Former First Lady Michelle Obama discusses marriage, newfound freedom, and friendship—but deliberately avoids politics—on a newly announced podcast with her brother Craig Robinson. The New York Times disclosed the existence of the podcast, called “IMO,” which stands for “in my opinion,” and reviewed its first two episodes.
The video-led podcast was released to the public on Wednesday, March 12.
The production features Obama and Robinson, who serves as the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. While the siblings talk about a variety of subjects, they notably sidestep politics and current affairs, opting instead for a lifestyle-themed format that focuses on personal experiences and insights.
That doesn’t mean they shy away from difficult topics. The pair candidly discusses Robinson’s divorce from his first wife, Janis Robinson, in 2000. Robinson has since remarried, wedding Kelly McCrum Robinson in 2006.
The former first lady also shares anecdotes about her marriage to former President Barack Obama and his relationship with politics. This comes amid persistent rumors about potential troubles in their relationship, including bizarre speculation that Barack Obama had been dating actress Jennifer Aniston—a claim the “Friends” star directly refuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live, stating that she knows Michelle better than Barack Obama.
Michelle has been forthright about her feelings regarding politics in the past, writing in her 2018 memoir “Becoming” that she “never wanted to be involved in politics.” This sentiment appears to continue with the new podcast, where she reportedly addresses this subject with her brother.
The siblings also reflect on their upbringing in Chicago, IL, where they shared a small apartment. Michelle reveals that after years of Secret Service protection and various restrictions, she has finally gotten back behind the wheel of a car, enjoying a newfound sense of freedom.
The hosts mainly offer advice based on their life experiences, and will eventually welcome celebrity guests to join their conversations. Some of these guests previously appeared on Obama’s earlier production, “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” including director Tyler Perry. New guests will include actors Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer.
The second episode features writer, actress, and producer Issa Rae, who joined the siblings to discuss the challenges of maintaining adult friendships. The new show is produced by the Obamas’ media company, Higher Ground, in partnership with Audible.
While Michelle Obama has consistently refused to engage in speculation about running for political office, her decision to launch a high-profile podcast has already sparked renewed interest in her potential political future. This comes at a time when some see the Democratic party as lacking clear leadership following the 2024 election.
The timing has not gone unnoticed by Republicans, particularly President Donald Trump, who was reportedly fascinated by the prospect of running against her when former President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race last year. According to Michael Wolff’s book “All or Nothing,” Trump had even decided on a nickname for her, suggesting he viewed her as a formidable potential opponent.
Despite her continued popularity, Obama’s office has repeatedly issued statements reiterating her stance against running for president. In a direct statement last year, her office firmly declared, “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be running for president.”
Obama has been clear about her disinterest in politics, citing the challenging impact it can have on family life. In previous statements, she has explained that a political career requires a deep personal passion that she does not possess.
“I’ve only ever had one real home. My home is my family. My home is Barack,” Obama once shared on social media, offering a glimpse into her priorities. “But here’s the thing—our marriage has never been perfectly 50-50.”
The “IMO” podcast is available on multiple platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and others, with new episodes released weekly. Michelle Obama has expressed that the podcast is intended as a way for her and her brother to provide listeners with insights, wisdom, and humor to help navigate life’s complexities.