What Makes The Michelle Obama Podcast Worth Following
The Michelle Obama podcast, officially IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, pairs the former First Lady with her older brother for weekly conversations built around real listener questions.
Produced by Higher Ground, the media company Michelle and Barack Obama founded, the show mixes practical advice with candid stories from a rotating lineup of guests pulled from entertainment, sports, and business. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
Here is a look at ten episodes that show why the Michelle Obama podcast has built such a dedicated following.
10 Michelle Obama Podcast Episodes You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Issa Rae On Adult Friendships
The show’s very first guest, Issa Rae, joins to answer a listener question about losing a long-term friendship, digging into why adult friendships get so complicated and why male friendships in particular tend to look so different.
2. Kevin Hart: From Basketball Shoes To Comedy
Kevin Hart explains why he put down basketball for a microphone, opening up about his fatherhood journey and the lessons he carried from both of his parents into his career.
3. Steven Spielberg’s Rare Podcast Appearance
In only his third-ever podcast interview, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg opens up about his childhood and his craft in a conversation that stands out even among IMO’s high-profile guest list.
4. Taraji P. Henson: You Need To Learn To Say No
One of the show’s most beloved episodes, Taraji P. Henson talks candidly about setting boundaries, why Michelle chose not to attend the inauguration, and life after therapy post-White House.
5. AndersonPaak: Simplify Your Life
Grammy-winning artist Anderson Paak walks through his music career, from his early days performing as Breezy Lovejoy to the moment he thought his career was over before his big break with Dr. Dre.
6. Jessica Williams On Mentorship And Hollywood
Jessica Williams discusses what it was like having Jon Stewart as a mentor early in her career at The Daily Show, and what it has meant navigating Hollywood as a tall Black woman.
7. Conan O’Brien On Finding Your Way
Conan O’Brien reflects on the awkward, hardworking version of himself that got him to where he is today, along with advice for young people still trying to figure out their path.
8. Halle Bailey On Confidence And Motherhood
Halle Bailey talks about finding her confidence, becoming a mother, releasing her first solo album, and starring in her new film, You, Me, and Tuscany.
9. Michelle’s Crossover On Talk Easy With Sam Fragoso
In a rare appearance on another show, Michelle discusses her pivot to podcasting, life inside and outside the White House, and the lasting influence of her late mother, Marian Robinson.
10. The SXSW Live Launch Episode
Recorded live in front of an audience in Austin, this special episode marked the show’s public debut and set the tone for the format that followed.
Why These Episodes Stand Out
Each entry on this list reflects a different reason IMO has connected with listeners. The debut episode with Issa Rae established the show’s question-and-answer format, high-profile interviews like Steven Spielberg’s add rare access, and emotionally honest conversations like Taraji P.
Henson’s give the show real depth beyond typical celebrity small talk. That mix of accessibility and star power is what has kept the show near the top of the charts.
How to Start Listening to the Michelle Obama Podcast in 2026
New episodes are released every Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube, with video versions available for most episodes.
Since each episode centers on a different guest and question, new listeners can start with whichever topic interests them most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Hosts The Michelle Obama Podcast
Michelle Obama and her older brother, Craig Robinson, host the show, produced by Higher Ground.
How Often Do New Episodes Drop
New episodes release weekly, every Wednesday.
Where Can I Listen To The Michelle Obama Podcast
The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Final Thoughts
The Michelle Obama podcast has built a devoted audience by pairing genuine sibling chemistry with guests willing to go beyond the usual press talking points.
Whether you start with the Issa Rae debut or the Steven Spielberg interview, this list is a solid roadmap for building your 2026 listening rotation.
