Thrive Solo

Lucy Meggeson

Let’s be real — being single and child-free? It’s pretty damn awesome. Don’t believe me? Stick around. I promise you, by listening to this podcast, you’re going to start seeing your solo life in a whole new light — one that feels empowering, exciting, and full of possibility.

I’m Lucy Meggeson, and I’m here to help you stop seeing singlehood as a consolation prize and start embracing it as the incredible opportunity that it is. Because the truth? Being single isn’t second best. It’s not a waiting room. And it sure as hell isn’t a life of lack. In fact, when you lean into it, it can be just as fulfilling—if not more so—than being coupled up with kids.

And besides, no matter what our relationship status, what we all really want is to feel good in the here and now. So instead of focusing on what’s ‘missing,’ let’s focus on what’s possible. The freedom. The adventure. The extra time and headspace to create a life that’s truly our own.

Because here’s the thing: you are so much more powerful than you realise. Your thoughts shape your reality. And when you shift your mindset, you shift your life. My mission isn’t just to help you feel better about being single—it’s to help you recognise your own agency. To help you see that you are the creator of your own experience. And that you, and you alone, get to decide what your life looks like.

So join me here every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and let’s build lives that feel joyful, meaningful, and wildly fulfilling — on our own terms.

Let’s Thrive Solo…together.

