Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life (Dr. Peter McGraw)

This is the first of a two-part episode that features a conversation with two creative men who love each other. Peter McGraw talks to Chester See and Darwyn Metzger about the SOLO project, well-being, friendship, and love among friends.

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Peter McGraw invites Jill Cohen, a remarkable solo and frequent contributor to the podcast, back into the Solo Studio. They play "Truth or Truth," where they ask each other questions about single living and pursuing a remarkable life. 

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Peter McGraw plays Truth or Truth with Pip Brown, the host of One Single Woman podcast.

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Host Peter McGraw returns to the desert to update his thinking on what it means to be solo versus single.

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Peter McGraw speaks to Awais Spall about what the gut is and why it is important to physical and mental health and addresses some of the ways to improve their gut health.

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There are many ways to live remarkably. One way is to have more positive emotions daily; when done well, sex creates many positive emotions. Because sexually-active singles have more sexual partners than partnered people, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of greater concern for singles. Fear, misinformation, and stigma keep some singles from experiencing the joys of sex. Peter McGraw invites Jill Cohen and Greg Burns into the Solo Studio to discuss the risks and rewards of sex and best practices for testing, treatment, and disclosure of STIs.

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While the topic of parenthood comes up from time to time, it is often from the perspective that solos are typically not parents. In this week's episode, however, Peter McGraw talks to two solo parents – one who is a single mother by choice and the other who had an “oopsie.” You will hear their stories, discover how their “team” helps them, and also learn a bit about how they go about dating (or not).  

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Peter McGraw talks to Kinneret Lahad and Iris Schneider about the substantial costs that singles pay, subsidizing and supporting couples with gifts and attendance at weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, baptisms, and gender reveal parties. Lahad is the co-author of a paper that investigates single women as exhausted givers and careful complainers—complaining about the asymmetry that comes from what used to be a tradition: I support you when you get married, and you support me when I get married. That was fine when everyone got married, but what happens when a substantial number of people remain single, and there is no opportunity for reciprocity? 

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As part of a live taping for the Solo club on clubhouse, Peter McGraw speaks to Ketan Anjaria, a divorced dad and young empty nester. They have a wide-reaching conversation covering dating and race, mental health, and Ketan's struggles spending time alone. Make sure you stick around to learn his "sixth love language."

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Welcome to the final episode of Peter McGraw's series on solitude. He invites two solo travelers – one part-time and one full-time – to a live podcast taping for his Solo club on Clubhouse. Topics include their experiences traveling alone, how they meet people on the road, and how they walk a city alone (i.e., flaneuring). They present tips for packing, safety, and saving money. They close the conversation with an important solo travel question: what do you do when a couple asks you to move seats on an airplane so they can sit together?

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Living a remarkable life should be fun, but it takes work. This episode is on the more serious side. Money Amy returns (from episode seven) to address the financial distress that some listeners are experiencing due to the pandemic. Peter McGraw and Amy talk about tactics to get your financial house in order (and your house in order, more generally). A few things to be ready for: 1) you are going to need to dedicate some real time to figuring out your financial situation, 2) you will need to make sacrifices – in other words, you must learn to stop spending money on things that are not truly important, and 3) you may have to make big changes to your housing situation – maybe even get rid of your car. If you stick around to the end, Peter gives a few book recommendations and make a case for the opportunity to build a better financial future and to pivot your career and maybe start a side hustle that could become a new business.

Note: This episode was taped prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet it seems especially fitting as the pandemic is causing people to re-evaluate their lives.

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Academic, author, and happy solo, Federico Castigliano, joins Peter McGraw to discuss Federico's book, Flâneur: The Art of Wandering the Streets of Paris. A flâneur practices wandering without destination in order to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the cityscape. Peter and Federico discuss the origins of the flâneur, some best practice for flâneuring, and – like many of the topics on Solo - how the flâneur is unconventional and typically operates solo. They conclude by discussing some of their favorite cities to wander without aim. 

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In the first part of this two-part series, Peter McGraw talks to Martie Haselton, a scientist who specializes in evolutionary psychology and Shane Mauss, a comic who has material about dating and mating from an evolutionary perspective. The guests present a primer on evolutionary psychology, and they have a far-ranging conversation covering topics from how the modern mind has not adapted to the invention of birth control, to why children may be viewed as parasites, to the puzzles that evolutionary psychology struggles to answer. They also explore the tension between a solo lifestyle, people’s evolutionary motives, and a culture shaped by ancestral desires.

