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On this week's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm joined by Verena Brunschweiger, a 45-year-old writer, feminist, and child-free activist from Germany. 

Verena discusses her journey towards embracing a child-free life despite societal pressures, outlining environmental, personal, and feminist reasons for her choice. She also highlights the severe backlash and hate she's received for her activism, especially in conservative regions. Despite this, Verena and I both emphasise the importance of advocating for the child-free lifestyle and feminism. We also discuss Verena's book, 'Do Child-Free People Have Better Sex?' which explores various dimensions of the child-free movement and its benefits. The episode concludes with Verena's thoughts on the best things about being childfree.

03:31 Verena's Journey to Childfree Life

05:42 Environmental Impact of Being Childfree

08:39 Facing Societal Pressure and Backlash

15:41 Right-Wing Politics and Childfree Activism

25:16 Facing Hate and Staying Motivated

28:26 The Importance of Feminism Today

31:29 The Benefits of a Childfree Life

36:04 Dealing with Online Hate

37:51 Exploring the Book: Do Childfree People Have Better Sex?

43:41 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Check out Verena's website: https://verenabrunschweiger.net/english/

Buy Verena's book, Do Childfree People Have Better Sex?: https://lanternpm.org/book/do-childfree-people-have-better-sex/

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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In Part 4 of this mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about emotional stability.

Hope you enjoy it. 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 

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And thank you so much for listening!

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On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about self-worth — the importance of which cannot be overstated.

As Jamie Kern Lima says in her book, Worthy, our self-worth is our ceiling; in other words we will only ever get as far in life as we believe we're worthy of getting.

Unlike self-confidence, self-worth truly is an inside job, and not something we can get from anything outside of ourselves, i.e. a job promotion, a relationship, or a medal. The truth is that we are all inherently worthy, so it's just a question of unlearning all of the subconscious beliefs that have taught us we're not. 

Polly & I talk about our own feelings of self-worth, as well as discussing some practical ways that we can increase our own sense of worthiness.

We really hope you'll find something helpful 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!

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On today's episode of Thrive Solo, I'm talking to the simply wonderful Linzi Bell all about embracing the power of nature, and her incredible travels on foot.

Linzi is a 47-year-old wellness advocate and nature lover who embodies living life on her own terms. Linzi's solo journeys, including her current pilgrimage from Canterbury to the Vatican, underscore the transformative power of nature and self-discovery. Our conversation emphasises the importance of mindset, embracing singlehood, and finding joy in solo adventures. With personal anecdotes about overcoming fears, encountering kindness, and unlocking inner strength, Linzi will inspire you to embrace your solo life, and find fulfillment in your own company.

Linzi has been single for seven and a half years, but has two adult children.

04:46 Lindsay's Journey and Achievements

08:27 The Power of Nature

19:32 Current Adventure: Camino Via Francigena

25:16 Challenges and Reflections

35:40 Encouraging Solo Travel

41:44 Unexpected Encounters on the Trail

44:06 Facing Fear and Finding Strength

47:09 Another Unsettling Experience

56:57 Embracing Singlehood and Self-Love

01:07:33 The Power of Kindness and Trust

01:17:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Check out Linzi's website: https://www.linziwalks.com/

Follow Linzi on Instagram: @linzidbell

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 Part 3 of this mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about a drama-free life.

Hope you enjoy it. 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

On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into the magic that happens outside your comfort zone.

Because when you do something that feels a bit uncomfortable? You’re not just edging closer to your dreams and desires — you’re also giving your confidence a serious boost.

We’re sharing some of our own stories about times we’ve stepped out of our comfort zones and offering a few tips on how you can do the same, in a way that feels doable — not daunting.

We hope there’s something in here for you to take away.

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

On today's episode of 'Thrive Solo,' I'm talking to the wonderful Caroline Goyder, a renowned voice coach and author. Caroline helps people harness the full potential of their body, breath and voice. She’s all about helping you speak with gravitas, confidence, and influence under pressure — even if you've always doubted your ability to hold a room. She studied at Oxford University, and trained as an actor and then a professional voice coach. She’s the author of the best-selling books Gravitas and Find Your Voice, and her TEDx talk, The Surprising Secret To Speaking With Confidence, has had more than 10 million views.

Topics discussed include dealing with awkward questions as a single person, the importance of the vagus nerve, taking risks, overcoming the fear of others' opinions, and the power of finding one's voice. Caroline shares insights from her TEDx talk and her books, offering practical advice on confidence and boundaries. The conversation also explores the benefits of breathwork and the significance of pursuing personal passions to create a fulfilling life.

02:14 Guest Introduction: Caroline Goer

04:41 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

07:58 Dealing with Judgment and Criticism

17:17 The Power of the Vagus Nerve

20:50 Practical Tips for Voice and Confidence

23:59 Embracing Joy and Freedom

24:16 Women Finding Their Voice

25:53 The Power of Passion and Purpose

29:22 Dealing with Regret and Comparison

34:50 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

37:33 Understanding and Embracing Introversion

40:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

LINKS:

Check out Caroline's Substack: https://goyder.substack.com/

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinegoyder/

Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinegoyder/

Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinegoyder

Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caroline.goyder

Watch this video about Caroline: https://www.youtube.com/@carolinegoydervocalcoach

CAROLINE'S FREE COURSES: 

The Gravitas Course: https://courses.carolinegoyder.com/GravitasCourse

Confidence Booster Audio Course: https://carolinegoyder.kartra.com/page/ConfidenceBooster

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 Part 2 of my mini series about the underrated benefits of being single and childfree, I'm talking about lack of compromise. 

Hope you enjoy it. 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

On today's Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are discussing a piece that came out recently in The Telegraph, in which I talk about being happily single and childfree.

The hate I received in the comments has been mind blowing and there are over 1,200 comments.

We hope you'll enjoy our conversation about haters, mindset, and the fear we all have of other people's opinions and judgements.

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, I'm talking to Julie Kellogg, a single, child-free, third-generation dentist and transition coach from the West Coast of the USA.

Julie shares her journey from a traditional upbringing and a seven-year marriage, to embracing her solo lifestyle, including her decision to remove her fallopian tubes at 35. We discuss the pleasures of solo travel, sensual living, financial independence, creativity, and what it means to thrive solo. The episode highlights the importance of living unapologetically and finding joy in solo life.

02:14 Guest Introduction: Meet Julie Kellogg

05:32 Julie's Journey: From Marriage to Singlehood

10:48 Family Reactions and Personal Growth

16:26 Choosing a Child-Free Life

23:18 Living Unapologetically Solo

29:55 Financial Savvy and Creativity in Solo Life

36:37 Empowering Young Women to Live Independently

37:24 Mentoring and Financial Independence

43:34 Solo Travel Experiences and Tips

49:12 Exploring Sensuality and Sexuality

01:00:51 The Joys of Living Alone

01:06:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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!