From the moment Michelle Obama and her older brother, Craig Robinson, announced their new podcast, IMO, the buzz understandably centered on the star power of a former First Lady and her charismatic sibling. Yet, from the very first episode, it becomes evident that IMO—short for “In My Opinion”—offers more than celebrity soundbites. By weaving personal anecdotes, heartfelt listener questions, and the family values instilled by their parents, Marian and Fraser Robinson, Michelle and Craig create an intimate, down-to-earth forum for navigating life’s toughest challenges.
The heart of IMO lies in a story that began decades ago on the South Side of Chicago, where Michelle and Craig shared a small bedroom partitioned by a makeshift divider. Their father, Fraser Robinson III, worked for the city’s water plant while managing multiple sclerosis. Their mother, Marian, initially served as a secretary before becoming a full-time homemaker. Despite modest resources, the family thrived on an abundance of love, moral guidance, and a steadfast work ethic. “Craig is one of the people I turn to whenever I have anything on my mind,” Michelle recalls in the first episode. “He always has the insights, the wisdom, and the humor to get me through anything.” Growing up just one year apart, the siblings learned early on to lean on each other without sliding into codependency. Their parents emphasized accountability, encouraged them to form their own opinions, and taught them to stand firm against peer pressure. Even as young children—dutifully setting alarm clocks for kindergarten and sticking to punctual routines—Michelle and Craig were laying the groundwork for the disciplined lives they lead today.
Launched on March 12, 2025, IMO showcases the Robinson siblings’ homegrown lessons to a worldwide audience. While Michelle has produced other podcasts, this marks her first collaboration with Craig. IMO delivers weekly episodes on major platforms like Youtube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The goal is for each installment to adopt a question-and-answer format, inviting listener queries that range from everyday conflicts—such as parenting dilemmas and friend drama—to existential topics like identity crises and career uncertainty. Michelle and Craig will handle many inquiries themselves, occasionally bringing in friends, experts, and prominent figures to deepen the conversation. Upcoming guests include filmmaker Tyler Perry, actor and entrepreneur Keke Palmer, author Jay Shetty, and psychologist Dr. Orna Guralnik. “We want people to feel comfortable asking anything,” Craig explains. “Nobody has everything figured out, but we can find bits of wisdom by talking it out, sharing stories, and sometimes just listening.”
Although Michelle spent eight years in the White House, IMO deliberately steers clear of partisan or policy-based dialogue. Instead, the siblings focus on universal human experiences, prioritizing empathy and problem-solving over political debate. “With everything going on in the world, we’re all looking for answers and for people to turn to,” Michelle says. “There is no single way to deal with the challenges we may be facing, but opening up and talking honestly can provide hope.” Their approach resonates with many who feel increasingly isolated.
The show’s second installment featured actress, producer, and writer Issa Rae. In this episode, the hosts address a listener letter, who felt blindsided when a longtime friend ended their relationship during a personal crisis. She sensed an imbalance in the friendship from the start, but the rift became impossible to ignore when her friend failed to offer emotional support at a critical moment. During their discussion, Craig, Michelle, and Issa examine how friendship patterns often differ between men and women. Craig describes his male bonds as more surface-level, or “transactional,” which often deepen only in times of crisis. Meanwhile, Michelle and Issa note that their female friendships tend to revolve around frequent check-ins, vulnerable conversations, and consistent emotional support. Perhaps this reflects more upon the individuals than the content itself. Issa also draws parallels between friendship breakups and romantic heartbreak, describing the grief that can accompany the end of a close bond.
Offering guidance, the trio emphasizes several key points, recognize your own needs and assumptions to avoid misunderstandings with friends. A heartfelt letter can bring closure, though a response may never come. Not every friendship endures through life’s many transitions. Grieving the loss is natural and healthy. Talk to trusted friends for honest feedback—sometimes an outside perspective reveals blind spots. This candid look at adult relationships exemplifies the core of IMO: normalizing the messy, often unspoken conversations that shape our inner lives.
One striking aspect of the podcast is the siblings’ willingness to share parts of themselves often guarded from public view. Craig has openly discussed his first marriage, which ended in 2000, noting how his initial decision to hide marital struggles from Michelle led to tension. They later agreed on a policy of greater transparency. Michelle, meanwhile, gives glimpses into her life with former President Barack Obama. She talks about their strong partnership, but also acknowledges the strains that arose during their White House years. By revealing these more vulnerable sides of themselves, the hosts illustrate that even they—public figures with substantial influence—grapple with setbacks and heartaches like anyone else.
From multiple angles, IMO succeeds as both an engaging conversation and a supportive community resource. The factual basis of its content stems from genuine hosts’ lived experiences. Its emotional openness fosters empathy, drawing listeners into reflective dialogue about their own lives. Above all, the show’s loose but purposeful structure cultivates creative thinking about life’s curveballs—whether personal, professional, or familial. Michelle and Craig maintain focus on actionable advice without sacrificing the spontaneity that emerges when two close siblings sit down to swap stories.
Ultimately, rather than proposing a single blueprint for success, the siblings highlight empathy, curiosity, and open communication as pathways to genuine change. “We grew up in a close family that taught us to speak our minds, own our mistakes, and never be afraid to laugh,” Craig says. “That’s what we’re trying to bring to the world now—honest conversations that help people feel a little less alone.” In a time when countless voices clamor for attention, IMO stands out for its blend of personal storytelling and pragmatic wisdom—proving that often the most resonant guidance arises from the simple act of sharing our stories.