Meghan Markle’s Podcast Journey: A Tale of Ambition and Backlash

Meghan Markle recently faced a whirlwind of challenges surrounding her podcast, “Archetypes,” which she launched in 2022 alongside her husband, Prince Harry, under their production company, Archwell Audio.

The show aimed to delve into the labels that can hold women back, featuring interviews with a variety of celebrities, activists, and experts.

However, what started as an empowering venture quickly spiraled into controversy.

From the outset, the podcast was met with mixed reactions.

While some praised Meghan's efforts to spotlight women's issues, many critics labeled her as hypocritical and out of touch.

The media and public scrutiny intensified, questioning whether she truly understood the struggles she claimed to address.

This backlash raised eyebrows and sparked debates about authenticity in advocacy.

Compounding these issues were legal troubles that arose when Meghan attempted to trademark the term “Archetypes.”

Her goal was to secure the name for her podcast and related products.

Unfortunately for her, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejected her application in January 2023.

The reason?

There was already a trademark registered by a company called Project Miracle IP Holdings, which had been using the term since 2018 for its self-help blogs and publications.

The USPTO's rejection highlighted the potential for consumer confusion, stating that Meghan's proposed trademark was too similar in appearance, sound, and meaning to the existing one.

This setback was a significant blow, but it wasn't the only challenge on the horizon for Meghan and her podcast venture.

In June 2023, Spotify, which had signed a multi-million dollar deal with Archwell Audio in 2020, announced it was severing ties with the Sussexes.

The streaming giant decided to drop “Archetypes” from its platform, citing poor performance and disappointing ratings.

Listeners had voiced their dissatisfaction, and advertisers were reportedly unhappy as well.

Spotify's official statement indicated that both parties had “mutually agreed” to part ways, wishing each other well for the future.

Yet, insiders revealed a more frustrating narrative.

Spotify was reportedly disillusioned with Meghan and Harry, feeling they had not delivered the promised quality or quantity of content.

This situation seemed to reflect poorly on the Sussexes' ability to meet expectations.

Following Spotify's announcement, Meghan made the decision to withdraw her trademark application in September 2023, effectively putting her podcast aspirations on hold.

The USPTO confirmed the acceptance of her withdrawal, marking the end of her trademark pursuit and the podcast project itself.

This entire episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Meghan faces in her quest to be seen as a global influencer and advocate for women's rights.

Critics argue that her attempts often come off as lacking originality and creativity.

By trying to claim a term already in use, she inadvertently raised questions about her respect for intellectual property.

Moreover, the podcast saga exposed deeper issues regarding her credibility.

While she campaigned against stereotypes, many felt she inadvertently reinforced negative perceptions with her seemingly entitled attitude.

This contradiction has led to accusations of hypocrisy, undermining her message of empowerment.

Ultimately, Meghan Markle's podcast journey illustrates that fame and fortune alone do not guarantee success.

Creating a meaningful and impactful podcast requires more than just a recognizable name; it demands genuine content and a clear understanding of the issues at hand.