Thrive Solo

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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/homesicknomadFol Support the showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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 showBuy 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!

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: http Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailIn this week's minisode, I’m getting honest about why 2026 so far has felt a bit off for me — my morning routine went out the window, and so did my mindset. I share how even a mini version of my usual habits (gratitude, meditation, movement and uplifting inputs) instantly lifted my mood, and why the first couple of hours of your day can make a HUGE difference to how you feel and how your whole day goes. Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about moving your body, and more specifically, starting small when you’ve been injured or you’ve got out of the habit of taking exercise.Polly and I talk about what our exercise routines look like when we’re taking it easier than usual, which can include some simple stretches or 10 minutes on a rebounder. We also touch on nasal breathing and why it’s so helpful for our overall health.The main thing to take from this conversation is that even the smallest amount of movement is better than nothing.We really hope you’ll find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailMy guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo is the fabulous Akosia, an Australian singer-songwriter who is also an actor and a voiceover artist. Akosia is single, doesn’t have kids, and lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her music defies genres with its raw mix of pop, jazz, soul, dance, and R&B. In our conversation, Akosia and I talk about her career, how her late father influenced her music, her religious upbringing, as well as an abusive relationship that she managed to walk away from. We also talk about how she no longer wants to make men her central focus, some of the questionable conversations on Steven Barlett’s podcast, The Diary Of A CEO, relationship red flags, solo travel and much, much more. 03:54 Akosia's Musical Journey06:09 Influence of Akosia's Father07:24 Overcoming Personal Struggles10:14 Navigating the Music Industry15:25 Acting Career Highlights17:53 Focus on Single Life21:17 Abusive Relationship Insights30:54 The Importance of Quality Time in Relationships31:32 Introducing the Feedback Wheel32:00 Discussing Alarming Statistics on Abuse33:56 The Peace of Being Single37:58 Navigating Modern Dating Challenges44:22 The Complexities of Parenthood Decisions51:34 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsFollow Akosia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.akosia/Check out her music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Oe5XB0pjnOZZo8snWSHoLRead the books Akosia mentioned, 'Fierce Intimacy' and 'Why Does he Do That?'Read ‘Why Does He Do That’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Does-He-That-Controlling-ebook/dp/B000Q9J0RORead ‘Fierce Intimacy’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fierce-Intimacy-Standing-Another-Love/dp/1683641574  Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this week's minisode, I'm talking about how one of the hardest parts of being single can be a quiet grief for the life you expected: the culturally prescribed path of meeting someone, marrying, and having kids. This particular kind of grief is often an understated pang triggered by friends’ family milestones, but can coexist with genuine happiness, independence, and peace in a single, child-free life. Grief can also signal transition, and letting go of an outdated future while building a meaningful life that fits your present. Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about how the amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them.With so much fear and negativity in the news right now, it’s easy for your attention to be pulled towards what feels heavy and overwhelming. That’s why being intentional about where you place your focus matters more than ever.This conversation is a gentle reminder that you can train your brain to look for more of what’s uplifting and good. It’s not about ignoring reality — it’s about strengthening your capacity to see the positive alongside it.We hope you find something that resonates in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is Poorna Bell, an award-winning author, journalist, public speaker and former executive editor at the Huff Post. Her sixth book, (and fourth non-fiction book) She Wanted More, came out just last month, and shines a much-needed spotlight on the lives of women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, challenging the stagnation narratives that society tries to force upon us. The book explores various themes including the distinction between motherhood and otherhood, diving into the reality that women can be childfree and still live lives of