Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast

Higher Ground

Join Michelle Obama as she dives deep into conversations with family, friends, and colleagues to share tools for living in today’s world with her trademark humor, candor, and compassion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Our Editor's Take

The Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast followed a book tour the former first lady went on at the end of 2022. Michelle Obama discussed her newest work, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, in front of a small audience. These conversations are about fame, fortune, perseverance, and inspiration. They were then turned into a podcast format. Listeners get life lessons and tools for success.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the world went on a pause. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt were common feelings at the time and continued to persist. Those emotions affected all classes of people. The former first lady was not exempt from the existentialism caused by the pandemic. Listeners will hear Michelle Obama talk about coping with the global disturbance. She also details overcoming other challenges in life. Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast expands on concepts discussed in the book.

The podcast features a heartwarming interview between Michelle and Conan O'Brien. Michelle jokes about how her mother loves her brother Craig more. She shares a story about a time when her mother asked if she had tasted Craig's wine. Michelle responds by saying she's had better wine. The whole interview is hilarious and relatable.

With Tyler Perry, Michelle speaks on empathy and having healthy doses of anxiety. They consider tools to persevere in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast is thought provoking and entertaining.

Michelle Obama and her friends are the "high and mighty," no doubt. But on this program, the issues discussed make them easy to relate to. They become everyday people navigating life like everyone else. Whether it is Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, Gayle King, or Jane Doe pain and joy are universal feelings. This is the feel of Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast. Listeners may find a connection and identify with the issues discussed.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

RelationshipsRelationships

Start Here

“We Weren’t Meant to Do This Life Alone” with Heather McGhee

“We Weren’t Meant to Do This Life Alone” with Heather McGhee

Author and commentator Heather McGhee sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up without fear, January 6th, and how to stay hopeful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

“We Weren’t Meant to Do This Life Alone” with Heather McGhee

“We Weren’t Meant to Do This Life Alone” with Heather McGhee

Author and commentator Heather McGhee sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up without fear, January 6th, and how to stay hopeful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We Can't Be Who We Can't See" with Michele Norris

"We Can't Be Who We Can't See" with Michele Norris

Award-winning journalist Michele Norris and Michelle Obama discuss how they push each other in their friendship, challenges in relationships, and the importance of mentorship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing "Your Mama's Kitchen"

Introducing "Your Mama's Kitchen"

“Tell me about your mama’s kitchen.” That’s the simple request which begins each episode of this new Higher Ground and Audible Original podcast from acclaimed journalist Michele Norris. On the very first episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen, Former First Lady Michelle Obama talks with Michele about her beginnings growing up in a working-class family on the South Side of Chicago and the delicious red rice her mother made that reminds her of home. To listen to more of the show, subscribe to Your Mama’s Kitchen wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Our Hair is a Portal into our Souls” with Tracee Ellis Ross

“Our Hair is a Portal into our Souls” with Tracee Ellis Ross

Michelle and Tracee Ellis Ross discuss their personal style, the power of self-expression, and finding self-worth outside of romantic relationships. (Plus: Sit-downs with Michelle’s personal stylists!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Barack Is My Home" with Oprah Winfrey

"Barack Is My Home" with Oprah Winfrey

Michelle and Oprah talk about Michelle’s 50th birthday party on Oprah’s estate, how they foster relationships that last, and why—even after everything that has happened in our country—Michelle still believes in “going high." Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The Friendship Bubble" with Elizabeth Alexander

"The Friendship Bubble" with Elizabeth Alexander

Legendary poet and teacher Elizabeth Alexander sits down with Michelle to discuss their 30 years of friendship, how they struggled as young mothers, and crucial support their friend group has given to them at the low points in their lives. Elizabeth also draws the curtain back on what really happens when you go on a retreat to Camp David with the First Lady. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Excellence Is My Practice” with Gayle King

“Excellence Is My Practice” with Gayle King

Parenting is the focus of this conversation: Gayle opens up about how she approached raising her “favorite daughter” and “favorite son”, and Michelle discusses her fight to keep her daughters normal in the White House. (Spoiler: Driving lessons and dating are pretty tricky.) She also shares stories about watching the girls now that they’re launched and living together.Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The Power Of Small" with David Letterman

