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My guest on the podcast today is the gorgeous Emma Duval. 

Emma is an author and illustrator whose first book, Unwed & Unbothered: The Defiant Lives of Single Women Throughout History, shines a light on the overlooked history of single women without kids, celebrating their lives, achievements, and legacies. Emma is also the founder of the first virtual museum dedicated to women without children, which can be viewed online at www.childfreehistory.com 

Emma herself is married, but she is childfree by choice, and during our conversation we talk, among other things, about what motivated her as a married woman to write a book all about single women. We also talk about how she has come up against serious pressure from her family about her choice not to have kids, and how she they don’t even know about her book. 

Emma’s book is full of such interesting stories of amazing women throughout history including Jane Austen, Florence Nightingale, the Beguines, and many, many more, and I know that you guys will find this episode so interesting.

02:14 Guest Introduction: Emma Duval

03:42 Emma's Journey and Inspirations

04:52 Challenges and Pressures of Being ChildFree

06:56 Writing 'Unwed and Unbothered'

20:05 Online Communities and Support

23:32 Historical Context of Single Women

31:10 The Beguines Movement in Medieval Europe

32:47 Chosen Families and Intentional Communities

34:34 Margaretta Forten: An Unsung Heroine

39:14 Prioritising Pursuits Other Than Marriage

46:02 Women with Gumption: Stories of Defiance

51:47 Illustrating History: Bringing Women to Life

55:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Buy Emma's book: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Unwed-Unbothered/Emma-Duval/9798881600037

Buy the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/unwed-unbothered-the-defiant-lives-of-single-women-throughout-history-emma-duval/7892978

Check out the first virtual museum dedicated to women without children, which Emma founded: http://www.childfreehistory.com/

Follow Emma on Instagram: @MillennialEmma

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 5 of my mini series ‘10 Weeks To A Joyful Christmas’, I’m talking about how money, gifting and comparison can send us spiralling at this time of year — but they don't have to.

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 not waiting for the wake-up call before you begin living in a way that truly supports your wellbeing.

We discuss how the simple choices you make every day shape your health, your energy and your sense of aliveness.

And how change doesn’t have to be dramatic - it can start with one small choice at a time.

This is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to reach burnout, a crisis or rock bottom to choose differently. You can start right now. 🙌🏻

We really 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

It’s a solo episode from me this week which is actually a recording from a 3-Day webinar I did a few weeks ago. On Day 2, I talked all about one of my favourite topics — mindset — as well as some of my favourite mindset hacks. 

Now, I know I talk about mindset ALOT, but these are the kinds of things we need to be reminded of every damn day — myself included — otherwise we forget, we go unconscious, and we fall back into our old patterns. 

The things I’m talking about in this episode are essential when it comes to cultivating a more empowering mindset, and subsequently living a better life. They're things I’ve been learning about and practicing for five years, and honestly, they’ve changed my life for the better. 

So get comfy and have a listen to this episode, because when you shift your mindset, you shift your life. Enjoy!

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 4 of my mini series ‘10 Weeks To A Joyful Christmas’, I’m talking about your Connection Plan — curate your diary now with a few nourishing plans so December feels intentional, not overwhelming.

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 how long we allow ourselves to dwell on things that aren’t serving us; in other words, where we’re placing our attention.

How often do you actually notice where your mind is at any given moment? And how often do you find yourself ruminating on something that isn’t making you feel good? Perhaps you had an argument with a friend, or maybe you’re worried about an email from your boss. Are you still thinking about it three days later?

Polly and I talk about why it’s so incredibly important to bring more awareness to our thoughts, and to consciously choose to shift our focus onto something else, rather than obsess over things that are completely out of our control.

Of course we need to feel our feelings - and of course some things are much bigger and more serious than others - but in the day to day of life, how long do you tend to dwell on a conversation, event, or incident that is making you feel bad?

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

In this week's episode of Thrive Solo, my guest is Rebekah Buege. 

Rebekah lives in Minnesota, USA, and while she works a corporate 9 - 5 job, she’s also a body neutrality coach, a writer, and she posts all about her single life on TikTok and Instagram. In this conversation, Rebekah and I talk about pursuing life over relationships, the state of modern dating, overcoming societal pressures, and the liberating experience of changing her appearance with a short haircut. Rebekah emphasises the importance of living life fully without waiting for a partner, investing in friendships, and understanding one's own identity. She also discusses the benefits and challenges of single life, and how single life is often conflated with loneliness. The episode concludes with Rebecca's thoughts on how to thrive as a single person by living authentically and proactively.

02:36 Rebekah's Life and Career

04:23 Living in London

07:30 Dating and Relationship Insights

14:49 The State of Modern Dating

18:29 The Impact of Technology on Relationships

24:21 Personal Reflections on Single Life

30:21 Embracing the Present Moment

32:42 Challenging Societal Norms

33:23 Practical Tips for Enjoying Singleness

36:29 The Power of Personal Choices

44:55 The Joys and Challenges of Single Life

51:05 Debunking the Single and Lonely Myth

56:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 3 of my mini series ‘10 Weeks To A Joyful Christmas’, I’m talking about habits and momentum — two months is plenty of time to make shit happen. Pick one tiny daily anchor and one small finish-by-New-Year goal, and let simple actions lead your mood.

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 weeks Monday Motivation, Polly and I are sharing our thoughts about meditation.

We’re diving into what meditation really is - why it’s not about ‘switching off your mind’, and why meditation has been such a game changer for both of us.

We also share some simple ways to start your own practice. Because meditation is a practice - the benefits feel subtle at first, but over time, they’re absolutely life-changing.

We hope you 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 the podcast today is the wonderful Helen Taylor. 

Helen is 77 years old, a retired academic, and the author of Childless By Choice: The Meaning & Legacy Of A Childfree Life. It was absolutely fascinating to talk to a woman who went against the grain at a time when motherhood was not only expected, but really was seen as totally central to the lives of women. 

From a very young age, Helen decided not to have children, and in her new book she shares her reasons for choosing to remain childfree as well as the very complex feelings that have accompanied her choice. In our conversation, Helen tells me all about how her own mother’s attitude towards motherhood impacted her choice to not have kids; we also talk about the issue of regret, we talk about how women without kids are still often seen as outliers, we talk about how families can come in all shapes and sizes, and Helen also shares her thoughts about the later stages of a child-free life. 

02:15 Guest Introduction: Helen Taylor

04:51 Helen's Early Life and Decision

07:26 Impact of Societal Expectations

11:39 Contraception and Abortion

19:05 Challenging Family Pressures

27:51 Redefining Family and Friendships

30:45 The Legacy of a ChildFree Life

31:08 Exploring Fulfillment Without Children

35:13 Regret and the ChildFree Choice

37:33 Grandparenting and Childcare Challenges

39:33 Writing 'Childless by Choice'

40:56 Reactions to the Book

52:28 Alternative Families and Friendships

54:16 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

57:54 Wrapping Up and How to Connect

Buy Helen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childless-Choice-Meaning-Legacy-Childfree/dp/1917523300

Check out Helen's website: https://www.helen-taylor.co.uk/

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!