Latest news with #MichelleObama:TheLightPodcast
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Here's why Michelle Obama says she's glad she didn't have a son
Credit: X/Michelle Obama In a recent episode of her "Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast"—known as IMO—former First Lady Michelle Obama shared a candid reflection that struck a chord with many parents navigating modern family dynamics. Speaking alongside radio host Angie Martinez and her brother Craig Robinson, Obama remarked, 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy.' It wasn't a dig at raising sons. Instead, her point was about the unique pressure a boy in the Obama household would have faced—especially with the name Barack Obama. When Martinez asked why the couple never tried for a son to go along with daughters Sasha and Malia, Michelle responded plainly: 'Because he would've been a Barack Obama!' Martinez laughed and suggested that a 'baby Barack' would've been 'amazing,' but Michelle quickly added, 'I would've felt for him.' — MichelleObama (@MichelleObama) Her brother Craig, the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, chimed in humorously, 'They just borrowed our boys,' referring to his own sons and the close family bond they share. The comment, though lighthearted on the surface, underscored a deeper concern: the burden of legacy. Barack Obama, the 44th president and the first Black man to hold the office, is officially Barack Hussein Obama II. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Godrej Majesty | Luxurious 3 & 4 BHK Homes at ₹2.39 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo His name carries not just presidential weight, but also a transcontinental lineage that ties back to his Kenyan father, Barack Hussein Obama, an economist and government official. A son named Barack Obama III would have inherited more than just a name—he'd carry the full expectation that comes with it. Michelle's comments reflect a larger theme she's explored often: the pressures placed on individuals by legacy, public perception, and gender roles—especially in Black families. The episode also touched on how women, particularly those in the public eye, are often scrutinized for their personal choices. Michelle addressed ongoing rumors about her marriage, sparked by her absence from public events earlier this year. 'People couldn't believe that I was saying no for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know,' she explained. Reiterating her stance on Sophia Bush's Work in Progress podcast, she added: 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with—disappointing people… This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us.' Michelle Obama's reflections are part of a broader conversation about autonomy, parenting, and identity in the face of fame and public expectation. And for her, the hypothetical of raising a boy wasn't just about diapers and sports—it was about legacy, burden, and the emotional cost of a name. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Michelle Obama leaves no chances to roast her husband, and this time with ‘not having a son'
On the latest episode of her podcast 'Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast' (formerly titled 'IMO'), the former first lady sat down with her brother Craig Robinson and radio personality Angie Martinez to reflect on parenting, masculinity, and what life might've looked like if she and former President Barack Obama had a son. 'You should've threw a boy in the mix,' Martinez said playfully, alluding to Michelle's two daughters, Malia and Sasha. But Michelle didn't skip a beat. 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy,' she replied with a laugh. ALSO READ| Michelle Obama breaks silence on daughter Malia dropping her famous last name: 'Very sensitive' When Martinez asked why she never went for a third child, the 'Becoming' author quipped, 'Because he would've been a Barack Obama.' Martinez chimed in, 'Baby Barack — it would've been amazing!' 'Ooh, no, I would've felt for him,' she said. Her brother Craig added, 'She just borrowed our boys,' referencing his own children. Michelle agreed, saying, 'I got plenty.' 'I think Barack is just like you as a tremendous father, doing it in a lot of grandeur, right,' she added. Conveniently enough, the former First Lady's musings hinted at a possible obsession with the 32-year bond between her and Barack, which many speculated was in troubled waters. 'Teach [your son] about how to deal with the traffic stop, but also teach him how to communicate in a marriage and to be a listening father,' she expressed. Michelle also shared Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24, were young girls when their father became president, and they spent a huge portion of their growing up years inside the White House. 'I've loved every phase of parenting: I loved them when they were little babies, I loved them when they were walking and starting to talk, the teenage years were interesting in the White House,' Michelle said. ALSO READ| Michelle Obama calls out Ellen DeGeneres for making her do pushups as 'first lady' 'But I've loved every time with them — and watching them become their own people and make their own choices, and figure stuff out, and call me after they figure stuff out,' she added.
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Michelle Obama says she SMACKED daughters before one thing changed her mind
Reflecting on motherhood, Michelle Obama, who was First Lady for eight years from 2009 to 2017, said she stopped using physical discipline after she "felt embarrassed" Michelle Obama has opened up about how she used to smack her daughters - until she took time to reflect on her parenting. The former First Lady, 61, stopped using physical discipline when she "felt embarrassed" about her actions, she said in a podcast. Reflecting on motherhood, Michelle, who shares daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, with Barack Obama, said: "I felt silly. It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, yeah, you know what? I don't want to do this anymore." Striking a child is illegal in Scotland and Wales, and campaign groups have argued it should also be outlawed in England and Northern Ireland. Currently, the spanking of children is legal in all 50 states in the US. But Michelle, herself born in Chicago, Illinois, decided against her approach after just a small number of incidences. The mother of two continued: "It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, 'yeah, you know what? I don't want to do this anymore.'" She added: "I felt like, you know, this is a little kid. And the fact that I can't think of any better way to get my point across than to smack somebody on the butt - I felt embarrassed." But speaking on podcast Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, with her brother, Craig Robinson, and guests Damon and Marlon Wayans, the law graduate insisted her remarks weren't meant to judge or shame other parents. Known for her advocacy work and candid reflections on motherhood, Michelle also addressed "new-school parenting" in the podcast. She said: "I want to be a proponent for reinstating some of the stuff that we had... When kids say, 'I hate my mom,' it's like, you better say that in your head, in your room.' You don't say that out loud... Parents are too afraid to set those kinds of boundaries. I think that's also part of the challenge that we're facing in this generation." Michelle's comments come hours after a new study showed 90% of social workers, 75% of teachers and 51% of the police think that the law in England should be changed to end the use of physical punishment against children. It would follow the changes made in Scotland and, most recently, Wales, which made smacking illegal on March 21, 2022. And the podcast has sparked reaction - both positive and negative - from listeners here in the UK and overseas. Many praised Michelle, who married Barack in 1992, for her honesty. One fan, also a mum, posted on social media: "I understand that feeling of frustration which can lead to spanking but it is good to reflect."
