IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Higher Ground
Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson bring their unique experiences and candid perspectives to a range of listeners’ personal dilemmas, from the everyday to the existential. Each week, they’re joined by special guests to tackle audience questions with practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs. From dating and relationships to parenting and financial planning, IMO sees the iconic First Lady at her most relaxed and honest. This podcast will leave you laughing, reflecting, and feeling more prepared to tackle life’s challenges. Join the fun and submit your questions at imopod.com!
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
Fight For Your Dream Job with Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét, a three-time Grammy-winning artist and children's book author, shares her journey in the music industry, discussing the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. She opens up about the fears of sharing ambitious goals and how her path involved persistence and self-discovery. The conversation also touches on collaborative songwriting, the emotional toll of career stress, and the importance of supporting one another in both personal and professional realms. Monét emphasizes resilience while encouraging listeners to chase their dreams.
80 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 20min
Focus On What’s Right About Young Men with Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama discusses the vital role of emotional intelligence in raising young men, influenced by his upbringing. He shares personal anecdotes, like learning self-sufficiency in Indonesia, shaping his views on masculinity. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and diverse male role models to nurture well-rounded boys. Michelle and Craig reflect on their own familial experiences, emphasizing communication and emotional awareness as key components in modern parenting. Obama expresses optimism for the future generation.
5 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 49min
You Need to Fight for Friendship with Julia Louis Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the Emmy Award-winning actress renowned for her roles in Veep and Seinfeld, shares her insights on fostering friendships in adulthood. She discusses the challenges of loneliness and the importance of building a community as we age. Michelle Obama reveals how she maintained friendships during her time in the White House, while the pair explores the power of women's voices and the ongoing journey of personal growth. They even tackle a listener's question about making friends at any stage of life, offering humor and wisdom along the way.
49 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h
Put The Phones Away with Jonathan Haidt
Guest Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and best-selling author, delves into the alarming effects of smartphones and social media on children. He outlines four strategies for parents to mitigate these issues, advocating for play-based childhoods and delaying social media access. The discussion highlights the rising anxiety and depression among youth, especially girls, due to screen overexposure. Haidt urges collective parenting efforts and strong boundaries to foster healthier emotional development and resilience in children.
27 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 54min
Ask Your Kid The Tough Questions with Angie Martinez
Angie Martinez, the renowned 'Voice of New York' and devoted mother of two, shares her insights on parenting in today’s challenging culture. She discusses the impact of peer pressure on young boys and emphasizes the importance of open dialogues about masculinity. Angie reveals her best trick for connecting with her sons and reflects on navigating parenting in the digital age. The conversation highlights the balance between giving children independence and fostering resilience, ensuring they grow up empathetic and strong.
23 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 51min
Accept Your Parents’ Limits with Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, the legendary musician known for his storytelling and powerful lyrics, joins Michelle to delve into the complexities of parent-child relationships. He discusses how therapy transformed his role as a father, while Michelle reflects on the joy of adult relationships with her children. The conversation emphasizes accepting parental limitations and the vital need for open dialogues around mental health. Listeners can also enjoy a delightful musical surprise from Michelle!
17 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 52min
Change Your Relationship with Money with Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett, an entrepreneur and host of 'The Diary of a CEO', shares his journey from financial instability to becoming a successful investor. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children about money and financial transparency. The conversation dives into managing financial anxiety, the impact of socio-economic backgrounds on money perceptions, and the power of small financial decisions over time. They also discuss overcoming limiting beliefs and fostering a purpose-driven relationship with wealth, encouraging self-education and resilience.
13 snips
May 28, 2025 • 59min
Take Back Control of Your Health with Dr. Sharon Malone
Dr. Sharon Malone, a nationally recognized OBGYN and bestselling author, shares her insights on the critical state of women’s healthcare in the U.S. She discusses the significant gaps in research and policy affecting women, particularly in reproductive health. The conversation dives into the importance of self-advocacy and open dialogue about issues like egg freezing and early health screenings. With humor and honesty, they address the societal pressures women face and the critical role of vaccination advocacy in public health.
34 snips
May 21, 2025 • 55min
Be a Different Kind of Leader with Brian Chesky
Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, shares insights on building connections and the evolution of tech's role in society. He reveals the quirky backstory of Airbnb's early success involving breakfast cereal. The conversation also dives into the challenges modern entrepreneurs face, particularly in navigating the tech landscape. Chesky offers surprising dating advice he received during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections and balancing digital interactions with real-life experiences.
11 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 13min
“Success” Looks Different for Every Family with Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach
In this engaging conversation, author Glennon Doyle and soccer legend Abby Wambach share insights on prioritizing family happiness during transitions. Glennon recounts her family's seven moves, while Abby emphasizes the importance of adaptability over material comforts. They explore childhood dynamics, the challenges of urban parenting, and the significance of community support. Listeners are encouraged to redefine success based on personal values rather than societal expectations, fostering independence and open communication as families grow.
