Archetypes • Archewell Audio

Delve into a candid discussion on "Archetypes" where Meghan Markle and a panel featuring Trevor Noah, Judd Apatow, and Andy Cohen dissect the challenging landscape of traditional gender roles and media portrayals. This episode bravely tackles the lingering stigmas imposed on women in professional settings, and the damaging stereotypes perpetuated by the media. As Meghan candidly opens up about the mental toll of terms used to undermine women's capabilities, Noah reflects on his own evolving understanding of women, shaped by media portrayals that often reduce them to mere objects or conquests.

Transitioning from introspection to societal criticism, the conversation broadens to embrace the shifts in how men express their emotions and redefine their roles within the family and partnerships. Apatow delves into the emotional depth he injects into his female characters, illustrating a crucial move towards complexity in storytelling, while Noah champions the rejection of restrictive gender norms for a more liberating relationship dynamic. The episode culminates in advocating for the crucial role of listening and learning from diverse narratives, with Markle emphasizing the potential for profound societal transformation when men are willing to challenge traditional perceptions and develop emotional literacy.

In the latest episode of "Archetypes," Meghan Markle dives into a powerful discussion with Candace Bushnell and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez about the liberation of women's identities and the importance of self-definition. Bushnell reflects on her commitment to penning authentic female characters, citing the nuanced portrayals of women in "Sex and the City" as a reflection of true-to-life complexities. Rodriguez shares her personal journey of embracing her full name as an act of declaring her entire identity, a testament to the empowerment that comes with self-naming.

The conversation continues to explore the pathways of self-discovery through art, with Rodriguez offering insights into her experiences as a transgender woman and the transformative impact of performing in "Rent." Further emphasizing the importance of resilient role models and representation, Markle highlights Rodriguez's Emmy nomination as a significant milestone for transgender visibility in media. Collectively, their experiences underscore the evolving narrative of womanhood—one that includes a spectrum of strengths, vulnerabilities, and milestones that resonate with the realities faced by women globally.

In the latest episode of "Archetypes," Meghan Markle delves into the defiant spirit of women activists with guests Jameela Jamil and Shohreh Aghdashloo. This thought-provoking discussion traverses the landscape of women's rights, from the power of social media advocacy to the urgent protests unfolding in Iran. The episode captures the essence of resilience as these women, alongside others like Ilana Glazer and Glennon Doyle, leverage their platforms to tackle societal issues, inspire civic involvement, and shape policy reform.

Listeners are introduced to Jameela Jamil's "I Weigh" campaign, born from the body positivity movement, that sparked significant policy shifts on global digital platforms. Interspersed with potent examples of courage in the face of harsh scrutiny, the podcast sheds light on the solidarity between activists striving for change. While facing public criticism themselves, Markle and Jamil share inspiring tales of persistence, offering a modern narrative that continues the legacy of women's activism and underscores the importance of unity in fostering a powerful collective push for progress.

Join Meghan Markle on the "Archetypes" podcast as she converses with trailblazers Mellody Hobson and Victoria Jackson about the double bind faced by women in leadership. How do these women navigate a business world where their assertiveness is scrutinized? Hobson delves into the predicaments of being a formidable force in her field, confronting the biases that brand her as 'intimidating,' while Jackson shares her encounters with skepticism in a space still largely populated by men. Together, they unpack the nuance required for women to assert authority, extend collaboration, and reshape perceptions without compromising their ambition and efficacy.

Witness as Victoria Jackson shares her deeply personal narrative of triumph over adversity and trauma, from surviving an assault to fighting for her daughter's life against a rare disease. Her journey serves as a testament to the strength one can harness to steer through painful experiences toward meaningful outcomes–and how one woman's steadfast resolve can galvanize change on a grand scale. Jackson's success story of defying doubt to build a groundbreaking business, alongside her monumental role in advancing medical research, illustrates that relentless pursuit and vision can break boundaries and inspire collective advancement.

Join Meghan Markle in a candid conversation with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Pamela Adlon on the "Archetypes" podcast, where they delve into the complexities of being working mothers in contemporary society. In an honest exchange, they shine a light on the struggles with fitting societal molds, the often-invisible labor of parenthood, and the internal tug-of-war between societal expectations and personal feelings of adequacy. This episode unpacks the many layers and judgments cast upon women in their roles as mothers and professionals, revealing the personal encounters and perspectives of each speaker.

Expanding the discussion to a broader canvas, the episode explores historical views on women's domestic roles and the importance of community support in caregiving—a crucial but sometimes absent element in modern-day society. As ever-evolving narratives surrounding womanhood are examined, listeners are invited to join these three distinct voices in redefining female identity beyond stereotypes. With contributions from thought leaders like Dr. Shefali Tsabary and the relatable experiences shared by the guests, "Archetypes" encourages a reevaluation of traditional judgments and the celebration of women's true, complex selves within partnerships and society.