Thrive Solo

In this week’s minisode, I’m getting a little festive (yes, I know it’s only October!) after receiving a comment from a woman who's facing her first Christmas without her children and is worried about feeling sad and lonely. It got me thinking about the stories we tell ourselves, and how easily we can convince ourselves that an experience is going to be miserable before it's even happened. As someone who's single, childfree and absolutely LOVES Christmas, I want to challenge the idea that the festive season is somehow less enjoyable without a partner or children. We're talking mindset, expectations, creating your own traditions and finding joy in doing things YOUR way. And while I'm certainly not dismissing the genuine sadness that Christmas can bring for some people, I am offering a little tough love about why we need to stop assuming that spending Christmas alone automatically means having a depressing time. Because it really, really doesn't! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about beliefs, and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our lives, often without us even realising it.We discuss how many of our beliefs are formed in childhood, and how limiting beliefs can hold us back, affect our confidence, and stop us from going after the things we really want.We also explore the ‘belief loop’; how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours can reinforce what we already believe to be true, and share some practical ways to start questioning and changing those beliefs, from becoming more aware of our inner dialogue to using breathwork and meditation.We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I can’t wait for you to hear my guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo because she is not only single and childfree by choice, but she has navigated those life choices in India which is where she comes from. Her name is Mandeep Kaur, she’s 43, and she is a trauma informed yoga teacher, life coach, and mental health counsellor living in Goa. Growing up in the north of India in a traditional Indian family, Mandeep was facing arranged marriage in her twenties, but she knew in every cell in her body that she simply could not - and would not - go down that prescribed path. There came many years of real difficulty while she navigated all of the judgement and opinions of her family and those around her - not to mention the harassment and bullying she faced from the wider community because of her choice to be an unmarried woman without children. In our conversation, Mandeep tells me what it was like growing up with so much expectation and pressure, and how she dealt with it; we talk about how she has truly forged her own path, moving to Goa, starting her own business, and going against the grain of what she was ‘supposed’ to do with her life. She also speaks to the huge importance of mindset when it comes to living a life you actually want. It was so fascinating to talk to Mandeep, who is such a courageous, strong, and determined woman. I absolutely loved her.Follow Mandeep on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmandeepkaur/?hl=en See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s minisode, I’m celebrating one of the greatest loves of my life: my ridiculously naughty, outrageously handsome Bengal cat, Johnny. From the moment he came into my life and I wondered what the FUCK I’d done, to the extraordinary bond we share today, I’m talking about the sheer joy of having a pet, and why I’m more than happy to embrace my status as a crazy cat lady. I’m sharing some of Johnny’s hilarious antics, the things I absolutely adore about him, and the less glamorous realities of pet ownership, as well as exploring some fascinating research into the physical and emotional benefits of sharing our lives with animals. Because pets aren't consolation prizes for not having partners or children. They bring a whole different kind of love into our lives, and I wouldn't swap mine for the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Thursday Thoughts episode, Polly and I are talking about feeling stuck, as well as ways to get unstuck by taking the smallest possible first step to build momentum. We talk about moving physically or changing scenery — getting outside, shaking the body, or taking a break — to shift stagnant energy and allow inspiration to return. Polly tells us how she's using the BBC/NHS Couch to 5K app after a knee injury because it breaks running into manageable intervals with a chosen audio coach. We're also talking about accountability as a game changer, including using both accountability buddies and self-accountability methods like paying in advance for a sauna/sea swim session. We also suggest using AI tools for practical ideas, revisiting your “why,” examining repeating thoughts and stories that keep you stuck, and being mindful of what you consume mentally. We really hope you'll find something helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm talking to the truly wonderful marketer-turned-entrepreneur & content creator, Candice “Candilicious” Gallagher about her single life, dating, and community. Candice, 40, has been actively dating for over a decade, driven by “rom-com” hope but with a high bar set by strong friendships and family; she’s lived overseas most of her life (Singapore, Hong Kong, New York) and returned to England a couple of years ago for deeper connection with old friends. In our conversation, Candice talks about dating in New York, Singapore, and London; her Instagram dating content (including “10 dating apps in 10 weeks”), and why she prefers in-person dating events. She also talks about launching Fig Dating dinners in London, using a new approach to solve event gender imbalance by selling tickets as platonic male–female pairs, and using a values-based matching quiz for rotating-course seating - she also tells me about the online pushback she's received about this approach, as well as men’s reluctance to dating events in general. Candice and I also talk about her hopes for partnership and children, egg freezing, and her current living arrangement with her best friend’s family.I know that you're going to love listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. You can find out more about her London-based dating events via the link in her Instagram bio.Follow Candice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candilicious.insta/?hl=enFollow Candice on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candilicious.tiktok See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s minisode, I’m talking about something I don’t think I’ve ever properly addressed on the podcast before: what it’s like being single and childless in the workplace. From being expected to work late or cover Christmas because apparently you’ve got nobody to get home for, to the endless collections for engagements, weddings and babies (where are OUR presents?!), there are so many ways single women can be made to feel that their time, achievements and lives matter less. I’m sharing some of my own experiences from my time as a detective in the Met Police, including being called Mrs Havisham by a colleague, as well as talking about the loneliness of feeling like the odd one out when everyone around you is discussing husbands and children. And, importantly, why it’s time we started challenging some of these assumptions. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, excluded or taken for granted at work because you’re single and don’t have children, this one’s for you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about gratitude, and how taking the time to appreciate what we already have can make such a difference to how we feel.We share some of our own experiences of finding gratitude in everyday moments, and discuss how easy it is to take the little things for granted, particularly when life gets busy.We also talk about different ways to practise gratitude, from incorporating it into breathwork to reflecting on the positives before going to sleep, as well as some of the benefits gratitude can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My guest on the podcast this week is a breakup and dating coach, as well as the host of two podcasts, Sex & The Solo Girl, and Breakups, Broken Hearts, and Moving On. Her name is Janice Formichella and she works one on one with people around the world to heal from a broken heart and turn the end of a relationship into the beginning of a powerful new chapter in life. A regular podcast guest, Janice speaks on the psychology of breakups, overcoming loneliness, and secure attachment. She is also a domestic violence survivor, and someone who considers herself to have hit rock bottom more than once, but who thrives off using her own story to help others. Follow Janice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiceformichella/?hl=enCheck out her website: https://janiceformichella.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s minisode, I’m doing something a little different because I received an Instagram message from a follower that made me laugh so much I simply HAD to share it with you. What started as a promising romantic connection with a man we'll call Dave turned into an absolutely hilarious (and rather frustrating) saga involving six weeks of flirting, unexpectedly developing feelings, and one man's extraordinary resistance to a routine STI test. I’m reading the whole glorious story, which includes some of the funniest lines I've ever encountered, but underneath the humour there's a really important message about boundaries, self-respect and why sticking to your standards can be bloody difficult when you genuinely like someone. Prepare to laugh, despair, and quite possibly shout at Dave. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Thursday Thoughts Polly and I explore whether or not you see yourself as a lucky person, and how that belief shapes your experience of life. We discuss how a victim mindset and negative narratives like “things never work out for me” can reinforce feeling unlucky, while choosing a more empowering perspective can help you notice opportunities and “create your own luck.” We also reference Cindy Crawford’s family tragedy and Oprah Winfrey as examples that circumstances don’t guarantee happiness, or limit success. We hope you'll find something helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My completely divine guest on the podcast this week is Anastasia Marshall, a working-class filmmaker from Folkestone, Kent. Having been in the media and entertainment industries since she was 18, working for companies such as Disney, the BBC, Conde Nast and many more, she is now developing her own slate of projects through her company Rebel Muse Studios. Several of her works have placed in international festivals and competitions and she was selected for the Female Founders Rise accelerator in 2025. Anastasia is currently working on a one-hour YouTube special called Spinsters, which you can watch right now, and which is part of a much larger project to reclaim spinster as an archetype for single women. Said larger project is a feature film that Anastasia has written herself which is a Christmas film for single women and which I for one am VERY excited about. Anastasia has the most calming and lovely energy and I actually found her quite mesmerising, so I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I’m sharing some reflections from my recent Thrive Solo trip to Morocco — but this isn’t really an episode about Morocco. It’s about what happens when five single women who barely know each other spend 12 days travelling together. From endless conversations on long