Thrive Solo
Let’s be real — being single and child-free? It’s pretty damn awesome. Don’t believe me? Stick around. I promise you, by listening to this podcast, you’re going to start seeing your solo life in a whole new light — one that feels empowering, exciting, and full of possibility.I’m Lucy Meggeson, and I’m here to help you stop seeing singlehood as a consolation prize and start embracing it as the incredible opportunity that it is. Because the truth? Being single isn’t second best. It’s not a waiting room. And it sure as hell isn’t a life of lack. In f...
Thursday Thoughts — Committment
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In this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into the topic of commitment.
We chat about why committing can feel so hard sometimes, especially when it comes to the promises we quietly make to ourselves.
And we explore a few simple ways to start moving forward again, gently but meaningfully. Because it's often those small, consistent commitments that help you feel stronger, more grounded, and so much better in your own skin.
Have a listen if you need a little nudge today — or if you’re...
The One Where I Talk To Somatic Coach, Majo Torreli
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In this episode of Thrive Solo, my guest is Majo Torreli, a single, childfree somatic coach based in Madrid, who shares her journey of overcoming unhealthy relationship patterns through somatic practices.
We discuss the significance of connecting with our bodies, the role of somatics in cultivating self-worth and self-love, and practical strategies to manage anxieties in social and dating scenarios. Majo also provides insights into maintaining high vibrational energy and reclaiming agency over one's life, and she invites listeners to engage with somatic practices to transform their relationships and self-perception.
Mini Series: 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love — Part 2: The Power Of Your Attention
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Today is Part Two of my new mini series, 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love, which is all about the steps I myself have taken to change my life over the last five years.
In Part 2, I’m talking about harnessing the power of your attention. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. This episode is all about taking back control of your focus so you stop wasting it on things that drain you – and start using it to create the life you actually want.
Sup...
The One Where I Talk To Associate Professor & Childless Advocate, Dawn Llewellyn
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My guest on the podcast today is the wonderful Dawn Llewellyn.
Dr Dawn Llewellyn is Associate Professor of Religion and Gender at the University of Chester. She researches and writes about gendered experiences and structures that are often silenced by patriarchal ideologies, and focuses on women’s lives (inclusive) in contemporary Christianity and feminist spiritualities. Dawn herself is in a longterm relationship but she is childless by choice and has been researching, publishing, and speaking publicly about pronatalism, motherhood, and childlessness for over 13 years.
She co-founded Storyhouse Childless which is a...
Mini Series: 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love — Part 1: Awareness
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Today is Part One of a new mini series, 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love, which is all about the steps I myself have taken to change my life over the last five years.
In Part 1, I’m talking all about awareness. Before you can change your life, you need to know what’s actually going on in your mind. In this episode, I share how awareness is the essential first step to creating a life you love – and some simple ways to start building it today.<...
Thursday Thoughts — The Joy Of Early Mornings
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On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about why we love getting up early, and how those quiet first hours set us up for the day.
If you’re someone who craves starting the day with calm, space, and intention, then a morning routine might just be your secret weapon.
We explore why mornings matter, how it really all begins the night before with a good night’s sleep, and why your routine has to fit your life, not the other way around.
We share o...
The One Where I Talk To Author Of 'Single & Psycho', Caroline Young
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In this week's episode of Thrive Solo, my guest is the wonderful Caroline Young, author of 'Single And Psycho: How Pop Culture Created The Unstable Single Woman.'
Although single herself, Caroline is Mum to an almost-one-year old boy, whose father she co-parents and lives with.
During our conversation, Caroline explores the societal and pop culture stereotypes of single women, sharing insights from her book and her personal experiences. We discuss characters from movies such as Fatal Attraction and Bridget Jones' Diary, and other shows that depict single women...
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 5: When Grief Hits Out Of Nowhere
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In this fifth and final part of my Saturday Minisode mini series, The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree, I'm talking about what to do when the grief of being single and / or childless hits unexpectedly.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — Action Absorbs Anxiety
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On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about a concept promoted by Dan Harris: Action Absorbs Anxiety.
