Michelle Obama’s new podcast flops despite big promotion

Daily Report March 13,2025

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Michelle Obama’s latest podcast venture with her brother has failed to generate significant interest, despite substantial media promotion leading up to its release.

The podcast, titled “IMO,” managed to attract only 12,000 views within its first 14 hours of release, according to Disclose TV. The viewership barely reached 24,000 after a full day online.

The initial episodes feature conversations between Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, covering topics like divorce and personal experiences, while steering clear of political discussions.

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Critics weren’t surprised by the lukewarm reception. Jeff Carlson commented, “Inherently unlikeable. The carefully crafted Obama veneer has finally been shattered.”

Another critic pointed to broader political implications, stating, “The Obamas have lost their mojo. Republicans were never going to watch this. Dems (correctly) perceive that Obama was the man behind the curtain pulling the strings that led to the Biden / Kamala candidate switch debacle, so they blame him for Trump. And here we are …”

Red State’s Bonchie remarked, “‘Girl from the South Side…’ These people can’t help but be cringe.”

The low viewership numbers prompted one observer to ask, “How long before YouTube hides subscriber count like they did the dislike button?”

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Providing context to the disappointing numbers, radio host Kenny Webster noted, “To put this into perspective: Our podcast gets downloaded about 200,000 times per day and we’re a regional morning radio show from Texas.”

Earlier in the week, CNN Republican commentator Scott Jennings had anticipated this outcome. During a panel discussion, he suggested that the former first lady’s influence has diminished, particularly noting the Obamas’ unsuccessful campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jennings expressed doubts about Michelle Obama’s political future, stating, “I’m rethinking the premise of — that she’s the answer to the future, or that any politician is the answer to the Democratic Party —”