The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Former First Lady (Michelle Obama): This Is A Scam! People Were Running From Us Because We Were Black! I Was Bitter About The Racism I Received!

May 1, 2025

Michelle Obama, former First Lady and a powerful advocate for social change, joins her brother Craig Robinson, a former college basketball coach. They dive into childhood lessons of resilience and empathy amid racial tensions. Michelle shares candid experiences of navigating racism and the impact of 'white flight'. The siblings reflect on their family dynamics, the importance of communication in relationships, and Michelle's journey of rediscovering her identity. They also touch on fertility struggles and the emotional challenges of public life.

01:28:35

Episode guests

Craig Robinson

Michelle Obama

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Michelle Obama credits her parents with instilling values of empathy, discipline, and resilience amidst racial challenges that shaped her identity.

Reflecting on her career journey, Michelle highlights how personal loss propelled her to seek fulfillment beyond societal expectations and conventions.

Navigating the complexities of family life, Michelle and Craig stress the importance of communication and boundaries in maintaining healthy partnerships.

Deep dives

Michelle's Early Life and Values

Michelle Obama reflects on her upbringing in a modest home on the South Side of Chicago, emphasizing the foundational values instilled by her parents. Her father, a decent and hardworking man, exemplified loyalty and generosity, even as he faced the challenges of multiple sclerosis. These values shaped Michelle and her brother Craig, encouraging them to prioritize care for others over material success. Living with extended family reinforced the importance of community and support, demonstrating how familial ties and shared experiences can cultivate resilience and character.

Intro

1min

Rooted in Community: Reflections on a Childhood Home

3min

Values, Advocacy, and Identity

12min

Resilience and Identity: Overcoming Challenges

27min

Navigating Love and Career: Balancing Independence and Parenthood

6min

Navigating the IVF Journey

10min

Revolutionizing Foot Health and Mentoring Insights

3min

Balancing Public Life and Family Dynamics

20min

The Importance of Setting Boundaries and Mentorship

5min

Michelle Obama served as the First Lady of the United States, entering the White House alongside Barack Obama. In this candid conversation, she joins Steven with her brother Craig Robinson, a former college basketball coach turned executive, to open up about everything from Trump’s inauguration to marriage challenges, grief, and rediscovering her purpose.

Widely regarded as one of today’s most influential voices on leadership, identity, and social progress, Michelle offers a rare, intimate look at her personal journey.

Together, they discuss:

How their parents instilled empathy, discipline, and resilience growing up amid racial tension.
Michelle’s journey through elite schools and corporate law, driven by a need to tick society’s boxes.
The evolution of Michelle and Barack’s relationship, from colleagues to lifelong partners.
Fertility struggles, parenting tips, and what it really takes to sustain a long-term marriage.

Navigating life in the White House, grief, personal boundaries, and rediscovering her true calling.

00:00 Intro

02:11 Michelle and Craig's Childhood

04:48 Values Learned from Their Parents

08:45 Michelle Skipping Second Grade

12:16 The Role of Race in Their Childhood

15:19 What "White Flight" Means

17:01 Coping with Racism

20:55 Overcoming Being Underestimated

26:33 Michelle's Search for Identity

30:20 Meeting Barack

31:59 Introducing Barack to the Family

33:48 Why Michelle Initially Rejected Barack

37:28 Michelle's Career Change: Pursuing Joy

40:52 Relationship with Barack

44:56 Going to Counseling with Barack

49:34 Pregnancy Struggles

56:27 Hardest Moments in Their Marriage

57:31 Barack Obama Runs for Public Office

01:03:28 What I Should Have Said to Barack

01:07:11 Being the First Black First Lady and Facing Scrutiny

01:14:09 Reflections on a Sad Time

01:15:17 Remembering Your Mother

01:16:53 The Death of Your Mother

01:18:36 Processing the Grief

01:20:41 Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration

Listen to Michelle & Craig's new podcast IMO:

⁠https://bit.ly/3YnxIUg⁠