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Since her split from the British monarchy in 2020, Meghan Markle has made a name as one of the podcast industry's most interesting newcomers, with both fans and critics of the polarizing duchess tuning in to listen to the projects she has so far released.
In December 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry teased a 33-minute podcast episode under their Archewell Audio production company banner as part of their multi-million-dollar streaming contract with Spotify. The one-off special featured cameos from celebrity pals including Elton John, James Corden and Tyler Perry, as well as their infant son, Prince Archie.
There was then a gap of nearly two years before the Sussexes released any more podcast content, releasing in September 2022 the first installment of Meghan's solo show, Archetypes, which had an aim to "dissect, explore, and subvert the labels that try to hold women back."
Over 12 episodes Meghan interviewed stars such as Mariah Carey and Paris Hilton, while making a number of personal revelations about how labels have impacted her own life.
The show won Meghan two prestigious podcast achievements: a People's Choice and Gracie Award.
Despite this, the couple's partnership with Spotify was mutually abandoned in June 2023.
Now, the duchess has announced a solo partnership with Lemonada, the podcast production company co-founded in 2019 by Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs, best known for creating the hit Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast, Wiser Than Me.
As well as re-releasing Archetypes on open platforms, meaning listeners without Spotify accounts can tune in for the first time, Meghan is working on a brand new show for the platform, with equally ambitious aims.
Here, Newsweek looks at everything we know so far about Meghan Markle's new podcast.
A New Partnership
On February 13, Meghan Markle and Lemonada announced their new partnership with a post to the duchess' new-look sussex.com website.
A statement to the site highlighted Archetypes' positive impact and also announced that Meghan herself would be developing and hosting "a new original podcast series" which is "as yet unnamed."
Press Release via sussex.com
"Lemonada media, the award-winning podcast network today announced a new creative partnership with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. As part of their new deal, Lemonada will distribute the first season of the award-winning and critically acclaimed "Archetypes" for all audio platforms and also develop a new original podcast series as yet untitled hosted by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.
"Archetypes," a record-breaking podcast exploring the labels that try to hold women back, will be available across all podcast platforms for the first time—with Lemonada overseeing ad sales and distribution. "Archetypes" has seen over 10 million downloads, averaging nearly a million listens per episode and debuted as Spotify's No.1 podcast in 47 countries around the world.
"Listeners tuned in as: Mariah Carey spoke about the definition of being a diva; Mindy Kaling celebrated the choice to be single; Pamela Adlon lifted the lid on the pressure to be a wife and a mother; Issa Rae and Ziwe Fumudoh unpacked the loaded misconception that often comes with being a woman of color; and Jameela Jamil and Shohreh Aghdashloo spoke about the courage that it takes to step up and speak out, even when it puts everything on the line.
"These singular discussions–with notable women, friends, comedians, activists, historians, and experts–transcend individual episodes for a dynamic cultural conversation about how women can reject, reclaim, and redefine these archetypes, on their own terms."
'Creating Art That Matters'
Though unnamed, Lemonada's CEO Jessica Cordova Kramer voiced her excitement at helping co-create the new show in her own statement, noting the hope that the collaboration will foster Meghan's approach to "creating art that matters."
Jessica Cordova Kramer, Lemonada CEO
"We are beyond honored that Meghan has trusted us to help democratize access to 'Archetypes,' and that so many more people around the world will have access to the series soon. Meghan's talent as host, creator and conversationalist is unparalleled and we are thrilled to co-create a new series with her that fosters her approach to creating art that matters."
'Clear Vision'
Lemonada's chief creative officer and co-founder, Stephanie Wittels Wachs, also revealed in a statement that development on the new show with Meghan was already underway, which should mean fans won't be kept waiting too long before there is something to listen to.
Wittels Wachs said she was "blown away" by Meghan's "collaborative spirit and clear vision" while working together on the project.
Stephanie Wittels Wachs, Lemonada chief creative officer and co-founder
"As we've started development with The Duchess of Sussex, we are blown away by her collaborative spirit and clear vision, along with her deep desire to build compassion and community through this work. The Lemonada team felt immediate kinship with Meghan and the Archewell Productions team, and we are delighted to be working together."
'Dynamic New Podcast'
Meghan herself has said she is "proud" to be joining Lemonada and their roster of podcasting stars, going on to add that not only are plans for her new podcast "well in the works," but that she is "so eager to be able to share it soon."
So far, the duchess hasn't shared any further details, though the show could likely have a focus on one of Meghan's own social interests which include feminism, mental health and furthering equality.
Meghan Markle
"I'm proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting. Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024. Our plan to re-release Archetypes so that more people can now have access to it, as well as launching a dynamic new podcast are well in the works. I'm so eager to be able to share it soon, and am overjoyed to be joining the Lemonada family."
Newsweek approached representatives of Meghan Markle via email for comment.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more