“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

Following in the footsteps of Barack and Michelle Obama, whose production company Higher Ground announced a partnership with Spotify last year, the Sussexes have announced the launch of their own media empire. Archewell Audio, an audio-first production company founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, aims to bring “different voices and perspectives” to listeners in an exclusive multi-year podcast partnership with Spotify.

“One of the things my husband and I have always talked about is our passion for meeting people and hearing their stories,” says Meghan in a teaser clip announcing the partnership. “And no matter what their story, they offer you an understanding of where someone else is coming from, and at the same time remind you in some way about a story about yourself.”

“And that’s what this project is all about,” adds Harry.

“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,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a joint statement. “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.”

The first complete series from Archewell Audio and Spotify is expected next year and will be available to stream for free on Spotify. But in the meantime, the Sussexes plan to release a holiday special featuring inspirational guests reflecting on the events of 2020. “We’re talking to some amazing people,” Meghan said in the teaser clip released today. “They’re going to share their memories that really shape this past year, which has been, as we know, a difficult one for everyone.” The special is slated to drop later this month, so watch this space for details.