Meghan Markle’s Podcast Plummets: Confessions of a Female Founder Falls Flat on Spotify and Apple Charts

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is facing a fresh wave of challenges as her latest podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, has failed to capture the success of her earlier ventures. Launched on April 8, 2025, in partnership with Lemonada Media, the podcast aimed to spotlight women in business through candid conversations about their triumphs and struggles. However, just weeks after its debut, the show has already slipped out of Spotify’s Top 100 lists in both the US and UK and failed to break into Apple’s Top 200 chart, raising questions about its appeal and Meghan’s ability to sustain her media momentum.

A Rocky Start for Confessions of a Female Founder

The podcast, which follows Meghan’s previous Spotify venture Archetypes, was expected to build on her reputation as a compelling storyteller and advocate for women’s empowerment. The debut episode featured Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Tinder and Bumble, while subsequent episodes included Reshma Saujani of Girls Who Code and Meghan’s friend and business partner Kadi Lee. Despite high-profile guests and Meghan’s personal investment in the project, the show has struggled to resonate with audiences.

According to reports, Confessions of a Female Founder briefly entered Spotify’s Top 10 in the US upon its launch, peaking at number 10, but quickly fell out of the Top 100 in both the US and UK by late April 2025. Even more telling, the podcast’s latest episode failed to make Apple’s Top 200 chart, a significant blow for a project backed by Meghan’s star power. In a particularly humbling comparison, a sleep-focused series called Sleep Cove outperformed Meghan’s podcast, climbing to number 79 on Spotify’s UK chart.

Why Is the Podcast Struggling?

Several factors may explain the lackluster performance of Confessions of a Female Founder. Critics have pointed to Meghan’s interview style, which some describe as overly self-focused and lacking depth in exploring her guests’ stories. Social media sentiment on platforms like X echoes this critique, with users calling the podcast “yawn-inducing” and accusing it of prioritizing Meghan’s narrative over her guests’. One X post remarked, “It’s too Meghan-focused… she does not delve deep enough into her guest’s stories,” reflecting a broader perception that the show fails to engage listeners.

Additionally, Meghan’s team reportedly struggled to secure A-list guests like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, who were approached but did not commit. This lack of star power may have dampened the podcast’s appeal, especially given the high expectations set by Archetypes, which featured prominent figures like Serena Williams and Mariah Carey. Sources close to the production claim that “no one’s picking up the phone,” suggesting that Meghan’s outreach efforts have hit a wall.

The podcast’s struggles also come on the heels of Meghan’s fraught history with Spotify. Her previous podcast, Archetypes, debuted at number one in 2022, briefly dethroning The Joe Rogan Experience in multiple markets. However, its popularity waned, and Spotify did not renew the Sussexes’ £25 million contract in 2023, citing unmet productivity benchmarks. Tensions were further highlighted by Spotify executive Bill Simmons, who publicly called Meghan and Prince Harry “grifters” on his own podcast. The fallout from this breakup may have cast a shadow over Meghan’s return to podcasting, with some speculating that Spotify’s algorithms are suppressing Confessions’ streaming numbers.

Comparing Archetypes and Confessions

Archetypes was a global phenomenon at its peak, topping Spotify charts in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond within days of its August 2022 launch. The podcast’s focus on dismantling stereotypes faced by women, coupled with high-profile guests, resonated with listeners and earned praise for its polished production. Despite later slipping in rankings, it consistently outperformed competitors like The Joe Rogan Experience during its early weeks.

In contrast, Confessions of a Female Founder has struggled to replicate this success. While it briefly ranked number two in Spotify’s US Business Podcasts category and number 19 on the general Top Podcasts chart, its rapid decline suggests a lack of staying power. Critics argue that the podcast’s narrower focus on female entrepreneurs may limit its audience compared to Archetypes’ broader appeal. Additionally, the lack of mainstream media buzz and the failure to secure top-tier guests have left the show feeling like a step backward.

Public and Media Reaction

The British media has been quick to capitalize on the podcast’s struggles, with outlets like the Daily Mail and The Standard running headlines about its “flop” status. Some articles have even suggested that the podcast is in “crisis talks” after just three episodes, though these claims remain unverified. On X, detractors have been vocal, with posts labeling the podcast a “massive flop” and mocking Meghan’s broader 2025 ventures, including her As Ever lifestyle brand and Netflix series With Love, Meghan. One user quipped, “Meghan’s podcast is a chart flop—and is beaten by a show about sleep,” highlighting the public’s schadenfreude.

However, Meghan’s supporters argue that the narrative of failure is overblown. Some point out that Confessions performed well on Apple’s charts early on, suggesting that listeners are engaging with the podcast on other platforms. Others, like the blog Celebitchy, contend that the media’s obsession with Meghan’s Spotify rankings ignores the show’s quality and cultural relevance. “The numbers aren’t the only measure of success,” one commenter noted, emphasizing that Meghan’s polished production and meaningful conversations are resonating with a niche audience

What’s Next for Meghan?

The podcast’s poor performance adds to a challenging year for Meghan, whose As Ever brand has faced criticism for overpriced products and logistical issues, and whose Netflix series With Love, Meghan received a 35% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite these setbacks, Meghan remains undeterred. Her podcast is still early in its run, and additional episodes could help it gain traction, especially if she secures more prominent guests.

Looking ahead, the “Living Nostradamus,” Athos Salomé, has predicted that Meghan may pivot away from lifestyle ventures and return to acting or producing socially impactful projects. This shift could align with her strengths as a communicator and advocate, potentially revitalizing her public image. For now, however, Confessions of a Female Founder faces an uphill battle to regain its footing in a crowded podcasting landscape.

As Meghan navigates these challenges, the world continues to watch—some with anticipation, others with skepticism. Whether she can turn the tide and prove her critics wrong remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Meghan Markle’s journey is never short on drama.