Podcast · Business

Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life

by Dr. Peter McGraw · English · Business

“Solo - The Single Person's Guide to a Remarkable Life” by Dr. Peter McGraw, seeks to celebrate and destigmatize single living. Welcome to the podcast that explores how being single affords you the freedom to be adventurous, start a business, make art, travel the world, get in shape, or simply sleep

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr 7 min
Latest: 17 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

17 Sep 2026 · 19 min

Solo Thoughts 20: The Things You Own...

What does a man become when divorced from possessions? As Peter McGraw prepares to leave Denver for Bogotá, I discover that getting rid of stuff is the easy part. The harder part is confronting the scarcity, control, and old identity hiding inside it. This Solo Thoughts episode about decluttering, departure, and the difference between managing a move and actually making a transition. Onwards! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E271 · 25 Aug 2026 · 55 min
Q and A with Peter's Soul Sister
Every day is a big day – but some days are bigger than others. For the final recording in the Solo Studio, Peter welcomes back a familiar guest: his soul sister of 22 years, Julie Nirvelli. Before Peter packs up, clears out, and heads to South America for sabbatical, the two sit down for a candid Q&A about friendship, independence, blind spots, and what happens when people who love each other disagree. Prompted by a beautifully messy listener question, Peter and Julie explore sensitive subjects, intellectualizing versus feeling, and the places where autonomy can both serve us and get in our…
E269 · 23 Jul 2026 · 55 min
People Who Shouldn't Have Married (Again)
What if some of history’s most fascinating people didn’t need better marriages — they needed permission not to marry? In this re-release of a fun, historically rich Solo classic, Mary Dahm and Peter McGraw discuss people who probably shouldn’t have married, using figures like Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman to reveal how marriage became the expected escalator into adulthood, respectability, and belonging. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E268 · 2 Jul 2026 · 29 min
Solo Thoughts 19: A-Life vs. B-Life
In this Solo thoughts episode, Peter McGraw introduces the distinction between A-Life and B-Life. A-Life is achievement, optimization, production, and living through goals. B-Life is presence, pleasure, engagement, and doing things for their own sake. Drawing from anxiety, sabbatical planning, retirement, Seneca, and a vintage typewriter, Peter makes the case for shifting the dial from producing a remarkable life to actually living one, Solo or not. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E267 · 16 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
Solo Book Club: The Present Age
Peter McGraw is joined by David Jitendranath for a Solo Book Club episode on Søren Kierkegaard’s The Present Age . They discuss why this slim, difficult book feels eerily modern: a culture of reflection without action, irony without commitment, resentment disguised as equality, and “leveling” as the force that pulls down anyone who dares to stand apart. A conversation about aliveness, deep water, and what it costs to act as an individual in an age of endless commentary. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E266 · 28 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Singles in the Workplace: How Companies Can Better Support Solo Employees
Sarah Brock, the CEO of Sarah Bee Talent , joins Peter McGraw to examine how “family-friendly” workplaces often overlook solo employees. Building on Peter’s recent article in The Conversation, they discuss scheduling, workplace culture, benefits, amatonormativity, and practical ways companies can better support Solos in an era when unmarried adults are reshaping the workforce. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E265 · 7 May 2026 · 1 hr
Aging Single #12: The Wealth Ladder
What does financial freedom look like when you’re climbing solo? Peter McGraw talks with Nick Maggiulli , author of The Wealth Ladder , about the six levels of wealth, what changes at each stage, and how singles can build money—and a remarkable life—on their own. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E264 · 28 Apr 2026 · 52 min
Are You Dead? Going Solo in China
One in four Chinese households is now a single person. Pan Wang , Associate Professor of Chinese and Asian Studies at UNSW Sydney, joins Peter McGraw to talk about the “Are You Dead?” app, one-person hotpot restaurants, date-renting, AI companions, marriage markets, and how TV dating shows reshaped love and marriage in a single generation. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E263 · 7 Apr 2026 · 18 min
Solo Thoughts 18: Welcoming Rough Seas
A high-achieving friend falls in love and suddenly finds himself in rough emotional seas. In this Solo Thoughts episode, Peter McGraw explores why calm, optimized lives can make us successful – but not truly alive – and why passion, uncertainty, and even heartbreak may be the price of a psychologically rich life. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E262 · 24 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
Lessons from the Hurt Business
Heavyweight boxer turned writer Ed Latimore joins Peter McGraw to talk about his new book, Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business —a raw meditation on violence, discipline, ego, addiction, and growth. Onwards! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E261 · 10 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 25 min
The Psychology of Solitude
