Oh, how the mighty rollout stumbled. Michelle Obama’s much-hyped new podcast, “IMO (In My Opinion)”—co-hosted with her brother Craig Robinson—launched in early March with the kind of media buzz and institutional backing most creators could only dream of. We’re talking former First Lady, SXSW appearance, Higher Ground production (yep, the Obamas’ own company), and a guest list stacked with names like Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, and Jay Shetty. So why is “IMO” barely making a ripple in the podcast pond?
Let’s look at the scoreboard. On Spotify, “IMO” has dropped to the “34th” most-listened-to show, despite all the bells and whistles at launch. On Apple Podcasts, it’s currently sitting at “#19″—not a death sentence, but far from blockbuster. Meanwhile, Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang”, which launched “after” Obama’s show and has fewer episodes, is already “#2” on Apple and “#3” on Spotify. Ouch.
This underwhelming performance stings a little more when you realize Obama’s YouTube presence for the podcast hovers around “67,000 subscribers”. By comparison? Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” pulls in “1.2 million”. Joe Rogan’s channel has a jaw-dropping “19.6 million”. Even Jay Shetty outpaces her with nearly “4 million subs”.
All this despite what should be podcasting gold: big names, personal stories, polished production, and a massive political-cultural footprint.
Timing, of course, is everything—and let’s just say the optics haven’t been great. Divorce rumors have been swirling around the Obamas, amplified by Barack’s solo appearances at major events and his own admission of being in a “deep deficit” with Michelle. On the flip side, both Obamas posted cheery Valentine’s Day selfies, seemingly trying to squash speculation.
Still, the media narrative has shifted from “dynamic family duo takes over audio” to “public therapy sessions during marital turbulence.” That’s not a great headline to ride when you’re trying to win listeners with breezy advice and pop-culture commentary.
Beyond just the Obamas, this entire saga points to a broader issue: “liberal-leaning podcasts are seriously struggling to compete in the alternative media space”.
According to Media Matters, right-leaning juggernauts like Joe Rogan (nearly “40 million” followers), Ben Shapiro, Charlie Kirk, and Jordan Peterson dominate listener attention. Even Trevor Noah—arguably the top progressive voice in this medium—lags behind at “21.2 million” followers.
And Michelle isn’t alone on the struggle bus. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new show, “This is Gavin Newsom”, launched just days before “IMO” and is currently languishing at “#47 on Spotify” and “#57 on Apple Podcasts”. When your political brand is bigger than your podcast audience, that’s a red flag.
Star power doesn’t guarantee chart domination—especially not in 2025’s podcast jungle. The listeners want “edge”, “authenticity”, “surprise”—and maybe even a bit of controversy. Michelle Obama’s signature polish and cautious candor, while admirable in a First Lady, may not translate into downloads in a world chasing viral moments.
In short, “IMO” is a sleek vehicle, but the engine’s not roaring. And if the Obamas want to become the “Joe Rogans of the Left,” they might have to trade in the friendly fireside chats for something a little more raw, a little more real—and a whole lot more resonant.
