Former US First Lady, Michelle Obama has recently launched a fantastic series of podcasts simply called “The Michelle Obama Podcast”.
The series delves deep into conversations with Michelle’s loved ones, family, friends, and colleagues; with the theme centering around “the relationships in our lives that shape us.”
The first episode debuted on 29 July 2020. Her husband, former US President, Barack Obama aptly joined as a guest.
The topic of discussion explored Michelle and Barack’s relationship with their communities and their country.
The episode began with a brief rundown of what Michelle had been up to since the Obama’s left the White House in 2016.
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She revealed that she “finally had some time to breathe” and that she “spent a lot of time thinking, talking with friends and family.”
Below are four lessons learned from Michelle Obama’s highly educative podcast:
1. The Importance of the Community
The couple reflected on their upbringing and how this had impacted on their outlook. During their childhoods, families typically lived as extended families in the same neighborhood. They provided support to each other, which created a sense of community.
Michelle and Barack both disagreed with the notion that “success was defined by your ability to leave your nuclear unit and make it on your own”. However they both believed that success was defined by your ability to help others.
They both agreed that these earlier childhood experiences shaped their choices, community spirit and the desire to always give back. These values consequently led to Barack’s earlier humble career in civil society organisation. This, despite his accomplished academic achievements.
Equally, Michelle gave up a high flying, corporate law career to work in the community service. This, she found more fulfilling as it enabled her “to help a broader group of people”.
2. You Cannot Have it All
They also reflected on today’s values and remarked that culturally today’s generation were more focused on material possessions as opposed to relationships and families.
They both disagreed with the toxic philosophy that “you could have it all” which fed into the self-absorbed value of today’s generation. This “dog eat dog” , “all on our own” and “me against the world” ideology.
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They strongly believed in the true value of sacrifice. And as Michelle eloquently puts “if you have it all, that meant that someone didn’t have anything.”
3. The Audacity of Hope
The podcast concluded with the benefits of everyone working together and helping each other to improve their communities.
Barack referenced the world wide protests, following the racist murder of George Floyd in America; and how young people mobilized to participate in the protests. This was a symbol of hope for the future and younger generation.
4. Dealing with Depression
In the second episode, which was released on 5 August, Michelle revealed her experiences with “low-grade depression”.
She seemed to suggest that it was due to a combination of quarantine, racial unrest and the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic.
Mrs. Obama said she had benefited from keeping a routine, including exercise, getting fresh air and having a regular dinner time.
Be sure to check out Michelle’s podcasts on Spotify, which are informative, enlightening and insightful. She presents her discussions with her usual dose of candour, warmth and wit.
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Charleen
09/08/2020 at 9:23 pmThank you for sharing lessons learnt from Michelle Obama’s podcast. I didn’t realise there was a podcast. After reading ‘Becoming’, I have come to respect Obama’s values around community and how to be a positive influence in it. I’ll be sure to check her future podcasts. Thank you for another good article.
Adegboye Adeyemo
10/08/2020 at 8:38 amThanks for highlighting this. The Obamas are wonderful role models. Hope the younger generation can imbibe these values. There is joy in sharing and the me and me alone culture only ends in unhappiness.
B.b. Bisbal
11/08/2020 at 12:57 pmTo be honest, the Obama Podcast is news to me, and probably lots of people in Africa. But Vivian’s highlights here gives an insight and direction. But the community spirit is hampered by the level of abject poverty and deprivation in modern times.This scourge hampers the reach stride of inclusiveness, meaning too little, too late as a drop in the ocean. Ironically, our governments who should lead by showing good examples are engrossed in fiscal irresponsibility thereby losing the essence of governance.
I hope the Obamas, in future podcasts, would direct more attention to governments in Africa to do the right things at all times for the right reasons.
Kudos to the Obamas.
Omobuwajo Olufemi
12/08/2020 at 10:38 pmThe life of Michelle Obama demonstrates the importance of the Community. The connections at the grassroot is pivotal to influences that make changes around the world. The foundations are very critical ladders towards “genuine greatness”. Michelle has reminded us about the significance of the community, a catalyst in nation-building and a stimulus in selfless living. We appreciate your robust article Mrs Adeyemo!
Blessing Enenaite
19/08/2020 at 3:21 pmThis was such an interesting read. “If you have everything, then someone had nothing.” At a point in our lives, we have to sacrifice something to get another.
Brilliant article! Well done Mrs Adeyemo👌