Hidden message in Meghan Markle's podcast cover that you may have missed

Meghan Markle’s carefully curated podcast cover for Confessions of a Female Founder is more than just an image—it’s a strategic statement, blending relatability with aspiration, according to experts.

The new podcast, set to launch on April 8 in partnership with Lemonada Media, follows Meghan’s first foray into podcasting with Archetypes under her previous Spotify deal. Now, industry professionals are analyzing the subtle cues in her chosen podcast cover, revealing what message she may be trying to convey.

Joe Miles, Course Director of Photography at Birmingham City University, broke down Meghan’s pose and lighting, explaining how it’s designed to engage listeners.

"The fact that Meghan is holding her hand in that position makes it look like she was in the middle of doing something. It's an 'I've just stopped to turn and look at you' pose. It's designed to draw us in and flatter us as a viewer."

This technique, he notes, makes Meghan appear both engaged and inviting while maintaining a level of polish.

The soft, even lighting is another key choice, signalling professionalism without being too glamorous.

"The very flat, even lighting suggests Meghan's creating an 'I'm a working woman' persona. Because she still looks very made up and is also pulling an elegant pose, it also showcases 'I am someone you aspire to'. It's a clever combination of the two."

Miles, a former commercial and portrait photographer, acknowledges that the image may feel overly staged, potentially undercutting the desired effect: "If you go too far in trying to make an image look natural, it ends up looking unnatural. They’re forcing her to look accessible and 'everyday', but it can end up backfiring."

Comparing this cover to her previous podcast Archetypes, Miles suggests Meghan is crafting a new version of herself.

"The Archetypes cover showed Meghan being very honest—wearing a vest, hair down, looking straight on, in black and white. But this [new image] is another persona, almost somewhere between the two. She's showcasing 'I’m successful and accessible' and she wants to give her audience access to other successful people."

What is Meghan Markle's new podcast about?

Meghan Markle's new podcast is reportedly in development under a new deal with Lemonada Media, after her previous partnership with Spotify ended. 

While specific details about the podcast’s theme and content haven't been fully revealed yet, it is expected to focus on thought-provoking conversations, social issues, and personal storytelling—similar to her previous podcast Archetypes, which explored gender stereotypes and how they shape women's lives.

The new show is likely to align with Lemonada Media’s focus on socially conscious and narrative-driven content. Given Meghan’s previous interests, it could include discussions about women’s empowerment, mental health, and media representation.

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