This is the idea that taking even the smallest of actions can help to reduce feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, by channelling that restless, stuck energy and shifting it onto something more productive.
Polly and I also talk about another similar idea, which is that clarity comes from taking action - something that both of us have found to be true.
We hope you’ll find something of...
The One Where I Talk to PR Consultant, Emily Ball
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In this week's episode of the Thrive Solo, I'm talking to the fabulous Emily Ball, a PR business owner who shares her journey of healing and self-discovery after leaving a toxic relationship.
During our conversation, Emily recounts her experiences of dealing with emotional abuse, the steps she took to reclaim her life, and how she learned to embrace and love singlehood.
Our discussion highlights the importance of self-worth, the joy of solo adventures, and the misconception that singlehood equates to being incomplete. We also delve into the societal pressures th...
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 4: The Comparison Spiral
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In this fourth part of my new Saturday Minisode mini series, The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree, I'm talking about comparison, and those milestones that everybody else seems to be reaching.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — Shifting Your Filter
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This week on Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are chatting about the filters we use to live our lives.
Is your filter clouding your judgement? Is it colouring everything grey, making things seem worse than they really are? And how long are you willing to sit in that negativity?
The thing is, when you change the lens through which you see the world, you get to choose one that lifts you, lightens you, and lets you see possibility instead of limitation.
We explore some of the common...
The One Where I Talk To Content Creator, Camille Natalie
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In this week's episode of Thrive Solo, my guest is Camille Natalie, a content creator and social media strategist who empowers women over 40 to celebrate the single life rather than simply tolerate it. At 44 and thriving solo in Miami Beach, she has built her brand, Camille Natalie, around the mission of showing women that being single isn't a consolation prize—it's a powerful choice. Through her authentic content and strategic social media approach, Camille helps women reframe their relationship with singlehood and discover the joy, freedom, and fulfillment that comes with designing life on...
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 3: Future Fears
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In this third part of my new Saturday Minisode mini series: The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree, I'm talking about future fears such as "What if I die alone?"
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — People Pleasing
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On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly & I are talking about people pleasing.
We all do it - particularly women - but is it actually serving us? The need to belong and be liked often sees us doing or saying things that aren’t in alignment with who we truly are.
When we put the needs of others above our own, we often end up feeling resentful and depleted, which is no good for anyone!
In this conversation, Polly and I give examples of how we’ve both been p...
The One Where I Talk To Entrepreneur & Communications Expert, Kerrie Finch
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My guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo is the totally fabulous Kerrie Finch, an entrepreneur, communications expert, and speaker living in Amsterdam. She is a hugely successful business woman, running the reputation-building company 'Also Known As' with her two partners in the United States.
Kerrie shares her story from attending Manchester University to establishing her first company, The Finch Factor, and discusses her pivot towards her current business. She also delves into her personal journey, including her experience with various health issues not least a rare blood condition, a t...
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 2: The Visibility Problem
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In this second part of my new Saturday Minisode mini series: The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree, I'm talking about feeling invisible.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — It's The Small Things That Will Change Your Life
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On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about how it’s not the big dramatic changes that transform your life…it’s the small habits.
💫 How you spend your mornings 💬 How you speak to yourself 📚 What you feed your mind ⚡️ Who gets your energy—and your access.
These small choices might seem insignificant, but they shape your days…and your days shape your life.
In this conversation, we unpack why the small stuff is actually the big stuff.
We hope you find something useful in here.
L...
The One Where I Talk To Blogger & Influencer, Jordan Emily Rose
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My guest on this week's episode is the completely gorgeous Jordan Emily Rose, a blogger, influencer, travel and fashion content creator.
Jordan shares her journey from discovering blogging to becoming a successful influencer across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She discusses her entry into the field, the challenges of visibility and online criticism, and her experiences dealing with mental health issues.
Jordan also reflects on societal pressures related to relationships, the rise of single women, and the evolving stigma around independent women. She talks about the importance of retaining independence w...
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 1: Loneliness vs Solitude
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Over the next few weeks, I'm diving into the truth about some of the tougher bits of being single and childfree in this new Saturday Minisode mini series: The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree.
