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

Peter McGraw welcomes back Monique Murad (Freedom in Community) to play "Truth or Truth." It's a fun, thoughtful exchange--featuring conversation about how the Solo movement is bigger than Peter, Monique's "celebratory divorce," and a surprise question that makes Peter cry. Enjoy!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

In Solo Episode 150: Looking Forward, Backward, and Inward, Peter McGraw talks about how he is experimenting with abstinence or sexual fasting—with an ambitious goal of “controlling the uncontrollable” in order to focus his attention and energy on other endeavors besides sex and dating. In this episode, Peter welcomes Nick Mennell, who lives a remarkable life in a chronic state of abstinence, to discuss this practice more deeply.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Kym Terribile and Peter McGraw discuss Peter's contract with Diversion Books to publish Solo in January 2024. They discuss the sales process, the ambitious writing deadline, and some plans for marketing Solo.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw invites Paul Shirley, a writer, entrepreneur, and retired professional basketball player, into the Solo Studio to discuss Paul's remarkable life as a basketball player through the lens of his books. "Can I Keep My Jersey?" has blended into Paul's time in the minor leagues and overseas. Paul learns that if things go poorly, you don't have to take it as an existential threat because sometimes things do work out, or sometimes they don't. Looking into the lens of the "Stories I Tell On Dates," Paul dives into his status in a relationship. Tune in to this inspiring episode with Paul Shirley!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Solo community today:petermcgraw.orgPeter McGraw TwitterPeter McGraw LinkedIn

Peter McGraw invites two friends into the Solo Studio to discuss what appears to be an emerging shift: once heterosexual women embracing their bisexuality. His guests, Rachel and Taylor, discuss their experience becoming bisexual in their thirties, and Peter presents data identifying a shift in the number of people identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

In the last episode, Jill Cohen, Stephanie McHugh, and Peter McGraw talked about how many solos are not interested in dating – for now or forever. They discussed the other remarkable things that can be done instead of dating and how to navigate a world that expects you to be dating. There was to be bonus material in that episode, where they spoke about how to turn down a date. They talked so much that Peter decided to make a separate episode, and here it is. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

You may remember a previous episode, “How to go on a date.” This is a long overdue follow-up for non-daters: how to not go on a date. Many solos are not interested in dating – for now or forever. Peter McGraw wants to make the case for all the other amazing things you can do instead of dating and how to find your way through a world that thinks you are dating. In this episode, he speaks to Jill Cohen and Stephanie McHugh about why you should not date, what you can do instead, and how to talk to people when they inquire why you are not dating.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

The Solo movement is growing. Lucy Meggeson has a wonderful new podcast for single childless women: Spinsterhood Reimagined. Peter McGraw was the first guest bloke to appear, and she kindly shared the audio with him, and he shares it here with you.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

How can something so complex and far-reaching as marriage could be invented and so widely adopted? To begin to answer that question, Peter McGraw speaks to Bill Von Hippel, the author of The Social Leap: The New Evolutionary Science of Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What Makes Us Happy.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

To understand single living, you need to understand non-single-living – especially the 800-pound gorilla of relationships: marriage. In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to Eli Finkel about contemporary marriages, which are focused on self-growth and self-expressiveness. Eli shares insights from his book The All-Or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw talks about how remarkable singles have a team -- an interconnected group of friends, family, acquaintances, and professionals. But this takes work. He invites a member of the Solo community, Monique Murad, to discuss the value of community and how to cultivate it.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

As the year ends, remarkable singles around the world are considering how to make their lives even more remarkable. To help with that endeavor, Peter McGraw speaks to Richard Meadows, a finance writer and the author of Optionality: How to Survive and Thrive in a Volatile World. They have a far-ranging conversation about Optionality (“the right but not obligation to take action") – something that singles have more of than non-singles.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

People are homebodies for a variety of reasons: they are introverted, they have a disability, their hobbies are well-suited for home, or they simply like being indoorsy. As part of his third installment in a series on homebodies, Peter McGraw speaks to Meik Wiking about creating cozy moments—at home or elsewhere—through the Danish concept of Hygge. Meik is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and the author of the “The Little Book of Hygge – Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” The conversation will inspire you to make changes in order to enjoy being comfortable and cozy.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to Donald Lichtenstein who is thriving personally and professionally. Peter likes to say that singles can sleep in when they want to, but Donnie does the opposite. He gets up absurdly early—because that is what is best for him. It’s a thoughtful conversation in which they discuss how Donnie likes routine, loves dogs and dislikes travel. As a proud homebody, Donnie inspired Peter to prepare a short series on homebodies, and this serves as the first episode. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw recently attended the Mind Under Matter Festival, where he did a live taping about Intellectual Arrogance, Humility, and Timidity with Dr. Jeff Larsen. Dr. Larsen is a Social Professor of Psychology at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He is an expert on emotions, attitudes, and well-being.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw likes to say, "Create more than you consume." However, he also believes that reading is a cheat code to a remarkable life. In this episode, McGraw invites two voracious readers, Sarah Stinson and Paul Shirley, to inspire you and give you some hacks to read more. Note: In this episode, McGraw references a previous episode on writing as “How to Write a Lot” but it is actually called “Write Your Way Out.” That previous episode may be worth revisiting after listening to this one.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw invites Brandon Patrick, a comedian and musician, into the solo studio to talk about whether a remarkable character, Prince, was a Solo. Whether or not he was, Prince brought joy to the world through his music. Brandon and Peter discuss his remarkable abilities and how they led him to feel alone in the world.  Check out this Prince playlist.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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."Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

