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My 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 Introduction

03:26 Gurds' Journey: From Collapse to Cancer Scare

07:05 The Turning Point: Embracing Self-Love and Healing

09:19 Discovering Coaching and Transforming Trauma

13:04 The Power of Intuition and Healing

20:37 Finding Purpose and Living Intentionally

31:17 Letting Go of Fear and Embracing Abundance

32:31 The Power of Intuition and Self-Trust

33:54 Challenges Faced by Single Women

35:33 Self-Love and Mirror Work

40:09 Understanding and Healing the Inner Child

47:00 Breaking Free from Victimhood

53:04 Living an Awesome Life and Embracing Your Gifts

Check 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 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 

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• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/

• Email me: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

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Today'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 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

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And thank you so much for listening!

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On 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 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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

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*** 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=en

Follow Melanie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRW66WXeQGNdV1NtyAIv0Cg

Watch one of Melanie's reels about Scott Galloway: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ4sZ6bCv2E/?hl=en

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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

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This week's minisode is a gentle reset for a noisy world. I'm talking about staying informed without being consumed, and why your real power is in tending your corner of the world: your mind, your words, your energy. Choose presence, protect your inputs, and be the calm that ripples outward.

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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about that ‘back to school’ feeling that so many of us feel after Christmas and New Year.

If you’re feeling low following the festive season, now is the time to make finding joy a priority. Because like so many things in life, we have to get intentional about choosing it.

Polly and I also talk about being aware of our thoughts, how our inner world creates our outer world, and why being truly present in the moment is the key to living a joyful life.

We hope you’ll find something useful 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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

My guest on this week's episode is the completely divine Rosalie Minnitt, a comedian, writer and performer, who made her Edinburgh Fringe debut with her critically acclaimed character comedy show ‘Clementine’, a Jane Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and everything in between and inverts the Austen image of "spinsterdom". Described as ‘delirious, demented stuff’ in Chortle, listed in the Telegraph’s Funniest Shows at the Fringe and one of the British Comedy Guide’s Top Reviewed Shows, Rosalie has sold out multiple runs at Soho Theatre, including the main space, and was in the Guardian’s Top Ten Comedy shows of 2023. 

Rosalie was a total delight and it was so interesting talking to a younger single woman — she’s 28 — about all things relationships, men, comedy, life, patriarchy, the state of dating, and so much more. Our conversation includes the complexities of modern romantic relationships, societal expectations, and the importance of self-belief and community among women. Rosalie also talks about her inspirations, her journey in the comedy world, and her outlook on dating and personal growth. 

02:15 Guest Introduction

03:50 Rosalie's Journey into Comedy

05:35 Creating 'Clementine': Inspiration and Process

13:52 Exploring Themes of Romance and Feminism

24:04 Challenges and Reflections on Feminism

35:34 The Ingrained Sexism in Society

36:29 Finding Support and Belief in the Industry

38:26 Navigating Single Life and Dating Challenges

40:18 The Struggle of Maintaining Authenticity in Relationships

47:48 The Complexities of Modern Dating

51:19 The Need for Connection and Community

57:37 Exciting Projects and Future Plans

01:01:21 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Follow Rosalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosalieminnitt/?hl=en

Get tickets to Rosalie's show, Clementine: https://linktr.ee/rosalieminnitt

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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

On this week's minisode, I'm sharing a trio of things that will significantly lower your stress levels when you incorporate them all into your life. You're welcome. 

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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about maintaining a positive mental attitude even when life throws us a curveball.

Last week, Polly injured her knee on the last day of her skiing trip, and is currently on crutches while she waits to find out how serious the injury is.

She talks about how she’s feeling and how she’s been trying to stay positive and expect the best possible outcome. Because, as Polly and I have discussed here before, two people can experience the exact same circumstances in two very different ways - depending on their thinking.

We hope you’ll find something useful 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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

My guest on Thrive Solo this week is the wonderful Gail Rice, a Canadian born psychologist and writer based in Sydney, Australia. 

Gail’s work explores how the stories we carry can hold us back...or call us forward. Her writing shines a light on the unspoken stories around aging, desire, and reinvention, and she’s also currently writing her memoir. 

Gail recently wrote an essay for The Times, also featured in the New York Times Modern Love podcast, entitled ‘I hired a male escort for my 70th Birthday’. Because that’s exactly what she did. In fact, Gail didn’t hire just one escort, she hired two, because the first experience was, shall we say, sub-par. 

As well as talking about her experience of hiring an escort at the age of 70, Gail and I also talk about some really important topics around ageing, including how so many women start to feel invisible the older they get, the particular kind of urgency that Gail feels as she moves into her later life, and the importance of mindset around ageing.

02:15 Guest Introduction: Gail Rice

02:46 Gail's Story: Hiring an Escort at 70

05:35 The Experience and Its Impact

09:05 Reflections on Ageing and Visibility

17:18 Exploring Tantra and Self-Discovery

20:28 Romantic History and Singlehood

25:42 Regret and Life Choices

33:58 Perspectives on Ageing and Urgency

36:01 Reflecting on Ageing and Gratitude

37:19 The Impact of Mindset on Ageing

38:46 The Power of Female Community

43:34 Embracing Singlehood and Overcoming Loneliness

54:24 The Pressure of Anti-Ageing Culture

01:00:33 The Importance of Touch and Companionship

01:04:49 Celebrating Independence and Self-Discovery

01:06:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen to Gail's piece: https://podcasts.apple.com/vg/podcast/i-hired-a-male-escort-for-my-70th-birthday-the-sunday-story/id1501716010?i=1000734694214

Follow Gail on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gailrice.psych.writes/?hl=en

Join Gail's Substack: https://gail263.substack.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: [email protected] 

And thank you so much for listening!