Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed swirling rumors about their marriage with humor and heartfelt honesty during a special joint appearance on the July 16 episode of Michelle’s podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
“She took me back!”
Produced by the Obamas’ media company Higher Ground, the podcast typically features listener questions about family, life, and identity. This episode — Barack’s first appearance — opened with laughter as co-host Craig Robinson joked, “Wait, you guys like each other?”
Michelle shot back, “That’s the rumor mill,” while Barack leaned into the humor: “She took me back! It was touch and go for a while.” Michelle then added with a grin, “When we aren’t [together in public], folks think we’re divorced.”
Affirming Their Bond
Turning serious, Michelle, 61, dismissed speculation about a separation: “There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I’ve thought about quitting my man. We’ve had some really hard times … and I have become a better person because of the man I’m married to.”
Barack, 63, added with affection, “Don’t make me cry now.” He admitted he was unaware of the rumors until friends mentioned them: “These are the kinds of things that I just miss … then somebody will mention it to me and I’m like, what are you talking about?”
Michelle’s Absence and Public Scrutiny
The speculation had grown in recent months after Michelle missed events such as President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. But she clarified in a June interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast that her decisions were intentional: “We are 60, y’all … You just are not gonna know what we’re doing every minute of the day.”
She emphasized the importance of carving out space for herself after years in public life: “The fact that people don’t see me going out on a date with my husband sparks rumors of the end of our marriage. It’s like, OK, so we don’t Instagram every minute of our lives.”
Parenting, Politics, and Raising Boys
The conversation also explored deeper themes, including the emotional development of boys and the importance of showing up as parents. Barack, raised by a single mother, reflected on how society shapes male identity, and noted how lack of support can influence young men’s political views.
“If you’re not thinking about what’s happening to boys and how they are being raised, then that can actually hurt women,” he said, referencing the 2024 election in which some young men leaned toward Trump’s messaging.
Stories Behind the Scenes
In a lighter moment, Michelle described Barack’s notorious tardiness early in their relationship: “Barack, you know, he had to adjust to what ‘on time’ was. He’d start looking for his glasses the moment we were supposed to leave.” These anecdotes added levity to a conversation rooted in mutual admiration and shared growth.
A Message That Resonates
Listeners praised the episode’s authenticity and honesty, with many taking to social media to applaud the Obamas for addressing speculation head-on while staying grounded in humor and warmth.
Michelle summed it up best: “We’ve had some really hard times, but I’ve become a better person because of the man I’m married to.”
You can listen to the full conversation on Spotify at this link: IMO Podcast Episode – July 16, 2025.
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