pip The Insider’s Guide to Boat Cleaning and Detailing Fake It Till You Make It, But Don’t Fake It Till You Break It

    8: Societal Expectations and Creating Your Own Path

  6. Jan 30

    7: Sometimes, You Just Have to Be Direct

    In this conversation, Natalie, Angela and their long-time friend Jennifer discuss their experiences with personal growth, recovery from relationships, and the challenges of being 'nice girls' who struggle to assert themselves. They reflect on the importance of awareness, setting boundaries, and embracing uncertainty in their lives. The discussion highlights the journey of self-discovery and the ongoing process of recovery from societal expectations.

    7: Sometimes, You Just Have to Be Direct

  7. Jan 30

    6: Awareness is Baby Step #1

    In this episode, Natalie and Angela cozy up after the holiday whirlwind to chat about traditions, growth, and the ever‑relatable Nice Girl Syndrome. They dig into how generational conditioning shapes the way women show up in the world, and how media role models can nudge us toward being bolder, braver, and more ourselves at work and beyond. Together, they unpack the awkward, empowering, and sometimes hilarious process of learning to speak with confidence, set boundaries, and see challenges as invitations to grow. And as the New Year approaches, they share the rituals and intentions that help them step into the next chapter with clarity and heart. Episode highlights: Holiday season: survived, celebrated, and full of stories worth sharingGrowing awareness of our Nice Girl tendencies—and what to do with that insightRealizing we’re not alone when we talk openly about our experiencesHow generational patterns quietly shape our self‑perceptionWhy media representation matters for women finding their voice professionallyBuilding confidence in tough conversations (one imperfect attempt at a time)Reframing challenges as growth opportunitiesEmbracing personal development as an ongoing, evolving journeyWelcoming the New Year with reflection, intention, and a fresh sense of possibility

    6: Awareness is Baby Step #1

  8. 12/16/2025

    5: Create Your Script

    In this engaging conversation, Natalie and Angela explore the complexities of communication, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by women in expressing themselves assertively. They discuss the 'Nice Girl Syndrome,' societal expectations, and the importance of setting boundaries. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the need for women to embrace assertiveness while maintaining kindness. Their conversation also touches on the idea of holding both men and women accountable for their interactions. The girls conclude with actionable strategies for setting boundaries using a "script" they create that will help them sound more assertive while still coming across as polite or kind. Baby steps!!!

    5: Create Your Script

  9. 12/03/2025

    4: Getting Past the Fear of Speaking Up

    Angela and Natalie spend the first few minutes talking about their Thanksgiving shenanigans, which include pantyhose bowling and a rather large Saran wrap ball full of lip balm and dollar bills. The girls then discuss the importance of finding one's voice in everyday situations. They explore the challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, in asserting themselves and speaking up when necessary. Their discussion highlights the societal pressures that often lead to self-censorship and the need for confidence in communication. They end with challenging each other this week to listen for moments in conversation where they should speak up instead of not saying anything for fear of sounding rude or too assertive. If it's warranted, speak up and say something! We hope you enjoy our podcast and please remember to follow us! (Thank you!) A few key take-aways: There are many opportunities to use our voice in daily life.Women often fear sounding rude when speaking up.Societal norms can hinder self-expression.It's important to assert oneself in conversations.Confidence is key to effective communication.Speaking up can change the dynamics of a conversation.Self-censorship is a common issue for many, especially those with "nice girl" syndrome.Finding your voice is a journey of personal growth.

