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!
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Michelle Obama, Jane Fonda, Bethann Hardison, and Jenna Lyons engage in a profound conversation about aging, exploring themes of finding purpose, intentional living, and societal expectations for women. They candidly share fears, discuss the evolving definition of beauty and self-care, and reflect on their impactful careers, including activism in fashion and politics. The discussion also touches on the importance of community over individualism and empowering the next generation, offering inspiring insights on embracing life's later chapters.
On this special live episode of IMO, actress, founder and CEO Tracee Ellis Ross joins Michelle Obama at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to discuss Mrs. Obama’s latest book, The Look. Together, they talk about why Michelle has chosen to finally talk openly about her fashion journey, the team behind her most memorable looks, and how she has stayed true to herself throughout the White House years and beyond. Learn more about The Look here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...
For many Black women, caring about their hair isn’t a choice – it’s a cultural inheritance, a political statement and a lifelong journey. Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor-at-Large of Cosmopolitan, joins the show to lead a candid discussion between Michelle Obama, her hairstylist Yene Damtew and Blackish actress Marsai Martin about their personal hair journeys, and how Michelle’s hair evolution both mirrored and inspired their own. To read Julee Wilson's work, visit: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style...
On the first episode of The Look, Project Runway host and Editor-in-Chief of Elle Nina Garcia guides a conversation between Michelle Obama and African-American Literature professor Farah Jasmine Griffin. They dive into the making of Michelle Obama as style icon: what she wore growing up in the South Side of Chicago, how she evolved her self-presentation in college, and how she stepped into her public image on the national stage as the first Black First Lady. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
Actor, comedian, and long-running SNL cast member Kenan Thompson sits down with Michelle and Craig to answer a listener’s question about parenting a daughter who wants to be famous. Kenan shares his own experience as a child actor, how he helps foster a sense of community on SNL, and how he shows up as a father to his two young daughters. Plus, Kenan’s kids make a special guest appearance! Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...
On today’s episode, Girlfriends and Forever creator Mara Brock Akil joins Michelle and Craig to talk about her incredible career, and how her children have inspired her current projects. The group discusses navigating the teen and early adult years, giving their teenagers more freedom, and figuring out how to build and improve on your personal foundation. Plus, Mara spills on the possibility of a Girlfriends movie! Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy...
Hey IMO listeners! We want to share an episode of a new podcast from Higher Ground and Audible that we think you will love. In Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, Jad Abumrad—creator of Radiolab, More Perfect, and Dolly Parton's America —tells the story of one of the great political awakenings in music: how a classically trained 'colonial boy' traveled to America, in search of Africa, only to return to Nigeria and transform his sound into a battering ram against the state—creating a new musical language of ...
This week on IMO, Craig and Michelle are joined by basketball legends and fellow podcasters Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The two discuss their careers on the court, how they have evolved both personally and professionally since retiring from basketball, and the steps they are taking to embrace the type of healthy masculinity they want for their own sons. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic...
In this insightful episode, Dr. Sharon Malone delves into women's health, particularly menopause and perimenopause, advocating for women to understand and own their bodies. She addresses misconceptions about hormone therapy, highlights the dangers of underdiagnosis, and discusses her new podcast, "The Second Opinion," which aims to demystify healthcare and empower women with practical, accessible information. The conversation also touches on the importance of community support and finding joy in later life.
Dr. Orna Guralnik, famed psychoanalyst and star of Showtime’s Couples Therapy, joins Michelle and Craig to answer a listener’s question about disconnection and boredom in her marriage. Craig explains why he hid the problems in his first marriage from his family, Michelle discusses a pet peeve that drives her nuts, and Dr. Orna explains how to be truly present with another person in any long-term relationship. Plus, IMO gets its first furry guest! Have a question you want answered? Write to us at...
On today’s episode, actresses, activists and fellow podcasters Erika Alexander and Kim Coles join the show! They go deep on their childhoods, share what it was like behind the scenes of Living Single, and discuss how Hollywood has (and hasn’t) changed in recent years. Plus, Erika shares a surprising revelation she had with a psychic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
On this week’s episode of IMO, Michelle and Craig sit down with fellow Chicagoan and former WNBA star Candace Parker. They discuss why self-exploration is crucial in our careers, the challenges they’ve had in bringing up children in extraordinary circumstances, and Candace’s love story with her wife. Plus, a listener asks for help in finding a new career path. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Natasha Rothwell joins the podcast for a live taping at Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival. She discusses her Emmy-nominated role in The White Lotus, finding her comedic path while living in Tokyo, and how being “neurospicy” has shaped her approach to life. Plus, Michelle and Craig play matchmaker! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
On this very special episode of IMO, legendary filmmaker Spike Lee joins the podcast to discuss his new film Highest 2 Lowest. He shares how his childhood shaped his art, behind-the-scenes stories of Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman, and his favoriteNew York sports stories. Plus, Michelle and Craig discover a very small world (and highly influential) connection with Spike. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...
