Michelle Obama sounds out a reinvention

The launch of her new podcast marks a break with the past for the former first lady, coinciding with an edgier image and a relatable authenticity

- By Nesrine Malik

First, a disclaimer: I had never fully bought into the Michelle Obama hype.

Also, I am not a huge fan of the celebrity podcast genre, so I was sceptical when Michelle's podcast, IMO, was launched in March. Yet when I listened to it, I was immediately charmed and hooked. In truth, I came to sneer and stayed to cheer. She is honest, reflective and vulnerable. The irony is that just as Michelle is finding her voice, her popularity appears to be falling - the podcast received poor ratings on launch, though it's arguably the best thing she's ever done.

The most arresting thing about IMO, despite the truly interesting high-profile Black guests, is Obama herself. She has always been one of the great orators in US politics - one of the superpowers that made her and Barack, another impressive public speaker, such a compelling couple on the world stage. In her podcast, Michelle uses this talent to reflect on her life and the challenges of ageing, losing her parents and the constant demands placed upon her.