Meghan and Harry hosted an edition of the TIME100 Talks series. The theme of their discussion was “Engineering a Better World,” to talk about working towards online communities that are more compassionate, safe, and trustworthy. 

The episode featured a range of guests.

There were discussions with:

• Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, 
• Center for Humane Technology president and co-founder Tristan Harris, 
• Author and co-director of the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry Safiya U. Noble, 
• Disinformation researcher Renée DiResta and 
• Maria Ressa who is CEO and executive of the Philippines based new site, Rappler.

There were also segments in-between, highlighting the work of:

• Jaj Austin, founder of Somewhere Good a social platform designed for people of color to connect; the teen hosts of the podcast Teenager Therapy; and Rachel Cargle, activist and founder of The Loveland Foundation a non-profit which offers therapy for black women and girls. 

A lot was covered in the 2 hour talk - too much to cover in depth in this podcast, so I have included a link to the recording https://time.com/collection/time100-talks/

I highlight the 9 or so take away points from the discussions and chat about how we are urged to take back control of our technology devices.

You can also find the link to Meghan and Harry's TIME100 Talk through my blog. https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2309149920642058865/1386010357380846398

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

Unlike the males in the Royal Family, both Meghan and Kate are subject to a lot of public scrutiny about the outfits and the jewellery that they wear. No doubt both Meghan and Kate would prefer that the attention be on what they do and what they say, as opposed to what they wear. 

Meghan has learned to use the attention she gets to highlight Sustainable Fashion. 

So why do people feel it is important to champion sustainable fashion? What is Sustainable Fashion?

The Sustainable Fashion movement believes that fashion companies should accomplish or strive to accomplish goals such as: supporting local production; prolonging the lifecycle of materials; and reducing the harm to the environment created as a result of production and consumption. 

Meghan’s focus has been a mixture of purchasing items that are made from recycled materials, as well as wearing clothes made by designers or brands that either promote gender equity or who have strong social missions.

I take a look at a few of the sustainable brands that Meghan has shopped from, including the Tracy Reese brand, https://hopeforflowers.com/

There are a couple of things that make me think about  how I make my own clothing purchases. A visit to my husbands family in Africa always reminds me of how good we have it here in North America and in Europe. Meghan also has made me thing twice about my clothing purchases. 

Keep looking out for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry and Archie.

And check out my blog at www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

Meghan was interviewed for the second time this year as part of the FORTUNE Most Powerful Women series of conferences. This conference was a Next Gen Summit and was aimed at high achieving female young executives, ready for the next step along their career paths. On this occasion Meghan met with FORTUNE associate editor Emma Hinchliffe. They discussed all things leadership. Topics covered included:

• Leading without fear / having the courage of your convictions
• Restrictions on being heard
• Responsible use of social media
• The effects of motherhood on leadership decisions

Also,

The podcasters from Teenager Therapy posted on their Twitter account to thank Meghan and Harry for taking the time to meet with them and for participating in their National Mental Health Day Podcast

The teenagers also took the opportunity to correct tabloid media reports of the event. The teenagers posted that the podcast wasn't recorded at Meghan and Harry’s personal home saying, "Every article that claims this is wrong."

This was somewhat embarrassing for certain tabloids including the UK’s Daily Mail (online addition). The Daily Mail had published an article with a photograph of the room where the podcast was recorded, somewhat flippantly critiquing what they thought were Harry and Meghan’s home furnishings. See the photo with this podcast. 

Please email me your comments and ideas at: [email protected]

And check out my blog at www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually on the 11th of October. Launched in 2012 by the United Nations, the main aim of the day is to promote girls empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights, while also highlighting the challenges that girls face all over the world. 

The theme for the 2020 Day of the Girl was “My Voice, Our Equal Future”. 

Meghan's long term commitment in advocating for the rights of women and girls is reflected not only in her words but through her actions. 

This year Harry and Meghan met up with Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Malala is the co-founder of the Malala Fund. The strategic aim of the Malala Fund is to see by 2025, a substantial increase in well-educated girls in the countries where the fund works, improved and better-financed education systems, and communities that offer girls equal opportunities to learn and actively support their ambitions.

Malala’s dedication to girls education comes from her own experiences as a girl growing up in Pakistan. Of starting school then being banned by the Taliban from attending school when she was 11 years-old. Then becoming an advocate for girls education and being shot in 2012. 

In 2014 Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. 

Malala chose to stay in the UK with her family. She resumed her own education and in 2018 began studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford.  She graduated this year. 