The Solo movement has a "big tent," accommodating a wide array of people—single or not—who see themselves as complete, self-reliant individuals. One group that clearly belongs under the tent is the Hermettes, a secret society of (mostly) single women who embrace a hermit-like life of aloneness. In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to Risa Mickenberg, the Founder and Editor of Hermette: The Aspirational Lifestyle Magazine for They/Hermits.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Do you value yourself? Peter McGraw welcomes Sarah Stinson and Lawrence Williams back into the Solo Studio to discuss how they value themselves in a world that wants to domesticate them. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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/Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

As part of the podcast, Peter McGraw has been pointing out his concerns about a subset of single men around the world. In this episode, he invites John McCurdy, a Professor of History at Eastern Michigan University, to discuss the role of bachelorhood in Colonial America (and beyond) through the lens of McCurdy's 2009 book Citizen Bachelors.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw is not afraid to invite his friends into the studio. This week’s episode features two new voices to the podcast: Sarah Stinson and Lawrence Williams. They play a famous game – The Game of Life – and do some editorializing about how this ubiquitous game socializes youngsters to pursue the American Dream. After the game is done, they reflect on the experience, especially how limiting the game is with regard to lifestyles (can’t go through life single, for example) and to the judgment of success where the goal is to retire financially wealthy.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw talks to Kriss Rita, a remarkable solo and member of the solo community. They talk about her journey from single to solo and what makes her life remarkable. They also play a game Peter calls "truth or truth," where they ask each other questions about single living and the solo project.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.  Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw talks to Melanie Notkin, an expert on the rising cohort of childless, often single, women. They discuss aunthood and otherhood, as well as examine the challenges facing boys and men and its implications for women who are seeking to have a family. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

What is aromanticism, and what is it like to be an aromantic? Peter McGraw speaks to Jessalyn Dean to answer those questions.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

The regular listener of the podcast knows Shane Mauss—a comedian, science communicator, and expert of psychedelics. He has a new project called Mind Under Matter, a comedy, and philosophy podcast, with the talented Ramin Nazer. Shane and Ramin are planning their first Mind Under Matter Campout Festival, which will feature comedy, music, live podcasts, art, talks, mysticism, nature, community, games, and a talk about single living by Peter McGraw. In this episode, Shane interviews Peter for the Here We Are Podcast to talk about solo travel and single living. This is an edited version of the conversation, but you can find the full one wherever you can find the Here We Are Podcast. The Mind Under Matter Campout Festival will be Sep 8-12 at the Lakeside Retreats (20 minutes from downtown Raleigh, NC).Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

A remarkable life demands decisions - sometimes big, bold decisions. Big or small, decisions risk regret. Do I get married? Do I have kids? Do I go solo? Peter McGraw invites Marcel Zeelenberg, the world’s expert on regret, to talk about what makes a choice regrettable. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

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? Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

There are an increasing number of resources for singles--resources that do more than help you get hitched. The best books for singles take a thoughtful, researched-backed approach to understanding the complexities of single living. One of those books, The Lonely Hunter: How Our Search For Love Is Broken, was written by Aimée Lutkin. In this episode, Peter McGraw speaks to Aimée about relationship, loneliness, and how our search for love (or lust) is broken.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Peter McGraw returns to share recent thoughts on how to live a remarkable life. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

Host Peter McGraw returns to the desert to update his thinking on what it means to be solo versus single.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

In the previous episode, Peter McGraw speaks to a divorce coach about the planning, execution, and aftermath of a divorce. In this episode, he speaks to Rachel Beisel about a strategy to break bad relationship habits. Rachel presents the concept of a relationship sponsor (akin to an AA sponsor) who can support you if you have difficulty with romantic relationships.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/

One in three marriages in the United States end in divorce, and Peter McGraw has become the guy his friends call when they are getting divorced. In this episode, he speaks to Ruth Abraham, a Certified Professional Integrative coach, about the planning, execution, and aftermath of a divorce.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo/