Staff Reports
Michelle Obama’s new podcast IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson has stumbled out of the gate, drawing shockingly low viewership and brutal online backlash. Launched in March 2025, the show—touted as a candid sibling duo offering life advice—racked up just in its first 24 hours across two episodes, with YouTube analytics revealing most clicks came from critics rushing to mock it in the comments. On Spotify, the podcast languishes at in the rankings, far below expectations for a figure with Michelle’s global profile.
– : Early episodes averaged under 50,000 views without heavy media promotion. Even high-profile guests like Seth Rogen and Jay Shetty failed to move the needle, with later episodes combining for just .
– : Despite a 4.2-star rating from 9.8K reviewers, the podcast trails behind niche shows, raising questions about its broader appeal.
– : Michelle’s 20M Instagram followers haven’t translated to podcast success, with critics calling the venture “forced” and “desperate”.
The real drama unfolded online:
– “A punishment podcast” and “desperate attempt to stay relevant” topped the roast list.
– Users mocked the sibling dynamic, with one quipping: “Michelle’s brother looks more like a woman than she does”.
– Many accused the Obamas of elitism, citing Michelle’s luxury homes and $750K speech fees as proof she’s out of touch.
– : Critics argue the podcast feels scripted, contrasting Michelle’s “relaxed” branding with stiff delivery.
– : Fans wondered why she hasn’t interviewed her husband to salvage ratings.
– : Listeners rejected the show’s “corporate media-approved” messaging, with one calling it “AstroTurf activism”.
While Michelle’s team insists the podcast is a long-term project, the rocky start highlights a growing divide between coastal elites and everyday Americans. As one critic put it: “Nobody asked for this”.