The International Day of the Girl conversation with Malala, Meghan and Harry covered topics such as:

• The importance of education in Meghan and Harry's own lives;
• Why Meghan feels that it is important to advocate for girl's education;
• Did Harry see a link between educating girls and climate change?;
• The impact of Covid-19 on their own lives and on girl's education.

Check out my blog at www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com 

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

To mark World National Mental Health Day Meghan and Harry joined a special edition podcast by Teenager Therapy to chat about all things mental health.

World Mental Health Day occurs annually on October the 10th, to bring attention to global mental health education, mental health awareness and advocacy against social stigma. The event was first celebrated in 1992 following an initiative by the World Federation for Mental Health, an organization represented in over 150 countries around the world. 

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is - Mental Health for All - Greater Investment – Greater Access

The group that make up the podcasters known as Teenager Therapy are from Anaheim in California. The group started the podcast in 2018 and within a few months of releasing their first episode they had achieved over 100,000 downloads. By the end of September 2020 they had recorded their 100th episode. 

As well as having a presence on Instagram and Twitter, the teens have expanded onto You Tube and have their own web-site.

The group of teenagers came to the attention of The New York Times. Journalist Taylor Lorenz penned an article about them and their podcast this past July. According to journalist Omid Scobie, Meghan and Harry learned about Teenager Therapy through the NY Times article. "Meghan and Harry then listened to a few episodes and were so impressed with the show and the grace and honesty of the young hosts that they knew immediately that they wanted to support their important work.”

I tuned in to listen to the World Mental Health Day episode and summarise their conversation. Link to the full podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversation-prince-harry-meghan-duke-duchess-sussex/id1437039510?i=1000494273871

The discussion is full of insights and shared experiences. It is good that these teens are opening up about things that concern them without feeling any stigma.

Maybe this next generation will wonder what us 'older people' were so hung up about when it came to discussing our mental health. 

Check out my blog at www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

October 4th marked the revised date for the 40th UK London Marathon. Normally run in April of each year, the event was pushed back to October due to Covid-19 issues. The amateur runners participated virtually being able to complete their marathons in their home communities. There were 45,000 participants in 109 countries around the world.

The bulk of the runners in the London marathon normally consist of amateur runners some whom run in fancy dress costumes, and all of whom raise money for charitable causes. 

Many members of the royal family show an interest in the London Marathon. It is not unusual to see one or two Royals either at the start line or finish line of the event. 

Prince Harry is Patron of the London Marathon Charitable Trust and he is often at the Marathon in London. Harry was scheduled to be there this year but instead sent a message of good luck and thanks via video the day before the event. Harry also met face to face with a small group of participants who were running the event in LA.  

During Harry and Meghan’s recent interview with the Evening Standard newspaper, Meghan said how well Archie is doing, adding that Archie is getting into everything, and keeping them on their toes (as toddlers do).

So in honour of young Archie, and for my listeners who are parenting or caring for kids or grandkids and especially those with oh so busy boys, I am sharing one of my favourite kids (short) books by UK author Babette Cole. 

Please feel free to email me your ideas and comments to [email protected]

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

October is Black History Month in the UK. Meghan admitted that in the two years that she lived in the UK she had not even been aware that Black History Month was celebrated there.

Meghan and Harry were interviewed over zoom by two young journalists from the UK Evening Standard newspaper. Harry and Meghan also penned an article that was published in the newspaper celebrating a group of young black men and black women collectively called the Next. Gen Trailblazers.

During their video interview the couple discussed:

• the aim and the timing of this project
• racism 
• black lives matter
• how they chose the Next Gen. Trailblazers.

In their article published exclusively in the Evening Standard, Meghan and Harry wrote how Black History Month allows us all an opportunity to reflect upon the often unrecognized contributions people of colour have made that add to the richness and strength of the UK. It is a month that celebrates the diversity of community and of Black British Excellence.

Meghan and Harry stressed the importance for young people of colour to have representation in all parts of society, the importance of seeing role models that share the same colour skin as them.

So who made the list of Next Gen. Trailblazers.

Click here to find out more:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/bhm-next-gen-trailblazers-full-list-a4560326.html

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

Meghan was interviewed this week as part of Fortune's Most Powerful Women 2020 Summit. This year's theme was "Rising to the New Reality". 

Many of the topics on this year’s agenda related to the impact of Covid-19 in the work-place and in business dealings, and how the pandemic is out of necessity leading to a reshaping of almost every aspect of the business world.

Meghan was interviewed by Fortune Editor, Ellen McGirt. Meghan spoke of the impact of Covid-19 on her own life. The pair discussed Meghan and Harry’s focus in addressing the negative side of social media. Meghan confirmed that this work will form part of their new Archewell Foundation once it is launched. 

