Michelle Obama is different now. If you’ve seen her lately—sporting boho braids, bold gold jewelry, and a vibe that says "I’m done with the protocols"—you know exactly what I mean. She isn’t the polished, careful First Lady of 2008 anymore. She’s evolved.
And that evolution is most obvious in her latest project: IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
Forget the stiff political interviews or the highly produced "State of the Union" style addresses. This is a sibling act. Michelle and her big brother, Craig Robinson, have teamed up to create a space that feels less like a broadcast and more like sitting at the Robinson family kitchen table on the South Side of Chicago.
Honestly, the "IMO" (which stands for "In My Opinion") title is a perfect fit. It’s opinionated. It’s raw. It’s funny as hell.
The Sibling Dynamic That Makes IMO With Michelle Obama Work
Most celebrity podcasts feel like a transaction. One famous person interviews another famous person, and they both promote their latest book or movie.
But IMO with Michelle Obama breaks that mold because of Craig.
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Craig Robinson isn't just "the brother." He’s the guy who knew Michelle before the Secret Service, before the Harvard Law degree, and before the White House. He knows how to poke fun at her. He knows her "tells." Because they’ve been each other's counsel for six decades, the conversation has a depth that most hosts can’t reach with a guest they met five minutes before the mic went live.
In one of the most poignant episodes, they talk about the death of their mother, Marian Robinson. It wasn't a "celebrity mourning" moment. It was two siblings grappling with how to be adults when the person who grounded them is gone. Michelle admitted that even at 61, losing her mom was the moment she finally felt like she had to "grow up."
It's that kind of honesty—questioning "What happened to me?" during those eight years in the White House—that makes this show resonate.
Standout Episodes You Can't Miss
If you’re just diving into the feed, you might get overwhelmed by the star power. Don't be. While the guests are big, the topics are surprisingly small and relatable.
Parenting and Masculinity with Barack Obama
When the former President showed up, it wasn't to talk policy. He, Michelle, and Craig took a listener's question about raising emotionally intelligent young men. Craig, a father of three sons, brought the "dad energy," while Barack opened up about how being raised by a single mother shaped his view of manhood.
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Dating as a "Choiceful Woman" with Tracee Ellis Ross
This one is for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to settle. Tracee Ellis Ross joined Michelle and Craig to advise a listener struggling with being single while wanting a family. The takeaway? Be the "chooser," not the chosen. Michelle even shared some rare behind-the-scenes details about her and Barack’s proposal story, reminding everyone that even the "perfect" couple had to figure it out as they went.
The Legend Factor: Carol Burnett and Henry Winkler
Seeing Michelle Obama interview a legend like Carol Burnett is a masterclass in respect. They talked about imposter syndrome—yes, even Carol Burnett gets it. Later, Henry Winkler (the Fonz himself!) sat down to discuss his journey with dyslexia and therapy. It’s rare to hear these icons talk about their flaws so openly, but the "IMO" environment seems to make people feel safe enough to drop the act.
Why This Isn't Just Another Celebrity Podcast
Google is full of "advice" shows. So why does this one matter?
Because it’s tackling the "existential" alongside the "everyday." One week they’re talking to Anderson Cooper about the heavy weight of grief, and the next they’re debating financial planning or the "unspoken rules" of walking down the street with someone (an actual Spike Lee episode topic).
There's also a sub-series within the show called "The Look."
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In these episodes, Michelle sits down with her longtime stylist, Meredith Koop. They get into the "why" behind her fashion choices. They talk about that daring dress she wore at the end of the second term and how she uses clothing as a tool for communication. It’s a treat for anyone who followed her style evolution from the J.Crew cardigans to the Balenciaga thigh-high glitter boots.
What Most People Get Wrong About Michelle's New Voice
Some critics have been vocal about wanting Michelle to stay "political." They want her to be a voice for specific movements or to spend the whole time talking about the current state of the world.
But IMO with Michelle Obama is her act of rebellion against that expectation.
She’s choosing to focus on relationships. On community. On the internal work it takes to survive a world that feels increasingly loud and chaotic. By co-hosting with her brother, she’s reclaiming her identity as Michelle LaVaughn Robinson—not just the former First Lady.
How to Get Involved and Listen
You can find the show on all the usual spots: Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and Spotify. But if you want the full experience, check out the video versions on YouTube. Seeing the facial expressions between Michelle and Craig adds a whole other layer to the comedy.
They also take listener questions. If you’ve got a dilemma—whether it’s a dating red flag or a career pivot—you can submit it at imopod.com.
Actionable Takeaways from the IMO Philosophy:
- Prioritize Sibling/Long-term Bonds: Make time for the people who knew you "before." They are the ones who keep you grounded when life gets "big."
- Be the "Chooser" in Your Own Life: Whether in dating or career, don't wait to be picked. Set your own standards and stick to them.
- Embrace Your Evolution: Don't be afraid to change your look, your voice, or your focus. Aging isn't about disappearing; it's about coming closer to your purpose.
- Talk About the Hard Stuff: Whether it's grief, mental health, or imposter syndrome, saying it out loud to a trusted person is often the first step to healing.
If you're looking for a podcast that feels like a warm hug mixed with a reality check, this is it. Start with the "Growing Up Robinson" episode to understand the foundation of their bond, then move into the "Aging" episode with Jane Fonda. You’ll see why everyone is talking about this "unfiltered" version of the woman we thought we knew.