In a twist that many might not have seen coming, Meghan Markle‘s much-anticipated podcast venture appears to be facing significant hurdles even before its debut.
According to reports from Richard Eden, the Duchess of Sussex’s new audio show, under the Lemonada Media banner, has been delayed until at least next year.
This setback comes as Markle shifts her focus toward her lifestyle brand, which intriguingly includes selling gourmet jams priced at an eye-popping $300 per jar.
The buzz around Markle’s latest project has been less than stellar.
Her previous podcast, “Archetypes,” produced for Spotify, struggled to maintain listener engagement, leading to a lack of renewal for her contract.
As a result, it seems that Lemonada Media may have struck a deal that is more advantageous for them than for Markle, who may find her earnings from this new platform significantly lower than what she previously enjoyed.
While the details surrounding the podcast’s delay are still emerging, sources indicate that Lemonada is wary of launching the show concurrently with Markle’s new cooking series for Netflix.
Filming for this cooking show commenced recently at a rented home in Montecito, and insiders suggest that scheduling conflicts could further complicate matters.
The show is intended to celebrate cooking, gardening, and the joys of friendship—an endeavor that might overshadow her podcast ambitions.
Interestingly, despite the setbacks, Markle reportedly has a roster of high-profile guests lined up for the podcast, including names like Melissa McCarthy, Serena Williams, and Mariah Carey.
However, the question remains: will these star-studded appearances be enough to salvage a project that seems to be losing momentum?
With the relaunch of “Archetypes” now pushed to 2025, doubts about the podcast’s viability are growing.
Adding to the intrigue, Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has started sending out influencer packages, seemingly prioritizing this venture over her podcast.
As she dives deeper into this business, one can’t help but wonder if the podcast was merely a stepping stone to bolster her public image and marketability.
The media landscape surrounding Markle has become increasingly complex, with reports indicating that her PR team is undergoing changes, including the promotion of Miranda Barber to vice president of programs and media operations.
New hires in communication roles suggest a renewed effort to manage her public persona, especially as she juggles multiple projects.
However, not all press has been favorable.
The recent comments from Samantha Cohen regarding workplace bullying allegations have added a layer of scrutiny to Markle’s narrative.
Such revelations could complicate her attempts to present a polished image as she navigates her various ventures.
As Markle continues to film her Netflix projects, it raises the question of how she will balance her commitments.
The expectation is that she will need to deliver tangible results to keep her Netflix deal alive, especially given the hefty sum involved.
The stakes are high, and her ability to juggle these responsibilities will be closely monitored.
The delay of the Lemonada podcast raises eyebrows about Markle’s overall strategy.
Could it be that the podcast was never intended to be a primary focus?
Instead, it might serve as a facade to create the illusion of a busy and successful career while she pursues other, potentially more lucrative opportunities.
With so much unfolding, it’s clear that Markle’s journey in the entertainment industry is anything but straightforward.
The challenges she faces with her podcast and the competing interests of her lifestyle brand suggest a complex balancing act that could define her future endeavors.
As fans and critics alike watch closely, the question looms: will Meghan Markle successfully navigate these turbulent waters, or will her ambitions continue to unravel?
The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about her plans and whether she can turn these challenges into opportunities.