Former First Lady Michelle Obama's new podcast, IMO, has ignited fresh discussions about her marriage to former President Barack Obama and her reflections on their time in the White House. The debut episode, co-hosted with her brother, Craig Robinson, offered a candid glimpse into their family dynamics but drew criticism from some commentators who questioned its focus and intent.
Cultural critic Maureen Callahan, writing for RadarOnline.com, took aim at the podcast, characterizing it as self-indulgent and drawing comparisons to Meghan Markle's attempts at media influence. Callahan accused Michelle of using the platform to shift attention away from her husband's legacy while failing to address persistent rumors about their marriage.
"Yes: her brother's marital failure is cannon fodder for this otherwise pointless ego bath, this excruciating exercise in attempting to prove - à la Meghan Markle - that Michelle has more to offer than her marriage, which may or may not be ending," Callahan wrote.
Throughout the episode, Michelle and Craig discussed their childhood and personal struggles, including Craig's divorce, which Michelle admitted she learned about late. Her reaction suggested frustration, adding a layer of tension to their conversation. Callahan observed that Craig, 62, appeared "a little bit afraid" of his younger sister, now 61.
Michelle also revisited her long-standing grievances about her husband's political rise, revealing she was initially opposed to his presidential run. "I couldn't have gotten through eight years in the White House without my big brother," Michelle said, underscoring her reliance on Craig rather than Barack during the presidency. She credited her brother for persuading her to support Barack's campaign, stating, "You talked me into supporting his run."
The podcast launch comes amid persistent speculation about the state of the Obamas' marriage. The couple, who have been married since 1992, have rarely been seen together in recent months. Michelle was absent from high-profile events such as the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump's inauguration, which Barack attended. In January, Barack was spotted dining alone in Washington, D.C., receiving a warm ovation from restaurant patrons.
Callahan suggested Michelle's podcast is another attempt to carve out an identity distinct from her husband's towering legacy. "She is resentful, still, that her husband brought her and their girls into the White House, that his election made her the first black First Lady, and conferred upon her an immortality that no amount of books written or Netflix productions or podcasts launched will ever grant her," she wrote.
In the podcast, Michelle also lamented Barack's well-known habit of tardiness, sharing anecdotes from their early relationship when he would frequently make them late for events. "Barack had to adjust to what 'on time' was," she said. "I've got this husband who, when it's time to leave, he's getting up and going to the bathroom. And I was like, dude, like three o'clock departure means you've done all that." She added that he has "improved over 30 years of marriage."
Further complicating public perceptions of their relationship, Michelle voiced her frustration over Barack's lack of deep conversations with friends, particularly during golf outings. "My husband is like, 'what are you talking about all day?'" she said in a separate episode featuring actress Issa Rae. "He does not fully understand the emotional complexities of female friendships."
Despite their increasingly separate public appearances, the couple attempted to quell speculation last month with a Valentine's Day post. Michelle shared a photo with Barack on X, formerly Twitter, calling him "my rock." However, Barack was recently spotted alone at a Los Angeles Clippers game, reigniting curiosity about their relationship.
Rumors about their marriage have ranged from quiet negotiations over asset division to unfounded gossip linking Barack to actress Jennifer Aniston. Aniston denied any connection beyond a single meeting, telling Jimmy Kimmel Live, "I know Michelle more than him."
