

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.E-mail me at lucy@lucymeggeson.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2025 • 15min
Mini Series: 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love — Part 2: The Power Of Your Attention
Send us a textToday is Part Two of my new mini series, 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love, which is all about the steps I myself have taken to change my life over the last five years. In Part 2, I’m talking about harnessing the power of your attention. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. This episode is all about taking back control of your focus so you stop wasting it on things that drain you – and start using it to create the life you actually want. Support the showPre-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!

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
The One Where I Talk To Associate Professor & Childless Advocate, Dawn Llewellyn
Send us a textMy guest on the podcast today is the wonderful Dawn Llewellyn. Dr Dawn Llewellyn is Associate Professor of Religion and Gender at the University of Chester. She researches and writes about gendered experiences and structures that are often silenced by patriarchal ideologies, and focuses on women’s lives (inclusive) in contemporary Christianity and feminist spiritualities. Dawn herself is in a longterm relationship but she is childless by choice and has been researching, publishing, and speaking publicly about pronatalism, motherhood, and childlessness for over 13 years. She co-founded Storyhouse Childless which is a weekend long series of events at Storyhouse in Chester and she is part of the volunteer steering group that programmes the Festival — which, if you’re listening to this episode the week it comes out, is happening this weekend — the 12th - 14th of September 2025 — and you can still get tickets if you fancy going, which you may well after hearing this conversation. Dawn and I talk about so many things, not least how religion, and how if your faith is a big part of your life, it can be incredibly challenging to navigate being a woman who has either chosen not to have have kids, to has ended up not having kids. I found it absolutely fascinating hearing from Dawn about the impact of religion on many women without kids as it’s not something I’ve ever talked about on the podcast before. We also talk about the impact of pronatalism, we talk about the grief that so many women suffer around their childlessness, and Dawn also tells me all about the wonderful Storyhouse Childless festival which she pays such an important role in.03:28 Exploring Religion and Childlessness07:20 Personal Stories and Struggles15:28 Navigating Guilt and Stigma18:33 Dawn's Personal Journey27:43 Redefining Fulfillment and Success31:20 Introduction to Storyhouse Childless Festival31:45 The Inception and Growth of the Festival34:15 Festival Activities and Themes34:51 Diverse Experiences and Intersectionality36:56 Panel Discussions and Personal Stories42:36 Navigating Grief and Identity48:27 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms57:02 Event Details and Final ThoughtsFind out more about Storyhouse Childless: https://www.storyhouse.com/seasons/storyhouse-childless/ Support the showPre-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!

Sep 6, 2025 • 12min
Mini Series: 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love — Part 1: Awareness
Send us a textToday is Part One of a new mini series, 6 Steps To Move Out Of Fear & Into A Life You Love, which is all about the steps I myself have taken to change my life over the last five years. In Part 1, I’m talking all about awareness. Before you can change your life, you need to know what’s actually going on in your mind. In this episode, I share how awareness is the essential first step to creating a life you love – and some simple ways to start building it today. Support the showPre-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!

Sep 4, 2025 • 34min
Thursday Thoughts — The Joy Of Early Mornings
Send us a textOn today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about why we love getting up early, and how those quiet first hours set us up for the day.If you’re someone who craves starting the day with calm, space, and intention, then a morning routine might just be your secret weapon. We explore why mornings matter, how it really all begins the night before with a good night’s sleep, and why your routine has to fit your life, not the other way around.We share our own morning rituals plus simple tips to help you create a start to the day that feels nourishing, energising, and like the best possible version of your morning.We hope you’ll find something of value in here.Love, Polly & Lucy x Support the showPre-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!