purpose and meaning. Our conversation includes: the tragic loss of Poorna's husband Rob; how society still sees marriage as the superior path; her thoughts on the viral Vogue article, 'Is Having A Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?'; Poorna's current outlook on dating; decentering men, i.e. removing them as the focal point in our lives; the impossible standards placed on women when it comes to ageing; and Poorna's new book, She Wanted more. 05:28 Poorna’s Story: Losing Her Husband & Rethinking the 'Life Script'09:25 10 Years On: Grief, Healing, and Finding Joy & Peace Again16:06 From Wife to Widow to Single: Status, Stigma, and Solo Travel22:23 Dating Pressure25:25 Viral Vogue article ‘Is Having A Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?’ + Why Women’s Lives Get Harder with Men34:20 Why She Wrote ‘She Wanted More’: Aging, Reinvention, and Rejecting the Decline Narrative38:13 Older Women Athletes & Rewriting the ‘Frailty’ Narrative40:07 Aging as Liberation: Social Media Role Models in Their 60s43:17 Letting Go of the Male Gaze47:53 Desire, Menopause & the Many Realities of Midlife Sex49:49 Heidi Clements, HRT, Money & Why Friendship Matters More Than Romance52:54 Decentering Men: Putting Yourself Back at the Center55:50 Are We Escaping the Patriarchy? Measuring Progress (and What’s Missing)59:50 Dating Burnout, Quitting Drinking & Dipping a Toe Back Into Dating01:05:12 Online Dating Reality Check: Hybrid Dating, Expectations & Efficiency01:08:46 Final Words of AdviceBuy Poorna's book, She Wanted More: https://www.amazon.co.uk/She-Wanted-More-space-dream/dp/1785122835Follow Poorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poornabell/?hl=enFollow Poorna on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@poornabell Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn today's minisode, I'm talking about the backlash to my social media content which — like the podcast — celebrates and advocates for single, childfree life — especially comments from coupled people telling me to stop 'going on about' being single. My message has always been that singlehood is not better than marriage and children, but also that it is not worse, and it deserves equal validity. There is no question that society continues to stigmatise single women in a multitude of ways, not least through the intrusive questions implying we are lonely, incomplete, or left behind, while married people are not similarly interrogated about things such as regret, divorce, or lost independence. By naming the benefits of single life, and necessarily pointing out the trade-offs of marriage and parenthood, my aim is to correct the long-standing cultural imbalance, reduce shame, and help younger women see multiple legitimate routes to a meaningful life. Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I talk about all manner of things including where we’re at with our goals and habits, the importance of staying present in the moment, and how crucial awareness is if we want to make any kind of change in our life.We hope you’ll find something useful in here!Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailIt’s a very special episode today because my guest is someone I really do love, even though I’ve only known him for a matter of weeks. His name is Einar Thorsteinsson, and he was the wonderful, wonderful guide on my recent trip to Iceland in January. This trip was a first for me, not only because I’d never been to Iceland before, but also because I was hosting the trip - having partnered with Explore Worldwide for a Thrive Solo trip for single women. There were 13 of us from the UK, the Netherlands, and the US, and we had a truly fabulous and really quite special 5 days, not least because we had Einar as our most brilliant, brilliant guide. To put it in context, Einar is a 67 year old, very happily married man with five adult children, and he was given us lot as his group - but I like to think that he loved us as much as we loved him!In this conversation, Einar talks about how and why he became a tour guide for Explore in his retirement years, he talks all about Iceland and why he loves it, and he describes the trip that we did in the south of the country which included waterfalls, beaches, and the Northern Lights. Einar also dishes the dirt on what it was like to be in charge of an unruly group of single women! I bloody love this man, and I know you will too.02:15 Special Guest: Einar Thorsteinsson04:58 Einar's Background and Career07:48 The Iceland Trip Experience13:03 Exploring Iceland's Natural Wonders24:58 Group Dynamics and Reflections31:09 The Magic of the Northern Lights33:47 Magical Night Under the Northern Lights35:25 Managing Expectations for the Northern Lights38:11 Exploring Iceland's Natural Wonders40:59 The Wild Beauty of Iceland's Black Beach44:11 Final Day Adventures and Reflections45:22 Looking Forward to Future Iceland Adventures57:39 Conclusion and Farewell Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan Mail Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about breaking the cycle of negativity.We explore how easy it is to get caught in those negative spirals where one thought leads to another and suddenly we're knee-deep in a full-on wallow, feeling pretty rubbish about everything.We chat about how the way we feel most of the time becomes the energy we're putting out into the world — and how that energy attracts more of the same right back to us.We also share some of the practical things we both use to gently interrupt a negative spiral and shift our state when we notice ourselves heading down that familiar path.We hope that you enjoy this conversation.Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week on Thrive Solo is British country singer-songwriter, Harley Moon Kemp, who also happens to be the daughter of Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp, and Shirlie Kemp of both Pepsi and Shirlie, and Wham. Harley Moon appeared in last year’s Celebrity Race Across The World with her brother, Roman Kemp, and not only did they appear in it, but they won it. I’m sure many of you will have seen it and subsequently heard Harley Moon mention her happily single status. In this episode, Harley Moon and I talk about how she ended up getting into country music in particular and what she loves most about that genre; we talk about how she is absolutely loving single life right now; we talk about how her parents very happy marriage has impacted what she wants and expects from a relationship. We also discuss the shift in the dating scene in her generation, how people are no longer going out to meet people in the way they used to, and how dating as a high profile person can present its own challenges. 02:15 Meet Harley Moon Kemp03:45 Harley Moon's Musical Journey06:00 Discovering Country Music14:47 Embracing Single Life23:49 The Modern Dating Scene31:07 The Inspiration Behind 'My Girls (Love Me Better)'32:45 Reflecting on the song 'I Know What Good Looks Like'35:12 Personal Reflections on Relationships38:43 Living with Intention and Positivity47:29 The Adventure of 'Race Across the World'54:43 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow Harley Moon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harleymoonkempListen to Harley Moon on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lTrAtvHlfVsJZgXMMR05X Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan Mail Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking all about the patriarchy.This social system that historically centres white men as the default holders of power, money, status and authority, is woven into the very fabric of society.It shows up in a million subtle - and not so subtle - ways: women playing small because they’ve been taught to be pleasing, quiet, polite and accommodating; women taking on the ‘invisible load’ of housework and kid-min; women being put down at work or at home because of the inherent and subconscious belief that men are somehow superior.In this conversation, Polly and I talk about how the patriarchy has shown up in our own lives, as well as how things are so much worse for women in other countries and cultures. And this is exactly why women need to start speaking up and standing up for both themselves, and the many, many women who are less fortunate than those of us in western cultures.We hope you’ll find something interesting in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailMy guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo, is the gorgeous Sarah Bennett, a single and childfree sober coach living in Hertfordshire. In her 30s, Sarah felt under huge pressure to find a partner and have children. As friends settled down and started families, she often felt left behind. In trying to numb the loneliness and deep sense of inadequacy she felt, Sarah’s drinking steadily increased. But instead of helping, it left her feeling lower and more depressed, with hangovers that made her feel even more alone, and a growing sense of shame and being out of control. Sarah is now 54 and in a very, very different place. She had already come to terms with being childless (although these days she calls herself childfree), but after her last relationship ended a couple of years ago, she decided to stop drinking. This has transformed her life in ways she couldn’t have imagined, and she is finally comfortable in her own skin, and has learnt to love and accept herself exactly as she is, without feeling like she needs a relationship or children to validate her life. Last year, Sarah trained with The Sober Club and became an accredited sober coach, and she now runs The Sobriety Society, supporting women who want to change their relationship with alcohol. She’s worked with women in many different situations, but her heart is very much with those who are single and childless.02:06 Guest Introduction: Sarah Bennett's Journey02:19 Sarah's Struggles and Transformation03:17 The Sobriety Society and Coaching05:07 Sarah's Single Life and Reflections17:35 Challenges of Drinking and Finding Clarity32:19 The Benefits of Quitting Alcohol33:40 