Today, I'm talking about loneliness vs. solitude.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — NSDR (Non Sleep Deep Rest)
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On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about NSDR - Non Sleep Deep Rest.
Similar to meditation or breathwork, NSDR can help take us out of our monkey minds and bring us back into our bodies. It helps take us out of our sympathetic nervous system, and into our parasympathetic nervous system - our ‘rest and digest’ state.
So many of us are in a state of stress and anxiety far more than we should be, and a short NSDR practice can make a huge difference.
...
The One Where I Talk To The Unconventional Weight Loss Coach, Naomi Holbrook
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In this week's episode, my guest is the fabulous Naomi Holbrook, the 'Unconventional Weight Loss Coach'.
Naomi shares her transformative journey from battling weight issues and personal trauma to becoming an empowered individual at 50. Naomi delves into her early struggles with unhealthy eating habits, stemming from childhood difficulties, and how she overcame them to lose five stone and reclaim her health through sustainable lifestyle changes.
She also discusses the importance of self-love, navigating adulthood while being single and child-free, and finding personal fulfillment. Naomi emphasises the crucial role of in...
Mini Series: The Underrated Benefits Of Being Single & Childfree — Part 5: Learning & Personal Growth
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In this final part of my mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about learning and personal growth.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — Lessons From A Holiday
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On this week’s Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are talking all things holidays.
I’ve just come back from a wonderful two-week break in Turkey — and yes, it was wonderful.
But we’re also diving into something a little deeper… What does it mean if the only time you feel truly relaxed, calm or happy is when you’re away?
Holidays are a beautiful reset, a chance to switch off, change the scenery, and reconnect, but the real magic? It lies in creating a life you don’t constantly n...
The One Where I Talk To Childfree Activist & Author, Verena Brunschweiger
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On this week's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm joined by Verena Brunschweiger, a 45-year-old writer, feminist, and child-free activist from Germany.
Verena discusses her journey towards embracing a child-free life despite societal pressures, outlining environmental, personal, and feminist reasons for her choice. She also highlights the severe backlash and hate she's received for her activism, especially in conservative regions. Despite this, Verena and I both emphasise the importance of advocating for the child-free lifestyle and feminism. We also discuss Verena's book, 'Do Child-Free People Have Better Sex?' which explores various d...
Mini Series: The Underrated Benefits Of Being Single & Childfree — Part 4: Emotional Stability
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In Part 4 of this mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about emotional stability.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — Self-Worth
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On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about self-worth — the importance of which cannot be overstated.
As Jamie Kern Lima says in her book, Worthy, our self-worth is our ceiling; in other words we will only ever get as far in life as we believe we're worthy of getting.
Unlike self-confidence, self-worth truly is an inside job, and not something we can get from anything outside of ourselves, i.e. a job promotion, a relationship, or a medal. The truth is that we are all inherently worthy, so...
The One Where I Talk To Wellness Warrior & Nature Lover, Linzi Bell
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On today's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm talking to the simply wonderful Linzi Bell all about embracing the power of nature, and her incredible travels on foot.
Linzi is a 47-year-old wellness advocate and nature lover who embodies living life on her own terms. Linzi's solo journeys, including her current pilgrimage from Canterbury to the Vatican, underscore the transformative power of nature and self-discovery. Our conversation emphasises the importance of mindset, embracing singlehood, and finding joy in solo adventures. With personal anecdotes about overcoming fears, encountering kindness, and unlocking inner strength...
Mini Series: The Underrated Benefits Of Being Single & Childfree — Part 3: Drama-Free Life
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In Part 3 of this mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about a drama-free life.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — Comfort Zones
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On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into the magic that happens outside your comfort zone.
Because when you do something that feels a bit uncomfortable? You’re not just edging closer to your dreams and desires — you’re also giving your confidence a serious boost.
We’re sharing some of our own stories about times we’ve stepped out of our comfort zones and offering a few tips on how you can do the same, in a way that feels doable — not daunting.
We hope ther...