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
The One Where I Talk To Author Of 'Single & Psycho', Caroline Young
Send us a textIn this week's episode of Thrive Solo, my guest is the wonderful Caroline Young, author of 'Single And Psycho: How Pop Culture Created The Unstable Single Woman.'Although single herself, Caroline is Mum to an almost-one-year old boy, whose father she co-parents and lives with.During our conversation, Caroline explores the societal and pop culture stereotypes of single women, sharing insights from her book and her personal experiences. We discuss characters from movies such as Fatal Attraction and Bridget Jones' Diary, and other shows that depict single women as unstable, crazy, or desperate. We also talk about the pressure women face regarding marriage and children, and the resilience required to break these stereotypes. Caroline also shares her journey of becoming a mother later in life and how this transition changed her societal visibility. 02:14 Guest Introduction: Caroline Young05:01 Caroline's Unique Family Dynamics06:43 Writing 'Single and Psycho'08:48 Exploring Pop Culture Stereotypes10:28 Relating to Pop Culture Characters19:22 Themes and Takeaways from her book27:51 Visibility and Perception Changes30:35 Struggles with Invisibility30:59 Rebecca Traister's Perspective on Marriage31:58 American vs. UK Views on Marriage34:14 Deciding to Try IVF Again34:41 Advice for Women Considering Solo Motherhood37:00 Enjoying Solo Motherhood38:53 Celebrating Single Women's Complexity and Resilience40:23 Backlash Against Single and Childless Women45:01 Caroline's Online Dating Experiences47:32 The Impact of Having a Baby on Her Thoughts Around Relationships48:37 Final Thoughts and Book Highlights53:24 Embracing Aging and Motherhood in Your Forties54:58 Conclusion and Contact Information Support the showPre-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!

Aug 30, 2025 • 12min
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 5: When Grief Hits Out Of Nowhere
Send us a textIn this fifth and final part of my Saturday Minisode mini series, The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree, I'm talking about what to do when the grief of being single and / or childless hits unexpectedly.Hope you enjoy it. x Support the showPre-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!

Aug 28, 2025 • 34min
Thursday Thoughts — Action Absorbs Anxiety
Send us a textOn this week's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about a concept promoted by Dan Harris: Action Absorbs Anxiety.This is the idea that taking even the smallest of actions can help to reduce feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, by channelling that restless, stuck energy and shifting it onto something more productive.Polly and I also talk about another similar idea, which is that clarity comes from taking action - something that both of us have found to be true.We hope you’ll find something of value in here.Love,Polly & Lucy x Support the showPre-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!

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 25min
The One Where I Talk to PR Consultant, Emily Ball
Send us a textIn this week's episode of the Thrive Solo, I'm talking to the fabulous Emily Ball, a PR business owner who shares her journey of healing and self-discovery after leaving a toxic relationship. During our conversation, Emily recounts her experiences of dealing with emotional abuse, the steps she took to reclaim her life, and how she learned to embrace and love singlehood. Our discussion highlights the importance of self-worth, the joy of solo adventures, and the misconception that singlehood equates to being incomplete. We also delve into the societal pressures that push women towards traditional milestones and emphasise the significance of living a purpose-filled life on one's own terms. Emily also talks about the peace she has found as a single woman, recognising her own value, and taking control of her own happiness.02:14 Guest Introduction: Emily's Journey04:41 Emily's Toxic Relationship: The Beginning07:32 The Downward Spiral: Ignoring Red Flags11:05 Breaking Point: Realisation and Escape24:01 Healing and Self-Discovery29:08 Finding Peace in Singlehood37:42 Rebuilding: Self-Love and Growth43:38 Finding Peace in Solitude44:12 Redefining Success46:23 Questioning Life's Milestones48:15 Embracing Singlehood50:12 Choosing Not to Have Children53:14 Living Life on Your Own Terms01:03:40 Solo Travel Adventures01:14:13 The Joy of Self-DiscoverySubscribe to Emily's Substack: Support the showPre-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!

Aug 23, 2025 • 13min
Mini Series: The Truth About The Tough Bits — Part 4: The Comparison Spiral
Send us a textIn this fourth part of my new Saturday Minisode mini series, The Truth About the Tough Bits: Navigating the Harder Side of Being Single & Childfree, I'm talking about comparison, and those milestones that everybody else seems to be reaching.Hope you enjoy it. x Support the showPre-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!

Aug 21, 2025 • 32min
Thursday Thoughts — Shifting Your Filter
Send us a textThis week on Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are chatting about the filters we use to live our lives.Is your filter clouding your judgement? Is it colouring everything grey, making things seem worse than they really are? And how long are you willing to sit in that negativity?The thing is, when you change the lens through which you see the world, you get to choose one that lifts you, lightens you, and lets you see possibility instead of limitation.We explore some of the common filters we’ve had and how to shift them.We hope you find something useful in here.Love Polly & Lucy x Support the showPre-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!