Archewell Audio Holiday Special: "Love Always Wins"

The much-anticipated Archewell Audio Holiday Special launched on Spotify today. It marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership with the streaming giant ahead of a full series planned for 2021. I was very excited when I heard about this working relationship as the podcast medium lends itself wonderfully to simply listening to stories. There's nothing better, especially in the current climate, than putting on a pair of earphones and going for a long walk listening to your favourite podcast. Archewell Audio offers inspiring stories and a platform for the issues Harry and Meghan care most about. The couple are credited not only as hosts but executive producers. As expected the holiday special delves into stories from those the Sussexes have worked closely with and those who played pivotal roles in 2021. Guests included Stacey Abrams, Christina Adane, José Andrés, Brené Brown, Rachel Cargle, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Matt Haig, Sir Elton John, Hussain Manawer, Naomi Osaka, Tyler Perry and George the Poet.

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'"As we come to the end of this year, and look to the future … let's hold onto the lessons we've learned about how important it is to take care of one another and how meaningful our connections are, even when they're physically impossible," Harry says on the holiday special.

"We thought, What if we can bring together some people that inspire us—people that we admire—and get their thoughts on what they learned from 2020," Meghan adds.

"As we all know, it's been a year," Harry says. "And we really want to honor the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it." Meghan continues, "At the same time, to honor those who have experienced uncertainty and unthinkable loss, our thoughts have been with you, especially during this holiday season. … We also want to thank health care workers, frontline service workers, and so many others for their sacrifices."'

A key focus of 2020 has been forging relationships and meeting leading figures in areas they want to support and impact. Democracy advocate Stacey Abrams was one of the key names Meghan reached out to privately earlier this year to discuss challenges surrounding voter suppression. Stacey spoke about the importance of giving oneself permission in 2020.

"I gave myself permission to watch all the television I wanted. To read when I should have been working and to make mistakes. But most of all I gave myself permission to be sad, so I could find joy on the other side."

Tyler Perry was a major source of support for the couple this year. They stayed at his property when they first moved to the US. Speaking about the pandemic he said he "handled it one day at a time with a lot of prayer", adding his lowest moment came "right before Thanksgiving".  Perry revealed at the studio they were feeding 5,000 families. The realisation it wasn't enough and the need was far greater left an indelible mark on him.

José Andrés introduced himself as "a cook", before Harry jumped in, saying, "José is being incredibly humble. He is a cook. He also owns amazing restaurants but on top of that he really empowers communities through food. He's the founder of the non-profit World Central Kitchen which provides meals after natural disasters all over the world." Of course, Archewell's first major project will see the Duke and Duchess working alongside WCK - building a series of permanent structures which will serve as kitchens during and after crises with the first to be unveiled in the coming months. José recalled his lowest moment as "when I was at my restaurant in March closing", describing it as being "as hard as any moment I've experienced in my life".

Bite Back 2030 campaigns for a healthier generation. They are building a movement of young people who will play important roles in the future. Co-chair Christina spoke about their efforts in a year like no other. "I want serious measures taken to address the climate emergency globally. I want young people's voices to be at the centre of building back better. I want to see progressive steps towards true racial justice. I want more empathy and love from everyone. I want truth and transparency from everyone in power."

On how he will tell others about 2020 in the future, Matt Haig said, "The world woke up, we realised how connected we all are to each other, to the natural world, to other species. We saw how human beings can rise to any challenge. We've been given a chance to change, and you know, if we did..." Readers will remember Meghan included a poignant piece by Matt 'A Note from the Beach' when she guest edited British Vogue.

2020 has been a year of reflection for so many of us. A time to turn to our fondest memories and times of great joy. I think that's been very much the case for Harry and Meghan, too. The podcast was filled with reminders of their beautiful Windsor wedding. Elton John, who performed at the reception, spoke about his journey as a recovering alcoholic with meetings taking place from home. The iconic performer credited Zoom with allowing him to connect. "It's been a lifesaver."

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The immensely talented George the Poet opened the BBC's coverage of Harry and Meghan's wedding with a poem celebrating the "indescribable beauty of union, in two beings forming one new being". Reflecting on 2020, he told the Duke and Duchess, "I just took more pride in the little things. I had a deeper appreciation for going for a walk, for seeing my loved ones." He revealed the painful moment when a pregnant loved one was hospitalised with Covid-19.

In a reference to their own journey, Harry and Meghan chose 'This Little Light of Mine'. Meghan said, "It played at the very end of our wedding, while we were walking down the steps of the church. It was the music that we wanted playing when we started our lives together. Because as we all know, Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that." The Martin Luther King, Jr quote is a favourite of the Duchess - as referenced by Harry during a passionate WE Day speech in March 2019 before Archie was born. "As my wife often reminds me with one of her favourite quotes by Martin Luther King, Jr - “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Harry added, "The message of this song is one we hold so dearly. It's about using the power we each have within us to make this world a better place."

To perfectly sum up their journey since their wedding day, Meghan added, "No matter what life throws at you guys, trust us when we say, love wins." A sentiment echoed by Harry. "Love always wins."

The episode came to a close with an incredible special new year's wish from...Archie! (If you've already listened to the podcast, you'll know it's a very sweet moment). Harry tells his son he can speak into the microphone. "You can speak into it." Meghan asks Archie, "Is it fun?" To which he responds, "Fun." Archie then joins his parents in wishing listeners a Happy New Year.

In a tumultuous year filled with life-changing decisions, joys and heartbreaks, hearing the laughter in the last moments of the podcast proves it was all worth it. They are happy, content and focused on their future. The first special was a timely and uplifting listen, beautifully curated by the couple -- a hint of the very exciting things to come in 2021. When we look forward to the new year, and a better year, I think Stacey Abrams summed it up aptly. "All we can do is work for what we thought was right." I look forward to covering all of them here on MAM. Thank you for reading in 2020. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!