As Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, continues to expand her media presence, a recent announcement has shed light on her plans for a new podcast venture. In February 2023, Markle inked a deal with Lemonada Media to launch a new podcast set to debut in 2025.

This move comes on the heels of Spotify’s decision not to renew the steep $20 million deal for a second season of her previous podcast, Archetypes. According to celebrity PR expert Kaylee Cornelius, Markle is likely to employ a strategic approach to boost the success of her upcoming podcast, drawing on her extensive network of celebrity connections, particularly her former Suits co-stars.

Cornelius suggests that Markle will call in favors from her remaining friends and leverage their networks to generate buzz and interest around the new project. One name that Cornelius highlighted as a potential guest is Markle’s longtime friend, Priyanka Chopra, who did not appear on the Archetypes podcast. Cornelius believes that Chopra could be among the first high-profile individuals Markle considers inviting to her new show. Additionally, Cornelius speculates that Markle may reach out to other familiar faces from her Suits days, such as Abigail Spencer and Wendell Pierce, as they are likely to remain accessible points of contact for the Duchess.

This strategy aligns with Markle’s past approach, as her previous podcast, Archetypes, featured a star-studded lineup of guests including Serena Williams, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, and Andy Cohen. The Duchess has long maintained strong ties with many Hollywood stars, including her close friends George Clooney, Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, and Idris Elba.

However, the celebrity PR expert’s comments come amid reports that the Sussexes’ circle of Hollywood friends is dwindling. Former royal butler Paul Burrell told Closer magazine that the A-list stars are “dropping like flies” and that some, like Oprah Winfrey, no longer seem as involved with the couple. Burrell also claimed that certain celebrities, such as the Clooneys, who attended Meghan and Harry’s 2018 wedding, have turned down recent invites from the pair, suggesting a potential rift in their famous friendships.

Despite these challenges, Markle remains determined to continue her podcast ventures. In a statement earlier this year, she expressed her excitement about the Lemonada Media partnership, stating, “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.” As Markle embarks on this new podcast journey, it will be interesting to see how she navigates the changing landscape of her celebrity connections and whether her strategy of leveraging her Hollywood network proves successful in driving engagement and interest in her latest audio venture.

The Duchess’s previous podcast, Archetypes, which launched in August 2022, focused on exploring the labels that hold women back. Markle co-produced the podcast with Prince Harry, and the series featured a diverse range of guests offering insights and perspectives on the societal constructs that often limit women’s potential. With her new podcast deal, Markle is poised to continue her efforts to amplify important conversations and give a platform to influential voices.

The potential involvement of her former Suits co-stars and other celebrity friends could provide a significant boost in reaching a wide audience and generating meaningful discussions around the themes and topics explored in the new program. As the Duchess of Sussex continues to embark on her post-royal life, her ability to maintain and leverage her celebrity connections will be a crucial factor in the success of her upcoming projects, including this highly anticipated podcast with Lemonada Media.

Meghan Markle’s Celebrity Network: A Double-Edged Sword

Markle’s extensive network of celebrity friends has been both an asset and a source of scrutiny. Her ability to attract high-profile guests to her previous podcast, Archetypes, undoubtedly contributed to its initial success. However, the perception that she relies heavily on her famous friends has also led to criticism that her ventures are more about star power than substance.

This criticism has been compounded by the reported decline in her and Prince Harry’s Hollywood connections. The Sussexes’ decision to step back from royal duties and their subsequent move to California was initially seen as a bid to leverage their celebrity status. However, maintaining those relationships has proven challenging. Reports of dwindling friendships and rejected invitations suggest that the couple’s appeal may be waning among the Hollywood elite.

Despite these setbacks, Markle’s partnership with Lemonada Media represents a fresh start. Lemonada Media is known for its focus on social issues and its roster of thought-provoking podcasts. This alignment with a female-founded company could help Markle reframe her narrative and emphasize her commitment to important causes rather than celebrity status alone.

Strategic Guest Selection: Leveraging Relationships and Ensuring Success

Markle’s approach to her new podcast will likely involve a careful selection of guests who can not only draw in listeners but also contribute to meaningful conversations. Inviting her former Suits co-stars, such as Abigail Spencer and Wendell Pierce, offers a nod to her past and provides a sense of authenticity that may resonate with audiences.

Additionally, involving high-profile friends like Priyanka Chopra can generate significant buzz. Chopra’s absence from Archetypes was notable, and her inclusion in the new podcast could signal a renewed collaboration between the two friends. Leveraging these relationships will be crucial in driving engagement and ensuring the podcast’s success.

Moreover, Markle’s ability to attract guests with diverse backgrounds and perspectives can help her podcast stand out in a crowded market. By focusing on themes that resonate with a broad audience and addressing societal issues, Markle can create a podcast that is both entertaining and impactful.

Navigating Public Perception: Authenticity and Substance

One of the key challenges Markle will face is navigating public perception. Critics have often accused her of using her platform for personal gain rather than genuine advocacy. To counter this narrative, Markle will need to emphasize the substance of her podcast and the importance of the topics discussed.

Partnering with Lemonada Media provides an opportunity to align with a brand known for its commitment to social issues. By focusing on thought-provoking content and meaningful conversations, Markle can demonstrate her dedication to making a positive impact. This approach can help shift the narrative from celebrity-driven ventures to authentic advocacy.

The Future of Meghan Markle’s Media Ventures

As Markle embarks on this new podcast journey, the stakes are high. Her ability to navigate her changing celebrity connections and leverage her network strategically will be crucial in determining the success of her new venture. The partnership with Lemonada Media offers a promising start, but maintaining authenticity and substance will be key to winning over critics and engaging a broad audience.

In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s new podcast venture with Lemonada Media represents an opportunity to reset her narrative and focus on meaningful conversations. By carefully selecting guests and emphasizing important social issues, she can create a podcast that resonates with audiences and demonstrates her commitment to advocacy. As the Duchess of Sussex continues to navigate her post-royal life, the success of her media ventures will hinge on her ability to balance celebrity connections with authenticity and substance.