The One Where I Talk To New York Times Bestseller & Desert Dweller, Brianna Madia — Part 2

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/thrivesoloDownload my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked' Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacksCheck out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=shareFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: [email protected] And thank you so much for listening!