Social Pressures and Reactions to Quitting37:54 Personal Experiences and Challenges43:59 Coaching and Helping Others52:37 Health Risks and Statistics56:45 Final Thoughts and ResourcesCheck out Sarah's website: https://www.thesobrietysociety.co.uk/Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesobrietysocietyukFind Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesobrietysocietyuk Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan Mail Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I talk about what it really means to shift out of the background and into the lead role of your own life.We chat about how easy it is, especially for women, to unconsciously slip into a supporting role, putting everyone else’s needs first, waiting for the “right time,” or playing small out of habit rather than intention.We explore how being the main character doesn’t mean being loud or dramatic. It simply means taking up space in your own life. And it doesn’t require a big, sweeping change — sometimes it’s just one small moment where you back yourself and remember that you’re allowed to take the lead and want more.We hope you find something useful in here.Love,Polly & Lucy xx Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailMy guest this week is one of those people that I just fell in love with because she is completely divine and she has the best energy — not to put too fine a point on it, but I bloody loved her! Her name is Hannah Frankson, and she is a 37 year old Peloton Instructor living in London, totally rocking her solo life. That said, she is also dating and very much open to a relationship with the right guy. From a very young age, Hannah was mad about athletics and it was her dream to go to the Olympics - she worked incredibly hard at athletics for years, also working as both a model and personal training in order to pay the bills. But life had other plans for Hannah and, having broken up with the man she was supposed to marry, she discovered indoor cycling and realised she absolutely loved it. She was subsequently headhunted by Peloton - by the end of this episode you'll understand why they wanted her - and the rest is history. She’s been one of Peloton’s instructors for 6 years. In our conversation, Hannah and I talk all about her life as a single woman without kids in London town, we talk about her amazing career, we talk dating, we talk self worth, and much, much more. 02:15 Guest Introduction02:48 Hannah's Athletic Journey07:19 Modelling and Personal Training16:43 Discovering Peloton19:35 The Peloton Experience26:26 Single and Thriving33:50 Challenging the Narrative: Single Women and Happiness34:32 The Movement of Single Women35:21 The Importance of Reframing Single Life37:03 Addressing Misconceptions on Social Media38:16 Empowering Single Women Through Fitness40:34 Navigating Dating and Self-Worth49:03 Creating a Fulfilling Single Life51:56 Incorporating Fun and Community into Single Life54:17 Advice for Women on Fitness and Self-Care01:02:36 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahfrankson/?hl=enFid Hannah at Peloton: https://www.onepeloton.com/en-GB/instructors/ImFranktheTank Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailThis week's minisode is a fiery pep talk for your wildest dreams: I unpack the quote “One life. Just one. Why aren’t we running like we are on fire towards our wildest dreams,” and get honest about fear, perfectionism, and waiting for permission. This is a nudge to choose aliveness over hesitation — pick a direction, take the tiniest step, keep it consistent, and stop treating your real life like a rehearsal. Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about the power of intentionally tuning into nature during crazy times.Most of us would agree that the state of the world right now is…alot. It can feel overwhelming and scary, to say the least, and it’s easy to feel completely out of control.One of the best ways to put things into perspective - not to mention regulate our overstimulated nervous systems - is to remember that we are a part of something much, much greater than ourselves.Sometimes a walk in nature is all we need to feel calmer; a cuddle with our cat can bring us back to joy; and noticing the beauty of the flowers or the birds can make us feel more grounded.So if you’re feeling upset, scared, or horrified by what’s happening in the world, one of the best things you can do is surround yourself with nature - whether that’s a walk along the coast, or just popping into your local city park.We sincerely hope you’ll find something helpful or interesting in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailMy guest on the podcast today is Gurds Hundal. A former journalist, Gurds is a Trauma Coach & Inner Work Expert, who has more than a decade of experience in trauma healing, boundaries and inner child work. Many of her clients have discovered their purpose, entered healthy relationships, created stronger boundaries, reconnected with their inner child and learnt to love themselves better, and her signature approach comes down to holding the space for her clients to feel, deal with and heal their trauma in a safe and understanding environment...allowing them to heal quicker.  