Their voices are needed now more than ever!
Michelle Obama and her older brother, Craig Robinson, are bringing family, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart to the podcast world. The dynamic Chicago-born siblings have teamed up for a brand-new series, IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, produced by Higher Ground, the media company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Variety reports. With this new venture, the two aim to “uncover the shared experiences that connect us all.”
As co-hosts, the former First Lady and Robinson—who serves as the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches—will take on the big and small questions of life, offering advice, laughs, and heartfelt conversations along the way. Each week, they’ll be joined by a special guest to tackle audience questions on relationships, parenting, faith, resilience, and more.
“From resilience in the face of life’s challenges to navigating relationships, parenting, family, and faith, IMO sees the First Lady at her most relaxed and honest,” Higher Ground shared in an announcement about the show.
The first two episodes of IMO drop on March 12th, with new episodes following weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. The highly anticipated second episode features actor, writer, and producer Issa Rae, who will discuss the complexities of “mismatched expectations in adult friendships.”
But that’s not all—Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson will also take the stage at SXSW in Austin on March 13th for a live taping of the podcast in front of an audience.
Upcoming guests feature some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and culture, including Tyler Perry, Keke Palmer, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jay Shetty, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach, Elaine Welteroth, Angie Martinez, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, and more.
“There’s a lot going on in the world right now. We’re living through some really complicated and confusing times and on top of that, folks are trying to juggle family life, work dynamics, relationships, aging parents, and more… I’m goign to be honest. We don’t have all the answers. But there will be a lot of opinions. A lot of learning. And plenty of laughs. Because we all need some moments of light right now,” Obama captioned a post announcing the show on social media.
“We grew up talking through life’s big and small questions together. And now, we’re inviting listeners into that conversation, with the hope that it sparks new ideas, new perspectives, and creates the connection we could all use right now,” Robinson added via statement.
This isn’t Michelle Obama’s first foray into podcasting. She previously hosted Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, an Audible original featuring candid conversations with high-profile friends like Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, Conan O’Brien, and Oprah Winfrey. That series marked the first project under Higher Ground’s multiyear first-look deal with Audible following the company’s previous partnership with Spotify.
Higher Ground has also been making waves in the entertainment industry, producing an array of compelling projects across film, TV, and digital media. Their podcast portfolio includes The Wonder of Stevie, a deep dive into Stevie Wonder’s legendary career; Your Mama’s Kitchen, hosted by journalist Michele Norris; The Big Hit Show, a pop-culture documentary series; Tell Them, I Am, spotlighting Muslim voices; Renegades: Born in the USA, a series of conversations between President Obama and Bruce Springsteen; and The Sum of Us, inspired by Heather McGhee’s bestselling book.
With IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, the Obamas’ Higher Ground continues to build on its mission of storytelling that enlightens, educates, and uplifts. Get ready for heartfelt moments, deep discussions, and the kind of sibling chemistry that makes you feel right at home.
Cover photo:Michelle Obama & Brother Craig Robinson to Launch New Podcast Giving Their Opinions on Everyday Life/Photo credit: Higher Ground