    4: Getting Past the Fear of Speaking Up

  10. 11/26/2025

    3: The "Going Along With It" Syndrome

    In this Thanksgiving week episode, the Recovering Nice Girls Club dives deep into the dangerous habit of "going along with things" to keep the peace. The girls explore the disconnect between knowing something is wrong in your head but feeling unable to speak up in the moment. We hope you enjoy our podcast and please remember to follow us! (Thank you!) Key Discussion Points 1. Gratitude for Shared Trauma The episode opens with a moment of Thanksgiving gratitude. We both express how thankful we are to have a friend who truly understands the specific journey we've been on. Natalie notes that while she wishes she didn't have to go through the trauma, she's glad we're on the path to recovery together. 2. The Mechanism of "Going Along With It" We discuss the internal struggle of the "nice girl." The Freeze Response: We describe moments where we clearly saw bad behavior but felt we "shouldn't speak out" or "talk back," leading you to shutting down rather than confronting the issue. Rose-Colored Glasses: Angela notes that Natalie's personality type tends to see the glass as half full, which is usually a positive trait. However, in toxic relationships, this positivity can be dangerous because it causes you to ignore reality. 3. Real-Life Examples of Ignoring Red Flags Both of us share vulnerable stories about times when we ignored our gut instincts: The Neighbor Incident: Natalie recounted a time an ex-boyfriend was rude to an elderly neighbor regarding parking. Despite fundamentally disagreeing with his actions and thinking he was being a "jerk," she felt stuck living with him and couldn't make him stop. Instead of leaving or forcing the issue, she tried to smooth things over to avoid conflict. The Credit Card Stack: Angela shared a major story from her past engagement. Just before the wedding, she discovered her fiancé had a two-inch stack of maxed-out credit cards. Despite this massive financial infidelity and the red flag of him living with roommates in his 30s, she proceeded with the marriage, convincing herself she could help him "fix" it. 4. The "Enabling" Revelation The crucial realization of this episode is that silence isn't just "being nice"; it is enabling. We both realized that by staying and trying to be polite, we were inadvertently allowing these partners to continue their bad behavior. Angela jokingly suggested needing a whistle or a siren to alert each other if we ever start "enabling" someone again. Conclusion: The episode concludes with a warning to younger listeners: Do not sacrifice your morals or ignore red flags just to be "nice". You cannot love someone into changing, and compromising your values for a relationship is a high price to pay.

  11. 11/26/2025

    2: Justifying Bad Behavior (or The 99-cent Chili Vacation)

    Fasten your seatbelts, Recovering Nice Girls. Literally! We are coming to you from 30,000 feet in the air for a very special episode. (Sorry about the audio and super close ups of us!) Today, Natalie and Angela are tackling one of the biggest, messiest topics in relationships: Money. We’ve all been there. You meet someone great, the chemistry is there, but then... their debit card mysteriously stops working. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on how "Nice Girl Syndrome" causes us to ignore, justify, and rationalize financial red flags until we're broke and brokenhearted. In this episode, you’ll hear us discuss: 🚩 The "Gateway" Red Flag: Natalie shares a cringe-worthy story about a first Christmas and a $100 gift card that she definitely didn't offer to buy. 🌶️ The Reno Nightmare: Angela tells a whopper of a story (but hilarious in hindsight) about a birthday trip early on in the relationship, a boyfriend with "broken" credit cards, and a romantic weekend fueled entirely by 99¢ Wendy’s chili. Words vs. Actions: Why promises mean nothing if they aren't backed up by effort, and why "Nice Girls" are so good at making excuses for men who do the bare minimum. If you’ve ever found yourself paying for everything while he promises he’ll "get you back next time," or if you need a reminder to put on your running shoes and sprint away from financial irresponsibility, then this episode is for you! Tune in for the laughs, stay for the validation, and learn why we say: No More! We hope you enjoy our podcast and please remember to follow us! (Thank you!)

  12. 11/26/2025

    1: Welcome to the Recovering Nice Girl's Club!

    Join Angela and Natalie in their first episode as they discuss what it means to be a recovering nice girl! We talk about how we were raised to be sweet and accommodating to everyone else while our own feelings got left behind. Later in life, this "nice girl syndrome" would cause issues for us in relationships and attract people who would take advantage of our kind, giving nature. There were many red flags, but we ignored them and kept hoping for the best. Thank goodness we've realized how to look out for ourselves and make better choices. I'm sure many of our listeners will be able to relate to our beginnings and the journey that put us on. Join us as we discuss the hard lessons learned from being a "nice girl" in our relationships, family life and even our work and business life. Each episode is raw and authentic as we share our experiences from decades of going through life with the "nice girl" syndrome. If we help even one person break out of their "nice girl" behavior and become stronger, wiser and better-equipped for life and love, then we'll have achieved our goal! We hope you enjoy our podcast and please remember to follow us! (Thank you!)

  • 12 Episodes

About

We grew up in a time when girls were told to smile, play nice, and put up with bad behavior from men. We’ve survived messy relationships, heartbreaks, and lessons learned the hard way. Now, decades later, these two lifelong best friends are spilling the tea on how we ditched the “nice girl” script and reclaimed our voices. Join us for real talk, laughter, and the kind of honesty you only get from women who’ve been there, done that, and finally said "no more"! Whether you’re 20 or 60, these stories and lessons will hit home and may even help you break free from the nice girl syndrome too!

Information