bus journeys and hilarious cultural exchanges with our Moroccan guide, to rooftop chats, shared meals and the friendships that formed along the way, I’m talking about why travelling with other single women can be such a special experience — and why you absolutely don’t need to wait until you have someone to travel with before you start seeing the world.JOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italySupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about people pleasing, and what can happen when we prioritise other people’s needs, opinions and expectations over our own.We chat about getting to know ourselves better, setting healthier boundaries, and becoming more comfortable with the fact that not everyone is going to like us - and that’s OK.We also discuss why saying ‘no’ doesn’t always need an explanation, and how being more honest about who we are and what we want can ultimately lead to stronger, more authentic relationships.We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy xSupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN MY TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyI’m truly excited for you to hear my guest on this week's episode. I felt so uplifted after our conversation because she is such an inspiring woman. Her name is Siobhan Daniels — and funnily enough I had her daughter, Sammy, on the podcast just a few weeks ago! Siobhan is 67, single, and absolutely rocking her life. At the age of 60, she decided to stop waiting and start living life on her own terms. She quit her job, sold her home, got rid of the vast majority of her stuff, bought a motorhome, and started living a nomadic life which she is still doing now. Earlier this year, Siobhan did a 4,000-mile solo journey from Canada to Alaska along the legendary Alaska Highway, and her brand new book, Retire & Refire, which has just come out, is the story of that journey, and she also has another book, Retirement Rebel.Siobhan’s message to women of all ages is this: your strength does not expire – do not let fear stop you as you get older. I cannot tell you how much I loved this conversation because Siobhan’s energy and passion for life is so obvious and so infectious, and we talked about so many things, including her work as a pro-ageing campaigner who wants to change ageist stereotypes and the narrative around ageing, particularly for women.Buy Siobhan's new book, Retire & Refire: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Retire-Refire-continuing-adventures-Retirement/dp/183981313XBuy Siobhan's first book, Retirement Rebel: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Retirement-Rebel-woman-motorhome-adventure/dp/183981179XFollow Siobhan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theretirementrebel/Follow Siobhan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theretirementrebelListen to Siobhan's podcast, Retirement Rebel: https://www.retirementrebel.co.uk/podcastSupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailRebounder Link (Use Code: THRIVESOLO for 10% off): https://rebound.fitness/?ref=ThriveSoloIn this week’s minisode, I’m talking about why I’ve been bouncing on a mini trampoline for the last four years — and why it’s become one of my favourite ways to exercise. I’m sharing how rebounding fits into my wider health and fitness routine, how it can contribute to cardio fitness, balance, strength and fat loss, why I love the gentler “health bounce” as well as more intense sessions, and why actually enjoying the movement you do matters so much. Because the best exercise programme in the world is pretty useless if you hate it so much that you never stick to it.Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about anxiety.Most of us are familiar with worrying about things that haven't even happened, but what do we do when anxiety starts becoming a problem?Polly and I talk candidly about our own experiences of anxiety, as well as a few practical things that we can all do to try and allay those unhelpful thoughts and feelings.We hope you'll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy xSupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week's episode is Part 2 of my interview with the fabulous Alison Leiby, comedian, writer, and author of ‘I’m Alot: Surviving Myself & All The People I’ve Been’. If you haven’t yet listened to last week’s Part 1, I would recommend you do that first and then come back to this part. Alison is a two-time WGA Award–nominated writer. She has written for Life & Beth, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The President Show, and was a writer and executive producer for Ilana Glazer’s Comedy on Earth for Comedy Central. Her critically acclaimed solo show Oh God, A Show About Abortion, which ran at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York, was named the Best Political Comedy of the year by The New York Times. In this second part of our conversation, we’re diving into friendship and why it’s ok not to have one best friend who you’ve known since you were 3, and how friendship is largely about having different friends for different parts of yourself; we talk about how society still doesn’t quite know what to do with childfree women, so we’re often presented to the world either as sad cat ladies who we’re meant to feel sorry for, or crazy party girls or career women who are selfish and hard; we also talk about Alison’s experience of having an abortion when she was 35, and the solo-show she wrote off the back of it.Follow Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonleiby/?hl=enBuy her book, I'm Alot: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Lot-Alison-Leiby/dp/059373162XSupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s minisode, I’m talking about why, at 50, I don’t regret not having children — and why I’ve actually become increasingly grateful that I didn’t. I’m reflecting on whether I was ever really as “childless by circumstance” as I once believed, the difference between wanting a baby and wanting to be a parent, and some of the worries, responsibilities and sacrifices that those of us without children have been spared. I also talk about the freedom and headspace being childfree has given me to pursue my passions and purpose, why not having children doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of regret, and why there are countless ways to live a full, meaningful and deeply fulfilling life without becoming a mother.Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about fitness.We each share what our own fitness routines look like, covering strength training, Sprint Interval Training (SIT), running, rebounding, and good old walking.Given that fitness is so important, especially as we age, we hope you'll find something useful or inspiring in here.Love,Polly & Lucy xSupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy wonderful guest on the podcast this week is Alison Leiby, a comedian, writer, and author of the brilliant book, 'I’m Alot: Surviving Myself & All The People I’ve Been', which came out in July. The book is essentially a memoir-in-essays, which unpacks some of the different identities that make up who Alison is, including being single, being an only child, being a sufferer of chronic pain, being childfree, being political, not having a best friend, and various other incarnations of who she is - and having read this book cover to cover myself and loved it, I can highly recommend it. Alison is a two-time WGA Award–nominated writer. She has written for Life & Beth, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The President Show, and was a writer and executive producer for Ilana Glazer’s Comedy on Earth for Comedy Central. Her critically acclaimed solo show Oh God, A Show About Abortion, which ran at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York, was named the Best Political Comedy of the year by The New York Times. This week is just the first half of our conversation and we’re talking in this part about life as a standup comedian in New York, and the differences between writing for late-night comedy shows and shows like The Marvellous Mrs Maisel; Alison tells me about the life threatening complication that came after her back surgery at the age of 19, and subsequently living with chronic pain; and we also talk about her take on love and her single life.Follow Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonleiby/?hl=enBuy her book, I'm Alot: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Lot-Alison-Leiby/dp/059373162XSupport the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of Reasons I’ll Probably Be Single Forever, I’m looking at the other side of the equation: everything single life gives me. From autonomy, peace and solitude, to loving my own company, not envying couples, not needing male validation and no longer seeing romantic partnership as a goal, I’m talking about why my life already feels full exactly as it is. Because maybe staying single forever isn’t a worst-case scenario at all. Maybe, for some of us, it’s simply the life that suits us best. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week on Thursday’s Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about optimisation, and whether our constant quest to look and feel better might actually be making us feel worse.We’re bombarded on social media with advice on how to optimise almost every area of our health and wellbeing. Add in wearables and apps tracking everything from sleep and steps to heart rate and recovery, and it can feel like there’s always something else we should be doing.But do we really need to optimise everything?We talk about why getting the basics right consistently – eating well, moving regularly, prioritising sleep and managing stress – is far more important than chasing the latest wellness trend or perfect score.We also explore the importance of tuning into how you actually feel. Data can be useful, but relying too heavily on numbers can mean we lose connection with our own bodies.We hope you find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyMy fabulous guest on this week's episode is aesthetic practitioner and content creator, Nadiya Bekar. Nadiya is 54, single, childfree, lives in North London with her sausage dog, Chilli, and is loving her single life. Those of you who follow me on Instagram might have seen a reel I did a few weeks ago where I say "I cannot be arsed with romantic relationships", "I cannot be arsed to go on dates" etc etc - and it went viral - which was 100% thanks to Nadiya who did a similar reel which gave me the inspiration for mine. So, that’s how we connected. I then asked her to come on the podcast, and I am so, so glad that I did because I absolutely loved her. While Nadiya is successful in work and in life, she herself admits that she doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to romantic relationships, and she’s been single this time around for 2 years. In our conversation, we talk all about her relationship history and why she says that many of her previous boyfriends didn’t even like her; she tells me about getting sober following years of heavy drinking that was really impacting her life, not to mention her relationships; we talk about how she knew she didn’t want kids at the age of 9, but how having a dog has brought out her maternal side; we also talk about that dreaded question "Aren’t you worried about who’s going to look after you when you’re older?” as well as Nadiya’s career as an aesthetic practitioner, including details of some of the injectable treatments that she does on her clients. Check out Nadiya's website: https://www.nadiyabekar.com/Follow Nadiya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiyabekarlondonContact Nadiya via email: bekarbeauty@gmail.com  Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s minisode, I’m sharing some of the reasons I genuinely think I may be single forever — and why that prospect doesn’t bother me in the slightest. From my almost non-existent tolerance for bullshit and my love of independence, to the compromises, emotional responsibility and risk of losing yourself that can come with relationships, I’m exploring why partnership simply doesn’t hold the same appeal for me that it once did. Because if you don’t experience being single as a problem, then a relationship isn’t the solution — it’s just one possible life choice. And any man who came into my life now wouldn’t be competing with other men. He’d be competing with my single life…and the competition is fierce. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about our tendency to keep striving for the next thing, rather than appreciating what we already have.We talk about the ‘hedonic treadmill’ - the idea that even when we achieve something we really wanted, the happiness it brings often doesn’t last, and before long we’re looking towards the next goal.Polly shares how she sometimes forgets that she's living in the house she once dreamed of, while I talk about the freedom I have in my work and how, for example, having a post go viral doesn't fundamentally change how I feel.We also talk about gratitude, appreciating the small, everyday things, and remembering that fulfilment isn’t necessarily waiting for us at the next milestone.We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyMy gorgeous guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo is advertising executive, Sammy Hibbard-Daniels. Thirty-seven, single, and childfree, Sammy lives with her sausage dog, Frank. She was in a ten year relationship until a few years ago when her and her partner parted ways - still sharing joint custody of Frank - and she is now leaning into all things solo life, including her solo travel adventures. In this conversation, Sammy and I cover topics including the terminology around single women without kids, her first solo trip to Bali when she left her job and flew across the world by herself, romanticising your life as a single woman, making new friends as an adult woman, being intentional with your time, the shi*show that is online dating, and so much more.Follow Sammy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsiekate/Follow Sammy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samsiekate Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027!  https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyIn Part 2 of this minisode series, I’m getting into the nitty gritty of exactly what I’ve been doing to get fitter, stronger and leaner at 50. I’m talking you through my three weekly strength-training sessions, progressive overload, how I get around 100g of protein a day, what I actually eat, the supplements I take, my daily walks, why I’m completely obsessed with rebounding, and the importance of sleep and recovery. There’s no extreme diet, punishing exercise regime or magic menopause hack involved — just a handful of simple things done consistently. If you’ve been telling yourself it’s too late to get stronger or start looking after your body, I hope this episode gives you a little kick up the arse to start.USE THIS LINK TO GET 10% OFF THE SAME REBOUNDER I HAVE USING CODE: THRIVESOLO AT CHECKOUT! https://rebound.fitness/?ref=ThriveSolo Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about cultivating a beginner’s mindset, as well as the difference between fixed and growth mindsets.In our conversation, we talk about how people often avoid trying new things because they're worried about not being good immediately, when the truth is that we all start knowing nothing — and we learn through effort and failure. Polly talks about her experience as a teacher and how she encouraged her students to resist comparison, recognise their different strengths, and understand that skills can be developed with practice. We also talk about the fact that talent only goes so far without persistence and self-belief, and that successful, interesting people keep learning by asking questions, embracing vulnerability, and being willing to look 'stupid'. We hope you'll find something interesting or helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on the podcast this week is a force of nature, and I’m sure many of you will already know who she is. Her name is Regena Thomashauer and she is a feminist icon, the founder of The School of Womanly Arts, as well of the author of several books including the New York Times best seller, Pussy: A Reclamation, and the author of her brand new book, On Our Knees: Loving Your Life Even When You Hate What’s Happening, which is out TODAY! And if you buy a copy of the book today, you can join Regena’s live stream launch party which is taking place in Brooklyn, New York at 7:30pm Eastern Time. Otherwise known as Mama Gena, Regena is like no other, and if you don’t know about her already then you need to. In our conversation Regena talks about how learning how to reclaim her own pleasure helped release the trauma she held from an abusive childhood, she talks about the power of the orgasm, the patriarchy, how we haven’t been taught to listen to their inner truth, and why talking doesn’t change things, but embodying them does.Buy Regena's new book, On Our Knees: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Knees-Loving-Whats-Happening/dp/1837829489/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Follow Regena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamagena/?hl=enCheck out Regena's website: https://mamagenas.com/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027!  https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyIn the first of this two-part minisode, I’m sharing the story behind why I completely changed the way I look after my body at 50. From discovering I’d gone through early menopause and being diagnosed with osteopenia, to gaining weight, losing confidence and eventually reaching a point where I thought, “NO. Enough” — I’m talking about what finally made me take my health seriously. I share why this journey has become about so much more than losing nearly two stone: it’s about getting stronger, protecting my bones, feeling like myself again and doing everything within my control now to give my future self the strongest, healthiest and most independent body possible.USE THIS LINK TO GET 10% OFF THE SAME REBOUNDER I HAVE USING CODE: THRIVESOLO AT CHECKOUT! https://rebound.fitness/?ref=ThriveSolo Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about the ego and how it can hold us back from taking action.We explore how the ego often comes from a place of fear and judgement, making it one of the loudest voices in our minds. We also share ways to become more aware of that inner voice, question whether it's actually telling us the truth, and choose curiosity instead.We hope this episode gives you something to reflect on and leaves you with a few helpful takeaways.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyI met my fabulous guest on this week’s episode because we appeared together on Jo Good’s BBC Radio London show, and when I found out he was single I was like “Will you come on the podcast?!” and he said yes. His name is Frank Loman, he is 57 years old, single, childfree, lives in London and is an actor, singer, broadcaster, painter, AND expert on all things Eurovision! Born and raised in Germany, Frank has appeared in many shows, not least Les Mis in London’s west end, he’s also a voiceover artist, and has had a really interesting and varied career. In this conversation, Frank talks very candidly about his life on stage, his very challenging childhood, how he’s suffered with depression for many, many years, his relationship history and where he currently is with single life. Frank is just such a sensitive, genuine, lovely man, and I know that you will love him, too. Follow Frank on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frank_loman/Check out Frank's website: https://frankloman.com/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyIn this week's minisode, I'm reminding you of five of the most underrated gifts of being single. Not the obvious ones, but the quieter ones that can completely transform the quality of your everyday life: the absence of constant arguments, the peace that comes from living alone, the freedom of protecting your own energy, complete autonomy over your daily life, and the incredible opportunity to become the most authentic, fully expressed version of yourself. If you've been focusing on what's missing because you're single, this episode is a gentle reminder to start noticing everything that's already here. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027! https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking all about confidence and how to build more of it.We share why we prefer to think of confidence as a verb rather than a noun. Confidence isn't something you magically have before you start – it's something you create. It grows when you find a little courage, get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and take action anyway.Only then does confidence begin to grow. As you keep showing up, you build competence, which in turn fuels even more confidence.We hope you enjoy this episode.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailJOIN ME FOR A THRIVE SOLO TRIP TO ITALY IN APRIL 2027!  https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyThis week’s episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Kristy Halvorsen, full-time nomad, coach and author of Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open — a book that I read and absolutely loved. If you haven’t yet listened to last week’s part 1, then I would urge you to do that first and then come back to this episode. In this second half of our conversation, Kristy tells me about the big love she had with the person she writes all about in her book, that ended about a year and a half ago; she talks all about how coming out of that relationship, and recovering from it has impacted the way she feels about her single life. We also talk about the five years before that relationship where Kristy truly fell in love with single life, and how being alone on the road for so long allowed her to really appreciate her solo adventures. We talk about solitude, and how learning to really love yourself requires time alone; Kristy tells me about the many connections she has formed with people during the course of her nearly 9 years of travelling across the US and Canada; we also talk about following the tickles of your soul, and how you might live your life if you trusted that everything was going to work out. I just loved this conversation so, so much — Kristy is wise and completely authentic, and I hope you’ll enjoy this second part of our chat.Buy Kristy's book: https://perfectunfolding.com/Follow Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen/Check out Kristy's website: https://kristyhalvorsen.com/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I'm challenging the idea that being in a relationship somehow gives you access to a richer or more meaningful version of life. So often, single people are made to feel as though they're waiting on the sidelines while everyone else is experiencing the "real" human experience — but I simply don't believe that's true. We all experience love, heartbreak, joy, grief, purpose, fear, growth and wonder, regardless of our relationship status. Because being in a relationship doesn't unlock a secret level of being human; it simply offers one way of experiencing this weird, beautiful and extraordinary thing we call life. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about comparison.As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy, but we can all be guilty of it to a greater or lesser extent. And it’s even harder to keep it under control in this age of screens and social media.Rather than comparing ourselves to others and allowing them to make us feel bad about ourselves, let’s use comparison as motivation and inspiration to improve and evolve in our own lives.Because the truth is that the only person we should really be comparing ourselves to is the person we were yesterday.We hope you’ll find something helpful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode is Part 1 of a 2-parter with the fabulous Kristy Halvorsen, a full-time nomad and author. If "normal" is a way of being, Kristy is most definitely not that. In 2017, she sold pretty much everything she owned including her house, she left her career as a firefighting, and she hit the road in her Airstream trailer, Coddie. For nearly nine years, Kristy has migrated with the seasons, often with no idea where she's headed next. As well as being a nomadic world traveler, she is a mentor, coach, and bestselling author of Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open, a vulnerable, deeply human account of what’s possible when you live in curiosity and wonder, embrace the unknown, and trust life while waking up to the simplicity and freedom available to us all. I’ve read the book and I honestly loved it and would highly recommend reading it — she writes beautifully and it’s an inspiring read. This conversation was awesome, and in this first half, Kristy tells me all about what made her leave her career in firefighting to take off into the unknown; we talk about following your heart, we talk about heartbreak, and we talk about living the hell out of life. Buy Kristy's book: https://perfectunfolding.com/Follow Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen/Check out Kristy's website: https://kristyhalvorsen.com/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I'm exploring one of my favourite mindset quotes, attributed to Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." We all tell ourselves stories about who we are and what we're capable of, but what if many of those stories aren't actually facts at all? From confidence and careers to relationships and being single, I unpack how the beliefs we repeat to ourselves shape the actions we take, the opportunities we pursue and, ultimately, the lives we create. If you've ever caught yourself saying, "I'm just not that sort of person," this episode is a reminder to question whether that's really true...or simply an old opinion that's been running the show for far too long. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s Monday Motivation, Polly and I are talking about taking responsibility.How often do you avoid doing the hard thing, even though you know it’s exactly what needs to be done?The truth is, no one else can do it for us. We all have to choose our hard.Taking responsibility isn’t about blame or pressure – it’s about recognising the incredible power you already have to shape your life.And that’s a far more empowering way to live.We hope there’s something in this conversation that resonates with you and supports you this week.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailI'm excited for you to hear my wonderful guest this week because she’s talking all about something that we don’t talk about enough — and I’ve only had one other guest on the podcast talking about this particular thing. Hennie Thomson is a single woman in her 30s living and working in Oxfordshire. She has been long-term single and a few years ago she realised that her lack of interest in pursuing a romantic relationship does actually have a name. Discovering her asexual / aromantic identity has helped Hennie make sense of why she has chosen a solo life in a world that promotes coupling up. And as you guys know more than most, there is far more to people than their relationship status, and Hennie is keen to build a life full of meaning and connection. In our conversation we talk all about what life has looked like for Hennie as someone who now identifies as asexual and aromantic, and I think you will find this conversation to be as fascinating as I did.Follow Hennie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moorhen.prints/Books Hennie mentioned:Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society & The Meaning Of Sex by Angela Chen: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ace-Asexuality-Reveals-Identity-Meaning/dp/080701379XLoveless by Alice Oseman: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loveless-Alice-Oseman/dp/000824412X Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I'm asking a question that I've genuinely been wondering about for a long, long time: are human beings actually meant to spend 20, 30, 40 or 50 years with the same romantic partner? I'm not questioning love or relationships themselves, but the societal expectation that we're all supposed to couple up, get married and stay together forever. We explore where that script came from, why so many people struggle to live up to it, and whether we've been conditioned to see relationships as "failures" simply because they end. As always, I'm not claiming to have the answers — I'm simply inviting you to question an idea that most of us have been taught to accept without ever really examining. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about the mistake that so many of us make which is thinking that things will be better when…We’ve all done it, haven’t we? Things will better when I’m earning more money; things will be better when I’ve started the new job; things will be better once I move into the new home.Ultimately, those ‘big’ moments in life are fleeting, and the trick is learning how to enjoy all of the moments in between.We hope you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s episode, I’m talking to the fabulous Désirée Cyganek, a single and childfree photographer and former dancer, the daughter of a French father and an African mother who was born in the Ivory Coast and raised in France. Having moved to Florida when she met the man she subsequently married, Désirée now lives in Jersey City — just across the water from Manhattan — with her two beloved bengal cats which we obviously talk about. In this conversation, Désirée tells me about her former career as a dancer, the love story that took her to the US but ultimately ended in divorce, and how she subsequently became a photographer. We talk all about her single life and how she feels about it, we talk about why people get so triggered by single women without kids, she tells me about the differences between dating American guys and European guys, and she also gives me possibly the best description I’ve ever heard about what it actually means to love yourself. Désirée really is a force, I thought she was absolutely fabulous, and I can’t wait for you to hear this. Follow Désirée on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anothereraclub/Check out her photography website: https://daisyrey.com/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I’m sharing one of my core messages for single women: spend more energy chasing your dreams than chasing a romantic relationship. I talk about how easy it is to make “finding someone” the main project of your life, while neglecting the life you’re actually responsible for creating. This is a reminder that no partner can hand you happiness, purpose, direction or fulfilment — those are things you build through your own choices, courage and self-investment. Whether love comes along or not, your life is happening now, and your dreams deserve your energy, attention and devotion. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s Tuesday Motivation, Polly and I are chatting about the importance of movement.As we get older, we naturally lose both muscle and bone mass, so keeping our bodies moving is one of the best investments we can make in our long term health and wellbeing.We talk about how consistency matters more than perfection, how to make movement enjoyable, and simple ways to fit it into your everyday life.It’s so easy to find reasons not to exercise but the benefits for your body, mind and future self are enormous.We hope this conversation gives you the nudge you need to get moving.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailI have actual man on my podcast today, and what a gorgeous man he is! Carl Huelin is 46, single, doesn’t have kids, lives on the island of Jersey and works as a men’s life coach, having completed burned out in the corporate world and deciding to change things up. I do urge you to listen to this conversation the whole way through because I think our conversation gets better and better, and Carl is just such a lovely, lovely man and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed speaking to him. It’s always refreshing to get a guy’s perspective on things, especially one who actually works with men, and I’m sure that you’ll find so much of what he says really interesting to hear. In our conversation, Carl tells me all about the work he does with men including the different kinds of men’s groups he’s been a part of, as well as giving me his take on where men and women seems to go so wrong with each other. He also tells me about how he’s lost himself inside romantic relationships before, but how he’s now much more sure of who he is and what he wants if and when he does enter into another relationship. We talk about how so many of us are running on autopilot, we talk about doing the inner work, we talk about how he feels about not having had kids, and Carl tells me that Disney and fairytales also affect men, too. I just loved this conversation and I hope you will too. Follow Carl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlhuelin/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I’m talking about something we don’t discuss enough: how much of ourselves we can lose in romantic relationships, even good ones. I explore the invisible cost of partnership — the habits, routines, freedom, focus, control and little personal preferences that can quietly get pushed aside when a relationship becomes the centre of your life. This isn’t about saying relationships are bad; it’s about being honest that they require compromise, energy and self-adjustment, and that women are often conditioned to sacrifice themselves for the “greater good” of the relationship. If you’re single, this is a reminder to appreciate what you currently have: space, autonomy, clarity, and the chance to stay deeply connected to yourself. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn today’s Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about how important it is to find the joy in life, rather than being constantly weighed down by all of the ‘shoulds’.The truth is that life is short, and we sometimes forget to enjoy the ride. Instead of taking it all so seriously, let’s remember that we’re all travelling on a giant sphere hurtling through space - so we might as well enjoy it while we’re here!We hope you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week, I'm thrilled to be speaking to the absolutely fabulous Zoe Hanson — solo Mum to her 13 year old daughter, Lois. Zoe raised Lois by herself from the moment she was born, and that was while she was hosting Heart’s south coast breakfast show having been one of the south coast’s longest running breakfast show hosts on both the Capital and Heart networks, including presenting Capital’s breakfast show alongside Johnny Vaughan. These days, you can hear Zoe on The So So Show, a podcast that she hosts with Tom Stroud about all things Southampton which is where Zoe lives. In our conversation, Zoe and I talk all about her former career; her company, The Podcast Lady, which she started as a way of helping business start their own podcasts; we talk about how both of us are feeling fabulous in our fifties, Zoe’s love of running, what single life looks like when you have a kid, and of course we also talk about Zoe’s journey of being a solo parent. I absolutely bloody loved talking to this woman, and I know that you’re going to love listening to her and feeling her amazing energy. So, without further ado, here is the awesome Zoe Hanson. Follow Zoe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoehanson84/?hl=enCheck out The Podcast Lady: https://thepodcastlady.co.uk/Follow Zoe's new Instagram, How To Be Fifty for more news about her upcoming podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howtobe50_/Listen to The So SO Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Dh4S5XgfFSa7qncBo8bOk Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m giving some loving tough love on the phrase “easier said than done” — because yes, changing your mindset, reprogramming old beliefs, and building a better life is hard…but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing. I talk about why so many of us stay stuck because we expect transformation to feel easy, when really it takes repetition, discipline, discomfort and daily self-awareness. This is a reminder that the work isn’t about becoming perfect; it’s about catching yourself quicker, choosing differently, and proving to yourself — again and again — that your life, your peace, and your future self are worth the effort. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s Monday Motivation, Polly and I are talking all about sleep.Sleep is one of the foundations of good health, yet it's something so many of us struggle to get enough of.In this episode, we chat about some of the simple things we've found really help us sleep better, from creating a healthier sleep environment to small habits that can make a big difference.We hope there's something in this conversation that helps you get a better night's sleep.Love,Polly & Lucy xx Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's guest episode, I’m speaking to the wonderful Elisa Hanssen, single, childfree, and originally from The Netherlands but now living in Iceland for the last ten years having fallen in love with the country on a solo holiday. During her time in Iceland, Elisa has done all manner of things from being a horse riding guide, to knitting amazing Icelandic sweaters, to working in a kindergarten, to working in various guest houses, all the while making the very most of everything the country has to offer. In our conversation, Elisa talks about how and why she ended up leaving the Netherlands in search of a new life, why she loves Iceland so much, and the incredible Icelandic horses that she’s been so lucky to work with; we also talk about her love of solitude, spending time in nature, how she prefers herself when she’s single, and flying right over an erupting volcano!Follow Elisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisa_in_iceland/?hl=en Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I’m talking about one of the most underrated benefits of being single: the glorious absence of romantic relationship emotional admin. I unpack how relationships don’t just bring love and companionship — they also bring conflict navigation, mood management, compromise, repair, expectation-setting and constant background maintenance. Single life doesn’t remove every problem, of course, but it does remove a whole layer of emotional complexity, creating a level of peace that’s much easier to maintain. This is a reminder to notice not just what single life may be missing, but what you’re no longer carrying — and why that can feel absolutely delightful. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking all about boundaries.Women in particular have been conditioned to believe that they should give OF themselves long before they should give TO themselves. But this can lead to burnout and resentment. And this is where boundaries come in.The truth is that if we don’t implement boundaries, we’ll forever end up saying yes to things we don’t want to do, tolerating behaviour we shouldn’t put up with, and generally feeling depleted and frustrated.Boundaries can be uncomfortable to implement - especially with the people we love - but they are not only important for our own wellbeing, but also for those same people. Because when we prioritise ourselves instead of everybody else, we show up better for our family and friends.We hope you’ll find something useful in this conversation.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailI’m SO excited for you to hear my guest on this week's episode, because I think she’s one of my favourites so far — and to be fair I’ve only said that a handful of times in the four and a half years I’ve been making this podcast! Her name is Lauren Smith — you might know her on social media as 'ItsLaurenSmithy' — and she is a content creator, plus size advocate, and public historian-in-training who is basically joy personified. In this conversation, Lauren tells me how she began creating content around plus size fashion, but how her content has evolved into much more than that, including talking about her infectious passion for history, as well as single life and finding the joy in life; we talk about her own journey of learning to love her body, we talk about heartbreak, shame, loneliness, and what it’s like when your friends are all living a life that looks very different to your own. We also talk about how much she now loves her single life, the joy she finds in singing in a choir, and how wonderful it is to be able to go all in on your passions when you’re a solo woman. This truly was one of my favourite interviews for this podcast and I have no doubt that you’re going to bloody love this woman.Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurensmithy/?hl=enFollow Lauren on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itslaurensmithy Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m talking about authenticity — and why you never regret honouring yourself, even when it risks being misunderstood. I unpack how many of us have been conditioned to shapeshift for approval, and how self-respect and self-trust are built by not abandoning yourself in the small moments: saying what you mean, holding boundaries, and choosing what’s true for you. Being yourself won’t please everyone — and that’s kind of the point — because authenticity is what attracts the right people, relationships and opportunities into your life. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are chatting about the importance of checking in on your goals now that we’re nearly halfway through the year.As always, we wander off into a few interesting tangents along the way! But at its heart, this conversation is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and ask yourself:Are you heading in the direction you want to go? And are you getting there in a way that feels good?We hope there’s something in here for you.Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on this week's guest episode is the gorgeous Carolyn Couch. Single, childfree by choice, 64 years old, and living in North Caroline, Carolyn is a career counsellor and coach. In this conversation, Carolyn and I talk about what it was like growing up in a small town in a southern US state where, even more so back then, it was very much expected that you would get married and have children. But Carolyn just knew that the traditional path was not for her and so she stuck to her guns and forged her own path. I know that you’ll love this episode because we talk about all sorts of things, not least solo life, changing careers as a woman, and how we can use AI to our advantage.05:53 Lifelong Single Choice11:42 Solitude Not Loneliness13:21 Career Pivot Story16:28 Coaching Methods Mindset22:55 Advice for Single Women27:00 Money Skills Planning30:09 No Plan B Mindset30:53 Urgency Creates Momentum32:04 Baby Steps That Stick33:24 Clarity Through Action35:02 Accountability And Coaching37:51 Invest In Yourself39:16 Why Single Women Need Agency40:45 AI As Career Coach50:43 Gen Z Career AdviceCheck out Carolyn's website: https://thenextstepcareercoaching.com/Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenextstepcareercoachingllcFollow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_next_step_career_coaching/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m talking about why energy — physical and mental — is the real currency of a good life, and why it matters even more when you’re single and running your life solo. I share how energy affects everything from your mood and motivation to your creativity and confidence, how we leak it without realising, and why the “boring” basics (sleep, movement, boundaries, nourishing inputs) are actually what create freedom. I also touch on energy from a law of attraction perspective — not as magic, but as alignment — because the way you feel and show up changes what you notice, what you choose, and what you attract. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about radio stations. 📻More specifically, what metaphorical radio station you are tuning into.Before you tune into a specific radio station, every single station is available to you. And it’s the same with life. Every day, we have a choice about what we want to tune into. It’s all available to us - Joy FM, Anger FM, Hope FM, Hate FM, Zen FM. The only question is: which station will you choose?We hope you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy completely gorgeous guest this week is Sophie Way, a 27 year old actor who is both single and doesn’t have kids. This episode came about very quickly because Sophie has written and acted in her own short film — Expectations — and I wanted to get this episode out before the screening in case any of you can get yourselves there in person (all details in the episode).Sophie is not only single but she’s also a late bloomer, having never had a boyfriend, and it’s this that inspired her to write this short film because she was tired of never seeing single people represented in films, certainly not as the main character as oppose to the comedy sidekick or tragic single person we’re so used to seeing on TV and in films. So Sophie decided to take matters into her own hands and write a film herself, as well as actually going through the daunting process of getting it made, which is no mean feat. In our conversation, Sophie talks to me about her single life, and how it’s felt to never to have experienced romantic love, and she of course tells me all about Expectations which I, for one, cannot wait to see. Follow Sophie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophieway98/Follow the short film, Expectations on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/expectationssocialmedia/Follow Expectations on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expectations_shortfilmBuy tickets for the screening on 19th June 2026: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/expectations-short-film-screening-and-qa-tickets-1990389471489 Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this minisode, I’m sharing one of the most life-changing mindset shifts I’ve learned: life isn’t happening to you — it’s happening through you. I talk about the difference between a “victim of circumstances” mindset and an empowered, self-responsible one, and how your thoughts, words, feelings and actions shape the reality you experience. If you’ve been feeling stuck, reactive or disempowered, this is a practical reminder to reclaim your agency, focus on what’s within your control, and start steering your life from the inside out. