Months after inking a rumoured £100 million ($135 million) deal with Netflix to tell stories "that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere", Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle have joined forces with audio streaming giant, Spotify.
With an eye to producing and hosting podcasts for the digital recording platform, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex already have their first broadcast planned, saying: "What we love about podcasting is that it reminds all of us to take a moment and to really listen, to connect to one another without distraction.
“With the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to do so, because when we hear each other, and hear each other's stories, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are.”
In the first audio trailer for their joint venture, Harry says: "Ladies first", before Meghan, 39, insists: "No, say it first because I think it sounds really nice with your accent." The pair then go on to reveal who and what their podcasts will feature.
Here’s everything you need to know about Harry and Meghan’s podcast venture…
How much is the deal worth?
As with Harry and Meghan's Netflix deal, the financial arrangements are expected to be in the tens of millions. Popular US comedian, Joe Rogan, recently inked a $100 million deal with Spotify to exclusively broadcast his podcast. And the streaming giant also exclusively snapped up The Michelle Obama Podcast by the former US first lady who is a close friend of Harry and Meghan.
What is their podcast called?
In keeping with their Archewell Foundation, the name of which the couple said also inspired the name of their son, Archie, the Duke and Duchess have called this arm of their new business and charity, Archewell Audio.
When will Harry and Meghan’s first podcast air?
Any day now. The couple has said to expect their first broadcast over the Christmas season, with a “holiday special” that promises to “uplift audiences around the world.”
“[It will] feature stories of hope and compassion from inspirational guests in celebration of the New Year,” said Meghan.
What content will they be producing?
In the newly released trailer promoting the podcast, Harry and Meghan promise to show “different perspectives” in their interviews with “amazing people.”
“That’s what this project is all about, to bring forward different perspectives and voices that perhaps you haven't heard before and find our common ground,” said Harry. “So many people have been through so much pain this year, experiencing loss, a huge amount of uncertainty, but it feels worth acknowledging that 2020 has connected us in ways we could have never imagined, through endless acts of compassion and kindness.”
While Meghan added: “We’re talking to some amazing people. They’re going to share their memories that have really helped shape this past year which has been, as we know, a difficult one for everyone.”
Will Harry and Meghan be using their titles?
In the trailer, the pair introduce themselves: “Hi guys, I’m Harry and I’m Meghan”, so it appears both are choosing not to use their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
What does Archewell Audio stand for?
"One of the things my husband and I have always talked about is our passion for meeting people and hearing their stories," said the former Suits actress. "And no matter what the story, they usually offer an understanding of where someone else is coming from. And in some way, remind you of a story about yourself." Meghan also said the series of podcasts will be about "finding kindness and compassion, something we saw in so many places this year". Adding: "It will underlie everything you hear on Archewell Audio."
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Read More:
The pros and cons of streaming: 10 ways digital technology has disrupted the music industry
'Follow us on Spotify': Biden's top diplomat has rock ambitions
Sawtik: Tunisian pop star Latifa teams up with Spotify to champion female Arab artists
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How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
The story in numbers
18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps
1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association
18,000
The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme
77,400
The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study
4,926
This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