Gurds has extensive experience in coaching, medical journalism and healthcare and has helped many women to transform trauma and infinitely trust themselves, so they can powerfully move forward in their life. She is also the host of her own podcast, The Inner Light Project, which is how I met Gurds because I was a guest on her podcast and we had such a great conversation that I decided I had to get her on mine. In this conversation, Gurds tells me how she went from being a “hot mess” and collapsing in her office, to a cancer stare, to discovering she had kidney disease…to turning her life around and finding her purpose and joy.The conversation delves into the power of healing childhood and ancestral trauma, understanding intuition, and living a life true to oneself. Practical advice is given on how to start the journey of self-discovery and healing, and the episode wraps up with insights into breaking free from victimhood and feeding the positive aspects of life.02:15 Guest Introduction03:26 Gurds' Journey: From Collapse to Cancer Scare07:05 The Turning Point: Embracing Self-Love and Healing09:19 Discovering Coaching and Transforming Trauma13:04 The Power of Intuition and Healing20:37 Finding Purpose and Living Intentionally31:17 Letting Go of Fear and Embracing Abundance32:31 The Power of Intuition and Self-Trust33:54 Challenges Faced by Single Women35:33 Self-Love and Mirror Work40:09 Understanding and Healing the Inner Child47:00 Breaking Free from Victimhood53:04 Living an Awesome Life and Embracing Your GiftsCheck out Gurds' website: https://gurdshundal.com/Check out her podcast, The Inner Light Project: https://gurdshundal.com/podcast/Follow Gurds on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgurds/ Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailToday's minisode is a punchy reminder that your energy comes first. I break down 'mind, mouth, mood' — your thoughts, your words, and the emotional climate you live in — as the cause, with life as the effect. Master these three (most of the time, not perfectly) and you stop reacting to life and start creating it. What signal are you sending out today? Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan MailOn this weeks Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about how our hardest times and biggest “failures” often become our greatest lessons.We talk about how difficult seasons can shape us, clarify what really matters, and guide us onto the right path.A reminder that nothing is wasted – and if you’re in a tough chapter right now, sending you loads of love and hope this may be of a little help to you.Love ,Polly & Lucy x Support the showBuy 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!

Send us Fan Mail*** TRIGGER WARNING *** Domestic abuse and sexual abuse are mentioned in this episode.My guest on the podcast today is Melanie Hamlett, a comedian, journalist, public speaker, and storyteller based in France. She's written dozens of articles for publications like Harper’s Bazaar, The Washington Post, Glamour, The Daily Beast, Slate, Cosmo, The Guardian, Playboy, and The Huffington Post. Her viral article for Harper's Bazaar called ‘Men Have No Friends and Women Bear the Burden’ has been referenced in dozens of podcasts, books, and publications including GQ, The New Yorker,  Oprah, and Slate, and was also the inspiration for the sketch Man Park on Saturday Night Live, according to Vanity Fair.  I came across Melanie on social media, and it’s her TikTok and YouTube pages where she's doing most of her storytelling, culture criticism, and journalistic work these days — and she is HILARIOUS. She is a real force of nature, and you will hear that loud and clear in this conversation, so buckle up and be prepared for more swearing than usual. Melanie herself is actually married to a Frenchman — hence she lives in France — but she has very strong views about men, the patriarchy, and how women have been conditioned to essentially abandon themselves for the sake of romantic relationships. She is childfree. In our conversation, we delve into Melanie's past as an outdoor guide, her experiences in male-dominated environments, and her viral article 'Men Have No Friends and Women Bear the Burden.' We discuss societal issues, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of fostering genuine communities and dating oneself. We also talk about Scott Galloway who Melanie is not a fan of, the need for women to centre their own well-being and build strong, supportive networks, and much more.Follow Melanie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melhamlett?lang=enFollow Melanie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRW66WXeQGNdV1NtyAIv0CgWatch one of Melanie's reels about Scott Galloway: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ4sZ6bCv2E/? Support the showBuy 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!