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are asking the question ‘How well do you know yourself?So many of us spend our lives reacting to what’s happening around us that we lose touch with what we actually need.We discuss what gives us energy, what drains us and the importance of living a life which is authentic to who we truly are.We hope you find something useful to you in here.Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on Thrive Solo this week is the completely fabulous Maryjane Fahey — and she is going to blow your socks off!Maryjane is 76 year old the creator of Glorious Broads, a platform that celebrates the audacious spirit of women who embrace aging with defiance, and where age is not but just a number, it’s a badge of honour. The message of Glorious Broads is that ageing should not be a journey of fading into the background, because wonderful women over 50, 60, 70 and beyond still have SO much to share with and to offer this world. Maryjane previously worked in publishing, art directing, as well as rebranding and launching magazines from Women’s Health to redesigning Tatler Asia, The Boston Globe. She has written for Bustle’s TZR, Huffington Post, NPR, Next and co-authored a book called DUMPED. In our conversation, Maryjane and I talk about everything from why she loathes the term ‘invisible’ for older women, living in the moment and why she loves Eckhart Tolle, how her attitude towards romantic love is very different now than it was when she was younger, the unconventional relationship she has with a man she chooses not to live with, and how the best sex of her life happened after she turned 60. Prepare yourselves to LOVE this force of a woman. Follow Glorious Broads on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriousbroads/?hl=enFollow Glorious Broads on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@glorious.broadsFollow Glorious Broads on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gloriousbroads Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this minisode I’m giving you a loving kick up the bum if you’ve been waiting to “feel ready” before you start the thing you know you want to do. I talk about why readiness is a myth, why motivation and clarity come from action (not the other way round), and how being single is actually a superpower because you have the space to build the life you want. I also share how I launched my podcast by picking a date and just getting scrappy and moving—proof that you don’t need the perfect plan, you just need to decide and take the first step. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about three little words…mind, mouth, and mood.Ultimately, those three things - our thoughts, our words, and our emotions - are the building blocks of our reality. But most of us spend our lives trying to change what’s going on in the outside world, instead of prioritising our inner world. And the outer world is simply a reflection of our inner world. So…master your mind (the stories you’re telling yourself, the thoughts you repeat etc); master your mouth (are you constantly moaning and complaining?); and master your mood (by becoming aware of how you feel and learning how to gently shift into a better feeling state.) We really hope you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x  Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is the fabulous Janis Dardaris. Single and childfree, Janis is an actor with over 40 years experience working on stage, in film and in television. She has appeared in The Sixth Sense, The Chosen, Incendies and Orpheus Descending, to name but a few. Janis is also one of the Glorious Broads, a movement of women age 50 and over who are smashing stereotypes of what it actually means to be a woman of ‘a certain age’. In our conversation, Janis and I talk about being single-minded in pursuit of your passions, how she feels about single life, how she never really wanted to have kids, women taking up space, how it isn’t easy being a man in this day and age, how she feels about ageing, and much more. Janis is such a strong, no nonsense, interesting woman and I absolutely loved talking to her.Follow Janis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janisdardaris/Check out Janis' website: https://www.janisdardaris.com/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this minisode I’m talking about why weekends can feel tricky for single women — and how to take your weekend back by designing it on purpose. I share a simple, nourishing “weekend blueprint” that starts with getting up and out early (no duvet doom-scrolling), moving your body to lift your mood, building in connection, and creating cosy, joyful rituals that make solo time feel like a gift. I also talk about using Sundays to lean into one of the most underrated perks of being single and childfree: time and space to work on the dreams and projects that matter to you. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week on Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about complaining.We all love a good vent now and again, and sometimes it’s healthy to let those emotions out. But when we stay stuck there, replaying the same thoughts over and over, it can keep us trapped in a really low-energy state.In this episode, we share our thoughts on the difference between releasing emotions and ruminating, plus some simple ways we try to catch ourselves before getting pulled into the cycle of constant complaining.Because sometimes the most powerful shift is asking: “Do I want to stay here… or do I want to move forward?”We hope you find something useful in here.Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on the podcast this week is the completely divine Gem Jackson. Gem is a 41 year old content creator, influencer, podcaster and author, who is single and childless by circumstance. For a long time, Gem felt that she was behind in life as many of her friends got married and had kids, but over the last few years she’s made some big changes in her life, not least because of her best friend’s tragic diagnosis a few years ago. She left her corporate job to pursue a different life, and is now embracing being a solo, and all the possibility that this lifestyle affords her. In our conversation, Gem and I talk about what happens when your life turns out differently than you imagined. She tells me about her ebook, 'Is This It?', we talk her friend’s illness and subsequent passing and what that’s though her about life; we also chat about forging a path that goes against the tide, and how difficult but rewarding it can be; and we talk about how she has transformed her mindset over the last few years and the difference it’s made in her life. 05:06 How She Got Here06:33 Finding Peace Single07:58 Is This It? Ebook09:34 Mindset Tools That Work13:16 Grief and Kids Question20:16 Quitting Corporate 22:34 Building Online Business25:58 Choose Your Hard31:10 Loving Yourself37:50 Bali Breakthroughs44:31 Stop Comparing Yourself47:44 Selling Up And Moving51:26 Alone Not LonelyFollow Gem on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsnextforme111/Listen to Gem's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/figuring-it-out-at-40-life-beyond-the-timeline/id1840131133 Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I explore a different kind of loneliness — not the loneliness of being physically alone, but the loneliness of being with people and still not feeling seen, heard, or valued. I talk about how this can show up as a lack of curiosity about your life (especially as a single, childfree woman), why it can feel so painful even after a “nice” social event, and what psychologists mean when they describe loneliness as a gap between the connection you want and the connection you actually have. You’ll come away with practical ways to recognise relational loneliness, spot patterns, and guide conversations. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about something every single one of us experiences at some point…self-doubt.We discuss why it’s so common and why it stops us speaking up, going for things, or trusting ourselves fully.We also share some of the things that have genuinely helped us quiet our inner critic and build more self-trust over time.Because life is far too short to spend it constantly second-guessing yourself, shrinking yourself, or waiting until you feel “ready.”We hope you find something useful in here.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on this week's guest episode is the fabulous Alison Seponara, otherwise known as the Anxiety Healer to her mahooosive social media following. Alison is an integrative cognitive behavioural psychologist who works with women over 40, helping them move through the anxiety that comes with the life transitions that the ageing process brings, such as grief and loss, perimenopause and menopause, friendship changes, singlehood, dating, all of it! In this conversation, Alison talks all about the anxiety that she herself has struggled with for most of her life, as well as the tools that she uses and teaches others to use to help with anxiety. We also talk about how she feels about being single, loneliness, adult friendships, as well as the community she has created for single women over 40, the Single Sisters Circle.03:45 Alison's Early Life & Origin Story07:41 Panic Attack Turning Point11:19 Healing Tools And Community14:25 Instagram And Anxiety Education20:38 Daily Anxiety Toolkit Basics24:21 Breathwork Habits That Stick31:59 Emotional Awareness And CBT35:10 Nature And Movement Medicine37:49 Midlife Solo Shift39:01 Building Single Sister Circle43:19 Loneliness Triggers49:06 Friendship Invisibility57:14 Aging Fear And ControlFollow Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanxietyhealer/Join The Single Sister's Circle: https://www.instagram.com/singlesisterscircle/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m reclaiming the word manifestation for anyone who finds it too woo-woo, and reframing it as something much more practical: making shit happen. I break down why manifestation isn’t just 'thinking positive thoughts,' how intention + belief + action actually work together, and why your brain and attention play a huge role in what you notice and pursue. If you want change in your life, this is your reminder that you can get intentional, embody the version of you who goes for it, and start moving. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about the small, unglamorous steps that we take when nobody’s watching, that ultimately get us to where we want to go.For example, Polly talks about the tiny, seemingly insignificant physio exercises she’s doing every day to help heal from her knee operation - it would be easy to feel like they weren’t doing anything, but she’s trusting the process, showing up every day, knowing that they will pay off eventually.So if there’s something you’d like to do, remember that it’s those baby steps you take that nobody else sees that are actually having the biggest impact of all.We hope you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on the podcast this week is the force that is Amy Untamed, the name she goes by on social media. Amy is a spiritual influencer and content creator whose main message is to empower spiritual women to really anchor into their own intuition and self-trust above everything else, and tune in to that guidance rather than outsourcing it to other people, other things, and even other spiritual resources. Amy has such a strong sense of self and such a presence, and we talked about so many things including the chronic ME that saw her housebound for several years, the abusive relationship that she was in until just 2 years ago; how she has healed herself by processing suppressed emotions and trauma from the past; her, not one but two, spiritual awakenings prompted by both her illness and lockdown; personal agency; and how the intense chemistry we so often feel at the beginning of a relationship can sometimes actually be trauma bonding rather than love.04:43 Chronic Illness Journey08:34 Trauma and Suppression10:17 Leaving Abuse Behind13:32 Spiritual Awakening Phases16:26 Reclaiming Personal Agency17:53 Curating What You Consume21:18 Finding Your People26:43 Tuning Into Intuition30:42 Self Worth and Celibacy35:13 Single Life Benefits37:04 Celibate & Sexual38:36 Fireworks or Trauma Bond41:46 Choosing Safety Over Chemistry43:35 Male Attention and Self Worth54:22 Progress in Dating Boundaries55:48 Mindset About Being SingleFollow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_untamed/Follow Amy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amy_untamed Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m serving up some tough love on the habit of constantly focusing on the downsides of single life — especially money. Yes, singlehood can have challenges, but if you keep arguing for your limitations, you’ll keep noticing them and feeling worse. I talk about why your words matter, how negative stories become self-reinforcing, and how to shift your focus back to what you can control so you can build a life that feels rich, empowered and fully yours. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn today’s Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are exploring the idea that ‘it’s all an inside job.’Your inner world shapes how you experience everything around you, and your outer world becomes a reflection of what’s happening within. When you start to notice your thoughts, and how you’re really feeling, something shifts. You respond to life differently with more awareness and often more calm and compassion.In this episode, we share some of the simple tools that have helped us navigate our own inner worlds.We hope you find something useful in here.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest on this week's episode is Chris McMullen. Chris is 46, single, childfree and lives in Brisbane, Australia. Chris started talking about not having kids on his social media when he discovered that him not having kids was resonating with alot of his followers; and he also realised that there were very few men talking about the male perspective when it comes to being childfree. During this conversation, Chris and I talk about why he decided — at the age of 20 — not to have children, the ‘men’s work’ he’s done on himself, as well as the men he has subsequently helped also do the healing work on themselves; how so many people end up almost ‘unconsciously’ having kids, rather than it being a conscious, considered choice; the idea of people being either settlers and chasers; and how one of the best things about being childfree is the opportunity to really fulfil your potential in life.05:07 Chris' Singlehood Journey06:58 Dating and Self Awareness09:53 Men's Work and Healing14:29 Choosing Childfree at 2016:55 Pushback and Acceptance22:14 Regret Myth Debunked26:09 Freedom and Childfree Benefits28:42 Building a Childfree Community30:30 Childfree Men Speaking Up31:32 Settlers Versus Chasers36:13 Why We Avoid Our Potential44:30 Embracing Cringe Online47:46 Living With Intention52:10 Happiness As Acceptance55:16 Semi Retirement BlueprintFollow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismc6000/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this weeks' minisode I’m talking about what it really means to decenter men — not rejecting them, but stopping them being the centre of your self-worth, attention and life choices. I explore how we’ve been conditioned to seek validation through male attention, how easy it is to lose yourself in the chase, and why redirecting that energy back into yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do. When you start centring you, you raise your standards, strengthen your boundaries, and build a life that actually fulfils you — with or without a partner. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about not living in the past.We all spend time thinking about the past — whether it's reminiscing about a lovely memory, cringing about something we said or did 5 years ago, or thinking about a relationship we're struggling to move on from. The question we want to ask is: how much time am I actually spending in the past?The truth is that what's done is done, and while we can learn lessons from the past, staying stuck on something that happened 3 weeks or 10 years ago probably isn't serving you. So...if you find yourself spending a little too much time ruminating over that time you made a tit of yourself at last year's Christmas party, it might be time to let that go; and instead, start thinking more about the present moment, and your exciting future.We hope you'll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week it's Part Two of my conversation with social media influencer and author Brianna Madia, whose new memoir Homesick Nomad is out now. In this second half of our conversation, Brianna and I talk about how solitude — such as living off-grid alone in a trailer in the Utah desert — builds coping skills, self-regulation, and accountability. Brianna explains her long-held decision not to have children, shaped in part by a ruptured ovarian cyst at 19 and by realising parenthood is a choice, and challenges claims that child-free lives are meaningless or selfish. The episode also centers on her deep bond with her beloved dogs, the unconditional support and love that pets provide, her grief after losing Dagwood in November last year, and why pets can be profoundly fulfilling, especially when you dn't have children.03:12 Choosing Childfree Openly03:49 Solitude in the Desert04:45 Learning Self Soothe Skills07:24 Why Living Alone Matters12:14 Medical Wake Up Call at 1914:14 Kids Are a Choice Not Default17:30 Meaning Without Motherhood19:18 Freedom Versus Feeling Trapped21:47 The 'Selfish' Myth23:21 Misery Loves Company Pushback25:25 Realities of Parenting Up Close28:10 Overpopulation vs Birth Panic29:09 Procreation Isn’t Purpose31:20 Pets as Real Family33:58 Grief and Perfect LoveBuy Bianna's new book, Homesick Nomad: https://www.briannamadia.com/homesicknomadFollow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannamadia/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I’m tackling the fear I hear from so many single women: “What's going to happen to me if I get old alone?” I talk about why we jump to worst-case scenarios, how much we can influence through strength, movement, sleep and our day-to-day habits, and why the way we think and speak about ageing matters more than we realise. I also challenge the “it’s all downhill from here” narrative, share research on how positive beliefs about ageing can impact longevity, and remind you that looking after your future self starts now — with small, intentional choices. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about brainwashing ourselves with beliefs that are actually going to serve us.Whether we know it or not, our lives are quietly being run by the subconscious beliefs that we hold - some of which are helping us, many of which are not.The good news is that we can choose to change our beliefs anytime we like; so if you believe that “life goes downhill once you hit 50”, or “being single makes me a loser”, you aren’t stuck with those limiting beliefs forever. It’s simply a matter of choosing a different, more empowering belief, and reinforcing that new one in the same way you reinforce the negative ones.Ultimately, a belief is just a thought you think over and over and over again - so…it’s time to start paying attention to the stories on repeat in your monkey mind.We sincerely hope that you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is the wonderful Brianna Madia. Back in 2016, with her then husband and her dogs, Brianna moved into their 1990 Ford van and started sharing her life on Instagram. Her following grew quickly and she became one of the first van life influencers — which has led to brand deals and three book deals — as people became fascinated with her colourful, interesting and adventurous life, much of which was spent in the desert in deepest darkest Utah. Then, one fateful day, one of her beloved dogs, Dagwood, was caught under the wheel of their van in a tragic accident, with her ex-husband at the wheel and her in the passenger seat. They drove 6 hours to get Dagwood to a vetinary hospital to save him. In the meantime, Brianna’s Mum started a Go Fund Me page to help with the extortionate cost of the vet bills, and Brianna’s generous followers kindly covered the cost; however, in an attempt to protect her ex, she didn’t initially tell her followers that it was him at the wheel. Dagwood survived, but the whole thing was the beginning of the end of her relationship, as well as the start of a pretty dark phase in her life. Following their split, Brianna subsequently came clean about the fact that her ex had been driving the van when Dagwood was run over, and what followed was a hate campaign of vitriol and bullying that saw an entire community form on Reddit purely to take her down - resulting in losing several brand deals. The worst thing was that Brianna discovered that her ex had actually joined the Reddit thread and was fueling the fire of all of this hate. Brianna’s brilliant new book, Homesick Nomad, is the story of what followed, including a new - but unconventional - relationship with a man called William. Brianna, who is childfree by choice, still lives in her trailer in the desert in Utah, while William lives in Oregon. In our conversation we talk about so many things including some of what she went through with regards the hate she received and essentially being cancelled on the internet, her love of solitude, her choice to not have kids, and last but not least her beloved dogs, including Dagwood who sadly passed in November last year. Homesick Nomad is out now.05:41 Van Life to Viral Fame08:11 Dagwood Accident and Divorce13:42 Homesick Nomad Overview15:34 Desert Solitude and Cancel Culture16:18 New Love and Self Definition22:56 Women, Misogyny and Online Hate25:36 Criticism vs Harassment26:18 Dehumanising Online Mobs30:34 Unfollow and Take Control32:16 Hate Following Explained34:18 Why Haters Aren't Happy37:13 Out of State Fiancé42:58 Independence Over Tradition44:37 Thriving Solo and No KidsBuy Brianna's book: https://www.briannamadia.com/homesicknomadFollow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannamadia/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m giving some loving tough love on something I hear all the time: “I'm struggling with being single.” I unpack why being single isn’t actually the problem, and how what many women are really struggling with is a lack of connection, meaning, purpose or direction — and the cultural story that romantic love is the solution. I share why your life isn’t a waiting room, why you can’t outsource wholeness to a partner, and how to start building a life that feels good right now, regardless of whether you meet someone down the line. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about trusting the process. Polly talks about her recent knee operation and how trusting the process has been, and will be, such an important part of her recovery.We explore how having faith, and choosing to believe that things are working out for you, even when it doesn’t feel like it, can really help to keep positive. Because let’s be honest… it’s easy to trust when life’s flowing. It’s a very different story when things feel slow, uncertain, or a bit wobbly.We hope you find something useful in here.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is the brilliant Jennie Young, a professor of rhetoric at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, specialising in applied rhetoric, humour, and feminism. When Jennie found herself stepping into the world of dating apps following her divorce, she was shocked by the bizarre communication habits that had become normal in online dating. As a rhetoric professor specialising in critical discourse analysis, she realised that she could use her training to decode patterns and protect herself from offensive messages and terrible dates. Jennie started cataloging what she saw and began to experiment with her own profile. As a result, although the messages coming slowed to a crawl, the ones that got through were solid matches. From this was born her Burned Haystack Method, a ruthless approach to online dating that I personally think is not only brilliant, but also the only way to date if you’re going to be on the apps. In February 2023, Jennie started a free Facebook group to teach other women this approach and today the community is  more than 250,000 strong. You guys are going to LOVE this episode because whether you’re dating or not, if you’re a woman who has date men, you’re going to be nodding your head and rolling your eyes as you listen to this conversation. Jennie’s brand new book, Burn The Haystack, is out TODAY if you’re in North America, and it’s out on 23rd April if you’re in the UK.02:15 Meet Jennie Young05:02 Jenny Origin Story07:12 Why Apps Feel Awful08:56 Burned Haystack Begins12:36 Bad Advice Women Get15:31 Needle in Haystack Metaphor17:28 Rules and Discourse Analysis23:46 Rhetorical Red Flags31:08 Block to Burn Rule36:21 No Pen Pals40:08 Safety and Location Settings41:16 Geography Matters41:56 Ludic Looping Trap47:33 Dating Like Job Search49:01 Book And Method50:56 Top Red Flags56:38 Green Flags And Profiles58:34 Being Ruthless Works01:01:12 Women Give Chances01:06:34 Method Beyond Dating01:08:16 Her Success Story01:10:51 Chemistry And SparkCheck out Jennie's website: https://www.jennieyoung.com/Buy Jennie's book, Burn The Haystack: https://www.jennieyoung.com/burn-the-haystack-bookBut the book on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burn-Haystack-Decode-Dating-Matter/dp/0063447576Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/9116647515019601/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m talking about your mental diet — what you’re feeding your brain all day through social media, the news, podcasts, TV, and the people around you — and why it impacts your mood just as much as what you eat impacts your body. I share how easy it is to get dragged into information overload and mindless scrolling, why we feel so rubbish afterwards, and why the real solution is simple (but underrated): discipline. Not as punishment — as freedom. Because when you get intentional about what you consume, you protect your peace, your mindset, and your life. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn today’s Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into something we all need a little more of…patience.In a world where almost everything is available at the click of a button, waiting can feel harder than ever. We’re so used to instant results that anything slower can feel frustrating.But when we allow things to unfold in their own time, they often feel even more meaningful. There’s a richness in the process that we miss when we rush straight to the outcome.Because sometimes, it really is better to travel than to arrive!We hope this conversation gives you a gentle reminder to slow down, trust the timing, and maybe even enjoy the in-between moments a little more.Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode I’m talking about what I genuinely believe is one of the hardest parts of being single: other people’s assumptions — the pity, the judgement, the head-tilt “awww,” and the constant sense that you have to explain yourself. I unpack why this can trigger shame even when you’re genuinely happy, why we can’t control other people’s opinions (much as we’d like to), and how to free yourself from caring so much. You’ll come away with practical tools for handling awkward comments, separating facts from the stories your brain tells, stopping the urge to 'over explain' for approval, and staying rooted in your own version of a brilliant life. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m taking aim at one of the biggest lies we’ve been fed by Disney, romcoms and half the songs on the planet: that romantic love will save you. Spoiler alert: it won't. Yes, love can be gorgeous — but that early “I’m floating on air” feeling is often chemistry and fantasy, not a rescue mission. I talk about how we confuse intensity with compatibility, and why relationships can’t fix loneliness, purpose, self-worth or emptiness — because you can’t outsource your wholeness to another person. A healthy relationship can be a wonderful addition to your life, but real liberation comes when you stop needing one to feel complete and start building a life (and a relationship with yourself) that you genuinely love. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about victimhood.We all know that person who tells the same story over and over again, blaming everything that’s wrong with their life on something that happened to them in the past. And let’s be honest, we’ve probably all done it to a greater or lesser extent. The question is: how long will we play the victim? And are these stories we keep repeating actually serving us?Of course bad things happen to us all, and of course we need to feel our feelings; but how long we choose to stay in that place of victimhood is ultimately up to us. Freedom comes when you start to take radical responsibility for yourself and your life.We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in this conversation.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is the wonderful Dr. Kate Adams, an Australian vet and animal behaviour expert who has worked extensively in clinical practice, and the owner of Bondi Vet Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Kate is also a media personality who has starred in 'Bondi Vet: Coast to Coast' and The Real Housewives of Sydney. Our conversation includes taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone; believing in yourself; how Kate feels about single life; and some of the assumptions people make about single women. We also talk about the ease that comes with finding the thing that you were meant to do — in Kate’s case, being a vet — as well as  and the lie that young women have been told about single life. I would be very surprised if you didn’t enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it!03:02 Chasing the Vet Dream04:33 Bravery and Resilience11:44 Meaning Beyond Motherhood14:01 Choosing Single Life17:45 Work as Purpose20:03 Judgment and Sacrifice25:43 Aging and the Big Lie31:22 What Women Want33:47 Matriarchy vs Patriarchy38:55 Final Advice and WrapFollow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkateadams/?hl=enFollow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkateadams/ Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m talking about the real secret to building habits that actually stick: starting so small it feels almost ridiculous. Whether it’s running, strength training, meditation, journalling or even writing a book, the mistake most of us make is going too big too soon — and then giving up. I share why 'absurdly small' reps build consistency, identity and momentum, and how doing less at the start is often the fastest way to create lasting change. Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailThis week on Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about decluttering…and not just the cupboards and drawers.Because clutter isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s the mental tabs we keep open, the emotional baggage we’re still carrying, the commitments that no longer feel like ours, or the digital noise constantly pulling at our attention.If life has been feeling a little full lately, we hope this conversation might be the gentle nudge you need to clear some space, both physically and mentally.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is Harry Hardisty, creator of the TikTok/Instagram/Facebook channels 'Dad Hugs for Your Soul,' which offers support for people recovering from difficult relationships; he started the channels just over a year ago, and now has a quarter of a million followers across all his socials. Harry created 'Dad Hugs For Your Soul' as a safe, supportive space for anyone struggling with a relationship, especially if the person in question has left you questioning your worth, or if you’re chasing closure that never came. He wanted to help people move towards healing with honestly, compassion, and support. Our conversation inclused: the difficult relationship he had with his Dad that resulted in his anxious attachment style and the work he did to heal from that; the mistakes people make when they chase happiness in a romantic partner; the pressure and expectation that romantic relationships have to last forever; why Harry’s view of romance and romantic relationships aren’t what most people think they are; why authenticity is so incredibly important; and why Harry isn’t a great believer in the so-called male loneliness epidemic.04:31 How Dad Hugs Went Viral + Why the Audience Is Mostly Women07:37 Anxious Attachment Origins: An Avoidant Dad & the Abandonment Wound11:00 Healing the Pattern: Self-Audit, Accountability & Learning to Be Enough Alone16:03 Stop Outsourcing Happiness: Validation, Addiction-Like Attachment & Self-Love23:56 Are the Most Healed People Single? Authenticity, Acceptance & Growth Through Pain29:55 Do Healthy Relationships Even Exist? Rethinking Romance Beyond “Forever”34:11 The “Bubble Marriage” + Why Relationships Aren’t Failures When They End37:01 Marriage as a 50/50 gamble + letting go of ego38:05 Authenticity on social media: ditch the armor, “just mean it”42:35 Not a therapist, but real experience: handling backlash with conviction46:45 The widening dating gap: women opting out & men’s online toxicity52:02 Why men struggle emotionally: how boys get de-socialised from vulnerability01:00:22 Intentional Dating: why “searching for love” (and apps) set you up to fail01:03:36 Red flags & green flags: beware polished profiles, date the happy/peaceful man01:07:31 Words of wisdom: secure attachment = happy single together + date yourself01:10:11 Where to find Harry + support packsCheck out Harry's website & buy his support packs: https://dadhugsforyoursoul.com/Follow Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadhugsforyoursoulFollow Harry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dadhugsforyoursoul/Follow Harry on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadhugsforyoursouCheck out Harry's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dadhugsforyoursoul-o5k Support the showJOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italyBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked'  Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.