Play

Open in

65 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 65

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#247
Today · 58 min
The One Where I Talk To Sexological Bodyworker, Melanie Knight
Things are getting a little bit spicy on Thrive Solo this week! My guest is the fabulous Melanie Knight, a Certified Sexological Bodyworker and Somatic Sex Educator based in North London, who helps women reconnect with their bodies, explore their desires and discover the joys of pleasure, particularly in midlife. Having embarked on this fascinating career at the age of 50, following 25 years working in IT, Melanie is passionate about helping women overcome the shame and embarrassment so many of us grew up feeling around sex. In our conversation, we talk about everything from touch, tantra and orgasms to consent, sexual confidence and why so many women have never really been taught how their own bodies work, let alone how to enjoy them. We also explore Melanie's own experiences of polyamory and her approach to relationships. It's a wonderfully open, honest and fascinating conversation about sex, pleasure and getting to know ourselves a whole lot better! Melanie's Instagram: @conscioussexualitycoaching Melanie's Facebook: facebook.com/melconscioustouch Melanie's Website: conscious-sexuality.co.uk Upcoming women's circles and events: Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk/o/2644059760 Website: conscious-sexuality.co.uk/womens-circles (including next year's twelve circles, A Year of Your Pleasure) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Saturday · 13 min
Minisode Ep.234 — Being In A Relationship Doesn't Mean You've Got Your Sh*t Together
In this week's minisode, I'm questioning the rather ridiculous idea that being in a romantic relationship is somehow evidence that you've got your sh*t together, while being single means there must be something wrong with you. Why do we still treat finding a partner as some sort of personal achievement? And why are single women, particularly those of us of a certain age, subjected to endless speculation about what might be wrong with us? I'm talking about the assumptions we make about people's relationship status, the bizarre notion that marriage automatically equals success, and why being in a relationship and being GOOD at relationships are two very different things. Because, let's face it, there are plenty of absolute fuc*tards in relationships, and simply having a partner tells us precisely NOTHING about somebody's character, emotional maturity or ability to navigate life successfully. And it's about time we stopped pretending otherwise! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Thursday · 19 min
Thursday Thoughts — Repetition Repetition Repetition
In this episode of Thursday Thoughts, Polly & I are talking about how personal growth and spiritual concepts often require repeated exposure before they truly land, using ideas like thoughts creating reality, taking responsibility, and moving out of victimhood. We discuss why saying “yeah, I know” can signal a lack of real practice, and that understanding often arrives when the timing, phrasing, or messenger is right. We aso talk about how you can’t force others to change until they’re ready, and I give some examples of being triggered by feedback that was actually true. As content creators, Polly & I talk about how it's normal and useful to repeat the same messages because people need constant reminders to stay on track. We also recommend learning from different podcasts and voices, revisiting episodes for new insights, and focusing on “show, don’t tell,” while having empathy for those people who are not yet receptive. We sincerely hope you'll find something interesting or helpful in here! Love, Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#246
November 3 · 1 hr
The One Where I Talk To Hiking Enthusiast & Content Creator, Holly Johnson
I’m SO excited for you to hear this week’s conversation with the absolutely delightful Holly Johnson, better known on social media as Miss Holl Doll. Holly is 45, single, childfree, and lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where she’s built a life filled with adventure, independence and a serious love of the great outdoors. A content creator, passionate hiker and host of fabulous group trips, Holly is living proof that a wonderful life doesn’t have to follow the traditional script. In this episode, we talk about how Holly once imagined she’d get married and have children, but how life took a different direction, and why she now absolutely LOVES the life she’s created. We explore what success really means to her, and why it has very little to do with the milestones we’re conditioned to chase. We also dive into her love of solo hiking in Washington State, the fears that can stop women from venturing into the great outdoors alone, and the incredible experiences and connections that come from her group adventures. Plus, we chat about her growing social media presence, working with brands, and how she’s turned her passion for the outdoors into something much bigger. It's a wonderfully uplifting conversation about embracing the life you have, doing what you love, and recognising that there are SO many ways to live a brilliant life. Follow Holly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missholldoll/?hl=en Follow Holly on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@missholldoll Chcek out Holly's group trips: https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/holly-gy0fg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 31 · 19 min
Minisode Ep.233 — Christmas Is Coming: Stop Telling Yourself It's Going to Be Miserable
In this week’s minisode, I’m getting a little festive (yes, I know it’s only October!) after receiving a comment from a woman who's facing her first Christmas without her children and is worried about feeling sad and lonely. It got me thinking about the stories we tell ourselves, and how easily we can convince ourselves that an experience is going to be miserable before it's even happened. As someone who's single, childfree and absolutely LOVES Christmas, I want to challenge the idea that the festive season is somehow less enjoyable without a partner or children. We're talking mindset, expectations, creating your own traditions and finding joy in doing things YOUR way. And while I'm certainly not dismissing the genuine sadness that Christmas can bring for some people, I am offering a little tough love about why we need to stop assuming that spending Christmas alone automatically means having a depressing time. Because it really, really doesn't! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 29 · 20 min
Thursday Thoughts — Beliefs
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about beliefs, and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our lives, often without us even realising it. We discuss how many of our beliefs are formed in childhood, and how limiting beliefs can hold us back, affect our confidence, and stop us from going after the things we really want. We also explore the ‘belief loop’; how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours can reinforce what we already believe to be true, and share some practical ways to start questioning and changing those beliefs, from becoming more aware of our inner dialogue to using breathwork and meditation. We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in here. Love, Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#245
October 27 · 1 hr
The One Where I Talk To Yoga Teacher & Life Coach, Mandeep Kaur
