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Michelle Obama launches podcast discussing life and divorce with brother

Launching on Wednesday, Michella Obama podcast IMO will cover her life experiences but will stop short of going into politics

Rachel Clun
Thursday 13 March 2025 01:40 EDT
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Michelle Obama launches new podcast with brother amid divorce rumors

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will open up about life and her marriage to former President Barack Obama in a new podcast featuring her brother.

Launching on Wednesday, IMOā€”short for ā€˜In My Opinionā€™ā€”will see Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, discuss their life experiences, interview celebrities, and take questions from listeners. According to reports, the show will not delve too deeply into politics.

ā€œLet's be real: we are living through some really complicated and confusing times, and people are feeling more alone than ever,ā€ Obama says in a trailer for the podcast.

ā€œBut 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.ā€

She said weekly guests would ā€œkeep us honestā€ while also sharing their own insights about life, ā€œwhether you are navigating the grey areas of marriage and raising kids, dealing with a little friend drama, or even figuring out how to put yourself out there in the dating world.ā€

Former First Lady Michelle Obama did not address the unfounded rumors involving her own marriage in the trailer
Former First Lady Michelle Obama did not address the unfounded rumors involving her own marriage in the trailer (Getty Images)

In a review of the first two episodes, the New York Times said Obama and her brother discuss Robinsonā€™s divorce and her initial reluctance to support her husbandā€™s bid for the presidency.

The second interview includes a chat with actress Issa Rae about how to maintain adult friendships. Obama also discloses that she has finally started driving again after years of Secret Service restrictions.

According to Higher Ground, the Obamasā€™ production company, IMO will combine the ā€œunique experiences and candid perspectivesā€ of Obama and Robinson. Each week, they will be joined by a special guest or expert ā€œto share hilarious, practical, and insightful opinions that shaped each of their remarkable journeys.ā€

ā€œThis podcast will leave you laughing, reflecting, and feeling more prepared to tackle lifeā€™s challenges,ā€ Higher Ground said in a press release.

Slated guests include actors Seth Rogan and Keke Palmer, director Tyler Perry and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. The podcast will also be available in video form.

The Obamas have been dogged by persistent and unfounded divorce rumours after the First lady did not appear at either former President Jimmy Carterā€™s funeral or at President Donald Trumpā€™s inauguration.

Michelle Obama didnā€™t attend Jimmy Carterā€™s funeral earlier this year
Michelle Obama didnā€™t attend Jimmy Carterā€™s funeral earlier this year (Getty Images)

The hearsay forced Jennifer Aniston into publicly refuting rumours that she had an affair with Barack Obama, saying she had only ā€œmet him onceā€ in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel late last year, adding that she knew Michelle better than the former president.

However, this past Valentine's Day the former president showed the marriage was still going strong, sharing a touching tribute to his wife of more than 30 years.

ā€œThirty-two years together and you still take my breath away,ā€ he wrote on X, sharing a happy photograph of the couple.

ā€œHappy Valentineā€™s Day, @MichelleObama!ā€

This marks the third podcast launched by the former First Lady. She released her first, The Michelle Obama Podcast in 2020 followed by The Light We Carry in 2023.

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