In a recent episode of her new podcast IMO, former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up about her personal life and addressed the persistent rumors suggesting that she and former President Barack Obama are headed for divorce. Co-hosting the podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson, Michelle used the platform to speak candidly about the challenges of marriage, family, public life, and the speculation that often comes with being in the spotlight.

As reported by The New York Times, the premiere episode aired on a Wednesday, and the trailer alone sparked major interest by hinting at topics surrounding Michelle’s relationship with Barack, fueling conversations already dominating tabloid headlines. Reflecting on her time in the White House from 2009 to 2017, Michelle shared how critical her brother’s support was during those years. “I couldn’t have gotten through eight years in the White House without my big brother,” she said. When speaking about her marriage to Barack, she admitted that life as the president’s spouse wasn’t something anyone could fully prepare for, saying, “Being married to the president of the United States is a thing that none of us kind of banked on.

We knew Barack was smart and ambitious, but, you know…” The podcast aims to offer more than just political insight; it serves as a space for real talk on life’s many complexities. Michelle and Craig, who is the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, plan to address listener-submitted questions about a variety of issues—ranging from marriage and parenting to friendship problems and navigating the dating world. Michelle revealed that while she’s never had a love for politics, it was Craig who persuaded her to back Barack’s decision to run for president. The siblings will also discuss Craig’s own experiences with relationships, including his divorce and subsequent marriage to Kelly McCrum Robinson.

As part of their honest and heartfelt conversations, they’ll confront the swirling divorce rumors that have surrounded the Obamas in recent months. These rumors became so widespread that some media outlets even reported an outlandish claim that Barack Obama was romantically involved with Friends actress Jennifer Aniston. The actress, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, dismissed the speculation, stating that she had only met the former president once and had no romantic connection to him whatsoever. Over time, IMO will introduce guest appearances from celebrities—some of whom fans will recognize from Michelle’s previous project, The Michelle Obama Podcast.

Familiar names like director Tyler Perry are expected to return, along with new guests such as actors Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer, bringing fresh perspectives to the wide-ranging discussions. In addition to promoting her own podcast, Michelle recently made an appearance on Sophia Bush’s podcast Work in Progress, where she talked about the new chapter of her life as an “empty nester.” With both of her daughters, Malia and Sasha, now grown and out of the house, Michelle shared how liberating it feels to finally make decisions solely for herself. “Life is whatever I want, Sophia. It’s whatever I want,” she said. “It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.” The conversation took a deeper turn when Michelle reflected on the pressures women face in society when they choose to prioritize themselves. She pointed out how women often feel guilty about letting others down, and that this pressure can lead to assumptions when they take time for their own needs. “That’s the thing that we as women, I think… we struggle with disappointing people,” she explained. “So much so, that this year people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.” These rumors were further fueled by Michelle’s decision to skip certain high-profile events, including Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration, leading some to jump to conclusions about her relationship status. But by speaking out on her own terms, Michelle Obama is reclaiming her story and encouraging women everywhere to do the same. With her new podcast, she’s not only setting the record straight but also creating a space for authentic conversations about life, relationships, and the value of self-care.