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michelle Obama admits she SPANKED her daughters
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up about a very personal chapter in her parenting journey: spanking. On a recent episode of her Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, the mom-of-two revealed that she had previously resorted to spanking her daughters - but ultimately changed her approach after realizing how it made her feel. Michelle, who shares daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, with husband and former U.S. President Barack Obama, spoke candidly with her brother, Craig Robinson, and guests Damon and Marlon Wayans about the moment she decided to stop using physical discipline. 'I felt silly,' the 61-year-old said. 'It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, yeah, you know what? I don't want to do this anymore.' She described a moment of reflection that made her reconsider how she was showing up as a parent. 'I felt like, you know, this is a little kid,' she explained. 'And the fact that I can't think of any better way to get my point across than to smack somebody on the butt - I felt embarrassed.' Obama's insisted that the remarks weren't meant to judge or shame other parents. Instead, they reflected her personal growth and how her parenting style has evolved over time. Michelle, known for her advocacy work and candid reflections on motherhood, acknowledged the complexities of discipline in today's world. That said, she also made it clear she doesn't completely align with what some would call 'new-school parenting.' 'I want to be a proponent for reinstating some of the stuff that we had,' she said, referencing values from earlier generations. While she may have moved away from physical punishment, she is still a firm believer in setting boundaries. She used a humorous example to illustrate her point: 'When kids say, "I hate my mom," it's like, you better say that in your head, in your room,' she said with a laugh. 'You don't say that out loud.' For Michelle, it is not about being strict for the sake of control - but rather about guiding children with clarity and consistency. 'Parents are too afraid to set those kinds of boundaries,' she said. 'And I think that's also part of the challenge that we're facing in this generation.' Her comments sparked thoughtful conversation online, with many praising her honesty. Some parents said they related to the feeling of frustration that can lead to spanking - and the internal reckoning that follows. Throughout her public life, Michelle has often spoken about the highs and lows of parenting, always with a sense of humility and humor. Her recent comments are another reminder that even high-profile figures navigate universal parenting dilemmas. Michelle stated that the goal isn't perfection - it's learning, evolving, and doing the best you can for your children. 'We're all trying to figure it out,' she said. 'And sometimes that means admitting when something just doesn't feel right.'
Black America Web
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She Skipped Trump's Inauguration
Source: SUZANNE CORDEIRO / Getty Michelle Obama is finally speaking out about one of the most talked-about moments of her post–White House life: why she chose not to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). In a candid conversation on the latest episode of her podcast 'Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast' — co-hosted by her brother Craig Robinson — the former First Lady said that although the decision wasn't easy, it was necessary for her own well-being. During a discussion with actress Taraji P. Henson, Michelle explained that skipping the event was a personal boundary, not a political stunt. She shared that she intentionally made the choice impossible to walk back by not even preparing an outfit. 'I basically tricked myself,' she said. 'I told my team, 'Don't get me a dress. I don't even want the option.'' Michelle admitted that if she had gotten ready, the pressure to attend might have overtaken her instincts. 'If I had a dress, I probably would've gone and done the 'right' thing,' she said. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. The public, however, speculated otherwise. Rumors swirled that her absence was a sign of trouble in her marriage with Barack Obama, who did attend the inauguration. Michelle set the record straight, making it clear that her decision had nothing to do with their relationship. In fact, she emphasized that after everything she's done in service to the country, she shouldn't have to constantly prove her patriotism or perfection. 'If after all I've done, I still have to prove I love this country, that I'm doing the right thing, then all I'm doing is keeping up with that unrealistic bar our mothers and grandmothers had to meet,' Michelle explained. The 61-year-old author of Becoming said learning to say 'no' has been a major part of her growth, calling it a 'muscle' that she's just now beginning to build. She hopes her decision encourages young women to practice setting boundaries — even when it's uncomfortable or goes against public expectations. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Michelle, who also opted out of President Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier this year, says she's not trying to be a rebel — she's just being true to herself. Sources have noted that she's been quietly stepping away from the political spotlight, choosing instead to live a more intentional and private life outside of Washington, D.C. As for her marriage, Michelle and Barack are still going strong after 32 years. Despite spending more time apart publicly, she recently shared on another podcast that their bond is unshaken. Barack even joked at a college appearance that he tries to plan fun activities with her to make up for the strain the presidency placed on their relationship. Michelle and Barack tied the knot in 1992 and share two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, who now live together in Los Angeles. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She Skipped Trump's Inauguration was originally published on
