Michelle Obama might be new to the world of podcasting, but she’s wasting no time making waves. Her new show, IMO, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, has already drawn an impressive lineup of big names — from comedians to musicians to motivational speakers. But this week’s episode featured the most notable guest yet: her own husband, former President Barack Obama.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama with their daughters Malia and Sasha, celebrating their daughter’s birthday, Photo Credit: michelleobama/Instagram
The July 16 episode gave listeners a rare chance to hear the former first couple in a casual, unfiltered conversation. The main topics? Young men’s futures — and those persistent rumors that their decades-long marriage is in trouble.
“He actually cleared his schedule to join us,” Michelle said with a smile.
Robinson, never missing an opportunity for a joke, teased: “Wait… you two actually like each other?”
Michelle Obama hugging Barack Obama in a photo posted on Instagram, Photo Credit: michelleobama/Instagram
For years, whispers about the Obamas’ relationship have circulated — particularly after Michelle skipped the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and later missed President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The speculation hit a peak earlier this year, with some social media users insisting the marriage was over.
Michelle has since made it clear that her absence from those events had nothing to do with her husband — explaining that therapy and personal boundaries led her to decline certain appearances.
“The rumor mill is strong,” Michelle laughed during the podcast. “But this is my husband, everybody!”
Barack played along with the joke, saying, “She decided to take me back.” It was touch and go there for a while.”
Barack Obama in an IMO podcast cover photo, Photo Credit: michelleobama/Instagram
When Robinson remarked how nice it was to have both of them together, Michelle shot back: “Exactly — because if we’re not in the same place, people think we’ve split up.”
The conversation took a lighthearted turn when Robinson recounted a meeting with a woman in Wichita, Kansas, who was relieved to hear the divorce rumors were false. Barack admitted he usually doesn’t even hear about such gossip unless someone on his staff mentions it.
Michelle then took a more serious tone: “There hasn’t been a single moment where I thought about leaving my man. We’ve been through tough times, yes, but also so many incredible adventures. “He’s made me a better person.”
Barack’s quick response? “Alright, don’t make me cry now.”
Barack Obama as a guest on the IMO podcast, Photo Credit: imopodcasts/Instagram
IMO marks a new phase for Michelle, who has openly expressed her lack of interest in returning to political life. The podcast offers her and Robinson a platform to answer listener questions, share memories from growing up in Chicago, and talk candidly about the highs and lows of the White House years.
“This stage of life is the first time I’ve felt completely free,” Michelle told listeners in a recent episode — a sentiment that’s resonating with her growing audience.
