I Contributed to Newsweek’s Meghan Markle Story as a UK Podcast Expert!

Sharing my opinion as a Podcast Expert on Newsweek

There are times when you give yourself a shake to see if you’re dreaming — this week is one of those times.

That’s because something strange happened this week. I was invited to contribute my opinion with regard to Meghan Markle’s Spotify Podcast and her ‘Archetypes’ podcast to Newsweek!

"Meghan Markle chose the right time to bring back her Spotify podcast but should be "treading carefully" with any royal bombshells after Queen Elizabeth II's death, a podcast expert told Newsweek"

The ‘podcast expert’ quoted above was me!

I don't think anyone has ever wanted my expert opinion, let alone a Royal Correspondent for an international publication like Newsweek! 😉 I don't personally see myself as an 'expert' in anything; I do, however, have a passion for all things podcasting and learning as much as I can.

I was asked, in my 'expert' opinion, as a podcaster and podcasting trainer whether it was a good idea for Meghan to bring back her podcast so soon after the Queen's passing. You can read the article for my views; I'd LOVE to know in the blog comments, what’s your opinion on this?

I said a lot that wasn't quoted, such as:

✨ Regardless of whatever Meghan does, she will be judged and criticised,

✨ Podcasters need to post consistently to keep their audience retention, and Meghan has an £18m deal with Spotify, so she needs to deliver on their investment

✨ Meghan is in a privileged position as only 11% of female-identifying podcasters are in the top podcast rankings, with women of colour taking less of this percentage.
She has the power to do so much good and draw attention to topics that are important for us to discuss (rather than stir up controversy through dropping bombshells - my opinion)

✨ The concept of 'Archetypes' is important; we do need to rethink our thoughts about 'ambitious women' and how we talk about them

✨ When Meghan is criticised for responding to guests with a story about herself, this is building rapport. It is my view that this is important for any podcast host to do, so I don't have a problem with her exchanging stories in her episodes, although I do think she should 'tread carefully' with any bombshells

✨ In response to a question about whether she should make a podcast episode about her memories of the Queen, I mentioned that I think it would be insensitive for her to do this when people are so polarised

I don't feel either one way or another about Meghan or the monarchy; it's none of my business, although I do think that there are a lot of important questions to consider about the monarchy and our power structures, both in the UK and globally.
Particularly around the distribution of wealth and power.

What do you think? What would you add? I have to admit it was quite scary, and speaking to the media is a new one for me... 😬

Read the Newsweek article here.

I’m No.1 in Google for “Podcast Expert UK”

To make this week even more amazing, I realised why Newsweek had asked me for commentary as a podcast expert in the first place. After a quick search in Google, I noticed that my name is no.1 in Google when you search for “podcast expert UK”. Another incredible “pinch me I’m dreaming” moment.

I think being no.1 in the Google search results is likely because of my work as Podcasting Expert in Residence with the Business and IP Centre (BIPC). But whatever the reason, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my podcasting knowledge with the world!