Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya. Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values. Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.
When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for our @ObamaFoundation leaders and people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities. You can learn more about the Obama Presidential Center at the link in our bios.
Growing up, our parents always kept it real with us – and @Keke can relate. Craig and I loved having her on the @imopodcasts to reminisce about life growing up in Chicago and some of the lessons our parents taught us. Watch the latest episode on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
This week on @imopodcasts, we sat down with one of my favorite creatives and trailblazers, @marabrockakil. We talk about raising our kids in a world that’s constantly changing. And of course, we also dive into her iconic shows, Girlfriends and Forever! Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
During our family’s time in the White House, the way I looked was constantly being dissected — what I wore, how my hair was styled. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to reclaim more of that story, to share it in my own way. I’m thankful to be at a stage in life where I feel comfortable expressing myself freely — wearing what I love and doing what feels true to me. And I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learned along the way. My new book, The Look, comes out on November 4. It’s a reflection on my lifelong journey with fashion, hair, and beauty. Inside, you’ll find some of the outfits that have meant the most to me, but more importantly, the moments that I lived through in them — big and small, personal and political, historic and ordinary — that were as memorable as the clothes themselves. You’ll also get to know the incredible team that supported me through it all and defined my look — my thoughtful stylist @MeredithKoop, my talented makeup artist @CarlRayMUA, and my wonderful hairstylists @JohnnyWright220, @YeneDamtew, and @KitchenTalkwithNjeri. Each of them brings their own story, heart, and perspective to this journey. The Look is about more than fashion. It’s about confidence. It’s about identity. It’s about the power of authenticity. My hope is that this book sparks conversation and reflection about the ways we see ourselves — and the way our society defines beauty. You can pre-order your copy of #TheLook now at michelleobamabooks.com or wherever books are sold.
Nothing is more fulfilling to me than sitting down and talking to young people. In this week’s episode of @IMOpodcasts, Craig, @Keke and I talk about navigating a world that tends to put you in a box. It was so wonderful to hear Keke’s unique perspective on it all, and we hope you’ll watch on YouTube at the link in our bio or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, girls and leaders from the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance Network toured landmarks in Chicago honoring groundbreaking women leaders like Ida B. Wells and Mae Jemison. I was touched to learn that they even made a stop at my childhood home on Euclid Avenue, too. ❤️
In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, girls and leaders from the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance Network toured landmarks in Chicago honoring groundbreaking women leaders like Ida B. Wells and Mae Jemison. I was touched to learn that they even made a stop at my childhood home on Euclid Avenue, too. ❤️
In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, girls and leaders from the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance Network toured landmarks in Chicago honoring groundbreaking women leaders like Ida B. Wells and Mae Jemison. I was touched to learn that they even made a stop at my childhood home on Euclid Avenue, too. ❤️
In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, girls and leaders from the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance Network toured landmarks in Chicago honoring groundbreaking women leaders like Ida B. Wells and Mae Jemison. I was touched to learn that they even made a stop at my childhood home on Euclid Avenue, too. ❤️
In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, girls and leaders from the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance Network toured landmarks in Chicago honoring groundbreaking women leaders like Ida B. Wells and Mae Jemison. I was touched to learn that they even made a stop at my childhood home on Euclid Avenue, too. ❤️
Such a great reminder from our guest, @lauriesantosofficial, that hope isn’t blind optimism—it’s about finding agency by identifying pathways to better outcomes. In these uncertain times, it’s easy to feel resigned, but now more than ever, it’s crucial to resist complacency and hold onto hope. A bonus episode of @imopodcasts is now available to watch on YouTube or listen to wherever you get your podcasts.
@ShondaRhimes is a generational talent who has created some of our favorite shows over the years. And lucky for us, that gift extends beyond our television screens. When she released her memoir, Year of Yes, ten years ago, she inspired so many of us to live with courage, authenticity, and possibility. Now she’s at it again with the brand-new anniversary edition of Year of Yes, which is full of fresh lessons and wisdom she’s gained in the decade since. I got my hands on a copy and loved reconnecting with Shonda’s brilliant mind—and I know you will too. So give it a read!
The truth is, as parents, we won’t always know how to guide our kids through today’s world. @marabrockakil talked to us about that hard reality and what it means to give our kids the best we can, while accepting our own limitations. This was such a powerful and important conversation—catch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Believe it or not, failing in front of your kids is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. In the right context and with the right conversation, it can become such a powerful teaching moment. Thank you to @progressive for bringing us this moment.
As parents, we all want to make the journey a little easier for our kids. Hearing @matt_barnes9 and @_stak5_ talk about paving the way for their sons was an important reminder that progress is generational—each of us building on the work of those before us. You can watch our full conversation on @imopodcasts on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Writing my new book, The Look, gave me the chance to reflect on my lifelong journey with fashion, hair, and beauty—from growing up on the South Side to serving as First Lady in the White House to what I wear today. While the looks have changed, it’s always been important to me to use style as a language to share who I am and what I believe. Today, I’m thrilled to announce a special six-part limited podcast series, IMO: The Look, which will be released weekly starting on November 5th. We’ll expand on the themes of the book and feature conversations with the creative minds from my behind-the-scenes team, including my co-author and wardrobe stylist @meredithkoop, hair stylists @yenedamtew and @kitchentalkwithnjeri, and makeup artist @carlraymua. We’ll also hear the stories of fashion visionaries including @NinaGarcia, @JaneFonda, @BethannHardison, @JennaLyonsnyc, and @ElaineWelteroth. This limited series explores the importance of representation and inclusivity — particularly during this moment when many voices are under threat of being silenced. We’ll also be taping two special episodes live on the road! I’ll be joined by @TraceeEllisRoss in NYC on November 5th and @wsslyy in DC on November 12th. We hope you’ll join us — more details on michelleobamabooks.com. And make sure to get your copy of #TheLook next month, wherever books or audiobooks are sold.
