Michelle Obama Launches IMO Video Podcast With Brother Craig

Michelle Obama has entered the podcasting world with IMO a new video show co-hosted with her brother Craig Robinson. The former first lady announced the venture per Axios aiming to blend personal tales with hot topics. It marks her latest step into media building on books and Netflix projects since leaving the White House.

IMO short for In My Opinion will feature the siblings riffing on life family and current events. Michelle brings her global fame from eight years as first lady plus her 2018 memoir Becoming. Craig a former basketball coach adds a grounded vibe honed at Oregon State and in the NBA front office.

The show drops its first episode next month on major platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Producers tease a mix of humor and heart drawing on the Obamas Chicago roots and tight bond. It aims to grab fans of her past work while roping in new viewers craving authentic voices.

Michelle has stayed vocal post-2016 pushing education and health via her nonprofit efforts. IMO shifts her to a looser format free of political baggage though she may still weigh in on issues. Craig offers a foil less known but sharp balancing her star power with sibling chemistry.

This move follows Barack Obamas own podcast with Bruce Springsteen a 2021 hit for Spotify. Michelle’s dive into video sets her apart banking on her 50 million social media reach. Industry watchers see it as a savvy play to keep her influence alive in a crowded content field.

The Obama siblings grew up on Chicago’s South Side a story Michelle often ties to grit and values. IMO will lean on that narrative mixing nostalgia with takes on today’s America. Expect talk of family hoops and maybe a nod to her White House garden days.

Critics wonder if IMO can stand out amid a podcast boom with 4 million shows vying for ears. Michelle’s team bets her warmth and Craig’s wit will cut through the noise. Early buzz suggests it could echo her Netflix wins like Waffles plus Pancakes for kids.

For Michelle this is less about politics and more about connection post-tenure. IMO offers a fresh stage to shape her legacy beyond Washington’s glare. Whether it soars or stumbles her voice remains a draw now paired with Craig’s for the ride.