Note: This episode was taped prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet it seems especially fitting as the pandemic is causing people to re-evaluate their lives.

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Peter McGraw recently appeared on Lisa Dawn Hamilton’s podcast, Do We Know Things. A member of the Solo community suggested the episode would be a good primer for people new to the Solo movement. Here is that conversation for new listeners to help bring them up to speed on statistics, definitions, and Peter’s perspectives on single living–and going Solo.

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To most people, pain and injury are synonymous. This week’s episode questions that assumption. Host, Peter McGraw, talks to physical therapist and creator of the Merrill Method, Charlie Merrill, about his radical new perspective on thinking about pain. They talk about a wide array of topics, including the difference between pain and injury, the pursuit of joyful activities, and the potential benefits of sprinting. If you stick around to the bonus material at the end, Peter and Charlie talk about working out to look good naked.

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Are you a lone wolf? Live from the HiFi Homestead, Peter McGraw is joined by his good friend—comedian, science communicator, and self-professed lone wolf—Shane Mauss, for a deep dive into solitude, survival, and the myths we tell about ourselves.

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Peter McGraw hosts a “Truth or Truth” conversation with Suzette Smith, where they ask each other questions about being single and living a remarkable life as a Solo.

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Peter McGraw invites a breakup coach and host of Breakups, Broken Hearts, and Moving On into the Solo Studio to play Truth or Truth. Janice Formichella and Peter have a delightful conversation, discussing topics such as the "no contact" rule, overcoming loneliness, and being single during the holiday.

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Peter McGraw welcomes Jessalyn Dean into the Solo Studio to discuss Relationship Design. Peter defines relationship design as the process by which two or more people intentionally engage in co-creating a customized relationship, in which all parties agree on the rules and regularly revisit the agreement, revising as necessary.

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This is the first of two episodes with Amy Gahran, the author of Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator: Uncommon Love and Life. Amy joins Peter McGraw to talk about what it means to ride the relationship escalator – the difficult obligations it entails yet privileges it also creates. Peter and Amy discuss what it means to step off the escalator into an unconventional relationship, which can be stigmatized yet opens opportunities for a remarkable life. They also discuss how relationships success should be defined, the difference between consensual non-monogamy and polyamory, and why “sexual friendships” is a better term than “friends with benefits.” Amy will return in a subsequent episode to talk more deeply about solo living as an alternative to the relationship escalator.

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One hundred and fifty episodes and nearly three years into the Solo podcast, Peter McGraw invites Kym Terribile and Julie Nirvelli back into the Solo Studio to talk about the podcast's progress.

They discuss Peter's successes and weaknesses, as they look backward, forward, and inward regarding the podcast and the solo movement more generally. 

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Do you have a friendship that is more important than your romantic relationship? In this episode, Peter McGraw is joined by Rhaina Cohen, a writer and NPR producer, to talk about her emerging work on friendship. They discuss how some people are elevating the status of a friendship to the level of exclusive romantic relationships. Notably, Rhaina notes the lack of good role models for this style of relationships, and thus people rely on fictional relationships (e.g., Golden Girls) as inspiration. They also discuss the challenges some men have with loneliness due to a lack of friends. They conclude their conversation with tips for making, maintaining, and ending relationships.

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This is the second half of a two-part episode. Peter McGraw is joined by co-host Iris Schneider( a fellow solo and behavioral scientist) to talk to Kinneret Lahad, a sociologist who does research at the intersection of time and singlehood. It’s an incredible conversation. One that has Peter thinking differently about living single and living well.

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Peter McGraw speaks to Ari Engelberg about the growing number of singles (i.e., "late singlehood") in Religious Zionism. Ari shares insights from his new book, Singlehood and Religion: The Case of Israeli Religious Zionist Singles.

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On occasion, Peter features rebellious singles on Solo. In this episode, he talks to one of his favorite, frequent guests about celebrities who are unapologetically unattached. Some names will be familiar, and others won’t – but they all have interesting perspectives.

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Kris Marsh returns to Solo to talk to Peter McGraw about 1) her research on how singles are not a monolithic group, 2) the reaction to her new book, The Love Jones Cohort, and 3) advice for Peter about dealing with the "haters" who will surface with the launch of his book, Solo-Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own. 

