Staff Reports
Michelle Obama has decided to step onto the podcasting stage, not with her famous husband, but with her brother, Craig Robinson. The show, cleverly titled “IMO” – shorthand for “In My Opinion” – aims to share insights and experiences from the two family members. However, one has to wonder if anyone outside of their family is particularly eager to listen.
Despite a marketing push that could rival the launch of a blockbuster film, it appears that interest in the podcast is tepid at best. Currently, the duo boasts a mere 18,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel, a disappointing number for someone of Michelle Obama’s stature. Consequently, this figure may serve as a loud and clear indicator that the public is less than enthusiastic about revisiting the Obama years, especially considering the long legacy of leftist policies that many conservatives would prefer to leave in the past.
Much of the engagement around the podcast seems to stem not from genuine interest but rather from curiously negative comments. Observers have noted that numerous viewers flock to the videos not to listen to Michelle’s thoughts but to see what others have to say about them. It appears many are there for the popcorn, waiting to see how the former first lady’s audacity stacks up against the current political climate. It raises an eyebrow, as some critics imagine that the audience once supportive of Michelle might now be wondering about potential marital strife between her and Barack, which wouldn’t be surprising given the dynamics that tend to play out in high-pressure political environments.
Michelle Obama's Cringe New Podcast Dishes on Barack – but The Numbers Don't Look Good for Her https://t.co/acw0twQcag
— Lois Levine Fishman (@FishmanLevine) March 13, 2025
Recent commentary from conservative pundits has dubbed the podcast a “flop,” with some even suggesting that it’s just a vehicle to manage her public persona and perhaps distance herself from her husband’s political shadow. The dynamic of the siblings discussing their childhood, such as sharing a bedroom until high school, is painted as nostalgia, but it seems rather forced and colorless—especially when compared to the dynamic content offered by successful podcasters today. It’s difficult to draw in an audience when the content comes off as dull and meandering, with little spark to energize listeners.
Listeners may also find it hard to relate when Michelle repeatedly highlights the challenges of having lived in the White House. It’s become a tired narrative, one that would resonate better if she offered insight into solutions rather than continued complaints, especially given the current struggles many Americans face today. With her tendency toward preachiness, it’s hard to see how this podcast could catch fire or how it could differentiate itself in a sea of compelling voices that offer both humor and genuine relatability.
At this rate, assessing the longevity of “IMO” seems more like a waiting game than a hot topic. As it stands, there’s little evidence to suggest that Michelle Obama’s latest venture will revitalize her brand dramatically or attract a newly engaged audience. The conservative audience will watch with bemusement—after all, listening to the podcast allows them to stay informed without taking the plunge themselves. Prepare for the possibility of a quick demise, much like the political aspirations of certain other high-profile relatives who have attempted to carve their own paths in the public sphere.