The One Where I Talk To Voice Coach & Author, Caroline Goyder
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On today's episode of 'Thrive Solo,' I'm talking to the wonderful Caroline Goyder, a renowned voice coach and author. Caroline helps people harness the full potential of their body, breath and voice. She’s all about helping you speak with gravitas, confidence, and influence under pressure — even if you've always doubted your ability to hold a room. She studied at Oxford University, and trained as an actor and then a professional voice coach. She’s the author of the best-selling books Gravitas and Find Your Voice, and her TEDx talk, The Surprising Secret...
Mini Series: The Underrated Benefits Of Being Single & Childfree — Part 2: Lack Of Compromise
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In Part 2 of my mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about lack of compromise.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookThursday Thoughts — Haters Gonna Hate
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On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are discussing a piece that came out recently in The Telegraph, in which I talk about being happily single and childfree.
The hate I received in the comments has been mind blowing and there are over 1,200 comments.
We hope you'll enjoy our conversation about haters, mindset, and the fear we all have of other people's opinions and judgements.
Love,
Polly & Lucy x
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Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & C...The One Where I Talk To Dentist & Thrive Solo Member, Julie Kellogg
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In this week's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm talking to Julie Kellogg, a single, child-free, third-generation dentist and transition coach from the West Coast of the USA.
Julie shares her journey from a traditional upbringing and a seven-year marriage, to embracing her solo lifestyle, including her decision to remove her fallopian tubes at 35. We discuss the pleasures of solo travel, sensual living, financial independence, creativity, and what it means to thrive solo. The episode highlights the importance of living unapologetically and finding joy in solo life.
02:14 Guest Introduction: Meet...
Mini Series: The Underrated Benefits Of Being Single & Childfree — Part 1: Peace
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Over the next few weeks, I'm diving into the underrated benefits of being single and childfree in this Saturday Minisode mini series.
Today, I'm talking about peace.
Hope you enjoy it. x
Support the show
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book...
Thursday Thoughts — Writing A Book
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This week on Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I dive into a juicy conversation all about my brand new book Shiny Happy Singles — or Thrive Solo if you're tuning in from the US.
We chat about the inspiration behind the book, what it really means to thrive on your own, and why this message is so needed.
We also pull back the curtain on the creative process: the messy magic of writing, showing up consistently (even when it's hard), and trusting that clarity comes after you begin — not before.
...
The One Where I Talk About Manifestation (AKA Making Sh*t Happen)
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In this week's solo episode of Thrive Solo, I'm delving deep into the concept of manifestation. I'm sharing my own definition of manifestation, and highlighting its core components: energy, intention, focus, and aligned action. I'm also debunking some common misconceptions, as well as stressing the scientific underpinnings, such as the law of attraction, the law of vibration, and the observer effect.
I'm giving you some practical advice on how to consciously manifest desired outcomes by shifting thoughts, focusing on positive energies, and taking decisive actions. Key takeaways include understanding the power o...
Minisode Ep.163 — Rewriting the Script on Single Life
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On today's minisode, I'm re-writing the script on single life.
There is no doubt that we've all be conditioned to believe that being married with kids is 'superior' to being single without them. But the truth is that this is just a story, not a fact.
In this episode, I talk about how the societal narrative has meant that the benefits of being single tend to go unnoticed; but WE can choose to focus on all of the wonderful advantages that our position in life affords us.
P...
Thursday Thoughts — Perspective
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On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about perspective.
The way we see and feel about life is largely about the lens we’re looking through - because two people with exactly the same circumstances can have two wildly different experiences of life.
So the question is: how do we take off the negative glasses, and replace them with a more rosy pair? It starts with awareness, and making tiny shifts consistently over time.
Polly and I talk about how we’ve both changed our...
The One Where I Talk To YouTuber, Toni Evans
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My guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo is the wonderful Toni Evans, a YouTuber and mental health advocate.
Toni shares her personal experiences of midlife resilience, including relationships, her choice to remain single and childfree, and her insights on dealing with a narcissistic ex. Reflecting on her journey of living in Ireland with her parents, Toni talks about finding fulfillment in solitude and maintaining mental tranquility. This episode emphasises the importance of recognising one's agency and creating a joyful and meaningful solo life.
02:15 Guest Introduction: Toni Evans<...