Michelle Obama discusses a long-standing issue in her marriage to Barack Obama

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady and all-around powerhouse, has recently stepped back into the spotlight with her new podcast, IMO (In My Opinion), co-hosted with her brother, Craig Robinson. In the inaugural episode, she delved into personal anecdotes about her marriage to former President Barack Obama, shedding light on their relationship amidst swirling divorce rumors.

Michelle didn't hold back when discussing a long-standing issue in their marriage: punctuality. She humorously recounted how Barack's relaxed approach to time often clashed with her own. "Well, Barack, you know, he had to adjust to what 'on time' was," she shared, highlighting that being on time has always been crucial to her. 

© GettyImages

Over their 30-plus years together, Barack has made strides in this area, but not without some nudging. "You know, I've got this husband who's like, when it's time to leave, it's 3, he's getting up and going to the bathroom. And I was like, dude, dude, a 3 o'clock departure means you've done all that, you know? It's like, don't start looking for your glasses, you know, at the 3 o'clock departure," she added with a chuckle. 

This emphasis on timeliness wasn't reserved just for Barack; their daughters, Malia and Sasha, also had to adapt to their mom's schedule. Michelle praised her daughters, noting they've "learned how to react," suggesting they've become adept at managing time, likely a necessary skill in the Obama household.

From Skepticism to Support: The Presidential Run

In a candid moment, Michelle revealed her initial reservations about Barack's presidential aspirations. She thought the idea was "crazy" and wasn't immediately on board. It was her brother, Craig, who played a pivotal role in changing her perspective. Michelle acknowledged, "I couldn't have spent eight years in the White House without my older brother." 

© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

She elaborated that Craig's support and belief in Barack's vision were instrumental in her eventual backing of the campaign. 

Craig recalled advising Michelle not to hold Barack back from his ambitions, comparing it to telling an athlete not to pursue the NBA. This analogy resonated with Michelle, leading her to support Barack's journey to the presidency.

Will she be Addressing the Elephant in the Room? 

Speculation about the Obamas' marriage has been a hot topic, especially with Michelle's absence from several high-profile events. Notably, she skipped former President Jimmy Carter's funeral and President Donald Trump's inauguration, both of which Barack attended solo. These absences fueled rumors of a rift between the couple. 

© Michelle Obama/X

However, the Obamas have consistently showcased their unity. On Valentine's Day, Barack posted a loving selfie with Michelle, captioning it with heartfelt words about their 32-year journey together. Michelle responded with equal warmth, emphasizing her trust in him. 

Listeners expect Michelle to address these rumors head-on and reveal whether their marriage is stable despite the public's speculation.

The launch of IMO offers listeners an intimate look into the Obama family's life, with Michelle and Craig sharing stories and insights. The siblings' chemistry is evident, making for engaging and relatable content. While the podcast touches on various topics, personal anecdotes, like Michelle's reflections on marriage and family, resonate most with listeners.