The Science of Happiness

Issa Rae on Friendships That Need to Go, from IMO

Apr 15, 2025

Issa Rae, the talented actor and creator behind "Insecure," joins siblings Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson for a lively discussion about friendship. They share hilarious personal stories, from fashion blunders to driving mishaps, that highlight the bonds of family. The trio dives deep into the complexities of adult friendships, balancing vulnerability and communication, and the emotional nuances of maintaining connections over time. Their candid conversation encourages reflection on the dynamics of friendships and the importance of nurturing relationships through life's changes.

01:00:16

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Issa Rae

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Quick takeaways

Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson emphasize the importance of authentic relationships and the need to nurture friendships through open communication and appreciation.

The podcast explores how financial literacy for children can be fostered using tools like Greenlight to prepare them for future challenges, instilling budgeting skills early on.

Listeners are encouraged to recognize the emotional complexities of friendships, acknowledging their evolution and the necessity of reflection during difficult transitions.

Deep dives

The Importance of Awe and Wonder

Experiencing awe and wonder can significantly enhance an individual's quality of life. Engaging with inspiring ideas and moments cultivates a greater sense of fulfillment and connection to the world. The guests featured, such as renowned thinkers and authors, discuss how these feelings can lead to personal transformation and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. These concepts encourage listeners to actively seek out moments that invoke awe in their everyday lives.

Intro

3min

Playful Banter and Personal Connections

2min

Navigating the Landscape of Friendship

12min

Navigating the Nuances of Adult Friendships

20min

Navigating Emotions in the Chair of Angst

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Friendship

20min

Navigating Imbalance in Relationships: A Conversation on Communication and Growth

4min

Sharing a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, hosted by Michelle Obama, called IMO. You know on Science of Happiness, we have conversations filled with compassion and empathy, and share research-backed strategies for a more fulfilled life. Similarly on IMO, Michelle and her big brother Craig Robinson bring candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Topics range from dating and relationships, to family and faith. Michelle and Craig share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you. In this episode, they’re joined by actress Issa Rae for a conversation about navigating the challenges of mismatched expectations in female friendships.

You can find more episodes of IMO at https://lnk.to/imomichellecrai...

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/bddahkjb