In the latest chapter of political theater, Michelle Obama stepped into the spotlight again, but this time, her entrance was met with an unexpected and rather humbling reception. It seems the former First Lady has found that turning the charm that worked well on the political stage into podcast gold isn’t as easy as flexing those creative muscles. Her new podcast series, launched with her brother Craig Robinson, has attracted attention—but perhaps not the kind she was hoping for.
Michelle Obama, often portrayed by media elites as America’s beloved former First Lady, should theoretically have drawn in millions of listeners, right? After all, with her substantial social media following sitting in the tens of millions, one would expect a tidal wave of support. Yet, the reality paints a starkly different picture. With views for the Issa Rae episode reportedly reaching 15,300 and the second episode around 50,000, totaling 65,000 combined—a figure dwarfed by Gavin Newsom’s 742,000 views—it’s clear that the podcast didn’t exactly set the internet on fire.
Now, don’t get this wrong. Pods and casting aren’t reserved exclusively for those with perfect vocal tones and media wizardry. However, when you’re considered societal royalty with supposed grassroots connections, seeing comments that criticize more than they compliment should make even the most seasoned media moguls a bit nervous. It seems folks tuned in more for the comment section than the content itself, treating the release like an open mic night at the local comedy club.
On paper, Michelle Obama and her brother reminiscing about their humble beginnings sounds like podcast perfection. But here’s the catch: the public might be catching wise to a possible disconnect between those childhood tales of modesty and the somewhat grandiose way of living that followed. Here’s a family narrative in stark contrast to the lifestyle of multiple ocean-touching mansions and speaking fees that could buy a fleet of Cadillacs.
The cherry on top of this narrative is the curious case of her brother Craig, described in the commentary as more apt for the stage of drag than the boardroom. The presentation, as some viewers noted, felt more like an awkward dress rehearsal with scripts barely concealed beneath eager yet perhaps inexperienced deliveries. The duo seemed a tad out of synch with their entertainment aspirations, melding scripted sincerity with the illusion of authenticity.
While Michelle’s podcast may not be the hit her team had hoped, it showcases a broader trend: viewers, listeners, and voters are beginning to see through the veneer of these carefully curated celebrity personas. Whether it’s Michelle’s less-than-inspiring podcast turnout or other pop-culture attempts losing their luster, the listening public appears keen on sniffing out what’s genuine and what’s, well, just another glossy package of political glamour. It’s a teachable moment about transparency and reality in an era where every misstep is just a tweet away from becoming headline news.
