Former First Lady Michelle Obama, known for her initiatives on childhood obesity and education, discusses her thoughts on marriage, fame, and the impact of social media. She shares insights on staying open to change, managing information overload, and the challenges of marriage. The podcast also explores the importance of regular check-ins in relationships and offers strategies for handling conflict. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for self-care, mental health, and becoming supportive partners.
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Quick takeaways
Effective communication is crucial in relationships, understanding each other's styles leads to better connection and problem-solving.
Being open and empathetic in relationships allows for meaningful connections and personal growth.
The challenges of fame and loss of privacy require adjustments and finding moments of rest amidst the demands.
Deep dives
Effective Communication in Relationships
In this podcast episode, Michelle Obama discusses the importance of effective communication in relationships. She shares that as her and President Obama's relationship evolved, they had to learn how to navigate their different communication styles. Michelle describes herself as someone who tends to express her emotions explosively, while Barack is more of a fixer who wants to address and resolve issues immediately. They have learned to find a balance, with Michelle taking time to calm down and gather her thoughts before engaging in a conversation about a problem. She emphasizes the significance of understanding each other's communication styles and making an effort to communicate in a way that is effective for both partners.
The Value of Being Open and Empathetic
Michelle Obama emphasizes the importance of being open and empathetic in relationships. She shares that she and Barack have consciously chosen to be open to new people and experiences, even when they were in the White House and faced the challenges of fame. Michelle believes that being open allows for the possibility of forming meaningful connections and discovering new joys in life. She encourages her daughters and others to stay open to the opportunities and possibilities that come with connecting with different people. She also emphasizes the value of trust and using one's instincts to determine which relationships are worth maintaining and which may need to come to a natural end.
The Challenges of Fame and Loss of Anonymity
Michelle Obama discusses the challenges of fame and the loss of anonymity that it brings. She explains that being well-known and recognized everywhere can feel isolating and limiting. Michelle and Barack have had to adjust to a lifestyle where they are constantly under public scrutiny and in need of security measures. They are aware that their actions and movements are monitored and that they no longer have the freedom to do everyday activities like walk in a park or go to the grocery store without planning and precaution. Michelle acknowledges the importance of privacy and the need to find moments of rest and solitude amidst the demands of fame.
Importance of Complete Information
With the rise of technology and access to news from around the world, people today are exposed to a constant barrage of crime and negative images. However, this does not necessarily mean that the world is worse off than it was in the past. In fact, historical statistics show that rates of crime and war have actually decreased. The perception of feeling unsafe is often a result of incomplete information and the constant exposure to negative news. While it is important to be aware of the challenges and dangers in the world, it is equally important to have a balanced perspective and understanding of the positive developments that have taken place.
Navigating Relationship Challenges
Relationships, particularly long-term ones, can be challenging and require effort and understanding. It is common to have moments of saying or doing things that one may later regret. However, in successful relationships, it is crucial to have open communication and the willingness to address and rectify such situations. With time and experience, couples learn to navigate and overcome difficulties more efficiently. It is important to recognize that no relationship is perfect, and disagreements and mistakes are a natural part of any long-term commitment. Choosing to work through challenges and learn from them leads to growth and a stronger bond.
Do you want to learn how to strengthen your relationship over time?
Do you want to have better communication and expectations with your partner?
On this very special episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty sits down with the former First Lady of the country, Michelle Obama. During Michelle’s time as First Lady, Michelle launched several initiatives, including "Let's Move!" which aimed to combat childhood obesity, and "Reach Higher," promoting higher education. Her memoir "Becoming," released in 2018, became one of the best-selling books of that year and took the world by storm. Today we sit down to talk about her most recent book, “The Light We Carry.”
In this raw conversation, Michelle opens up about her thoughts on marriage, fame, and public service. She talks about the toxicity of social media and technology that affects our mental health and how to be open to the changes and possibilities people bring with them. She also talks about how negative news and social updates are affecting our society and the community we are in.
We also dive deep into relationships and why we put so much pressure on our marriage, how to choose the right person for you and make the relationship work even when it isn’t perfect, and how to practice constructive arguments with your partner.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
How to think freely and independently
How to take care of your mental health
How to become a supportive partner
How deal with negativity
How to become an effective leader
How to make your marriage last
Together we’ll learn how to find calm amid life's noise, give people the space to be seen and heard, and explore topics that resonate with the very fabric of our personal growth journey.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:18 What is the Best Part of Being You?
02:16 What’s Your Longest Friendship?
03:16 The Struggle of Leaving the People You Love Behind
06:36 Be Open to the Possibilities of People
11:36 What’s the Hardest Part of Being You?
14:23 When You Lose a Piece of Yourself
16:48 What Keeps You Up at Night?
19:00 Allow Your Brain to Rest from the Noise
24:26 Mindful Usage of Technology
26:48 We Consume More Negative News Daily
31:03 How Do You Sustain a Successful Relationship?