Alone isn’t lonely. Psychologist Robert Coplan , author of The Joy of Solitude , coined aloneliness—the distress of not getting enough time to yourself. Psychologist Thuy-vy Nguyen , co-author of Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone , discovered the “deactivation effect”—just fifteen minutes alone turns down the volume on your emotions. Peter McGraw talks to them about the science of solitude and answers questions, such as “What actually happens when you sit with yourself? And how much solitude is enough?” The answers might surprise you. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and…
E260 · 28 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Aromanticism (Again)
In this re-released episode, Peter McGraw asks the question, “What if you never felt romantic love – and didn’t need to?” In this eye-opening favorite, Peter sits down with Jessalyn Dean , an aromantic relationship anarchist living a remarkable solo life. They unpack what it means to be aromantic, how Jessalyn got off the relationship escalator, and why autonomy, not romance, is her guiding compass. It’s funny, sharp, and surprisingly relatable – even if you’re not aromantic. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E259 · 12 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 47 min
I Love You, Man (Again)
What happens when two charismatic creatives—and close friends—sit down with Peter McGraw to talk friendship, love, and the Solo movement? This intimate, funny, and thoughtful conversation with Chester See and Darwyn Metzger explores what it means to live remarkably, forge deep male friendships, and question the default path. A fan favorite, this episode returns for a new wave of listeners. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/
E258 · 20 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Sick while Solo
Why are unmarried patients less likely to receive life-saving medical treatments? Peter McGraw talks to professor and author Joan DelFattore about how America’s healthcare system disadvantages those who are single or outside the nuclear family model. From TEDx talks to the New England Journal of Medicine, she’s sounding the alarm on a silent crisis. If you’re Solo—and especially if you live alone—you need to hear this episode. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E257 · 30 Dec 2025 · 52 min
Aging Single #11: Third Acts
Whether you call it a Third Act, third season, or second life, one thing’s clear: middle-age and beyond isn’t the end. It’s a redesign. In this episode, as part of the series on aging, retiring, and dying single, Peter McGraw explores how Solos can turn aging, retirement, and reinvention into their most liberated chapter yet. Joined by Theresa Williamson , a city planner and Solo in her own second life, they unpack how mobility, flexibility, and optionality give Solos an edge—and why a fulfilling Third Act doesn’t require a fat bank account or a partner, just a little creativity (and maybe a…
E256 · 11 Dec 2025 · 13 min
Solo Thoughts 17: Welcome to the Solo Economy
In this Solo Thoughts episode, Peter McGraw talks directly to you about how singles are reshaping work, housing, finance, and community. The rise of single living isn’t a passing fad— it’s a structural shift. Yet our institutions remain stuck in a world built for two. That disconnect is where the Solo Economy sits. Is the world ready? No. Join the movement: petermcgraw.org/solo Interested in workshops or coaching? Reach out. Onwards! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E255 · 25 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
Diverging from the Relationship Escalator (Again)
New to Solo? Start here! This re-release from the early days of the pod covers a concept that comes up again and again—in the podcast and Peter McGraw’s book. The “relationship escalator” is the default path of dating, moving in, marrying, and merging lives. Amy Gahran , who coined the term, joins Peter to break it all down. We explore what the escalator is, why it’s so invisible, and how Solos step off it—through consensual non-monogamy, platonic partnerships, sexual friendships, or simply going Solo. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E254 · 11 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Single at Heart, Singles Bill of Rights, and Singles' Day
It’s 11/11—Singles’ Day—and we’re celebrating Solo style. First, Bella DePaulo returns to talk about her new book Single at Heart , why solo diners are more influential than you think, and what it really means to thrive alone. Then, Christina Campbell (aka CC) joins to unveil the Singles Bill of Rights—a bold call for equality in a world built for two. Onwards! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E253 · 23 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Intimacy Design
Sex educator and psychologist Lisa Dawn Hamilton returns to join Peter McGraw to build on Relationship Design and discuss Intimacy Design—the art of co-creating authentic, adventurous, and consent-forward sexual experiences. From sexual containers to eager consent, they explore how to make intimacy safer, hotter, and more intentional. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E252 · 7 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Lucy Meggeson is Thriving Solo
Peter McGraw talks with Lucy Meggeson —host of Thrive Solo and author of a new book Shiny Happy Singles (UK) / Thrive Solo (US)—about embracing single, child-free living as a path to freedom, joy, and reinvention. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E251 · 23 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 36 min
Rewind & Reflect: What Makes a Life Remarkable?
In this re-release of a popular early episode, Peter McGraw talks to guests Jill Cohen and Julie Nirvelli about what it means to live a remarkable life. They explore how to break away from societal expectations and design a life that aligns with your values. The conversation touches on autonomy, identity, and the joys – and challenges – of living remarkably as a Solo. If you are interested in how Peter’s thoughts have evolved on the subject of living remarkably, check out the later chapters of his Solo book to learn about the Foundation-Flourish model of well-being. Onwards! Love the show?…
