IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson - podcast cover

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

Higher Groundart19.com

Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson bring their unique experiences and candid perspectives to a range of listeners’ personal dilemmas, from the everyday to the existential. Each week, they’re joined by special guests to tackle audience questions with practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs. From dating and relationships to parenting and financial planning, IMO sees the iconic First Lady at her most relaxed and honest. This podcast will leave you laughing, reflecting, and feeling more prepared to tackle life’s challenges. Join the fun and submit your questions at imopod.com!

Episodes

Be a Different Kind of Leader with Brian Chesky

This week Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, Brian Chesky, joins Michelle and Craig at the table to discuss everything from boosting a business out of the startup phase to dating in search of deep connection. Brian shares stories about Airbnb’s early keys to success (hint: it has to do with breakfast cereal), the evolving responsibility of tech companies in the modern age and how young entrepreneurs can navigate the current tech landscape. Plus, Michelle presses Brian on the dating advice he received ...

May 21, 202555 min

“Success” Looks Different for Every Family with Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach

Author Glennon Doyle and superstar soccer legend Abby Wambach sit down to give advice about what an IMO listener should prioritize while figuring out where to move her young family. Glennon shares why she moved her family seven times, and, as the “bonus parent,” Abby discusses what she thinks is most important to their kids’ and family’s happiness (hint: It’s not unlimited cake-pops, though she’s tried). Craig and Michelle discuss their own stories of uprooting families for careers—including a v...

May 14, 20251 hr 13 min

Live with Tina Knowles: Lessons from a Matriarch

On this special live episode of IMO, Michelle sits down with Tina Knowles to launch her new book Matriarch. Tina goes deep on the values she learned from her childhood, how she shepherded her daughters through their iconic careers, and what she’s learned about being a mother.  Learn more about Matriarch here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729803/matriarch-oprahs-book-club-by-tina-knowles/  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https...

May 09, 20251 hr 21 min

The Lessons Our Mother Taught Us

On today’s episode, Michelle and Craig open up about how they’ve managed grieving their beloved mother, Marian Robinson. An IMO listener asks Michelle and Craig for help in navigating painful family dynamics after losing her dad. Michelle and Craig share how their parents helped them manage grief from a very young age, and offer advice to the listener for finding meaning and connection after significant loss.  Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy...

May 07, 202553 min

Respect Your Kids’ Choices with Damon and Marlon Wayans

Legendary entertainers Damon and Marlon Wayans join the pod as IMO’s first sibling guests! They share hilarious stories from their childhood, open up about working together as an entertainment family, and share wisdom about raising children through challenges. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at ⁠imopod.com⁠ . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 30, 20251 hr 8 min

You Need to Learn to Say No (Even to an Inauguration) with Taraji P. Henson

Actress, businesswoman, and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson joins to talk about setting boundaries, why Michelle didn't attend the inauguration, post-White House therapy, and the glories of the Real Housewives franchise. Plus Craig gets a birthday surprise! Have a question you want answered? Write to us at  imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 23, 20251 hr 9 min

Dating Should Be about Pursuing Joy with Tracee Ellis Ross

Actress, director, producer and businesswoman Tracee Ellis Ross joins IMO to answer a listener question from a man who has been unlucky in love but wants a partner and family. Tracee discusses how she learned to embrace being single for much of her adult life, why she feels ready to date again, and shares her dating checklist. Plus, Craig offers his thoughts on what men are looking for in their dating lives. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at htt...

Apr 16, 202556 min

Break Up With Him When It’s Over with Elaine Welteroth

Michelle sits down solo with author, businesswoman, and all around multihyphenate, Elaine Welteroth, to answer a listener's question about a dating red-flag. Elaine tells the story of past romance with her own “Br. Big,” and how it nearly set her off course from the family goals she cared most about. Michelle talks about the importance of dating before marriage and highlights a concept that should be paid more attention: being the “chooser,” not the chosen.  Have a question you want answere...