I can’t wait for you to hear my guest on this week's episode of Thrive Solo because she is not only single and childfree by choice, but she has navigated those life choices in India which is where she comes from. Her name is Mandeep Kaur, she’s 43, and she is a trauma informed yoga teacher, life coach, and mental health counsellor living in Goa. Growing up in the north of India in a traditional Indian family, Mandeep was facing arranged marriage in her twenties, but she knew in every cell in her body that she simply could not - and would not - go down that prescribed path. There came many years of real difficulty while she navigated all of the judgement and opinions of her family and those around her - not to mention the harassment and bullying she faced from the wider community because of her choice to be an unmarried woman without children. In our conversation, Mandeep tells me what it was like growing up with so much expectation and pressure, and how she dealt with it; we talk about how she has truly forged her own path, moving to Goa, starting her own business, and going against the grain of what she was ‘supposed’ to do with her life. She also speaks to the huge importance of mindset when it comes to living a life you actually want. It was so fascinating to talk to Mandeep, who is such a courageous, strong, and determined woman. I absolutely loved her. Follow Mandeep on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmandeepkaur/?hl=en See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 24 · 20 min
Minisode Ep.232 — The Joy Of Being A Crazy Cat Lady
In this week’s minisode, I’m celebrating one of the greatest loves of my life: my ridiculously naughty, outrageously handsome Bengal cat, Johnny. From the moment he came into my life and I wondered what the FUCK I’d done, to the extraordinary bond we share today, I’m talking about the sheer joy of having a pet, and why I’m more than happy to embrace my status as a crazy cat lady. I’m sharing some of Johnny’s hilarious antics, the things I absolutely adore about him, and the less glamorous realities of pet ownership, as well as exploring some fascinating research into the physical and emotional benefits of sharing our lives with animals. Because pets aren't consolation prizes for not having partners or children. They bring a whole different kind of love into our lives, and I wouldn't swap mine for the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 22 · 19 min
Thursday Thoughts — Getting Unstuck
In this Thursday Thoughts episode, Polly and I are talking about feeling stuck, as well as ways to get unstuck by taking the smallest possible first step to build momentum. We talk about moving physically or changing scenery — getting outside, shaking the body, or taking a break — to shift stagnant energy and allow inspiration to return. Polly tells us how she's using the BBC/NHS Couch to 5K app after a knee injury because it breaks running into manageable intervals with a chosen audio coach. We're also talking about accountability as a game changer, including using both accountability buddies and self-accountability methods like paying in advance for a sauna/sea swim session. We also suggest using AI tools for practical ideas, revisiting your “why,” examining repeating thoughts and stories that keep you stuck, and being mindful of what you consume mentally. We really hope you'll find something helpful in here. Love, Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#244
October 20 · 1 hr 7 min
The One Where I Talk To Entrepreneur & Content Creator, Candice ‘Candilicious’ Gallagher
On this week's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm talking to the truly wonderful marketer-turned-entrepreneur & content creator, Candice “Candilicious” Gallagher about her single life, dating, and community. Candice, 40, has been actively dating for over a decade, driven by “rom-com” hope but with a high bar set by strong friendships and family; she’s lived overseas most of her life (Singapore, Hong Kong, New York) and returned to England a couple of years ago for deeper connection with old friends. In our conversation, Candice talks about dating in New York, Singapore, and London; her Instagram dating content (including “10 dating apps in 10 weeks”), and why she prefers in-person dating events. She also talks about launching Fig Dating dinners in London, using a new approach to solve event gender imbalance by selling tickets as platonic male–female pairs, and using a values-based matching quiz for rotating-course seating - she also tells me about the online pushback she's received about this approach, as well as men’s reluctance to dating events in general. Candice and I also talk about her hopes for partnership and children, egg freezing, and her current living arrangement with her best friend’s family. I know that you're going to love listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. You can find out more about her London-based dating events via the link in her Instagram bio. Follow Candice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candilicious.insta/?hl=en Follow Candice on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candilicious.tiktok See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 17 · 19 min
Minisode Ep.231 — Single & Childless In The Workplace: Why Does Our Time Matter Less?
On this week’s minisode, I’m talking about something I don’t think I’ve ever properly addressed on the podcast before: what it’s like being single and childless in the workplace. From being expected to work late or cover Christmas because apparently you’ve got nobody to get home for, to the endless collections for engagements, weddings and babies (where are OUR presents?!), there are so many ways single women can be made to feel that their time, achievements and lives matter less. I’m sharing some of my own experiences from my time as a detective in the Met Police, including being called Mrs Havisham by a colleague, as well as talking about the loneliness of feeling like the odd one out when everyone around you is discussing husbands and children. And, importantly, why it’s time we started challenging some of these assumptions. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, excluded or taken for granted at work because you’re single and don’t have children, this one’s for you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 15 · 17 min
Thursday Thoughts — Gratitude
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about gratitude, and how taking the time to appreciate what we already have can make such a difference to how we feel. We share some of our own experiences of finding gratitude in everyday moments, and discuss how easy it is to take the little things for granted, particularly when life gets busy. We also talk about different ways to practise gratitude, from incorporating it into breathwork to reflecting on the positives before going to sleep, as well as some of the benefits gratitude can have on our physical and mental wellbeing. We hope you’ll find something interesting or helpful in here. Love, Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#243
October 13 · 48 min
The One Where I Talk To BreakUp & Dating Coach, Janice Formichella
My guest on the podcast this week is a breakup and dating coach, as well as the host of two podcasts, Sex & The Solo Girl, and Breakups, Broken Hearts, and Moving On. Her name is Janice Formichella and she works one on one with people around the world to heal from a broken heart and turn the end of a relationship into the beginning of a powerful new chapter in life. A regular podcast guest, Janice speaks on the psychology of breakups, overcoming loneliness, and secure attachment. She is also a domestic violence survivor, and someone who considers herself to have hit rock bottom more than once, but who thrives off using her own story to help others. Follow Janice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiceformichella/?hl=en Check out her website: https://janiceformichella.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 10 · 15 min
Minisode Ep.230 — The Geneva Convention On Dave's Penis
