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May 2025
1h 7m

Michelle Obama Opens Up: Her Struggle To...

Lewis Howes
About this episode

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Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson reveal how growing up in a tiny Chicago apartment shaped their values, outlook on life, and mental health today. From Craig "vetting" Barack Obama during a pickup basketball game to Michelle navigating the pressures of the White House, their conversation uncovers how family bonds grounded them through extraordinary circumstances. What makes this sibling dynamic special isn't just their impressive achievements but their authentic connection - Craig bringing lightness and joy while Michelle delivers wisdom and perspective. Their shared mental health belief that "home is about who's there, not where you are" resonates deeply as they explain how they raised confident children amid extreme privilege and spotlight by teaching them that success comes from character, not circumstance.

IMO Podcast

Michelle’s book Becoming

Michelle’s book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

Craig on Instagram

Michelle on Instagram

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why basketball became the ultimate character test when Michelle asked Craig to play pickup with Barack Obama before their relationship got serious
  • How their parents "coached confidence" decades before it became popular, building them up rather than breaking them down
  • The surprising way Michelle and Barack maintained their mental health during White House stress by coaching their daughter's basketball team
  • Why Michelle feels more confident at 61 than ever before despite asking herself "am I good enough?" throughout her career
  • The counterintuitive parenting approach that helped them raise grounded children despite White House privilege

For more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1767

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More SOG episodes we think you’ll love:

Venus Williams – greatness.lnk.to/1591SC

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Jason Wilson  – greatness.lnk.to/1725SC

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