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Peter McGraw is joined by guest co-host Iris Schneider for part 1 of a conversation about “waiting” with Kinneret Lahad, a sociologist who conducts research at the intersection of time and singlehood.

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This week, we celebrate the 50th episode of Solo. To do so, Peter McGraw invites back Julie Nirvelli and Kym Terribile, who joined him on Episode 1 – an Introduction to Solo. He starts by presenting how far the project has come, from its exponential listener growth, fueled by listener word of mouth, to the new Instagram account @unapologetically_unattached. They revisit the themes he set out for the podcast, discuss their favorite episodes, and talk about where the project is headed.

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Peter McGraw continues his series on solitude with a conversation with Sasha Cagen, the founder of the QuirkyAlone movement. A QuirkyAlone is someone who enjoys being single (but is not opposed to being in a relationship) and generally prefers to be alone rather than dating for the sake of being in a couple. Does that sound like you? They discuss the origins of the term, its evolution, and how the media landscape represents singles. If you stick around to the end, you will learn about one of Sasha’s favorite QuirkyAlones.

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Suddenly the world seems to be filled with narcissists, and a bunch of everyday people is diagnosing their exes and bosses as such. What is going on? To explore this topic, Peter McGraw speaks to Anthony Hermann, a psychology professor at Bradley University and co-editor of the book "The Handbook of Trait Narcissism: Key Advances, Research Methods, and Controversies."

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In this episode in the series on aging, retiring and dying single, Peter McGraw dives into the world of early retirement with Pete Adeney, aka Mr. Money Mustache, and Jessalyn Dean. They tackle the unique challenges and perks of achieving Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) as a single person. Discover how Solos can navigate life's big financial decisions alone, find purpose, and embrace the freedom of early retirement.

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This is the final episode in a three-part series that looks at various forms of shared living. The first featured a fun discussion about the Golden Girls. The second examined alternative forms of housing beyond the typical: apartment, condo, townhouse, and house. Frequent listeners know that Solo's host Peter McGraw believes that the American Dream of owning a home is overrated.

Nonetheless, he invites Michael Koenig, the President and Co-founder of Studio Shed, and guest co-host Darlene Savoy to examine an innovative product that solos can use as a way to achieve homeownership (or could be used for a business or investment opportunity). Creating products, such as Studio Shed, that can be used for shared living is especially important when considering the challenges facing multigenerational living (which often includes solos, e.g., a grandparent). 

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This is the second episode in a series that examines reinventing yourself as a single person. Peter McGraw talks to Kimmy Seltzer, a professional who helps people develop confidence and charisma. Kimmy takes an "outside-in" approach, where she helps people improve their look first and then move onto more social, emotional, and psychological issues. In particular, look out for her "Red Dress moment."

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One of the benefits of being solo is optionality. You can do more with your life than the standard Monday through Friday 9-to-5 (or these days 8-to-6). This week’s episode explores an intriguing idea: give up your residence and head out on the road to live and work. The rise of the digital nomad lifestyle has been fueled by the rise of remote work, Airbnb, and other technological advances. Peter McGraw is joined by a digital nomad, Jesse Thomas, and a return guest, Lisa Slavid, to give you an initial glimpse into this exciting yet challenging lifestyle.

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Do you have aging parents? This week’s guest, Leighann Lord, is a stand-up comic and solo caregiver for elderly parents. Peter McGraw and Leighann discuss the challenges of being a caregiver and how those responsibilities are often taken up by people who are not married with children. Leighann gives tips for caregivers, and they finish by discussing some ways to begin prepping for getting older yourself.

Note: This episode was taped prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet it seems especially fitting as the pandemic is causing people to re-evaluate their lives.

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In the third installment in a series on the invention of marriage and cooperation, Peter McGraw speaks to Hillary Anger Elfenbein about something that makes cooperation more or less effective: emotional intelligence.

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Having financial freedom is important to solos given their often-single status. Amy Gibb, aka Money Amy, returns to talk about tactics to help you save money – something especially important given recent economic events.

