Thrive Solo – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us a text

On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about menopause.

We share our own personal experiences of menopause and the steps we’ve taken to ensure we remain fit, healthy and feeling as good as we can.

We also discuss blood sugar balance, the importance of eating well, staying strong and cultivating a flexible nervous system.

We hope you enjoy this conversation.

Love Polly & Lucy xx

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

My guest on this week’s episode is the awesome Jill Stark.

Jill, who is both single and childfree, is a best-selling author, content specialist and award-winning journalist, who uses the power of storytelling as a tool for connection and change. Her best-selling books include Happy Never After and High Sobriety. She is from Scotland but lives in Melbourne, Australia. 

Topics that we cover are:

• the parallels between sobriety and choosing the single life;
• why she describes herself as a social agitator;
• how Jill grew up in a culture of drinking, and how she took that into her adult life;
• the irony of how she became a health reporter writing about binge drinking;
• how she came to quit drinking, initially for three months, and how much she loved it;
• the book deal that saw her quit drinking for a further year;
• people’s reactions to Jill’s sobriety;
• being single, and how Jill never questioned whether she actually wanted to get married and have kids;
• the correlation between quitting drinking and her clarity around her relationship status;
• Jill’s podcast, Well Enough Alone;
• her ‘Solo Sunday’ events in Melbourne;
• why we shouldn’t be looking to other people to fix feelings of loneliness;
• the lie we’ve been told that one person can fix all of our problems or complete us;
• Jill’s mental health crisis in 2014;
• how fundamentally important it is to develop a strong sense of self;
• how we’re so conditioned to see marriage and babies as ‘success’;
• the growing ‘movement’ of single women;
• how Jill resonates with Bella DePaulo’s notion of being ‘single at heart’.

Follow Jill on Instagram:
@jillstark__

Check out Jill’s website:
https://jillstark.com.au/ 

Check out Jill's podcast, Well Enough Alone:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/well-enough-alone-a-guide-to-thriving-solo/id1751129641 

Get £100 any trip with Explore at:
https://www.explore.co.uk/offers/current-offers/hood 

To try out the amazing deal with Republic of Cats, go to:
https://www.republicofcats.com/catlady/ 

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

My guest on this week’s episode is the brilliant Eli Davies, a writer and researcher who is both single and childfree. 

Topics that we cover are:

• how the break up of Eli’s long term relationship led to her becoming fascinated with the significance of home;
• the aftermath of the breakup and what that looked like for Eli at the age of 37;
• her move from London to Belfast for her PhD;
• her fabulous 40th birthday celebrations;
• her intense and lonely experience of being alone in lockdown in Belfast;
• how the achievements of singles can be overshadowed by others getting married or having babies;
• the importance of elevating other kinds of relationships;
• how Eli feels about being single these days;
• how she craves a community of friends who live close by;
• how being single means you can sometimes be excluded from things;
• why she doesn’t like the word ‘single’;
• how Eli would rather meet someone in the real world than on an app;
• why she never wants to live with a partner again;
• how Eli has always been a bit unconventional;
• engagements, weddings, and social media;
• why solo travel is one of the greatest gifts Eli has ever given herself;
• the ‘moment’ in Vietnam when she realised she loved travelling alone; 
• Eli’s upcoming book;
• why being single isn’t an absence.

Check out Eli’s Substack:
https://elidavies.substack.com/ 

Follow Eli on Instagram:
@elidaviesss

Follow Eli on X:
@eldavldn

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

In this week’s episode, I’m talking to the wonderful Nanette Riendeau.

Nanette is a psychotherapist living in Illinois, US. She is married, but spent several years as a single woman having married relatively late in life. She is childfree by circumstance and shares this aspect of her life on her Instagram page @childlessgrace.