Meghan expressed concerns for how people either passively or aggressively are propagating on-line hate by clicking on things that are contributing to an industry that is really toxic for so many of us. Meghan has no time for internet trolls, people who want to provoke and upset others online for their own amusement, but said that the aim isn’t to bad mouth all aspects of technology.

An article published by Fortune points out this is not a new area of concern for Harry and Meghan. Back in 2016 Prince Harry spoke out about the toxic behaviour by some on social media after Meghan was subjected to racists attacks on-line.

Meghan and Harry have stepped up their work on this issue since stepping back as senior Royals and since moving to live in America. Meghan describes how reforming online spaces intersects with the work she and Harry are already doing with veteran’s issues, mental health, and gender equality.

Ms. McGirt asked Meghan specifically about her own experiences. Meghan says she feels it is important to her to be authentic. She often speaks from the heart and this may come across as not polished, and not perfect - but more authentic.

Meghan repeated comments she made during last week's TIME 100 TV appearance – the way we communicate online transcends into how we interact with people around us off-line. She added, how we interact online affects our relationships, not least of which is the relationship that we have with ourselves.

Check out my blog at www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com for more on the work on Meghan and Harry

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

This past week Meghan made a surprise, short video appearance on the night of the final of the TV show America’s Got Talent. Meghan appeared to express her support for a finalist in the show  - Archie Williams. 

What might have seemed a nice little shout out to a very impressive contestant, also had Meghan cleverly highlighting a more serious issue. That is because Archie’s back story is pretty unique when it comes to talent contests.

This is the Link to the AGT video with Meghan
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=meghan+markle+AGT&&view=detail&mid=59346C0A1CC5F6A0255959346C0A1CC5F6A02559&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmeghan%2520markle%2520AGT%26qs%3Dn%26form%3DQBVR%26sp%3D-1%26ghc%3D1%26pq%3Dmeghan%2520markle%2520agt%26sc%3D8-17%26sk%3D%26cvid%3DBE8436787F304EC2A4F44EF8F939B9CF

In 1982, Archie was arrested and imprisoned in Louisiana's Angola prison, after being found guilty of attempted murder, attempted rape, and aggravated burglary of a white woman in Baton Rouge. These were crimes that Archie did not commit. 

Archie, then aged 22, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. In 1995 The Innocence Project took up Archie’s case. The Innocence Project repeatedly requested DNA testing and fingerprint comparisons that could prove Archie's innocence. The legal process took a very long time. 

Finally, in 2019, it was proven that a man who'd committed other sexual assaults in the neighborhood was responsible for the crimes Archie had been convicted of.  At age 58, Archie was freed after having spent 37 years in prison for crimes he did not commit.

So how did Archie end up on America’s Got Talent? Archie said that when in jail, when he faced the dark times he would pray and sing. He added, that he watched America’s Got Talent in prison and he would visualize himself being there. 

After hearing Archie's story, Simon Cowell became an ambassador for The Innocence Project.

So good for Meghan for drawing more attention to the Innocence Project, to Archie Williams, and to the many other people like him around the world who have been wrongly convicted. 

You can email your comments to me at [email protected]

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/

The work week was busy for Meghan and Harry and by the end of the week - wow so much controversy.

Prince Harry kicked off the week appearing in a short video to launch the Trailwalker UK 100 km Relay Challenge in aid of the charities Oxfam UK and The Gurkha’s Welfare Trust.

Meghan’s Court case against Associated Newspapers continued to wing it way through the British High Court. As previously mentioned, Meghan is suing Associated Newspapers due to their publication of a private letter she sent to her father. There was a pre-trial appearance this past Monday. Associated Newspapers want to use as part of their expanded defence, an allegation that Meghan and Harry either provided information for, or they ‘permitted' their friends to provide information to, the authors of the book Finding Freedom.

The TIME T.V. appearance – as I mentioned in my previous podcast, Meghan and Harry participated in the inaugural TIME 100 TV special during which the names of the 2020 honourees were announced. I watched the show. Meghan and Harry both spoke about the need to reject negativity in our communications, both on-line and off-line. Meghan and Harry both talked about the importance of voting. Harry spoke of ending hate speech and misinformation. 

Their comments caused controversy both sides of the Atlantic, with Meghan being personally attacked / slammed by President Trump. 

Keep checking out my blog at www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com

Show written and produced by Jeanette Songolo.

Please keep listening for future podcasts on all things Meghan, Harry, Archie and Lili and in the meantime watch out for other posts on all things Sussex on my blog at https://www.kindthoughtsformeghanmarkle.com/