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Welcome back to another episode of "Aging Single," where Peter McGraw explores the intricacies of aging, retiring, and dying solo. This time, in episode three, he is focused on the critical topics of finances and estate planning, an essential discussion for singles navigating their later years independently. Peter is joined by two guests: Louisa M. Ritsick from Ritsick Law LLC, a seasoned lawyer specializing in estate and tax planning, and Kirsten Hollander, a certified financial planner with a wealth of experience in helping clients achieve financial independence. Together, they share their expertise on overcoming the unique financial and legal challenges faced by aging singles.

This episode is part of a mini-series designed to look at reinvention (i.e., making your single life more remarkable). Peter McGraw welcomes Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist and author, to talk about Scott's revision of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Scott debunks some of the mythology around the hierarchy, including that Maslow never drew the pyramid that many of you are so familiar with. Keep an ear out for the moment Scott opens up about his singleness and the opportunity it provides him to "date" many ideas, hence the title of this episode.

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Peter McGraw continues the series on conventional and unconventional relationships with Part 2 of a compelling conversation with Amy Gahran, the creator of the “Relationship Escalator.” Amy and Peter pick up their discussion on the hallmarks of the relationship escalator with sexual and romantic connections, and explore ways that people deviate from that and other criteria. If you stick to the end, Amy presents some tips if you are interested in exploring how to step off the relationship escalator. 

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Peter McGraw often talks about how half of the American singles are not interested in a relationship or dating. In other words: it is totally normal to want to date OR to not want to date. In this episode, he speaks to the person who is responsible for these data: Anna Brown, a research associate at the Pew Research Center, as non-partisan, non-advocacy, non-profit. Anna presents some facts, and Peter does some editorializing.

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Peter McGraw welcomes Clover Sharpe and Paul Shirley into the Solo Studio to discuss the intriguing concept of the "Five Wells" of Leadership, introduced by the scholar and former President of Morehouse College, Robert M. Franklin Jr. Dr. Franklin's "Five Wells" illuminate the attributes of an ideal graduate, a polymath: Well-Read, Well-Spoken, Well-Dressed, Well-Traveled, and Well-Balanced. If you want to talk about this episode with other proud Solos, please sign up for the Solo community at: https://petermcgraw.org/solo/ 

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In this episode, Peter McGraw invites two guests to tackle the complex and emotionally charged topic of family estrangement, as requested by several members of the Solo community (sign up at https://petermcgraw.org/solo/). To delve into this important subject, Peter is joined by Dr. Kristina Scharp, who brings her research expertise on the topic to the conversation. They are joined by guest co-host Janice Formacella, who brings her unique perspective and experience in helping individuals navigate difficult relationships add depth and nuance to the discussion.

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In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to David Jay, an asexuality activist, about what it means to be asexual. They discuss the prevalence of asexuality in the population, as well as their shared perspective about the importance of being connected to a wide array of people. If you stick around to the end, they recap by defining terms that are often overlooked when talking about people’s sexual and romantic preferences. Note: Peter is still in the desert and dealing with less than ideal equipment. Please be patient with the sound quality.

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Peter McGraw recently appeared on Savage Love. In this episode, Peter continues the conversation with writer, journalist, and activist Dan Savage for a bold, unfiltered discussion of the Solo Movement. Dan, known for his direct approach to discussing sexuality and relationships, provides valuable insights that have been essential to the Solo project. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond the pod's usual "PG-16" rating.

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Welcome to an early look at an essay that Peter McGraw has been working on about how to live a more engaged life in the face of boredom or anxiety. Using a bullfighting metaphor, he presents ways you can identify “bulls” in your life and dance with them with proficiency and panache. After he finishes sharing his thoughts, Iris Schneider joins him for a brief discussion of the idea. You too can share your thoughts as part of the Solo community, which you can sign up for at petermcgraw.org/solo. Finally, McGraw’s latest book is now available for pre-order: Search Amazon for Solo: Breaking the Rules in a World Built for Two.

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In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to Dr. Kris Marsh, a sociologist who researches alternative paths to becoming middle-class for Black Americans. She identifies a group that goes against the assumption that marriage is the path to middle-class living, and she invented a new term SaLA to describe this group: Single and Living Alone. They discuss how TV and Film shed light on this trend before academics noticed it. Hence the title of this episode, The Love Jones Cohort, which is a reference to the 1997 film Love Jones. In particular, Kris helps Peter clarify his thinking about how to think about singlism relative to the other isms, such as racism and sexism – something that came up in Episode 45 Not Lonely. Onely. Most importantly, Kris presents her brilliant response to the question, "Why aren't you married?" That insight alone makes this episode worth listening to.