E250 · 9 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Episode 250: Looking Forward and Looking Back
In this milestone episode, Peter McGraw reunites with fan-favorite Julie Nirvelli to reflect on 250 episodes of Solo and the rise of the Solo movement. Together, they look back on how far we've come, celebrate the viral success of the TEDx talk Stop Telling People to Get Married, and look ahead to what’s next for a world built for one. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E249 · 26 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 46 min
Waiting (Again)
What does it mean to wait—especially as a single person? In this re-release, Peter McGraw is joined by guest co-host Iris Schneider, a fellow Solo and behavioral scientist, to talk with sociologist Kinneret Lahad about the overlooked power of time in singlehood. They explore how the relationship escalator shapes our perceptions of time and adulthood—particularly for women, who are often left waiting hopefully... or hopelessly. They also discuss how waiting can strip people of power, and why having a family is so often equated with moral virtue. Plus, they ask a big question: If becoming an…
E248 · 12 Aug 2025 · 59 min
Defending Relationship Ideology
Why do so many people defend marriage like it is sacred – even when the data does not back it up. In this provocative episode, Peter McGraw talks to Martin Day about his paper on people’s committed relationship ideology – the belief system that says romantic partnership is the key to happiness, status, and success. With special guest co-host Iris Schneider, they explore how these beliefs are less about love and more about control and comfort in a chaotic world. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E247 · 22 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Dignity
What if your life was built around dignity – not just yours, but everyone’s? In this episode, behavioral scientist and proud Solo Cait Lamberton joins Peter McGraw to unpack how dignity shapes Solo living, partnered life, and everything in between. They explore what dignity really means (hint: it’s not just self-esteem or being nice), the everyday moments we affirm or violate it, and how to design a life rooted in clarity, voice, fairness, and ownership. Onwards! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E246 · 1 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Three Single Women Put Peter on the Hot Seat!
Peter McGraw takes the hot seat on the Three Single Women podcast to celebrate their 6-month anniversary—and (boldly) speak for all men. This crossover episode dives into masculinity, femininity, dating, and personal growth. ✨ Special announcement: Peter’s new eBook on aging sexy is coming soon. Learn more and join the Solo community at petermcgraw.org/solo Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E245 · 17 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Masculinity and Manhood
Masculinity and Manhood: What are they, what are they not, and where we’re headed? To answer these questions, Peter McGraw is joined by two friends from a recent Men’s Wellness Day for a thoughtful (and fun) conversation on strength, vulnerability, relationships, femininity, and the state of manhood and masculinity. You can find bonus content about male role models and learn about the new Aging Sexy eBook at petermcgraw.org/solo . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E244 · 3 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
A Rich Remarkable Life (Again)
In this re-release of a thought-provoking episode, Peter McGraw is joined by Dr. Erin Westgate for a lively exploration of what it means to live a psychologically rich life. Moving beyond the usual narratives of happiness and meaning, this episode introduces a third path—one filled with novelty, complexity, and perspective-changing experiences. From solo travel to one-way tickets, Peter and Erin unpack how embracing uncertainty and pursuing the unconventional can lead to a more remarkable life. With so many new members joining the Solo community, this conversation is well worth revisiting.…
E243 · 20 May 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Meditations For (Single) Mortals
What if the key to a remarkable life isn’t doing more—but doing less, better? In this episode, Peter McGraw welcomes author Oliver Burkeman to explore themes from his latest book Meditations for Mortals . They dive into the beauty of limits, the folly of perfectionism, and why embracing imperfection might be the most productive thing you can do. Tune in for kayak metaphors, scruffy hospitality, and practical wisdom for the Solo life. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
E242 · 6 May 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Did The Covid Pandemic Fuel The Solo Movement?
Peter McGraw is joined by Mary Dahm and Shane Mauss to reflect on how the pandemic disrupted everything—and unexpectedly liberated Solos. From lockdown revelations to pandemic breakups, we explore how COVID accelerated a shift toward independence, self-reliance, and living a life off the relationship escalator. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo

About Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life

Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life is a English business podcast from Dr. Peter McGraw. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Dr. Peter McGraw
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr 7 min
Latest episode: 17 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1493565823

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