On the 50th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to introduce Claire McQuillan as our guest. Claire is currently completing a master’s thesis in architecture, where she explores the dynamics of sex work in urban settings. Additionally, she shares her life insights and experiences through a newsletter I follow, alles claire.

During our conversation, Claire reveals her recent realisation that she isn’t an architect despite a decade of studying and working in the field. We delve into the intricate process of letting go of roles or labels we self-identify with, exploring both what helps and hinders us in these experiences.

Claire also shares her journey as a 30-year-old single mother to her teenage son, Sebastian. We discuss the joys and strains of parenting, finding meaning and purpose, and the societal pressures that generally accompany the role of a parent.

Finally, we explore the significance of local neighbourhood community. Claire and I both reside in the same Berlin neighbourhood, and we reflect on the profound impact of a fully connected local community on our lives.

Whether you find yourself grappling with letting go of self-identifications, navigating the complexities of parenting amidst societal pressures, or simply curious about fostering more local community in your life, this episode offers ample food for thought.

Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts.

Contact me at [email protected] to book a free consultation (30 minutes) for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question.

Running Order:

03:25 What is my place in the world?

05:45 The difficulty of stepping away from what we identify with

09:30 The significance of our environment in the choices we make

17:35 Being a mother, finding meaning, purpose, and priorities

26:05 The importance of communication and curiosity in our children

28:45 Reflections on experiences of being a teenage mum

34:45 Giving ourselves grace in parenting in the face of societal pressures

42:18 The importance of open communication and community

45:00 Experiences of loneliness and building community

52:07 The impact of a connected neighbourhood

58:56 What is a good life for Claire?

For further content and information check out the following:

- For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos

- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/

- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/

- Claire's newsletter: https://allesklaire.substack.com/