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Compared to research on married people, there is little being done to investigate the well-being of single people. Fortunately, Geoff MacDonald, a social psychologist at the University of Toronto has turned his attention to examining singlehood. Peter McGraw is joined by guest co-host Iris Schneider to discuss Geoff’s recent academic paper that investigates predictors of life satisfaction for singles. The conversation will help you understand why you are coping or thriving as a single person.

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Peter McGraw invites Meghan Daum into the Solo Studio to discuss her work creating a space for women to discuss challenging ideas and personal truths that go against the grain. As part of their conversation, Meghan discusses how women are beginning to speak out about an emerging crises of men and boys--one that is affecting women's dating and mating prospects.

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Polyamory is an increasingly popular type of unconventional relationship. Solo polyamory is a variant for people who don't want to merge their lives with a romantic partner (or partners). Peter McGraw brings two polyamorists—Amy Gahran and Laura Grant—Into the solo studio to discuss solo polyamory, its best practices, and challenges.  

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Are you a “success addict”? Probably not, but it is okay if you are. In this episode, Peter McGraw discusses the good, bad, and ugly of a recent article in The Atlantic about “How to Build a Life.”

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In this Solo episode, Peter McGraw welcomes comedian Myq Kaplan, known for his appearances on the Tonight Show, Conan, and America's Got Talent. They dive into a lively game of Truth or Truth, discussing the lone wolf nature of stand-up comedians, the prevalence of single scientists, and strong solo characters in media. What do you think? Join the Solo community and share your thoughts: https://petermcgraw.org/solo/

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Are you thinking of looking for a therapist? With the corona pandemic and the social and economic problems, it is causing, this is an especially good time to get started. This episode looks at the types of therapy and tactics and resources you can use as you begin to find a therapist. Good luck!

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In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to Steve Ainslie, a remarkable Solo, about how Steve put his life back together after losing his wife.

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This week's episode features a remarkable single, Gala Darling. Gala is a “for now” single who is unapologetic about how she lives her life (so get ready for some F-bombs). A speaker, author, and coach, she helps women live their best lives through radical self-love.

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Peter McGraw reflects on the question, “Are you the hero in your life’s story?” After announcing a more spontaneous podcast release schedule, Peter dives into the idea of being the active protagonist in one’s life. Using the Hero’s Journey and Virgin’s Promise as frameworks, he unpacks the ways we can break free from domestication—society’s “rules” that hold us back from pursuing our dreams.

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Stephanie McHugh a Denver-based comedian, returns as a guest co-host to join Peter McGraw in conversation with her friend James Warner. James is a remarkable Solo who, for his 40th birthday, participated in a stand-up comedy and bodybuilding competition in the same year.

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Peter McGraw kicks off a series on solitude with a scientific look at the topic. In this episode, he speaks to Robert Coplan, a psychologist working at the leading edge of this complex, fascinating topic. They discuss the problem of loneliness, but also cover the opposite problem: being alonely. Aloneliness is the stress that people feel when they don’t get enough alone time. Peter and Robert also talk about the solo's freedom to pursue solitude and how solitude leaves them unencumbered to pursue vast benefits: personal growth, rejuvenation, reflection, and creative pursuits. 

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We continue the Solo series on aging, retiring, and dying Solo with a look at expat living as a remarkable opportunity for singles. Kathleen Peddicord, a leading expert on living, investing, and retiring abroad, joins Peter McGraw to discuss the unique opportunities for singles to pursue a global lifestyle. With over 30 years of experience and having traveled to more than 75 countries, Kathleen shares insights about retiring abroad. The conversation explores financial considerations, social connections, and overcoming challenges to create a thriving life abroad—one uniquely suited for singles seeking adventure and personal growth.

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Who is to say that there is one right way to go about dating? In this episode, Peter sits down with Josh Gray-Emmer, CEO of BRIDGE, and new guest co-host, Lily Rains. Together, they talk about Josh’s atypical approach to dating and sex, in which he dates friends and sleeps with strangers. They also discuss what makes a good friend versus an acquaintance, and present tips for developing friendships and building a community. Getting philosophical, Peter presents a mini-lesson about how friendships can be superior to romantic partnerships—an idea as espoused by the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. If you stick around to the end, Peter reports on people’s reaction to the launch of the podcast. The three of them also answer a couple of listener questions and reveal what they do on Valentine’s Day.

