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On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into some of our favourite non-fiction personal development books — the ones that have genuinely shifted how we think, feel, and show up in the world.

If you’re craving a change for the better, want to keep growing, and you’re naturally curious, these books will give you a nudge in the right direction.

Have you read any of our favourites?

And tell us — what would you add to the list? We love discovering new ones.

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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This was one of my favourite, most authentic, most conversational episodes of the podcast that I’ve ever recorded, and I loved every minute of it because my guest is the totally brilliant Bronwyn — a beloved member of my Thrive Solo membership community. 

Bronwyn also happens to be very cool, very smart, and very funny, and we laughed ALOT in this conversation, so much so that I pretty much forgot I was recording. 

Bronwyn usually lives in Ohio, US, but is currently living in Kazakhstan where she teaches Eglish as a foreign language. She was married for 14 years, but has been separated for two, and she loves being single — although she still sometimes suffers from those feelings of unworthiness that we can all relate to when it comes to being chosen by a man. 

We covered so many things in our conversation so it was longer than usual, and because of that I’ve decided to put it out in two parts because I really want you to listen to the whole thing, and I know how life gets in the way and sometimes we don’t finish episodes that are an hour and a half long. I’m hoping that by dividing it into two halves, you’ll listen to the whole thing over the next two weeks because it’s really worth listening to the very end. 

In this first half, Bronwyn talks about how difficult and heartbreaking it was to end her marriage of 14 years, how she simply doesn’t want to be married and found the obligations and expectations of marriage really hard, even if she was putting them on herself. 

We also talk about the sacrifices that are required in order to be in a romantic relationship, as well as how we both struggle to separate sleeping with someone from subsequently wanting more than just sex!

You will absolutely LOVE this episode. Enjoy!

Email Bronwyn: [email protected]

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

In Week 8 of my mini series ‘10 Weeks To A Joyful Christmas’, I’m talking about the importance of boundaries, and protecting your energy, at this time of year. Particularly when it comes to those intrusive questions about our single status...

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

In this episode of Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about releasing and letting go as we move towards 2026.

We cover releasing through breathwork, letting go of the judgement of others, as well as how perfectionism can sometimes be procrastination in disguise.

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

I am beyond excited about my guest on the podcast this week because she's someone I've been wanting to interview for a loooong time! A New York Times bestselling author, Ivy League women's rights lawyer turned life coach, and host of the Unfu*k Your Brain podcast, she is none other than Kara Loewentheil. 

In our conversation, Kara shares her journey from law to life coaching, and emphasises the significance of thought work and self-compassion in overcoming societal pressures and internalised shame. We explore confidence as a crucial skill set for creating a life that aligns with one's true desires, rather than conforming to limiting societal norms. Kara also talks about why she prefers the term persistence to consistency in the realm of personal development, and we also explore the importance of cultivating a strong relationship with oneself. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights for anyone looking to embrace and thrive in their single life.

05:25 Kara's Journey from Lawyer to Life Coach

09:45 The Impact of Society on Single Women

14:41 Understanding and Overcoming Shame

18:18 The Power of Thought Work

20:53 Consistency vs. Persistency in Thought Work

23:26 Affirmations and Repetition

26:29 Thoughts Are Not Facts

29:37 The Importance of Inner Work

30:38 Embrace Friction in a Tech-Driven World

31:30 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

32:46 Navigating Relationships and Self-Worth

34:17 The Reality of Marriage and Emotional Availability

35:59 The Illusion of Achieving Happiness Through Milestones

37:34 Cultivating Contentment and Emotional Availability

39:03 The Challenges and Rewards of Intimacy

47:38 Empowering Women to Live Their Best Lives

50:48 The Core of Confidence and Self-Actualisation

53:31 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Sign up for 'Create More Confidence', Kara's Pop-Up event on 8-10 December: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/confident/

Check out Kara's website: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/

Buy Kara's book, Take Back Your Brain: https://www.takebackyourbrainbook.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!

Send us Fan Mail

In Week 7 of my mini series ‘10 Weeks To A Joyful Christmas’, I’m talking about solo traditions — and why you don't need a partner to make them joyful.

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 Monday Motivation, Polly and I are talking about how it doesn’t matter how much personal development work we do if we don’t actually do the thing.

You can learn and reflect endlessly, but real change only happens when insight becomes action.

We dive into how growth takes time and consistent practice. It asks for patience, repetition and putting in the reps, even when progress feels slow or subtle.

We also challenge the belief of “I don’t have time”. Because often, it’s not time we’re lacking… it’s prioritisation. And when something truly matters, we do find a way to make space for it.

This episode is a reminder that only you can create the changes you’re longing for — and yes, there’s a little tough love in there, but only because we know action is what works.

We hope there’s something in here that supports you this week.

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 fabulous Meghan Keane. 

Full disclosure, Meghan is in a relationship — in fact she’s engaged — BUT don’t switch off because she’s also the author of the wonderful book, ''Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner', plus she spent a large chunk of her life single, hence writing the book in the first place because she was single when she began writing it. 

Meghan is full of wisdom, super bright, and this is a conversation that you’re going to love. Aside from being an author, Meghan has an amazing day job as the founder and supervising editor of NPR's (National Public Radio in the US) Life Kit, which brings listeners advice and actionable information about personal finances, health, parenting, relationships and more. 

In this conversation, Meghan and I talk about everything from her own experience of being single, to negative self talk, shame, mindfulness techniques, and of course Meghan’s wonderful book. 

03:51 Meghan's Journey & NPR Career

07:27 Writing 'Party of One'

09:56 Overcoming Negative Self Talk

14:21 Mindfulness and Self-Regulation

27:29 The Hedonic Treadmill & Values

33:21 The Diversity of Connections

34:35 Reframing Romantic Relationships

37:00 The Misconception of Loneliness

40:04 Navigating Singlehood and Relationships

52:01 The Reality of Being in a Relationship

55:26 Final Thoughts and Advice

Check out Meghan's website: https://www.meghanvkeane.com/

Buy The Book: https://hyperurl.co/PartyofOne

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damekeane/?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!

Send us Fan Mail

In Week 6 of my mini series ‘10 Weeks To A Joyful Christmas’, I’m talking about why resting is a power move, especially at this time of year — and why it's a necessity, not a reward.

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's Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about the difference between thoughts and thinking, thanks to a book that Polly has been reading called 'Don’t Believe Everything You Think' by Joseph Nguyen.

We all have thoughts - between 60,000 and 70,000 each day - but we get to choose which of those thoughts we want to entertain into actual thinking, and which of those we don’t.

Polly and I talk about how we’ve both worked hard on our own thinking over the last few years. We also discuss some of the practical steps you can take in order to become more aware of what’s going on between your ears, including getting into a wonderful ‘flow state’ that gets us out of our thinking brain and into the present moment, and moving your body to shift your energetic state.

We really hope you’ll enjoy this conversation.

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!