

204: Decoding the Recent Meghan Markle Profile in The Cut: What She Said; What She Likely Meant
In a recent exclusive interview with The Cut, Meghan Markle opened up about her new life in California, the struggles of her past, and her plans for her future. This was partly done as part of a promotion effort for Meghan’s new podcast, Archetypes.
This week, we examine and decode this article to analyze what she said and what she meant. Hear how Meghan and Harry’s PR has perpetually let them down, why their campaigns always feel like plan Bs, and discover examples of their many PR missteps. This episode explains why this article feels like another plan B in trying to reshape their reputation, and breaks down some framing attempts in it and the agenda behind them.
Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for suicide and depression.
Key Points From This Episode:
• The Cut’s article about Meghan Markle and how it’s part of a promotion effort for her new podcast, Archetypes.
• Today’s topic: The major takeaway from how this article has been framed.
• Framing attempts in the article and the agenda behind them.
• Harry's suspicious absence from this profile and why this might be.
• The relatable aspects of Meghan and Harry’s lives versus the unrelatable aspects.
• The message she sends to the royal family and the tricky nature of navigating hypocrisy in media relations.
• TW: To avoid references to suicide, skip audio from 29:34 to 30:03.
• The key takeaway from this article and the message Meghan is sending to the royal family.
• The Indestructible PR tip for the day, relating to hypocrisy in media interviews.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Molly McPherson on Twitter
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