Peter McGraw shares his thoughts, solo, about an experiment he is conducting with his life. What do you think? Join the Solo community and share your thoughts: https://petermcgraw.org/solo/

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Peter McGraw is joined by two cyclists (and friends) for an impromptu episode on cycling. Bikes are associated with autonomy and adventure--the same ideals that differentiate solos from singles.

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 Peter (age 53) has a conversation with Daniel (age 23) about sex, dating, and what it means to be a man.

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Paul Farahvar, the host of the Singles Only podcast, and Julie Nirvelli, a frequent co-host of Solo, join Peter McGraw in the Solo Studio to talk about what they have learned hosting podcasts for proud singles.

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More than one in four households in the US have one occupant, a number is as high as one in two in Stockholm. That’s a lot of cooking being done…alone. Hence, Peter McGraw is pleased to deliver this fun, even inspirational episode on solo cooking.

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Once you have a healthy life as a foundation, how should you start to think about your remarkable solo life? Welcome to the second installment of Peter McGraw’s attempt to present his ideas minus a guest. In this episode, he talks about creation and consumption, “tidying up,” and the many paths to a good life.

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Peter McGraw celebrates the 100^th episode of Solo by inviting back two friends who joined him on episode 1 and episode 50. They discuss what they have learned from the podcast: 1) Recognizing the promise of non-traditional relationships, 2) How to behave when dating, and 3) Living unapologetically.

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Peter McGraw speaks to Mary Delia Allen about her book Enjoy Your Solo.

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Peter McGraw loves to tidy up. He invites Suzette Smith, a professional organizer with ten years of experience, into the studio to discuss Marie Kondo, motivations to tidy, and best practices and pitfalls. Suzette is the owner of White Space and is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and A proud Solo. She enjoys swing dancing, motorcycle riding, and spending time with her 21 nieces and nephews.

Bonus material is available to the Solo community. Sign up to listen at: https://petermcgraw.org/solo/

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Peter McGraw doesn't talk much about his life as a business school professor, but in this episode, he speaks to Amanda Kramer in his role as a professor and advocate for singles. This taping is part of the Leeds Business Insights podcast at the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business. They discuss familiar topics, but most of the conversation focuses on how organizations overlook singles from marketing and talent management standpoints.

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Peter McGraw welcomes Kris Marsh, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, to discuss being single during the holidays – specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Peter McGraw concludes his mini-series on conventional and unconventional relationships with a “rerun” of a previous episode with Vicki Larson, an author of a book that presents models of less traditional forms of marriage.

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This episode of Solo is also being published as part of Peter McGraw’s other podcast called I’M NOT JOKING, a podcast that looks at the lives of funny people. Peter’s guest is a comedy writer, producer, and author of a very funny memoir “What I was doing while you were breeding.” They talk about a wide range of fun topics including, advice for solo travelers and how to pick friends to travel with. How travelling lets you try out different personas. They explore the value of authenticity and honesty in order to craft a good story. And she tells me the times of the year that her book sales spike.

Peter McGraw's new book (Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own) is about to come out. To talk about it and reflect on Solo's episode, he invites two familiar voices into the Solo Studio to talk about the Solo Movement. Join the conversation at: https://petermcgraw.org/solo

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Lisa Slavid returns as a guest co-host and introduces her friend, Annalyn Cruz, to discuss Annalyn’s journey off the relationship escalator and into her life as a remarkable single. In particular, keep an ear out for something that has not been talked about enough on the podcast: How to have a conversation about living your best life as a single with people who subscribe to a more conventional approach to life and relationships. For fun, the group concludes by sharing the message they would give our younger selves – if they could.

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Join Peter McGraw, fresh off his TEDxBoulder talk “Stop Telling Single People to Get Married,” as he sits down with Mary Dahm in the Solo Studio. They preview the talk, explore the process of crafting and delivering it, and share behind-the-scenes insights, including the challenges of speaking to a large, live audience.

