Thrive Solo

Send us Fan Mail

On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about making decisions.

There is nothing worse than the pain of indecision. You go back and forth, driving yourself crazy by not deciding. And the truth is that you're never going to know if you've made the 'right' or 'wrong' decision until you've actually made it.

In this conversation, Polly and I talk about our own experiences of decision making, how making decisions quickly is a skill, and why ultimately, whatever decision we make, we will always learn and grow. Plus, even if we make a so-called wrong decision, nothing is set in stone and we have to power to change things.

As with so many things, fear is often what's holding us back from making a decision; but when we find the courage to move through the fear and take action, we move forward. Whereas indecision only keeps us standing still.

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 the podcast this week is the completely wonderful Bibi Lynch.

Bibi is a journalist, writer, broadcaster, podcaster and live event host. She’s had columns in GQ, Red, New Woman and Grazia; written for most of the Nationals (currently the Guardian, The Independent, The Times and Metro); presented radio shows and interview series for BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Sussex and Soho Radio; co-hosted metro.co.uk's Good Sex Bad Sex pod and fronted the Let’s Get Frank podcast — where she dated people called Frank. 

As well as her writing and broadcast work, she hosts panels and interviews — at Saatchi, The Hoxton, the Barbican and, with her Dirty Talk series, at the Groucho Club in Soho. She co-wrote Graham Norton’s ITV late-nite comedy quiz, Carnal Knowledge; she created WHIPs (Women who are Hot, Intelligent and in their Prime – or Primark if times are tough); and HuffPost voted her one of the ‘50 Funniest Women on Twitter’. #RIP. (She is currently tracking the other 49 down.) She’s a World Childless Week ambassador and a Storyhouse Childless contributor. 

In this conversation, Bibi and I delve into — among other things — the societal stigma associated with singlehood and childlessness, the grief that comes with not having children, the importance of community, reframing the societal narrative, hidden homelessness, and the vitriol that she has received off the back of her writing about childlessness. 

We also talk about Bibi's exciting future plans, the joy and fulfillment that can be found in embracing life's unexpected paths, and the power of shifting your mindset.

04:24 Bibi's Background and Career

06:49 The Challenges and Joys of Adult Friendships

12:40 Aging and Confidence: WHIPs

26:07 The Reality of Being Single and Childless

42:05 Facing Grief and Public Scrutiny

44:17 Unexpected Hate Mail

45:31 Accusations of Misogyny

46:38 The Struggles of Being Childless

48:48 Hidden Homelessness and Resilience

55:34 Finding Stability and Reframing Life

57:56 Future Aspirations and Success Redefined

01:07:19 Navigating the Dating World

01:10:23 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Follow Bibi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bibilynch/?hl=en

Check out Bibi's website: https://bibilynch.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

Today is Part Four 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 4, I’m talking about reprogramming your beliefs. Your beliefs shape your reality – so if they don’t match your vision, you’ll keep getting the same old results. This episode shows you how to uncover and rewire the beliefs holding you back.

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 Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into the idea of taking up space, something so many of us women have been conditioned not to do.

But the truth is shrinking doesn’t serve us. When we apologise for existing, second-guess what we say, or dim our brilliance, we hide the very magic that makes us who we truly are.

We talk about the subtle, everyday ways this “shrinking” shows up, and how we can start reclaiming our space with confidence and authenticity.

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 absolute force that is Angela Gentile. 

Angela is both single and childfree. She’s an elder millennial, speaker, story teller, disruptor and the host of The Empowered Millennials Podcast. Angela has dedicated her life to helping single and childfree women find their community and empower them to live a life they love.

In our conversation we discuss, among other things, the challenges and nuances of maintaining friendships, the financial realities of single life, and breaking away from societal norms to create a fulfilling, intentional, purposeful life. Angela also tells me about her The Single, Childfree Network, a community that supports women living similar lifestyles. 

03:11 Angela's Journey: Loss and Transformation

05:10 The Power of Dreaming and Self-Discovery

08:20 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

10:50 Living Authentically: Challenges and Growth

22:47 The Role of Anger in Self-Realisation

30:54 Redefining Relationships and Self-Worth

41:13 Choosing Not to Have Kids

44:58 Finding Peace in Singlehood

49:03 Financial Sacrifices and Autonomy

56:13 Navigating Friendships

01:04:24 The Single Child-Free Network

01:12:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelagentile

Follow Angela on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theangelagentile

Join The Single, Childfree Network: https://www.theangelagentile.com/scfnetwork

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

Today is Part Three 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 3, I’m talking about deciding what you want. You can’t get what you want if you don’t know what it is. Here’s how to get crystal clear on your vision so you can start moving towards it with purpose and confidence.

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 Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into the topic of commitment. 

We chat about why committing can feel so hard sometimes, especially when it comes to the promises we quietly make to ourselves.  

And we explore a few simple ways to start moving forward again, gently but meaningfully. Because it's often those small, consistent commitments that help you feel stronger, more grounded, and so much better in your own skin.

Have a listen if you need a little nudge today — or if you’re ready to trade the cycle of complaints for real change. 

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

In this episode of Thrive Solo, my guest is Majo Torreli, a single, childfree somatic coach based in Madrid, who shares her journey of overcoming unhealthy relationship patterns through somatic practices. 

We discuss the significance of connecting with our bodies, the role of somatics in cultivating self-worth and self-love, and practical strategies to manage anxieties in social and dating scenarios. Majo also provides insights into maintaining high vibrational energy and reclaiming agency over one's life, and she invites listeners to engage with somatic practices to transform their relationships and self-perception.

03:45 Majo's Journey to Somatic Coaching

07:56 Understanding Somatic Work

10:21 Practical Somatic Techniques for Single Women

18:29 Navigating New Relationships with Confidence

25:54 Breaking Free from Bad Relationships

34:38 Daily Practices for Groundedness and Self-Connection

37:18 Empowering Single Women Through Somatic Practices

38:27 Cultivating Pleasure and Sexual Energy

44:17 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

47:27 The Power of Energy and Vibrational Frequency

59:21 Understanding and Overcoming Anxious Attachment

01:03:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Grab your FREE somatic session with Majo at: https://www.shesembodied.com/

Follow Majo on TikTok & Instagram: @shesembodied

Get Majo's FREE Manifesting Guide: https://www.shesembodied.com/no-fluff-manifesting-for-the-smart-woman

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

Today 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 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 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 Childlessness

07:20 Personal Stories and Struggles

15:28 Navigating Guilt and Stigma

18:33 Dawn's Personal Journey

27:43 Redefining Fulfillment and Success

31:20 Introduction to Storyhouse Childless Festival

31:45 The Inception and Growth of the Festival

34:15 Festival Activities and Themes

34:51 Diverse Experiences and Intersectionality

36:56 Panel Discussions and Personal Stories

42:36 Navigating Grief and Identity

48:27 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms

57:02 Event Details and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Storyhouse Childless: https://www.storyhouse.com/seasons/storyhouse-childless/

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!