Diverging from the Relationship Escalator (Again)

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/soloInterested in workshops or coaching? Reach out. Onwards!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 adult means giving up childish things—like Peter Pan—why are we so quick to abandon joy? Iris’s answer might just blow your mind.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo

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

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