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The world often treats single living as liminal and less than, but not the hit television show Sex and the City. In this episode of Solo, Peter McGraw invites Mary Dahm into the Solo Studio to discuss the cultural implications of this critically-acclaimed show. They discuss Sex and the City’s importance in creating an alternative narrative about single living and female sexual positivity. Bonus material is back, which you can access by signing up at PeterMcGraw.org/solo. Mary and Peter discuss how New York City is an ideal setting for a show like Sex and the City which features four single women.

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How do you embrace romance while living a solo life? In this episode, Peter McGraw is joined by two special guests who crave romance without compromising their independence. They discuss navigating the complexities of love and dating, balancing autonomy with romantic desire and rethinking traditional relationship models. What do you think? Join the Solo community and let us know: https://petermcgraw.org/solo/

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Peter McGraw talks to you about depopulation, its potential costs to humanity, and whether singles and others who don’t have children might be to blame.

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Peter McGraw invites back his good friend, Julie Nirvelli, to kick off a mini-series on how to make remarkable friends. They define what a friend is and what makes one remarkable. They also discuss some tips on how to make and maintain friends--including when to move fast and when to move slow. 

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Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT and Bard, have burst on the scenes. Peter McGraw brings Jamie Indigo and Rick Ramos (a member of the Solo community; petermcgraw.org/solo to sign up) into the Solo Studio to talk about the AI revolution.

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Peter McGraw hosts the second episode of a three-episode series that examines Singles in the Marketplace. He talks to Julie Nirvelli about Selling to Singles. They each present three ideas related to the topic, and Julie shares very exciting news about her solo-inspired small business that she is launching. As always, thank you for spreading the word – and if you want to get involved in the conversation, please apply to join the Solo Slack channel on the solo page of Petermcgraw.org.

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In this episode, Peter McGraw and his guest co-host talks to a singles advocate about the differential benefits that married people receive over single people. They discuss common anti-singles rhetoric and how the questions that singles are asked typically fail simple tests of logic. Recognizing the prejudice against singles is largely overlooked or even accepted, they also talk about ways that non-singles can support their single friends and family members. This week's bonus material reveals a remarkable single from the 1800s--which highlights how far solos have come.

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How are you using your quarantine? This episode was scheduled in haste after Peter McGraw received an uplifting email from a friend and SOLO listener who is using the quarantine to “sharpen his sword.” Peter’s guest talks about his nearly 60 30-day challenges and how they make him fulfilled but difficult to date.

Note: This episode was taped prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet it seems especially fitting as the pandemic is causing people to re-evaluate their lives.

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Welcome to the first episode of Solo, where Peter McGraw speaks to two friends. Julie Nirvelli and Kym Terrible–both enjoying their solo lives. They discuss my proposed themes for the project, how the podcast is pro-single but not anti-marriage, how future episodes will address more than dating and sex, why the ideal solo listener is seeking to live on their edge, and how Peter will be building a solo community. Julie and Kym ask me some challenging questions about Peter’s life. They address the need for self-care and living with intention, and they discuss how single people should be building a team. The bonus material at the end of the episode looks at the good, bad, and ugly labels that the world uses to describe single men and women.

Friendship is essential to a remarkable life. Peter McGraw believes it is time to elevate friendship, and in that vein, he invites Marisa Franco to talk about the topic. Marisa is the New York Times bestselling author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends.

What do you think of the conversation? Join the Solo community and let Peter know: https://petermcgraw.org/solo/.

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This week's episode continues our investigation of solitude. Peter McGraw speaks to a friend and remarkable single, Christina Martinez, about how she spends her alone time. They discuss her “Old man activities,” which include restoring a vintage van – an endeavor that has connected her to a new community and friends. They give encouragement and present best practices for people who want to cook alone, dine alone, and go to the movies alone. 

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This episode continues Peter McGraw’s exploration of marriage and its alternatives. He speaks to Vicki Larson, an author of a book that presents models of less traditional forms of marriage.

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In his second installment of a series on homebodies, Peter McGraw talks to Gretchen Rubin - the magpie of happiness - about creating a better home base. They discuss her book Happier at Home, and she dishes out some helpful, non-intuitive ideas about creating a more welcoming home for yourself and others. 

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Peter McGraw speaks to Diana Adams, the founder of the Chosen Family Law Center, Inc. and boutique LGBTQ family law and mediation firm Diana Adams Law & Mediation, PLLC. Both organizations serve primarily same-sex couples and non-nuclear families. Diana’s incredible TED talk "Why US laws must expand beyond the nuclear family" serves as the basis for the conversation. They suggest that, although the nuclear family model may no longer be the norm in the US. It's still the basis for social and economic benefits like health care, tax breaks, and citizenship. Diana contends that all families, regardless of biological relationship or legal marriage, are deserving of equal legal rights and recognition. Peter and Diana have a wide-ranging conversation that includes how Solos are affected by these laws – and present a call to action for aging Solos.

Tune in to the “Solo Book Club: Minimizing Marriage” podcast here:

https://petermcgraw.org/solo-book-club-minimizing-marriage/

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The first of a three-part series that looks at singles in the marketplace, this episode examines the rise of singles. Peter invites a return guest, sociologist and demographer Kris Marsh, to talk about the demographic and cultural changes behind the steep rise of singles and singles living alone – not only in the US, but abroad. They conclude by discussing the implications of these changes for a future that looks bright for people who want to live single and live well.

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One question that often comes up for the life-long single is, "But who will take care of you when you are old?" This episode begins a series on aging, retiring, and dying solo. Topics will include the future of aging, estate planning, longevity, navigating end of life, and making aging sexy. Episodes will be released on the first Thursday of the month. In this episode, which begins the series, Jessalyn Dean joins Peter McGraw in the Solo Studio to talk about the series, raise questions, brainstorm topics, and share perspectives. If you want to request topics or raise questions, you can do so as part of the Solo community: https://petermcgraw.org/solo

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Living single provides both financial risks and opportunities. In this episode, Peter talks to his financial planner about steps to financial freedom. They discuss how buying a house is over-prescribed and often an optional step for the solo person. They also talk about special financial considerations for singles, why credit card consolidators are often a scam, how you need a fee-only financial planner, and at some point, you may need to suck it up and wash dishes by hand. At the end of the podcast, there is some bonus material where Peter debunks an article that makes a fallacious case for the financial benefits of marriage.

In the second episode on the series on aging, retiring, and dying single, Peter McGraw talks to William J. Kole (aka Bill Kole), author of "THE BIG 100: The New World of Super-Aging." Kole shares insights from his extensive research on the phenomenon of people living to 100 and beyond, discussing the implications for society, relationships, and personal well-being. They explore the factors contributing to longer lifespans, the pros and cons of a super-aging world, and the importance of preparing for this new reality. Kole also offers advice on cultivating habits and attitudes that can help us live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives, with a special focus on the considerations for those aging single.

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Enjoy this third of a four-episode series on reinvention. Peter McGraw and guest co-host Lily Rains talk to Rolonda Watts, a reinventionist (a term she invented). Rolonda's approach to reinvention focuses on pursuing the positive – and asks to follow your dreams. If you are looking for a wake-up call, this episode is it.

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Peter McGraw recently left the Solo studio – Indiana Jones style – to investigate why Sweden, in general, and Stockholm, in particular, are the best places in the world to be single. There he came across Lars Trägårdh’s work and new co-authored book: The Swedish Theory of Love. In this episode, Lars and Peter discuss why Swedes and Swedish society is a model for going solo.

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Peter McGraw is joined by guest co-host Christina Campbell to talk to Emma John, the author of Self-Contained: Scenes from a Single Life. They discuss Emma's new memoir and explore her comfort being single and her discomfort talking about being single.

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Peter McGraw is joined by guest co-host Lily Rains to continue the mini-series on solitude. They talk to Mason Currey, an author of a book that reveals how many great thinkers used their alone time to change the world with their art, music, and ideas. 

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Do you identify as a late bloomer? A lot of people do. If you don’t, it is not too late to bloom. This week, Peter McGraw speaks to the author of a book on late blooming, Rich Karlgaard. An important theme in their discussion is that being single allows you time, energy, and financial resources to bloom later in life. They discuss how you may need to “repot” yourself somewhere else and cover the six characteristics of late bloomers. If you stick around to the end, Peter’s guest presents some notable late bloomers.

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Have you ever been stood up? After being stood up for a date, Peter McGraw processes the experience and shares lessons he learned. If you like this episode, please join the conversation in the Solo community; sign up at petermcgrw.org/solo.

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