Former basketball player Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union join the podcast to answer a listener question about supporting their sibling’s child through a hard time. The group discusses how to build healthy communication strategies with siblings in adulthood, how to offer meaningful help while respecting boundaries, and what a spouse can do to support their partner's family during hard times. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19...
On this week’s episode, college basketball coach and former player Dawn Staley joins the show to answer a listener question about leadership. She shares her own journey through the fledgling WNBA, her childhood growing up in North Philly, and what helped her to learn how to lead. Plus, Dawn shares her surprising true crime obsession. 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/pr...
This episode features Michelle Obama and dating coach Logan Ury, who delve into the complexities of modern dating. They challenge the popular notion of an instant 'spark,' suggesting that true connection often develops through a 'slow burn' built on friendship and shared values. Logan provides practical strategies for navigating online dating, including understanding common dating tendencies and setting clear intentions. Michelle shares personal anecdotes about her relationship with Barack, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and the hard work involved in building and sustaining a meaningful, long-term partnership.
Longtime friends, podcasters and performers Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers join the show! They discuss the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, how they’ve navigated their friendship through the ups and downs of their careers, and the fights that have made them grow closer to each other. Plus, Michelle shares the surprising new Bravo show she’s been watching. 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 h...
Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monét joins Michelle and Craig to help a listener who’s falling out of love with her dream job. Victoria talks about the twists and turns it took to set up her own career and how she refused to give up motherhood along the way. She and Craig connect over the embarrassment that can come with telling others about your ambitious goals and how to separate your work identity with your purpose. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Po...
Former President Barack Obama, alongside Michelle and Craig, delves into a listener's question about raising emotionally intelligent young men. They share personal stories on fatherhood, the evolving definition of masculinity, and the critical role of community in a boy's development. The discussion emphasizes the need for diverse male role models, the impact of societal changes on parenting, and the vital importance of fostering emotional self-awareness to prepare the next generation for a complex world.
Legendary actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus joins the podcast to discuss the importance of building community in adulthood. Michelle talks about how she’s approaching life in her 60s, the surprising strategy she used to maintain her friendships while in the White House, and Julia shares the women who inspire her most. Plus, the group answers a listener's question about finding adult friends at every stage in life. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy ...
Social psychologist and best-selling author Jonathan Haidt (“The Anxious Generation”) sits down with Michelle and Craig to talk about the damage that smartphones and social media are doing to our kids. Jon lays out the four ways you can tackle the problems kids are having with their phones, create a play-based childhood, and resist giving kids access to social media before they’re ready. Plus, this week’s listener asks how to deal with screen addiction. Have a question you want answered? Write t...
Michelle and Craig sit down with famed radio host, podcaster, newly-minted golfer, and “Voice of New York,” Angie Martinez. As the mother of two sons, Angie offers her opinions to a listener struggling with raising a son in a volatile culture filled with bad examples of masculinity. Michelle and Craig talk about adolescent social pressure, and Angie shares her best trick for connecting with sons. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
Legendary musician Bruce Springsteen joins Michelle (Craig is out sick!) to answer a question from a listener who is struggling with her relationship to her father. Bruce talks about therapy and how it helped him become a better father to his kids. Michelle talks about the joy of having an adult relationship with her children, and Bruce shares advice on how to accept the limits of other people. Plus! A special musical interlude from Michelle. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imo...
Michelle and Craig sit down with entrepreneur and “Diary of a CEO” host Steven Bartlett to discuss what role money should play in your life, why it’s important to be transparent with your kids about your finances, and how Steven went from financial instability to a serial entrepreneur. They also answer a listener's question on how best to deal with financial anxiety and debt. Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...
On this week’s episode, OB/GYN (and close friend!) Dr. Sharon Malone joins the podcast to talk about the urgent issues plaguing women’s healthcare in the U.S. and how women can safely navigate a medical system that is not built for them. Plus, the group answers a listener question from a woman looking to freeze her eggs. 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-...
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 ...
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...
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://art19.com...
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 at ht...
