Former First Lady Michelle Obama has launched a podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson, focusing on themes of marriage, personal freedom and friendship, without delving into political matters. The podcast, named “IMO” for “in my opinion,” was reported by The New York Times, which also reviewed its initial episodes.

The podcast, which includes video, became available to the public on Wednesday, March 12.

Obama and Robinson, who serves as the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, are the show’s hosts. They discuss various subjects, intentionally avoiding politics and current events, instead presenting a lifestyle-oriented format centered on personal stories and viewpoints.

While steering clear of politics, the podcast addresses challenging topics. In the early episodes, Robinson discusses his divorce from his first wife, Janis Robinson, in 2000 and his subsequent marriage to Kelly McCrum Robinson in 2006.

Michelle Obama shares insights about her marriage to former President Barack Obama and his political career. This occurs amid ongoing rumors about their relationship, including unfounded claims linking Barack Obama to actress Jennifer Aniston, which Aniston denied on Jimmy Kimmel Live, saying she knows Michelle better than Barack Obama.

In her 2018 memoir “Becoming,” Michelle expressed her reluctance toward politics, stating she “never wanted to be involved in politics.” She reportedly discusses this sentiment with her brother in the new podcast.

The siblings also reflect on their childhood in Chicago, Illinois, where the family resided in a modest apartment. Michelle mentions enjoying driving again, highlighting her sense of freedom after years of Secret Service protection and its associated limitations.

The podcast draws on personal experiences to offer advice and will eventually include celebrity guests. Some guests appeared on Michelle Obama’s previous project, “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” such as director Tyler Perry. Future guests will include actors Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer.

In the second episode, writer, actress, and producer Issa Rae joins the hosts to discuss the complexities of maintaining adult friendships. The show is produced by Higher Ground, the Obamas’ media company, in collaboration with Audible.

Despite Michelle Obama’s consistent refusal to consider a political run, her new podcast has sparked renewed interest in her potential political career. This occurs amid perceptions of a leadership gap in the Democratic Party following the 2024 election.

The timing caught the attention of Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who reportedly showed interest in the prospect of running against her after former President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race last year. Michael Wolff’s book “All or Nothing” suggests Trump had even coined a nickname for her, indicating he saw her as a formidable potential opponent.

Despite her ongoing popularity, Obama’s office has consistently issued statements affirming her decision not to seek the presidency. Last year, her office released a direct statement: “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be running for president.”

Michelle Obama has been clear about her lack of political aspirations, citing potential adverse effects on family life. She has previously stated that a political career demands a significant personal commitment, which she is not prepared to make.

“I’ve only ever had one real home. My home is my family. My home is Barack,” Obama once shared on social media, providing insight into her priorities. “But here’s the thing—our marriage has never been perfectly 50-50.”

The “IMO” podcast was made available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube starting Wednesday, March 12, with new episodes released weekly. Michelle Obama has indicated that the podcast is a venue for her and her brother to share insights, wisdom, and humor to help navigate life’s complexities.