Apr 09, 202555 min

Pursue What You Love Before You Pursue Love with Jay Shetty

World-renowned life coach, podcaster, and former Hindu monk Jay Shetty joins Michelle and Craig to dive into a listener's question about professional ambition and dating. The trio discuss money in relationships, finding balance between work and romance, and Michelle shares her advice for choosing a life partner. Is the pursuit of perfection—in work or dating—worth it? Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . You can watch Jay in person as he takes his podcast  On Purpo...

Apr 02, 202555 min

Disappointment Is the Key to Career Success with Keke Palmer

Acclaimed actress Keke Palmer joins Michelle and Craig to answer a listener who asks why she feels so bad after a big career win. Keke reflects on how her planned breakout as a young actress went awry, and the ways that feelings of failure contributed to her career. Michelle, Craig, and Keke talk about how their perspective on meaningful work has changed over the years—and the advice that Michelle’s girls are finally starting to listen to.  Have a question you want answered? Write to us at ...

Mar 26, 202547 min

IMO Live at SXSW: Combatting Hopelessness with Dr. Laurie Santos

Michelle and Craig host their first live podcast recording together at SXSW! They are joined by Dr. Laurie Santos, psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, to answer a listener question about finding hope in hard times. The group discusses how phones have contributed to the “always on” nature of stress, strategies to harness happiness is the everyday, and how to develop resilience for future challenges. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy ...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 5 min

Caretakers Need to Care for Themselves with Seth and Lauren Rogen

Filmmakers Seth and Lauren Rogen join the show to answer a listener’s question about family upheaval caused by caring for an aging parent. Seth and Lauren open up about caring for Lauren’s mother after she received an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and Michelle and Craig share stories about the family caretaking that shaped their childhoods. Also find out how new hobbies and ceramic bongs could help you stay sharp as you age. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . Find addi...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 8 min

Some Friendships Need to Go with Issa Rae

Issa Rae is an acclaimed actor, producer, writer, and restauranteur—but she’s also a student of modern adult friendships. She joins Michelle and Craig to answer a question from a listener who is struggling with the unexpected end of a long-term friendship. Issa asks why male friendships are so weird and shares lessons from a friendship falling out. Michelle offers lessons on how to maintain connections throughout life, and Craig takes a stand for the fellas – who, Issa and Michelle claim, have n...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 8 min

You Should Start a Podcast with Your Sibling with Michelle and Craig

In a small shared bedroom in a rented house on Euclid Avenue in Chicago, Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson built a special sibling bond. In their first episode, the former First Lady and her best friend and big brother share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first-crushes and fraught college years to landing at the White House and losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you.&nbs...

Mar 12, 202553 min

Introducing IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson bring their unique experiences and candid perspectives to a range of listeners’ personal dilemmas, from the everyday to the existential. Each week, they’re joined by special guests to tackle audience questions with practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs. From dating and relationships to parenting and financial planning, IMO sees the iconic First Lady at her most relaxed and honest. This podcast will leave you laughing, reflec...

Mar 10, 202557 sec

Music of My Mind from 'The Wonder of Stevie'

Higher Ground listeners! We'd like to share the first episode of an exciting new Audible Original podcast. It's called The Wonder of Stevie. You might think you know Stevie Wonder. You might think you know his music. But you’ve never heard it like this.  Host Wesley Morris is taking you on a deep-dive through Stevie's Classic Period: five legendary albums back-to-back in just four years. Hear about the record deal that started it all, the technology Stevie adopted to create never-before-hea...

Sep 26, 202459 min

“We Weren’t Meant to Do This Life Alone” with Heather McGhee

Author and commentator Heather McGhee sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up without fear, January 6th, and how to stay hopeful. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Feb 28, 202428 min

"We Can't Be Who We Can't See" with Michele Norris

Award-winning journalist Michele Norris and Michelle Obama discuss how they push each other in their friendship, challenges in relationships, and the importance of mentorship. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Feb 26, 202430 min

Introducing "Your Mama's Kitchen"

“Tell me about your mama’s kitchen.” That’s the simple request which begins each episode of this new Higher Ground and Audible Original podcast from acclaimed journalist Michele Norris.  On the very first episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen, Former First Lady Michelle Obama talks with Michele about her beginnings growing up in a working-class family on the South Side of Chicago and the delicious red rice her mother made that reminds her of home.  To listen to more of the show, subscribe to ...