In this week’s minisode, I’m doing something a little different because I received an Instagram message from a follower that made me laugh so much I simply HAD to share it with you. What started as a promising romantic connection with a man we'll call Dave turned into an absolutely hilarious (and rather frustrating) saga involving six weeks of flirting, unexpectedly developing feelings, and one man's extraordinary resistance to a routine STI test. I’m reading the whole glorious story, which includes some of the funniest lines I've ever encountered, but underneath the humour there's a really important message about boundaries, self-respect and why sticking to your standards can be bloody difficult when you genuinely like someone. Prepare to laugh, despair, and quite possibly shout at Dave. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 10 · 15 min
Minisode Ep.230 — The Geneva Convention On Dave's Penis
Send us Fan Mail In this week’s minisode, I’m doing something a little different because I received an Instagram message from a follower that made me laugh so much I simply HAD to share it with you. What started as a promising romantic connection with a man we'll call Dave turned into an absolutely hilarious (and rather frustrating) saga involving six weeks of flirting, unexpectedly developing feelings, and one man's extraordinary resistance to a routine STI test. I’m reading the whole glorious story, which includes some of the funniest lines I've ever encountered, but underneath the humour there's a really important message about boundaries, self-respect and why sticking to your standards can be bloody difficult when you genuinely like someone. Prepare to laugh, despair, and quite possibly shout at Dave. Support the show JOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italy Buy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book Join my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the Most Annoying Questions Single Women Get Asked' Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/ Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening!
October 8 · 19 min
Thursday Thoughts — Do You Think You're A Lucky Person?
On this week's episode of Thursday Thoughts Polly and I explore whether or not you see yourself as a lucky person, and how that belief shapes your experience of life. We discuss how a victim mindset and negative narratives like “things never work out for me” can reinforce feeling unlucky, while choosing a more empowering perspective can help you notice opportunities and “create your own luck.” We also reference Cindy Crawford’s family tragedy and Oprah Winfrey as examples that circumstances don’t guarantee happiness, or limit success. We hope you'll find something helpful in here. Love, Polly & Lucy x See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
October 8 · 19 min
Thursday Thoughts — Do You Think You're A Lucky Person?
Send us Fan Mail On this week's episode of Thursday Thoughts Polly and I explore whether or not you see yourself as a lucky person, and how that belief shapes your experience of life. We discuss how a victim mindset and negative narratives like “things never work out for me” can reinforce feeling unlucky, while choosing a more empowering perspective can help you notice opportunities and “create your own luck.” We also reference Cindy Crawford’s family tragedy and Oprah Winfrey as examples that circumstances don’t guarantee happiness, or limit success. We hope you'll find something helpful in here. Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the show JOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italy Buy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book Join my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the Most Annoying Questions Single Women Get Asked' Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/ Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening!
#242
October 6 · 47 min
The One Where I Talk To Film Maker & Director, Anastasia Marshall
My completely divine guest on the podcast this week is Anastasia Marshall, a working-class filmmaker from Folkestone, Kent. Having been in the media and entertainment industries since she was 18, working for companies such as Disney, the BBC, Conde Nast and many more, she is now developing her own slate of projects through her company Rebel Muse Studios. Several of her works have placed in international festivals and competitions and she was selected for the Female Founders Rise accelerator in 2025. Anastasia is currently working on a one-hour YouTube special called Spinsters, which you can watch right now, and which is part of a much larger project to reclaim spinster as an archetype for single women. Said larger project is a feature film that Anastasia has written herself which is a Christmas film for single women and which I for one am VERY excited about. Anastasia has the most calming and lovely energy and I actually found her quite mesmerising, so I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S1 · E242
October 6 · 47 min
The One Where I Talk To Film Maker & Director, Anastasia Marshall
Send us Fan Mail My completely divine guest on the podcast this week is Anastasia Marshall, a working-class filmmaker from Folkestone, Kent. Having been in the media and entertainment industries since she was 18, working for companies such as Disney, the BBC, Conde Nast and many more, she is now developing her own slate of projects through her company Rebel Muse Studios. Several of her works have placed in international festivals and competitions and she was selected for the Female Founders Rise accelerator in 2025. Anastasia is currently working on a one-hour YouTube special called Spinsters, which you can watch right now, and which is part of a much larger project to reclaim spinster as an archetype for single women. Said larger project is a feature film that Anastasia has written herself which is a Christmas film for single women and which I for one am VERY excited about. Anastasia has the most calming and lovely energy and I actually found her quite mesmerising, so I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. Watch Anastasia's YouTube Special, Spinsters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wroPzs2Zqsw&t=548s Follow Anastasia's film, Spinsters, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinsters.film/ Check out Anastasia's website: https://www.anastasiamarshall.com/ Support the show JOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italy Buy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book Join my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the Most Annoying Questions Single Women Get Asked' Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/ Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening!
October 3 · 19 min
Minisode Ep.229 — Thoughts From My Thrive Solo Trip To Morocco
Send us Fan Mail On this week's minisode, I’m sharing some reflections from my recent Thrive Solo trip to Morocco — but this isn’t really an episode about Morocco. It’s about what happens when five single women who barely know each other spend 12 days travelling together. From endless conversations on long bus journeys and hilarious cultural exchanges with our Moroccan guide, to rooftop chats, shared meals and the friendships that formed along the way, I’m talking about why travelling with other single women can be such a special experience — and why you absolutely don’t need to wait until you have someone to travel with before you start seeing the world. JOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italy Support the show JOIN MY ITALY TRIP IN APRIL 2027: https://www.explore.co.uk/thrivesolo-italy Buy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book Join my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo Download my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the Most Annoying Questions Single Women Get Asked' Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacks Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/ Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Showing 1–20 of 65 episodes