Writing my new book, The Look, gave me the chance to reflect on my lifelong journey with fashion, hair, and beauty—from growing up on the South Side to serving as First Lady in the White House to what I wear today. While the looks have changed, it’s always been important to me to use style as a language to share who I am and what I believe. Today, I’m thrilled to announce a special six-part limited podcast series, IMO: The Look, which will be released weekly starting on November 5th. We’ll expand on the themes of the book and feature conversations with the creative minds from my behind-the-scenes team, including my co-author and wardrobe stylist @meredithkoop, hair stylists @yenedamtew and @kitchentalkwithnjeri, and makeup artist @carlraymua. We’ll also hear the stories of fashion visionaries including @NinaGarcia, @JaneFonda, @BethannHardison, @JennaLyonsnyc, and @ElaineWelteroth. This limited series explores the importance of representation and inclusivity — particularly during this moment when many voices are under threat of being silenced. We’ll also be taping two special episodes live on the road! I’ll be joined by @TraceeEllisRoss in NYC on November 5th and @wsslyy in DC on November 12th. We hope you’ll join us — more details on michelleobamabooks.com. And make sure to get your copy of #TheLook next month, wherever books or audiobooks are sold.
Writing my new book, The Look, gave me the chance to reflect on my lifelong journey with fashion, hair, and beauty—from growing up on the South Side to serving as First Lady in the White House to what I wear today. While the looks have changed, it’s always been important to me to use style as a language to share who I am and what I believe. Today, I’m thrilled to announce a special six-part limited podcast series, IMO: The Look, which will be released weekly starting on November 5th. We’ll expand on the themes of the book and feature conversations with the creative minds from my behind-the-scenes team, including my co-author and wardrobe stylist @meredithkoop, hair stylists @yenedamtew and @kitchentalkwithnjeri, and makeup artist @carlraymua. We’ll also hear the stories of fashion visionaries including @NinaGarcia, @JaneFonda, @BethannHardison, @JennaLyonsnyc, and @ElaineWelteroth. This limited series explores the importance of representation and inclusivity — particularly during this moment when many voices are under threat of being silenced. We’ll also be taping two special episodes live on the road! I’ll be joined by @TraceeEllisRoss in NYC on November 5th and @wsslyy in DC on November 12th. We hope you’ll join us — more details on michelleobamabooks.com. And make sure to get your copy of #TheLook next month, wherever books or audiobooks are sold.
This week, former NBA stars @matt_barnes9 and @_stak5_ from @allthesmoke join us on @imopodcasts! They shared reflections on raising strong young Black men in this challenging moment, as well as the importance of understanding who you are and letting that understanding guide you through life. Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Throughout our lives, my brother @CraigMalRob and I have shifted career paths multiple times — all while balancing family obligations — so it’s a topic we have plenty of opinions on. While Craig and I did not end up where we expected as kids, the twists and turns in our career journeys led us to places far more fulfilling. Hear more about it on this week’s episode of @imopodcasts with @JayShetty on YouTube or listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
No one is meant to live life alone. And when times get tough, we shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to our community and support systems. As @JayShetty says, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the ultimate sign of strength. Most people genuinely want to be of service to others, and more often than not, reaching out only reinforces your relationships. That’s what we get into on this episode of @IMOpodcasts—available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.
Few people realize it, but EVERY year is an election year. Today in Wisconsin, voters will cast their ballots to fill a crucial state Supreme Court Justice seat and select a statewide Superintendent. In Jackson, Mississippi, primaries are being held to choose candidates for mayor and city council later this year. In Florida, special elections will fill seats in the U.S. House representatives, state Senate, and more! There are also elections happening today in Alaska, Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Carolina to name a few. The leaders elected will make decisions on issues like voting, reproductive rights, education, the economy, gun safety, and more. That’s why you should check to see if there is an election near you and make sure you’re getting to the polls. We can never forget: Our vote is our power — and when we sit out, we let other people make decisions for us. So stay informed, get involved, and make sure you’re registered to vote! Learn how through @WhenWeAllVote at WhenWeAllVote.org.
We’re so excited to announce the launch of PLEZi Hydration — a new drink we developed with four-time NBA champ @StephenCurry30. 🏀 As Co-Founder and Strategic Partner of @drinkPLEZi, we’re always thinking about how we can change the game when it comes to nutrition. PLEZi Hydration tastes great and has 2X the electrolytes and 1⁄2 the sugar, and is a delicious, healthier option for everyone out there looking to get hydrated — plain and simple. Can’t wait for you to try it!