"The Power Of Small" with David Letterman

Legendary talk show host and comedian David Letterman talks to Michelle about anxiety—vulnerability, his struggles with taking criticism, and their mutual experiences in the public eye. They also swap knitting tips and Michelle shares the tools that she leans on to quiet her mind. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Decoding Fear" with Ellen DeGeneres

"Decoding Fear" with Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres and Michelle discuss the role fear plays in their lives—why it’s important, the people who would weaponize it, and ways to turn the things that terrify you into rocket fuel. Michelle also tells the story of being forced to decide whether her husband would run for president and the time that inviting a Star Wars character to the White House ended up scarring one of her daughters. Plus, a special lesson on “starting kind.” Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Telling Myself That I Was Enough” with Conan O’Brien

“Telling Myself That I Was Enough” with Conan O’Brien

Conan sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up feeling different and swap hard won lessons about relationships and marriage. Plus: Michelle tells stories of her White House travels, including an unexpected invitation from the Queen that ended in a solid gold room. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“We All Have A Light” with Tyler Perry

“We All Have A Light” with Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry and Michelle discuss their different—but extremely powerful—childhood memories, the drive to succeed as working class Black folks and the difficulty of raising kids in the spotlight. Bonus special guest Madea pops in with a few things to say about “going high”! Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Kids Just Want Our Gladness” with Hoda Kotb

“Kids Just Want Our Gladness” with Hoda Kotb

Hoda and Michelle go deep on the importance of shining our light for others, especially children. They also talk about how they’ve navigated the most daunting challenges in their lives—from Michelle’s time as the first Black First Lady or Hoda’s decision to adopt kids late in life.Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing “The Sum of Us”

Introducing “The Sum of Us”

In a new series from Higher Ground, author Heather McGhee embarks on a road trip across Covid-era America, unearthing stories of American hope and solidarity in a time of great division and peril for our democracy. In the first episode of the podcast, we’ll meet Heather and learn more about her journey—from rural Maine to the coast of California— as she meets extraordinary Americans who are crossing demographic, cultural and political lines to shape their communities for the better. To listen to more of the show, subscribe to The Sum of Us on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing "Renegades: Born in the USA"

Introducing "Renegades: Born in the USA"

So much has happened since the debut of The Michelle Obama Podcast—including President Barack Obama, launching a podcast of his own. Renegades: Born in the USA is a series of conversations between the former Commander in Chief and Bruce Springsteen about their lives, their favorite music, and their enduring love of America, despite all its challenges and contradictions. This episode—about fatherhood—is Mrs. Obama’s favorite. But they’re all terrific. Head to the Renegades: Born in the USA feed here to listen to all eight now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family Ties: On Raising Kids with Craig & Marian Robinson

Family Ties: On Raising Kids with Craig & Marian Robinson

Michelle’s mom and brother join to talk all things parenting—from bringing babies home to dropping them off at college. Find the episode transcript here: https://spoti.fi/TMOP_transcripts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across Generations: Michelle Obama and Her Mentees

Across Generations: Michelle Obama and Her Mentees

Part two of our discussion about mentorship features Michelle in conversation with her younger team members, in which they explore the ups and downs of professional life and what it’s like to be a black woman right now. Find the episode transcript here: https://spoti.fi/TMOP_transcripts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working Women: Valerie Jarrett and the Importance of Mentorship

Working Women: Valerie Jarrett and the Importance of Mentorship

In part one of her discussion about mentorship, Michelle reminisces with her friend and former boss Valerie Jarrett about personal growth in the workplace. Find the episode transcript here: https://spoti.fi/TMOP_transcripts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Do: Talking Marriage with Conan O’Brien

They Do: Talking Marriage with Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien video chats with Michelle to discuss the challenges and joys of marriage. Find the episode transcript here: http://spoti.fi/TMOP_transcripts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gift of Girlfriends with Denielle, Sharon, and Kelly

The Gift of Girlfriends with Denielle, Sharon, and Kelly

Michelle Obama sits down with three of her dearest friends—Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Dr. Sharon Malone, and Kelly Dibble—to talk about women’s friendship and navigating the White House years. Find the episode transcript here: http://spoti.fi/TMOP_transcripts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing Up Robinson with Craig and Michelle

Growing Up Robinson with Craig and Michelle

Michelle chats with her beloved older brother about their childhood and growing up together on the South Side of Chicago. Find the episode transcript here: http://spoti.fi/TMOP_transcripts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.