Archetypes

Meghan sits down with close friend Jamie Kern Lima to share the incredible story of how she went from waiting tables at Denny’s to becoming the groundbreaking co-founder of IT Cosmetics. In 2016, Jamie sold the brand to L’Oréal for $1.2 Billion in cash, a deal that made her the first female CEO of a brand in the company’s history. The two discuss the power of authenticity, overcoming setbacks, and...

In this dynamic episode, Meghan sits down with Reshma Saujani, a tenacious founder who’s built two successful nonprofits that close the gender gap for women: first, Girls Who Code and now, Moms First. Meghan met Reshma years ago when Girls Who Code was expanding into the UK. Here, they reunite to talk about redesigning workplaces for women and how to make the hard choice to put your health (and yo...

In the season finale of Archetypes, Meghan opens the conversation to see how men feel about archetypes, and the collective effort to move beyond them. She turns to comedian Trevor Noah, talk show host and TV producer Andy Cohen, and director, producer, and screenwriter Judd Apatow to explore how men can be an impactful part of the cultural conversation through their roles in the media, and for som...

In the penultimate episode, Meghan explores the freedom and fulfillment that can be found when we live outside of the labels we’re given by society. Joined by Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell and actor and activist Michaela Jaé Rodriquez, together they dive into an open conversation about expressing one’s identity and embracing the nuances that make each of us, quite simply, human. This ep...

In this thought provoking and energizing episode, Meghan explores the stereotypes and judgments women face in the world of activism. In her no-holds-barred conversations with actors and activists Jameela Jamil and Shohreh Aghdashloo, Meghan deep dives into why activism in women is often deemed audacious, and the effect this has on many of the causes that matter most. These timely and emotional con...

In this dynamic episode, Meghan explores the origin and plague of “the B word” and its cousin “difficult” and how these terms are often wrongly applied to a strong minded woman, especially in business. In deep and meaningful conversations with trailblazers Mellody Hobson and Victoria Jackson, Meghan investigates the language used to gaslight women as they grow their careers as entrepreneurs and on...

In this raw and enlightening episode, Meghan unveils the roles of "Good Wife/Bad Wife, Good Mom/Bad Mom" and explores the judgments behind them. In these candid and highly entertaining chats with First Lady of Canada, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, as well as Pamela Adlon, and Sam Jay, Meghan delves into the pressures of what it means to be a partner and a parent in this modern age. This episode also fe...

In this thought provoking and stirring episode, Meghan gets to the bottom of the label that is often pinned on Black women – “angry”. In her raw conversation with Issa Rae, coupled with candid chats with Ziwe and Professor Emily Bernard, this episode asks honest questions about the judgements we make about women, and specifically women of color. It begs the question: does setting boundaries, havin...

In this candid and eye opening episode, Meghan breaks down the labels of “Bimbo” and “Dumb Blonde” and explores why brains and beauty in a woman have been historically pitted against each other. To delve deep, Meghan connects with Paris Hilton in a surprising and revealing conversation, as Paris opens up about the trope that defined her, how she at times played into it, and how she is now coming i...

Meghan dives into an in-depth and vulnerable conversation with Deepika Padukone, Jenny Slate and Constance Wu about the insidious ways ‘crazy’ is used to diminish women’s credibility. Together, they examine the historical use of the word “hysteria” as a diagnosis for women dating back to ancient Greece. The episode also features comedian Aparna Nancherla and the former Surgeon General of Californi...

Meghan engages in candid and illuminating conversations with Margaret Cho and Lisa Ling about the archetypes that try to limit and define Asian women. Meghan also explores the power of representation and finding your voice for the AAPI community and beyond. This episode also features sociologist Nancy Wang Yuen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meghan speaks candidly with Mindy Kaling who opens up in an unprecedented conversation about the joys, challenges, and stigmas of her life as a single, unmarried woman – plus her decision to start a family on her own. This episode also features New York Magazine writer Rebecca Traister, who unpacks the many archetypes that have followed single women for generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Meghan talks to the grande dame of our time, Mariah Carey, about the complexities surrounding the “diva” – from the diva’s glamour and power and elegance, to the more negative connotations associated with the word. This episode also features actress and comedian, Amanda Seales, as well as Dr. Mashinka Firunts Hakopian, a scholar of feminist and media studies. You can enjoy Mariah's music at her ar...

Meghan talks to the one and only Serena Williams about the double standard women face when they are labeled "ambitious" and the ripple effect this has on other aspects of their lives. This groundbreaking premiere episode also features Dr. Laura Kray, a leading expert on gender in the workplace. 1993 interview with Meghan used with permission from Nickelodeon. For more information on how you can ge...

Introducing Archetypes, a refreshing and dynamic new podcast where Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex dives into the labels that try to hold women back. During these intimate and candid conversations with guests from around the world we discover how these archetypes impact our everyday lives in ways big and small. With experts and historians, Meghan also uncovers how we got here in the first place – un...