Staff Reports
Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s new podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, has launched to a lukewarm reception, sparking debate about the disconnect between her media presence and audience engagement. Despite extensive promotion and a massive social media following, the first two episodes of the podcast garnered only 65,000 combined views on YouTube—a far cry from the numbers expected for such a high-profile figure. Critics have labeled the podcast a “flop,” with conservative commentators highlighting its failure to resonate with viewers.
The podcast, co-hosted by Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, aims to explore everyday topics such as family dynamics, relationships, and personal growth. Produced by Higher Ground—the media company founded by Michelle and former President Barack Obama—the show promised candid conversations and relatable anecdotes. However, viewers have described the content as uninspired and overly polished, with many questioning its relevance in an increasingly saturated podcast market. Social media users were quick to mock the show’s underwhelming performance, with some calling it “forced” and “a desperate attempt to stay relevant.”
Conservative pundits have seized on the podcast’s struggles as evidence of a broader issue within left-leaning media: an overestimation of influence based on celebrity status rather than substance. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters quipped that half of the views likely came from his producers checking out the show for commentary fodder. Rachel Campos-Duffy echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while Michelle Obama may have dominated headlines in the past, her current venture lacks authenticity and fails to address pressing issues that resonate with everyday Americans.
The podcast’s reception also underscores the challenge of transitioning from traditional media formats to digital platforms. While Michelle Obama’s previous Spotify-exclusive podcast was hailed as a success, attracting women over 40 in droves, IMO has struggled to replicate that momentum on YouTube—a platform where younger audiences dominate and attention spans are notoriously short. Critics argue that the hour-long episodes fail to adapt to modern viewing habits, leaving many viewers disengaged despite the show’s polished production values.
Ultimately, IMO’s rocky start serves as a cautionary tale about relying on celebrity appeal without delivering compelling content. Conservatives view this as emblematic of a broader trend within liberal circles: prioritizing image over substance while ignoring the desires of average Americans. Whether Michelle Obama can turn things around remains uncertain, but for now, her podcast stands as a glaring example of how even the most celebrated figures can struggle to find their footing in the court of public opinion.