Topics that Nanette & I cover are:

• how Nanette is passionate about helping other childless women;
• the relationship that Nanette thought would result in children, but subsequently ended;
• what she learnt through her master’s degree in Women’s Spirituality;
• how desperately she wanted to grow and birth a baby, as well as be a mother;
• Nanette’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth during her single years from age 37 to 44;
• the ‘secret’ that women actually get better with age;
• how Nanette felt it was the pandemic that finally closed the door on her having a baby;
• her advice for those women who are grieving not having children;
• knowing that you are the observer of your thoughts, not your thoughts themselves;
• how we always romanticise the paths in life that we didn’t take;
• how cultivating our relationship with ourselves is one of the most important things;
• social media, and the concept of ‘likes’;
• how so many people don’t ask us about our lives if they don’t involve partners and kids;
• the damaging narrative that you 'haven’t been chosen’ if you’re single;
• the importance of understanding that our worth is inherent;
• the awesomeness of Taylor Swift.

Follow Nanette on Instagram:
@childlessgrace

Check out Nanette’s coaching website:
https://coachingwithnanette.com/ 

Check out Nanette’s therapy website:
https://therapywithnanette.com/ 

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

On today's minisode, I'm talking about 15 ideas for solo dates.

Despite being single and childfree, and subsequently spending a fair bit of time in our own company, it's important to spend intentional time going on dates...with ourselves. Planning out solo dates is a way of showing ourselves that we love and respect the person with whom we have THE most important relationship of all.

So press 'Play' and let me know what you think!

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I chat about letting go.

We cover letting go of unhelpful feelings and beliefs, letting go of what people think of us, and letting go of resentment and relationships.

We hope you'll find something useful in here. Enjoy!

Love,
Polly & Lucy x

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

On today's episode, I'm talking about the things we wish our married and coupled friends would say or not say, and do or not do, to show their support and respect for our single lives. 

From leaving us out of social events or asking us annoying questions, to not showing an interest in our single lives or assuming we can drop everything to accommodate their needs, this is the episode your coupled counterparts need to listen to! 

Enjoy! 

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

On today's minisode, I'm talking about five habits that will set you up for a great year. 

Enjoy!

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about the importance of reflecting on the past year and celebrating the good bits.

We also talk about why it's good to let go of unhelpful thoughts and stories about ourselves, as well as doing some decluttering as we head into a new year. And we chat about our own goals for the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who's watched and listened to us in 2023. We appreciate you!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! We can't wait to carry on motivating you on Mondays in 2024!

Love,
Polly & Lucy x

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!

Send us a text

Support the show

In this week’s episode, I’m talking to the fabulous Eva Papadopoulou.

Eva is a psychologist who is originally from Athens, Greece, but who has lived in London for nearly 20 years. She is happily single and childfree. 

Topics that Eva & I cover are:

• how Eva always knew that the traditional life path wasn’t for her;
• the resistance Eva faced as she was growing up, and how hard that was;
• how Eva is an only child, and how subsequently her parents struggled to accept that she didn’t want to follow the prescribed path;
• how when she tried relationships, Eva felt as though she was losing herself;
• how some people shine by themselves, and some people ‘merge’ and shine together;
• how freedom to Eva is freedom of time, freedom of resources, and freedom to use your space the way you want;
• how being single and childfree gives you the opportunity to grow;
• how life is about becoming the best version of yourself;
• what Eva means by ‘owning your happiness’;
• how there is more opportunity to push outside of your comfort zone, and take risks, when you’re single;
• how we need to be conscious about creating our own happiness, and the idea that it’s an inside job;
• how Eva finds much of her happiness and connection in nature;
• being self-aware, and identifying the moments where you can find joy every day;
• how, in 2009, Eva felt as though she had lost her purpose, and how a subsequent cancer scare was the catalyst for her solo trip around the world.
• Eva’s advice for the single ladies who aren’t happy about their relationship status.

Follow Eva on Instagram:
@evapap2000

Follow Eva on LinkedIn:
Eva Papadopoulou

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• 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!