Former first lady Michelle Obama launches new podcast 'IMO' with older brother Craig Robinson

Hosting a podcast continues to be a must-have for anyone who wants to maintain cultural relevance. Being a former first lady offers no exemption.

Michelle Obama is launching a new podcast entitled “IMO” – short for “in my opinion” – alongside her brother Craig Robinson, who is the head of the National Association of Basketball coaches in the United States.

Higher Ground, the media production company founded by Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama in 2018, is producing the show.

“IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” aims to be a light-hearted show, providing insights into the questions shaping our everyday lives.

“I’m going to be honest. We don’t have all the answers," the former first lady wrote on her Instagram account. "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."

Each week, the two hosts will be joined by a guest to answer audience questions and provide advice and anecdotes. After an introductory episode, the second instalment will feature American actress Issa Rae, who is expected to discuss “the challenges of mismatched expectations in adult friendships.”

Later guests will include major entertainment figures such as Keke Palmer, Tracee Ellis Ross and Tyler Perry.

Michelle Obama previously hosted “The Michelle Obama Podcast in 2020”, in which she held conversations with her loved ones, including her husband, mother and brother. She was then the host of “The Light Podcast”, an Audible Original series based on her bestselling 2022 book "The Light We Carry".

Other shows produced by Higher Ground include “The Wonder of Stevie”, an audio documentary on Stevie Wonder’s 1970s era, and “Renegades: Born in the USA”, a series of conversations between President Obama and Bruce Springsteen.

“IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” premieres on 12 March 2025 on all podcast platforms. Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson are also set to record a live episode at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, on 13 March.