Aug 30, 202349 min

“Our Hair is a Portal into our Souls” with Tracee Ellis Ross

Michelle and Tracee Ellis Ross discuss their personal style, the power of self-expression, and finding self-worth outside of romantic relationships. (Plus: Sit-downs with Michelle’s personal stylists!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Aug 09, 202331 minSeason 2Ep. 9

"Barack Is My Home" with Oprah Winfrey

Michelle and Oprah talk about Michelle’s 50th birthday party on Oprah’s estate, how they foster relationships that last, and why—even after everything that has happened in our country—Michelle still believes in “going high." Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode8 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

May 09, 202337 min

"The Friendship Bubble" with Elizabeth Alexander

Legendary poet and teacher Elizabeth Alexander sits down with Michelle to discuss their 30 years of friendship, how they struggled as young mothers, and crucial support their friend group has given to them at the low points in their lives. Elizabeth also draws the curtain back on what really happens when you go on a retreat to Camp David with the First Lady. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode7 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

May 02, 202331 min

“Excellence Is My Practice” with Gayle King

Parenting is the focus of this conversation: Gayle opens up about how she approached raising her “favorite daughter” and “favorite son”, and Michelle discusses her fight to keep her daughters normal in the White House. (Spoiler: Driving lessons and dating are pretty tricky.) She also shares stories about watching the girls now that they’re launched and living together. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode6 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privac...

Apr 25, 202329 min

"The Power Of Small" with David Letterman

Legendary talk show host and comedian David Letterman talks to Michelle about anxiety—vulnerability, his struggles with taking criticism, and their mutual experiences in the public eye. They also swap knitting tips and Michelle shares the tools that she leans on to quiet her mind. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode5 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 18, 202331 min

"Decoding Fear" with Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres and Michelle discuss the role fear plays in their lives—why it’s important, the people who would weaponize it, and ways to turn the things that terrify you into rocket fuel. Michelle also tells the story of being forced to decide whether her husband would run for president and the time that inviting a Star Wars character to the White House ended up scarring one of her daughters. Plus, a special lesson on “starting kind.” Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode4 ...

Apr 11, 202337 min

“Telling Myself That I Was Enough” with Conan O’Brien

Conan sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up feeling different and swap hard won lessons about relationships and marriage. Plus: Michelle tells stories of her White House travels, including an unexpected invitation from the Queen that ended in a solid gold room. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode3 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Apr 04, 202338 min

“We All Have A Light” with Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry and Michelle discuss their different—but extremely powerful—childhood memories, the drive to succeed as working class Black folks and the difficulty of raising kids in the spotlight. Bonus special guest Madea pops in with a few things to say about “going high”! Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode2 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 28, 202337 min

“Kids Just Want Our Gladness” with Hoda Kotb

Hoda and Michelle go deep on the importance of shining our light for others, especially children. They also talk about how they’ve navigated the most daunting challenges in their lives—from Michelle’s time as the first Black First Lady or Hoda’s decision to adopt kids late in life. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode1 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 21, 202341 min

Introducing “The Sum of Us”

In a new series from Higher Ground, author Heather McGhee embarks on a road trip across Covid-era America, unearthing stories of American hope and solidarity in a time of great division and peril for our democracy.  In the first episode of the podcast, we’ll meet Heather and learn more about her journey—from rural Maine to the coast of California— as she meets extraordinary Americans who are crossing demographic, cultural and political lines to shape their communities for the better.  ...

Jul 27, 202223 min

Introducing "Renegades: Born in the USA"

So much has happened since the debut of The Michelle Obama Podcast—including President Barack Obama, launching a podcast of his own. Renegades: Born in the USA is a series of conversations between the former Commander in Chief and Bruce Springsteen about their lives, their favorite music, and their enduring love of America, despite all its challenges and contradictions. This episode—about fatherhood—is Mrs. Obama’s favorite. But they’re all terrific. Head to the Renegades: Born in the USA feed h...

Apr 07, 202142 min
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