On a newly launched podcast with her brother, former First Lady Michelle Obama shared personal stories about her life, according to The New York Times.
The show, called IMO, debuted on Wednesday, and its trailer offered a glimpse into Michelle’s marriage, just as speculation about her possible split from former President Barack Obama was making headlines.
Michelle said, “I couldn’t have gotten through eight years in the White House without my big brother,” reflecting on her time as First Lady from 2009 to 2017.
She went on to say, “… being married to the president of the United States [is a] thing that none of us kind of banked on. We knew Barack was smart and ambitious, but, you know…,” acknowledging the unexpected journey that came with her husband’s presidency.
She shared that on their podcast, she and Craig—who holds the role of executive director at the National Association of Basketball Coaches—would be addressing questions from listeners about “the challenges you’re grappling with in life… whether it’s navigating the complexities of marriage and parenting, handling a bit of friend drama, or even working up the courage to step into the dating scene.”
Michelle Obama confessed that politics was never something she enjoyed, but it was her brother, Craig Robinson, who ultimately persuaded her to back her husband’s presidential run.
The hosts will discuss Robinson’s past, including his divorce from his first wife and his marriage to Kelly McCrum Robinson. They will also touch on the widely circulated speculation about the Obamas’ alleged divorce, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent months.
The rumors became so widespread that some media outlets even claimed Barack Obama was romantically linked to Friends star Jennifer Aniston. However, the actress dismissed these claims during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, clarifying that she had only met the former president once.
Michelle and her brother will gradually welcome celebrity guests, including familiar faces from Obama’s earlier project, The Michelle Obama Podcast, such as director Tyler Perry, as well as new names like actors Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer.