Michelle Obama is tuning into a new venture with her closest confidant—her older brother, Craig Robinson.
The former First Lady and the retired basketball coach are set to debut their podcast, “IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” on May 15, offering listeners a mix of candid advice, sibling banter, and star-studded conversations with guests like Issa Rae, Tyler Perry, and Keke Palmer.
But the announcement arrives amid swirling (and unsubstantiated) rumors about turbulence in Michelle’s marriage to Barack Obama, reigniting public fascination with her personal life.
“IMO”: A Sibling Duo’s Guide to Navigating Life
Produced by Michelle’s Higher Ground Productions, the podcast promises to delve into universal themes like resilience, parenting, faith, and relationships. In a press release, Higher Ground teased that listeners will hear Michelle “at her most relaxed and honest,” swapping stories with her brother about their Chicago upbringing and the lessons that shaped them.
“Let’s be real: we are living through some really complicated and confusing times, and people are feeling more alone than ever,” Obama says in a trailer for the podcast.
“But I’ve learned that if you’re feeling a certain kind of way, the reality is that others are probably feeling that way too, and when you take the time to be just a little vulnerable and open up about it, it’s a whole lot easier to find the answers you’re looking for.”
In the podcast, the former First Lady and Robinson, the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, will explore “everyday questions” regarding life, relationships, and broader societal issues. Each episode will feature a special guest who will join them to address questions from the audience, providing guidance, stories, and plenty of humor.
Divorce Rumors: Fact or Fiction?
The podcast’s sunny launch, however, is plagued by gossip. Speculation about a potential split between Michelle and Barack erupted after reports noted her absence at a high-profile political event, Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Barack’s attendance without Michelle sparked a tabloid frenzy, though representatives for the couple have not addressed the rumors. Sources close to the Obamas insist the marriage remains strong, attributing Michelle’s recent solo projects to her evolving career focus.
The initial pair of episodes for “IMO” will debut on March 12, with subsequent episodes becoming available each week. They can be found on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other prominent podcast platforms. Following the introductory premiere episode, the inaugural guest on the program is actor-writer-producer Issa Rae, who discusses managing the difficulties of “mismatched expectations in adult friendships” in episode 2.
Upcoming episodes will feature guests such as Tyler Perry, Keke Palmer, Tracee Ellis Ross, Seth and Lauren Rogen, Jay Shetty, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach, Elaine Welteroth, Angie Martinez, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Logan Ury, and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky.
“With everything going on in the world, we’re all looking for answers and people to turn to. My brother Craig and I launched the ‘IMO’ podcast to create a space for people to come as they are, ask honest questions, give their opinions, and have thoughtful conversations about life. There is no single way to deal with the challenges we may be facing. Whether it’s family, faith or our personal relationships, but taking the time to open up and talk about these issues can provide hope,” Michelle Obama disclosed when introducing the series.
Robinson added, “We grew up talking through life’s big and small questions together. And now, we’re inviting listeners into that conversation, hoping that it sparks new ideas, new perspectives, and creates the connection we could all use right now.”
Michelle Obama, an author with bestseller status and a former first lady, has a background in media, highlighted by The Michelle Obama Podcast, which launched on Spotify in 2020. Craig Robinson, who previously worked as a basketball executive, contributes his unique perspectives to the podcast.
Their partnership on IMO showcases their close sibling relationship and emphasizes thoughtful conversations.
